THE NOVELIST. AZON THE TERRIBLE; OR, The Spectre of the Brocken.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4006, 24 May 1884, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE NOVELIST. AZON THE TERRIBLE; OR, The Spectre of the Brocken.

A TALE OF THE BLACK FOREST. By John Fkedeuick Smith. CHAPTER XIX. 'Tis not for man to name the hour. To thee all seasons are alike To vindicate Thy name and power. Enough to know that it will strike. The Autitok. Three days before the confederate forces made their appearance at Corbey tho Count of Rngon9tein, accompanied by a strong body of followers, arrived witbin the walls. He brought with him not only material help, but that moral support which an unsullied name lends to the cause it advocates. By the defenders he was received with enthusiasm. ' Welcome, dearest father!' said his son, as he embraced him. ' I knew you would not fail me. Nobly have you kept your promise.' ' It waß a rendezvous of honor, boy, as well as of affection,' replied his parent. ' Living, I was sure to keep it. Dead, I should have been brought hither on my [ bier.' Roland kissed his hand. His brother nobles, the knights and monks quickly gathered round him, to offer congratulations on his arrival and praise tho condition of his men. Alf, with his usual reserro, withdrew to a distance from the group. True genius rarely seeks to force itself into notice. ' And what news of the enemy ?' demanded several of the crowd. ' They cannot be far distant,' replied the count. ' The emperor leads them.' •'I et him come,' said Otto of Zelle. c Hildebrand is a rough antagonist, and will pare the claws of the double-headed eagle. In his hands the sword of Saint Peter is not an idle weapon, and he knows how to use it.' -' True,' observed the Lord of Emms. ' But it might hare proved inefficient had not the Countess of Tuscany declared in his favor. Matilda is devoted to the church.' ' And to its head,' added a young knight, zealously.

' You rejoice my heart, father,' said Boland, in order to change the conversation,' ' that Ragenstein is fully prepared to resist nn attack.' ' Else had I not quitted it,' replied the count, ' For leagues around the country has been made a desert. As the invading hosts advanced the woods behind them were fired by the faithful vassals and foresters of our house, who sacrificed their homes without a murmur in our cause.' ' \ bold policy, my lord, but the true one,' observed young Charles of Linseignen, ' and proves that you were born with a natural talent.to command.' ' Bold, in truth,' replied the former, ' and would have been impossible but for the devotion of those who are the greatest sufferers. The idea, however, was not mine.' ' Whose, then ?' demanded several of his hearers. The count pointed to the dwarf. 'Hi?,' he said, 'the long-tried fi-iend and counsellor of my house, whose skill has guided its fortunes over many a troubled sea. His wu3 the foresight that prepared the blow. Bis the influences that induced the peasantry to make tho sacrifice, to gather the bituminous matter, fell tho trees ; and when the fires were lit he so directed the conflagration as to leave me a passage clear to Corbey. All eyes were turned towards Alf. ' You mu6t not exaggerate my poor services,' said the latter, modestly. ' Something, perhaps, I may have contributed to the general cause, but my efforts would have been useless had you not ruled your domains with humanity and justice. The rude inhabitants of our Suabian forests have at least one virtue planted in their hearts— gratitude. And nobly have they proved it.' Roland silently pressed the hand of his former tutor, whose modest disclaimer excited the admiration of all who heard it. That was the old man's best reward.

' We can well believe it, my dearest father,' said our hero, ' since most of us have witnessed the zeal with which our trusted friend has superintended the strengthening of the breaches time has made in these honored walls, guarding every point. ' The provisions he has gathered within the abbey,' he added, ' would sustain a garrison more numerous than ours at least a year.' At this last piece of information the Lanskeneters and men-at-arms gave a hearty cheer. The bravest soldiers fight all the better for being woll fed. The arrival of a messenger to invite the Count Kagenstein and the elder nobles to a council in the chapter-house caused the rest of the group to disperse. Tho first effect of the approach of tho enemy was the flight of the sisters of the neighboring convent, who sought refuge in the abbey. The presence of the emperor, the well-known cruelty of Azon, had alarmed them : nor did the banner of the Archbishop of Cologne tend to allay their fears. Ho was more tbe feudal baron than the churchman. The affrighted fugitives brought with thorn their most precious relics ; the statue of the Virgin mother, at whose feet they wore accustomed to pray —the silver shrine—was not forgotten. The abbess took charge of that. One of the nuns carried in her*trembling hands a stunted rose-tree, which rarely put forth more than one sickly flower, it had been transplanted, probably, from the garden of her girlhood's home, on the day she quitted it for the living death of the cloister—for it can scarcely be termed life ; perhaps it was the' memorial of some early dream to which memory and affection still cling with the tenacity of a woman's heart. Who can tell ? The sisters were assigned a residence within the sanctuary, as far removed as possible from the confusion of warlike preparation, and their presence afforded no slight consolation to Elgitha and her friend Louise. From that day the gates of Corbey were rigorously closed, a double guard Bet to prevent surprise, and all that the prudence of age and the warm love of youth could suggest at once attended to. When Alf heard that the Palsgrave had taken uphis residence in tho deserted convent, be merely observed ' that it was a good position for one who knew how to use it.' On his arrival from Kagenstein he had selected a retreat similar to the one he occupied in the castle of his patron—a lofty tower facing the east, close to a narrow postern which had been walled up by the abbot's direction, leaving no visible means of egress.

