With Fire and Sword · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for With Fire and Sword by Henryk Sienkiewicz.
Chapter 1
Chapter I
Pan Skshetuski, a young lieutenant serving under Prince Yeremi Vishnyevetski, encounters a mysterious stranger in the steppe who has been attacked and nearly strangled. After rescuing him, Skshetuski learns the stranger is Bogdan Hmelnitski, a Cossack colonel traveling under the alias Abdank. Hmelnitski reveals he is fleeing a neighbor who killed his son and destroyed his property, and he speaks ominously of a coming 'day of judgment.' Skshetuski, suspicious of Hmelnitski's identity and motives, accepts a ring from him as a gift. The chapter ends with Hmelnitski departing with his men, singing a mournful Cossack song.
Chapter 2
Chapter II
Skshetuski reveals to Zatsvilikhovski that he rescued Hmelnitski from a lariat in the steppe, unaware of his true identity. Chaplinski boasts of his plans to capture Hmelnitski, and tensions rise in Chigirin as the Cossacks grow restless. Zatsvilikhovski warns of the danger of rebellion and advises Skshetuski to inform Prince Yeremi.
Chapter 3
Chapter III
Pan Skshetuski and Pan Rozvan Ursu arrive at Rozlogi and are greeted by the old princess and her sons. Bogun, a famous Cossack leader, is also present and immediately shows hostility toward Skshetuski, nearly provoking a fight. The old princess intervenes, revealing Bogun's identity and his close ties to the family. Skshetuski observes the tension between Bogun and Princess Helena, and notes the old princess's contemptuous treatment of her niece.
Chapter 4
Chapter IV
Skshetuski confronts the princess and her sons over Helena's fate, demanding her hand in marriage. After tense negotiations, the princess agrees to give Helena to Skshetuski, though she fears Bogun's vengeance. Helena accepts Skshetuski, and he departs for Lubni, encountering Bogun briefly in the forest.
Chapter 5
Chapter V
Skshetuski grows increasingly melancholic and restless in Lubni, haunted by his separation from Helena. He sends his cunning servant Jendzian to Rozlogi to gather news. Jendzian returns with a letter from Helena, reporting that Bogun has been sent away to Pereyasláv and that she is safe for now. The chapter also depicts Prince Yeremi's court, his reception of the Wallachian envoy Rozvan Ursu, and the formal betrothal of Princess Anna to Bodzynski, which causes Volodyovski grief. Skshetuski, relieved by the news, thanks God in the chapel.
Chapter 6
Chapter VI
Amidst growing unrest in the Ukraine, Prince Yeremi Vishnyevetski dispatches a mission to the Zaporozhian Sich to investigate reports of Cossack mobilization and Hmelnitski's activities. Skshetuski persuades Bykhovets to yield the mission, revealing his love for Helena Kurtsevichovna and his desire to protect her from Bogun. The prince grants the request, and Skshetuski prepares to depart.
Chapter 7
Chapter VII
Lieutenant Skshetuski visits Rozlogi and reunites with Princess Helena, confirming their love and plans to marry after his mission to the Saitch. The princess consents to their union, and Skshetuski departs for Chigirin.
Chapter 8
VIII
Skshetuski arrives in Chigirin and finds Zatsvilikhovski in great excitement over Hmelnitski's preparations for war. The old man reveals that Hmelnitski has sought Tartar aid and is expected to launch a campaign against the Commonwealth. Skshetuski prepares for his dangerous mission to Kudák, while Zagloba is seen drinking with Bogun. The chapter ends with Skshetuski departing by boat, reflecting on the mystery of the Dnieper and the Saitch.
Chapter 9
Chapter IX
Skshetuski arrives at the fortress of Kudák and meets its stern commander, Pan Grodzitski. Grodzitski warns him of the imminent war, the lack of powder, and the danger of his mission to the Saitch. Despite the peril, Skshetuski resolves to proceed, sending his servant Jendzian back to Rozlogi with letters. The chapter ends with Skshetuski preparing to depart at dawn.
