Part 35 (2/2)
”My friend, I am deeply indebted to you,” answered Ivan; and he then explained the man's story to the a.s.sembled chiefs.
”Bismillah!” exclaimed the Hadji, jumping up. ”The very thing for us!
We will set forth without delay; and, by the blessing of Allah, we will take that cursed fort before the sun has risen in the heavens.”
”Thanks, my n.o.ble father, for your prompt.i.tude,” cried Ivan. ”No other leader would I rather follow in rescuing my friend. I doubt not of success.”
”Stay!” said the Hadji's more cautious brother, Achmet Beg. ”We must consider the subject. We have scarce men enough for the enterprise, and look at the sky. The light wind that blows comes direct from the place: the vessel will take some time to reach it, and if we arrive before it, our object would be lost.”
”True,” answered Ivan; ”you speak well. In my eagerness to rescue my friend, I overlooked that point.”
”And I too!” added the Hadji. ”Mashallah! when there's fighting in the case, I am as forgetful of every thing else as the wildest Dehli Khan among them.”
”Then,” said Achmet Beg, ”I propose that we send forward some trusty scouts to watch the vessel along the coast, and give notice when she arrives in the harbour. In the mean time, we will collect as many warriors as possible for the enterprise. What say you, Uzdens?”
”The advice is good,” said Arslan Gherrei. ”And I will gladly lead my few remaining followers to the a.s.sault.”
”Well, then, that point is settled,” cried the eager Hadji; and turning to their host: ”Now, Uzden, will you send out some of your trusty followers to fasten along the coast to watch the vessel? And you, my brother, despatch some of yours to summon all the warriors they can collect in the neighbourhood. There is no time to be lost on an occasion of this sort.”
The host hastened to fulfil his part of the arrangement, as did Achmet Beg also.
Far and near the messengers hastened, in every direction, on their fleet steeds, giving the word at every hamlet and mountain cot. The news flew like lightning, that Hadji Guz Beg had returned from abroad, and had lost no time in keeping up his old reputation by leading an expedition against the enemy. Wherever the messengers pa.s.sed, the young men seized their weapons, either rifles or bows, from the walls, girding their swords to their sides, filling their wallets with meal for their provision, and throwing their cloaks over their backs. Thus, fully equipped at a moment's notice, they hastened to the appointed rendezvous. None knew for what exact object the expedition was intended; but it was enough to know, that it was against the detested Urus, and that the renowned Guz Beg was to be the leader.
Those nearest to the spot repaired to one of the points of rendezvous fixed on in a deep valley, about two miles distant from the fort to be attacked.
Before the sun had attained its greatest height in the heavens, on the following morning, the Hadji found full six hundred fighting men a.s.sembled under his standard. Many were chiefs themselves of note, attracted by the prospect of renown to be gained under the well-known guidance of so brave a leader. They came clothed in mail, and attended by a retinue of hors.e.m.e.n. Others were st.u.r.dy yeomen of good repute in arms, also on horseback, (with their serfs on foot) anxious to vie with the knights themselves in gallant deeds. Some were independent freemen, coming from their solitary mountain homes, acknowledging no specific leader, each man fighting for himself, as his inclinations prompted him: these were armed with rifle, sword and dagger. Whatever was their rank or calling, they were all animated with one feeling--the deepest hatred of the common foe.
While they were preparing to march, a loud shout among the mult.i.tude proclaimed a new arrival; and das.h.i.+ng among the trees, a n.o.ble young cavalier appeared, attended by a band of hors.e.m.e.n of his own age. The youth rode forward, as room was made for him; and leaping from his horse, he threw himself at the Hadji's feet.
”My son! my son! joy of my heart!” exclaimed the Hadji, folding the slight form of the youth in his gauntleted arms. ”Welcome, thrice welcome, are you to me at this moment! Alp, my son, you have not disappointed my hopes; and may you prove yourself as gallant a warrior as your appearance would promise!”
Then, as if ashamed of giving vent to his feelings before the a.s.sembled warriors, though still holding the young man's hand, and gazing fondly at him, he added--
”Alp, you have now become a warrior, and these are no times for rest.
Prove, then, to your countrymen, that you are equal to the bravest.”
”I have but to follow your steps, my father, and I fear not that I shall gain renown.”
”Now, my friends,” cried the Hadji, tearing himself from his son's side; ”let all men on foot advance, under the guidance of the Uzden Achmet Beg. The cavaliers will quickly follow.”
Under shelter of the trees, the maidens of the hamlet had a.s.sembled to witness the departure of the warriors, and to encourage them with their prayers. Among them was the lovely Ina; her bright eyes regarding not the youthful cavaliers who careered before her, to win her smiles, but following her father's lofty crest as he moved about the field.
As he caught sight of his daughter among the women, Arslan Gherrei sought Ivan's side.
”Young warrior stranger,” he said, ”I have myself endeavoured to thank you for your timely rescue, when so hard set by our foes: but my daughter would do so likewise.”
Saying which, he conducted Ivan to the side of Ina; and while they were speaking, he himself stood for some time entranced, gazing on them earnestly.
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