"Various signs on earth and in the sky foretold disasters and events of great magnitude." "Clouds gathered over the mighty Commonwealth:" "Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine united under the rule of Wladislaw IV" "Polish nobles and magnates enjoyed limitless privileges to the growing discontent of the Cossack community, the Sietch." "Meanwhile the Crimean Tartars started to threaten Europe..." "Dead?" "Alive, lieutenant." "It's someone important." "Beautiful horse." "It's ours?" " Rzêdzian!" " It's a trophy." "Water!" "Set me free." "I'll pay." "Thank God we were nearby." " The rogues pretended to be Tartars." " Of course." " You know him?" " My neighbor's servant." "Thank you... for saving me." "Am I dealing with a nobleman?" "Yes." "I'm Zenobius Abdank, a colonel in the Cossack regiment of prince Zas³awski." "John Skrzetuski, lieutenant" " at Prince Jeremy's service." " He's a famous warrior." "Thank you." "What's the rush?" "Duty calls." "I'm carrying orders." "It's a small world." "Perhaps..." "I'll be able to return this favor." "Do you know whom you really saved?" "I'm Bohdan Zenobius Chmielnicki." "WITH FIRE AND SWORD" "CZEHRYÑ Eastern border of Poland" "Costumes by" "Sound" "Edited by" "Production Design by" "Music by" "Executive Producer" "Director of photography" "Produced by" "Assistant Director" "Written and directed by" "To the memory of Walentyna, my wife" "Czapliñski will get Chmielnicki." " He won't." " He will." " I'll bet a ducat." " Two!" "He'll get him and hang him." "Chmielnicki..." "Chmiel is hop." "Hop's good for beer." "And the beer here is cat's piss." "Pretty lass, fill my glass, and while at this, give me a big kiss!" "And your best mead!" "If it weren't for me, Chmielnicki be slain by bandits." "Don't you know about the arrest warrant issued by the authorities?" " I've just come back from the" " Where did you see him?" " On the other bank of the Dnepr" " Jesus, he went to the Sietch." "Like many others." "He stole the King's letters urging the Cossacks to revolt against noblemen." "That might set Ukraine on fire." " You think there'll be a rebell" " I'm sure of it." "You're Ruthenian, colonel." "The Cossacks respect you." "Go to the Sietch." "Half of my men run off with Chmielnicki." "If it weren't for colonel Bohun, they'd all have deserted." "Death awaits me..." "not a hetman's baton." "Greetings to you!" "Czapliñski, a rowdy wrangler, Chmielnicki's greatest foe." "Do you have any news of Chmielnicki?" "They've hanged him, and if not, they will do it soon." "Don't spill the wine." " Will you get him?" " My men are waiting for him in the steppe." "Don't spill the wine." "He avoided your pursuit and went to the Sietch ." "Impossible!" "Sir John here saved him, and slaughtered your bandits." "In spite of the warrant?" "He hasn't heard of it." "I'll have you arrested" " and set in stocks!" " Smell this." "Guards!" "Gentlemen!" "He is leaving!" "I could dress your wounds, I'm an expert." "Silence!" "Vivat Skrzetuski!" "Thank you, gentlemen!" "Let me offer you my services." "I'm Zag³oba, bearer of the "Forehead" crest." "An infidel Turkish dog shot me in the head, when I went to the Holy Land." "You told me someone hit you with a tankard." "A Turk shot me!" "You're confusing two stories." "Your health!" "Introduce me, please, to the lieutenant." "All right!" "This here is" " Sir Long Anus..." " Longinus!" " "Trouser Snatcher"." " "Hoodsnatcher"!" " From Doggyguts." " Mouseyguts." "Whatever." "I wouldn't live in anybody's guts." "It's a disgrace to stay there and a shame to leave." "He's been buying me wine for a week." "Weighty sword, heavy purse, featherweight brain." "Here you go again, phooey!" "Is it an executioner's sword?" "No, a Teutonic one." "My ancestor's battle trophy." "You lift it with both hands?" "With both, or with one..." "May I?" " Who'll do it?" " We've tried!" "Your turn." "I'll be damned!" "A fine soldier for the Prince." " You think he'd take me?" " He'd be happy to!" "Two new skewers for his kitchen:" "you and your sword!" "My family crest is "Hoodsnatcher"." "In 1410, one of my ancestors cut off three hooded" "Teutonic heads with one blow." " The King granted him the crest" " Strength runs in the family." "What good it is to me?" "I promised St. Mary to remain chaste until I, too, cut off three heads with one blow." " But you haven't?" " No." "Tough luck." "Two heads, quite often, but never three." "I'm no Hoodsnatcher, and Mr. Zag³oba is right to mock I offer my grief to Jesus." " And have you remained chaste?" " God sees my sorrow." "I'm in my prime, I'm wealthy, and I'm still waiting for the ..." " And blood runs hot..." " If you need blood-letting..." "Rzêdzian!" "I'm an expert." "Chevaliers!" "Help us, poor women." "My sons will arrive after dusk, and there are graves around." "You pledged chastity, so carry the old one." "Oh, brother..." "Thank you." "I'd go through fire to hear such thanks." "Through fire?" "Yesterday I wouldn't have believed that." "How can I believe today?" "God bless you." "We're from Roz³og I'm prince Kurcewicz's widow." "It's an honor to help you and your daughter." "She's not mine, but my late brother's-in-law." "Our house isn't far." "You won't refuse an invitation?" "Go ahead, my precious!" "Accept my services." "You're asking for misfortune." "God's will." " Mother, the carts are coming." " Those gentlemen helped us." "Meet my four sons and their companion," "Bohun, a Cossack colonel." "Sons, prepare the house." "Let's go." "Greetings, mother." "How's the Princess?" "I'm glad to see you." "You'll play the lute for us." "You've saddened." "Smile, please." "He's a terrible man." "I don't fear any Cossacks or their entire Sietch." "Get away, Pole!" "Bohun!" "Off you go!" "He's a madman." "A wild thing he is, but we love him dearly." "ROZ£OGI The Kurcewicz family site" " Welcome to our humble abode." " Make yourselves at home." "Welcome!" " Come in!" " If you please." "Welcome." "Boys..." "You're looking for a fight with that young nobleman?" "If he touches her, he'll see my sword!" "Do you want to ruin us?" "The Prince will avenge him, banish us, take Helena." "Do you want to be slain?" "He came, he'll leave." "As you wish." "Though my soul groans, I'll be