# I explained — The Outlaw of Torn

> Chapter companion for The Outlaw of Torn by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

The narrator introduces a rediscovered 13th-century manuscript about the lost Prince Richard of England, focusing on a remarkable revenge and the life of its innocent victim. The story begins in 1243 when King Henry III insults Simon de Montfort, who boldly rebukes him. Later, the King takes out his rage on Sir Jules de Vac during fencing practice, but De Vac defeats him. Enraged, Henry strikes and spits on De Vac, who silently vows a terrible revenge against the King and all England.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Justice

De Vac's humiliation by the King sets the stage for a calculated and terrible revenge against the crown.

### Power and Corruption

Henry III abuses his royal authority to insult and physically assault a loyal servant, showing the corrupting influence of power.

### Honor and Chivalry

De Montfort defends his honor against the King's false accusation, while De Vac's honor is shattered by the King's blow.

## Character check-ins

### Henry III

King of England who insults Simon de Montfort and later strikes Sir Jules de Vac, sparking revenge.

### Simon de Montfort

Earl of Leicester, brother-in-law to the King, who is falsely accused of treason and boldly rebukes Henry.

### De Vac

Master of fence at court, a Frenchman who is publicly humiliated by the King and vows revenge.

### John de Fulm

A courtier present in the armory, initially chosen by the King for fencing.

### Roger Leybourn

A gentleman of the court who accompanies the King from the audience chamber.

## Key lines

> My Lord King, that you be my Lord King alone prevents Simon de Montfort from demanding satisfaction for such a gross insult. That you take advantage of your kingship to say what you would never dare say were you not king, brands me not a traitor, though it does brand you a coward.

Simon de Montfort tells King Henry that only the King's position stops him from challenging the insult, and that hiding behind royalty makes Henry a coward, not a traitor.

_De Montfort's bold rebuke to the King after being accused of treason._

> Dog!

The King calls De Vac a dog and strikes him across the face.

_Henry's insult and physical assault on De Vac after losing at fencing._

> He would revel in revenge against this man for whom he felt no loyalty. If possible, he would harm the whole of England if he could, but he would bide his time.

De Vac decides to take revenge not just on the King but on all England, and he is willing to wait for the right opportunity.

_De Vac's internal vow to exact a terrible revenge on England._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_outlaw_of_torn_se/chapters/i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_outlaw_of_torn_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_outlaw_of_torn_se/chapters