The wizard of Granada. A novel

Front matter

Class __£25

Book._Iii24-S

vy

Chapter I

^^Holy Mary, defend us, Alana ! There is sound of combat yonder in the woods, and, by the tumult, we might guess there were a score of men-at-arms. It becomes us to be wary, for I trow our errand is a perilous one enow to warrant cautiousness. Let us pause, and judge what the quarrel is about, before venturing nearer.”

So saying, the gallant Spanish knight checke(^ his horse, and held up a warning hand to enforce the silence of his attendant.

They were just emerging from a lonesome highway bordered with groves of oak and chestnut trees, and before them lay a sunny valley, a-sparkle with the dimpling smile of a narrow river, and lovely with undulating meadows of emerald hue, while against the horizon rose the noble summits, darkly green, whicj^ belted the Granadan territory from that which acknowledged allegiance to Spanish rule.

From a little grove of chestnuts, mingled here and there with a stately cork tree, came sounds of skirmishing, clashing blades, fierce voices and plunging steeds.

With eyes glinting fiery longing to be in the midst of the affray, and stately head bent one side in eager intentness of listening. Sir Ildefonse waited, curbing with one steelbanded hand the excitement of the splendid black horse he rode with the ease and grace of a centaur, and checking, also, with an authoritative wave of the other, the wild impatience of his well-tried squire, who could never be content in sound of battle without an active part therein.

Suddenly, above the ringing steel and hoarse voices, rose clear and light a woman’s scream.

St. Jago ! ” cried out Sir Ildefonse, in an indignant voice, ^^a true knight can no longer skulk here in tameness. Ho, Alana, follow me ! St. Jago to the rescue ! ”

He shouted out the cry of attack in a clear, ringing voice, and gave way to the fiery impetuosity of both steed and squire — leading the way at a fierce gallop, with his long blade flashing a stream of scintillating splendor, as he waved it around his head.

The trampled earth showed him the entrance into the woods, and while Alana behind him took up the cry in deeper tones, forward into the midst of struggling band of bandits and Moorish soldiery rushed the young knight — his long plume dancing in the wind, his eyes flashing as fierce light as his sword, his noble horse pawing the ground as fierce and ardent as his master.

Rider and steed seemed to drop from the clouds, bearing a regal heroism that started the skirmishers into a moment’s astonished pause.

St. Jago to the rescue ! ” shouted Sir Ildefonse, spurring forward.

The squire followed close behind, echoing the cry.

The bandits, some twenty in number, evidently believed that this splendid young knight was the leader of a whole troop. They shouted a few hoarse directions to each other, shook off the grasp of the Moors, and gathering together in disorder, beat a hasty retreat. Scarcely ten minutes after the appearance of Sir Ildefonse, and the wood was quiet save for the groans of the wounded men lying on the ground, and the low, earnest conversation of the others.

Sir Ildefonse had struck but a single blow, that which had sent a black-faced ruffian spinning away from the side of a slender figure robed in black, with a long veil flung over the head.

It was a woman certainly, but whether young or old there was no means of judging. Her snow-white palfrey was lying prostrate, with glazing eye and bleeding breast, and she had been held fiercely by one of the bandits, who had attempted to bind her wrists with her own silken scarf. She was trembling violently, yet, with a certain haughty stateliness, still held her head erect, and restrained her limbs from giving away to weakness.

Sir Ildefonse perceived the knotted scarf, and severed the silken strands with his sword, while he said :

‘‘ Would that the caitiff who dared such a dastardly act were still within reach of my good sword. \nd yet I trow his arm will long carry a mark by which to remember the metal of my blade.”

How can we thank you enough for your heroic rescue,” came in sweet though tremulous accents from behind the veil; ^^my poor guard was speedily vanquished by thrice their number of fierce and lawless desperadoes. They would have made me their captive, but that you appeared. I would fain essay my words of thankfulness, but my heart is yet too full for speech. Give me a few moments for composure, that I may learn also the extent of our injuries. Ho, Dalphion, Gefla, how many are there left safe, and unwounded? And find, I beseech you, my friend and 3^our leader. Woe indeed will befall us, if he is killed.”