Chapter 10
The Battle on the Island
Lieutenant Skshetuski and his small escort of Cossacks are attacked on a Dnieper island by a combined force of Zaporojian Cossacks and Tartars. Despite being outnumbered, Skshetuski leads a desperate defense, refusing to surrender and fighting to the last. The chapter ends with Skshetuski wounded and falling in his boat as the enemy overwhelms his position.
Chapter 11
Chapter XI
In the Zaporozhian Sich, Hmelnitski presides over a council of atamans, accusing Tatarchuk and young Barabash of treason for communicating with the Poles. Despite their pleas of innocence, the enraged Brotherhood drags them out and kills them. Skshetuski, brought before the council as a captured envoy, boldly denounces the Cossacks as traitors and bandits, refusing to beg for his life. The crowd demands his death, but Tugai Bey claims him as his captive and violently drives off the Cossacks, asserting his authority. Hmelnitski then presents letters from Prince Yeremi and others, asking the atamans to judge the prisoners, while the koshevoi ataman supports him.
Chapter 12
XII
In a tense night-time confrontation, Hmelnitski defends his rebellion against Skshetuski's accusations of tyranny and treason. Hmelnitski ransoms Skshetuski from Tugai Bey but demands his word of silence about the Cossack preparations. Skshetuski refuses, leading to a stalemate.
Chapter 13
XIII
The Cossack and Tartar armies march out of the Saitch, advancing northward with songs and celebration. Hmelnitski deliberately slows his march to allow young Pototski's forces to become isolated. Skshetuski, wounded and captive, lies in a wagon, tormented by fever and visions of his friends and Helena. The fortress of Kudák fires warning shots as the host passes, and Hmelnitski learns that Krechovski commands the registered Cossacks sailing down the Dnieper, spurring him to hasten.
Chapter 14
Chapter XIV
Krechovski, commanding a force of registered Cossacks and German infantry, initially plans to crush Hmelnitski's rebellion for personal glory, but after a secret meeting with Hmelnitski in the steppe, he betrays the Commonwealth, murders Colonel Hans Flick, and leads his men to join the Zaporojian cause. Old Barabash resists and is killed by his own Cossacks.
Chapter 15
Chapter XV
Skshetuski, wounded and captive, observes Hmelnitski's campaign after the victory at Jóltiya Vodi. Hmelnitski advances rapidly through the Ukraine, gathering peasant support and burning villages. He clashes with the Polish hetmans at Korsún, but a fierce battle is interrupted by rain. Skshetuski witnesses the battle from the Cossack camp, experiencing despair and hope as he thinks of Prince Yeremi and Helena.
Chapter 16
Chapter XVI
Hmelnitski reflects on the escalating rebellion and the potential response of the Commonwealth, fearing Prince Yeremi Vishnyevetski as a formidable leader. He decides to avoid a direct confrontation with the prince, instead strengthening his position in the Ukraine. Hmelnitski frees Skshetuski, who is tormented by guilt over his role in the uprising and worries about Helena. Skshetuski travels through devastated lands, seeking news of Helena and the prince.
Chapter 17
Chapter XVII
Bogun, enraged by letters revealing Skshetuski's betrothal to Helena, attacks Jendzian and decides to abduct Helena. Despite Zagloba's attempts to dissuade him, Bogun leads his Cossacks toward Lubni, with Zagloba reluctantly joining him.
Chapter 18
Chapter XVIII
Bogun and Zagloba visit the Kurtsevich family under the pretense of friendship, but Bogun's true intentions surface when he demands confirmation of his betrothal to Helena. The conversation turns violent when the family's hesitation reveals their secret promise to Skshetuski, leading to a brutal massacre in which Bogun kills Prince Simeon and duels Prince Nikolai to the death. The blind Prince Vassily intervenes with a cross, momentarily terrifying the Cossacks, while Helena is captured and Bogun collapses from his wounds.
Chapter 19
Chapter XIX
Helena laments her fate and the death of her cousins at Bogun's hands, while Zagloba consoles her and recounts the danger they are in. They flee across the steppe, encountering a fleeing messenger named Pleshnyevski who reports that Chigirin has fallen to the Zaporojians, Pototski is killed, Charnetski captured, and the countryside is in revolt. Zagloba and Helena must decide where to hide, with Zagloba considering Zólotonosha as a possible refuge.