sweet as honey." "Feed the servants!" " To the war against the infidels" " A toast!" "We'll roam in the Crimea." "You're still hungry for fame?" "Bigger war, greater glory." "Sing us about the Cossack glory." "Whose horse is standing there," "Shaking its coal-black mane?" "I am pining away" "I am pining away for a girl like a dream." "Stop tormenting the soul..." "Musicians, play!" "I've made a vow to the Virgin that until I cut off three heads..." "You haven't vowed chastity?" "Holy Mary, Mother of God," "Virgin of Virgins," "Let me be Sir John's wife." "Let him be my husband, and save me from Bohun." "Amen." "The girl stopped me on my way here." " Which girl was that?" " The Princess." " Why didn't you tell me sooner?" " Jesus!" "You didn't ask." "Listen, you swain..." "Don't call me that." "I'm of noble blood, though poor." " I have my dignity." " What did she say?" "Who?" "She asked if your word was of any worth." "And?" "I put it this way..." ""If my master promised me a horse," "I'd have no doubt it was mine"." "Take the horse." "I heard rumors they plan to give Helena to Bohun." "What?" "She owns Roz³ogi and if Bohun marries her," " he'll let the family stay here" " You've found out a lot." "If I found out A, without finding out B, you'd say," ""No saddle for you"." "Who needs a bare-backed horse?" "Rzêdzian!" "You cunning devil..." "The horse and saddle are yours." "I humbly thank you, Sir." "Thank you for your hospitality." " You're always most welcome." " Always!" "I'd like a word with you all..." "in private." "In private?" "Go in." "Forgive me for acting against the old custom." "But I have no choice." "I'm asking you to let me marry Helena." "You and Helena?" "Yes." "I beg your pardon, but I've already promised her" " to another." " To Bohun?" "So that he lets you stay here?" " That's nothing to you." " You want to rob her!" "The Prince will burn the place and you'll rot in the dungeon." "I'll let you stay in Roz³ogi and won't ask for rent." "Don't give away what's not yours." "If you give me the girl I'll appease the Prince's wrath." "You have my word of honor." "What say you, my sons, to this officer's humble request?" "Tell us if we shall kill or agree." "Bohun will seek revenge." "Make your choice." " Secrecy is imperative." " She's mine?" "She is." " You won't betray me?" " If we only could..." "You didn't even bother to ask her what she thinks." "Then let us ask her." "If it be your will, here is your betrothed." " Is that true?" " Like God in heaven." "£UBNIE Prince Jeremy's family site" "John!" "I have missed you..." " so much!" " Likewise, Michael." " The Prince kept asking about" " Rzêdzian!" "My outfit!" "This is Sir Longinus, alias the Hoodsnatcher, whose strength has no match." "And that's Michael Wo³odyjowski, swordsman extraordinaire." " I still have scars from that" " Fewer than I." "What did you two fight for?" " A girl." "All the ladies pine for" " Oh dear..." "They'll have to pine for another." "I've fallen in love." "And I've proposed!" "I'm glad you want to marry her." "She comes from an old and noble family, her father was a patriot." "You did well in the Crimea, but now it all seems in vain." "There'll be no war with Turkey!" "The King may dream about it, but the Senators won't let him have his will." "Expect a rebellion." "Chmielnicki's gone to the Sietch ?" "I've seen him in combat." "It's been years since the Cossacks have had such a leader." "I must send a spy there." " When shall I leave?" " You've just arrived." "I'm ready to go." " And visit the Princess on your" " Yes, Excellency." "Well..." "You saved Chmielnicki's life." "Go." "I'll give you letters to some of the atamans." "Find out if Chmielnicki is allying with." "I'll be back in a month." "Don't you fret." " A priest awaits us in £ubnie." " I'm worried about you." "An envoy is untouchable." "Goodness me, master..." "I've never seen so much water!" "The Dneper." "What's wrong?" "So much soil going to waste." "And my parents went to trial for a pear-tree on the balk." "It all started 50 years ago." "Let's say this is the balk..." "Why aren't there any boats?" "I don't see any fishermen." "Must have run off to the Sietch." "Hoist the sail!" "Turn back!" "Rzêdzian, go back to Roz³ogi." " I won't leave you." " That's an order." "Even if you killed me..." "Go." " Take a horse." " Which horse?" "You can take mine." "I'll give you letters." "Helena's family must go to £ubnie, there's going to be war." "Goodness me!" "Then I have to go." "I'll write the letters." "Watch out!" " Who are you?" " And you?" "Answer or I'll shoot!" "An envoy from Prince Jeremy to the chief ataman." " Where's the envoy?" " Here." "We'll escort you." "Tied up." "THE COSSACK SIETCH April 1648" "A letter from Prince Jeremy asking the chief ataman to betray me." "And two letters instructing Tatarchuk and Barabas to meet the envoy's needs." "What do you say, gentlemen?" "Could the chief ataman hide the letters?" "He could." "He could... but he didn't?" " So he's been loyal?" " Yes!" " And I trust him." " Thank you, Bohdan." " Thank you, gentlemen." " Go and announce that he's beyond suspicion." "The chief ataman is no traitor!" "If he hadn't betrayed us, then who is the traitor?" "Why did they write you?" "I'm innocent!" "Did I receive the letters?" "No!" "And even if I had," "I'd take them to the scribe, as I cannot read or write!" "We were together in the Crimea, I shed my blood for you..." "Why does the Hetman suspect me?" "Tatarchuk's our brother!" "Yes, our brother." "And a brother's betrayal saddens my heart." "Why do the Poles write you?" "Why do they tell you to meet all the envoy's wishes?" "The envoy will wish to know if we're ready to rebel and if the Tartars are on our side." "Tatarchuk and Barabas are traitors." "Kill them." "Kill them!" "Judas!" "I know this Pole, he was in the Crimea." "Who are you?" "I'm an envoy to you, Ataman." "My men were slaughtered." " Prince Jeremy will be enraged." " Kill him!" "Kill!" "Death to him!" "Kill!" "Silence!" "Let us have him!" "And kill!" "Wait!" "Quiet!" "He's an envoy." "Understand?" "An envoy!" " A spy!" " Kill him!" "Let us... or we'll take him." "Prince Jeremy will pay in gold." "Give him to us!" "Away!" "Infidel dogs!" "Out of my sight!" "You want to take my prisoner?" "Never!" "You pig-eaters!" "Go away!" "Tuhay-bey is angry!" "The Pole!" "Quiet!" "Tuhay-bey is angry!" "He's angry!" "He's very angry!" "Hey, hey, Tuhay-bey..." "How much ransom are you expecting to get?" "He's an important person." "The terrible Prince loves his people. 