Chapter 17 The City of Chigrin

In Chigirin, Kazuma found the old man Zastvil in great excitement and fever. He looked impatiently at the prince's envoy, for tidings more and more terrible kept coming from the Saitch. There was no doubt that Hmeltan was preparing to demand with armed hand justice for himself and the ancient rights of the Balirs.

Zastvil had news that he had been with the Khan in the Calam to beg Talmir aid, with which he was expected every day in the Saitch.

Then there would be a general campaign from the lower country against the Commonwealth, which with Talmir assistance might be destructive.

The storm drew nearer and nearer, more definite and more terrible. It was no longer vague undefined alarm that swept over the Hamal, but clear certainty of slaughter and war. The Grand Hetman, who at first had made light of the whole affair, was pushing forward with his troops to Cherkasi. The advance guard of the royal armies was advancing mainly to prevent desertion; for the Balirs of