Then, on October 12th the city of Orléans was under siege. It was hopeless now that the last major city defending the French was in English hands. Joan knew she needed to help recapture Orléans. So she went back a second time to Lord Robert de Baudricourt and he was persuaded to help her. He gave her some soldiers and dressed her up in men's clothing which would keep her from being detected, and would also provide some protection. So he sent her on her way to Chinon, where the dauphin was. (McGowan, Williamson) .
On the journey to Chinon, the dauphin learned of Joan's arrival, so he decided to test her to see if she was serious. Joan passed the test and convinced the dauphin of her mission, by telling him a secret the saints' voices had told her. It is said that she connected the saints' messages to a prayer Charles made earlier about becoming the rightful heir to the throne. Charles was amazed at her ability to recall his prayer, but before he could send her off, he wanted a board of theologians to approve her mission. After three weeks of questioning, she was approved, and was given troops to command. (Encarta, McGowan).
Joan led the dauphin's troops to Orléans, a city the English were trying to capture. It was a fierce battle, but Joan still stayed in danger with the troops, encouraging them to continue fighting. During battle, Joan was wounded, but continued to go on. This act of bravery inspired the French to fight. At the same time, her strength and perseverance made the English think she was a witch, so they fled in fear. France's victory at Orléans encouraged the army to win more battles. (McGowan).
On July 16, 1429, Joan led the victorious French into the city of Reims. The next day, the dauphin was crowned King Charles VII. Joan, now nicknamed, the Maid of Orléans, had fulfilled the first part of what the voices commanded. She still needed to complete her final mission of freeing France.