# How Time Sped with Perion explained — Domnei

> Chapter companion for Domnei by James Branch Cabell.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/domnei_se/chapters/xi-how-time-sped-with-perion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/domnei_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/domnei_se/chapters