# The Avenger explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lvi-the-avenger
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters