Domnei · Chapter
How Time Sped with Perion explained
After being ransomed from heathenry, Perion takes service with the King of Cyprus, wins battles, and is ennobled as Comte de la Forêt.
What happens
After being ransomed from heathenry, Perion takes service with the King of Cyprus, wins battles, and is ennobled as Comte de la Forêt. He then fights against Demetrios in a prolonged duel, eventually joining King Theodoret's crusade. Along the way, he kills a lord who disparages Melicent, and Theodoret, recognizing him but feigning ignorance, appoints him generalissimo.
Themes in this chapter
Idealism vs. Cynicism
Perion's unwavering devotion to Melicent contrasts with Theodoret's cynical view of her as 'no longer young' and 'stupid.'
Honor and Moral Integrity
Perion kills a lord for disparaging Melicent, demonstrating his strict code of honor regarding his lady.
The Nature of True Love
Perion's love for Melicent drives his actions, even as years pass and he fights without concern for the merits of the quarrels.
Characters to notice
- Perion de la Forêt
Ransomed from heathenry, ennobled as Comte de la Forêt, continues his duel with Demetrios, joins Theodoret's crusade, and kills a lord who insults Melicent.
- Demetrios
Perion's adversary in a prolonged duel; the proconsul wields the magic sword Flamberge.
- Melicent
Perion's stolen wife, the object of his quest; mentioned as having a mole on her left cheek.
- King Theodoret
Declares a crusade, recognizes Perion as the former Vicomte de Puysange but conceals it, appoints him generalissimo.
- Comte de la Forêt
Perion's new title after being ennobled by the King of Cyprus.
- Vicomte de Puysange
Perion's former title, recognized by Theodoret.
Key passages
“She reminds me, indeed, of that Dame Melicent whom I serve in this world, and trust to serve in Paradise. But Dame Melicent has a mole on her left cheek.”
Perion compares Queen Helen to Melicent, noting that Melicent has a mole on her left cheek.
Perion's devotion to Melicent is so absolute that he corrects any comparison, even with a queen.
“I cannot permit these observations.”
Perion will not tolerate any disparagement of Melicent.
This phrase is used twice in the chapter, showing Perion's readiness to defend Melicent's honor.
“Do you think that monarchs nowadays fit out armaments to replevin a woman who is no longer young, and who was always stupid?”
Theodoret cynically questions whether kings would launch a crusade to recover an aging, foolish woman.
Theodoret's pragmatism clashes with Perion's romantic idealism.