# XVII explained — The Defiant Agents

> Chapter companion for The Defiant Agents by Andre Norton.

## What happens

Travis confronts Menlik and a band of Mongols, demonstrating the power of an alien weapon to win their trust. He reveals that Kaydessa is leading the Reds into a trap in the mountains. An alliance forms between the Apaches and the Mongols, who help destroy a Red helicopter and its crew, cutting off the enemy's aerial surveillance and communication. The chapter ends with the allied forces preparing to assault the Red fort on the plains.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Trust

Travis must earn Menlik's trust after being accused of stealing Kaydessa; the alliance hinges on overcoming past betrayals.

### Freedom and Resistance

The Mongols and Apaches unite to resist Red control, destroying the helicopter and its crew to break the enemy's surveillance.

### Technology vs. Tradition

Alien weapons from a tomb are contrasted with traditional Mongol and Apache arms; the curse of power versus the need for survival.

### Leadership and Community

Travis and Menlik emerge as leaders who forge a coalition, coordinating the ambush and planning the assault on the Red fort.

## Character check-ins

### Travis Fox

Leads the confrontation with Menlik, demonstrates the alien weapon, and forges an alliance with the Mongols.

### Menlik

Shaman of the Mongol band, initially hostile but convinced by Travis's display of power and the promise of revenge against the Reds.

### Jil-Lee

Supports Travis during the parley and later helps set up an ambush for the Red helicopter.

### Buck

Backs Travis during the meeting with Menlik and warns about the Reds using controlled Mongols.

### Tsoay

Returns from the southern trap to report its success and that Kaydessa is safe.

### Kaydessa

Reported safe after leading the Reds into a trap; the caller that enslaved her has been destroyed.

### Hulagur

Mongol warrior who participates in the attack on the helicopter and displays captured automatic weapons.

### Manulito

Credited with successfully blowing up the Red ship in the southern trap.

## Key lines

> The rider behind the shaman thumped with violent energy a drum fastened beside his saddle horn, its heavy boom, boom the same call the Apache had heard before.

A Mongol drummer beat a war rhythm that Travis recognized from earlier encounters.

_The drum signals the Mongols' battle readiness and links to their cultural warfare._

> One needs no army when he carries this.

Travis claims his alien weapon makes a large force unnecessary.

_Highlights the theme of technology vs. tradition and the power of the alien weapon._

> From the serpents we take two fangs.

Hulagur boasts of disarming the Reds by capturing their automatic weapons.

_Symbolizes turning the enemy's technology against them._

> It will take a powerful curse to keep these out of the hands of men.

Menlik doubts that the taboo on the alien weapons will prevent their use.

_Foreshadows the moral dilemma of wielding dangerous power._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_defiant_agents_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_defiant_agents_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_defiant_agents_se/chapters