The Wizard of Granada — page 10: what you’re looking at

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16 : THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. overtakes the king, who I am sure has gone forth before this. Let me find the mysterious speaker. This signet ring which I secured from the lang’s person will give me admittance where Iwill, We must remoye: you, if we oan, this very night. Let Basilio believe thee dead, Why not simulate death ?” She paused, clapping her hands, and ex- decree : “T have the plan! You must seem to be in the last agonies, and ask for Prinee Azim. I myself, as the Princess Xina, will declare. that Basilio confessed to the poison, That vial of the true poison must be emptied into the rest of the water ag proof. I. will take care that trusty slaves bear you out to burial. Lot me find the unknown, and all is well.” “T am here,” said the same voice, ‘I will wait for you at your own door.” “Farewell, for a little time, my Idefonse; my courage revives. 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ALL oe as the new plan devised, The Princess Xina came forth from the prison as if in consternation, and declared that the pris- oner was in great pain, and that Basilio. had declared in her presence that he poured his deadly poison into the water placed for him to drink, She asked for Basilio. The frightened head of the seraglio replied that he had dashed off in hot haste to overtake the king, who was some half hour in advance, but Prince Azim was loft in charge of affairs in Granada. Should he send for him? “By all means,” replied the princess, and hastened to her own apartments, She found her expected visitor waiting for her. A hurried consultation was held. “Yes,” saidthe unknown, “I willtake charge of him; I will make him a safe retreat. He shall occupy one of Basilio’s secret rooms.” * Basilio!” exclaimed Xina, with a shudder. “He were safer there than in the Alhambra. Fear not, It is thine own safety which is best, soonest secured. Fly to the Spanish army, and ask protection as the danghter of Oount Mon- tholio. I will tell you the shortest ronte. to reach them before any hostilities commence. So only art thou safe from the king.” “You are right,” returned Xina, gravely; “and for such an object my couxage shall not fail.” And she went away hurriedly and called her one faithful slave, har sole confidant in all the Alhambra, and arrangements were speedily in progress for the carrying out of her design, Meantime Prince Azim was called to the prison. He came with a grave, distressed. face, and bade the chief servants take down the cir- cumstances of the case to be carried forth. He asked for the Princess Xina, and, on sec- ond thought, said he would not disturb her at that late hour. Ina short time he came back. Startling news had come, arumor that the Span- ish forces were approaching in another direc- tion, threatening Granada’s chief city. He gave the reins of government into the hands of one of the aged Moorish princes, called his body-guard about him and dashed off to reconnoltre, promising to return before another night-fall with the tidings of the invasion. The day passed ond the night came, and still another day, but no tidings reached Grannda, either of the king’s army or of the little band which went forth with the Prince Azim. In the middle of the next night the anxious inhabi- tants of Granada were relieved by the appear- ance of a courier, galloping in hot haste toward the Alhambra, His news were direful enough. Don Pedro and Don Juan, the Castilian princes, had marched victoriously through the province, and were on return to Castile, laden with spoils. Ismael and his army were in pursuit, but the result was unknown. Nothing could be told concerning Prince Azim, but it was conjectured he had joined the king’s forces. Two more days in suspense, and the whole city was electrified by more welcome tidings. Ismael with his forees had fallen suddenly upon the careless Spaniards, who were returning leisurely with their rich booty, and were halting on a fearfully sultry day for rest. The Moors fought with the fury of wild beasts. Tho Spaniards, taken by surprise, fell into dis- order, which, added to the intense heat of the day, completely deprived the gallant leaders of their accustomed authority. In vain the |mnightly infants strove to rally their strength, reorganize their bends. Tight- ing with desperate valor, overpowered by the burning heat and intense thirst, both gallant young princes fell dead upon the field. Even the conqueror was melted to compassion at their fate, while he gave due admiration to heir prowess. Ismael ordered the bodies of the unfortunate Infants of Castile to. be borne reverently before him, when his triumphant procession entered the streets of Granada. They were