Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/651

 Rh the four wolves who took part in carrying off Yurand's daughter not one is alive now, but the lambs are going safely through the world yet."

And this was true, but to this truth the lord of Tachev, who was present, answered with the following question,—

"True. But has any one of them been slain by treachery, or have those who fell not fallen sword in hand, every man of them?"

The Master had no answer to this; and when he saw also that the king had begun to frown and his eyes to flash, he yielded, not wishing to bring the dread sovereign to an outburst. It was agreed then that each side should send envoys to receive the captives. On the Polish side were appointed Zyndram, who wished to look from near by at the power of the Order, and Povala, also Zbyshko.

Prince Yamont rendered this service to Zbyshko. He spoke to the king on his behalf, with the idea that the young knight would thus see his uncle sooner, and bring him away the more surely, since he would go for him as an envoy of Yagello. The king did not refuse the prayer of the prince, who, because of his joyful nature, kindness, and unusual beauty, was the favorite of his Majesty and all the court officials; withal he never asked for himself any favor. Zbyshko thanked him from his whole soul, for now he felt convinced that Matsko would escape from the Knights of the Order.

"No man envies thee," said Zbyshko to Yamont, "thy place near the king; and thou art near him justly, since thy intimacy is used for the good of others, and a better heart than thine, I think, no one has."

"It is pleasant near the king," replied Yamont, "but I would rather be in the field against Knights of the Order, and this I envy thee, that thou hast fought against them."

After a while he added,—

"Von Wenden, the comtur of Torun, arrived here yesterday, and this evening ye will go to him for the night, with the Master and his retinue."

"And then to Malborg?"

"And then to Malborg."

Here Prince Yamont laughed,—

"That road is not long, but it will be unpleasant, since the Germans have won nothing from the king, with Vitold too they will have no pleasure. He has gathered all the power of Lithuania and is marching to the Jmud land."