2000 thalers." "I can pay you 2000." " You will pay 3000." " Why?" "Because you want him." "He saved my life." "Then you'll give 4000." "I'll pay 4000." "I don't want his pity." "You don't know my plans for you." "When the war breaks, money will be scarce." "I can pay here and now." " 4000." " It's a deal!" "I'm sleepy." " Show him to his chamber." " Let's go." "We're even now." "You're free if you promise not to tell what you've seen here." "I cannot." "Then I shall not let you go, until I'm ready for war." "All this because some Pole seduced your wife?" "Silence!" "Czapliñski killed my son." "Would people follow me, if I only sought private revenge Look at today's Ukraine." "Who's happy here?" "A few magnates and noblemen." "Theirs is the land, theirs is the freedom." "All the others?" "They're scum." "Have the Cossack army been shown any gratitude for fighting on Poland's side?" "Where are our privileges?" "The nobles want to turn free Cossacks into serfs." "I declare war against them, not against the King." "The King is our father, and Poland is our mother." "Whom you sell to the Tartars." "Should we let ourselves get butchered like the rebels of the past?" "The magnates are killing our mother." "It's because of them Ukraine won't join your alliance against the Turks, Tartars, Muscovy." "Who gave you the right to be our judge and executioner?" "Let God judge and punish." "When we complained to the King, he asked," ""Haven't you any guns and sabers?"" "The King of Kings would say, "Forgive your foes, as I forgave."" "I don't want war with Poland." "If she gives us back our rights, I'll send the Tartars away." "The Poles are marching against us!" "War." "Pour us some good wine into crystal goblets, so that enemy bullets so that enemy swords don't pierce our hearts." "So that Ukraine stops shedding bitter tears, so that our glory, so that Cossack fame, lasts forever and ever." "They're preparing for a battle." "The Hetman orders you to move forward." "YELLOW WATERS April 29, 1648" "Crooked Nose, in the name of God." "Halt!" "Brother Cossacks, aim the guns!" "Fire!" "Lances forward!" "Fire!" "Where's my loot, my prisoners, my victory?" "Over there." "Your infidel dogs don't want to fight." " You've ruined the Khan's army!" " Calm down." "Tomorrow, after the rain," " the hussars will drown in mud." " You promised victory, not defeat." "We've captured some dragoons." "They're yours." "I'll have them impaled!" "They'll draw the others to our side." "Beat the drums." "Feign attack and withdraw, the whole night long." "Halt!" "Fall back!" "Fall back!" "Rain for the Poles, the sun for us." "It's time." "Don't despair, Bohun." "The magnates have stifled the rebellion, there'll be peace." "I'll give you my crest, and the princes will give you their sister." "We usually take prisoners to the commander." " But he's asleep." " This guy's going to £ubnie." " To £ubnie?" " Yes, Colonel." "Let him go." "Rzêdzian?" "That's John Skrzetuski's servant." " Is your master well?" " Yes, he sends his regards." "I know him, too." "We met... in Roz³ogi." "Where?" " In Roz³ogi." " At the Kurcewiczs'." " Who?" " You've gone deaf?" "I'm very sleepy..." "Good bye." "Wait." "You'll get your sleep." " Search him!" " That's illegal!" "Let him be." "Let him be." ""To the honorable..." "princess Kurcewicz in Roz³ogi"." "So, you're going to £ubnie?" "You don't know where Roz³ogi is?" ""To Helena Kurcewicz..."" " That's an offence." " I have orders to inspect the mail." ""My sweetest, beloved Helena..." "Queen of my heart..."" "Skrzetuski is your rival?" "You're wooing the same girl?" "Cheer up." " Once, I..." " Silence!" "Jesus..." "A medic!" "Bohun!" "I'll live." "Maxim!" "Lower the bridge!" "Wait for a shot." "Who's there?" "Don't you recognize?" "It's you... thank God!" "Let us in." "Bohun, be reasonable, your life is at stake." "To hell with my life!" "Who could that be?" "Bohun?" " You?" "Here?" " Aren't you glad to see me?" "Very glad... and surprised." "You're supposed to be in Czehryñ" "And who is your companion?" "Mr. Zag³oba, a noble and my friend." "Please, sit." "Eat and drink." "Thank you for paying us a visit." "Is Helena well?" "She is." " I'd like to see her." " She's gone to bed." "Pity." "I won't be staying long." "I wanted to see you before going to war." "It's hard to fight one's own." "But there's no choice." "I might not come back." "But I want you to assure me that Helena will be mine." "A nobleman's word obliges." "And you're nobility." "You're princes." "So..." "Promise?" "We have to ask her." "Let everyone speak for themselves." "Promise?" "We do." "We do." "We do." "Zag³oba..." "Ask them, too." "They may give her to you." "Are you drunk?" "Sir John Skrzetuski sends you letters." "To arms!" "Peace!" "Back off!" "Back!" "Princess..." "Surround the house." "Don't let anyone in..." "I'll kill whoever enters!" "Put him in bed!" "I'll dress his wounds!" "He needs to rest!" "Off with you!" "The cellar is yours." "But leave something for me." "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now" "and at the hour of our death." "Christ!" "Keep quiet!" "Stop!" "Sir John sends me." " Why should I believe you?" " Have you a better choice?" "Give me some mead!" " Do you see that?" " I'll be damned..." "Not bad." "Too good for your peasant throats." "Why don't you share some with the guards?" "Relieve them!" " Let them drink, too!" " Thank you, kind Sir." "Hey, you," " is it far to £ubnie?" " Very far." " Can I get there by dawn?" " No way!" "By noon?" "That's more like it." "Go ahead, boys!" "Help yourselves!" "Don't be shy!" "The ataman's asleep!" "Let him rest!" "I'll keep watch over him." "And you all, drink his health!" "To his health!" "Feel better?" "You can't talk?" "That's even better." "You won't protest, when I take Helena to £ubnie." "I'll ask the Prince to send you a doctor... or a hangman." "I can assure you we two will never drink again." "Soldiers!" "Quiet!" "Quiet." "Get