Chapter 20
Chapter XX
Zagloba, disguised as a blind minstrel, warns Prince Yeremi's peasants against rebellion, convincing them to flee to Hmelnitski. He then disguises Helena as a peasant boy, cutting her hair, and they flee through the wilderness, crossing the Kagamlik River and hiding in the reeds to avoid pursuit.
Chapter 21
Chapter XXI
After Zagloba's escape, Bogun recovers from his wounds and furiously pursues him, attacking a garrison at Vassilyevka and torturing prisoners for information. Learning of Hmelnitski's victory at Jóltiya Vodi, Bogun splits his forces to hunt Zagloba and Helena. Meanwhile, Zagloba and Helena cross the Dnieper at Próhorovka amid a chaotic rebellion, witnessing brutal murders and barely escaping the mob. Zagloba resolves to continue fleeing despite the dangers.
Chapter 22
Chapter XXII
Prince Yeremi receives Hmelnitski's letter of submission and false humility, sees through the deception, and orders the execution of the envoys. He learns of the defeat at Korsún and the widespread rebellion, decides to march to Lubni and then cross the Dnieper at Bragin, and upon hearing that Bogun burned Rozlogi and likely carried off Helena, sends Volodyovski and Bykhovets in pursuit.
Chapter 23
Chapter XXIII
Prince Yeremi's army arrives at Rozlogi, where Skshetuski is reunited with his comrades. Through interrogation of a peasant, they learn that Zagloba rescued Helena from Bogun by binding the ataman and fleeing with her disguised as a young Cossack. Bogun pursues in two directions but fails to find her. The officers comfort Skshetuski, who clings to hope that Helena may be safe in Lubni. Prince Yeremi urges him to bear his loss manfully and prepare for battle.
Chapter 24
Chapter XXIV
Pan Skshetuski returns to Lubni but does not find Princess Helena or Zagloba. He is filled with sorrow and fear, but finds consolation in the thought that Zagloba may have used a disguise to help Helena escape. He confesses to Father Mukhovetski, who rebukes him for his personal grief and hatred, urging him to focus on the country's plight and forgive his enemies. Skshetuski undergoes a spiritual renewal. The chapter then describes Prince Yeremi's departure from Lubni with his army, the burning of forests set by Cossack volunteers, and the prince's oath to crush the rebellion.
Chapter 25
XXV
Prince Yeremi's army completes a grueling march through swamps and forests, reaching Chernigoff and then Lubech. At a farewell dinner, the princess and court depart for Turoff while the prince prepares for war in the Ukraine. Skshetuski, still searching for Helena and Zagloba, finds no trace of them. The chapter highlights the army's discipline, the prince's leadership, and the looming rebellion.
Chapter 26
Chapter XXVI
Hmelnitski presents a letter from the voevoda of Bratslav (Kisel) to the Cossack council, proposing negotiations to end the war. The letter is met with mixed reactions, including strong opposition from Chernota. Hmelnitski, calculating that negotiation may yield concessions from the Commonwealth, decides to pursue this path while also preparing for war. He assigns Krívonos to lead a force against Prince Yeremi, and the chapter ends with Krívonos marching out of camp amid a storm.
Chapter 27
Chapter XXVII
Prince Yeremi Vishnyevetski and his officers debate whether to negotiate with Hmelnitski or continue war, ultimately choosing war. After a battle, the prince clashes with the voevoda of Kiev over pursuing fleeing Cossacks. News arrives that the elder Krívonos is besieging Polónnoe, and the prince prepares to aid the town. In a subsequent battle, the hussars under Skshetuski break the Cossack lines, leading to a brutal melee.
