Twenty Years After · Chapter
The Avenger explained
King Charles I, betrayed by the Scots, is surrounded by Cromwell's forces.
What happens
King Charles I, betrayed by the Scots, is surrounded by Cromwell's forces. Athos, Aramis, Lord Winter, and the disguised king prepare a desperate escape plan. Winter is killed by his nephew Mordaunt, who reveals himself as Milady's avenger. D'Artagnan and Porthos, having infiltrated the enemy ranks, capture Athos and Aramis to save them. The king is taken prisoner and led to Holdenby Castle.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
Mordaunt avenges his mother Milady by killing Lord Winter and pursuing the musketeers.
Honor and Duty
Athos, Aramis, and Lord Winter demonstrate unwavering loyalty to King Charles I, risking their lives for honor.
Friendship and Loyalty
D'Artagnan and Porthos capture Athos and Aramis to save them from death, showing deep bonds of friendship.
Characters to notice
- Athos
Knighted by King Charles I; proposes escape plan; captured by d'Artagnan to save his life.
- Aramis
Knighted by King Charles I; suggests decoy strategy; captured by Porthos.
- D'Artagnan
Infiltrates enemy ranks; captures Athos to protect him; warns against recognizing Mordaunt.
- Porthos
Captures Aramis; supports d'Artagnan's stratagem.
- Mordaunt
Kills his uncle Lord Winter; reveals himself as Milady's avenger; taunts the king.
- Lord de Winter
Disguises himself as the king; killed by Mordaunt.
- Charles Stuart
Betrayed by the Scots; knights Athos and Aramis; taken prisoner after Winter's death.
Key passages
“I am lost, said he. No, sire, replied Athos. You are only betrayed.”
The king despairs, but Athos insists he has been betrayed rather than defeated.
Highlights the theme of betrayal and Athos's steadfastness.
“Think of my mother! shouted Mordaunt, as his horse plunged and darted off at full gallop.”
Mordaunt declares his revenge for his mother Milady as he kills Lord Winter.
Key moment revealing Mordaunt's motive as the avenger.
“Silence! yield—you yield to me, do you not?”
D'Artagnan captures Athos under the guise of taking him prisoner to protect him.
Shows d'Artagnan's cleverness and loyalty to his friend.