well." "Pity, I can't stab you." "We might meet again, but I won't pray for that." "I'd sooner let myself get stuffed and hung on the wall." "Slow down." " This isn't the road to £ubnie." " Tuck your hair in." "They think we went to £ubnie, and we're heading for Czehryñ." "Son of a bitch!" "That damned Pole!" "I'll rip his throat open!" " He asked for the road to £ubnie" " To £ubnie!" " Take the goods!" " And if Jeremy comes?" "Put the blame on Bohun!" "Hide!" "Ride off!" " Czehryñ fell!" " My God..." "The serfs are butchering the nobles!" "It's Judgment Day!" "Don't go to Roz³ogi!" "Chmielnicki before us, Bohun behind us." "God will save us again." "There's a fortress called Bar." "But far from here." "Very far." " I've seen nobody." " Nobody?" "No." "Go ahead." "I saw" "Zag³oba and a lad..." " Where?" " Halfway to Czehryñ... at a pond." " You warned them?" " I did." "Hang him." "Let's go!" "Might the dogs eat you!" "Might they skin you!" "Might the Jews wear you as collars!" " What wrong?" " No horses!" "God be praised!" "Now and ever after." " Who's there?" " Christians." " Where are you coming from?" " From Chmielnicki." "Have you seen him?" "I'm..." "I'm blind, Sir." " And the boy?" " He saw him." "But he's deaf." "I'm the only one who understands him." "You dirty spies!" "You incite the serfs to revolt?" "Strip them naked, soldiers!" "And hang them!" "Strip!" "Give me that!" "Quick!" "Or I'll kill you!" "Sons of bitches!" "Drunkards!" "Trousers, quick!" "You're as good as dead." "Take them!" "My God!" "Jeremy's soldiers!" "That's the Prince!" "Get them!" "Go!" "They'll kill us!" "Fire!" "Kill!" "Viper!" "Princess..." "Hands off!" "Give me a quart of vodka." "A doctor!" "A doctor!" "He was a Jew, so they hanged him." "But I'm an expert." "Bohun!" "Bar!" "God be praised!" "We're here, my little one!" "And where did you come from?" " Why are you here?" " Me?" "I'm doctoring you." "You've lost much blood." "You were with me all the time?" "No one else knows the cures." "You're Skrzetuski's servant." "I'm nobody's servant anymore." "I joined the Cossacks." "I'll make you well." "And as for that... no hard feelings." "I know you're hot-tempered." "You witch... how come you're here?" "I saw you needed help." "Get up, war!" "You're his doctor?" "Good." "Get out!" "Leave." "Your girl is in the castle on the white rock" " over the water." " You're sure?" "I saw her." "KORSUÑ, May 26, 1648 the second defeat of the Polish troops" "Glory, brother Cossacks!" "You'll be escorted by Tartars, as the Prince likes impaling cossacks" " You're free." " No!" "I'm letting you go, though you'll fight against us." "If God gives me the strength." "To our fame and good luck!" "Away with misery!" "Kiss my hand!" "Why?" "Because I'm His Excellency!" "His Highness!" "Call me "magnate"!" "Because I'm drinking from a magnate's goblet!" " What?" " That is a chamber pot, you moron!" "For drinking" " in a chamber?" " It was used for pissing and shitting!" " That's a lie!" " I never lie!" "Even dogs shit outside!" "Quiet!" "It's our Hetman!" "Brother Atamans, I bring sorrowful news." "Our protector and benefactor King Wladislav IV" "is dead." "Let's decide, if we shall wait, until we gather our forces, or.." "Let's attack Jeremy!" "He's our enemy!" "Let's fight!" " Kill Jeremy!" " Impale him!" "Tuhay-bey has gone to the Crimea." "He'll be back in a month." "Should we go without the Tartars?" "To kill Jeremy!" "Let's write we do not want war, but respect for our rights." "A letter!" "Quiet!" "And who will deliver it?" "Who's the bravest?" "Who shouted, "Let's fight Jeremy"?" "I'll go." "What shall we write him?" " "You son of a bitch"!" " "You devil's offspring"!" " "You tyrant"." " That's good." "Very good." "But we shall write him this." ""Your Enlightened Excellency, Prince and Governor"." ""Therefore I'm asking you to forgive us for what we did with the commanders who attacked our forces." "Bohdan Chmielnicki, the Cossack Hetman"." "Arrest them." "We're the Hetman's envoys!" "The rebel's envoys." " We're envoys!" " It's an outrage!" "Remember that Chmielnicki let Skrzetuski go." "Skrzetuski was my envoy." "You're comparing me to a rebel?" "Let them feel they're dying." "What do you make of that letter?" "He's a sly fox, Your Excellency." "He's waiting for the Tartars to return from the Crimea." " We should move." " And such is my will." "But we mustn't underestimate Chmielnicki." "Potocki wanted to strife the rebellion." "They killed his son and took him prisoner." "We're alone." "No one will help us." "Chaos reigns after the King's death." "Bychowiec!" " Yes, Sir!" " Take 300 dragoons." "Escort my wife, the nobles and the Jews to Zamoœæ." "And hurry back." "Where to?" "You'll find us." "We shall make ourselves known in Ukraine." "I, Jeremy Wiœniowiecki," "Ruthenian Governor, Prince of £ubnie and Wiœniowiec, do solemnly pledge, before you, God in Trinity," "and before you, Virgin Mary, that having raised my sword against the roguery, I shall not until I pacify all of Ukraine, and drown all peasant rebellions in blood." "So help me God." "Amen." "Curse... on you..." "Poles..." "God in Heaven..." "Skrzetuski!" "John?" "Do you recognize me?" "John!" "Christ... he's gone insane." "Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come," "Thy will be done..." "Thy will be done..." "Thy will be done... on earth..." "as it is in Heaven." "Sir Michael!" "Take him on a scout." "Let the wind blow his woe away." "Search the village." "If you find stolen goods, chase away the women and children burn the house... and thank the" "peasants..." " Marauders ahead of us." " Let's go." "I'm a nobleman!" "Stop!" "Sons of bitches!" "Don't you dare!" "Zag³oba?" "Lord be praised!" "Mr. Zag³oba!" "He's alive!" "Our dearest friend!" "Let go!" "Don't break my bones!" "So much muscle and so little brain!" "Here you go again." "Phooey!" "I'm thirsty." "Why are you here?" "God's will." "The Princess asked me" " to find him." " Who?" "The Princess." "What?" "She's alive?" "She is, but let go before you shake my soul out." " Is she all right?" " A dry throat can't be choosy." "I'm talking about Helena!" "She's safe in Bar." "It's a mighty fortress." "Thank you... with all my heart." "God favors