days without sufficient cause. Our brother, Kaydan-Behadir, who marches across Rumanian territory, will probably reach Hungary before us, conquer their capitol and what honor will that bring to the army under my command?”
To this the boyar replied, “I understand perfectly what you mean, Behadir. I’m sorry the faithful servant of the great Jinghis Khan could not arrive at your encampment any sooner, but it was not until yesterday that I heard of your approach. However, having once learned of it, I came at once. Let not this short delay worry you unduly, Behadir. Though our highways are not broad, they are safe. The gate to the kingdom of the Magyars will be opened to you, if you will but knock.”
“What highways are there and in whose hands?” questioned Peta briefly.
“One is the Duklan Pass running by the river Scian and then through a defile in the mountains. This trail is comfortable and commodious, trod many a time by Rus and Magyar armies.
“Is it far from here?”
“From here to Peremysl it’s a two-day march and from Peremysl to the mountains two more days.”
“Who guards it?”
“It is guarded by our king’s boyars who have constructed barricades along it. But the boyars are not happy in their service with the king, Danilo Romanowich, therefore they do not guard their forts very zealously. The promise of a small reward will easily persuade them to side with the great Jinghis Khan.”
“But why have we never seen any of them in our encampment before?” questioned Peta.
“They have their hands full, great Behadir. The people among whom they live and who must send armed men to guard the forts bear their overlordship unwillingly. The spirit of revolt and discontent is strong among the people. They still
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