“Sir Hayn of Czirne brings many associations to my mind, too,” said Samson, “but I wouldn’t call any of them providential. Ah well, I understand you. Though I can’t say it comes easy.”

“Hayn of Czirne is the Sterczas’ enemy. The enemy of Kunz Aulock. My enemies’ enemy and thus a natural ally for me. Owing to him, I may have the chance to avenge my brother. Don’t sigh, Samson. It’s neither the time nor the place for another discussion ending with the conclusion that revenge is a futile, senseless thing. My brother’s murderers not only peacefully walk the Earth but are also hunting me, threatening me with death and tormenting the woman I love. No, Samson. I won’t flee to Hungary, leaving them here in their pride and triumph. I have the opportunity, I have an ally, I’ve found an enemy of my enemies. Czirne announced that he’d disembowel the Sterczas and Aulock. Perhaps it’s futile, but I want to help him do it and be there when he does. I want to watch him disembowel them.”

Samson said nothing. And Reynevan marvelled once again at how much thoughtfulness and wise concern his dull eyes and chubby idiot’s face could express. And how much mute but evident reproach.

“Scharley…” Reynevan stammered, tightening the girth. “It’s true that Scharley helped me, did plenty for me. Why, you were a witness, more than once. But no matter how often I brought up the subject of revenge against the Sterczas, he always refused, mocking me at the same time and treating me like a stupid boy. He even makes fun of Adèle, endlessly trying to dissuade me from going to Ziębice!”

The horse stamped and snorted, as though Reynevan’s agitation was affecting it. Reynevan breathed out and calmed down.

“Tell him not to bear me a grudge, Samson. Dammit, I’m not ungrateful, I’m aware how much he’s done for me. But I think the best way of repaying him is by going. He said himself: I’m the biggest risk. It’ll be easier for him without me. For both of you…”

He fell silent.

“I’d like you to come with me, but I won’t ask you to. It would be base and dishonest of me. What I mean to do is risky. You’ll be safer with Scharley.”

Samson said nothing for a long time.

“I won’t try to dissuade you from your plans,” he said finally. “Nor will I expose you—as you so elegantly put it—to strife and time-wasting. I’ll even refrain from sharing my opinion regarding the sense of the enterprise. I don’t want by any means to make things even worse and burden you with pangs of conscience. But be aware, Reinmar, that by leaving, you are thwarting my hopes of a return to my own world and my own form.”