you, John." "Bar is ahead of us." "Horpyna!" "Horpyna!" "I was expecting you." "And is that your stud?" "My dog." "You devil!" " Can I trust them?" " Totally." "What's that?" "This?" "Unwelcome guests." "Don't be afraid of me." " Where am I?" " Safe." " Why are you persecuting me?" " I'm persecuting you?" "Sweet God..." "If you tell me, I won't move from the door." "Why do you hate me so?" "So much" " as to stab yourself?" " Death seemed more welcome." "Touch me, and I'll kill myself." " I prefer eternal damnation." " Don't worry." "To me, you're like a... church Madonna." "I'll look at you... feast my eyes... and leave." "Yurko..." "let me go." "You're not a prisoner here." "You're the mistress of the house." " Where would you go?" "There's war." " What have I done to you?" "I don't know." "But you've brought me harm." "If it weren't for you, I'd be free and famous now." "What do you want?" "I'm rich." "I'll give you half of Ukraine." "I'm not meant for you." "I saved you from disgrace in Bar." "You didn't." "You took the knife away." "If you weren't wounded," "I'd bring the priest today and be your husband tomorrow." "A peasant would whip you and take you without a priest." "You love that Pole..." "I'll get him and skin him alive!" "I'll throw his head to your feet!" "Horpyna..." "Horpyna!" " I killed her... help!" " Get out." "Out!" "Well then?" "She'll get well." "Don't let her out of your sight!" "No one will know she's here." "And the people you tell fortunes to?" "They wait there." "Out of fear." " You've seen the bones." " You killed them?" "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't." "Who wants their fortune told waits in the valley." "I'll read yours now." " And if you see something bad?" " You won't go." " I have to." "The Poles are coming." " And if they kill you?" "You tell me whether they will." "And if so, shall I wring her neck?" "Touch her, and no evil spirits will save you from my rage!" "They drowned me, shaved my head, and I'm still alive." "I like you, so she'll be safe with me." "If I get killed, tell her to forgive me." "And let her go." "Ungrateful girl..." "deaf to such a great passion." "I could never resist you." "Go to hell!" "Cheremys!" "Open the sluice!" "In the oaken wheel, in the white misty foam..." "Be you good or be you evil, appear!" "Appear!" "Appear!" "I see..." "What?" "Woods... corpses..." "hanged men... swung by wind..." "circled by ravens..." " Do you see me?" " No..." "In the oaken wheel..." "There you are!" "A fight... a small soldier..." "Beware of him." " And her?" " I can't see." "It's you again..." "a man who will betray you..." " Young or old?" " I can't see." "Old!" " He's already betrayed me." " There she is!" "All in white... above her..." " a falcon." " That's me?" "No, not you." "A falcon..." " No, a hawk!" " That's me." "Nothing but blood... wolves..." "corpses... ravens and wolves!" "Nothing but blood...corpses..." "Cheremys, shut the sluice." "It's time for me to go." "You won't even say," " "God speed"?" " God speed you." "I know you hate me." "What must I do?" "Set me free." "Not now." "There's war." "But when I return... you'll do what you please." "May Holy Mary change your soul.." "God speed." "POLISH TROOPS CAMP Pi³awce, September 1648" "Beware, peasant masses, the nobles will kick your asses!" "And look like jackasses!" "A battle is not for cattle!" " We'll drown Chmielnicki in blood" " Prepare the cannons!" "That's him!" "So, you're in mourning for a lady?" "Was she pretty?" "Wait!" "If she's pretty, she's alive." "Step back, my precious." "What?" "How dare you?" "Stop!" "Let's show them!" "Guns!" "That's violence!" "Aim!" "Only the strongest minds can't be weakened by vodka!" "The Prince awaits you." "Do you see what's happening?" "They want to defeat Chmielnicki with such scum." "I am not in command anymore." "They accused me of cruelty." "The commanders..." "Three damned weaklings." "No one to lead the army." "All the soldiers are ready to follow you." "And I'd be proclaimed a rebel." "We know nothing about the enemy." " I wonder why he called him." " The Prince wants him to forget his pain." "I didn't know the lady, but I mourn for her, too." "I saw her just once, but my heart weeps." " I loved her dearly." " And what can John say?" "And if she's alive?" " Bohun took Bar." " Maybe she survived." "Thousands died there." "He'd have found her, all right." "But if he did, he saved her" " and hid her." " But where?" " We're going on a scout." " Where?" "To Chmielnicki's camp." "The Prince wants to know his plans." "Brother Atamans, half of Poland is against us." "Their militia is a joke." "Unless Prince Jeremy is in command." "He's a monster." "Everyone fears him." "Except for me." "Yurko, we already know." "If you feared him, you wouldn't have taken Bar." "We must send a spy to the enemy camp." "Will you go?" "Yes!" "Cheers!" "Bring some tar!" "Good luck!" "Black like the night itself..." "Invisible to Polish eyes." "If we split, we'll have bigger chances." "I agree." "The squads leaders:" "me, you," "Sir Longinus, and Mr. Zag³oba." "Me?" "You or the sergeant." "I'm just sorry to part with you." "The rebels are dancing." "We'll join the fun." "Traitors!" "I'll have you all impaled for your crimes!" " They're innocent!" " Chmielnicki's scum!" "Have mercy!" "We've never seen him." "Spare us!" "We're having a wedding..." "Drink the newlyweds' health like the Bible says." "Don't think" "I'll be merciful when I'm drunk." "It's our wedding!" "God bless you and all the innocent creatures." "Amen." "In the name of the Father..." "I'm in hell." "Welcome..." "You don't recognize me  noble Sir?" "I do..." "How are you?" "Not bad... after the treatment you gave me in Roz³ogi." "Now it's my turn" " to look after you." " I didn't ask for such a doctor, but if it's God's will..." "I could've stabbed you, but I didn't." "I don't want to kill you." "I shall guard you... like the apple of my eye." "I'm so glad you took the girl to Bar." "That's where I found her." "I'd invite you to the wedding, but you might die of old age..." " To the wedding?" " I'm not a savage who takes a wife without a priest." "We'll be wed in Kiev." "Untie me!" "Lie down..." "You'll travel far." "You must rest." "You