Chapter 28
Chapter XXVIII
Skshetuski leads a surprise attack on a group of peasants in a ravine, during which he discovers that the minstrel is actually Zagloba in disguise. Zagloba reveals that Princess Helena is safe in Bar. Overjoyed, Skshetuski frees the prisoners. Later, Prince Yeremi sends Skshetuski on a mission to recruit colonels Osinski and Koritski, but they refuse to join due to orders from Prince Dominik Zaslavski. Skshetuski returns through dangerous forests, haunted by the sounds of madness and cruelty.
Chapter 29
XXIX
Prince Yeremi receives Skshetuski's report of the refusal of Osinski and Koritski to join forces, ordered by Prince Dominik. The prince expresses bitterness over the lack of support from the Commonwealth, but his colonels pledge loyalty. The voevoda of Kiev initially hesitates but later agrees to join after news arrives that Krívonos has captured Polónnoe, massacring thousands. The prince resolves to march to aid the endangered regiments.
Chapter 30
The Night March to Konstantinoff
Prince Yeremi's forces prepare for battle against Krívonos. Zagloba recounts his daring escape with Princess Helena from Hmelnitski's camp, using a disguise and a baton as a safeguard. The camp is alerted by a fire in the distance, signaling the enemy's approach, and the army marches through the night toward Konstantinoff.
Chapter 31
XXXI
On the eve of battle, Skshetuski and Zagloba discuss the war, Krívonos, and Bogun. The next day, a series of duels on the dam leads to a fierce battle where Prince Yeremi's forces defeat Krívonos's Cossacks. Podbipienta captures Pulyan, and Zagloba takes a banner. The chapter ends with Krívonos vowing revenge.
Chapter 32
XXXII
Skshetuski reunites with his servant Jendzian, who recounts his adventures among the Cossacks and his time nursing Bogun. Jendzian describes Bogun's love for Helena, the soothsaying of Horpyna, and his own profit-making during the chaos. Meanwhile, Prince Yeremi executes a strategic retreat and counterattack against Krívonos, achieving a decisive victory. Skshetuski leads a punitive expedition and later rests, dreaming of his servant.
Chapter 33
Chapter XXXIII
Prince Yeremi Vishnyevetski undergoes a profound internal struggle, torn between his ambition to assume command and his fear of becoming a rebel like Hmelnitski. He ultimately decides to submit to lawful authority for the sake of the Commonwealth, but the army and nobles increasingly flock to him, making him the de facto leader. Meanwhile, his officers discuss his melancholy, and Zatsvilikhovski defends his severity against rebels.
Chapter 34
XXXIV
Bogun, tormented by his unrequited love for Princess Helena, consults the witch Horpyna about love potions and herbs. He reveals his anguish over Helena's self-inflicted wound and his fear of losing her. Horpyna suggests using a sleeping draught to render her unconscious. The party travels through a desolate valley, passing the Enemy's Mound and entering the Devil's Glen, where they encounter a dwarf servant. They bring the sleeping princess to Horpyna's cottage, and Bogun oversees the decoration of her chamber, hoping to make her captivity bearable. The chapter also includes a conversation among Cossacks about vampires and werewolves, with Horpyna implied to command them.
Chapter 35
XXXV
Bogun confronts Helena in the Devil's Glen, professing his love and demanding she accept him, while Helena resists, preferring death to a life with him. Horpyna tends to Helena after she faints, and Bogun vacillates between rage and despair, revealing his obsession and the depth of his turmoil.
Chapter 36
Chapter XXXVI
Bogun prepares to leave for war, torn between his love for Princess Helena and his duty to Hmelnitski and Krívonos. He entrusts her to Horpyna's care in the secluded Devil's Glen, while Helena remains cold and defiant. Bogun struggles with his feelings, hoping she will eventually forgive him, but Horpyna mocks his reluctance to force her love. The chapter ends with Bogun departing, leaving Helena under Horpyna's watch.
Chapter 37
XXXVII
Zagloba, Volodyovski, and Podbipienta discuss the fate of Princess Helena, believing Bogun has captured her. They plan to rescue her by sending spies among the Cossacks. Meanwhile, Skshetuski is promoted to lieutenant of the hussar regiment after a confrontation with Lashch, but remains despondent. The knights set out on a mission, with Zagloba and Volodyovski debating Skshetuski's emotional state.
