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Updated: June 6, 2025
There stands Vasilici, a brigand, King of these hills; and here stand I, Maritza, Princess, daughter of Wallarian kings, come among you of her own free will. I promise you not success, that knowledge is in the mind of God only; but this I do promise: I will lead you toward success, and, if we fail, die fighting in the midst of you. Choose, therefore, Maritza or Vasilici."
It was toward noon that De Froilette's door opened suddenly, and a tall figure, cloaked to the eyes, glided in, closing the door. In an instant De Froilette was on his feet, and then as the man let the cloak fall apart, he exclaimed "Vasilici!" "Yes, Vasilici," was the answer. "They are not your men who are fighting in the streets, are they?" asked De Froilette, a ray of hope in his eyes.
We shall despatch messengers to the troops which lie in the plain, and for a price we shall deliver you to them. I doubt not you will receive as great courtesy from them as from us." Maritza did not answer. "You are content, Princess?" said Vasilici. "I am disappointed," she returned.
"I alone am the law." "Then indeed are you great among the kings of the earth." Her question had forced him to exalt himself, and this was not pleasing to all those who stood about him. "What you have to say, say quickly," Vasilici went on. "The death of good comrades lies at your door, and punishment is swift here. We move too rapidly to burden ourselves with prisoners."
"For months past loyal subjects have been gathering in the mountains with Vasilici, waiting for our word to revolt against the thraldom this country is under to foreign nations. In the future it is for us to dictate, not to obey. His Majesty, watched as he is, cannot act freely, so the duty devolves on me.
"You have been sent once or twice, Captain Ellerey, to dislodge a certain brigand called Vasilici from his fastnesses in the mountains, and have experienced disappointment perhaps in not finding him." "That is so, your Majesty." "It was never intended that you should find him," she answered.
"It was bold of you to enter it at all just now," said De Froilette. "I am used to dangers," said the brigand, grandiloquently, "and I had business with you." "With me?" "With you and with one other," Vasilici answered. "It was fortunate this Princess came into our hands; we learnt many things.
The big man gave a short salute rather as acknowledging an inferior than answering an equal. "You have a message for me, Captain." "I can answer that question when I know who you are," said Ellerey. The big man laughed, with a glance at his companions, who laughed too, pleased to humor him. "You are a stranger in these hills, or you would know me. I am Vasilici."
"Vasilici is a truculent villain," Ellerey answered. "He is not likely to forget, or forgive, that shot which saved my life." "Then you would follow her?" "Stefan and I had decided to do so when those fellows stole back to prevent us. We should have taken our chance after dark to-night." Petrescu was thoughtful for a time. "I hardly know what course to advise," he said presently.
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