The Outlaw of Torn · Chapter
XVIII explained
Norman of Torn, after the Battle of Lewes, marches north toward Leicester's castle to fulfill a promise to Bertrade de Montfort.
What happens
Norman of Torn, after the Battle of Lewes, marches north toward Leicester's castle to fulfill a promise to Bertrade de Montfort. He meets Prince Philip of France on the road and escorts him to Battel, where Bertrade and the royal court are gathered. Norman sends a message to Bertrade requesting a private meeting. That night, he reveals to her that he is Roger de Condé, the man she once loved. Despite her initial shock and conflict, Bertrade ultimately reaffirms her love for him, accepting him as Norman of Torn.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Secrecy
Norman of Torn reveals his true identity as Roger de Condé to Bertrade, forcing her to reconcile the outlaw with the man she loved.
Love and Sacrifice
Norman's love for Bertrade leads him to reveal his identity despite the pain it causes, and Bertrade chooses to love him regardless of his status.
Honor and Chivalry
Norman escorts Prince Philip for Bertrade's sake and fulfills his promise to her, demonstrating his code of honor.
Social Class and Outlawry
Bertrade struggles with Norman's low birth as an outlaw, but ultimately overcomes societal prejudice to accept her love for him.
Characters to notice
- Norman of Torn
Escorts Prince Philip to Battel, sends a message to Bertrade, and reveals his identity as Roger de Condé to her.
- Bertrade de Montfort
Receives Norman's message, meets him privately, and after a struggle accepts his true identity and reaffirms her love.
- Prince Philip
Travels to Battel to meet Bertrade; is escorted by Norman and speaks favorably of him to King Henry.
- Shandy
Rides beside Norman during the march north.
- Father Claude
Rides with Norman and Shandy; described as taciturn and still skilled with the sword.
- Henry III
Is at Battel with the court; hears from Prince Philip about Norman's courtesy.
- Simon de Montfort
Is at Battel with the King; his victory at Lewes changed plans.
- Eleanor
Rode to Battel with Bertrade and the Queen.
Key passages
“The price has been there since I was eighteen," answered Norman of Torn, "and yet my head be where it has always been. Can you blame me if I look with levity upon the King's price? It be not heavy enough to weigh me down; nor never has it held me from going where I listed in all England.”
Norman dismisses the bounty on his head, saying it has never stopped him from going anywhere in England.
Norman shows his defiance and confidence in the face of royal authority.
“If he held any sentiment toward Norman of Torn, it was one of pride which began and ended in the almost fiendish skill of his pupil's mighty sword arm.”
Father Claude's only feeling for Norman is pride in his swordsmanship.
Highlights the cold, utilitarian relationship between Norman and his mentor.
“It is because I love you, Bertrade, that I have come this night. God knows that it be no pleasant thing to see the loathing in your very attitude, and to read the hate and revulsion that surges through your heart, or to guess the hard, cold thoughts which fill your mind against me because I allowed you to speak the words you once spoke, and to the Devil of Torn.”
Norman explains that his love for Bertrade drove him to reveal his identity, despite knowing it would cause her pain and disgust.
Norman's confession underscores his sacrificial love and the emotional cost of his honesty.
“I mean," she answered, "that, Roger de Condé or Norman of Torn, gentleman or highwayman, it be all the same to Bertrade de Montfort—it be thee I love; thee!"”
Bertrade declares that she loves Norman regardless of his identity or social standing.
Bertrade's final acceptance transcends class and reputation, affirming her love for the man himself.
