Simon the Coldheart

Fulk of Montlice

Fulk is Simon's loyal and steadfast companion, often serving as his right hand in battle and counsel.

Lady Margaret of Belrémy

Margaret and Simon share a deep, passionate love fraught with obstacles and intense emotional conflict.

Geoffrey of Malvallet

Geoffrey is Simon's close friend and fellow knight, bound by mutual respect and shared military exploits.

Alan of Montlice

Alan is a trusted ally and follower of Simon, often involved in his campaigns and personal affairs.

King Henry V

King Henry V is Simon's sovereign and commander, valuing Simon's military prowess and loyalty.

Maurice of Gountray

Maurice is a jealous and antagonistic noble who opposes Simon's rise and seeks to undermine him.

Jeanne de Faucourt

Jeanne knows Simon through her association with Margaret and maintains a polite, distant acquaintance.

Gregory Arnold

Gregory Arnold is a loyal servant and steward to Simon, handling his household and practical affairs.

Roger of Maitland

Roger is a rival knight who competes with Simon for glory and often opposes him in battle or politics.

Charles of Granmere

Charles is a proud noble who resents Simon's influence and frequently acts as a political adversary.

Fulk of Montlice

Fulk is Simon's loyal and steadfast companion, often serving as his right hand in battle and counsel.

King Henry V

King Henry V is Simon's sovereign and commander, valuing Simon's military prowess and loyalty.

Simon the Coldheart Part I

Introduced as a foundling, becomes page, grows to manhood, knighted, and begins his military campaigns.

I: How He Came to Fulk of Montlice

Arrives at Montlice seeking employment; displays boldness and ambition; reveals his parentage as Malvallet's bastard.

II: How He Grew to Manhood

Grows from page to squire, displaying cold composure, ruthless justice, and unyielding will. Earns respect and fear from men, and clashes with Fulk without backing down.

III: How He Went with Fulk to Shrewsbury

Serves as squire to Fulk of Montlice, demonstrates keen eyesight and bravery in battle, saves Geoffrey of Malvallet's life, and impresses Prince Henry with his valor.

IV: How He Was Knighted, and How He Had Speech with His Father

Knighted by the King; accepts Fulk's offer to command his men; remains at Montlice.

V: How He Rescued a Fair Damsel, and Discovered a Plot

Rides out, rescues a damsel, captures a traitor, and uncovers a plot to restore King Richard.

VI: How He Rode Hotfoot to London

Rides to London to report a plot to the King; writes a letter seeking an audience; enlists Charles of Granmere's help; presents evidence to King Henry V.

VII: How King Henry Thanked Him

Simon is presented to guests by Granmere, discusses his philosophy of success with Granmere, and is rewarded by King Henry with the barony of Fair Pastures, which he renames Beauvallet.

VIII: How He Returned to Montlice

Returns to Montlice as Baron of Beauvallet, receives a warm welcome from Fulk and Alan, and prepares to take possession of his new estates.

IX: How He Took Possession of His Estates

Takes possession of his estates, confronts Maurice, and appoints him Marshal after forgiving his assassination attempt.

X: How He Brought Order Into His Lands

Dismisses Nicholas, appoints Basil, reforms his lands, and shows a fondness for children, especially his page Cedric.

XI: How He Won His Gilded Armour

Returns victorious from Wales, captures Griffith in single combat, wins gilded armour, and reconciles with Maurice of Gountray.

I: How He Came to Normandy

Standing on a hill near Alençon, deep in thought; summoned to the King and tasked with taking Belrémy from Lady Margaret.

II: How He Encamped Before Belrémy

Commands the siege of Belrémy with strategic patience, rebukes Geoffrey's impatience, and pledges to enter the town by Christmas.

III: How He Took Belrémy

Leads the dangerous mission through the mine, insisting on taking the most perilous role.

IV: How He Saw the Lady Margaret

Commands Belrémy, negotiates with Lady Margaret, enters castle alone, seizes her at swordpoint, and takes her hostage.

V: How He Brought the Lady Margaret to the Justice-House

Rides with the Lady Margaret to the justice-house, sheds his armor for a green tunic, and recounts his confrontation at the castle.

How the Lady Margaret Could Not Stab Him

Calmly detects Margaret's approach and taunts her to strike; asserts his dominance.

VII: How He Found Geoffrey and Jeanne on the Terrace

Interrupts the couple, seeking Alan, and warns Jeanne that he may coerce or execute Lady Margaret if she does not submit.

VIII: How the Lady Margaret Plotted

Appears briefly to inform Margaret she is confined to her rooms during his absence, inadvertently facilitating her escape plan.

IX: How the Lady Margaret Escaped

Referenced as the English lord from whom Margaret escapes; she vows he will rue trying to quell her.

XII: How Simon Set Forth in Pursuit

Returns to Belrémy, discovers Margaret's escape, and leads the pursuit to Raoul's palace.

XIII: How He Found the Lady Margaret

Rescues Margaret, kills Raoul in a rage, carries Margaret to Belrémy, and declares his intention to marry her.

XIV: How He Received the Lady Margaret’s Submission

Receives Margaret's submission, demands her hand in marriage, and kisses her.

XV: How He Came Upon the Lady Margaret in the Gallery

Confronts Lady Margaret in the gallery, confesses his love, and shows a softer, more genial mood. Later discusses the Chevalier's potential threat with Alan.

XVI: How He Walked Alone in the Garden

Walks alone in the garden, troubled and deep in thought about Lady Margaret.

XVII: How He Left Belrémy, and How the Lady Margaret Dealt with Her Cousin

Bids farewell to Lady Margaret and departs Belrémy for Bayeux, leaving Geoffrey in charge.

How He Came to Bayeux, to the King

Reports to King Henry at Bayeux, recounts the capture of Belrémy and the slaying of Raoul the Terrible. Shows signs of being in love with Lady Margaret.

XIX: How They Fared at Belrémy During His Absence

Absent, fighting in the Côtentin; Margaret longs for him.

XX: How He Was Sent for by the King

Simon is summoned to Bayeux, appointed Warden of Normandy, and commanded to marry Lady Margaret. He defends Margaret's character and expresses his resolve to win her.

XXI: How He Came to His Own

Returns to Margaret, declares his love, and claims her as his own, showing rare humor and tenderness.