pig!" "I'll have you skinned," "I'll tear you to pieces!" "Guard the bastard, or I'll rip your heads off!" "Well..." "I'm a fine commander." " What the hell?" " He's not there?" " He vanished?" " God, have mercy!" " He's up there!" " Get down, noble Sir." "There's no way of escaping." "Be reasonable and come down." "Or we'll kill you!" "Watch out, he's got his saber." "He knows that if he touches me, Bohun will thank him." "Son of a bitch!" "Come on up, pig's children!" "Let me introduce you to my arm!" "You want to get me?" "To the roof, get him alive!" "Come here yourself!" "Or are you afraid, peasant?" "Get him!" "God has rewarded me for bravery." "She's alive..." "Jesus Christ..." "She's alive!" " You're sure?" " Bohun told me." "He slipped away." "I threatened him, and he told me everything." " I'd gladly swap brains with you." " But I wouldn't let you." "I'll find her." " He'll go to Kiev." " And I'll follow." "So will I." "And I'll scout you." "I, too, could be of some use." "Woe to us!" "What's wrong?" "Defeated without a battle!" "What?" " The end of Poland!" " Talk!" " They ran off!" " Impossible!" "By God!" "How did it happen?" ""Someone shouts, "Chmielnicki!", general panic." "Night of doom!" ""Where are the commanders?"" ""Traitors!"" "Jeremy shouts, "I'm here!"" "In vain!" "They trample everything the Prince escapes by miracle!" " The officers?" " Deserted!" " Where's the Prince?" " He went to Zbara¿." "Let's join him!" "Every soldier counts!" "To Zbara¿." "ZBARA¯ Prince Jeremy's stronghold" "Recognize his title?" " Never!" " Such is the will of the Senate." "The defeated are grateful for mercy, the victors will only mock you." "A rebellion must be drowned in blood!" "It's a civil war." "Brother against brother." "Only the Turks and Muscovy will profit from that." "We'll negotiate." "Over my dead body!" "You're bitter for not getting the baton yourself?" "Let me explain." "Your military talent deserved it, but if you were in command, you would bathe this wretched land in blood." "Senator!" "I might forget you're old!" "I'm not talking for myself." "I represent the entire Commonwealth." "What do you say?" "Excellency, as a Ruthenian I should vote for peace, but given the choice between dishonour and war, I say, war." "War, my brothers." "War!" "If you go against our will, you, not Chmielnicki, will be called a rebel." "You may leave." " What do you want?" " Excellency," "Let me go there with the envoys." "You are for the negotiations?" "No, Excellency." "I want to find my betrothed." " Time to part." " God speed, John." "Pity we can't go with you." "Farewell." "Phooey!" "Good bye!" "Let's go back." "Let's get a drink." "Your health!" "Some mead and more meat!" " Who's your candidate?" " Charles of Sweden." "More meat!" "I'm thirsty from talking." "Mead for us!" "Where's our meat?" "Sir Michael..." "Bohun." "Are you out of your mind?" "Where?" "Don't be afraid." "God has led him to us." "I think we've met." "At a wedding." "You left so fast," " we didn't even say good bye." " To your deep regret?" "I'm arresting you." "Why is that?" "Because you're a traitor, a rebel and a spy." "If you suggested a duel..." "But to such a threat I'll reply:" "I'm Hetman Chmielnicki's envoy." "I'm carrying a letter to Prince John Casimir." "Well... arrest me now." "Since you are an envoy..." "But don't be so eager to fight, as you have once fled from this very saber so fast you nearly lost your trousers." "I'm at your service." " You're challenging me?" " Here and now." "Gentlemen, you are the witnesses." "We didn't challenge the envoy!" "True!" "If you get lucky, Sir Cossack," "I am next in line." "I can assure you, noble Sir, that our swords will meet." "Let's not waste time." "You can get killed." "What happens to Helena?" " What do you want?" " To find her, when you're dead." "But if I'm the lucky one, you'll leave her be?" "We can't promise that." "Why?" "Sir John isn't here." " We'll look for her." " So, that's your plan, my Polish gentlemen?" "To rob the Cossack of his soul and pierce him with a sword?" "Why should I be the one to die, and not you?" "Do your best," " or he'll kill me." " You challenged him." " Too late for regrets." " Come, please." "I can't wait to butcher that hog." "Ready..." " Sir Knight?" " Ready." "In the name of God!" "Get up!" "Well, I'll be damned." "Michael!" "You're a dear!" "In the name of God, don't leave him to die." "I'm old," " I can't carry him." " We won't let him perish here." "Take him to the tavern, prepare a dressing for his wound It'll make his death easier." "So... we've slain Bohun." ""We"?" "CHMIELNICKI'S HEADQUARTERS February 1649" "Drink, brothers!" "You're not eating?" "Your noble throats are too delicate?" "We can broaden them!" "You're giving me the baton far too late." "You've missed your chance." "Now we are powerful." "This war will ruin both sides." "True!" "You're lying!" "Ruin awaits you, not us." "We're of the same blood." "You're a traitor!" "Quiet!" "Quiet." "There are no nobles or priests in our land." "Our authority, our religion." "If you respect our terms, we'll have peace." "Otherwise prepare for war." "Right, brothers?" "War!" "Let's drink to that." "They say I drink Polish blood, but I prefer wine and vodka." "Skrzetuski?" "I like you." "Not for saving my life, but for grabbing Czapliñski by his neck and throwing him in the mud." " How can I repay you?" " A duel with Bohun." "I sent him with some letters." "Why?" "He kidnapped and hid my betrothed." "My men will help you look for her, and when Bohun returns, I'll order him to stand against you." "Well then..." "Let fate settle your argument." "God rest Bohun's soul." "It's the third time we drink to that." " The third?" " The third." "Well then, to the arm that killed him." " We drank to that." " Really?" "In that case, let's start all over again." "To Skrzetuski!" "No, to Helena." "God, let him find her." "And if he needs our help in Kiev?" " To Kiev!" " To Kiev!" "To Kiev, brothers..." "You won't find three heads there and your own will be of little use." "Nobody forgets a human giraffe, having seen one." "You'll be recognized." "Lord be praised." "Good Heavens, it's Rzêdzian!" "The very same." "Greetings." " And where's my master?" " Your