Stimulated by the enemy's presence on the Loire in the center of France, the nobles responded to the summons, whatever their sentiments toward the King. They came from Auvergne, Berry, Burgundy, Lorraine, Hainault, Artois, Vermandois, Picardy, Brittany, Normandy. No knight and no squire remained at home, wrote the chroniclers; here was gathered all the flower of France.
In response to the enemy's encroachment on the Loire River, the French nobles answered the call to arms, putting aside their personal feelings towards the King. They came from various regions, including Auvergne, Berry, Burgundy, and others, indicating a unified front despite any existing grievances. The chronicles of the time reflect that no knight or squire chose to remain behind, signifying the urgency and significance of the moment.
This gathering represented not just a military mobilization but also a demonstration of loyalty and solidarity among the noble class. The term "the flower of France" suggests that the most esteemed and capable warriors of the nation assembled, ready to confront the threat facing their homeland. This collective response highlights the chivalric values of the time and the importance of noble duty in the face of national peril.
