H. Emile (Henri Emile) Chevalier
L'île de sable
"L'île de sable" by H. Émile Chevalier is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in Brittany in the late 16th century, introducing characters such as Guillaume de la Roche-Gommard, a marquis with a troubled past, and his young squire, Jean de Ganay, as they confront dangers rooted in personal rivalries and political intrigue. The narrative hints at themes of love, honor, and conflict set against the backdrop of the tumultuous politics of France during that era. At the start of the novel, the scene is set in May 1598, where two riders, the marquis and his squire, journey through a wooded path and encounter an ambush by armed rogues. A tense confrontation ensues, leading to a sudden skirmish where the marquis and squire defend themselves against their attackers until they are saved by a party of soldiers. As the marquis attends to a wounded bandit, he reveals a longstanding feud with the Duke of Mercoeur, reflective of deep-seated family rivalries. Meanwhile, the story also introduces Laure de Kerskoên, a beautiful châtelaine, who is caught in a web of romantic tension involving her uncle and the men vying for her affection while fatefully intertwined with the pending adventure to the New World.