Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc Audiobook by Katherine J. Chen

Joan's Role in the Game

• 🪨 Joan is tasked with collecting stones for a mock battle among children.
• 💪 She meticulously digs out rocks of various sizes and sharpness from the ground.

Strategic Stone Distribution

• 🎯 Joan carefully assesses each boy's hand and experience before distributing stones.
• 🤝 She ensures boys receive stones appropriate for their grip, like blunt, heavy stones for older boys and easily held ones for smaller children.
• 🎁 For a seven-year-old, she reserves a smooth, narrow rock with a jagged edge, which she found particularly interesting.

The Impending Confrontation

• 🗣️ Her brother, Jacamal, leads their group and dismisses the opponents as "cowards."
• 👀 The opposing group, from the neighboring village of Max, appears, creating a tense standoff of "10 against 10."
• 🚫 As the only girl, Joan is told to "Get out of the way" by Jacamal.

Joan's Preparedness

• 🌳 Joan moves to the periphery of the battleground, observing the scene.
• 🎒 She secretly keeps back three stones in her pocket.
• 🌲 She also spots a thick branch like a club at her feet, indicating her readiness.