# The Outbreak explained — Beric the Briton

> Chapter companion for Beric the Briton by G. A. Henty.

## What happens

Beric resists Nero's demands to bring Aemilia to court, leading to a confrontation with Rufinus and the Praetorians. Beric and his fellow Britons escape Rome, planning to live as outlaws in the mountains. They gather supplies, free the gladiator Porus, and begin their journey southward.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom vs. Oppression

Beric and his Britons choose to flee Rome and live as outlaws rather than submit to Nero's tyranny and dishonor.

### Honor and Loyalty

Beric defends Aemilia's honor against Nero's demands, and Norbanus and Aemilia show loyalty by supporting his escape.

### Sacrifice and Bravery

Beric risks his life and position to protect Aemilia, and the Britons bravely fight their way out of the palace.

## Character check-ins

### Beric

Refuses Nero's order to bring Aemilia to court, kills or injures Rufinus, and leads the escape from Rome.

### Boduoc

On guard at the palace, joins Beric in the fight against the Praetorians and the escape.

### Nero

Pressures Beric to bring Aemilia to court, then panics and calls the Praetorians after Rufinus is attacked.

### Aemilia

Beric's betrothed, warned to trust no messages; sends a message of loyalty and a bag of gold via Philo.

### Norbanus

Aemilia's father, approves of Beric's actions and sends gold to aid the escape.

### Porus

Gladiator from Scopus's ludus, joyfully joins Beric's band.

## Key lines

> I am your majesty's guard. I watch you at night as well as by day, and, as I have told your majesty, I cannot perform my duties properly if I have to be present at your entertainments.

Beric tells Nero that his duties as a guard prevent him from attending court entertainments.

_Beric uses his role as a guard to justify refusing Nero's demands._

> Tell my lord that I obey, but that I pray him to let me join him and share his dangers if it be possible; but be it tomorrow or five years hence, he will find me waiting for him at the place he knows of.

Aemilia sends word that she will obey Beric's orders but longs to join him and will wait for him indefinitely.

_Aemilia's message shows her loyalty and willingness to share Beric's fate._

> We are not going to turn brigands. There is game on the hills, and we are all hunters, and I have money enough to pay for all else we require did we live there for years.

Beric assures his band that they will live honorably by hunting and using their funds, not by robbery.

_Beric distinguishes his group from common bandits, emphasizing their intent to live free but not lawlessly._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beric_the_briton_se/chapters/xviii-the-outbreak
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beric_the_briton_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beric_the_briton_se/chapters