BagratShinkuba

TheLastoftheDeparted

FOREWORD ...................................................................................................................................................................2
BOOKONE.....................................................................................................................................................................5
FEASTINGWITHTHEDEAD ...................................................................................................................................5
WHENWEWEREATHOME.................................................................................................................................13
HAJIBERZEKKERANTUKH ...................................................................................................................................18
HOWTHEUBYKHSMETTHEIRFOSTERBROTHER ..............................................................................................25
SHARDYN,SONOFALOU ....................................................................................................................................31
THELASTCOUNCILINTHEHOUSEOFCHESTNUTWOOD ..................................................................................37
AHANDFULOFEARTH ........................................................................................................................................44
BOOKTWO..................................................................................................................................................................55
WHEREISTHATPARADISE!.................................................................................................................................55
MOUNTAINSAFLAME .........................................................................................................................................65
THERESNOGODBUTALLAH ..........................................................................................................................71
BACKTOTHELANDOFTHEUBYKHS...................................................................................................................77
OSMANKOY .........................................................................................................................................................84
UBYKHWOMENDOOMED..................................................................................................................................94
ALONGTHEYELLOWROADOFTHEDESERT .....................................................................................................103
ALONGDRYRIVERS ...........................................................................................................................................112
SONGOFTHEWOUNDED .................................................................................................................................119
BOOKTHREE..............................................................................................................................................................126
WHATCANTIMECHANGE? ..............................................................................................................................126
THEBRASSHORN ..............................................................................................................................................132
OURPRIESTSDEMISE .......................................................................................................................................137
MANSOU,SONOFSHARDYN ............................................................................................................................141
ASTANZOLAK ....................................................................................................................................................145
ANEWSPAPERFROMABKHASIA.......................................................................................................................149
ONOPPOSITESHORES ......................................................................................................................................152
BYTKHASDISAPPEARANCEANDTAGIRSDEATH .............................................................................................156
THEFINALJOURNEY..........................................................................................................................................164
AFTERWORD .............................................................................................................................................................172

Hewholoseshiscountrylosesall.
Abkhasianproverb

FOREWORD

EarlythiswinteronaSaturdaynightKarbeiBarchanstoppedbyforavisit.Wehadbeenstudentstogetherathr
teacherstrainingcollege,butheleftSukhumialongtimeagoandwasnowtheprincipalofacountryschool;ehad
notseeneachotherforseveralyears.Iwaslookingforwardtospendingsometimewithhimtalkingaboutwhat
hadhappenedtousintheinterval,butKarbeiwasinahurry.Inhalfanhourhehadtobeoffonsomeurgent
business.Withoutlosingasecond,heopenedupanoldbriefcase,tookoutathickfolder,andputitonthetable.

HeresamanuscriptIwantyoutoread,andthesoonerthebetter.Itsbeenlyingaroundinanoldtrunkfor
31yearsalready,justtwodoorsawayfrommeatmyAuntTatalshouse.Afterherfunerallastweekweopenedthe
trunkthatnooneremembershereveropeningherself.Hereswhatwefound.Itsamanuscriptwrittenbyher
deadson,SharakhKvadzba.Hewroteitjustbeforethewar,butinmyopinionitsstillrelevant.Readitandtellme
ifyouthinkitcanbepublished.Itsnotjustbecausehewasmyrelative.Anyway,readitandyoullseefor
yourself.
2


Karbeideparted,entrustingtomethefateofthatmanuscriptwhichhadspentthirtyoneyearsinatrunkkeptshut
byawomanwhohadlosthersonsomanyyearsago.BeforeIevenopenedupthefoldertherewassomething
aboutitthatgavemeakeensenseofresponsibility,andnotjusttoonedeadperson,buttotwo.

Ireadthemanuscriptthefirsttimequickly,frombeginningtoend,butthenIwentbackoveritafewtimestinre
togetabettergraspofpartsthatwereincompleteorreinedimprobable.Itwasnotasimplemanuscript,norfor
thatmatterwasthefateofitsauthor.

IdidnotknowSharakhKvadzbapersonally,butIhadheardmuchabouthimbeforethewar.Hewasfiveyears
olderthanmostofusinourclass,andafterbeinggraduatedfromtheteacherstrainingcollegeinSukhumi*he
wenttoLeningrad.TherehemajoredintheCaucasianlanguagesattheInstituteofOrientalStudies,oneofhis
professorsbeingAcademicianMarr*.Thenhewentontograduateschoolandspecializedinthenorthwestern
groupoftheCaucasianlanguages,includingtheUbykhlanguagewhichisimportantinestablishingthehistorical
relationshipsbetweenotherCaucasianlanguages.