covered with cloth of gold, and laid out in state with all funereal honors. And ever since, even to this day, that neighborhood has been called, ‘* La Sierra de los Infantes.” A crowd of Moors were watching from. the towers of the Alhnmbra at every available height, when a little cloud of dust announced the approach of the conqueror’s cortege. The silvery tongues of bells from minaret and dome gave forth the tidings to the whole city, and every living creature who had liberty came forth into the streets. The little specks with a glitter of sunlight running like a line of fire along the ranks grew onary moment, till at length the joyful watchors could discern the figures of horses and riders, could see the great banner of the Moslem dynasty fluttering and waving joyously above the head of the erect figure, whose royal plume was upnbent, nor soiled with the ill chances of battle. The two litters borne reverently in of the affair had not been received, and when the procession came near enough for every member to obtain recognition by form or insig- nis, of mail or banner, many eyes ran appre- hensively along the glittering line to discover who was absent from his place. ‘sPrince Azim is not there,” cried out one ex- cited voice. And immediately a wail of many sincere voices took up the cry. “Prince Azim is slain. Allnh, receive his soul! The holy prophet welcome him to the gardens of paradise |’ “Hush!” cried a vizier; waving his hand of authority. ‘ Prince Azim’s banner isnot among them; if would wave above the bier, while his men would walk beside it with reversed arms.” Then all attention was absorbed by the royal cortege, as it swept on beneath the great gates. One great shout from the pecele, the pealing of the bells, the resonant blare of the trumpets gave welcome to the victorious monarch, Ismael’s haughty face was bright with prond, triumphant gladness. His eye beamed gayly, his cheek was flushed, his manner benignunt and gracious, as he bent from his horse in an- swer to the greeting of the people, and the laud- ing speech of their deputy. “We have fulfilled our promise, Whe have conquered the insolent invader. Bettor thon that, we have taught them a worthy lesson. Yet it was a foe who fought valiantly, lei us give them tho credit. The princes of Castile lie yonder on the bier. We will give them honor- able burial, such as is due to valiant soldiers, Allah be praised, and glory be to his Prophet who gave us victory. On now to the Alham- bra!” The people took up the cry in long and re- peated shouts, “Allah il Allah! and Ismael is the beloved of Heaven! Allah 1” These shouts reached even to the secret hid- ing place of Sir Mdefonse. He started and list- ened eagerly and then turned pale. ; is countrymen defeated, the Moslems tri- umphant; where then was Xina who fled to the Oustilians for refuge. His. cheek grew pale,’ his eye anxious and troubled, a thousand painful apprehensions filled his mind, and he waited in almost unsup- per able suspense through the long, weary day. is unknown friend had not even appeared to bring him food. The day dragged wretchedly slow. He only knew when night came, by a Mahomet in his prophet, Allah il front caused much anxiety, for the particulars | her denser gloom in his cell and the call of the muezzin to evening prayer. He was awake and vigilant, half wild with foreboding fears, when at dead midnight, her hour of appearance always, the secret door swung noislessly aside and the mysterious woman entered the cell. She put down hertray of food carefully and turned to him, speaking in a whisper. “You have waited impatiently, I know, bat it could not be helped. ‘Take the food at once. This has been an eventful day.” “Thave heard the tumnlt and rejoicings in the street. My heart shrink from your tidings, for I know they are evil,” answered Sir Lde- fonse. “Your countrymen were surprised, and the Moors are completely victorious, They have recovered all the spoil and much Spanish treas- ure, The Infants of Carxtile, the leaders, Don Pedro and Don Juan, are both dead.” Tidefonse covered his face with his hands, and groaned in anguish. : “And Xina, my Christina, have yon heard aught from her?” he asked presently. She hesitated and looked apprehensively at his shaking hands. “T can bear it, nothing can be worse than my fears, except that she is dead,” said he hastily. : “Nay, she lives and is unharmed.” “But is again in the power of the Moorish king—is that 11?” ‘No, worse than that. She is in the hands of Basilio, She reached the forces of the Castilian princes and assumed the Spanish dress she had carried with her. Basilio, who it seemed gained the applause of all by his fierce fighting, recog- nized a took her prisoner, and claimed her as his share in the division of spoils. You know the sacredness of Moslem customs. Not