# The Last Day explained — The Slaves of the Padishah > Chapter companion for The Slaves of the Padishah by Mór Jókai. ## What happens General Heissler and Michael Teleki prepare to defend Transylvania against Tököly's invading forces. Teleki's strategic advice is dismissed, and he is humiliated by being forced to play cards. When the battle begins, the Transylvanian forces are routed, and Teleki is killed by the mortally wounded Feriz Beg, who delivers a series of vengeful blows. Heissler is captured by Tököly, and Doria is also taken prisoner. Tököly later exchanges the captured generals for his wife Helen. ## Themes in this chapter ### War and Destruction The chapter depicts the chaos and violence of battle, with heavy casualties, the burning of reeds, and the death of key characters. ### Honor and Betrayal Teleki's advice is dishonored, the Szeklers betray the cause by fleeing, and Feriz Beg's final acts are driven by a sense of personal honor and vengeance. ### Fate and Death The prophecy of Magyari is fulfilled with Teleki's death, and Feriz Beg dies immediately after achieving his revenge, suggesting an inescapable fate. ## Character check-ins ### Michael Teleki Dissatisfied with the defensive strategy, offers advice that is ignored, is forced into a card game, and later flees the battle only to be caught and killed by Feriz Beg. ### General Heissler Commands the allied forces, dismisses Teleki's counsel, wins at cards, and is eventually captured by Tököly after a valiant but futile resistance. ### Emeric Tököly Leads the invading forces, captures Heissler in single combat, and later exchanges the generals for his wife Helen. ### Feriz Beg Mortally wounded but still driven by vengeance, he kills Teleki with a series of blows, then dies immediately after. ### Colonel Doria Commands a division that is cut off and surrounded, fights bravely but is taken prisoner. ### General Magni Wounded severely in the battle, he tries to drag Heissler away from the field. ## Key lines > Sir, what if Tököly were to appear at some other gate of the kingdom while we are lying here? Teleki worries that Tököly might enter through a different pass while they are stationed at Bozza. _Teleki's strategic concern is dismissed by Heissler._ > Here’s some occupation for you⁠—you deal! Heissler gives Teleki a deck of cards, mocking his desire for a military role. _Heissler humiliates Teleki by forcing him into a card game instead of a military command._ > Grieve not for me if I, your general, fall on the field of battle. Behold, I bring my white beard among you, and am ready to die. Heissler tells his troops not to mourn if he dies, as he is old and willing to sacrifice himself. _Heissler's speech before the battle shows his resolve._ > That blow is from Denis Banfi! ... This blow is for Paul Béldi! This blow is for the children of Paul Béldi! This blow is for Transylvania! Feriz Beg strikes Teleki with a series of blows, each dedicated to a person or cause he is avenging. _Feriz Beg's final act is a personal vendetta against Teleki._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters/xxxii-the-last-day - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_the_padishah_se/chapters