The Moon Maid · Chapter
VII: Bethelda explained
Julian 20th, the Red Hawk, encounters a young woman named Bethelda who is fleeing from attackers.
What happens
Julian 20th, the Red Hawk, encounters a young woman named Bethelda who is fleeing from attackers. She reveals she is not a Kalkar but an American whose people lived among the Kalkars. Julian takes her to the Nipons, where she is welcomed. Despite his initial reluctance, he agrees to let her guide him through the trails. During the night, a moment of intimacy occurs between them, but Bethelda reveals she is an Or-tis, making her a blood enemy of Julian's people. Julian struggles with his feelings and the implications of her identity.
Themes in this chapter
Honor, Loyalty, and Betrayal
Julian struggles with his duty to hate Bethelda as a blood enemy versus his growing feelings for her, highlighting themes of loyalty and betrayal.
Love and Sacrifice
The budding romantic tension between Julian and Bethelda, despite their enmity, explores the theme of love transcending hatred.
Survival and Resilience
Bethelda's survival as a lone American among the Kalkars and her resilience in seeking refuge with the Nipons.
Characters to notice
- Julian 5th
Julian 20th, the Red Hawk, encounters Bethelda and struggles with his feelings for her despite her being a blood enemy.
- Bethelda
A young woman who claims to be an American, not a Kalkar. She reveals she is an Or-tis, making her a blood enemy of Julian's people.
- Saku
Chief of the Nipons, who welcomes Bethelda and advises Julian to take her with him.
- The Kalkars
Referenced as the enemy; Bethelda is mistaken for a Kalkar but denies it.
- Orthis
Bethelda reveals she is an Or-tis, linking her to the blood enemy of Julian's people.
Key passages
““You called him ‘Kalkar’ as you charged him,” she explained, “and one Kalkar does not call another Kalkar that. Neither am I a Kalkar.””
Bethelda explains that Julian's use of the term 'Kalkar' as an insult proves he is not one of them, and she also denies being a Kalkar.
Bethelda clarifies her identity and distinguishes herself from the Kalkars.
““I am an Or-tis,” she said and dropped her head again.”
Bethelda reveals that she is a member of the Or-tis family, making her a blood enemy of Julian's people.
This revelation creates a conflict between Julian's growing affection and his duty to hate her.