Having said this, he looked at Sir de Fourcy, winking at him, to deny it; but the latter, not wishing to lie, answered: "He asked us to send our soldiers away, and to fight three against three."
"Are you sure of that?"
"Upon my honor! Herr von Bergow and I agreed, but Meineger did not consent."
Here the prince interrupted: "Starosta from Szczytno! you know better than anybody else that Jurand would not miss a challenge."
Then he turned to all present and said: "If one of you will challenge Jurand to a fight on horseback or on foot, I give my permission. If he be taken prisoner or killed, then Herr von Bergow will be released without paying any ransom. Do not ask me for anything else, because I will not grant it."
After these words, there was a profound silence. Hugo von Danveld, Zygfried von Löve, Brother Rotgier and Brother Godfried, although brave, knew the dreadful lord of Spychow too well to dare to challenge him for life or death. Only a foreigner from a far distant country, like de Lorche or de Fourcy, would do it; but de Lorche was not present during the conversation, and Sir de Fourcy was still too frightened.
"I have seen him once," he muttered, "and I do not wish to see him any more."
Zygfried von Löve said: "It is forbidden the monks to fight in single combat, except by special permission from the grand master and the grand marshal; but I do not ask for permission for a combat, but for the release of von Bergow and the punishment by death of Jurand."
"You do not make the laws in this country."
"Our grand master will know how to administer justice."
"Your grand master has nothing to do with Mazowsze!"
"The emperor and the whole German nation will help him."
"The king of Poland will help me, and he is more powerful than the German emperor."
"Does Your Highness wish for a war with the Order?"
"If I wanted a war, I would not wait for you to come to Mazowsze, but would go toward you; you need not threaten me, because I am not afraid of you."
"What shall I say to the grand master?"
"He has not asked you anything. Tell him what you please."
"Then we will avenge ourselves."
Thereupon the prince stretched forth his arm and began to shake his finger close to the Krzyzak's face.