even the king would dare take her away from him now.” The young Imight clenched his teeth and seized his sword, : ‘“Bui I will dnre. I will’tear his craven heart from out his breast if he dares to: harm “Hush, oh, hush!” cried ont the woman in a voice betraying unutterable anguish, though it was hardly above a whisper. ‘“‘ Let others revile him as. they will, your lips must be silent, if they cannot speak his praise. Fear not for the maiden’s safety, I will watch over her jeal- ously. I haye already provided her with a dagger. Basilio is inchned to deal gently with her; he would fain win her love.” As she said this a strange shudder shook her frame, and she caught her breath gaspingly. “Can I see her; can I speak to Xina ?” “Not yot, I dare not venture too much. _ We must wait to learn the king's disposition. He will be fearfully incensed, for his passion for his supposed sister has been the fiercest trial of his life, and now to learn the deception practised upon him, to be made aware that he might have married) her without incurring the Koran’s tanlediotion, and to know at the same time that she is lost to him, will be hke throwing a spark into a volcano. ‘I think Basilio himself fears to meet the trial. Let us wait. By this time he must have learned of the Princess Xina.” “How does she bear it?” asked Idefonse, his strong chest heaving with the sob he could not repress. “She is very quiet and pale, but determined, Since I gave her the dagger, she has seemed more courageous.” “My beautiful Christina |’ murmured Ide- onse. ‘Hope is not lost. There are many re- sources in my hands, I wait only to know the ring’s wi efore I move. Keep your own rave heart, Iidefonse. There.is Prince Azim. Tam sure he will use his influence for her.” “Prince Azim, a8 you lnow, left Granada suddenly. The Princess Xina was in the train disguised, and left it as soon as she came near he Castilian camp. ‘The princess’s retinue were all captured, but when the onset of the Moors set + a free, no sign could be found of heir master. There is much grief on his ac- count. Several horsemen have been sent to search the battle field thoroughly. It is the general opinion that he was killed.” “ Another misfortune!” groaned Idefonse. “T must not tarry longer. I must watch every movement of Basilio’s. You see I have brought double the allowance of food. It may be I shall not be able to come again for a little time.” “QGome, I beseech you, ifit be Rossii, or I shall grow mad with suspense. you would put me out with my good sword in my hand, I would complain not. qv THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 17 «In good time, in good time. Have faith in me and trust my good will,” responded the woman. In another moment she had gone, and Lde- fonse was again alone. Meantime at the Alhambra a stormy scene had been enacted, which she had not dared re- peat to the captive knight. The king waved away impatiently the crowd of courtiers, and the formal congratulations awaiting him within the palace. “T am tired with riding, and stiff with yester- day’s hot exertions. Leaye me to rest,” he said, and hastened to the royal private apart- ments. Once there he turned to the chief of the sti ae *‘Hasten to the Princess Xina,” cried he, in an eager, ringing voice. ‘‘ The fair hands which ce as my armor, and sent me forth to victory, shall assist in-removing the cumbersome mail. Bid her come to offer the congratulations which will give keenest pleasure to the heart of Ismael, who has proved himself worthy to defend the crown of Granada.” The hapless eunuch trembled and looked wist- fully into the king’s face, then fell prostrate with his face upon the floor. ‘ “Mighty Ismael, favored with the prophet! Have patience with thy slave, and condemn him not for that which no power of his could help,” he stammered. “What now? Speak, slave! What has hap- pened? Oh, Mighty Prophet, grant my fears are false. The princess is not ill—she cannot be dead. Speak, slave!” oriéd out Ismael, shud- dering from head to foot. His wild devotion to Xina was indeed the most intense emotion of his nature. The cheek which had not paled in battle was ghastly now, the powerful arm nerveless as a child’s, the danntless eye blenching with dread. The poor eunuch gasped for breath, knowing thé summary punishment dealt out for such offenses, however innocently incurred. “Nay, your mightiness. She is notill. She is missing. No one has seen her since your train set forth from the Alhambra.” He related then the strange experience in the cell of the Spanish prisoner. ‘The accusation of the princess against Basilio, the investiga- tion of Prince Azim, and the supposed death and burial of the knight. The king stood like one stunned, with a dark frown gathering on his forehead. “And you have not seen her since?” de- manded