Chapter 38
XXXVIII
Skshetuski leads a small detachment on a reconnaissance mission to gather intelligence on Krívonos's movements and to spread disinformation that Prince Yeremi is approaching. He divides his force into smaller parties to cover more ground and spread terror. Meanwhile, Krívonos, believing the reports, sends Bogun on a scouting mission to verify the news. The chapter highlights the strategic use of psychological warfare and the high stakes of the campaign.
Chapter 39
XXXIX
Zagloba, left alone in command of his detachment, feels anxious and lonely, wishing for the company of Skshetuski, Volodyovski, or Pan Longin. He leads his men toward Zbruch but encounters a peasant wedding party. Initially hostile, he is persuaded to join the festivities, drinks heavily, and becomes thoroughly intoxicated. In his stupor, he imagines the wedding is that of Pan Yan and Princess Helena, then collapses. He experiences terrifying dreams and a sense of being overpowered.
Chapter 40
Chapter XL
Zagloba, captured by Bogun and tied up in a stable, manages to free himself and hide in the loft. A battle erupts in the yard as soldiers attack Bogun's Cossacks, leading to their defeat. Zagloba is discovered missing, causing panic among the guards.
Chapter 41
XLI
Bogun's expedition against Prince Yeremi's division fails disastrously. After being defeated by Volodyovski, Podbipienta, and Skshetuski in succession, Bogun returns to Krívonos with only a few men. Meanwhile, the four officers reunite at Yarmolintsi, where Zagloba reveals that he learned from Bogun that Princess Helena is alive and still in Bogun's hands, though unharmed. The chapter also includes Vershul's account of the chaotic and faction-ridden march to Pilavtsi, where the Commonwealth army's indiscipline and lack of leadership lead to disaster.
Chapter 42
Chapter XLII
Skshetuski and his party arrive in Lvoff two days after the first wrecks from Pilavtsi. The city is in chaos, packed with fugitive soldiers, nobles, and armed citizens. Panic and disorder prevail as the Tartars are expected any moment. Skshetuski meets Kushel, who informs him of the dire situation and the council being held at the Bernardine Church. At the council, the citizens and soldiers demand that Prince Yeremi take command, but he refuses, citing respect for the appointed leaders. The cupbearer is vilified, and the voevoda of Kiev implores Yeremi to accept the baton. A woman in mourning offers her jewels at the prince's feet, moving the assembly.
Chapter 43
XLIII
Prince Yeremi arrives in Warsaw for the election, reflecting on the decay of virtue in the Commonwealth. He secretly leaves Lvov to gather forces, causing panic among the citizens. General Artsishevski defends his actions, urging the city to defend itself. Meanwhile, Pan Volodyovski has a tense encounter with Pan Kharlamp over Anusia Borzobogata, leading to a near duel. Zagloba and Volodyovski discuss their plans in Warsaw.
Chapter 44
Chapter XLIV
Amidst the chaos of the election field in Warsaw, Zagloba and Volodyovski indulge in revelry and dueling, while Bogun unexpectedly appears with a letter from Hmelnitski. A tense confrontation ensues over the fate of Princess Helena, leading to a postponed duel between Bogun and Volodyovski, mediated by Zagloba and newly arrived nobles.
Chapter 45
XLV
Volodyovski duels Bogun, defeating him with a clever feint and multiple cuts. Bogun is gravely wounded and carried to an inn, where Zagloba dresses his wounds. Zagloba then sends Eliasenko away and prepares to leave with Volodyovski, instructing witnesses to testify if needed.
Chapter 46
XLVI
Prince Yeremi hears of Bogun's slaying with indifference, praises Volodyovski for his skill, and sends him to inform Skshetuski so he can search for Princess Helena. Zagloba and Volodyovski celebrate Bogun's death and discuss the future.
Chapter 47
XLVII
After the election of King Yan Kazimir, hope for peace spreads across the Commonwealth. Prince Yeremi and other dignitaries follow the king to Krakow, while Volodyovski and Zagloba head to Zamost to find Skshetuski and plan the rescue of Princess Helena. They meet Podbipienta, who informs them of Skshetuski's continued military efforts. Zagloba and Volodyovski decide to proceed without Podbipienta, relying on Zagloba's cunning to locate the princess.
