The Three Turks - Chapter IV

The men in front of him were waiting in a line to learn of their fate. They were prepared to endure all the tortures he could offer (after all, they were enemy soldiers chained at the feet, invaders serving a foreign Sultan). Their years of education and all the toughness of many campaigns made them ready to overcome such physical punishments. Yet they were not ready to hear and be chilled by the words of the lord, "Greetings, my friends," not only because of this unexpected display of friendship but also due to the fluent Turkish the German aristocrat was speaking (a skill he obtained during all the raids he carried out against the Ottomans). It was a deliberate effort to not offend these proud soldiers. He knew it would take time to shape these servants of the Sultan into servants of his own. Hence, he was playing along to make them agree to the deal he would offer them. After the greeting ceremony, he expressed his sorrow for the bad fate God had given them. Although it was clear from miles away that they were enslaved, he announced them as his honored guests, "the valiant soldiers." He explained the life, castle, and all other details that made the men bored to death, and finally, he asked them if they had any questions. The only answer he received was the deafening silence of the men he was facing, which greatly bothered him. However, the most cunning one among them, the Janissary, sensed the lord's intention and pondered what could be said to reveal it. Finally, he raised his voice, "When will the benevolent lord grant permission for the farewell of his beloved guests?" It was enough to ignite the flames of greed in the eyes of their master. He began to complain about his poor finances and his inability to provide for their safe voyage, as well as his expenses to free the men, which was a burden he also had to bear (an obvious lie since the men were seized by the lord after the execution of his server). Suddenly, an obvious imitation of happiness appeared on his face, as if an idea had emerged to find a way out of a seemingly hopeless situation. He stretched as if about to deliver good news and exclaimed, "There is a way!" as joyfully as possible. The Janissary was anticipating the revelation of the man's true intention with comfort, while his comrades remained puzzled in the hall. "You see, my holdings are not in great condition. If you could just help me with it, I may spare enough gold to ensure your safe passage home," the lord spoke. "By all means, your highness," the Janissary replied.