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Date Posted: 16:39:58 04/15/12 Sun
Author: Elaine ()
Subject: Chapters 38, 39 and 40

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Mameluke Warrior

Chapter 38
Nicholas and Astorre meet privately with Tzani-bey. They disclose their intention to launch a final assault on Famagusta within 3 days. Nicholas invites the Mamelukes to take part in the assault. Regardless of their participation, however, Nicholas is determined to attack the besieged city.

The emir admits that he was responsible for poisoning the food thrown over the wall. He will not participate in the assault on Famagusta; Nicholas will be left to do it on his own.

Nicholas challenges Tzani-bey to a public dual after Famagusta has been taken.

An unorthodox military approach was prepared for the assault involving a manmade mountain of rubble, tunnels and explosives.

Before the battle begins, Nicholas takes stock. All aspects of his life were now in order, as best he could manage them. Even his stepdaughters would be given security and safety. He had a letter and special package – his most cherished possession – ready for Primaflora should he fall in battle. He is ready.

Explosives in place, fuses were connected and lighted. A procession of churchmen torchbearers march in, offering pity and forgiveness. Nicholas never expected this attempt at a truce. The fuses now had to be extinguished. As le Grant and Nicholas finished tamping out the fuses, an arrow flew past. It had been shot by Diniz Vasquez as he defended the walls of Famagusta.

Chapter 39
Nicholas and le Grant are captured as spies in Famagusta. It becomes clear that Zacco had known of Nicholas’s plan to attack the city and was responsible for sending the churchmen. Conditions of the truce included two of Zacco’s men kept in Famagusta as insurance – these two would be Abul Ismail, the doctor, and Nicholas. The two prisoners are given a glimpse of some of the atrocities that occurred as a result of the siege.

Nicholas learns that Diniz is not alone. Katelina van Borselen is with him in Famagusta, and she is dying.

Chapter 40
Nicholas kneels at Katelina’s bedside. She is emaciated and in pain, although she denies her pain to Nicholas. The two of them weep.

Nicholas visits Katelina daily. She tried hard to stay awake for his visits. They talked, mostly of the past in Bruges. Abul Ismail tended to her medical needs as best he could.

Terms of the truce are revealed to Nicholas. The siege is to be lifted and to remain lifted for one year. After that, it can begin again, unless a rescue fleet can make its way into Famagusta’s port. The Genoese captain seemed determined that such a rescue would take place. Nicholas of course knew it was impossible, since the Genoese Republic is now virtually bankrupt. Famagusta has essentially signed a letter of surrender, although they won’t know it fully for another year.

Q1) What might be contained in the special package Nicholas has set aside for Primaflora should he fall in Famagusta?

Q2) What are you feeling now towards Katelina? Towards Diniz?

Q3) "Once, Abul Ismail said, ‘You do not eat. I have been watching. You are subject to marsh fever?’
‘I am subject only to grief,’ Nicholas said. He would have said it to no one else. It happened to be true.' ”
What do you make of this exchange? Why would Nicholas only have said this to Ismail and no one else?

Last edited by author: Sun April 15, 2012 16:41:21   Edited 1 time.

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