Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/659

 Rh "Are there tidings from Werner von Tettingen?" asked he.

Tettingen, as Grand Marshal, or commander of the armed forces of the Order, was on an expedition then against the Jmud men and Vitold.

"There is nothing important," answered Helfenstein, "but damage has been done. The rabble burnt villages near Ragneta and towns around other castles."

"In God is our hope, that one great battle will break their rage and stubbornness," replied the Master.

When he had spoken, he raised his eyes, and his lips moved a moment in a prayer for the success of the armies of the Order.

Then he turned toward the Polish knights and said,—

"These are envoys of the King of Poland: the knight of the Mashkovitse, the knight of Tachev, and the knight of Bogdanets, who have come with us for the exchange of prisoners. Let the comtur of the castle show them guest-chambers, and entertain and treat them as is proper."

The Knights of the Order looked with curiosity at the envoys, but especially at Povala, whose name, as a renowned champion, was known to some of them. Those who had not heard of his deeds at the courts of Bohemia, Burgundy, and Poland were filled with wonder at his stature, and his battle stallion of such size that he reminded men who in youth had visited the Holy Land and Egypt, of elephants and camels.

Some recognized Zbyshko, who had fought within barriers at Malborg; and those greeted him rather kindly, remembering that Ulrich, the strong brother of the Master, who enjoyed great favor in the Order, had shown him real esteem and friendship. Not less attention and wonder were roused by him who, in a future then not distant, was to be the most dreadful of all the scourgers of the Order, namely, Zyndram; for when he had dismounted he seemed, because of his uncommon strength and lofty shoulders, to be almost humpbacked. His arms of exceeding length and his bow-legs roused smiles on the faces of the younger brothers. One of them, known for his love of jesting, even approached him, wishing to say a word, but when he looked into the eyes of the lord of Mashkovitse, he lost desire somehow, and walked away in silence.

Meanwhile the comtur of the castle went with the guests, conducting them. They entered, first, a court of no great