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Updated: June 6, 2025
Powala of Taczew, a nobleman of a powerful family and a mighty lord, possessor of large estates round Radom, was at the same time one of the most famous knights in the kingdom.
The Krzyzak's shoulder bones appeared quite large under his dress of grey broadcloth; but he was only a weakling compared with Powala or with Paszko Zlodziej of Biskupice, or with both of the most famous Sulimczyks, or with Krzon of Kozieglowy or with many of the other knights, sitting at the king's table.
"I prefer to go before the courts, than to bow to a Krzyzak!" exclaimed Zbyszko. "It would not be befitting my dignity as a wlodyka." Powala of Taczew looked at him severely and said: "You do not act wisely. Old people know better than you, what is right and what is befitting a knight's dignity.
Because of this disgrace some of them began to strike their chests with their hands, and others to rap the silver dishes, not knowing what to do. "Why did you not kill him?" shouted the king. "Because his head belongs to the court," answered Powala. "Have you put him in prison?" asked the castellan, Topor of Tenczyn. "No. He is a wlodyka, who swore on his knightly honor, that he would appear."
In that case the kingdom of Poland would be involved in a war. Therefore many knights, who like Zawisza, Farurej, Dobko and even Powala, were accustomed to seek adventures and fights in foreign countries, remained in Krakow not knowing what might soon happen. In case Tamerlan, who was the ruler of twenty-seven states, moved the whole Mongolian world, then the peril to the kingdom would be great.
"Ask the Pan of Taczew, who was a witness of the incident." "All eyes turned toward Powala, who stood for a while gloomy, and with lowered eyelids; then he said: "Yes, it is so!" Hearing this the knights began to shout: "Shame! Shame! The earth will devour such a man!"
Macko had become uneasy because Powala thought so much about their safety; he thanked Powala with gratitude and they entered the city. But here they both as well as Zbyszko forgot for a while about danger in the presence of the wonders they saw before them.
Powala having noticed this, and having a kind heart, determined to help Macko. He had learned to speak German while seeking knightly adventures at the Hungarian, Burgundian and Bohemian courts, when he was young. Therefore he now said in that language in a conciliatory but jesting tone: "You see, sir, the noble comthur thinks that the whole affair is unimportant.
But Zbyszko said: "Even if I had to lay down my life, I would like at least to have the satisfaction of breaking his bones." "It surprises me that you who know how to defend your own honor, do not understand that you would thus disgrace our whole nation!" impatiently answered Powala. "I understand it very well," said Zbyszko; "but I regret my disability just the same."
Passing by, he nodded to Powala of Taczew, and to Toporczyk; then with his shield-bearers, he ascended the stairs of the cathedral, in a majestic and stately manner. At that moment the bells resounded, frightening flocks of doves and jackdaws, and announcing that mass would soon begin. Macko and Zbyszko entered the church with the others, feeling troubled about Lichtenstein's quick return.
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