The intelligence of the breaking up of the Christian camp, and the
retreat of the Christian army, soon reached the Divan of Karam Bey, who
immediately summoned Iskander to consult on the necessary operations.
The chieftains agreed that instant pursuit was indispensable, and soon
the savage Hæmus poured forth from its green bosom swarms of that light
cavalry which was perhaps even a more fatal arm of the Turkish power
than the famous Janissaries themselves. They hovered on the rear of the
retreating Christians, charged the wavering, captured the unwary. It
was impossible to resist their sudden and impetuous movements, which
rendered their escape as secure as their onset was overwhelming. Wearied
at length by the repeated assaults, Hunniades, who, attended by some
chosen knights, had himself repaired to the rear, gave orders for the
army to halt and offer battle.
Their pursuers instantly withdrew to a distance, and gradually forming
into two divisions, awaited the arrival of the advancing army of the
Turks. The Moslemin came forward in fierce array, and with the sanguine
courage inspired by expected triumph. Very conspicuous was Iskander
bounding in his crimson vest upon his ebon steed and waving his gleaming
scimitar.
The Janissaries charged, calling upon Allah! with an awful shout. The
Christian knights, invoking the Christian saints, received the Turks
at the points of their lances. But many a noble lance was shivered that
morn, and many a bold rider and worthy steed bit the dust of that field,
borne down by the irresistible numbers of their fierce adversaries.
Everywhere the balls and the arrows whistled through the air, and
sometimes an isolated shriek heard amid the general clang, announced
another victim to the fell and mysterious agency of the Greek fire.
Hunniades, while he performed all the feats of an approved warrior,
watched with anxiety the disposition of the Turkish troops. Hitherto,
from the nature of their position, but a portion of both armies had
interfered in the contest, and as yet Iskander had kept aloof. But now,
as the battle each instant raged with more fury, and as it was evident
that ere long the main force of both armies must be brought into
collision, Hunniades, with a terrible suspense, watched whether the
Grecian prince were willing or even capable of executing his plan.
Without this fulfilment, the Christian hero could not conceal from
himself that the day must be decided against the Cross.
In the meantime Iskander marked the course of events with not less
eagerness than Hunniades. Already Karam Bey had more than once summoned
him to bring the Epirots into action. He assented; but an hour passed
away without changing his position. At length, more from astonishment
than rage, the Turkish commander sent his chief secretary Mousa himself
to impress his wishes upon his colleague, and obtain some explanation
of his views and conduct. Mousa found Iskander surrounded by some of the
principal Epirot nobles, all mounted on horseback, and standing calmly
under a wide-spreading plane tree. The chief secretary of Karam Bey
was too skilful a courtier to permit his countenance to express his
feelings, and he delivered himself of a mission rather as if he had come
to request advice, than to communicate a reprimand.
“Your master is a wise man, Mousa,” replied Iskander; “but even
Karam Bey may be mistaken. He deems that a battle is not to be won by
loitering under a shadowy tree. Now I differ with him, and I even mean
to win this day by such a piece of truancy. However, it may certainly
now be time for more active work. You smile encouragement, good Mousa.
Giorgio, Demetrius, to your duty!”
At these words, two stout Epirots advanced to the unfortunate secretary,
seized and bound him, and placed him on horseback before one of their
comrades.
“Now all who love their country follow me!” exclaimed Iskander. So
saying, and at the head of five thousand horsemen, Iskander quitted the
field at a rapid pace.