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392 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.