The Emperor to the Rescue
We left the Emperor fighting furiously in the streets of Iconium. Where
the danger was greatest he fought with the bravery always characteristic
of him. None could withstand him. They either fell before his vigorous
attacks, or fled as fast and far as their feet could take them. The
Christians were equally bold even when the Turks assailed them with the
fierceness of lions. Their bitter resentment over broken faith, their
remembrance of the sufferings they had undergone, the thought of so many
fallen comrades, and their unwavering belief that the destruction of the
enemies of Christianity was pleasing to God, inflamed them to a pitch of
fury that extinguished every spark of humanity. They did not desist
until every turban-wearer was killed or, like the Sultan, fortunate
enough to make his escape. The Emperor was one of the last to sheathe
his reddened sword. Many fell utterly exhausted, for in the excitement
of the battle they had not noticed their waning strength. The
foot-soldiers, who had driven stakes into the ground to protect
themselves from the enemy’s cavalry charges, were hardly able to move.
In addition to an immense amount of spoils and the wealth of the city,
they secured an abundance of subsistence. All who were able procured
enough for themselves and for the needs of their exhausted comrades.
After the Emperor’s work was complete, and in the midst of his
exultation over his victory and the fruits of his conquest of the city,
he first learned what he had lost in the meantime. He could hardly trust
his ears when he was informed of the capture of his wards. After
repeated assurances that the news was true, and that their faithful
caretaker had been found dead, the Emperor’s cheeks paled and his
flashing eyes dimmed, for he realized at once the impending fate of the
unfortunate lads.
“You could not have struck me a harder blow than this, cruel Sultan,” he
said, grimly. “You were cunning enough to know how dear those boys are
to me. A fine proof of your courage this is, you coward, who shun open
battle face to face, who can only succeed with overwhelming numbers, who
lie in wait and strike your foeman in the back!”
The glory of his victory was dimmed for him. The spoils he had won lost
all their value in his eyes. This was no more than he had often done.
But how should he redeem his knightly word, which never yet had been
broken? He had allowed himself to be deceived by a subtle enemy, to whom
he had exposed the boys, fancying them secure even when not under his
watchful eye, and the result might be fatal to those who had trusted to
his protection.
His associates vainly tried to convince him he had not been guilty of
any neglect of duty. Empty words could not comfort him. “It has all
happened because of my negligence,” he replied. His first move was to
order immediate pursuit of the enemy, in the hope of rescuing the boys.
The most devoted of his knights mounted steeds they had captured, and
set off in pursuit of the fugitives, believing that the latter, after
the long day’s battle, could not have gone any considerable distance.
They returned shortly, however, bringing with them a messenger sent by
the Sultan to the Emperor. He was at once taken before him, and
announced that the two boys were in the Sultan’s power, and that the
latter well knew how dear the sons of the Emperor’s old friend were to
him, as well as the promise he had made to that friend in his dying
moments. He further announced that the Sultan would engage to return
them if the Emperor would give up the spoils he had captured, as well as
the Sultan’s possessions. If the Emperor refused the proposal, the boys
should die in the strong castle by the sea the moment he attacked it.
The messenger’s announcement caused general astonishment. When the first
shock of the blow had passed, however, the Emperor’s eyes gleamed with
exultant determination. His very soul revolted against such a proposal,
and his anger against the Sultan for expecting him to accede to it was
furious.
“Tell your prince,” he exclaimed in thunder tones, “tell your prince I
spurn his proposal. My imperial honor will not allow me to release my
wards in such a manner. By God’s grace, I will keep my word, but I will
not surrender the fruits of a victory purchased with the blood of
thousands. No! with God’s help, I will find some way to redeem my
promise becoming to a hero and an Emperor. Tell the Sultan I will hold
him responsible with his head for the safety of my boys.”
With these words the Emperor turned his back upon the messenger. All
present applauded the reply of the old hero. Though none had believed he
would accept the Sultan’s terms, they had thought it possible that the
Emperor might open negotiations, and, if possible, reach a settlement
without bloodshed. They feared any such arrangement, as it would only
secure them a fickle-minded and unreliable friend; and should conditions
arise at any time like those they had found in their dealings with the
Greeks, they would never be certain whether he was their friend or their
enemy. Every step they took would be hindered, and their plans might be
entirely frustrated. But since the Emperor had replied in such a
decisive manner, and the messenger’s departure from the city would end
all negotiations, they knew to a certainty that they now had to deal
with an enemy.
