"THE DELUGE" "Screenplay based on novel by Nobel Prize Winner Henryk Sienkiewicz" "Cast" "Music" "Production Manager" "Photography" "Directed by" "Oh, Jesus!" "Hey, anybody here?" "Hey, people!" "Quiet!" "Hey, peasant!" "Peasant!" "We're neither peasants nor nobility!" "Forgive me, brother!" "Which way leads to Lyubich and Vodokzy?" "Lyubich is left at the cross in the road." "And Vodokzy is straight ahead past Parsuneli." "Thanks!" "You'll go to Lyubich!" "Move on!" "So long, Jedrus!" "Where is your mistress?" "Here I am." "I am Andrzej Kmicic." "I haven't been to Lyubich, yet but I hastened like a bird to bow down at your feet." "The wind, God grant it, brought me here straight from the camp." "Did you know of the death of my grandfather?" "I mourned with hot tears the death of my benefactor." "He promised me Lyubich, and your ladyship." "But you keep turning away from me so that I haven't even gotten a good look at you." "Oh, how nice it is to receive such a dear inheritance." "I'll dedicate a hundred masses to him for this." "When will the wedding take place?" "Not anytime soon." "I am not yours, yet." "But you will be, even if I have to burn this manor down." "You are mine by the deceased's will, and by your heart." "I'm not sure about my heart..." "If you weren't, I would gut myself with a knife." "You say that laughing." "Let's go into the reception room." "Auntie will take care of supper." "Who's aunt?" "Mine." "Well then, she's mine, too." "I am the aunt." "I would've been here sooner, but war is unlike a mother." "It weds men only with death." "You couldn't have been in much of a hurry." "The squadrons came back long ago." "After the lost battle, I stayed there myself to prowl the enemy, and made them so bitter that there's a price on my head." "What a splendid half-goose!" "In the name of the father and son..." "The enemy took refuge in the towns since winter is so bitter." "My men are as ragged as used brooms." "The Hetman assigned us some winter quarters." "I invited the officers to Lyubich." "They'll come tomorrow beating their heads." "Drink, I beg you." "I would even drink poison from your hands." "To you health!" "Dear God..." "The more I look, the more I want to marry you." "When is the wedding?" "It is not becoming to talk of that before the end of the morning." "I will dry up like a chip before that time." "My late grandfather was right, saying you're hot as a fever!" "You must get used to that." "And you should forget it, since it cannot be so!" "You'll be dragging me around on a leash!" "You're not the type to get dragged around on a leash!" "Oh really?" "Do you know how many times the priests at the monastery drilled me to remember the smart maxims?" "And which one do you remember most?" "When you're in love, fall to your knees." "Like this." "Let me go, or I'll be angry." "And my aunt might come in." "If a whole squadron of aunts came in I wouldn't forbid myself the pleasure!" "You are a traitor!" "A Judas!" "Not true, for when I kiss you, it is with sincerity!" "Would you like to be convinced?" "Don't you dare!" "In our land, we say, Ask and if they won't give, take it for yourself." "It's time for me to go." "It's late." "It's a long way to Lyubich, with plenty of wolves." "We will pay you a visit tomorrow with the entire company." "Good night." "God speed." "Oh, Auntie!" "Auntie..." "Sons of bitches!" "Jedrus!" "To my girl's health!" "Chug!" "Chug!" "Chug!" "Chug!" "So how does she look?" "Is she pretty, Jedrus?" "There isn't another like her in the entire world!" "How lucky you are, Jedrus!" "You have someone to cling your head to." "When is the wedding?" "When the morning is over!" "Nonetheless..." "children are not born black, but..." "White!" "Don't you understand?" "White!" "Hurry, hurry, Jedrus!" "The babies in Heaven are eager to be born!" "Don't make the poor things wait for too long." "We'll get drunk out of our minds at the wedding!" "But you can't throw us out!" "Relax!" "What's mine is yours!" "To the health of grandfather Billevich for giving you Lyubich!" "Stupid!" "Drinking to the health of a dead man?" "Stupid, fool!" "Stupid!" "Jedrus!" "We'll even sleep on pea straw." "Just don't drive us out." "Don't worry, Rekuc." "What's mine is yours." "Jedrus won't leave us alone!" "Where will we go?" "We'll go to Jedrus!" "He went like this, and I like that!" "He like this, and I like that!" "One, two..." "Three!" "Swing all you like!" "You'll never equal Jedrus!" "No one will ever equal him!" "No one!" "Jedrus, cut!" "Cut!" "No one can stand before him!" "You won't win against me with a pistol!" "Again?" "One ducat per shot!" "Two!" "Between the antlers!" "Three!" "Five ducats!" "Pistols!" "Right in the skull, between the antlers!" "He missed!" "My turn!" "Right in the middle!" "Bravo, Jedrus, bravo!" "Give it to me!" "Between the antlers!" "Strike!" "Kill!" "Sabers!" "Strike!" "Cut!" "Kill!" "Get the ears!" "Get the ears!" "Girls!" "Oh, Christ!" "Christ!" "Where are Rekuc and Kulvyets?" "They're still sleeping!" "So wake them up!" "I hope people don't talk." "My reputation is at stake, here." "Go hang yourself and your reputation." "It's good for nothing just like ours!" "And who dragged Sir Tumgart in the snow with horses?" "Who broke up the last provincial diets?" "Sir Tumgart forgave me when he was dying." "And all the others, as far as duels are concerned that can happen to the most innocent." "Yeah, I haven't told everyone yet!" "Shut your mouth!" "Or I'll blame it all on you!" "What?" "I told the girls and servants that if a word is said I'll have them beaten with belts!" "Do you love me?" "I love you as I love my soul." "Polkovnik!" "Stop!" "Polkovnik!" "That's one of my soldiers." "Something must have happened." "Polkovnik, the town is on fire." "They're fighting." "Don't worry." "Who's fighting?" "They didn't want to give supplies." "The soldiers started taking it by force." "We besieged the Mayor, and they began firing." "We burnt down two houses." "Now, there's terrible chaos, and the bells are ringing." "We must go to the rescue!" "We need soldiers!" "Silence!" "Get my horse!" "There is no need for you there!" "No need for slashing!" "Go back to Lyubich, and wait for me!" "But Jedrus..." "Not a word!" "Be well, Olenka." "Our party was not a success." "Be well and peaceful." "We would like to pay our respects to Sir Kmicic but it seems like he hasn't come back, yet." "I think he should be back, soon." "He will be very glad to see you, my guardians." "Have you spoken about marriage?" "Sir Kmicic wishes it as soon as possible." "Of course." "Why shouldn't he?" "He is not a fool." "Father Kassyan, say what you have on your tongue." "Do not doze like a rabbit at midday under a ridge." "I am not dozing." "I am only thinking what to say." "Then say what you think." "What I think?" "This is what I think." "Sir Kmicic is a soldier of great fame." "He alone opposed the enemy when everyone else had dropped their hands." "God give us as many such men as possible." "But the company he keeps is worthless." "The first day in Lyubich, they started firing their pistols and at what?" "At portraits of the dead Billewiches!" "Oh Christ." "Sir Kmicic should have put a stop to it for they are his benefactors." "It can't be." "It can't be." "It can, because it happened." "And then they dragged the girls of the house into the room for debauchery." "An offense against God." "Such things have never happened there before." "On the first day, they began with shooting and debauchery!" "The first day!" "Shame and disgrace!" "I thought they had gone wild because of war but now I see they're brutes, staining themselves and him." "We do not blame Sir Kmicic." "We know it is they who tempt him." "That much is known." "He is young and foolish." "Most serene, great, and mighty lady we were astonished not to be let into the house." "I am not, for it is Sunday and I did not see you gentlemen at church." "Most serene, great, and mighty lady... we have come to fall at our benefactress' feet and beg you for help." "We'd like you to order your servants to come with us, armed with rifles." "We will take the town by storm and draw a little blood." "I heard myself how Sir Kmicic commanded you to stay quietly in Lyubich." "It seems to me like he's there to command and you're here to obey." "One would think you were speaking to Sir Kmicic's lackeys." "This is the fourth day Jedrus has been away!" "Sir Kmicic did not go to battle." "He went to punish turbulent soldiers." "I won't give my servants." "How come?" "You won't give?" "For Kmicic?" "You won't spare any help for Jedrus' rescue?" "Do you prefer that some evil fall upon him?" "The only evil that might fall upon him, is your company." "You won't be coming in here." "Be off." "If it were not for Kmicic we would deal with her in our own fashion." "Go ahead." "Go up against Kmicic." "I'll go up against him and you!" "Anytime!" "Okay." "I'll smash the head of the first man who draws his saber!" "Let's drink some vodka, because it's cold!" "From Lyubich?" "Yes." "They're Kmicic's company." "Is that them?" "Again?" "It smells like mead." "I don't want vodka, give me some mead." "Girls, sitting by the fire." "Yes..." "As true as I live." "I wonder what they're doing there?" "Maybe they came here to dance?" "Wait a minute." "We'll see." "What are you doing, ladies?" "Warming our legs." "Warming." "Their legs!" "Those are very pretty feet, indeed!" "I have a better method of warming frozen feet." "Dancing will get rid of that frost!" "We don't need fiddles nor bass." "I'll play for you on the flageolet." "If your grace wants to dance, then dance with me." "And who are you?" "Are you looking for bruises?" "Enough talking." "Get out of here!" "Get out of here!" "I was so worried!" "Oh, my sweetest!" "I was afraid it might turn into a battle." "Not much of a battle!" "The soldiers quieted a few townsmen." "How did they quiet them?" "A saber on the head, and they're quiet as a coward." "God!" "That's murder!" "The people sent for help." "A few stupid fellows came with some officers." "I frightened those men away, but the officers..." "I ordered them chased naked through the snow with braided whips!" "You have neither shame, nor conscience!" "Are you speaking seriously, or just pretending?" "The courts will pursue you!" "Don't worry about that." "Every man is a lord in our Republic as long as he has a sword, and any sort of party." "What will they do to me?" "Who am I afraid of?" "If you are not afraid of anything then know that I fear God's anger, and people's tears!" "You think I don't know what you did in Lyubich?" "Who told you that?" "All the nobles in the district are talking of it!" "I will pay those homespuns for their good will." "But that happened while we were drunk." "I know that those brazen ruffians those murderers persuade you to do everything." "They are not murderers, they are my officers!" "I commanded those officers of yours to leave my house!" "You ordered them to leave?" "Yes." "And they left?" "Yes." "Good God!" "You have the courage of a knight!" "They do have manners before Kmicic!" "You see?" "They left like lambs!" "And do you know