“Not you,” replied Prokop calmly. “You seem too excited to me. I sense some private interest in this, some rage, some personal matter. We are carrying out noble aims and ideas in this campaign. We are bringing the true word of God. We are burning churches where, instead of God, they venerate the Roman Antichrist. We are punishing prelates, tyrants and oppressors of the people who have sold their souls to Rome. We are punishing Germans greedy for Slavic blood. But apart from noble ideas, we have business to do. The harvest was meagre and we are beginning to feel the effects of the embargo. Sixteen bushels of rye cost four groschen in Prague, Reinmar. Four groschen! Bohemia is threatened with hunger. We marched on Silesia for plunder and spoils. For money. If I can acquire money without fighting or human casualties, all the better, all the greater our gains. Negotiations and pacts, remember, are as good a way to wage a war as firing bombards. Do you understand that?”

“I do.”

“Splendid. But in any case, I shall wait until it has matured in your breast. Meanwhile, Horn and Drosselbart are riding to Ziębice and Oława. Without you. I have other tasks for you.”

The next day, on the Saturday before Judica Sunday, called White Sunday in Silesia and Deathly Sunday by the Czechs, Prokop began negotiations with Půta of Častolovice regarding the ransom for the captives taken in battle. Meanwhile, Jaroslav of Bukovina and Zikmund of Vranov burned down Otmuchów and Paczków, painting the sky with two towering columns of smoke. Otík of Loza, Zmrzlík and Tovačovský hadn’t wasted any time, either, burning down Vidnava and capturing Javorník Castle. Puchała didn’t fall behind, diligently and methodically burning down the bishop’s villages and farmhouses.

But Prokop found some time for Reynevan. He interrupted the negotiations to bid him farewell. And give him his final instructions.

“Your task is of prime importance for the campaign,” he instructed. “Now, face to face, I’ll tell you: it is much more important than the negotiations being conducted by Horn and Drosselbart. I’m telling you this because I see you are still sulking about not being sent with them. I repeat: the task you are receiving is a hundredfold more important. And, I don’t deny, a hundredfold more exacting.”

“I shall carry it out, Brother Prokop,” promised Reynevan. “For the glory of the Chalice.”

“For the glory of the Chalice,” repeated Prokop the Shaven with emphasis. “Good you understand how closely you are bound to the cause of the Chalice, and that only with us will you avenge your brother and the harm received at the hands of the papists. Only this way—and no other—will you accomplish it. Remember.”

“I shall.”

“Godspeed.”