IhadalsoheardthatKvadzba,accordingtohisprofessorsinLeningrad,wasanextremelytalentedlinguist,and
thatisprobablywhyhewassenttoTurkeyandtheMiddleEastforresearchwork,arareopportunityinthose
days.HewassupposedtofindpeoplewhostillspokeUbykh,whichwasespeciallyimportantsincetherewasno
writtenUbykhlanguage.

Duringthewarfewofuskneweachotherswhereabouts.IdidnotknowanythingaboutKvadzba.Ihadheard
fromsomeone,probablyfromKarbei,thatKvadzbawasinLeningradwhenhewasdrafted,wasseriouslywounded
soonafterwards,wentbackintoactionandwasreportedmissingin1942.Sixteenyearslater,in1958,wegot
wordinSukhumithatfarawayinItaly,outsidethesmalltownofChermenatenearLakeComotherewasa
tombstoneoverthegraveofItalianpartisanskilledtheverylastdaysofthewarinApril1945;amongthenames
wasthatofSharakhKvadzbawrittenintheLatinalphabetwithonlyoneletterincorrectlyspelled.Wecouldonly
speculateonhowKvadzbahadendedupinItalyprobablythesamewayasmostotherslikehim,hehadfled
therefromsomewhereinAustriafromaNaziprisonerofwarcampneartheItalianborder.Becausehissurnameis
sorare,therewasnodoubtinmymindthatitwashisnameonthattombstone.Thedateofhisdeath,April24,
1945,wasevidencethathehadfoughtuntilnearlytheendofthewar,andwaskilledjustabouttwoweeksbefore
VictoryDay.*

ThatisthelifestoryofSharakhKvadzba,oratleastwhatIknowaboutit.

Asforthehistoryofhismanuscript,someofthedetailswereexplainedbyKarbeiwhenhecametovisitmeseveral
timesthosesixmonthsIwasgettingitreadyforpublication.

SharakhKvadzbahadwrittenthenearly500pagesinonesitting,asitwere.Afterreturningfromabroadinthe
summerof1940hespenthiswholevacation,allsixweeksofit,athismothershomeinAbkhasia.Hedidnotgo
anywhere,butsatandwrotefrommorningtillnight.

Beforeheleftheputthefolderintohisbriefcase,whichhelockedinthetrunk,andprobablyaskedhismotherto
keephisnotesthereuntilhereturned.Hemusthavegiventheseinstructionsinsuchawaythatshehonoredthem
therestofherlife.Howwashetoknowthenthathewasleavinghomeforthelasttimeandthathewouldnever
againseehismother,orhisnativeAbkhasia.Butsomethinginhisvoicemusthavemadehismothersureshe
shouldkeepthefolderhersonhadputintothetrunkuntiltheendofherdays,notonlykeepitthere,butnottella
soulaboutit.Shehadnevertoldanyoneaboutiteitherwhenshewasinformedhersonwasmissing,orwhenshe
learnedthatsomewherefaraway,fartherthanshecouldimagine,hersonsnamehadbeendiscoveredonthe
tombstoneofacommongrave.

WhensheheardthissheaskedSharakhsrelativesandfriendstoselleverythingoftheirsandhersandusethe
moneytosendhertohisgravesite.Later,afteritbecamecleartherelativeswereunwillingtocooperate,she
neverbroughtupthesubjectagain.Shewassilent.Perhapsbecausesheneversawhersonsgraveshecontinued
toquestionhisdeath.Atanyrate,sheneverdidtakehersonsbriefcaseoutofthetrunk:afterall,hehadasked
hertotakecareofthepapersuntilhereturned.Maybeshekeptonwaitingforhim.Shehadbeenbornalongtime

agoandcouldnotreadorwrite,butneitherKarbei,norIbelieveshecouldhavesimplyforgottenabouthersons
folder.