why?" "Because they fear me!" "You have to choose between them and I!" "Why should I choose when I have them and you?" "I will not marry a man weighed down by tears and blood!" "Do not make me furious!" "What do you want from me?" "Be honest!" "Farewell." "Good God!" "Do you want me to drop dead?" "Olenka..." "Olenka, don't cry." "For God's sake, don't cry." "I'll send them away." "I'll come to terms with them." "I'll live differently." "I'll be different." "Hey, anyone here?" "Are they drunk, or what?" "Rekuc!" "Rekuc, it's me." "Rekuc!" "Jedrus... a priest." "Who killed you?" "Who killed you?" "The Butryms..." "Farewell!" "Olenka, Olenka, wake up!" "Volmontovichi is burning!" "What a disaster!" "What?" "Volmontovichi is burning!" "Jesus!" "You hear?" "Jesus Christ!" "Holy John the Baptist, pray for us!" "Pray for us!" "Holy Joseph..." "Pray for us!" "All saints and patriarchs..." "Pray for them!" "From evil death..." "Save us, O Lord!" "From the tortures of Hell..." "Save us, O Lord!" "From all evil..." "Open the door." "My horse fell in the forest." "I'm being pursued!" "It is you who burned Volmontovichi!" "I..." "The devils are after my soul." "Fine..." "Close the gate, and go to the servant's hall!" "You go in there!" "Open up!" "What's going on?" "What do you want?" "Kmicic has burned down Volmontovichi!" "He murdered men, women, and children!" "Kmicic did it!" "We killed his men." "Now we want his head!" "Go after him." "Why are you standing around?" "Go after him!" "Is he not here?" "We found his horse in the woods." "He's not here." "The house was closed." "Look for him in the stables and barns!" "He went off into the woods!" "After him, brothers!" "Wait!" "My lady, do not conceal him." "He is a cursed man!" "I curse him, too." "Amen." "Come out!" "Take the horse and leave!" "Olenka..." "There is blood on your hands, like Cain's!" "Be gone forever!" "It is rare, indeed, to find people as honest as you." "I'm even more at ease here than in Keydani." "It is we who should thank you that your grace was willing to stay with us even though the Hetman's court has much better doctors." "Oh, don't mention it." "All that matters is that my hand is finally fit to use a saber again." "That's splendid indeed, since I heard that you've received a letter from the Hetman saying that in the spring, our men will march again." "That's what I wanted to talk to you about." "The Hetman has sent letters for new conscriptions for me and for Kmicic." "He is a cursed man." "He will not come back here, except maybe for death!" "Will you go under my command?" "Polkovnik, we're already under your command since you were deputy to Sir Billevich, may he rest in peace." "If it were not for you, no one would have survived!" "The Hetman is terribly worried about your horses." "Our horses are good." "You can ride for three days, and they won't get tired." "But they're a small breed, and the people here are so tall." "If you were to form a line on such horses it would look like a squadron sitting on dogs!" "Polkovnik!" "Kmicic has kidnapped the lady!" "Strange that he's dared to stop here!" "It seems like he trusts his power." "How many roads lead to this manor?" "Just this one." "That's good." "Follow me!" "Hide behind the carts!" "To the manor!" "To the doors!" "Break them down with axes!" "Stop!" "Listen!" "Stop it, will you?" "Let's talk!" "Stop!" "Who's speaking?" "The Banneret of Orsha, Kmicic." "And whom am I speaking with?" "Polkovnik Micheal Wolodyjowski." "I greet you!" "This is no time for greetings!" "What do you want?" "You bandit!" "There are people with me who have an account to settle with you for robbery for innocently spilled blood, and for the kidnapped lady!" "You have to yield your life!" "You would not call me a bandit a second time if it were not for this door between us!" "Then open it!" "Listen to me well!" "I have a barrel of gun powder here with me!" "If you do not let me go, I'll blow up the house along with everyone in here, including myself!" "He's a madman!" "He's ready to do what he says!" "Come out here with your saber!" "If you put me down, you can go free!" "Do I have the word of a knight that I'll go free?" "Yes, you do!" "That can't be!" "Quiet!" "If you don't like it then you can blow up here along with him!" "So?" "Do the gray coats agree?" "Yes, and they will swear on their swords, if you wish!" "Let them swear!" "Come together, gentlemen, come together!" "I take all of you as witnesses that I have challenged Sir Kmicic the Banneret of Orsha, to a duel." "And promised him, that if he puts me down he may go free, without any obstacle from you." "Swear it!" "I swear, by the Almighty God and the Holy Cross!" "Amen!" "Well?" "Come out!" "Come out!" "I have put my trust in you." "Who is Polkovnik Wolodyjowski?" "I am." "Oh, you don't look like a giant." "Where shall we fight?" "Here!" "Agreed." "I feel sorry for you, since I've heard that you're a splendid soldier." "Therefore I'll say this one more time, let me go." "Stand your ground!" "You asked for it." "Maybe you would like to wait for it to stop raining?" "It makes no difference to me." "It's a pity to die in such rain." "They'll be burying a polkovnik, so they sky is weeping!" "Stand your ground!" "You swing that like a flail!" "Pick it up!" "Pick it up!" "Just finish it!" "Spare me the shame!" "Let me go!" "He's still alive!" "He's alive!" "He hasn't fallen on his back!" "He's mine, now!" "Not yours!" "I don't want any shambles here!" "Knightly customs!" "We don't slaughter the wounded!" "Dress his wounds!" "Dress his wounds!" "My lady, you are now free!" "Polkovnik Michael Wolodyjowski, at your service!" "Is he dead?" "Don't worry, Kmicic is Iying out there, lifeless." "I am not trying to brag, but I did it!" "For God's sake, answer me!" "Is he dead?" "Kmicic?" "Wounded." "Thank you." "I have come to inquire if you bear ill feelings towards me." "Thank you, your grace, for coming to see me." "I bear no ill feelings because barely anyone can overcome me." "So you're that famous Michael Wolodyjowski!" "Actually, I am Jerzy Michael but since Saint Jerzy only slew the dragon while Saint Michael leads the whole host of Heaven I prefer him as my patron." "It is obvious that Jerzy is nowhere near Michael's equal." "You are probably astonished that I came out alive." "Well, all is not lost you can finish me off whenever you wish." "I did not come here with that intent." "How is your health... your grace?" "I barely came out of it." "When did you learn so much?" "During the wars." "Now they are crushing me with lawsuits." "I did burn down Volmontovichi, that's true." "And people were cut down." "But I also found my company slain like cattle!" "And why?" "Because they wanted to dance with some women!" "As for the kidnapping in truth, she saved my life when I was being hounded but then threw me out, so what was I to do?" "I'll tell you something." "She still loves you." "And how do you know she loves me?" "Because I have eyes." "I saw how she looked at you when you were brought in after the duel!" "She loves you." "If you don't understand that then it's because your reason and your mind are impaired!" "I said she loves you." "I didn't say she wants you." "There's war now." "You can render important services for your country." "You can win with glory, and mend your reputation." "You speak like a sincere friend." "I am not your friend, but I feel sorry for the lady." "And if I persuade you to do the right thing then that will be a good service on my part since you're a good and experienced soldier." "If there's time for me to do the right thing..." "I shall go from bed to court." "And here is the remedy for that." "A letter from the Hetman?" "Which orders you to recruit men, and form a squadron." "If you serve your country, the nobles will forgive you." "The Hetman gave me the choice of giving you this letter, or not." "And what did you decide?" "To give you this letter." "I am very glad to see you." "I would walk into fire after you." "Don't mention it." "This is Sir Andrzej Kmicic, the Banneret of Orsha." "I greet you all, noble gentlemen." "Do you know why we were summoned here?" "Well, most probably to take the field soon but I'm not sure quiet yet." "The Hetman asks you to enter, gentlemen." "The Hetman would like you to enter, gentlemen!" "Forgive me, gentlemen, for making you wait." "But now, my time and attention is being pulled at from all sides." "I asked you here to talk of some troubling news." "On top of the old, there is now a new war." "The Swedes have broken the truce!" "This is a beautiful country, with beautiful people." "There is no lack of quarreling magnates who are reluctant to support the King." "What is the news from the Polish camp?" "The nobles are gathering themselves very slowly." "Maybe it would be better to wait until King Carol Gustav arrives with the entire army." "If they had a regular army, I would suggest we wait." "But I know this country very well." "There is no regular army." "The King is weak, and deprived of financial means." "Our forces are enough to handle the nobles." "So I can say that this is already our land." "You may, your grace, you may." "At Kircholm, 3,000 Polish cavalry troops smashed 14,000 of our soldiers." "Yes, but those were Hussars." "We'll be going up against the home guard, this time." "Our country has been murdered!" "Treason!" "This is treason!" "Horrible treason!" "A group of our soldiers was running across the camp and nothing could be done about it." "So with my horse's last breath, I came here to Keydani to serve under such a great warrior." "I've marched many times with Polkovnik Wolodyjowski and this reminds me of the old days." "I am truly glad, that in these difficult times God has sent me such a famous soldier." "It is good that you have come here because no service today will remain unrewarded!" "You, too, Polkovnik Wolodyjowski." "I haven't earned anything, yet." "Leave that to me." "He who links his fortune, for good or bad with the Radziwills, will never perish." "I invite you to the feast tonight." "Now, I won't detain you any longer because work is calling." "Ganchof!" "Yes, your Highness?" "What are people saying?" "Everyone is waiting for the order to move out." "Only the Polkovniks are surprised that they've been summoned without their squadrons." "Have all the nobles arrived?" "The most important houses are already here." "Ask Kmicic to come in." "Did you bring the squadron?" "According to your orders, your Highness." "Are your men reliable?" "They are ready to go into the fires of Hell." "Good." "I need men like that." "And like you." "Ready for anything." "Times will get so tough, that even the most faithful might waver." "Whoever deserts your Highness in times of danger should perish a terrible death!" "Miss Billewich is here." "I've sent for her on purpose so that your misunderstanding could be resolved." "How can I repay you, your Highness?" "How?" "Have trust in me!" "Believe that what I do, is for the public good." "Do not desert me, when you see others desert me." "I swear." "Swear on this cross that you won't desert me until your death!" "Swear on the passion