France, 1425The country lies nearly broken; from across the Channel, English forces continue their unrelenting assault, holding more than a third of the realm in their grip. Charles, the Dauphin and disputed heir to the French throne, has been driven south, beyond the Loire River; bankrupt and with a defeated army, his position is crumbling, his hopes bleak.Further weakening his hold, the powerful Duchy of Burgundy, long a rival of Charles' house,...