The Knights of the Cross/Volume 1/Chapter 34

by Henryk Sienkiewicz

CHAPTER XXXIV.

The prince opened the consultation.

"It is unfortunate," said he, "that we have no letter or testimony against the comturs; our suspicion seems just, it is true, and I myself believe that they and no one else seized Yurand's daughter,—but what of that? They will deny. And when the Grand Master demands proof what shall we show him? Nay, more! Yurand's letter is proof in their favor." Here he turned to Zbyshko. "Thou sayst that they extorted the letter from Yurand by threats. Perhaps that is really true, for if justice were on their side God would not have aided thee against Rotgier. But since they extorted one letter perhaps they extorted two. They may have a testimony from Yurand that they are innocent of seizing the unfortunate maiden. In that case they will show it to the Grand Master what will happen then?"

"But they themselves stated that they rescued Danusia from bandits, and that they have her."

"I know. But now they will say that they were mistaken and that it was another girl, the best proof of which is that Yurand himself rejected her."

"He did, for they showed him a different person; through this they enraged him."

"That is true indeed, but they can say that this is merely guess work on our part."

"Their lies," said Mikolai, "are like a forest. Something may be seen from the edge of a forest, but the farther a man goes the denser it becomes, till he gets astray and loses himself altogether."

Then he repeated in German his words to De Lorche, who said,—

"The Grand Master is better than they, and better than his brother; though insolent in spirit he is sensitive to knightly honor."

"True," answered Mikolai. "The Grand Master is humane, but has not power to restrain comturs or the Chapter, and he cannot help this, that everything in the Order is built on injustice; but he does not rejoice in the injustice. Go, go, Knight de Lorche, and tell him what has happened here. Those monks fear foreigners more than us, they fear lest people should tell at foreign courts of their treasons and dishonest deeds, but if the Grand Master asks you for proofs say this: 'To know the truth is God's work, to seek for it is man's. If thou wish proofs, lord, search for them; give command to stir up the castles, examine people; let us seek, for it is folly and a fable to say that bandits of the forest seized the orphan."

"Folly and a fable," repeated De Lorche.

"Bandits would not have raised their hands against the prince's court, nor against Yurand's daughter. And even had they taken her it would have been to get a ransom; and they themselves would have declared that they had her."

"I will tell all this," said the man of Lorraine, "and I will find De Bergov also. We are from the same country, and, though I do not know him, people say that he is a relative of the Count of Guelders. He has been in Schytno; let him tell the Grand Master what he has seen."

Zbyshko understood something of these words, and Mikolai interpreted what he did not understand. Then Zbyshko seized De Lorche by the body and pressed him to his bosom with such vigor that the knight was forced to groan.

"But dost thou wish to go in every case?" asked the prince of Zbyshko.

"I do, Gracious Lord. What else am I to do? I wished to take Schytno, even if I had to gnaw the walls through, but how can I begin war without permission?"

"The man who should begin war without permission would repent under the sword of an executioner," said Prince Yanush.

"Of course law is law," answered Zbyshko. "I wanted to challenge all who were at Schytno, but people said that Yurand had slaughtered them like bullocks; I could not tell who were living and who were dead. So help me God and the Holy Cross, I will not desert Yurand till my last breath."

"Thou speakest honorably and pleasest me," said Mikolai. "But as thou didst not fly alone to Schytno it is clear that thou hast wit, for even a dull man would guess that they have not kept there either Yurand or his daughter, but taken both to other castles. God has given thee Rotgier because thou camest hither."

"Yes!" said the prince, "as we have learned from Rotgier, of those four only old Siegfried is alive; God has punished the others already, either with thy hand or Yurand's. As to Siegfried, he is less a scoundrel than the others, but is perhaps more cruel. It is unfortunate that Yurand and Danusia are in his power; there is need of swift rescue in their case. But lest an evil fate befall thee I will give a letter to the Grand Master. Only listen well, and understand that thou art not going as an envoy, but a confidant, and I will write to the Grand Master as follows: Since on a time they attacked us, the descendants of their benefactors, it is likely that they seized Yurand's daughter for the reason specially that they were angry at Yurand. I will ask the Grand Master to command a diligent search for her, and if he desires my friendship to deliver her into thy hands immediately."

On hearing this Zbyshko cast himself at the feet of the prince, embraced his knees, and said,—

"But Yurand, Gracious Lord, what of Yurand? Take his part too! If he be wounded mortally, let him die in his own house at least, and near his children."

"There is something touching Yurand also," replied the prince with kindliness. "The Grand Master is to send two judges and I two, who will judge the comtur's acts and those of Yurand according to the rules of knightly honor. And those four will choose a fifth to be their head, and as all decide so will it be."

The consultation ended there. Zbyshko took farewell now of the prince, for they were to start upon the road immediately. But before parting Mikolai, who was experienced and knew the Knights of the Cross, took Zbyshko aside and asked,—

"But that young man, the Cheh, wilt thou take him with thee among the Germans?"