of Christ!" "I swear on the passion of Christ!" "I greet you all, gentlemen!" "It is good that you've all come." "We need great strength to save our country and support my efforts to reach that goal!" "I drink to your health!" "Polkovniks!" "Love of the country is our Suprema Lex!" "Long live our Hetman!" "When I lay near death on the bed, I said to myself You will not take her by force, with a saber and fire but you will deserve her only with honorable deeds." "I will win glory during war, and make peace with people." "Do you not have a good word for me?" "Can I believe you?" "You have to!" "You should." "If the Hetman and Polkovnik Wolodyjowski believed in me then why shouldn't you?" "Because I have seen people's tears, as a result of your deeds." "And graves not yet overgrown with grass." "The grass will grow." "And I'll wipe the tears off myself." "Do that first." "At least give me some hope." "The Hetman is to speak." "Gracious gentlemen." "Many of you will be astonished or simply terrified by this toast." "But whoever trusts and believes me whoever wants good for our country whoever is a faithful friend of the Radziwill household will get up voluntarily and repeat after me Long live Carolus Gustavus King of Sweden!" "From this day forth, our gracious ruler!" "Long live!" "Long live!" "Oh God, what have I done?" "Gracious Prince!" "For God's sake!" "Spare yourself!" "Spare us!" "Spare the Republic!" "Do not do this!" "He's a traitor!" "May you die in despair!" "May your entire lineage perish!" "May the devil tear out your soul!" "Traitor!" "Traitor!" "Thrice a traitor!" "Traitor!" "Kmicic to me!" "Guards!" "I am cursed forever!" "Shame on those who remain with the Hetman!" "What are you doing?" "Good God, choose!" "Oh, Jesus!" "Lights!" "Your Highness, it is time to rest." "The cocks have crowed a second time." "I dozed off, and the nightmare was suffocating me." "What is Kmicic doing?" "He was knocking his head against the wall crying about disgrace." "He wanted to run away, but the guards wouldn't let him." "He tried to grab his saber, so they tied him up." "Now, he's lying quietly." "Did Miss Billewich leave?" "There was no order to stop her." "Open the window, it's stifling in here." "My asthma is choking me." "What is Kmicic doing?" "As I said, your Highness, Iying quietly." "Oh, that's right." "You told me." "Send him in here." "And have his fetters taken off!" "Your Highness, he's a mad man!" "Don't worry." "Go!" "You took an oath on the crucifix not to desert me." "I will be damned if I keep that oath and damned if I don't." "It's all the same to me." "What do you think I should do against an enemy one hundred times more powerful?" "Against which I cannot defend this country?" "Die." "If I were to rouse a war now and perish before signing a treaty we would have nothing left of this country." "I will make you a great Hetman." "Don't rush to your death, for that is no great achievement." "Save the country instead!" "Tear yourself in a thousand directions, but don't die for you're not allowed to!" "Save our country!" "I am not a great Hetman." "What does not belong to me is none of my concern." "But as far as being torn in a thousand directions I will be!" "Do you think I put this country under the protection of Carol Gustav forever?" "Do you really think I want to join this land with Sweden?" "...by any means, by any method!" "I need power for that, and not pride!" "Whoever feels they have power can take it but if there's no one, I'll take it!" "What are you striving for?" "What do you want?" "I want the crown!" "Jesus!" "I gave this country to Sweden to use them to stop other enemies." "In this rocky Sweden, there are not enough men not enough sabers to uphold this immense Republic!" "What will happen to this country?" "Whom will it be given to?" "I will take this crown!" "I will rebuild this ruin more powerful than ever!" "And with this foot, I will crush the enemy!" "So help me God, and the Holy Cross!" "Your Highness..." "I cannot grasp that thought!" "My head is bursting!" "What's going on out there?" "Maybe help is on the way!" "Help me up!" "Give us back the Polkovniks!" "Give us back the Polkovniks!" "It's the Oskyerko infantry!" "That's my men!" "I told you they would send help!" "If only our squadrons were here!" "...yell for them to send for your squadron!" "Quiet!" "Send for our squadrons!" "Cut down the traitors!" "Quiet!" "What's going on up there?" "Tell us!" "It's the Scottish regiment." "The Scots are against us!" "Our people are attacking!" "Merciful God, don't delay punishment!" "By thunder!" "They fight while we sit here!" "Kmicic!" "Kmicic with the cavalry!" "Who's side is Kmicic on?" "I don't know." "Didn't you see him yesterday?" "Did he throw down his mace or not?" "I didn't see." "I had that man under my saber and I let him go with his life!" "Your Highness, the soldiers say that Wolodyjowski saved your life." "He did his duty." "But now that he's betrayed me I'm giving the order to have him executed." "You won't do that, your Highness." "I implore you that not a hair fall from his head." "I will follow your Highness into fire but do not refuse me this favor!" "And if I refuse?" "Then give the command to have me shot, too!" "Remember, miserable man, who you speak to!" "Do not bring me to desperation, your Highness!" "I will listen to a request but I won't listen to a threat!" "Permit me, your Highness, to serve you not from constraint but from my heart, or else I'll go mad." "I recorded their deaths in my soul yesterday." "What the Grand Hetman decided the future King of Poland can change!" "You've talked to me so well that I can't refuse you anything." "Until the end of the warl will send them into Swedish custody." "Thank you, your Highness... my father." "Go now, and give them the good news." "No, I won't go, your Highness." "It would make it look like I'm bragging." "Do as you wish." "But if so, then waste no time in going after Miss Billewich." "Wolodyjowski's entire squadron is guarding her." "Since she will be here, they'll soften up a little." "Michael, I think your squadron is not far from here." "What are you talking about?" "About escape." "Who's going to escape?" "Who's this officer in command of the convoy?" "That's Roh Kowalski." "From the noble Kowalskis." "You might as well speak to his horse because I'm not sure which one is dumber." "And they made him an officer?" "He pleased the Prince." "He breaks horseshoes with his bare hands." "And if he gets an order he'll follow it, if it means the end of the world!" "I like this officer a lot!" "I always like to know who I'm dealing with!" "Hey, gracious Officer!" "Hey, gracious Kowalski!" "Come closer!" "What do you want?" "Do you have any vodka?" "I do." "Give me some!" "What do you mean, Give me some?" "You see, gracious Kowalski, if it were not permitted then you would have an order not to give me any." "But since you don't have such an order then give me some!" "That sounds like an order." "Order or not, you're allowed to." "And it is proper to assist an older relative who, if he had married your mother, might have been your father!" "What relative are you of mine?" "Through my grandmother, who was born Kowalska and who had a ship on her coat-of-arms!" "Call me uncle!" "How is your father's health?" "God help me, I've forgotten his name..." "Also Roh." "Of course, Roh spawned Roh." "That's according to the commandment!" "Are you married?" "Of course, I am." "I'm Kowalski, and this is Mrs. Kowalska!" "I don't want any other." "That makes sense." "It's just too bad that you can't have young Rohs with her because I see you're a fine cavalier!" "Here, let's drink again!" "Drink to the bottom!" "Listen, gracious Roh, where was Kmicic's army going when we were leaving Keydani?" "After the insurgents." "God knows who the insurgents are, here." "You or they." "How so?" "I do what my Hetman orders me to do!" "Between you and I, the Hetman has rebelled against the King, and our country!" "Don't repeat that to anyone." "But it is so!" "It is not right for me to listen to this." "The Hetman has his superior, and I have mine!" "I like that you speak sincerely, but I was your uncle before Radziwill was your Hetman." "And do you know, Roh, what an uncle is?" "...is an uncle!" "You've calculated that very well but if a man has no father, the Scriptures say that you will listen to your uncle!" "Since in your uncle flows the same blood as in your mother!" "In truth, I am not your mother's brother but my grandmother must have been your grandmother's sister." "Does the Hetman have the right to command you to rise up against your father, mother, grandfather or even your blind, old grandmother?" "Answer me!" "...Against your blind, old grandmother?" "I am Kowalski." "And this is Mrs. Kowalska." "Looks like Sir Zagloba was exhausted by his talk with that fool." "Are they really relatives?" "Like you and I..." "Maybe they could give us some food soon." "Hey, soldier!" "Where's your commander?" "We don't know ourselves where he is!" "He hasn't been back since he crawled out of the wagon earlier." "Those are my men!" "With Zagloba!" "Gracious Kowalski, you uncle is coming to visit you!" "I am Kowalski, and this is Mrs Kowalska." "Where is my saber?" "Jesus of Nazareth!" "King of the Jews!" "Not to brag, but I did it!" "You've utterly ruined me, uncle!" "From today on, whoever wants to say fool can say Roh Kowalski!" "That's true." "Not many people will contradict that." "How could you betray a relative to the Swedes?" "I had an order!" "But now, you don't have that order anymore!" "No, I don't!" "From now on, your superior is Polkovnik Wolodyjowski." "And no one else!" "That's right!" "You have to listen to his orders!" "Yes, I do!" "He will ask you to renounce Radziwill and serve your country!" "What?" "That's an order!" "Yes, sir!" "That's good." "First chance you get, you'll trash some Swedes and traitors!" "An order  is an order!" "I sent the dumbest officer, so that they couldn't turn him." "And even he betrayed me!" "Your Highness, maybe you should not have sent a Pole." "So that the Swedes think that all Poles have deserted me?" "Where is Kmicic?" "Your Highness, he went to get Miss Billewich." "Get two cavalry squadrons ready at once!" "I will lead them myself!" "I have an invitation for you from the Hetman to go to Keydani." "I am glad that you're in good health." "When I drove in, I saw Mrs. Aleksandra in the door but she disappeared at once." "This is no small honor for us." "But we cannot go right now." "It is not proper to delay the Prince's request." "Are we being forced to?" "We have to go to Keydani." "What for?" "The Hetman has requested it." "Didn't I say that we should flee because they wouldn't leave us alone?" "You'll have to tie us up and escort us on horseback, or else we won't go!" "Gracious Lady, God will judge who is right I, serving the Hetman, or you, calling me a traitor." "But you will go to Keydani." "We will not go!" "The servants will defend us!" "Oh, my men are coming." "Be in the carriage within two prayers' time!" "To the road!" "Where to, cavalier?" "At your service." "The Cossack caught a