89 89 First Half 1629

In the middle of January 1629, the toys I ordered for my cousins ​​were ready, I was most interested in how the carpenter dealt with the construction of the wooden bicycle... Despite drawing all the parts, I was afraid that this task would be too much for him.

As it turned out, my fears were not entirely unfounded, the bike was functional and usable, but it looked a bit clunky, I could not say that it was beautiful or even nice, it also had one drawback, the kid who was supposed to ride it could not be fat ... then I laughed silently. The bike was intended for Gryzelda, and I couldn't imagine a woman who would get a nickname "Borderlands She-Wolf" riding on a four-wheeled bicycle as a child... I called Kowalski to my place and ordered him to send a messenger with gifts to Zamość, which was the seat of the Zamoyski family.

As construction works have been suspended for the winter period, and Potocki's return will most likely take place in April or May, I decided to use this time to get rid of Krzywonos, unfortunately I didn't have a good idea how to do it, the only idea I had and I knew it would be effective was also crazy, so I decided to implement this plan.

I went to the settlement where the Cossacks lived, under the pretext of discussing Potocki's activities this year. I was greeted by Ivan and Ilya ... and, as is often the case in a war council, it turned into a feast. Ivan gave the orders, and moments later dozens of fires were lit in the surrounding fields, several pigs and cows were killed. To improve the atmosphere, I sent a few Cossacks to Jazłowiec to bring a few barrels of beer and mead. When it was already evening and most of the party was already heavily drunk, some Cossacks started bragging about their talents and discussing who was better at what.

Some said that Ilya is the best swordsman, others that Ivan is better, and still others that Krzywonos will defeat everyone. I decided to take this opportunity.

"We will check who is better ... everyone who defeats me will get 30 ducats, we fight to the first blood or to the loss of the saber. Nobody will hold a grudge against anyone." (MC)

Most of the Cossacks liked my idea, Iwan and Ilya were a bit reluctant, but after my persuasion and pressure from the crowd, they agreed to the duels. The first was Ilya. We stood against each other, we drew our sabers. Ilya attacked first, but I easily defeated his blow. Then the next one and the next one, his attacks were aggressive and strong, but they did not pose much of a challenge ... on the next hit, I tilted my saber a little and Ilya's blade hit my shoulder, which caused me to drop my weapon ... I took a purse from my belt and tossed it to my colonel..

"You deserved it." (MC)

I picked up the pot of beer. I lifted it up and offered a toast to my opponent. The rest of the Cossacks did the same.

Then came Ivan's turn. He was a more cautious swordsman, looked for an easy opening and did not put all his strength into the strikes. He saved his strength, but he was also faster. If I had to compare, he was much better than Ilya. However, I also lost this duel, due to a small mistake I committed, Ivan's fake blade cut my cheek ... blood was running down my face and I lost another 30 ducats. I toast my opponent again, the atmosphere was cheerful and friendly, everyone had a good time.

I didn't have to persuade Krzywonos for a long time, his style was also the most sophisticated, just brutal strength, which he did not lack. Attack, bounce, attack, dodge ... with the next attack, I took a step forward, shortening the distance, I turned the saber sideways and hit the side of Krzywonos head with all my might. He fell to the ground like being struck by lightning, I knew I didn't kill him, but I was sure I turned his brain into jelly.

It was immediately checked to see if he was alive, but that he was breathing, no one made a fuss about it.

"Maybe he drank too much, we'll try again when he's sober... Let's drink to the health of Krzywonos." (MC)

When I raised the cup up, the glow on my hand was almost completely gone ... 60 ducats and a little blood for getting rid of the traitor and the rebel. It was not a big price, especially since I committed a perfect murder in front of a thousand people ... technically Krzywonos was still alive, but in fact he was no different from a carrot, he was also a vegetable.

The party continued for a few more hours, and in the morning I woke up in one of the houses next to a fourteen ... eighteen-year-old girl. She was definitely eighteen... three weeks later, the funeral of Krzywonos took place.

The following months passed quietly, in the middle of April, Potocki came to Jazłowiec, I told me that the spies had informed me about the planned attacks, I showed him the place of the attack and lent him my soldiers again... With the advent of the warm months, the sounds of the construction filled Jazłowiec again.

Sveta was sitting on the couch and she was holding Katarzyna in her arms, the governess was sitting next to her, and Piotr was sitting next to me at my desk.

"Repeat after me...

Who are you?

A Polish child.

What's your emblem?

The eagle in white.

Where's your home?

With my loved ones.

In what country?

In the Polish land.

What the land is?

My beloved home.

How was it won?

By scar and bloody yomp.

Do you love Her?

With my heart and soul.

What do you trust in?

In Poland – as a whole.

What are you?

Her grateful kid.

What should you do for Her?

To lay down my life indeed.

I know you don't remember it all right away, but we'll do it line by line." (MC)