Chapter 48
XLVIII
Zagloba and Volodyovski travel to Zbaraj, learning of Krechovski's defeat and death at the hands of Lithuanian armies. They discover Skshetuski has gone alone to seek Princess Helena in Cossack territory, disguised as an Armenian merchant. Unable to follow, they settle into a long, dreary winter wait at Zbaraj.
Chapter 49
XLIX
The commissioners sent to negotiate with Hmelnitski endure a terrifying night at Novoselki, surrounded by a hostile mob demanding their deaths. Pan Skshetuski arrives in disguise and joins them, seeking news of Princess Helena and hoping to confront Bogun. The voevoda Kisel, despairing over the failure of his pacification efforts, reluctantly allows Skshetuski to accompany the mission.
Chapter 50
Chapter L
The commissioners arrive in Pereyasláv to negotiate with Hmelnitski, who receives them with arrogance and threats. Skshetuski, seeking Bogun to challenge him for Helena, searches among the Cossack colonels but is warned not to ask questions. The chapter reveals Hmelnitski's pride and ambition, as he acts like a sovereign prince, while Skshetuski's plan to duel Bogun is frustrated.
Chapter 51
LI
Commissioners, led by the ailing Kisel, attempt to negotiate with Hmelnitski, who oscillates between drunken cordiality and violent threats. Hmelnitski refuses to halt hostilities, citing Lithuanian attacks, and insists on war 'till next grass.' The Polish nobles endure insults and humiliation, barely restraining themselves to protect captive lives. Skshetuski's earlier defiance is discussed, and Kisel's physical and emotional suffering is highlighted.
Chapter 52
LII
Zagloba and Volodyovski wait in Zbaraj for news from Skshetuski. Volodyovski grows impatient and urges action, but Zagloba counsels patience. A Cossack messenger, Zakhar, arrives with a letter from Skshetuski in Kiev, revealing that he is searching for Princess Helena with the help of the metropolitan, but has not yet found her. Zakhar describes the dangers in Kiev, including mob violence against Poles. The chapter also covers the arrival of Podbipienta and news of political tensions and the possibility of war.
Chapter 53
LIII
Old Zakhar returns to Kiev, bringing news that the commissioners have little hope for peace and only secure an armistice until Whitsuntide. Hmelnitski makes exorbitant demands and prepares for war, while the Commonwealth appoints new leaders, excluding Prince Yeremi. The prince gathers forces at Zbaraj, and small-scale warfare continues despite the armistice. Volodyovski distinguishes himself in partisan raids, but returns from an expedition deeply troubled. He brings the Princes Bulygi Kurtsevichi, who report that Princess Helena was murdered in a monastery. Zagloba is devastated by the news, and the group mourns her loss.
Chapter 54
LIV
Zagloba recounts how he found Bogun wounded in Vlodava, pretending to be a friend while plotting vengeance. Volodyovski and Podbipienta listen as Zagloba reveals Bogun's location and his plan to rescue Helena. Later, Volodyovski and Podbipienta find Zagloba melancholic, reminiscing about his flight with Helena a year ago, and they drink together in sorrow.
Chapter 55
LV
The knights travel toward Valadinka to rescue Princess Helena from the Devil's Glen. They discuss their good fortune and the cunning of Jendzian, who tricked Bogun. Zagloba and Volodyovski prepare for the encounter with the witch Horpyna and the dangers of the ravine, relying on their wits and divine protection.
Chapter 56
LVI
Zagloba, Volodyovski, Jendzian, and Princess Helena continue their perilous journey through Cossack-held territory, using Burlai's baton as a pass. They learn of Hmelnitski's advance and the concentration of Polish forces at Zbaraj. After a dangerous encounter in Ploskiri, they discover that Bogun has been freed by Pan Rogovski. As they press on, signs of approaching Tartar hordes force them to flee.
