Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/81

Rh in all battles, defeated in none, "master of souls and bodies"?

Tohtamysh had been seated by Tamerlane on the throne of the Blue aud the Golden Hordes, and recognized as "son." But when Tohtamysh's lordship extended from the Aral to the Crimea, over more lands than there were in all remaining Europe, the "son" wished to be independent; therefore, deprived of his throne by "one finger" of the terrible father, he fled to the Lithuanian prince imploring aid. It was this man precisely whom Vitold intended to conduct back to his kingdom, but to do so he would have first to measure strength with the world-ruling Limper. For this reason his name produced a powerful impression on the listeners, and after a time of silence one of the oldest knights, Kazko of Yaglov, said,

"It is not a dispute with some trifling man."

"But it is about some trifling thing," said Pan Mikolai, prudently. "What profit to us if far off there beyond the tenth land a Tohtamysh, instead of a Kutluk, rules the sons of Belial?"

"Tohtamysh would receive the Christian faith," answered Matsko.

"He would receive it, but he has not received it. Is it possible to believe dog brothers, who do not confess Christ?"

"But it is a worthy deed to lay down one's life for the name of Christ," replied Povala.

"And for the honor of knighthood," added Toporchykj "among us are men who will go. Pan Spytko of Melshtyn has a young and beloved wife, but he has gone to Prince Vitold for the expedition."

"And no wonder," put in Yasko Nashan; "though a man had the foulest sin on his soul, he would receive sure forgiveness for his part in such a war, and certain salvation."

"And glory for the ages of ages," said Povala. "If there is to be a war, let it be a war, and that it is not with some common person is all the better. Timur conquered the world and has twenty-seven kingdoms under him. What a glory for our people to rub him out."

"Why should we not?" answered Toporchyk, "even if he possessed a hundred kingdoms, let others fear him, not we! Ye speak worthily! Only call together ten thousand good lancers we will ride through the world."

"What people should finish the Limper if not ours?"