There was a dignity in the voice, as of one used to authority, and it was wonderfully sweet. Sir Ildefonse perceived, too, how daintily formed and delicate were the hands he had released from the bonds of the scarf, and it was of more import to him that it suggested the vexatious veil concealed features youthful and lovely, than that the costly bracelet and diamond rings proved her of high estate and rank.

‘^Let me lead you to a seat,” said he, in the gallant, courtly manner which had made him as famous in lady’s bower as on the battlefield. You have born nobly the great shock of a scene like this ; come, I pray you, out of sight of these ghastly wounds, this bloody scene, so unmeet for such gentle eyes. ’ ’

While he spoke he turned away toward a little clump of trees on the other side where the fairies seemed to have impoverished a sylvan throne. For a fallen tree had been canopied with festooning vine, and cushioned with softest moss, and a glittering quartz rock made at once back and footstool.

Sir Ildefonse seated the unknown lady, bowed deferentially, and went back to look after her servants.

Alana, his own squire, was busily at work tending the wounded. They had indeed arrived in good season. Of

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the ten attendants of the lady only three were able to help themselves, and four were killed outright. They were too bewildered with terror to be able to act calmly or be of service.

Here’s one,” said Alana, beckoning to his master, and speaking in a cautious whisper, “ Here’s one who seems to be of better condition than the others ; and there’s a frame for a soldier, and a head with a forehead too broad to belong to one of these infidel dogs, who haven’t sense enough to fight like men.”

Hush, Alana ! Remember the counsel I gave you, and the danger we risk, if we hint our contempt for their religion. Our errand is too important to be risked lightly ; remember we are venturing boldly into the stronghold of the Moors ; and what could the poor fellows do, surprised by thrice their number? Have 'a care, lift his head carefully ; it is in truth a broad forehead, and these are noble and dignified features. There is no wound. Ah, I see. The blow was on the head ; that thick velvet turban saved the skull. He is stunned, not dead. Bring some water to pour over the head, and the flask of wine from my saddle. Step nimbly, Alana, we may have him back sound and well.”

The squire obeyed with ready alacrity, and Sir Ildefonse, kneeling down, began chafing the long, slender, delicate fingers. When Alana returned, Dalphion, one of the Moorish soldiery, accompanied him. The latter uttered an exclamation of joy as he perceived the broad chest of the prostrate man heaving with gentle and regular breathing.

^^Basilio safe; the princess unharmed. Now may we show ourselves at the Alhambra, without fear of the bowstring, Allah be praised! ” ejaculated he.

Sir Ildefonse had lost no word of his, although he appeared entirely absorbed by his humane task. He took the flask from his servant, moistened the pale lips, and sprinkled the water freely over the ghastly face, while he laid his handkerchief, drenched with the cool water, on the gray head .

Their earnest efforts were rewarded by the abrupt unclosing of the lids, and the swift interrogating glance of a pair of keen, piercing eyes, of a clear hazel hue.

From Dalphion the eyes returned again to the handsome face of the youthful knight.

A frown knit the broad forehead, and an angry glow, burning out of the eye, kindled his countenance into instant light.

^^How now, knave ! ” cried he, striving ineffectually to rise. Do you stand dallying with me, while the princess has been carried off? ”

The lady is safe,’’ exclaimed Sir Ildefonse, seeing that Dalphion’s servile fear of his leader’s anger kept him mute.

Safe ! where? how? Even her safety may be worse than capture. Who are you. Sir Knight? you wear the Spanish dress. What brings you hither upon the territory of the sovereign of Granada? It can be no peaceable errand.”

By my good sword, which has never been drawn in a dishonorable cause, I pledge you my word I came not with hostile intention. A wayward, adventurous fancy, a keen curiosity to behold the wonders of Granada, must plead my excuse. But let us save that for another hour’s discussion. Take another drop of wine, I pray you \ it will give you the strength you need.”

Those keen, deep, piercing eyes had never left his face while he spoke. The wine was meekly accepted. In a few moments he was able to rise from his recumbent position.

