Zbyszko welcomed them with a joyful heart, feeling very happy on account of the presents and because the most famous knights in the kingdom were showing him their friendship. They asked him about his departure and Macko's health, recommending to the latter, different remedies which would miraculously heal wounds. But Macko recommended Zbyszko to their care, being ready himself for the other world. He said that it was impossible to live with an iron spear head between the ribs. He complained also that he spit blood and could not eat. A quart of shelled nuts, a sausage two spans long and a dish of boiled eggs were all he could eat at once. Father Cybek had bled him several times, hoping in that way to draw out the fever from around his heart, and restore his appetite; but it had not helped him any. But he was so pleased with the presents given to his nephew, that at that moment he was feeling better, and when the merchant, Amylej, ordered a barrel of wine brought in honor of such famous guests, Macko drank with them. They began to talk about Zbyszko's deliverance and about his betrothal with Danusia. The knights did not doubt that Jurand of Spychow would give his consent, especially if Zbyszko avenged the death of Danusia's mother and captured the peacock tufts. "But as for Lichtenstein," said Zawisza, "I do not think he will accept your challenge, because he is a friar, and also one of the officers in the Order. Bah! The people of his retinue told me that perhaps he would be elected grand master!" "If he refuse to fight, he will lose his honor," said Lis of Targowisko. "No," answered Zawisza, "because he is not a lay knight; and a friar is not permitted to fight in single combat." "But it often happens that they do fight." "Because the Order has become corrupt. The knights make different vows; but they often break them, thus setting a bad example to the whole Christian world. But a Krzyzak, especially a _comthur_, is not obliged to accept a challenge." "Ha! Then only in war can you reach him." "But they say, that there will be no war," said Zbyszko, "because the Knights of the Cross are afraid of our nation." To this Zyndram of Maszkow said: "This peace will not last long. There cannot be a good understanding with the wolf, because he must live on the goods of others." "In the meantime, perhaps we will be obliged to fight with Tymur the Lame," said Powala. "Prince Witold was defeated by Edyga; that is certain." "Certain. _Wojewoda_ Spytko will not return," said Paszko Zlodziej of Biskupice. "The late queen prophesied it would be so," said the _Pan_ of Taczew. "Ha! Then perhaps we will be obliged to go against Tymur."