"It is sure that he will not leave me. But why the question?"

"I am sorry for him. He is a splendid fellow, and do thou note what I say: thou wilt bring away a sound head from Malborg unless thou meet a better man in a duel, but Hlava's death is certain."

"Why?"

"Because the dog brothers complained that he stabbed De Fourcy. They must have written of his death to the Grand Master, and to a certainty they wrote that the Cheh shed his blood. The Knights at Malborg will not forgive that. Judgment and vengeance await him, for how wilt thou convince the Grand Master of Hlava's innocence? Moreover he crushed Danveld's arm, and Danveld was a relative of the Grand Hospitaller. I am sorry for Hlava, and I repeat that if he goes he will go to his death."

"He will not go to his death, for I shall leave him in Spyhov."

But it did not happen thus, for other causes intervened and prevented the Cheh from remaining in Spyhov.

Zbyshko and De Lorche set out on the morrow with their escorts. De Lorche, whom Father Vyshonek freed from his vow touching Ulrika de Elner, was happy and devoted altogether to remembering the charms of Yagenka of Dlugolyas; hence he travelled in silence. Zbyshko, unable to talk with him of Danusia, for the men did not understand each other well, talked with Hlava, who so far knew nothing of the intended expedition to the realms of the Order.

"I am going to Malborg," said Zbyshko, "but the time of my return is in the power of God. Perhaps it will be soon, perhaps in the spring, perhaps a year hence, perhaps never. Dost understand?"

"I understand. Your Grace is going surely to challenge the Knights there. And glory to God, for every knight of them has an attendant."

"No, I am not going there to challenge unless the challenge comes of itself. Thou wilt not go at all, but remain at home, at Spyhov."

On hearing this Hlava was terribly mortified, he fell to complaining piteously, and implored his young master not to desert him.

"I have sworn not to abandon your Grace. I have sworn on the Cross and my honor. Should any misfortune befall you how could I appear before my lady in Zgorzelitse? I have taken an oath, therefore spare me so that I may not disgrace myself in her eyes."

"Hast thou not given her a vow to obey me?"

"Of course! In all things, but not to leave you. If your Grace sends me away I shall follow at a distance and be at hand when needed."

"I have not dismissed thee," answered Zbyshko, "and I shall not; but it would be slavery for me if I could not send thee whithersoever I pleased, even over the longest road, and if I could not relieve myself of thy presence even for a day. Thou wilt not stand above me, of course, like a headsman above an innocent person! And as to fighting, how art thou to assist me? I will not say in war, for in war people fight together, but in a duel thou wilt not fight for me. If Rotgier had been the stronger his armor would not be on our wagon, but mine on his. And know besides that it will be worse for me there with thy company; thou mayst put me in danger."

"How so, your Grace?"

Zbyshko told how he had heard from Mikolai that the comturs, unable to acknowledge the murder of De Fourcy, had accused Hlava, and would pursue him vindictively.

"If they seize thee," said Zbyshko at last, "I shall of course not leave thee to them as to dogs, and for this cause I may lay down my own head."

The Cheh became gloomy on hearing these words, for he recognized truth in them; still he tried further to turn the affair according to his wishes.

"Those men who saw me are no longer in this world, for people say that the old master of Spyhov killed some, and your grace has slain Rotgier."

"Thou wert seen by attendants who dragged on at some distance in front, and Siegfried, that old Knight of the Cross, is still living and is surely in Malborg; or if he is not there he will go there, for the Grand Master will certainly summon him."

There was no answer to this, so they rode on in silence as far as Spyhov. They found perfect readiness for war in the castle, since old Tolima expected that either the Knights of the Cross would make an attack, or that Zbyshko would summon them forth to save the old master. The guards watched everywhere at passages through the swamp; they watched in the castle also. The people were armed; and, as war was nothing new to them, they waited for the Germans with willingness, promising themselves famous booty. Father Kaleb received Zbyshko and De Lorche, and immediately after supper showed them the parchment with Yurand's seal, on which parchment he himself had written the last will of the master of Spyhov.

"He dictated it to me," said the priest, "that night when he started for Schytno. Well—he did not expect to return."

"Why did you say nothing?"

"I said nothing because he declared under the secret of confession what he intended to do. The Lord grant him endless rest, and let eternal light shine on him."

"Say no Our Father for him. He is living yet. I know that from Rotgier, with whom I fought in the courtyard of the prince's castle. The judgment of God was between us, and I killed him."

"All the more for that reason will Yurand not return—unless by the power of God."

"I will go with this knight here to wrest him from their hands."

"Then thou knowest not their hands, that is clear. I know them, for before Yurand received me into Spyhov I was a priest fifteen years in their country. God alone can save Yurand."

"And He can help us too."

"Amen!"