We were beaten, I suppose,*’ said he, addressing himself to Sir Ildefonse.

The latter smiled.

‘‘You will not find one of the knaves in the wood, saving those that are slain; they fled in ignominious haste.”

“ From whom? not from our Moslem guard, for I knew we were overpowered when I fell.”

“Our coming gave the catiffs a wholesome fright,” replied the knight carelessly.

“ How many were you ? ” was asked abruptly.

“ Myself and my trusty squire. It was enough.”

A dull red burnt a moment in the still pallid face. He smothered an angry imprecation.

^‘Cowardly dogs!” muttered he between his teeth.

had I only half a dozen trusty fellows, this need not have happened. But the lady is safe ? ”

am safe, Basilio ; thanks to this gallant knight, but for whom I should now be in the hands of those lawless wretches,” said a sweet, clear voice, as the veiled lady came forward through the shrubbery.

She had recovered her composure, and spoke calmly, and moved with quiet dignity.

Now indeed I am ready to forget my rage at this disaster ! ” exclaimed Basilio, bowing to her with the most profound reverence. It is my own fault that I trusted so entirely to the communication of that catiff, Mauhoud, who said the country about here was free from prowling marauders. By the beard of the Prophet, that shall be as truthful a saying as any in the Koran, ere many days have passed. Ismael will send hither as many of his soldiers as there are stones on this ignominious spot, when he learns of this audacious assault.”

You tell him?” asked the veiled lady, a faint accent of surprise in her voice.

A shade passed across Basilio’s face. He knit his forehead, gnawed impatiently at his still pale lip, and then looked down upon the ground in gloomy abstraction.

‘‘Dalphion,” said the cold sweet voice again, thou art of little service here, and thy wounded comrades need thee. Moreover, it seems to me the part of wisdom to hasten from this lonely spot. The bandit may return with reinforcements, and the poor fellows yonder need a leech’s care. Go prepare at once for speedy departure.

The Moor had been gaping with keen interest into the perplexed face of Basilio. His swarthy cheek reddened beneath her gentle rebuke, and making a deep bow, as if to a personage of great importance, first toward the lady and then in the direction of Basilio, he turned away, parted the thick^boughs of the underbrush and vanished.

The lady moved a step nearer and laid her hand on Basilio’s shoulder.

^^My friend,” said she, ‘‘we will return to Granada. Our journey in this direction is ended.”

Basilio looked up with a quick, impatient gesture.”

Anti relinquish our high hopes^ our momentous undertaking — it is not like you, Xina,’’ he said, in a reproachful tone.

^ ^ Our quest will be helped in no way, though we continue on for leagues,” returned she calmly. ‘‘When you have recovered strength, Basilio, your quick sagacity will divine my reasons.”

Basilio looked up eagerly, and made a quick vehement movement as if to lift the veil, and read an explanation in her face where her words puzzled him ; but the remembrance of the Spanish knight seemed suddenly to occur to him, for he checked himself, glanced uneasily toward Sir Ildefonse, and relapsed into silence.

The knight colored and was turning hastily away, when the lady spoke again in the sanie calm, even tones.

“ Nay, let us not waste the precious moments in idle consultation, when action is required instead. Once safely away from this dreary place, on a highway protected by our own soldiers, and we may return to our discussion. Art thou able to ride, Basilio ? So many of our poor followers will never mount a steed, we shall not lack means of transportation, though my own poor Silver Mane, and thy Rosalio are both useless. We will ask this noble knight’s company until we reach the town, and Allah send it may lie in our power to make some feeble return for bis generous and timely service.”

Basilio looked again uneasily into her face, and then smiled.

“I think we have changed characters, my princess. But late you would trust no judgment but mine, and now it is you who lead and guide.”

“A woman’s wit is sometimes of more service than a man’s wisdom or strength, Basilio,” answered she. “ What sayest thou, noble knight ? was thy face set toward Grenada, or the Spanish dominions, and if the former, wilt thou still give us thy protecting presence ? ”

“Indeed, noble lady, you honor me by accepting my poor services. It was indeed my ardent desire to visit Granada ; I have heard so much of its beauty and wealth, I could not rest without feasting my eyes upon its famous scenes.”