This lofty position enabled the dwarf to communicate with his trusty agent, Griswald, who followed him like his shadow. In the solitude of bis chamber he would pass the night watching the distant hills, on which lights, varying in number, occasionally appeared, signals unintelligible to all but himself —a Bpecies of rude telegraph, whose use tho invaders were far from suspecting. •For several days besiegers and besieged regarded each other warily; neither cared to commence the attack. The abbey appeared bo well defended, and was known to be amply provisioned, the garrison composed of picked men, whose leaders were renowned alike for their fame in arms and great possessions in the fatherland. A considerable source of danger to the invaders arose from the frequent fires which broke;out in the huts whoro their troops were quartered ; they were almost of nightly occurrence, and if continued, threatened to decimate their host. : - ... This, in great part, was due to the ceaseless activity of the agents of Alf, who, as camp zoetelers, or. sutlers, followed the army, selling ' provisions and liquors to the troops. Spies were set'to watchi them, but so care-

fully had their lino of conduct been laid down that they escaped detection. The danger at last became intolerable, and deser--1 tions of froquent occurrence. It was in vuin that our hero and the younger knights remonstrated against this Fabian policy ; tho opinions of the elder nobles prevailed and the cautious line of defence continued. Affairs were brought to a crisis by tho arrival of a herald from tho emperor, and the garrison made an imposing display to receive him. He was an experienced soldier, and as he passed through the serried ranks of men-at-arms, on his way to tho chapterhouse, mentally calculated their number and discipline. Once or twice it was noticed I that ho shook his head despondingly. Clad in tho usual tabard, emblazoned with the imperial arms, he stood at last in the presence of the abbot and members of the chapter. Bowing thrice, he announced his errand. ' I, Ulrick of Whittlebach, being duly accredited to the Superior and community of Corbey, demand admission within the walls for the high and mighty sovereign, Henry, Kmperor of Germany, with such treatment and hospitality as by the laws of its founder ho is entitled to claim at their hands. Does the reverend lord abbot admit the right ?' Most freely,' replied tho latter; ' but before proceeding to further details, let our chancellor read what the charter says on this point.' An aged brother pi-oduced the venerable parchmont from the silver casket in which it was kept, and read na follows :

' We further reserve to ourselves, our heirs and successors, the right of residence at Corbey, together with our train ot household officers and attendants as may be necessary for the dignity of our person. Also, the privilege of bunting over the lands of the aforesaid abbey. Ten days' notification shall be given to the abbot and chapter of our intention that due preparation may be made to receive us worthily.' At the foot of the yellow parchment appeared the august sign manual of Charlemagne. ' You have heard ?' said the churchman, gravely. ' I have, reverend lord.' ' Would you like to peruse the charter yourself ?' ' I oannot read,' wa3 the reply. There was no shame in the confession. Few men, not excepting tha greatest nobles, outside tho clergy, knew one letter from another in the eleventh contury. ' This is my reply,' said the abbot, with quiet dignity : ' Inform the august emperor that although he has approached our walls in hostile guise, the gates of Corbey will be open to admit him, together with such noblo attendants as may accompany him, at the expiration of the ten days' notice stipulated in the charter of our founder.' The herald bowed, to conceal the embarrassment the answer causod him. ' Add,' continued the speaker, ' that not a Lanskeneter or a man-at-arms can be received. Wo will not endanger the safety of our community, or of those to whom we may have granted sanctuary, by allowing a hostile force within our precincts. Add, also, that the Abbot of Corbey, whilst acknowledging tho rights of the sovereign, knows how to defend his own.' A second time tho herald bowed. ' The audience is ended,' said the abbot, rising from his seat to quit the chapterhouse. ' Give the messenger of Henry safe conduct to the gates.' A third time the herald bowed, and withdrew.