Tartar while the Tartar holds him by the head!" "Sir Cavalier, you don't have much luck with me." "This is the second time I'm standing in your way!" "The first time, you were a swaggerer." "This time, you don't even deserve to be challenged by an honest man." "Why is that?" "Because you're a traitor!" "You've cut down honest soldiers who were defending their country, like an executioner." "In other words, your last hour has arrived." "By what right do you judge and execute me?" "Gracious sir, say you prayers, don't ask about rights or quickly give us your defense because I doubt this lady will take your side again..." "I am not asking this lady for mercy." "Take him past the last barn, and put a bullet in his head!" "Don't let them drag me like a dog." "I will go myself!" "Michael, I'll go and see if there aren't any orders from the Hetman on that unfortunate man." "You remember what I found on Roh?" "Hurry up, or the papers will be bloody." "I ordered him to be taken as far as possible so that the muskets don't alarm the lady." "Gracious gentlemen, you will bring calamity on our heads!" "You must flee!" "Come with us, there is no other choice!" "Jesus!" "You could at least cross yourself!" "That's none of your business." "Come on!" "You could have taken that unfortunate man with you and killed him on the road, instead of here!" "How can we leave now, when the lady is half dead?" "We'll put the lady in the carriage, because you must flee." "The Radziwill's vengeance will spare no one." "That's true." "I've stopped the execution!" "You've stopped it?" "Why?" "Why?" "Let me catch my breath!" "If it were not for Kmicic if it were not for that honorable cavalier we would all be hanging from trees at Keydani!" "We were about to kill our benefactor, gentlemen!" "Our benefactor?" "How can that be?" "How can that be?" "Read this letter, and you'll have your answer!" "We, Prince Janusz Radziwill..." "Further!" "... Grand Hetman of..." "Here, give it to me!" "... by intercession of Andrzej Kmicic, the Banneret of Orsha grant Michael Wolodyjowski and that other vagabond their lives Do you hear how they treat me?" "... As well as the other Polkovniks who have been sentenced to death for rebellion." "I order them to be sent to the Birki prison..." "Gracious gentlemen, if you still wish to have him shot then I no longer wish to be part of you company!" "He is a very strange man with as much good in him as there is evil!" "For God's sake, why did you not show us this letter?" "You are free, and you can go wherever you wish!" "Think about that, because I can tell you right now I'm going to go back to Radziwill." "Join us." "You will be considered a friend and brother and our country will forgive you your offences against her." "It's no use." "God will judge who serves our country better you, by starting a civil war or I, by serving the only lord who can save the Republic." "Go your way, I'll go mine." "For God's sake, who did you swear an oath to?" "Radziwill or the King?" "The Swedes, or the Republic?" "You've lost your wits!" "I knew it would be useless to try and convert you!" "Farewell!" "Wait, there's one more thing!" "Tell me once again, gracious cavalier did Radziwill promise you that he'd spare us?" "He did." "You were supposed to be with the Swedes until the end of the war." "Then know that your Radziwill betrayed not only his country, but also his servant!" "They are to be shot after the convoy arrives..." "What is this?" "A letter from the Hetman to the Swedes." "I found this letter on Roh Kowalski!" "It would have been better if I had died at your hands!" "We should go quickly." "There's a sword over our heads." "Since that man has left here alive they don't have a reason to burn us, or kill us." "Hurry up." "We'll leave before dawn." "God grant that we meet again in better times." "Farewell." "Occasionally, try to remember the soldier who's always glad to bend the sky for you." "Please accept this farewell, my dear flower, from an old man." "Where is Kmicic?" "He's come back, your Highness, but without his soldiers." "I know." "Send for him at once!" "I was late." "They escaped." "I wanted to chase them." "I got news that all the Polish squadrons mutinied." "The only good news is that I brought Miss Billewich." "Did my letter save you?" "What letter are you speaking of?" "The one to me, or the one to the Swedes?" "So you know?" "I do." "Get out of here!" "How could you do that to me, your Highness?" "Silence!" "I will not be silent!" "I swallowed shame for you before their eyes!" "I ordered them to be executed by the Swedes to spare you the pain." "Look what's happened because of you!" "Because of your prayers, resistance has grown." "Your sentimentality, and my weakness have done a terrible harm to the country." "That's true, but everyday will bring more pain." "I know where it all came from." "That woman." "When do you want the wedding to be?" "There will be a bit of screaming and if she cries the next day, then she's just a woman!" "I don't want her, and she doesn't want me!" "I'm not asking anything of her, just to be far away." "To forget." "That's your business." "Do you want to leave here?" "Today, if possible." "You'll go to Podlasie, to Prince Boguslaw." "I don't even have enough forces to attack the rebels by myself." "Then you'll take my letters to Carolus." "Ask him to send me cavalry and guns." "I will crush the rebels!" "Do you have any requests to make?" "Your Highness..." "Speak boldly!" "I pray that she suffer no harm while she's here." "I'm going far away." "I'm not sure if I'll see you again." "I wanted to leave without saying goodbye but I couldn't." "I don't want us to part in anger." "God grant you happiness." "I do not harbor ill will against you." "Some evil spirit came between us and separated us like the sea." "May God guide you and steer you onto the right road." "May you leave the one you are erring on." "Give peace, let no misunderstanding come between us again." "Give me your hand for the road." "Olenka, Olenka." "Shall we see each other again?" "Mr. Andrzej, leave those traitors and everything will be..." "I cannot." "Better not to say anything." "For God's sake, why does this happen to us?" "Farewell for the last time." "Why do you cry?" "Don't cry." "Or I'll go mad." "You are the Hetman's attendant?" "My name is Kmicic." "And I am not his attendant, but a polkovnik." "Kmicic?" "The same Kmicic famous from the last war?" "I have heard much about you." "With your help, my brother will crush the rebels." "I'm happy to get to know you more." "So what's going on in Keydani?" "I've been extremely bored here in Podlasie." "I have speared all the bears in the region and all the women here stink of sheepskin which my nose cannot stand." "Here is a letter from the Hetman." "Please, have a seat, gracious cavalier." "Nothing new." "The Hetman advises me to move to Taurogi which, as you see, I am doing." "In Podlasie I would have to go against the confederates or the Swedes, but it's still too early for that." "Until the issue of the war is determined your options have to be open." "The Hetman..." "The Hetman is perpetually late with his advises." "Listen to this." "...and those confederates who have mutinied just think if they went to Jan Kazimierz!" "They're getting ready to loot my estate and when they get drunk off of my strong beer that's when you should have them slain!" "I have to go to Taurogi, while at the same time arrange the slaughter of the confederates." "Pretend to be a partisan of Jan Kazimierz and a patriot while cutting off the people..." "Is there sense in any of that?" "Your Highness, I serve the Radziwills and your fortune, with my name and soul." "My fortune may increase, but I don't pretend to understand everything that happens." "What is it you want then, cavalier?" "I would like instruction, but I'm not sure..." "That depends on your question, and my mood." "The Hetman defends all his acts as for the good of the Republic." "Is that all pretext, or is it truth?" "And if I said it was pretext would you stop serving him then?" "My fortune will increase with the Radziwills." "You will be a man." "You see, Mr. Kmicic..." "If we Radziwills lived in Spain, France, or Sweden where the son inherits the throne after the father we would probably serve the King and country content with the highest offices." "But here, in this land where the King is elected by the nobles?" "Who can assure us, that some day out of nowhere, they might decide to put Mr. Pieglasiewicz from Psia Wolka on the throne?" "And we Radziwills, according to tradition will have to come and kiss his Pieglasiewicz hand!" "It is time to finish this!" "The Republic is a red cloth at which everyone pulls." "But we Radziwills have decided that we should be left with enough cloth to make a robe." "Devils are taking the Republic!" "And there is a custom in this country that when someone is dying even his relatives pull the pillow out from under him..." "I, and the Hetman, have determined to render that special service to the Republic!" "The crown must be for the Hetman." "And then for me." "What's the matter, Mr. Kmicic?" "I am tired from the road and my head is spinning." "It's from the wound I recently got in a duel." "Go and rest." "The Hetman wrote that you're taking a letter to the King of Sweden." "Come here before leaving and I'll give you a letter for him, too." "More!" "More!" "Enough!" "Saddle the horses!" "They're saddled!" "Fasten the packs!" "They're fastened!" "A ducat for each of you!" "Thank you, Polkovnik!" "Soroka." "Take two men with you on horses and go by the main road towards the forest." "Yes, sir." "The others, have your pistols loaded." "Saddle two horses for me." "Go!" "Stop!" "Are you ready for death?" "Since you risk your head why shouldn't we risk ours?" "Here is the letter." "When you see the Swedish King assure him that I am his adherent but that I must pretend not to be in the meantime." "Is there anyone who isn't forced to do so?" "Anyone who wants to do anything great must pretend." "That is true." "Take care of yourself, cavalier." "I won't let the Hetman deny you your reward." "If that's the case, your Highness then I would request my reward in advance." "I took a horse of high-blood from Keydani and I'm worried about tiring him out on the road." "I would ask that you use and look after him until I come back for him." "You might as well sell him to me." "That would be like selling a friend." "He's saved me a hundred times from danger and on top of that, he loves to bite the enemy!" "And where is this wonder of yours?" "Before the gate." "I guess this is he." "Bring him here." "No, I'll mount him myself." "A deer's eyes and legs, a wolf's gait, an elk's nostrils." "And the breast of a woman!" "Well?" "The horse is well taught!" "So well, that if you're trotting in a line he won't move out of line by more than half his nose!" "Therefore, the rider can have both hands free." "On more than one occasion, I had a saber in one and a pistol in the other!" "And if the line turns around?" "Then he will too, without breaking the line." "No horse can do that." "Why don't you try