master?" " In Kiev, in search of Helena." " In what Kiev?" " The city." " Are you joking?" "She's in a witch's lair in the Devil's Valley." "And who told you that she was there?" "What do you mean who?" "Bohun." "Have you lost your marble?" "Which Bohun?" ""Which Bohun"?" "As if you didn't know." "He is alive?" "!" "Answer!" "You're choking me!" "Speak!" "Why shouldn't he be alive?" "He told me how Sir Michael" " slashed him." " A man of iron." "And he told you that he hid the girl?" " You're choking me..." " Speak!" "What do you want from me?" "I'm not a bandit!" "Let go of him, or he won't tell us anything!" "Let me catch my breath." " Speak." " I'm hungry." "Not bad." "Will you speak?" "!" "You needn't get so angry." "I'll speak." "You order, I obey." " After all, I'm a servant." " Start talking!" "Remember how Bohun knocked me unconscious?" "I saw it with my own eyes." "I nearly died." "Then Chmielnicki came there." "When they started to pile up the loot from the battles..." "My heart ached." "They sold golden buttons for half a quart of vodka." "So I seized the opportunity." "I bought silver, gold, stones..." " Tell us about Bohun!" " All right." "He came there, wounded." "I decided to find out about the girl So I offered my medical expertise." "That's how I won his trust." "He told me you'd ran off with Helena." "Then he left, and I went home to see my parent my 90-year-old grandpapa..." "Wait..." "Am I right?" "No, he's 91 ." "Or 900, for all I care!" "God keep him in good health." "Thank you for the kind words." "They were so happy with my gifts..." "We have a trial with the Jaworskis for a pear-tree that has branches over both families' fields." "When the Jaworskis shake the tree, our pears come down, too." "And they claim to own the fruit on the balk." "If this is the balk..." "Get to the point, you swain!" "I beg your pardon." "Don't call me that." "I'm of noble blood... though I'm poor." "The trial started 50 years ago." "See for yourselves." "This is the balk." "Some pears must be ours and some theirs..." "All right, my precious." "But tell us about Bohun, not about pears." "About Bohun?" "Yes, why not?" "We found a way to ruin the Jaworskis, and I..." "I decided to go back to my master." "The Prince stopped at Zbara¿." "So I set off to Zbara¿, too." "I rode and rode and rode..." " And you met Bohun?" "!" " How did you know?" "He was glad to see me, as I pretend to be his friend." "He said, "God sends you." "I shan't die." "Dress my wounds, they opened again"." "At first I wanted to stab him." "But then I thought," ""It's not a noble thing to butcher an ill man like he was a pig"." "And Bohun said, "Escort me back." "I'm ill, the road is not safe"." "I became all ears." ""Back to where?"" ""To the banks of the Dnester." "I hid her there"." "My heart stopped." ""The Princess?", I asked." ""That's right", he said." " Faster, for God's sake!" " Make haste slowly." "I decided not to give myself away." "So I said," ""And what if she isn't there?" He said Horpyna was waiting for him or someone with his baton." "He begged and begged me, and I saw he really loved her." "So I forgave him the wrong he'd done to me." "And then what?" "Nothing." "I stole his baton." "And I rushed here." "You're getting pretty for our ataman?" "He's a good man." "And you should be good to him." "He's like a falcon..." "he's strong..." "He'll make you happy." "If it weren't for Bohun..." "I hope God protects us." "I'm terrified." "I have the stake and silver bullet." "Do you know any spells?" " Go first." " What?" "That's out of the question." "Go, you sluggard!" "Horpyna!" " Who are you?" " See this?" "Where's Bohun?" "Wounded." " I've seen you." " Then you know me." "Watch out for the midget." "He's a good shot." "Oh, dear..." "Give me that!" "I've seen you..." "Sir John is looking for me in Kiev?" "That's why he isn't with us." " So he hasn't forgotten." " Whoever sees you, never forgets." "Look at this officer." "Your beauty's made him dumb." "My little girl, remember how we escaped" "Bohun, on foot?" "You even carried me in your arms." "You'll soon carry something in Sir John will see to that." "Stop talking nonsense." " Her beauty is like wine." " Don't gawk at her like that, you can only dream about her." "Christ..." "Rzêdzian!" "Go first, take the lady!" "Go into the woods!" "Sir Michael!" "My horse is slowing down!" "Jump off and run!" "Sir Michael!" " My dear Sir!" " Where are you?" "Don't leave me!" " Help!" " Where are you?" "Here!" "That's the end of me!" "Help!" "Quiet, maybe they'll ride on." " Kill the heathens!" " Our people?" "Yes!" "Kill!" "Murder!" "Kill the sons of bitches!" " Slaughter!" " Dearest friend!" "God has sent you and your troops, my dear Longinus." "Hell..." "I've said good bye to life." "How's the Princess?" " They might turn back." " They can't... the Tartars." "All in vain..." "We've lost my little girl." "Rzêdzian is an expert at saving" " his own hide." " Is John in Zbara¿?" " Yes." "What do we tell him?" " That's the problem." "He thinks she's dead." "Tell him nothing." "If she gets hurt, he'll go mad." "Not a word!" "ZBARA¯ July 10, 1649" "It seems we have company." "They say there's half a million of them." "Why did God give you a tongue?" "Head-cutting is much easier during a siege." "Don't shoot!" "Don't shoot!" " A message from Chmielnicki!" " I'm listening." "I'll repeat his words." "Go on." "He wants to pay you a visit." " Expect him at the castle tomorrow." " The feast is today, not tomorrow." "You wished to see me, illustrious Khan?" "What's happening there?" "Prince Jeremy is giving a party, Your Highness." "Allah's will." "He has a lion's heart." "I'd rather be his ally than yours." " Tomorrow all of this will be mine?" " Tomorrow they will all be dead." "Allah be praised." "Subaghazi." "I hate crowds." "Forward!" "To the glory!" "Jesus Christ!" "Help!" "Let go, swine!" "Let me go, and I'll spare you!" "I've captured a banner!" "I really have." "I didn't know how brave I was." "Be glad I'm not in command, you pigs!" "I've captured a banner in this battle!" "Face the cavalry!" "Speak." "Oh, mightiest of Khans..." " Did the fortress fall?" " Allah didn't want it." " The Poles?" " Victorious." " Chmielnicki?" " Defeated." " Tuhay-bey?" " Wounded." "Allah's