“And dost thou think to journey thither in safety, in

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that Spanish dress, with thy single squire? ” demanded Basilio.

^‘And wherefore not?” replied Sir Ildefonse. I come with no hostile meaning, and I have my good sword.”

I would that the royal Ismael heard that speech,” said Basilio, in a tone of involuntary admiration. It is a high compliment to the Moorish race, that you think them so noble and generous. Let it be then as the lady has said ; you shall journey in our company.”

And we will be very grateful for the boon,” said the sweet, low voice of the veiled lady.

Sir Ildefonse bowed again, and went away toward the open spot where the wounded and the horses were gathered together.

Basilio,” said she, thine eyes are blind. Grieve not to abandon this secret expedition. Seest thou not that we need not go further in search, because the object of our quest has come to us.”

The man started violently.

‘Mt is even so, Basilio, it is he ! ”

Basilio rose to his feet white and wrathful, and shook his clenched fist in the direction in which the knight had vanished.

And this is his peaceful journey to gratify innocent curiosity,” said he hoarsely. May Allah blast ”

^‘Silence, Basilio!” interrupted the lady hastily, he has saved your life and mine. My own anger toward him has cooled ; let us wait to be sure that we have not been purposely deceived. If ever my eyes looked upon a true and honest face, it is his, and you yourself cannot hinder the admiration his chivalrous bearing and noble courage awaken.”

You, Princess Xina, espousing the cause of this man — you whoso jealously organized this expedition 1 ” exclaimed Basilio, in a reproachful voice.

She was silent for a few moments, and then spoke hastily, with a slight quiver in the tone —

Basilio, you yourself have taught me to listen to the conviction of a pure heart. You have often said I had a mysterious spell to detect the evil or the good of any nature

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with which I came in contact. It is not alone that he has saved my life, it is because the strange voice within the depths of my soul speaks boldly, and declares him a true and noble knight. See how fearless and courageous is his bearing ! how calm and unblenching his eye. Basilio, this is an honest man. He is no Spanish spy sent out for staie purposes.”

Xina,” said Basilio suddenly, <‘has this man seen your face?”

She shook her head with a proud, imperial gesture of the hand.

Basilio looked down again in deep thought, and did not speak until Dalphion’s voice was heard announcing their readiness for departure. Then he said, gravely.

Let us go, Xina.”

‘ ^ Are you angry with me, Basilio ? ’ ’ asked she without moving.

My child, my child, do I not love you too well for anger? ” returned he with passionate pathos.

She held out her hand to him silently, then passed before him.

‘Ms it fate that has made this strange chance ?” muttered Basilio, as he followed ; “or it is worse, nature itself speaking plainly? Allah forbid the perplexities I, fear. ’ ’

Chapter II

The little cavalcade made a rather forlorn appearance as it wound away from the chestnut grove out into the valley, with its slow pacing animals, and its wounded carefully supported on their beasts by their uninjured comrades.

Sir Ildefonse and his squire rode quietly behind Basilio and the lady, and the former made no further attempt at conversation, except that after the first mile he noticed that the lady’s form was drooping, and spurring forward he said in a deferential tone :

“The gait of that beast is too hard for you. Take, I beseech you, this good steed of mine. Fiery as he seems.

he can tame his steps to be gentle enough for the rocking of a child. Alana shall ride beside you, to ease your fears. ’ '

* ‘ Nay, I have no fears. I accept the offer in the same spirit in which it is made. I doubt, indeed, if I could bear this motion to the end of the journey. Poor Silver Mane’s steps were easy as the sailing of a boat. At the nearest town we will find a litter. Thanks for your kindness.”

The exchange of saddles was speedily made, and when Basilio had roused from his abstraction enough to assist her to its seat, Ildefonse fell back, leaving her to choose her attendant.

She checked the horse as he came up. How Sir Ildefonse longed to draw aside the tantalizing veil, and look freely upon that hidden face.

Shall I see you again when I reach Granada? ” asked he abruptly.