yourself, your Highness." "Two men will ride on the sides, and I behind." "I'll give him to you for free if he moves out more than half his length!" "All right." "Stop." "Forward!" "Drop the reigns, your Highness!" "Seize him!" "What's this?" "Ruffians!" "Do you know who I am?" "Resistance is useless!" "Or you get shot!" "Traitor!" "And what about you?" "Do you know who you've raised your hands against?" "Go to Hell!" "Let go, or you'll tear my hands out!" "Let his hands go!" "Do you want a ransom?" "No!" "Where are you taking me?" "To the confederates!" "I have your letters!" "Your treachery will be known!" "You are a fool, Mr. Kmicic!" "Yes, for believing in the Radziwills!" "What's the matter?" "The horses are extremely tired." "Some rest this is going to be!" "There is nothing here!" "We have food and spirits!" "Good, we'll need strength." "I beg you to dismount, your Highness." "Why?" "I'll eat and drink in the saddle." "Please get on the ground." "And you into the ground!" "Jesus!" "He's alive!" "Some evil spirit must have brought this smoke!" "You fool!" "If it was the Devil we would be smelling sulfur, and not smoke!" "Hey, people, is there anyone there?" "Bring the polkovnik in." "Soroka..." "Your grace." "Did the Prince fire at me?" "What happened to him?" "He escaped." "That's bad." "Very bad!" "He knocked down three of our people and he took the best horse!" "Then he is the victor but we'll meet again!" "Soroka!" "Yes, sir..." "You're already on your feet, your grace." "You slept like oxes!" "I could have cut off your heads!" "Soroka, we're going to go see Wolodyjowski." "They'll cut you to pieces, polkovnik!" "I would rather die, then be considered a traitor!" "Show yourself!" "What do you want here?" "Come out here!" "Why hurt your voice screaming!" "Can we both come out?" "You can!" "It must be a miracle, polkovnik but I think those are our people." "And where is the other son, Mr. Kiemlicz?" "Has he fallen?" "Jesus!" "It's Sir Kmicic!" "Jesus!" "Sweet Jesus!" "It's Sir Kmicic!" "Come out!" "Come out!" "Son of a bitch!" "You greet me with a gun?" "Such a guest!" "On your knees, rogues!" "On your knees!" "Which one of you fired first?" "You did..." "Look, he lies like a dog, your grace!" "Such a guest!" "I can't believe my eyes!" "Please, come in!" "Why are you standing around?" "To the cellar!" "Bring the mead!" "How did you get here?" "When the Butryms knocked you in Volmontovichi, we hid in the forest." "Now we live on muchrooms and berries..." "It's locked." "Give us the padlock key, father." "Padlock key..." "I know you, you gypsies!" "You'll drink more than you'll bring!" "I'll go get it myself." "So what are you doing now?" "We take horses." "From whom?" "Whoever comes along." "Did you manage to take any horses from Swedes?" "Of course." "What if they defend themselves?" "You beat them?" "That's good." "You're free to take from the enemy but taking from your own makes you robbers!" "And not nobles!" "What do you do with these horses?" "Father sells them." "Go and cover the cellar!" "Mead is not good for the wound." "Should I dress it?" "Yes, I forgot you were my barber." "Jesus!" "He must have been really close when he shot at your grace!" "Kiemlicz." "Yes, your grace?" "Tell me, how close are the troops who rebelled against the Hetman?" "About three days by road and a little longer through the forest." "You'll come back with your sons under my command." "It will bring you more profit than horse robbery!" "Yes, I'll go." "I am a poor man, now." "Don't try to betray me, or you'll regret it!" "We don't ever betray!" "Do you have something to write with?" "I'll look for something." "I have to send a letter." "Do you have a reliable man?" "Such a man can be found." "Where does he have to go?" "To the Hetman." "But he won't have to see him in person." "All he has to do is give the letter to the first officer he comes across." "Here's the paper." "But no pen nor ink." "There's a quill and we can find some ink." "It's much easier to cut throats than to cut a quill." "Leave me alone, worthy Kiemlicz." "It's true." "In God's name, it's true." "He has our letters!" "And there's things in there that..." "But Kmicic cannot publish those letters because that would be sentencing the maiden to death." "He understands it's the only way he can have us!" "What maiden is this?" "Miss Billewich." "I'm not asking her last name, but if she's beautiful." "You don't know this girl." "She is a walking virtue, almost a nun." "We know some nuns, too." "She is Jan Kazimierz's biggest adherent!" "Then he'll increase his adherents." "Kmicic will publish those letter for sure!" "I must guard her like the eyes in my head, for now!" "Then I'll give her to you or to your dragoons, I don't care." "I give you my word, that I won't take her by force." "And I always keep my word when given in private." "When given in politics, it's different." "Invite her to supper tonight so that I may see her and decide if she's worth sinking my teeth into." "But don't contradict me during supper no matter what I say!" "Proposals were made for me." "Her grace, the Queen of France, was so kind..." "With the Princess of Rohan?" "With another one, too, De La Forse." "They were graceful ladies... ..but we have even more graceful ones here." "And I wouldn't even have to leave this hall to find them." "There are none around here who could match your highness in fortune or in birth." "Permit me, my benefactress, to deny for I do not think that a noble Polish lady is in any way inferior to a noble French lady." "Second of all, it is not a novelty for a Radziwill to marry a noble lady." "A very affable lord..." "That is how I've always understood it although I have been ashamed of Polish nobles when compared to French noble for while the French noble will permit the worst he would never betray his lord." "For God's sake, what betrayal against our ex-King is your grace speaking of?" "Who is responsible?" "I met a certain noble on the road." "Not knowing my true feelings for the King thought I was an enemy." "Thinking I wanted a reward, he asked me to go to Silesia to kidnap Jan Kazimierz and deliver him to the Swedes, dead or alive." "If he had offered me such a proposal I would have him shot without a trial!" "I wanted to do so, too but we spoke face to face and people would have cried out about the tyranny of the Radziwills!" "He shouldn't have been let go alive." "He deserved to be impaled!" "Your Highness is the only one who can punish him  since he's your polkovnik." "In God's name!" "My polkovnik?" "Who is it?" "Who?" "Tell me." "His name is Kmicic." "That's not true." "If he is your relative or betrothed then I am sorry I have mentioned this." "But cast him out of your heart because he is not worthy of you, my lady." "Forgive me, your Highness." "I made an unseemly contradiction." "Anything is possible for that man!" "Quiet!" "That's about ten horses..." "Your grace!" "Have your pistols ready, but don't fire!" "Who are you?" "And you?" "Answer my question!" "By what right do you ask?" "We're part of a confederate squadron sent out to look for Swedes, and suspicious people." "It seems we've found some since they won't say who they are!" "Don't be angry, worthy soldier." "It's hard to distinguish friends from enemies." "We're riding to meet some confederates." "Is polkovnik Wolodyjowski at the camp?" "Maybe he is." "Who's asking?" "His friend." "Forgive me, your grace, for not having had recognized your rank." "We're Wolodyjowski's soldiers." "We'll take you to see him." "Jesus, it's Kmicic!" "Take him down!" "Should we beat them?" "Beat them!" "Stop!" "Stop!" "Surrender!" "Tie them up!" "Take the horses and money!" "Take everything!" "Keep away, rogue!" "Mirror of Wisdom!" "Dress his wounds!" "I swear on the Cross and Passion of the Lord that I did not want this fight!" "Take the wounded and tell the truth that you fell upon us and we had to defend ourselves." "Again, I have my brothers' blood on my hands!" "Jesus, what should I do so that I don't go mad?" "To Radziwill." "There's a lot of them." "God give them victory." "I've been denounced in the entire Republic as a tyrant, and devoted to the Hetman." "Nobody will trust Kmicic anymore." "Therefore my name is no longer Kmicic but Babinicz." "Understood?" "Understood, your grace." "Tell your men, that even if they're beaten with straps my name is Babinicz!" "And where are we going, your grace?" "To the King." "Jesus Mary!" "Which king?" "Not the Swedish one!" "But the King has taken refuge in Silesia." "We'll go to Silesia." "It would be necessary to abjure everything." "Leave everything." "Tear down your own work with your own hands!" "Go up against the powerful Carol Gustav and fall at the feet of the exiled Jan Kazimierz." "Still..." "Still what?" "That would be the country's only salvation." "And for you?" "For me?" "For the Radziwills?" "Let it be so!" "Let it be done!" "What have you decided?" "Ask for reinforcements from the Swedes and attack the confederates." "You are a Radziwill!" "Only the powerful count with the Swedes." "Go to Taurogi, and enlist as many soldiers as possible." "Take the maiden with you, but remember if you try to enslave her, we will both be lost!" "Smile, my beautiful lady." "I wish to make you happy, here in Taurogi." "Thank you, your Highness." "Forgive me." "Sakowicz, what happened?" "Forgive me." "What happened?" "A spark fell on the powder." "Who was handling the fireworks?" "Braun, your Highness." "Have him shot." "No... your Highness." "I beg you." "You can command, my lady, and not beg." "I would have Taurogi burnt down for your smile." "Welcome, gracious lady." "His Highness, the Prince, asks that you accept this gift." "Please give my thanks to the Prince." "Tell him he has made me happy." "An affable lord." "Yes, affable..." "And who are you, sir cavalier?" "I am Braun." "The officer who's life you saved." "I owe my life to you." "I am your obedient servant." "One more word, sir cavalier." "Each one is a great honor for me." "Did you know Sir Kmicic?" "Only from hear-say." "Is what the Prince said true?" "That Sir Kmicic promised to go to Silesia kidnap the King, and take him to the Swedes?" "Is it true?" "I don't know, gracious lady." "Some officers said that the Prince met polkovnik Kmicic on the road to Keydani." "Kmicic tried to sell him a horse." "They left together, and the Prince came back disturbed." "It could have happened then." "The peasants must have resisted." "We have to let the horses drink." "Your grace!" "Must be some distinguished Swede." "A general..." "Shoot, then attack with sabers." "Keep the old man alive." "Stop!" "I am Veyhard, Count of Vjesovich." "I've been sent by the King to meet your Excellency." "My lord, His Majesty King Carol Gustav is worried about the Imperial envoy." "I am happy to meet you." "As far as what happened, you can see for yourself..." "Do you play chess?" "There is no time for that during war." "That's too bad." "It's a very political game." "It is easier to defeat kings on this board yet as an Imperial envoy I've also manipulated real kings." "Sit down, your grace." "Would you like some wine from the