# XIX explained — The Outlaw of Torn

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

## What happens

De Vac, disguised as a gray man, overhears Bertrade declare her love for Norman and reveals Norman's identity to King Henry and Simon de Montfort. Norman is cornered in the Queen's chambers, fights off multiple attackers, and is joined by Bertrade and Prince Philip. De Vac challenges Norman to a duel and, after a fierce battle, both are mortally wounded.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Bertrade risks her reputation and safety to declare her love for Norman and shield him from attackers.

### Betrayal and Loyalty

De Vac betrays Norman after years of pretended fatherhood, while Prince Philip shows loyalty by siding with Norman.

### Revenge and Justice

De Vac's plot is driven by revenge against King Henry, using Norman as a pawn.

## Character check-ins

### De Vac

Disguised as a little gray man, he betrays Norman to the King and De Montfort, then duels Norman to the death.

### Norman of Torn

Cornered in the Queen's apartment, fights valiantly against overwhelming odds, and is mortally wounded in the duel with De Vac.

### Bertrade de Montfort

Declares her love for Norman publicly, shields him from attackers, and rushes to his side after he falls.

### Simon de Montfort

Confronts Norman and orders the attack, but is defied by his daughter Bertrade.

### Henry III

Present during the confrontation and orders Norman's capture.

### Prince Philip

Draws his sword to defend Norman after Bertrade's declaration of love.

### Eleanor

Queen of England, present in the room where the duel takes place.

## Key lines

> “It will be better than I had hoped,” he muttered, “and easier. ’S blood! How much easier now that Leicester, too, may have his whole proud heart in the hanging of Norman of Torn. Ah, what a sublime revenge! I have waited long, thou cur of a King, to return the blow thou struck that day, but the return shall be an hundredfold increased by long accumulated interest.”

De Vac gloats that his revenge on the King will be even sweeter now that Simon de Montfort will also want Norman hanged.

_De Vac's monologue reveals his long-nursed grudge against King Henry._

> “He lies,” shouted he. “Her kisses be yet wet upon his lips.”

De Vac accuses Norman of lying, claiming Bertrade's kisses are still fresh on his mouth.

_De Vac's accusation inflames the confrontation._

> “That she loves him be enough for me to know, my gentlemen,” he said. “Who takes the man Bertrade de Montfort loves must take Philip of France as well.”

Prince Philip declares he will fight alongside Norman because Bertrade loves him.

_Philip's loyalty to Bertrade leads him to defend Norman._

> “There be but one sword in all England, nay in all the world that can, alone, take Norman of Torn,” he said, addressing the King, “and that sword be mine.”

De Vac boasts that only he can defeat Norman in single combat.

_De Vac challenges Norman to a duel, claiming unmatched skill._

## Links

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