Then the priest unrolled the parchment and read it. Yurand had bequeathed all his land and property to Danusia and her descendants, and in case of her death without posterity to her husband, Zbyshko of Bogdanets. To conclude he confided this his testament to the care of the prince, "so that should there be anything not in accordance with law, the favor of the prince would make law of it." This conclusion was added since Father Kaleb knew only canon law, and Yurand himself, occupied exclusively with war, knew only the law of knighthood. After reading the document to Zbyshko the priest read it to the older men of the garrison; these acknowledged the young knight at once as heir and promised obedience. They thought besides that Zbyshko would lead them straightway to rescue the old master, and they rejoiced, because stern hearts eager for battle were beating in their bosoms, hearts attached to Yurand; therefore great gloominess seized them on learning that they must remain at home, and that their lord with a small retinue was going to Malborg not to offer battle, but to make complaint. The Cheh shared their gloom, though on the other hand he rejoiced at the notable increase of Zbyshko's property.

"Ei," said he, "who will rejoice if not the old lord of Bogdanets? He would know how to manage in this place! What is Bogdanets if compared to an inheritance like Spyhov!"

But Zbyshko was seized at that moment by a sudden yearning for his uncle, such a yearning as seized him often, especially in grievous and difficult junctures; so turning to the attendant he said without hesitation,—

"What hast thou to do sitting here in idleness? Go to Bogdanets; thou wilt take a letter."

"If I am not to be with your Grace I should prefer to be there," answered he, delighted.

"Call Father Kaleb to me; let him write, as is proper, of all that has happened; the priest of Kresno will read the letter to uncle, or the abbot will read it if he is in Zgorzelitse."

But the next moment he struck his palm on his youthful mustaches, and added, speaking to himself,—

"Oh! the abbot!"

And Yagenka passed before his vision blue-eyed, dark-haired, shapely as a deer, and with tears on her eyelids. He felt awkward, and for a time rubbed his forehead.

"Indeed the girl will feel sad, but not sadder than I," said he.

Meanwhile Father Kaleb appeared and sat down to write. Zbyshko dictated to him minutely all that had happened from the time of his coming to the hunting-lodge. He kept back nothing, for he knew that old Matsko when he looked into those matters carefully would be glad at last. Indeed it was not possible to compare Bogdanets with Spyhov, which was a broad and rich property, and Zbyshko knew that Matsko valued such things immensely.

When, after long effort, the letter was finished and closed with a seal, Zbyshko called his attendant a second time and delivered it, saying,—

"Perhaps thou wilt return with uncle; if so I shall rejoice greatly."

But Hlava's face was full of evident anxiety; he hesitated, stood on one foot, then on the other, and did not start till the young knight spoke,—

"If thou hast more to say, say it."

"I should wish to know this. If people ask how shall I answer?"

"What people?"

"Not those in Bogdanets, but in the neighborhood,—for certainly they will wish to know."

At this Zbyshko, who had determined to make no concealment of anything, looked at Hlava quickly, and answered,—

"With thee it is not a question of people, but only of Yagenka."

Hlava blushed, then he grew somewhat pale and said,—

"Of her, lord."

"But how dost thou know that she has not been given in marriage to Stan of Rogov or Vilk of Brozova?"

"The young lady has not married any one," said Hlava, with emphasis.

"The abbot may have commanded her."

"The abbot obeys the young lady, not she the abbot."

"What dost thou wish then? Tell the truth to her, as to others."

Hlava bowed and went away somewhat angry.

"God grant," said he to himself, thinking of Zbyshko. "God grant her to forget thee. God grant her a better man. Thou art married but wifeless, and mayest thou be a widower before the marriage is finished."

Hlava had grown attached to Zbyshko, he had compassion on Danusia, but Yagenka he loved beyond everything, and from the time that he had heard of Zbyshko's marriage before the last battle at Tsehanov he carried pain in his heart, and bitterness.

"God grant that thou be a widower before thy marriage is real!"

But later other thoughts, evidently sweeter, came to his head, for coming to his horses he said,—

"God be praised for even this, that I shall embrace her feet."

Meanwhile Zbyshko was impatient for the journey, and a fever tormented him. Since he could not occupy himself with other matters he endured real torture, thinking always of Danusia and Yurand. But he had to remain in Spyhov one night at least, for Pan de Lorche, and for the preparations which such a long journey demanded. Besides he was wearied beyond every measure by the battle, by watching, by the journey, by lack of sleep, by grief. That night, very late, he cast himself on Yurand's hard bed in the hope that even a short slumber would visit him. But before he fell asleep Sanderus knocked at the door and entered.

"Lord, you saved me from death," said he, bowing down; "with you I have lived more pleasantly than I have lived for a long time. God has given you a great estate; you are richer than ever, and the treasury of Spyhov is not empty. Give me a purse of some sort; I will go from castle to castle in Prussia, and though it is not very safe for me there, perhaps I may serve you."

Zbyshko, who at the first moment wished to push him out of the room, stopped at these words, and after a while drew from a traveling-bag at the bedside a large purse, threw it to him, and said,—

"Take this; go! If thou art a rogue thou wilt deceive, if honest thou wilt serve me."

"I will deceive cunningly," said Sanderus, "but not you; you I will serve truthfully."