Imperial cellars?" "Does victory still follow King Carol Gustav?" "Some of the Polish troops have already been scattered." "Part have submitted to our command." "The entire country recognizes the authority and power of my lord, the King of Sweden." "It seems like Gdansk did not let the Swedish troops in." "A few cities and castles still support Jan Kazimierz." "On our way here, we were also told about squadrons of nobles and peasants." "What can even the most armored of groups do against the King's army?" "There have been examples of that throughout history..." "Your Excellency, we can now go." "I've heard that the King of Sweden wants to occupy the Jasna Gora monastery." "The Emperor has great affection for that place." "Orders were given to occupy all strongholds." "The nobles and peasants are mobilizing..." "Jan Kazimierz is not far from here, in Silesia..." "A new wave of rebellion is likely to rise..." "Your Excellency, the Jasna Gora monastery is a fortress!" "I'm only repeating what I heard." "The Swedes intend to attack the monastery!" "And this will happen very soon!" "May God prevent me from charging this cavalier with lying but we have assurance from the Swedes, that they will not!" "What are you talking about, cavalier?" "And why are you trying to frighten everyone here?" "I am warning you!" "And you will bear the responsibility if you don't listen!" "Calmly, cavalier, calmly." "Do not raise your voice." "You've brought us news, and we would like to confirm it." "Ask me whatever you wish." "You said you've come here so as not to serve the Swedes and Radziwills?" "Yes, that's true." "But there are people in Lithuania who won't serve him." "Why didn't you join them?" "That's my business." "Your business?" "If you're from Lithuania then you must know what's happening at the Traitors' court!" "Name those who've aided in the ruin of our country!" "One name sticks out above all others!" "Do you know nothing of this arch-villain?" "No, I don't." "How's that?" "You haven't heard of the one who spills his brothers' blood like Cain?" "You haven't heard of Kmicic?" "Reverend fathers!" "If a clerical person questions me I will answer anything!" "But, by God do not let this noble torment me any longer!" "Just one more question." "You want us to believe what you've told us." "As God is in Heaven." "And what sort of reward did you expect?" "Here!" "This is all war loot!" "I wanted to offer this to the most Holy Lady but only after confession, with a clear conscience!" "Through your anger, truth itself bursts forth." "But is it right to drive out the faithful?" "Keep the gates shut day and night?" "The evil spirits won't win over the forces of Heaven!" "The heretic's foot will not enter these Holy walls!" "And his power will be annihilated!" "It is not I who say this but the Spirit of God, speaking through me." "Reverend father!" "I, the soldier, advise you!" "Guard the walls, and keep the gates shut!" "For God's sake!" "Keep the gates shut!" "Your grace, we came to ask that your grace free us from service..." "You won't defend the monastery?" "Dogs!" "Fine!" "Take your money and go!" "We are not worthy to look at the splendors of Jasna Gora!" "The gate of Heaven, the morning star..." "Not worthy... not worthy!" "But even outside these walls, we won't stop serving you." "We'll go wherever you need us to." "You'll have servants ready outside the walls." "Get out of here!" "Your Highness." "A messenger has come from the Hetman with urgent news." "I will receive him tomorrow." "The confederates crushed us in battle twice." "The Swedes did not bring help." "We are besieged." "Our only hope is here, with Your Highness." "The Prince Hetman is bedridden." "If the Prince Hetman is bedridden he'll need a medic more than anything else." "The castle can be defended for a long time." "Please come back in a week or two." "Your Highness, if today or tomorrow..." "Tomorrow, we will be hunting a bear." "And the day after, I'm arranging a tournament where you too can try to win a laurel." "The Prince Hetman..." "The Prince Hetman has lost his head." "It's as if a great weight has been taken off my breast." "I feel lighter." "Has there been any news from Prince Boguslaw?" "No, Your Highness." "What about the Swedish King?" "The confederates might have captured his letters." "Beaten and besieged, I'm of no use to anyone." "I feel cold approaching." "I can't see her, but I can sense it." "She's here!" "Who's that, Your Highness?" "Death." "They're fighting." "As usual." "They're freezing in the snow so they would rather fight to keep warm." "Boguslaw!" "Boguslaw!" "Save me!" "What do you want?" "Take this crown!" "Save me!" "People!" "Jesus..." "Where is the Prince?" "And you, miserable man, why did you stay with the traitor?" "I loved him." "Cut me to pieces!" "Sir Officer, there are so many rumors in Taurogi that we're not sure what to believe." "Some people say the Hetman died a natural death while others say he was cut down with sabers." "What was the true cause of his death?" "The cause of the death of the Prince Hetman is you, my gracious lady." "Me?" "Yes." "Because our Prince would rather stay in Taurogi with you then rush to rescue his sick uncle." "He has forgotten about everything while near you, your grace." "Tell me, what's going on here, around me?" "The Prince loves you." "Did you not see that?" "All these feasts, hunting, balls, were for you." "The Prince loves you with an impure love because he wants to abduct you." "Will you help me escape, Sir cavalier?" "If it were not for the oath..." "Thank you, Sir cavalier..." "Lower!" "I knew that war was terrible but I didn't think it was this bad!" "Not every bullet kills." "Otherwise, mothers wouldn't have enough time to give birth." "Get down!" "You're a madman!" "If that had gone off it would have turned you into powder!" "What..." "Do we have too much powder?" "You could have just loaded me into a cannon so that I can kill some Swedes after my death!" "Bruch, can you finally tell me when the giant cannon will arrive?" "It will take some time." "I don't have any time!" "General, rebels are wandering on the roads!" "The monks will surrender sooner or later." "Their resistance is a mere pretext to get better conditions." "Let's send an envoy." "Do you want to go to the monastery?" "I'll go." "As a Pole and a catholic I'll succeed in convincing them." "I did not expect that the monks could have such officers in their service." "What is your name, Sir?" "My name is Babinicz." "And I am polkovnik Kuklinowski, you've surely heard of me." "For several wars now, that name and this saber have been spoken about here, and in foreign countries." "Yes, I have heard." "Go ahead." "There are only two, present company excluded real soldiers in the Republic." "Kuklinowski in the Kingdom and Kmicic in Lithuania." "It would please me, Sir cavalier if upon my return, you were to walk me out." "I will wait here for you, your grace." "The entire country has surrendered." "The King took refuge abroad." "Why do you expose yourselves and this Holy place with vain stubbornness, to the terrible vengeance of the unvanquished Swedish troops?" "We, Poles, came here with the Swedish army to defend this Holy monastery from sacrilege before the fortress falls." "And fall it must, because the heavy cannons draw near!" "But how can we defend it when you inflame the enemy with your stubbornness?" "Your resistance will be the destruction of this Holy church!" "My brothers!" "Reverend and most beloved fathers!" "Do not take this terrible responsibility upon your consciences!" "You did not build this sacred retreat!" "It is not here only to serve you!" "Allow that our sons and grandsons may rejoice in it!" "I wait for your answer, reverend fathers." "You've probably returned with nothing." "Our priests are very stubborn." "Personally, I think they act in error." "We cannot defend ourselves for a century." "You think they act in error?" "Then you have brains, you do." "Walk me outside the gates, I have a few words for you." "And I for you." "This house is on fire." "And whoever doesn't run from a burning house is a fool." "Maybe you're afraid of being called a traitor?" "Spit on those who would call you that!" "Come join our company." "I, Kuklinowski, propose it!" "You say that as a Swedish envoy?" "Outside the gates, I'm not an envoy, but a private man!" "That vile fortress can go to the devil!" "You say that as a private man?" "Yes." "And I can answer you, as a private man?" "As true as life, I propose you do." "Then listen to me, Sir Kuklinowski." "You are a rascal, a bastard, and a stinking brute!" "What?" "A stinking brute!" "Is that enough, or should I also spit in your eyes?" "That's for the private man!" "Not the envoy!" "What do you want?" "Reverend father." "The wall won't last more than one day." "Reverend father." "We have to blow up the siege cannons." "And who will do that?" "I will." "Polkovnik, I pray for your permission to go along with you." "It can't be." "Two will have a harder time getting through than one will." "Well then, let me go alone." "Shorten the fuse." "Your grace, you won't have time to jump aside." "Shorten it, or else they'll see it and extinguish it!" "Oh Lord!" "God!" "At the mere sight one wants to draw a saber!" "Keep the candles away!" "All we need to do is put this in the front of the cannon, light the fuse and when the powder explodes, by the devil I mean... the gun will burst." "What are you talking about, son?" "They always put powder in it, and it never bursts." "Beloved father, there is a great holy, and heroic heart in you." "Give me a break..." "But you don't understand cannons." "It's different if the powder blows up in the back because then it shoots the cannon ball forward." "But if you block the front and blow the powder up then nothing will be able to withstand the pressure!" "Isn't that right, Sir Piotr?" "It's true." "This is no secret for a soldier." "Wouldn't it be better to send out a night party grab this Hellish Dragon and and spike him?" "A party like that would be useless." "They are watching us too carefully!" "And it's a pity to lose men." "Father, who will recognize that I'm not from their camp?" "When the fuse starts to burn I will jump a few hundred feet off to the side and I'll hide in the trench." "The explosion will cause confusion, and I'll escape!" "Oh Lord!" "There are so many dangers!" "What do you think, Sir cavalier?" "One in a hundred will return from such a mission." "I've been in tougher situations." "For exhibition, for vain glory..." "Here doggie, have some sausage!" "Who's there?" "It's me, Hans." "The devils took my stamp, so I'm looking for it." "Password?" "Upsala." "The crown." "Hurry up because we're starting to shoot soon!" "I'm hurrying..." "I know him." "He's from the Czestochowa garrison." "His name is Babinicz." "My name is not Babinicz." "My name is Kmicic." "Kmicic?" "Kmicic!" "That name is known in the entire Republic!" "General, he has no equal among soldiers, except for me!" "Why do you praise him to me?" "What does your grace plan to do with him?" "I should give the order to have him hanged!" "But being a