Marshal of Countess Marie and Count Henry II

This chapter describes Geoffroy of Villehardouin's horizon during the fifteen years he served as a garrison knight that was limited to the city of Troyes and its immediate vicinity. It also covers his purview as marshal from 1185 that extended across the entire county of Champagne with its thirty or more walled towns and fortified sites. During his seventeen years as marshal of Champagne, Geoffroy confronted a political landscape in flux after the long reign of Louis VII. The chapter highlights Geoffrey's knowledge of practical military affairs that were acquired through his years of garrison duty in Troyes and as marshal responsible for the defense of the county. Geoffroy and the other officials with him at Gisors took the cross to accompany Count Henry II of Champagne overseas in January 1188.