She shook her head.

You must ask no questions concerning me. You will soon learn in the city that a discreet tongue is the surest promise of safety. Yet shall I not forget your good deed for us. When danger threatens, show this ring and demand that speech be given you with Prince Azim. He will know the ring and come to me for explanation, and you may rest assured no harm shall come to you.”

Then, as if to adjust the trimmings of her saddle-cloth, she bent down, and hastily passed to him a loop of gold, aglitter with one solitary but superb diamond.

Either side of the gem was engraved on the gold, a key, and beneath it the letter X in Arabic.

The knight received it with a low bow.

‘ ^ I value it more as a memento of your highness, than as a means of safety in future danger,” said he. ^‘1 will follow your advice, though I am somewhat reluctant. I would prefer to be open and candid with all men. If my innocence and good will, and my good sword avail naught, I cannot bear to stoop to dissembling, as a means of safety.”

How now ? ” asked she in a cold, proud voice, dost thou mean to assume perfect openness in this matter ? Take care, Sir Knight ! there are eyes clearer to read than you surmise. Dare you declare your errand to Granada is solely to gratify and idle curiosity? ”

Sir Ildefonse colored deeply.

I spoke concerning public matters, when I said that I came not for a hostile purpose. ' If I have a personal errand, what is that to the Moorish rulers, or their officers ?

‘^And will not the personal interest effect likewise the public weal? ’’

Sir Ildefonse lifted his clear, honest eyes to the veiled countenance.

In truth, fairest Princess, your words are mysterious, and have no meaning for me. I am conscious of no evil intent, in any possible way to disturb or injure Moslem rule. I would scorn to play a spy’s part, even in the interest of my lawful soverign.”

believe you,” said she presently. ‘Mf I did not I should submit you to the Cadi of the first town we enter. But speak of foreign sights — Basilio watches us.”

cannot conceive why I should be an object of suspicion,” said Sir Ildefonse, a little indignantly.

Noble minds do not know the subtle machinations of intrigue. You will be taught a little by this visit to Granada, or my fears are needless,” answered she, I am tempted to bid you turn about and renounce the journey.”

Forbear, I pray you. I should go, though I were certain danger lurked at every corner.”

You will remember the ring, and the name of Prince Azim.”

Of a truth. And yet it seems needless. Can I not be safe, riding in your company ? ”

We shall halt at the first town. It were best that you should mention this adventure to no one, at least in connection with my name.”

Ah, but I am as ignorant of that as possible. One may guess you are a personage of high rank. I have heard them call you the Princess Xina ; but beyond that I know not, and I have not even seen your face.”

There was a faint tone of reproach in his tone.

^^It is better thus. Sir Knight. What matter for the face ? it is the soul, the heart, which is the true character.”

* * But the face is index of the character ; the eye is the window of the soul,’^ persisted Sir Ildefonse.

You wish to see my face,” said the lady uneasily. I doubt not, to one educated to mingle freely with female society our Moorish customs and jealous reserve seem alike selfish and ridiculous. Such a request might cost some foolish Mussulman his head — but to deny you, to whom I owe at once my life and safety seems churlish, even to me. And yet — and yet ”

Her voice faltered ; it was evident she was extremely distressed.

I would you would ask any other boom of me. Basilio is angry already at this long conversation. I cannot raise my veil without attracting his notice, as well as that of the attendants. Why should you care to look upon these poor features? Let me give you, rather, this bracelet of linked gems, which are brilliant enough to win you the smiles of the fairest of your countrywomen.”

She had raised the loose sleeve, and was unclasping the bracelet when the knight made a hasty gesture of refusal.

Nay, nay,” said he, showing plainly how deeply his pride was wounded. Neither the friendship, nor the aid of Ildefonse are to be bought. I pray you take back this ring likewise. The diamond is costly, but it bears not half the value for my eyes that a single ringlet of your hair would possess. Let it pass, lady. Since it is your will, I will be content to know nothing concerning you beyond what your voice has told me. And that, indeed, is enough to convince me that you are young and beautiful and good, like the ideal image I have worshipped so long, but never saw in human shape before.”

