Chapter 5 - Journey to Christendom (Third Edition)

“Will you follow where I lead?”

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Every story has a turning point, a moment that pushes us beyond hesitation and into action. For me, that moment came from an unexpected source—a book. But not just any book. It was Joan of Arc by Mark Twain, a work that Twain himself considered his finest, even though few people realize he ever wrote it. The story of Joan of Arc captivated me, but it was one character in particular who struck a chord—the Paladin.

The Paladin was a larger-than-life figure, named by his childhood friends after the twelve noble Paladins of Charlemagne. He was always boasting of his heroism, painting himself as a grand figure of courage and valor. But in truth, he was a coward who never lived up to his words. When he accompanied Joan on her perilous journey through enemy territory, he was more likely to climb a tree to avoid a fight than to stand his ground. Yet afterward, he would boast of victories that only existed in his imagination.

As I read about the Paladin, I felt an uncomfortable recognition. His story was, in many ways, my own. I too had often spoken of noble deeds and lofty ambitions, only to shrink away when faced with real challenges. In the safety of familiar company, I could weave grand tales of bravery and purpose. But when difficulties arose, I would retreat, only to return later with embellished stories of triumph.

It was then that I remembered something that had always been true in my life—God sends me the friends I need when I need them most. And now, He had sent me Joan of Arc. I prayed a simple prayer: “St. Joan of Arc, pray that I might have the courage to follow God’s will faithfully as you did; give me courage, Joan of Arc!”

Shortly after that prayer, I continued reading. I reached the part where Joan, now empowered by Charles VII, gathered her army. She was assigning honors to those who would ride with her, and to my surprise, she chose the Paladin to be her standard-bearer—the one who would ride at her side into battle. The words she spoke to him were powerful:

“I watched you on the road. You began badly but improved. Of old, you were a fantastic talker, but there is a man in you, and I will bring it out.”

Then she asked him directly, “Will you follow where I lead?”

It was in that moment, reading those words, that something inside me shifted. I put the book down, opened my computer, and began to write.