soldier myself, I know how to value bravery." "I will order him shot!" "If you have him shot, your grace then all the Poles will join Jan Kazimierz." "Kuklinowski, do you want me to spare his life?" "I want you to give him to me." "For all my services, I wish only this one reward!" "Kuklinowski, do you want to save his life?" "I want to skin him alive!" "Ruffian!" "Good, good." "We can talk." "We have time." "Well, Mr. Kmicic didn't I say there were two polkovniks in the Republic?" "Only two." "Me." "And you." "Hey, the famous polkovnik, Mr. Kmicic and Kuklinowski has him in his hand." "Kuklinowski will now roast his sides a little bit." "Ruffian!" "Yes..." "He'll roast his sides..." "How are you, little worm?" "Scream a little?" "No?" "How about a little more?" "Not too much at first." "We have some time." "Who the hell is that?" "Your grace, General Miller wishes to see you at once!" "Oh, it's you Kiemlicz." "Good then." "Was it hot?" "Take some time to cool off, worm." "I'll come back soon." "We'll talk some more." "Who's that?" "We just came to look." "Oh... then look, look." "I've never seen such a wonder as..." "Your grace, we've been waiting since morning for..." "Quickly!" "Quickly!" "You rogues!" "Free the polkovnik, now!" "Quickly!" "The horses are waiting!" "The way is clear from here." "How does your grace feel?" "My legs feel weak..." "Here, this vodka should help." "Hurry up!" "Let his grace dress quickly!" "I feel better now." "He burned me a bit, but I'm okay." "Quickly!" "I'm all right now!" "The horses are waiting!" "No, it can't be." "I'll wait for that traitor, now." "Kiemlicz!" "What the hell?" "Are you an idiot?" "Miller is asleep, the guard won't give me admission!" "What was that about?" "The officer is waiting in the barn for you, your grace." "Well, Mr. Kuklinowski." "You wanted to equate yourself with Kmicic?" "You wanted to be part of his company?" "Here I am." "I give you your life, so that you can think about Kmicic." "To your horses, and the road!" "Where to, your grace?" "To Silesia." "To see the King!" "Many come here who expecting a reward bring false and disturbing news." "There is no law in the Republic which allows a noble to tell a lie without reason." "Man!" "You're speaking with the Kingdom's Grand Chancellor!" "Whoever accuses me of lying, even if he is a chancellor I would tell him, it's easier to lie than to give your life." "It's easier to seal with wax, than with your blood." "I do not accuse you of lying, cavalier but if what you say is true then you should have a burnt side." "That is not necessary, we believe you." "Gracious King let the unbelieving see for themselves." "I believe you." "We never doubted you spoke the truth." "Neither your pain, nor your service will remain unrewarded." "God willing, we will go back to our country soon." "There were quite a few enemy spies sent here." "Even Prince Boguslaw Radziwill told us of an assassination attempt on our life." "An attempt?" "On Your Majesty's life?" "There was someone who offered to kidnap us and deliver us, dead or alive, to the Swedes." "Who was it?" "A certain Kmicic." "That's a lie." "A lie!" "Prince Boguslaw lies like a dog!" "Gracious King, do not believe that traitor!" "He said it on purpose to harm an enemy of his!" "Lift him up and call a medic." "Either he's so honest that terror alone has thrown him off his feet or he is a relative of Kmicic." "Gracious King." "God help me from saying anything bad about that noble but we should not trust him so easily." "Why should I not trust a soldier who has spilled his blood for me and for the country?" "I haven't lost the Kingdom yet since I still have such soldiers." "He will remain here." "Gracious Lord!" "Enough!" "Let's speak about why I called you here." "We have to return to our country!" "I do not wish to oppose the will of my Gracious Lord." "But I believe that waiting would be wise until there is an uprising in the country." "Gracious King." "The news that came in a letter from the confederates makes me think the time to return is at hand." "Only the presence of the King can hasten total war, and total victory!" "And the Tartar Khan has promised us help provided that our Gracious Lord returns to the country." "Mr. Czarniecki speaks like a soldier when this is about the safety of Your Majesty." "We've decided, that whatever may happen we will be moving out in the next few days." "Now give your advice on how to do that most safely." "We are therefore waiting for Mr. Czarniecki's counsel." "The enemy has occupied all the roads so we must distract the Swedes." "I will take three hundred dragoons, a few carriages and I'll announce I'm escorting the King." "Your Majesty can leave later with a small detachment while the enemy directs all his forces at me." "I heard one of Babinicz's men call him polkovnik Babinicz just looked at him in anger and the other one fell silent on the spot." "I think he isn't telling the whole truth but that's his business." "No, Your Majesty, for if he's a traitor who's planning Your Majesty's death our entire Republic will perish!" "I will question him myself tomorrow." "Polkovnik!" "Mr. Babinicz!" "The King wishes to speak with your grace." "Traitor!" "Treason!" "Wait!" "Jesus Christ!" "Gracious King, save yourself while there's still time!" "I will hold them off!" "Kiemliczes, after me!" "Sons, forgive me." "We forgive you." "And forgive us, father." "I forgive you." "Hey, people!" "Do you know who you've helped?" "This is your King whose life you've just saved!" "Your service will not be forgotten!" "Find Babinicz!" "And the other one you called a traitor!" "I made a mistake, Your Highness!" "Find Babinicz!" "I won't leave until I see him and bid him farewell." "He's alive!" "He's still breathing!" "God!" "Babinicz, how can I repay you?" "I'm not Babinicz." "I'm Kmicic." "You let Jan Kazimierz pass." "You let Czarniecki pass." "Your Majesty..." "Your Majesty has to keep fixing his general's mistakes!" "Where is my beloved brother Jan Kazimierz?" "Tell me where he is!" "Where are Czarniecki's troops?" "Is there any news about the enemy?" "No, Gracious Lord." "All we've done is beaten some nobles and peasants." "If I have to chase my beloved royal brother through all of Poland..." "I will catch him!" "To those, who were the first to raise their sabers against the treason of the late Prince Hetman!" "For the first time, and God willing, the last time that we had to mutiny." "But what else could be done?" "Even obedience has to have its limits." "Beyond which there is only guilt and crime!" "The country will not forget your deeds!" "We are preparing new troops here and you'll go to the battlefield with Mr. Czarniecki." "It is a great honor to look at your grace but we are also eager to meet the Swedes!" "Don't be so happy, polkovnik, before you leave you'll have to stay here to defend His Majesty." "Speaking of His Majesty's safety  we heard something from Prince Boguslaw..." "Was it about Kmicic?" "As a matter of fact, it was!" "Yes, it was!" "It is all untrue, and a fabrication by Prince Boguslaw." "Ask Babinicz to come here." "But tell me, what do you know about that man?" "He was a great soldier, but very lighthearted and then, in Keydani, he lost himself completely." "He's done a lot of harm." "Yes, but he also saved our lives!" "He begged Radziwill not to have us shot!" "What?" "And Radziwill set you free?" "It was Zagloba who saved us from captivity." "He told the Chief officer he was a relative got him drunk, dressed up in his uniform and brought back my squadron." "Not to brag, but I did it." "Where did you get such sharp wit?" "That is my secret, Your Royal Grace." "You have to carry a little sac of hempseed in your pocket and eat it, a little at a time." "Doing so greatly improves your mind!" "How's that?" "There is oil in hempseed and when you eat it, it improves your mind!" "Impossible!" "Oil goes to your stomach, not to your head!" "There is a method for everything!" "You have to drink as much wine as possible and oil, being lighter, will stay on top." "Wine, which goes to your head will take the oil along with it." "Can you not replace the hempseed with sunflower seed?" "You can, but sunflower oil is heavier so you would have to drink stronger wine." "I heard that Royal mead is the best." "You're a cunning man, Sir Cavalier." "You'll find a few barrels of mead in your quarters." "Jesus Mary..." "Gracious Lord!" "That's Kmicic!" "You knew Kmicic as self-willed and an associate of Radziwill's treason." "But he is the hero of Czestochowa, and my servant who covered me with his own breast." "This is the new Kmicic." "Know him, and love him, for he deserves it!" "He did not want to kidnap me, but Prince Boguslaw so that he could give him to you." "Embrace each other!" "I will love you at once, your grace!" "And I you, your grace." "What angel was it that changed you so?" "Did you find many people with the Hetman?" "Kharlamp, and some foreign officers." "For God's sake, I'm not asking about soldiers..." "Prince Boguslaw took Miss Billewich to Taurogi." "I am going mad." "She still loves that Kmicic." "It cannot be otherwise." "Everything was in vain." "That's never happened to me before." "Your Highness is a full of scruples as a baked capon is of buckwheat grits." "Idiot!" "This must be some sort of spell!" "My head is spinning." "To love such a maiden..." "to clasp her..." "To have..." "Prosperity?" "Yes." "Yes." "As if you knew." "What's the matter with me?" "Should I get married, or what?" "You shouldn't think of that, Your Highness." "But I am thinking of it!" "Then this is no joke Thank God, Your Highness, that you have a friend like me." "Did the Devil whisper something in your ear?" "Tell me." "I will be Your Highness' best man." "Don't joke around, speak quickly!" "There is a certain man here who used to be a priest but has abandoned his vows." "Why would that concern me?" "He will sow you together like a suit with its lining but since he's not much of an expert, nor part of the guild it will be easy to tear it apart later." "Do you understand, Your Highness" "You devil, I understand perfectly well." "But Carol Gustav has called me." "I have to leave in a couple of days." "You'll explain to her, that because of lack of time the first priest you run across will marry you." "Sakowicz, the hangman is waiting for you." "It cannot be otherwise." "I don't know everything, my Gracious Lady but they are plotting something about you." "The troops are ready to march." "If the Prince does anything, it will be in a day or two." "Look at how the candle burns." "What do you prophesize from that?" "That today, one virtue will melt like wax." "If the ceremony could only happen today." "Maybe even before midnight." "If the priest hesitates we'll convince him with some red-hot pincers." "He won't hesitate." "He's a scoundrel from under a dark star." "And it will be a scoundrel wedding." "When the best man is a pander it can only be a certain type of marriage." "How is everything?" "Can I go see Olenka?" "Your Highness." "She says that her grandfather's will forbids her to decide her own fate." "And even if it didn't, she