A NIGHT OUTSIDE THE CASTLE
To explain that Rassendyll has been wounded special bulletins are published that king has been injured in a hunting accident. The news brings Princess Flavia to Tarlenheim, because of his wound, Rassendyll can do nothing for the next two days but a report from Johann that the king’s health is breaking down of his close confinement, makes Rassendyll decide that he can risk no further delay. As he knows,
“The king grew peaked, pale and ill, and that his health was breaking down under his rigorous confinement.”
At night Sapt and Rassendyll, with Fritz and ten gentlemen make an investigation of the castle. They leave for castle and on the hill they have to bear a heavy rain. Rassendyll swims across the moat and finds the pipe. Max Holf is asleep in a boat by the pipe and Rassendyll silently stabs and kills him. He hears a conversation between Detchard and wretched king. King says,
“Pray my brother to kill me, I am dying by inches here.”
While Detchard says,
“The Duke does not desire you death, sire — yet, when he does, behold your path to heaven!”
Rassendyll swims back to Sapt and as they leave the moat they and their followers have a fight with Krafstein, Lauengram and Rupert. Krafstein and Lauengram are killed and four from the Fritz’s party.
QUESTIONS
Q1. Why does Rassendyll spread the news of his injury?
Ans. He spreads the news of his injury so that his brother Black Michael believes that he is here for hunting.
Q2. Why does Princess Flavia come there?
Ans. As Princess Flavia loves the king so she cannot bear to leave him alone. When she comes to know that king is injured she comes there to see him.