will." "Traitor!" "No, not a traitor, the Cossack Hetman." "You said I'd feast at the castle." "Jeremy didn't tremble at your sight?" "How could I predict that?" "What good is your power and fame, if they say a Polish Prince disgraced the Crimean Khan?" "Jeremy will fall on his knees, and I'll use him as my footstool." "No one shall say that an infidel dog disgraced me." "How much longer will the infidel dogs mock me?" "Hunger will make them meek." "Before they eat their last horse the King will come to the relief." "Give the order to attack." "Give me your janizaries, so that my troops" " fight with more enthusiasm." " Subaghazi, you'll lead the janizaries." " You have spoken." " Thank you." "I'll give the orders right away." " Subaghazi?" " Yes, oh mighty Lord?" "Our troops didn't come here to die." "If you surprise the infidels, charge." "If not, the drum will give a signal to retreat." "My bravery depends on three factors: food, wine and sleep." "We can't eat or drink, so let's sleep." "What?" "Sleep?" "We should keep guard." " They won't attack at night." " Hush!" "They're coming." "I hear a drum..." "The Cossacks or the janizaries." "To arms." "Well, I hear" " you're celebrating." " He fulfilled his vow!" "So, your race won't perish." "They come to congratulate, but no one offers food or drink." "Food is scarce, but drinks..." " Shame on you, beggar." " I'm not begging." "It's impolite to reject such a kind invitation." "I can't offer food, even horse meat is scarce." "But I have two bottles of vodka." "Be my guests." "When the King arrives, we'll inspect the militia carts." "The militia priority is a full belly." "The King is our last hope." "We've run out of provisions, and gunpowder won't last long." "Don't spread that news." "The King doesn't know we're starving." "Even a mouse can't squeeze its way out." "I'll go." "What are you saying?" "It's necessary to inform the King about our situation." "I thought, "God let me fulfill my vow, so I should offer to go"." "That's impossible!" "God will guide me through." "And if not..." "He'll reward me in Heaven." " So I'll go." " With me." "And me." "Let's see the Prince." "All together?" "It's their idea, not mine." "You're not going?" "I didn't say I wasn't." "I don't want to." "God punished me with them, it's a life long sentence." "Bravery should not degenerate into madness." "I hope you'll prevent that." "You're a good friend, but I'll shatter your hope." "I accept your sacrifice." "I tried, but failed." "One of you will go first." "If he dies, we'll send another," " and so on." " Excellency..." "That an order." "Who offered to go first?" "I, Sir." "Go." "Tell the King what you've seen here." "Kyrie eleison, Chryste eleison, Christ, hear our prayers..." "Morning Star..." "Queen of Angels..." "My God..." "Jesus Christ!" "Someone is there!" "A corpse." "They swell and come up." "You have no prisoners?" "Just the local peasants, who know nothing." "Advise me." "We have to wait." "Wait, you say?" "Until Zbara¿ falls?" "Prince Jeremy is said to be a great warrior." "He'll last a little longer." "When the commoners learn about your presence here, their rebellion will melt away like snow in the sun." "And this is your advice?" "It's good for nothing!" "We set out for Zbara¿ tomorrow." "If Chmielnicki is there with Tartar troops only, we could try." "But if he is backed by the Khan's army, we'll perish." "In a normal country the king is the ruler, who makes financial and military decisions." "Here, I can't say anything without the parliament's or nobles' consent!" "Your Majesty," " an officer from Zbara¿!" " Bring him in." "Who are you?" "From Zbara¿." "Sit him on the chair." "Can you talk?" "Name?" "Lieutenant John Skrzetuski." "How's the army?" "Starved, short of gunpowder." " Is the Khan's there?" " With all his troops." "And Jeremy managed to survive?" "Enough!" "Khan or no Khan, the militia ready or not, we're marching out today!" "I'm your debtor." " Your Majesty..." " Feed him and call a doctor." " We leave at dawn." " There's no time to load the carts!" "If you value the carts more than your country, stay." "Blow the trumpets!" "Rzêdzian?" "Or is it your ghost?" "Goodness me, master!" " I thought you'd never wake." " Where am I?" " In the royal castle." " And the King?" " On his way to Zbara¿." " Thank God." "The goods they've given you..." "Great riches." "Master..." "Only you could dare it." "Sir Longinus tried, but they killed him." "Goodness me..." "They managed to kill him in spite of his strength?" "With arrows." "And Sir Michael..." "and Mr. Zag³oba?" "They were alive when I left." "Water." "Thank God you haven't lost such friends." "When we ran into Tartars, I lost all hope." "You were there with them?" " They didn't tell me." " They couldn't." "That damned doctor forbade me to tell you..." "He said, "I'm going to Zbara¿, and you keep your mouth shut or your master will die"." "Rzêdzian?" " How did you get here?" " You see..." "When the Tartars attacked us, the two officers stayed, and I" "I thought you were more loyal." "If there'd been only the three of us," "I would have stayed, but the fourth..." "The doctor's orders..." "Who was with you?" "!" "But the doctor..." "Who?" "!" "Ah, it's you." "What's happening?" "Peace." "You'll let Jeremy go?" "The Khan betrayed us." "He signed a treaty with the King." "Brothers!" "Defend our Cossack fame!" "Stop!" "Follow me!" "Stop!" "To arms!" "Fire!" "My little girl!" "John!" "Honey!" "You know how famous you are?" " May God send you all the best!" " I'll never repay you." "Peace at last." "Time for a wedding." "The Prince himself will give you away." "A wedding!" "You did well, you little bastard!" "You're choking me!" "You needn't fear anything now." "He charged at us all alone." "Jeremy spared him." "He's yours." "You decide." "Master, let me torture him." "You'll just finish him off." "You're free." "You know I'll go back to Chmielnicki." "The wars continued." "A wave of destruction swept across Poland and Ukraine." "Hatred poisoned the hearts of two brother nations." "150 years later Catherine II of Russia conquered the Crimean Khanate, put an end to the Cossack Siet and brought forth the agony of the Polish Commonwealth."