Page:Zakhar Berkut(1944).djvu/117

 “And I suppose you are going to show them the Tukholian trail just to revenge yourself on the Tukholians?”

“Foolish girl! Why should I want to avenge myself on them? They are too inconsequential for my vengeance!”

“I want to direct the Mongols to the Hungarian border for the simple reason that the sooner they leave our Rus the less damage they will leave behind them.”

“Oh, certainly, certainly!” cried Peace-Renown. “But on the way they will finish their ruination of what is now still whole. Are you leading them to Tukhlia right now?”

“No, not to Tukhlia. I am taking charge of only a small contingent with which to barricade the entrance to the Tukholian trail.”

“ ‘The one who holds the gate also owns the house.’ Now I understand. You said yourself not long ago, up on top of the mountain that tomorrow Maxim and other Tukholian youths were coming to raze our house? You want to assail them with the aid of these Mongolians!”

The boyar stared at her in astonishment. He began to fear her as if she were a seeress who knew everything he had thought and schemed.

“Daughter, forget about him!” said he. “Only that awaits him which destiny has proscribed for him.”

“No, father, you cannot put me off with that! I am going to Tukhlia to warn him and save him from your assault. And if I see that it is necessary to do so, I will take his side and will defend him and myself to my last bit of strength against you, father, and your perfidious allies!”

“You are insane, girl!” exploded the boyar. “Take care you do not infuriate me! This is an important matter!”

“What do I care about your wrath!” retorted Peace-Renown coldly. “What can you do to me that is any worse than you have already done? If you kill me, you will only be doing me a favor, for I do not care to live. Let me go to him!”