Flesh+Blood (1985) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Coup d'état in Italy

In 1501, a coup d'état takes place in a city in Italy while its rightful ruler, Arnolfini, is away. The city falls into chaos as mercenaries take control, unleashing a wave of violence and looting in their wake.

When

1501

Where

City in Italy

Arnolfini's Deal with Mercenaries

Arnolfini promises the mercenaries 24 hours of looting if they succeed in retaking the city. This promise leads to gruesome acts of violence, with many lives shattered in the mercenaries' drunken revelry.

Hawkwood's Moral Dilemma

Hawkwood, the commander of the troops, cares for a young nun he injured during the siege. Despite the chaos around him, he finds a moment of compassion, pondering the consequences of their violent actions.

Cavalry Betrayal

Hawkwood ultimately leads Arnolfini's cavalry to betray the mercenaries, ejecting them from the city. This betrayal marks a significant shift in power as they reclaim the city from the mercenaries.

Where

City in Italy

Martin's Loss

Martin, a lieutenant of the mercenaries, suffers a personal tragedy as his son is stillborn. The burial of the infant uncovers a wooden statue of Saint Martin of Tours, signaling a shift in the mercenaries' allegiance.

Betrothal and Attack

Arnolfini's son, Steven, meets his betrothed, Agnes, for the first time. Their initial encounter is marked by an unusual ritual that instills a sense of love, but soon they are attacked and robbed by Martin's band.

Where

Caravan

Agnes's Abduction

During the ambush, Arnolfini is severely injured, and Agnes is taken hostage. Her lady-in-waiting, Kathleen, is killed, while Agnes is hidden among her dowry, foreshadowing her fate in the hands of Martin.

Where

Caravan

Captivity and Manipulation

In Martin's possession, Agnes attempts to manipulate the situation as her former life slips away. She feigns allegiance to him while simultaneously plotting for a way to gain protection.

Plague-infected Castle

The mercenaries capture a castle that is unknowingly infected with the plague. Agnes uses her charm to win over Martin and his men, solidifying her position even as Steven searches for a way to rescue her.

Where

Castle

Siege and Plague Spread

Steven, desperate to regain Agnes, lays siege to the castle but struggles to gather enough forces. As the plague spreads among his ranks, the morale and health of his troops quickly deteriorate.

Where

Castle

Hawkwood's Reluctant Help

Hawkwood, who wishes to lead a quiet life, finds himself reluctantly pulled into the conflict by Steven. Utilizing a new medicinal technique, he manages to cure the plague that affects their ranks.

Agnes's Betrayal

Agnes pretends to support the mercenaries while subtly undermining Martin. She manipulates events during mealtimes, leading to several of them falling ill to the plague, showcasing her cunning.

Battle for the Castle

With the arrival of Arnolfini's forces, a fierce battle ensues. As Martin and Steven confront each other, the castle walls come alive with flames, marking a chaotic fight for survival.

Where

Castle

Final Confrontation

In the midst of the fire and chaos, Martin confronts Agnes, intent on killing her to prevent her return to Steven. However, as Steven intervenes, Agnes takes decisive action, changing the course of their fates.

Where

Castle

Aftermath and Escape

As the castle burns, Steven and Agnes escape together, only to see Martin fleeing with stolen loot. Agnes struggles with her feelings, caught between love and betrayal, leading to an ambiguous ending.

Where

Castle