With Fire and Sword · Chapter
LV explained
The knights travel toward Valadinka to rescue Princess Helena from the Devil's Glen.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Betrayal
Jendzian's deception of Bogun is praised as praiseworthy against an enemy, yet Zagloba criticizes his greed as unworthy of a noble.
Fate and Omens
The group discusses omens, supernatural guardians, and the use of consecrated bullets against the witch, reflecting belief in fate and divine protection.
Characters to notice
- Pan Zagloba
Travels with the group, boasts of his knowledge of black art and Tartars, and expresses confidence in their mission.
- Pan Volodyovski
Remains calm and prepared, checks his weapons, and places trust in divine protection over sorcery.
- Jendzian
Guides the group, recounts his deception of Bogun, and fears the witch Horpyna and supernatural guardians of the ravine.
- Burlai
Hosts the knights at Yampol, provides horses and money, and speaks of Bogun's obsession with Helena.
- Princess Helena
The captive they aim to rescue; her fate is uncertain, and she is guarded by the witch Horpyna.
- Bogun
Mentioned as the Cossack who hid Helena and sent the group to retrieve her; his name is used as a password.
Key passages
“See how those Cossacks who live in brotherhood uphold one another in every trouble! I do not speak of the mob—whom they despise, and for whom, if the devil helps them to throw off our dominion, they will be still worse masters than the Poles; but in the Brotherhood one is ready to jump into the fire for another, not like our nobles.”
Zagloba observes that Cossack brothers support each other selflessly, unlike Polish nobles, though the common mob would be even harsher rulers if they overthrew the Poles.
Reflects on Cossack solidarity and the threat of rebellion.
“I have a consecrated bullet too in this pistol here.”
Jendzian carries a bullet blessed on holy wheat, believing it effective against the witch.
Shows reliance on religious artifacts against supernatural threats.
“Let the devils be the guard of Horpyna and Bogun, but with us are the angels of heaven, whom the best brigade in hell cannot withstand.”
Volodyovski asserts that divine angels protect them, outweighing any demonic forces.
Expresses faith in heavenly protection over sorcery.