The Germans remained in Iconium an entire week. The houses were filled
with wounded who had to be cared for, and this duty was all the more
imperative because of the lack of doctors. The knights and their
attendants were so well skilled in the treatment of wounds that they
were of great service; but in the cases of those who had been overcome
by their strenuous exertions, and weakened for want of proper food, the
wounds were exceedingly dangerous; and, besides, the danger was
aggravated by the heat. The natives could not be trusted; hence every
one had to depend upon the love of his Christian neighbor; and if ever
this most beautiful doctrine of Christianity was practised, it was
there. Proud knights who governed hundreds at home, cared for all their
faithful attendants, even for the sons of the lowest of their vassals;
and sometimes those who had been accustomed to wealth and splendor, and
perhaps had been hard rulers, waited upon the meanly born. Again, some
knight nursed another of equal station who, before they espoused the
cause of the Cross, had been his mortal enemy and might then have been
attacking him or burning his castle, had they not ceased their strife to
go to the rescue of Christians in the Orient. Such were the
extraordinary scenes among these warriors whose swords were still red
with Turkish blood. But a moment ago they were fierce as lions and
tigers; now they were as gentle as lambs.
The Emperor was omnipresent. He had room in his heart for every one in
his service. He consoled many an old comrade lying on his bed of pain.
He closed many an eye which had watched for him and with him. He held
many a cold hand which had wielded the sword for him, and tears of
sympathy often came to his eyes. Then he turned to the well who were
enjoying rest in the plazas and streets of the city, and cleaning their
weapons and armor; or he visited the sentinels on the walls to see if
they were faithful to their duties. While there, his eyes involuntarily
turned to the spot where he thought the castle stood in which his boys
were prisoners. Notwithstanding they were far away, he strained his eyes
as if to find out their condition and to read in their faces whether
they still confided in him, or whether, like their present master, they
doubted his word.
The Emperor gave long consideration to the means at his command for
effecting their rescue, but none of them appeared practicable. One thing
was certain. If an attack were made upon his really impregnable castle
the Sultan would carry out his threat. Then again of what use would it
be to capture the castle, even if it were possible? They could not catch
the Sultan and bring him to account so long as they could not cut off
his escape by sea. As for negotiation, the Emperor gave it no thought.
He was certain that the Sultan would not make a second offer; and even
if he found that the Emperor was willing to listen, he felt sure that he
not only would repeat the old demands but probably would add new and not
less ignominious ones.
From every point of view the deed was almost superhuman. The castle
could be approached only by land, over a narrow causeway, which was in
plain sight and could be easily defended. But even if they crossed it
without resistance, they would come to portcullises which could be
easily lowered so as to cut them off and ensure their destruction.
Seawards a large inclosure was filled with most trustworthy guards—a
number of huge and powerful lions, tigers, and panthers, whose loud
roars were terrible enough to prevent any one from attempting to scale
the wall on that side. But even supposing a knight were found ready to
attempt this rash exploit, what could be accomplished? Could he rescue
the boys from the Sultan and escape with them past the castle garrison?
And if he failed what would become of the Emperor’s promise? Would he
have risked his life for them as he agreed? He would have done no more
than any other might have done and the faithless Turk would have laughed
at him for his pains. Frederick’s honor had thus far been unquestioned.
His word was of more worth than gold. He could not escape the conclusion
that to uphold his honor to the last he must undertake the deed alone.
This thought flashed through his mind like the lightning. A knight in
every sense of the word, as his whole life had shown, Frederick had all
the virtues of true knighthood in their highest development. In his time
knighthood was not satisfied with ordinary dangers. It sought for daring
exploits, and purposely invited and magnified them that victory might be
all the more glorious. It was regarded as a misfortune that the world no
longer swarmed with dragons and serpents, with which, according to the
legends, the heroes of the olden time contended. Giants and goblins had
also disappeared, and the knightly heroes therefore eagerly seized the
opportunity to encounter dangers in the Orient they had never faced
before, and to overcome them and thereby display their knighthood as
well as their religious enthusiasm.
No exploit more dangerous than that which Frederick decided to perform
could have been conceived. He industriously made plans to reach the
Sultan, rejecting this and that, until but one remained. He must risk
that, and no other. But in the meantime how could he attend to his other
duties? His army certainly was safe from any immediate attack by the
Turks. But did the Sultan actually expect that his proposal would be
accepted? Probably, otherwise he would have been more actively engaged.
But what would happen in case he, the Emperor, failed in this dangerous
undertaking? In that case, if his army were attacked, his name would no
longer be a terror to the enemy, and still, with so many valiant knights
in the army, it would not lack for a leader. His son, inheritor of his
name and his virtues, now in the very flower of youthful strength and
courage, would lead it to victory, with God’s help, as he had done.
The evening star was shining serenely on the horizon when the Emperor
completed his plans. He determined there should be no further delay.
What was to be done must be done quickly. He went to his son, Frederick
of Swabia, frankly laid his plans before him, assigned him to the chief
command of the army, and requested him to keep his absence a secret, so
that it should not have a disquieting effect upon the army. If he did
not return in three days he instructed him to attack the Turkish castle
by the sea with all his strength, and look for him there.
Night had enveloped the city in thick darkness when the Emperor,
disguised in plain costume, passed through the gate leading to the
south. With his armor and cloak securely packed upon his horse, he rode
through the ranks of the sleeping army. Now and then a sentinel
challenged him, but he was not halted as he well knew the watchword. He
had very wisely selected one of those horses which could be relied upon
to cover a long distance in a short time, and which in battle were
accustomed to carry heavy armor in case their riders were exhausted.
