The Last

Jean de Carrouges returns from the Caroline War with his companion, squire Jacques Le Gris. They pledge their loyalty to Count Pierre d'Alençon, who has been designated as Jean's overlord by King Charles VI.

Facing financial difficulties, Jean marries Marguerite de Thibouville to secure a substantial dowry and rights over several estates. This marriage is intended to improve his precarious circumstances.

Jean discovers that part of the land he intended to claim has already been entrusted to Jacques by Pierre. When Jean sues for ownership, King Charles dismisses his claim, leading to increased tension between the two men.

In retaliation for Jean's lawsuit, Pierre appoints Jacques as captain of a fort historically held by Jean's family. This decision deepens the rift between the two former companions.

Jean earns a knighthood due to his valor in a military campaign in Scotland. However, despite this honor, he returns home to find himself in financial ruin, straining his relationship with Marguerite.

Upon Jean's return from Paris, Marguerite reveals that Jacques raped her while Jean was away. The disclosure of this assault sets off a chain of events that leads Jean to challenge Jacques to a duel.

Chapter Two begins with Jacques Le Gris gaining favor with Count Pierre through his skill in accounting. This new position elevates Jacques' status at court, complicating the dynamics with Jean and Marguerite.

Jacques uses deception to gain entry into the Carrouges residence when Jean is away. He tricks Marguerite into admitting him under the guise of needing assistance, leading to the violent assault.

Despite Jacques attempting to profess his love, Marguerite firmly rejects him, insisting on her marital vows. Ignoring her resistance, Jacques violently pursues her, resulting in the heinous act.

Following the assault, Marguerite bravely tells Jean about what happened when he returns home. Despite familial pressures to retract allegations for safety, she remains resolute in her accusation against Jacques.

As tensions climax, Jean seeks a trial against Jacques, culminating in a duel to the death approved by King Charles VI. This duel represents a fight for honor and justice for Marguerite.

Days before the duel, Marguerite gives birth to a son, heightening the emotional stakes of the upcoming conflict. This new addition to their family adds both hope and despair to the impending duel.

The duel begins with both Jean and Jacques jousting on horseback. When both men are unseated, they engage in brutal hand-to-hand combat, showcasing their fierce rivalry and desperation.

Despite suffering a stab wound during the struggle, Jean ultimately prevails over Jacques. He pressures Jacques to confess, and when faced with denial, Jean kills him, securing justice for Marguerite.

In the epilogue, we learn that Jean dies in the Crusades shortly after the duel, leaving Marguerite to manage his estate alone for thirty years. She remains resolute in never remarrying, highlighting her strength and loyalty.