The Rise of Iskander | Page 7

And with these
words terminated the brief and extraordinary visit of Iskander to the
Christian general.

CHAPTER 5
The intelligence of the breaking up of the Christian camp, and the
retreat of the Christian army, soon reached the Divan of Karam Bey,
who immediately summoned Iskander to consult on the necessary
operations. The chieftains agreed that instant pursuit was indispensable,
and soon the savage Hæmus poured forth from its green bosom swarms
of that light cavalry which was perhaps even a more fatal arm of the
Turkish power than the famous Janissaries themselves. They hovered
on the rear of the retreating Christians, charged the wavering, captured

the unwary. It was impossible to resist their sudden and impetuous
movements, which rendered their escape as secure as their onset was
overwhelming. Wearied at length by the repeated assaults, Hunniades,
who, attended by some chosen knights, had himself repaired to the rear,
gave orders for the army to halt and offer battle.
Their pursuers instantly withdrew to a distance, and gradually forming
into two divisions, awaited the arrival of the advancing army of the
Turks. The Moslemin came forward in fierce array, and with the
sanguine courage inspired by expected triumph. Very conspicuous was
Iskander bounding in his crimson vest upon his ebon steed and waving
his gleaming scimitar.
The Janissaries charged, calling upon Allah! with an awful shout. The
Christian knights, invoking the Christian saints, received the Turks at
the points of their lances. But many a noble lance was shivered that
morn, and many a bold rider and worthy steed bit the dust of that field,
borne down by the irresistible numbers of their fierce adversaries.
Everywhere the balls and the arrows whistled through the air, and
sometimes an isolated shriek heard amid the general clang, announced
another victim to the fell and mysterious agency of the Greek fire.
Hunniades, while he performed all the feats of an approved warrior,
watched with anxiety the disposition of the Turkish troops. Hitherto,
from the nature of their position, but a portion of both armies had
interfered in the contest, and as yet Iskander had kept aloof. But now,
as the battle each instant raged with more fury, and as it was evident
that ere long the main force of both armies must be brought into
collision, Hunniades, with a terrible suspense, watched whether the
Grecian prince were willing or even capable of executing his plan.
Without this fulfilment, the Christian hero could not conceal from
himself that the day must be decided against the Cross.
In the meantime Iskander marked the course of events with not less
eagerness than Hunniades. Already Karam Bey had more than once
summoned him to bring the Epirots into action. He assented; but an
hour passed away without changing his position. At length, more from
astonishment than rage, the Turkish commander sent his chief secretary

Mousa himself to impress his wishes upon his colleague, and obtain
some explanation of his views and conduct. Mousa found Iskander
surrounded by some of the principal Epirot nobles, all mounted on
horseback, and standing calmly under a wide-spreading plane tree. The
chief secretary of Karam Bey was too skilful a courtier to permit his
countenance to express his feelings, and he delivered himself of a
mission rather as if he had come to request advice, than to
communicate a reprimand.
"Your master is a wise man, Mousa," replied Iskander; "but even
Karam Bey may be mistaken. He deems that a battle is not to be won
by loitering under a shadowy tree. Now I differ with him, and I even
mean to win this day by such a piece of truancy. However, it may
certainly now be time for more active work. You smile encouragement,
good Mousa. Giorgio, Demetrius, to your duty!"
At these words, two stout Epirots advanced to the unfortunate secretary,
seized and bound him, and placed him on horseback before one of their
comrades.
"Now all who love their country follow me!" exclaimed Iskander. So
saying, and at the head of five thousand horsemen, Iskander quitted the
field at a rapid pace.

CHAPTER 6
With incredible celerity Iskander and his cavalry dashed over the plains
of Roumelia, and never halted, except for short and hurried intervals of
rest and repose, until they had entered the mountainous borders of
Epirus, and were within fifty miles of its capital, Croia. On the eve of
entering the kingdom of his fathers, Iskander ordered his guards to
produce the chief secretary of Karam Bey. Exhausted with fatigue,
vexation, and terror, the disconsolate Mousa was led forward.
"Cheer up, worthy Mousa!" said Iskander, lying his length on the green
turf. "We have had a sharp ride; but I doubt not we shall soon find

ourselves, by the blessing of God, in good quarters. There is