Page:Zakhar Berkut(1944).djvu/182

 strongest ally which no human power can withstand, even if it’s ten times stronger than the Mongolian.”

“Then you advise us to reject Burunda’s proposition?”

“Absolutely.”

“And give your son up to inevitable death?”

“Don’t remind me of my son!” cried Zakhar agonizingly. “Whoever reminds a father of his son in such a situation as this acts contrary to the dictates of common sense. My better judgment tells me to reject the proposal. What my heart tells me is no one else’s concern but mine!”

“Well then, have it your way!” said the elders. “If God has willed that he should die, there is nothing we can do to prevent it. If not, then he will be saved from the clutches of the brutal foe.”

They summoned the boyar and Zakhar stood up to deliver the council’s decision. Her heart threshing with a dreadful fear, Peace-Renown watched his face, still hoping that the Tukholians would want to ransom her Maxim.

“Logically, as you understood it, you presented the proposal for the agreement desired by your commander very well. We do not blame you, it was your duty to the man you serve to make his proposition sound as desirable to us as possible. Please now harken to what the common peasant intellect of our community replies to your proposal:	If it were purely a matter between me and your behadir, I would gladly give him everything that I own including my own grey old head for the release of my son. But you are proposing to us an unfair exchange by which only I and my family will benefit, with a consequent loss not only of one township but all the communities through which your army will march. Is it right then to make such a sacrifice? Of what use is my son to the mountain top and beyond the mountain communities? If we let you out of this valley, it will mean the destruction of those other neighboring townships with whom we are in concord. We