# XCII explained — The Deluge

> Chapter companion for The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

## What happens

Kmita leads a daring retreat to draw the enemy into a trap, crossing the ford under heavy fire. Gosyevski and Volodyovski debate the risks, and Kmita fights fiercely, breaking the enemy center. After the battle, Volodyovski expresses his concern for Olenka and entrusts Kmita with her safety.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Destruction

The chapter depicts intense battle scenes with heavy casualties and tactical maneuvers.

### Love and Sacrifice

Volodyovski's concern for Olenka and his willingness to risk himself for her safety.

### Honor and Betrayal

Kmita's courageous leadership and the loyalty of his men contrast with the enemy's tactics.

## Character check-ins

### Andrei Kmita

Leads the retreat and engages in fierce combat, breaking the enemy center.

### Pan Michael Volodyovski

Observes the battle anxiously and later entrusts Kmita with Olenka's safety.

### Gosyevski

Commands the Lithuanian forces, orders the attack, and debates tactics with Volodyovski.

### Soroka

Fights alongside Kmita, guarding his master.

### Yan Sapyeha

Mentioned as having given Kmita chain-mail.

### Olenka Billevich

Volodyovski expresses concern for her safety and entrusts her to Kmita.

## Key lines

> “As God lives, I wanted that!” cried the hetman, suddenly; and he sprang like a thunderbolt to Voynillovich’s squadron.

The hetman exclaims that he desired the outcome and quickly moves to lead Voynillovich's squadron.

_Gosyevski's decisive action in the battle._

> “Stop!” said Gosyevski, rather sharply; “it is enough that those will perish.” “They are perishing already,” replied Volodyovski.

Gosyevski orders Volodyovski to halt, saying enough men will die, but Volodyovski notes that they are already dying.

_Tension between the commanders over the cost of the battle._

> “Oh, I would go with you as gladly as to paradise. But I must keep my command. You are fortunate to lead volunteers. Yendrek, listen, brother! and when you find both, take care of that one, so that no evil befall her. God knows, she may be predestined to me.”

Volodyovski says he would gladly join Kmita but must stay with his command, and asks Kmita to protect Olenka if he finds her.

_Volodyovski entrusts Olenka's safety to Kmita._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/xcii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters