Quentin Durward (1823), by Sir Walter Scott, is a historical novel set in fifteenth-century France. Young Scottish archer Quentin Durward travels to France seeking fortune and joins King Louis XI's Scottish Guards. At the treacherous royal court, he becomes entangled in the political rivalry between the cunning Louis XI and Charles the Bold of Burgundy. Quentin is assigned to protect the beautiful Countess Isabelle de Croye, who is fleeing an arranged marriage, and falls in love with her. Surviving dangers that include the villainous William de la Marck and the siege of Liège, Quentin proves his courage and honor, ultimately winning glory and Isabelle's hand in marriage.