he, ‘*No, your majesty, no one has seen her. I have made diligent inquiry, and yet I am baffled and aia eats a “The prince is missing, likewise, Ismael. ‘By my father’s. beard, this shall be sifted to the bottom. Ho, there, guards! arrest every attendant in the Sernglio.” He turned again to the trembling chief. “Thou sayest the a aig retired to her apartments and the Prince Azim sought her there, and that guards were in both corridors, and yet when you entered the salon no Princess Xina was there.” “The prince only entered the ante-room. He changed his mind, and said it was too late to disturb her. He went away without an inter- view. Then came the news of the approach of the Spanish upon Granada, and Prince Azim went off in hot haste. Take pity, upon your slaye’s distress, mighty monarch, indeed he is innocent of blame.” “What can it mean?” cried out Ismael strid- ing fiercely to and fro. “Your majesty pardon me. Ihave thought erhaps the princess rode out among the sol- diers. She was ever ofa daring frame of mind, and the tidings of expected battle may have fired her zeal.’ “How came Xina in the cell of the Castilian ? By my crown, it is all a mysterious tangle! What, ho, send for Basilio, he may hold the key.” ” repeated And until Basilio came, Ismael paced rest- lessly to and fro, nor would partake of refresh- meni, Basilio managed to gaintime. He saw the royal messenger and guessed his errand, and hid himself fill he collected his thoughts and amepeupe his plan of action. But the king was like an enraged lion when he reached the Alhambra. The terrified slaves were all huddled together with o guard over them. The officers standing pale and silent with consternation, The cheek of Basilio blanched a little as he entered the salon, and met the fiery eye of Ismael. | “ How now, Basilio? Am I to be kept wait- ing Jike a slave? I sent for you two hours ago.” ‘«T beg your majesty to pardon me. Iam un- cau for the summons. The fatigue of yes- erday’s battle made itself felt. IL retired to rest and calm, my brain still dazed with clashing scimeters. am an old man for war, and do not recover so readily as younger men.” “ You did good service; no younger arm was stronger to smite,” responded Ismael, mollified by the recollection. ‘I sent for you to read me this enigma. I come home triumphant and re- joicing, and I meet misfortune at my own palace door. First, tell me how you dared to poison my prisoner, the Spanish knight ?” “He was a. dog! there was no time to prove to you his treachery, and I made sure that he should not work mischief in your absence. He hid his true errand. He came to woo the Princess Xina, to carry her away from Granada to Castile.” “Holy Prophet! and the dog is beyond my vengeance! But the princess is missing. She is strangely, mysteriously gone, none can tell me how or whither.” Basilio cast down his eyes and thought a mo- ment. “A bold movement is best. I could not long deceive him if I tried,” soliloquized he, and then looked up calmly. “Your majesty,” said he, “‘I have a strange story for your ears. You remember the Span- ish captive which fell to me as my share of the spoils yesterday ?” ; The king nodded. “T raised her veil, and behold it was she whom we have called the Princess Xina.” “Why have you not brought her hither ?” de- manded the king, imperiously. “Whom we have called the Princess Xina,” went on Basilio, as if he had not heard the in- terruption, “but the knight knew better. He brought good proof that she is the Countess Christina, daughter of Carlos, Count Montholio of Castile.” The king leaped forward, his eyes, his whole fuce a-lame with joy. “ Not the Princess Xina! Speak quickly, tell me how this can be.” “The royal infant died, a slave was hired to substitute the daughter of the Spanish Oount in i There is a birthmark which cannot be mistaken.” “Great Prophet, I thank thes!” ejaculated Ismael. ‘Now, indeed, is my victory complete. Xina not my sister, she shall be my queen |” Basilio’s swarthy cheek grew pallid, his lip twitched nervously. “My liege, I have loved this maiden too. My heart is wild with joy at this chance which has given her to me. ANah be praised, that she is mine out of the power of any man to take away from me.” The king drew back and looked at him. Two pair of fierce, desperate, glittering eyes glared ab each other. “ Basilio, I will lose my crown first, ere I re- sign my claim to Xina,” ejaculated Ismael, hoarsely. : “My liege, you will not so defy the Moslem laws os to take a fomale slave away by force. She is a Spanish girl. She fled to the Castilinns for protection. She alike abhors and detests you. And she is the captive allotted to me,” returned Basilio, in a stern voice. “Ourses upon you! My eternal malediction follow you!” shouted the king. Basilio made a deprecating gesture, b