When those who were gathered within the building heard the decision, it was received with something like dissatisfaction by the younger knights, especially by Roland and Otto, who, with the headstrong impatience of youth, would fain have appealed at once to the arbitration of tho sword. Suspense and inactivity were consuming them. '0! the procrastinating policy of age!' exclaimed the former. 'It dries the very life-blood of my heart! I would a thousand times rather trust to the virile courage of youthful manhood than the cold caution of gray-haired wisdom.' 'I, also,' added his friend. 'It is useless and feeble.' ' Boys,' said the Count of Ragenstein, reprovingly, for the murmurs of approbation which greeted the observation of tho speakers annoyed him, for he knew how both were beloved by the fiery, impetuous spirits within the walls, and that a train of disaffection once laid, the flame might spread through the entire host, ' scorn not the counsels of age—of gray-haired men —more anxious for your safety than their own—for yours is the future. What have they to hope for? A few years of life—no more. Add not to their toils and cares the bitter doubt that their affection has been misplaced. Yours may be tho arms to execute,' he added, ' but ours tbe heads to plan. Let mo hear no more of this.' Koland bowed his head submissively. It was the first time such words of reproof had fallen upon his ear, and ho felt them keenly. He was about to reply, when his father walked slowly away. The son was starting to follow, when the dwarf laid his hand upon his arm. 'You, too, old friend ?' said our hero. ' Hear roe: The decision you complain of was taken by my advice.' ' Yours !' repeated the two chief offenders. ' And tho rebuke you have received given at my suggestion.' 'Ah !' ejaculated Roland and Otto, reproachfully. 'Havel forfeited your confidence ?' demanded Alf.' 'It is not that,' replied his forn>er pupil ; ' but the fever of delay is killing mo.' ' Will passion cool it ?' asked the old man, calmly. ' No; but action might.'

'Reasoned like a child,' said Alf, with a sigh. ' Listen to me,' be continued. ' This contest between the emperor and tho church would be hopeless without other arms than yours to aid it. They have been forging for ages, not in the armorer's workshop, but on the anvil of time. .Not mid the tumult of a noisy world, but by silent, thoughtful men in cloistered halls and students' cells— men who would have been considered dreamers had their aims been guessed at. But they kept the secret. Those who commenced the task died long since—others succeeded them. They, too, havo disappeared; and now when the work is almost done, tho weapons forged ready for the hands to use them, would you defeat tbe purpose of so much toil and patience because its progress' lags behind your wishes?' ' Of what metal may tbe arms you speak of be composed ?' inquired Otto, with a puzzled look. Roland, who understood the speaker better, made no observation.

' Neither of bronze nor steel,' answered the dwarf,' but of thoughts alone, more or less earthly; but they will servo their purpose surely, if slowly ; that accomplished, other thinkers will arise, and the once mighty instrument become the schoolman's problem and the scoffer's jest, as fools or wise men judge it.'. 'You mean superstition,' whispered our hero, who, from long years of intercourse, had become familiar with tho speaker's tone of mind. '■ Know you a keener weapon ?' replied Alf. ' The bolt is already forged, the hand that alone can launch it even now within these walk.' ' Mean you that ?'— ' Hush !' interrupted the old man. ' I have no further confidence to give. Wait-— wait in patience and with hope.' Roland bowed his head in acquiescence.Tho tone the conversation had assumed, joined to the hint let drop of tho important action about to take place, produced the effect intended upon his hearers and partially calmed their impatience. Our hero sought his father ; the thought that he had pained him was a reproach to his affectionate nature. When the emperor and his allies received tho answer of the abbot to tho demand of the

former to be received within the walls of Corbey, their rage and disappointment knew no bounds. Curses loud and deep greeted tho report of the herald. ' Tho traitor ?' ejaculated Henry tho i Fourth. 'Braved by a churchman !' * 'Wo shall be starved out,' muttered the Archbishop of Cologne, who already began to rogret tho sparkling wines of the Rhineland and the fat vension of bis numerous woods and forests. Something ho hinted about the wisdom of retreat, which the indignant remonstrances of the fiery Azon caused him speedily to retract. The fact was that the country having been devastated for so miles around, provisions were getting scarce. As an ecclesiastical prince, the dainty prelate had only a life interest in his possessions, and life interests aro generally selfish ones. If the Duke of Baden said little, he reflected much. Of all the leaders of the invading host the Palsgrave felt the greatest disappointment at the result of the expedition. At sight of the Imperial banner ho fully expected the Abbot of Corbey would open wide his gates. His refusal to do so alarmed him, and he naturally asked himself what interests he could have to defend ? The question terrified him. A fear which he scarcely dared to acknowledge to himself haunted his waking as well as sleeping hours. Memory recalled one deed in his turbulent existence which, once made known, would not only expose him to tho ban of the empire, but hurl him from his lofty state and ill-acquired power. Of this deed there wore two living witnesses—Fritz and Hendricks. The first, as our readers have seen, had already escaped him. Ihe second was still within his grasp. No wonder, then, that with a past so menacing his voice should still be for war. He was the last to speak. ' Mighty omperor and princely friends,''he said, ' our forces are net materially weakened, merely disheartened by these delays, that is all. Decision ought now to bo our guide If immoderation sometimes proves a fault, fear is invariably a treason to the most sacred cause. lam an old soldier, approved in many a hard-fought field, yet have I never lost sight of prudence. Trust to my experience. Action is prudence now. Should we retreat it will be fatal to the best interests of the empire and our own.' 'Be it so,' shouted the emperor, greatly excited. ' In three days the assault.' The decision of tho sovereign was received with respectful obedience by all who heard it, and when made known to the army, it was hailed with [the greatest enthusiasm, for like tho younger portions of the garrison of Corbey, the army of tho confederates had grown impatient of inactivity and delay. If any of the leaders in the host felt dissatisfied or doubted of the result, they wisely kept it a secret within their own hearts. (to be continued.)