"But as for Lichtenstein," said Zawisza, "I do not think he will accept your challenge, because he is a friar, and also one of the officers in the Order. Bah! The people of his retinue told me that perhaps he would be elected grand master!"
"If he refuse to fight, he will lose his honor," said Lis of Targowisko.
"No," answered Zawisza, "because he is not a lay knight; and a friar is not permitted to fight in single combat."
"But it often happens that they do fight."
"Because the Order has become corrupt. The knights make different vows; but they often break them, thus setting a bad example to the whole Christian world. But a Krzyzak, especially a comthur, is not obliged to accept a challenge."
"Ha! Then only in war can you reach him."
"But they say, that there will be no war," said Zbyszko, "because the
Knights of the Cross are afraid of our nation."
To this Zyndram of Maszkow said:
"This peace will not last long. There cannot be a good understanding with the wolf, because he must live on the goods of others."
"In the meantime, perhaps we will be obliged to fight with Tymur the Lame," said Powala. "Prince Witold was defeated by Edyga; that is certain."