"If I can only live long enough to rebuild the grodek!" exclaimed Macko. "I know that after my death, you will not think anything more about Bogdaniec."
"Why will I not?"
"Because your head will be filled with thoughts of battles and of love."
"Did you not think yourself about war? I have planned what I must do; in the first place, I will rebuild the grodek."
"Do you mean to do that?" asked Macko, "Well, and when the grodek is finished?"
"When the grodek is rebuilt, then I will go to Warszawa to the prince's court, or to Ciechanow."
"After my death?"
"If you die soon, then after your death; but before I go, I will bury you properly; if the Lord Jesus restore your health, then you will remain in Bogdaniec. The princess promised me that I should receive my knightly girdle from the prince. Otherwise Lichtenstein will not fight with me."
"Then afterward you will go to Marienburg?"
"To Marienburg, or even to the end of the world to reach Lichtenstein."
"I do not blame you for it! Either he or you must die!"
"I will bring his girdle and his gloves to Bogdaniec; do not be frightened!"
"You must look out for treachery. There is plenty among them."
"I will bow to Prince Janusz and ask him to send to the grand master for a safe conduct. There is peace now. I will go to Marienburg, where there are always many knights. Then you know? In the first place, Lichtenstein; then I will look for those who wear peacock's tufts, and I will challenge them in turn. If the Lord Jesus grant me victory, then I will fulfill my vow."
Speaking thus, Zbyszko smiled at his own thoughts; his face was like that of a lad who tells what knightly deeds he will perform when he is a man.
"Hej!" said Macko; "if you defeat three knights belonging to great families, then you will not only fulfill your vow, but you will bring some booty!"
"Three!" exclaimed Zbyszko. "In the prison I promised myself, that I would not be selfish with Danusia. As many knights as I have fingers on both hands!"
Macko shrugged his shoulders.
"Are you surprised?" said Zbyszko. "From Marienburg I shall go to Jurand of Spychow. Why should I not bow to him, he is Danusia's father? With him I shall attack the Germans of Chelminsko. You told me yourself that in the whole of Mazowsze there was no greater ware-wolf against the Germans."