Chapter 57
Chapter LVII
The chapter depicts the tense atmosphere in the Cossack camp as Hmelnitski and the Khan discuss their alliance, the Khan's wavering loyalty, and Hmelnitski's desperation. Meanwhile, the Polish camp prepares for battle, with Prince Yeremi taking command, omens appearing, and the soldiers rallying. A fierce cavalry charge led by Skshetuski and Podbipienta against the Cossacks and Tartars is described, with Tugai Bey wounded and the hussars pressing the attack.
Chapter 58
Chapter LVIII
The siege of Zbaraj intensifies as Hmelnitski begins a regular siege, constructing breastworks, zigzags, and moving towers. The Polish defenders, led by Prince Yeremi, resist continuous assaults and a terrible attack on July 19. A daring sally is launched against the Cossack towers, with knights including Skshetuski, Volodyovski, Podbipienta, and Zagloba destroying the shelters and attempting to burn the towers.
Chapter 59
LIX
The siege of Zbaraj intensifies with relentless assaults, cannonading, and musketry fire. The Polish defenders, though exhausted and starving, display heroic determination under Prince Yeremi's leadership. Negotiations with Hmelnitski fail as he demands the surrender of the prince and Konyetspolski. Skirmishes and verbal duels continue, with Zagloba taunting the Cossacks. The besieged refuse to surrender, digging new ramparts and countermining the enemy's works.
Chapter 60
Chapter LX
Prince Yeremi accepts the offer of four knights to attempt a dangerous mission through enemy lines to inform the king of their condition, but decrees they will go one by one. Pan Longin Podbipienta volunteers first. The knights debate the peril, and Zagloba reluctantly agrees to join. That night, as they stand watch, Volodyovski detects the enemy approaching for an assault.
Chapter 61
LXI
Zagloba and Volodyovski discuss the enemy's movements and their dwindling powder supplies, while mourning the loss of Podbipienta and worrying about Skshetuski's dangerous mission to escape the besieged camp through the pond at night.
Chapter 62
The King's Decision
King Yan Kazimir, beleaguered by uncertainty and the weight of the rebellion, struggles to obtain reliable intelligence about Hmelnitski and the Khan's forces. After rejecting futile counsel, he resolves to march to the relief of Prince Yeremi at Zbaraj. His resolve is strengthened by the arrival of a battered officer from Zbaraj, Pan Skshetuski, who confirms the dire situation. The king orders the army to prepare for an immediate march, and Skshetuski is taken to rest by a priest who recognizes him.
Chapter 63
LXIII
Skshetuski recovers from a fever and learns from Jendzian that Princess Helena is safe. Jendzian recounts his escape with Helena from Bogun and the Cossacks, including a perilous encounter with Donyéts and rescue by Pan Pelka. The chapter ends with the arrival of Zagloba, Volodyovski, and others, who announce the peace of Zborovo and the raising of the siege of Zbaraj.
Chapter 64
Epilogue
The epilogue describes the aftermath of the battles at Zborovo and Zbaraj, culminating in the great Battle of Berestechko. It details the rise of Hmelnitski with the Khan and Tartar hordes, the Commonwealth's unified response under King Yan Kazimir, and the decisive victory led by Prince Yeremi. The narrative follows the siege of the Cossack tabor, the rise of Bogun as leader, and the final slaughter that ends the first act of the war. It concludes with Bogun's later life and the desolation of the Ukraine.
Chapter 65
Polish Alphabet
This chapter explains the transliteration system used in the book for Polish names and places, detailing the phonetic equivalents of Polish letters and combinations for English readers.
Chapter 66
Accent
This chapter provides a guide to the pronunciation and accentuation of Polish and Russian names and places used in the book, along with explanations of naming conventions and titles such as Pan, Pani, and Panna.
Chapter 67
Offices and Things
This chapter provides definitions and explanations of various offices, military ranks, and cultural terms relevant to the setting of the novel, including Polish and Cossack titles, musical instruments, and vehicles.
Chapter 68
Endnotes
This chapter provides explanatory endnotes for the main text, clarifying character names, translations, historical terms, and cultural references used throughout the novel.
