The Outlaw of Torn · Chapter
XVII explained
Following the royalist defeat at Lewes, Norman of Torn and his men refrain from looting and instead march toward Dover, detouring to a deserted royalist stronghold before tracking Peter of Colfax to the castle of Roger de Leybourn.
What happens
Following the royalist defeat at Lewes, Norman of Torn and his men refrain from looting and instead march toward Dover, detouring to a deserted royalist stronghold before tracking Peter of Colfax to the castle of Roger de Leybourn. Entering by stealth, Norman confronts the terrified Colfax in the great hall, and after a brutal duel in which he carves his mark on Colfax's brow, he beheads him and departs with the head on a golden platter.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
Norman's relentless pursuit and brutal execution of Peter of Colfax is a direct act of vengeance for the Baron's mistreatment of Bertrade de Montfort.
Power and Corruption
Peter of Colfax's cowardice and abuse of power contrast with Norman's dominant authority and moral code.
Honor and Chivalry
Norman refrains from looting Lewes and offers Colfax a chance to fight, reflecting a twisted sense of honor.
Characters to notice
- Norman of Torn
Leads his men in pursuit of Peter of Colfax, infiltrates Leybourn castle, and executes Colfax in a vengeful duel.
- Peter of Colfax
Terrified victim hunted by Norman; after a forced fight, he is marked and beheaded in the great hall.
- Roger Leybourn
Master of the castle; initially confronts Norman but allows the duel and later grants Norman the golden platter.
- Claudia Leybourn
Mentioned as the lady whose servant previously helped Norman enter the castle.
- Bertrade de Montfort
Referenced as the victim of Peter of Colfax's base desires, motivating Norman's vengeance.
Key passages
“When those of the royalists who had not deserted the King and fled precipitately toward the coast had regained the castle and the Priory, the city was turned over to looting and rapine. In this, Norman of Torn and his men did not participate, but camped a little apart from the town until daybreak the following morning, when they started east, toward Dover.”
After the royalist survivors fled to the castle and Priory, the city was looted, but Norman and his men abstained, camping outside until dawn and then marching east toward Dover.
Highlights Norman's discipline and strategic movement after the Battle of Lewes.
“I would borrow yon golden platter, My Lord. It shall be returned, or a mightier one in its stead.”
Norman asks Roger de Leybourn for the golden platter, promising to return it or replace it with a finer one.
Demonstrates Norman's audacity and sense of propriety even in a violent act.