Reaching the open country, the noble animal flew along with the ease and
speed characteristic of Oriental steeds. There was no obstruction in his
way, no enemy in sight. They seemed to have vanished as completely as if
the wind had swept them away. His way now stretched over luxurious
grassy plains, now through gloomy mountain forests. Many miles lay
behind him, but his steed seemed as fresh as at the start, and the
Emperor himself was but little wearied. The fresh night air, the
pleasure of the ride, and the thought that at last he would redeem his
word inspired him with more enthusiasm than he had felt at any time
since the loss of the boys. He rode to face danger as exultantly as if
he were faring to a tournament.
In the early gray of the morning the Emperor came to a solitary
fisherman’s hut, which showed no sign of life within. Evidently it was
either deserted or its owner was sleeping. He was now sure he was in the
vicinity of the castle. He knocked at the door and waited long for
admission. He soon grew impatient and had just decided to break down the
weak door and wait inside until daylight; or if he found the occupant
had been afraid to open it, to take him along as a guide. A person
looked out of the little window, but instantly drew back as if in fear
when he saw the knight. Frederick espied him and demanded admission.
After considerable delay the fisherman opened the door. He suddenly
appeared to have recovered from his fright, for he received the knight
very hospitably, brought him food, placed it upon the table, and begged
his guest to partake. “I would gladly offer you more, brave knight; but
I am poor, and this is all I have.”
“Make no excuses, my good man,” replied Frederick. “I am not so satiated
that I need to have luxuries. I have been living on simple fare for
several days, and have become quite accustomed to it.”
“Are the Christians reduced to their old straits again?” asked the
fisherman.
“Yes, thanks to the Greeks and Turks. They have proved alike unfaithful.
Your Greek Christians have broken their word again, and would have been
open enemies had they not been afraid of the brave Germans. Your master,
the Sultan, has been worse than any of them.”
“But his subjects ought not to be held responsible for his offences.
They say your Emperor is a powerful sovereign, but mild and conciliatory
also.”
“If you had been with him daily you could not have described him more
accurately, but neither your people nor your Sultan should presume upon
his gentle disposition too far. It has bounds. The entire country is now
subdued. The enemy has fled, and the Sultan has taken refuge in his
castle by the sea. Tell me, do you know anything about that place?”
“Oh, yes, Sir Knight, I can inform you about it if you wish to know.
Come here! Look! there are its walls with towers overtopping them. You
can recognize them though it is not yet day. The Sultan is staying there
now.”
“Alone?”
“No, oh, no! The garrison is not strong, but the castle is by no means
empty. I will tell you, but in confidence, that the Sultan keeps two
boy-prisoners there who are very dear to the Emperor.”
“Have you seen them?” said the Emperor, with much excitement.
“Not yet; but I heard of them when I was there selling fish.”
“Ah!” said the Emperor, with an air of indifference, not wishing to
betray himself, for he observed that the fisherman was watching him
curiously. “Does the Sultan keep no guards about him because he has no
fear that the Emperor will attack him?”
“Oh, sir, he is safe against all the armies in the world! I ought not to
reveal this to you, for the Sultan is my master; but believe me, I have
so much respect for your Emperor that I am willing to do him or one of
his knights a service. The castle is strongly protected. It cannot be
taken from the land side, and seawards it is skirted by an inclosure
filled with savage beasts. Oh, sir! I have now and then seen those cruel
animals from a distance, and been terribly frightened by their dreadful
roars. When I have seen them spring upon one another in mighty leaps,
though they were only in sport, it has scared me so that I have seized
my oars and rowed far from the spot.”
“You timorous hare! Do you suppose a German knight fears to go among
those beasts?”
The fisherman stared at the knight in astonishment. “For God’s sake, Sir
Knight, do not think of going there. No prisoner who has tried to escape
that way has ever come out alive. They could hardly find his bones in
the morning, and sometimes only a few blood spots told the story of his
awful death.”
“But how can a prisoner get in there?”
“Near the centre of the enclosure there is a door which remains closed,
but unlocked, day and night. A passage from it leads to the lion tower
where the prisoners are. You can see it rising from the centre of the
castle. They say that the guards sometimes pay no attention to their
prisoners, because they know that if they seek to escape through this
passage they will meet an awful death.”
The Emperor’s blood ran cold as the thought occurred to him that the
Sultan might take the same course with the boys, but he quickly regained
his composure.
“Promise me, Sir Knight, not to throw away your life there.”
“Fool, where did you get that idea? If I wished to go there I should not
hesitate, for I should expect to succeed; but I don’t know that I have
any interest over there. Find me a quiet little place where I can sleep
a few hours.”
The fisherman promptly replied: “No one will disturb you here, for no
one else lives here. Lie down anywhere and rest. I am going to look for
firewood, and shall not be back until it is time to get dinner.”
“Many thanks to you, but go as soon as you can, so that I can sleep.”