This banner was white, and on it were represented Jesus on the Cross between Our Lady and Saint John.[913] The Duke of Alencon went back to the King to make known to him the needs of the company at Blois.

The King sent the necessary funds; and at length they were ready to set out.[914] At the start there were two roads open, one leading to Orleans along the right bank of the Loire, the other along the left bank.

At the end of twelve or fourteen miles the road along the right bank came out on the edge of the Plain of La Beauce, occupied by the English who had garrisons at Marchenoir, Beaugency, Meung, Montpipeau, Saint-Sigismond, and Janville.

In that direction lay the risk of meeting the army, which was coming to the aid of the English round Orleans.

After the experience of the Battle of the Herrings such a meeting was to be feared.