The Knights of the Cross, or, Krzyzacy: Historical RomanceSienkiewicz, Henryk
History
The Knights of the Cross, or, Krzyzacy: Historical Romance
Sienkiewicz, Henryk
Poland -- History -- Jagellons, 1386-1572 -- Fiction; Teutonic Knights -- History -- Fiction
Then he turned to all present and said:
"If one of you will challenge Jurand to a fight on horseback or on foot,
I give my permission. If he be taken prisoner or killed, then Herr von
Bergow will be released without paying any ransom. Do not ask me for
anything else, because I will not grant it."
After these words, there was a profound silence. Hugo von Danveld,
Zygfried von Löve, Brother Rotgier and Brother Godfried, although brave,
knew the dreadful lord of Spychow too well to dare to challenge him for
life or death. Only a foreigner from a far distant country, like de
Lorche or de Fourcy, would do it; but de Lorche was not present during
the conversation, and Sir de Fourcy was still too frightened.
"I have seen him once," he muttered, "and I do not wish to see him any
more."
Zygfried von Löve said:
"It is forbidden the monks to fight in single combat, except by special
permission from the grand master and the grand marshal; but I do not ask
for permission for a combat, but for the release of von Bergow and the
punishment by death of Jurand."
"You do not make the laws in this country."
"Our grand master will know how to administer justice."
"Your grand master has nothing to do with Mazowsze!"
"The emperor and the whole German nation will help him."
"The king of Poland will help me, and he is more powerful than the German
emperor."
"Does Your Highness wish for a war with the Order?"
"If I wanted a war, I would not wait for you to come to Mazowsze, but
would go toward you; you need not threaten me, because I am not afraid of
you."
"What shall I say to the grand master?"
"He has not asked you anything. Tell him what you please."
"Then we will avenge ourselves."
Thereupon the prince stretched forth his arm and began to shake his
finger close to the Krzyzak's face.
"Keep quiet!" said he, angrily; "keep quiet! I gave you permission to
challenge Jurand; but if you dare to invade this country with the army of
the Order, then I will attack you, and you will stay here not as a guest
but as a prisoner."
Evidently his patience was entirely exhausted, because he threw a cap
violently on the table and left the room, slamming the door. The Knights
of the Cross became pale and Sir de Fourcy looked at them askance.
"What will happen now?" asked Brother Rotgier, who was the first to break
the silence.
Hugo von Danveld turned to Sir de Fourcy and menacing him with his fists,
said:
"Why did you tell him that you attacked Jurand?"
"Because it is true!"
"You should have lied."
"I came here to fight and not to lie."
"Well, you fought well, indeed!"
"And you! did you not run away from Jurand of Spychow?"
"_Pax!_" said von Löve. "This knight is a guest of the Order."
"It is immaterial what he said," added Brother Godfried. "They would not
punish Jurand without a trial, and in the court, the truth would come
out."
"What will be done now?" repeated Brother Rotgier.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account