Zbyshko greeted them with overflowing heart, made happy both by the gifts, and by this, that the most renowned knights in the kingdom had shown him friendship. They inquired of him touching his departure, and the health of Matsko, recommending, like experienced people, though young, various ointments and remedies which cured wounds wonderfully.
But Matsko merely recommended Zbyshko to them; as for himself, he was preparing for the other world. It was difficult to live with a piece of iron sticking under the ribs. He complained that he spat blood continually, and had no appetite. A quart of shelled nuts, two spans of sausage, a plate of fried eggs,—that was his whole daily sustenance. Father Tsybek bled him a number of times, thinking to draw the fever from under his heart and restore desire for food; that gave no relief either.
But he was so delighted with gifts for his nephew that he felt better that moment; and when the merchant Amyley commanded to bring a small keg of wine to entertain guests so notable, he sat down to the cup with them. They fell to talking of the rescue of Zbyshko, and of his betrothal. The knights had no thought that Yurand would oppose the will of the princess, especially if Zbyshko would avenge the memory of Danusia's mother and win the peacock-plumes.
"But as to Lichtenstein," said Zavisha, "I am not sure that he will meet thee; he is a monk, and an elder in the Order besides. Nay! the people in his retinue declare that if he waits he will in time be Grand Master."
"Should he refuse combat he will lose his honor," said Lis.
"No," answered Zyndram; "he is not a lay member, hence he is not free to meet in single combat."
"But it happens often that they do."
"Yes, for laws in the Order are corrupted; they make various vows, and are famed for breaking them time after time, to the scandal of all Christendom. But in a conflict to the death a Knight of the Cross, and especially a comtur, may refuse to appear."
"Ha! then you will meet him only in war."
"They tell us there will be no war, since at present the Knights of the Cross fear our people."
"This peace will not endure long," answered Zyndram. "Agreement with a wolf is impossible, for he must live on others."