He fell back as he spoke, a little out of range with thehorse she rode, and turning his head aside, they rode on in silence many minutes. The lady was the first to speak.

‘‘Sir Ildefonse,” said she gravely.

“ Your highness commands my attention.” '

“Will you adjust this rein for me? it is caught on the gilded tassel yonder.”

He guided his horse near enough to reach silken strand and disengaged it.

“Sir Ildefonse,” spoke the Princess Xina, in a low,

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tremulous tone, forgive my seeming lack of generosity. To comply with your request, here and now, might endanger your life and compromise my good name. But you shall have your wish. Ten days from now cannot fail to find you in the city of Granada. On the morning of the eleventh day, while yet the morning sun shines on the great key carved on the Gate of Judgment at the south entrance to the Alhambra, come thou thither, and thou shalt meet a slave, who shall bow thrice, and ask, ‘ Art thou he ? ’ ^ I am the bandit’s foe,’ must thou answer, and then the slave will lead thee on — follow fearlessly, and then there shalt thou meet the Princess Xina unveiled.”

Many thanks, sweet Princess. Pardon my persistence ; but, indeed, it seemed to me I should miss the fairest sight in Granada,qf I returned to Spain and beheld thee not,” replied the knight in eager gratitude.

^ ^ Hide what I have spoken in thine own breast, and be less frankly outspoken. Remember thou art now in the land of Moslem.”

While she said these words, the lady guided her horse toward that of Basilio, who was riding alone in gloomy dignity.

‘ ^ Basilio, are we almost there ? my nerves were less firm than I imagined ; I am well nigh exhausted.”

Only a mile farther, and we shall reach the house of Ilbrahim. We will send for a litter then. My own head is whirling and spinning wildly, yet not so bewilderingly but I could wonder at the familiarity of the Princess Xina with this prying stranger, who comes from the land of the foe.”

He has been beguiling the tediousness of the way by his pleasant descriptions of foreign lands. He seems little like what thou hast taught me of a Spanird. Basilio, wherefore art thou so churlish ? It is not like thea to withhold deserved praise even from thine enemy, and this man has saved us from a great misfortune, and is knightly and courteous, with a fearless grace, wonderful to eyes accustomed to Moslem warriors.”

^ ^ Didst thou not declare him to be the one we have been warned about ? ’ ’

‘‘ Truly, and yet I am sure he comes not with the vile, l6 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA,

treacherous purpose imputed to him. And thou art more angry now than I; and before it was the reverse.’’

‘ ^ Aye, thou hast seen him now. It is this very interest of yours which disturbs me, Princess. You know all the madness _ of my infatuation. You guess how speedily it would bring him to the bowstring, and yourself.”

I think I have been warned often enough, Basilio,” exclaimed she, hastily and petulantly. Do not be forever reminding me of my galling slavery.”

The lonely road here took a sudden turn, and leaving behind it the woods and country, swept on around the base of a gentle rising hill, and showed at no great distance cultivated fields, and the gilded spires of a mosque. A few paces further and they beheld the brown and variegated roofs of a small village.

‘ ‘ Allah be praised ! ’ ’ ejaculated more than one of the weary procession, taking fresh courage at the sight.

In less than an hour they had all dismounted and entered the house of Ilbrahim, who came out, followed by his long train of servants in gaping wonder at the sight.

Xina sprang down from the knight’s horse, and walked hastily into the apartments of the Seraglio, and was seen no more by her late traveling companions. Comfortable quarters were provided for them all during the night. Basilio was evidently a person of consequence ; for an angry reproof from him checked at once the impertinent curiosity of the Moors, when they beheld the Spanish stranger.

He was more gracious and benignant himself, now that the Princess was away, and offered to reward the Spaniard for his good services in their behalf the next morning.

To which Ildefonse replied coldly, —

There is no reward needed. I would have done the same for my bitterest enemy when so sorely pressed. Peradventure thou mayest yet behold a Spaniard in distress. Then mayest thou pay whatever debt thou believest due. Yet, as thou likest, thou mayst give me safe conduct to Granada.”