would not marry Your Highness." "You hear that?" "Sakowicz?" "I laugh at your opinions." "I spit on your wills." "But we do not laugh at them." "And according to the will, the maiden is free to enter a cloister, or marry Kmicic!" "Whom?" "Kmicic?" "I'll show you Kmicic!" "Quiet, my little jewel!" "Quiet dear!" "Or else I'll cut your throat!" "Sit here quietly, and don't go upstairs because your niece's wedding is taking place right now!" "The maiden sprang to her feet she had a dagger in her hand." "I twisted it out of her hand, just like I was taught in Italy." "Suddenly I felt a terrible pain, and fell unconscious." "My head is still spinning." "The devil serves them." "But which one of them dealt with the forces of Hell?" "Surely not her, she's too virtuous!" "Maybe it was the aunt." "It could be..." "To be sure, we can order a hole cut in the ice of the river, and the women thrown into it." "Spring is near." "The stars will be different, and the nights shorter." "The evil spirits will start losing power." "I'm leaving tomorrow!" "Your Highness is sick." "I have to leave even if I don't want to." "Carol Gustav has sent angry letters." "The infantry and artillery will leave at night." "We'll leave with the cavalry before dawn." "I'll take the maiden with me to the camp." "And the aunt..." "Under the ice!" "The supplies are moving out!" "It's time!" "Go through the woods, the confederates are not far away!" "May God lead you." "Are you not going with us?" "The Prince might be a ruffian but he has not dismissed me from military service." "Are you not in danger?" "They couldn't have flown out the chimney on brooms!" "Who had access to them?" "I did, and Patterson and MacGregory, and Hagen and Braun, whose life she saved." "Kill me!" "You have to feel that you're dying." "To the road!" "I feel weak." "We are moving out today." "I envy you." "Practice with your saber everyday because it won't be easy with Boguslaw." "Death is already written for one of us!" "You bend your hand too much." "A brother would not have done for me what you have!" "I must eventually come across them and force them into a battle." "Your Royal Grace it's hard to tell who's chasing who." "The Poles are everywhere, and nowhere." "It seems like a fight with phantoms." "Your Highness, Czarniecki grows stronger everyday." "And our troops are diminishing." "I have sent for Prince Boguslaw's help." "One battle can change everything." "The cannons will decide." "Before Czarniecki initiates a battle there won't be any cannons left!" "O Lord, when will you give this Republic peace?" "And old Zagloba some nice shelter and warm beer." "Why should my stomach shake all day and night?" "Anyone else would be enjoying peace by now." "But Mr. Czarniecki has come up with a new tactic!" "Constantly chasing!" "What slave labor!" "Do not blaspheme against Mr. Czarniecki!" "It is not I who do so, but my stomach!" "Can't you hear the hunger playing music in my belly?" "Let the Swedes dance if they can hear that music!" "Let them go to Hell!" "If they give up Inflanty, and pay contribution in exchange, we'll give them back their lives!" "The Cossack caught a Tartar..." "Carolus is still holding Poznan, Warsaw, Krakow, and other noted towns." "And you want him to ransom himself?" "There will be need for a lot of strength and hard work, too before he is driven out of our country!" "I command a retreat." "The enemy defends himself with water and fire and laughs at us!" "Gracious gentlemen, whoever loves God whoever loves our country, follow me!" "To His Highness, the undefeated Jan Kazimierz King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania Prussia, Mazowie, Jmud, Inflanty and heir to the Swedish throne." "We, the mightiest Mehmed Salomed Gerey the happiest ruler of our times Nahaya, Perekokski, Czerkieski, and Semenidia." "Your Majesty's envoy reached us safely and entrusted us with many secrets worthy of our ears." "We will not neglect anything that could help establish peace for the ages and bring happiness to the sons of Allah." "To this end we send our envoy, Aga whom Your Grace is free to keep along with his soldiers as proof of our friendship." "He will convey our secret messages to Your Majesty and serve Your Majesty like a dog until the end of his days." "It won't be easy to keep them under control." "Soon, they'll start killing our people, and burning their houses." "Gracious Lord." "Put these hordes under my command." "I won't refuse your request." "But what if Aga rejects it?" "Then I'll tie him to my saddle with some rope." "Since the King has sent you here as a guide you'll show me the road." "The King has sent me here as a chief and not as a guide." "Only the Khan commands Tartars and not the King!" "Listen to me then, Aga the Khan has given you to the King like he would a dog!" "Therefore, do not disrespect him." "...unless you want to be tied up like a dog." "Akbar!" "Careful make sure you don't anger me!" "Listen, son of a goat!" "You thought you wouldn't have any superiors and that you could burn, rob, and slaughter?" "You want a guide?" "Guide?" "Guide?" "Bagadir!" "Bagadir!" "Look here, slave!" "Another horse!" "Your Worthiness, they are marching along the bank and will not be crossing the river." "Therefore, there is no need for us to hide." "Lead the way, Babinicz, and act in the name of God." "Gracious gentlemen, to your squadrons!" "To the river!" "Fire!" "Your worthiness, can I try to pass the river once more?" "Take the light cavalry, cross the river then attack the supply columns!" "Your worthiness, Kmicic will perish!" "If he has a good hand, he will win and not perish!" "Move out!" "Stop firing!" "That's what I wanted." "Do not kill me!" "I'll pay a ransom for the maiden!" "Talk!" "The maiden will die if you kill me!" "I gave orders!" "What have you done with her?" "Spare me, and I'll give her to you!" "I swear on the gospel!" "Listen to me, traitor!" "I would give a hundred like you, for one of her hairs!" "But I do not believe you, oath breaker!" "I'll give you safe conduct, and a written order!" "I would have expected death before this..." "That devil ordered Olenka killed if he were to perish here." "You're letting a traitor to our country go free." "Punish me, O Lord, for my heavy sins not according to my faults, but thy mercy." "Because if I was to sentence her..." "Never!" "What do you intend to do?" "I'm moving out to Taurogi." "Carol Gustav is preparing a great army." "I'll be back in two weeks." "The country will not perish in two weeks!" "Miss Billewich will donate all of Vodokzy as well as all the land she owns." "Everything you see will be for the cloister!" "Do they have sheep at the manor?" "Are there many of them?" "I see you're already getting ready to shear them!" "This one will be enough for you." "Stop!" "Stop!" "Is he alive or dead?" "Alive, but death hangs over him." "He was shot by Swedes." "He gave orders to be taken to Lyubich." "He said that's where he wants to die." "Go, quickly!" "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and in the hour of our death." "Amen." "Now and in the hour of our death." "Lord, pardon him, for he dies from an enemy's hand." "Pardon him, for he dies from an enemy's hand." "Have mercy upon him!" "Is it over?" "He's still alive." "Soroka." "At your service, Your Grace." "Who is in Vodokzy?" "The lady." "Praised be the name of the Lord!" "Did they ask about me?" "They were asking everyday until we told them you would get better." "And then they stopped?" "They stopped." "And what do you think, my child, of Mr. Kmicic?" "God knows I don't want to think about him." "Because, you see..." "people say different things about him." "Don't you think that your late grandfather's will should be carried out?" "Never!" "My grandfather also left me a choice to go to the cloister." "Never." "There's only blood and ashes, here." "If he hadn't betrayed the country." "If he hadn't agreed to sell-out the King." "I had already forgiven him, because I thought..." "Because I loved him with all my heart." "But I can't anymore." "Merciful Lord, I cannot." "But he fought against the enemy, and shed his blood." "When?" "When the enemy was beginning to falter." "And when his personal profit depended on it." "Where is the merit in that?" "That's true..." "Can a lucky shot erase that?" "I would let my hand be cut off for it to have never happened." "But it did, and it will always be there!" "Soroka." "Your Grace?" "Polkovnik Wolodyjowski's squadron hasn't returned yet?" "Not yet, but they'll be here any day." "And you didn't say anything about me?" "There was no order." "What day do we have today?" "Frosty, polkovnik." "That's not what I asked." "Saturday." "You'll shave me, and we'll go to mass tomorrow." "Praised be Jesus Christ." "For the ages." "In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." "On this, the third Sunday after the holiday of the Three Wise men, Anno Domini 1658 the Holy Church reads us St. Matthew's gospel, chapter eight." "On that day when our Lord, Jesus Christ walked down from the Mount, great crowds followed him." "A leprous man came up to Him, bowed, and said If you wish, O Lord, you can purify me." "And Jesus touched him with his hand, saying I do wish it." "Be purified!" "And the leprous man was cleaned of leprosy." "We, Jan Kazimierz, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania Mazovia, Prussia, etc... etc... etc..." "In the name of the Father,Son, and Holy Spirit." "Amen." "We make it known to all that whatever accusations still rest on Mr. Andrzej Kmicic are to vanish from all human memory for the following services and merits." "Not only was Andrzej Kmicic brought to error by Prince Radziwill's insanity he never did agree to raise his hand against us and even kidnapped Prince Boguslaw to avenge our suffering country." "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner was shot, and barely recovered." "He went to Czestochowa and defended the Holy Relic with his own breast blowing up the Swedes' greatest cannon in the process." "Because of it, he was seized by the enemy... ..and burned with living fire." "He was rescued from this terrible predicament by the power of the Queen of Angels, and came to Silesia." "On our way back to the country, he defended us and had to be dragged off the field nearly lifeless." "God, oh God..." "And when, with our help, he returned to health he did not stop fighting until the enemy had been driven out of our country." "Therefore, considering all his services we decided to publish them all in this letter so that he is no longer pursued by the ill will of men and is instead shown the praise and universal love that the virtuous deserve." "Why do you cry?" "Olenka..." "Jedrus..." "I am not even worthy to kiss your wounds!" "I have something to tell you, Mr. Andrzej." "It wasn't enough to expose your breast shed your blood, and cut down the enemy!" "Since so many people have died during this terrible war you'll have to give new citizens and defenders to this great country of ours!" "I'm sure you have enough manhood and desire for such a task!" "Long live!" "I wish you happiness, polkovnik!" "THE END"