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Jean de Metz (born c. 1398), also known as Jean de Nouillonpont, was a French nobleman and Assassin active during the Hundred Years' War. He was a companion of the French hero and Catholic saint Jeanne d'Arc and was responsible for training the maiden and her step-cousin Gabriel Laxart.
Biography[]
De Metz was the squire of Vaucouleurs' captain Robert de Baudricourt. On 7 January 1429, he heard about a young woman seeking an audience with his lord for permission to travel to Chinon to see the Dauphin. Curious, he decided to meet the maiden, Jeanne d'Arc, and her companion Gabriel Laxart. Knowing the dangers of traveling, especially by women, during times of war, he discouraged Jeanne's request for a journey to Chinon. As Jeanne's determination released her precursor abilities to persuade people with her radiance, de Metz, who could see with his Eagle Vision, realized that Jeanne was the maiden of prophecy. Realizing her role in the Hundred Years' War and the Assassin-Templar War, he bent his knee and swore to protect her.[1]
De Metz was present when Jeanne got her audience with his lord. After she was given permission to travel to Chinon, de Metz, Gabriel, and de Baudrcourt's other squire, Bertrand de Poulengy, accompanied her. On 22 February, preparing for the journey to Chinon, de Metz suggested to Jeanne that she cut her hair and dress like a man for her own safety. De Metz then departed Vaucouleurs with Jeanne and her entourage. During their nights camping outside, de Metz calmed Gabriel who was angered by some of the men's snide comments regarding Jeanne. Eleven days later after leaving Vaucouleurs, on their way to Chinon the group stopped at the French-occupied village of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois for lodging.[2]
On 6 March in Chinon, Jeanne finally got her audience with Charles VII, the rightful king of France. De Metz witnessed Jeanne seek out the king in a busy crowd using her gift, but once they went off to a private room, could not hear what was discussed.[3] The next day, him and Gabriel sparred while Jeanne and de Poulengy sparred too. Although the trained Assassin quickly disarmed the inexperienced boy. De Metz watched as a page arrived with water for them. The young boy commented on Jeanne's strangeness, and Gabriel stood up for her. The page then noted that her prediction of Antoine the Giant came true an hour after they met. Jeanne soon approached solemnly, refuting she was not responsible for his death, only that she could see it was close. The page nodded and left. De Metz inquires as to what happened the previous night. Initially defensive Gabriel lets up when asked about Jeanne's "voices". However, after distracting the boy, de Metz knocked him out.[4]
He then bound Gabriel's hands and feet and waited for him to come to. De Metz and fellow Assassin René stood over the boy as he awoke. Gabriel, clearly angered at being restrained, asked de Metz if he had betrayed Jeanne. After de Metz and the René revealed their Assassin allegiance, they reassured Gabriel that they meant Jeanne no harm and that no harm would come to her. De Metz also told Gabriel that their enemies are the Templars, who Gabriel thought to be long gone. They then inform Gabriel of his unique heritage and the abilities that come with it. When asked if he would have to join them, to which René rejected. Only telling the boy they would help hone his skills, as they would Jeanne.[4]
The Assassin was pleased when the boy accepted his offer. Gabriel, now freed from his bonds, noticed de Metz's blade. De Metz was happy to educate him on the signature weapon of his order. De Metz then revealed that they were currently in Coudray dungeon. De Metz also refused to reveal the identity of the other Assassin, saying Gabriel would find out in time. He then mentions that the Templars were in Chinon, their Grand Master, Jacques de Molay was imprisoned in the very cell they stood in at that moment. He pointed out the Grand Master's scribbling on the cell wall. De Metz asked Gabriel to use his Eagle Vision, to decipher the markings. Although the boy could not discern its meaning, de Metz was not disappointed.[5]
De Metz handed Gabriel his Hidden Blade and agreed to train him how to use it. Returning, the two saw Jeanne training to fight on horseback with a lance. Afterwards, the Dauphin met with them and introduced Jean, Duke of Alençon. After Jeanne declined the Duke's offer to arm her she said her "voices" had found a sword for her. It was located back in Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, de Metz and Gabriel volunteer to retrieve it for her. De Metz promised Jeanne he would keep her shadow, Gabriel, safe.[5]
Behind the scenes[]
"Jean" is a masculine French given name derived from the Old French Jehan. Derived from the Koine Greek Ioannes (Ιωαννης), which itself is derived from the Biblical Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "YHWH/The Lord is Gracious". "De Metz" is a medieval French family name meaning "of Metz", with Metz being a city in the historic region of Lorraine.
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