AsIalreadymentioned,SharakhKvadzbasmanuscriptconsistedofnearly500,ormoreprecisely,482pagesin
smallclearhandwritingthatsometimes,especiallytowardtheend,showedhaste,yetwaslegible.Insertedinthe
middleofthemanuscriptweretwotypewrittenpagesdatedAugust1940Kvadzbasprewarresumeandahand
writtenoutlineofthereportthatheapparentlymadetohisinstituteaboutthetrip.Therewasalsoareceiptinthe
manuscriptmadeouttoKvadzbaforabrasshornandaCaucasiandaggerhehadbroughtbackwithhimfrom
abroadfortheAbkhasianStateMuseum.

Idontknowwhathappenedtothedagger,butIhaveseentheUbykhhorn,atrulyrareartifact,inourmuseum
severaltimes.However,IhadnoideaithadbeendonatedbySharakhKvadzba.

InhisreportKvadzbasaidtheinformationhehadobtainedcouldshedlightonmissingfactsaboutthetragicstory
oftheUbykhpeople,astory,ashesaid,thatwasobscuredbytoolittledata.

Kvadzbaexplainedinthereportthathehadfailedtolearnmanytoponymicalnamesandfindoutmoreabout
somehistoricalfiguresheknewoffromhisresearch.Andhewasnotreadytogiveacompletescientificanalysisof
muchofwhathehadwritten.Headded,however,thatthenextpartofhisundertakingwouldnotbeascholars
commentary,butacarefulaccountofalltheinformationhehadgathered,whichwouldformthegroundworkfor
hisfutureefforts.

Obviously,themanuscriptinthetrunkwasthataccountwhichhehadstoppedwritinginthemiddleofasentence.
Hewasapparentlysomewhereneartheend.

BeforepresentingSharakhKvadzbasmanuscript,whichhasundergoneminimaleditingonlywheneverabsolutely
necessary,Iwouldliketosayafewwordsaboutthesubjectwhichiscertainlypertinenttoday.

KvadzbasmanuscriptgivesusavividpictureofthehistoryoftheUbykhpeople,apeoplethatlivedlongagointhe
mountainsoftheWesternCaucasusapproximatelyintheareaborderednorthandsouthbytheShakheand
Khostarivers.AttheendofthecampaignsintheCaucasustheczaristgovernmentofferedtheuncompromising
UbykhleaderseithertomovedownfromthemountainsintotheplainsoftheNorthernCaucasus,oremigrateto
Turkey.ThechoicetheleadersoftheUbykhsmadebetweenthesetwounappealingalternativeswouldlaterturn
outtobethemostshortsighted:in1864,followingtheirfeudallords,theUbykhpeopleoptedforTurkey.Soon
afterwardsfatescatteredthemlikebirdsinahurricanetomanycountriesintheMiddleEast.

Justonecenturylaterapeoplewitharichandvaliantpasthaddisappearedfromthefaceoftheearth.

TheUbykhlanguageincreasinglybecameamemoryandalthoughtheknowledgeofthelanguageandhistoryof
theUbykhsisimportanttostudiesoftheCaucasus,therearemanyunansweredquestions.

AboutfifteenyearsagoIhappenedtoseeareportbyaprominentEuropeanscholaroftheCaucasus.Accordingto
hisinformation,thereweretwosmallneighboringvillageswheretherewerestillsixteenpeoplewhocouldspeak
Ubykh,perhaps,theonlyonesleftinalltheMiddleEastwheretheUbykhshademigrated.Thatreportoffifteen
yearsagowasthelastoneIreadonthesubject.Ihavenotseenanylaterinformationinacademicstudiesabout
peoplewhostillspeakUbykh.

Therefore,IwouldliketocallattentiontoSharakhKvadzbasmanuscriptwhichismostlybasedonthedetailed
noteshetookin1940ofconversationshehadwithamanwhostillrememberedthemigrationofhispeopleto
Turkey,a100yearoldUbykhwithwhomSharakhlivedforalittleoveramonth.Judgingbythemanuscript,this
centenarian,ZaurkanZolak,wasamanwhonotonlyhadrarevitality,butanexcellentmemory.Hespentthe
monthrecountingtohisguestnearlyalltheeventsinhislife,andSharakhlistenedandwrote,apparently,not
omittingeventhoseincidentstheoldmanconfusedchronologically,orthatseemedtobefantasy.Obviously,the
linguisttriedatfirsttorecordeverythingheheardwiththeintentofinvestigatingitlater,siftingwhatwasmore
probablefromthelessprobable.

Inmyopinionthemanuscriptthankfullywaspreservedjustthatway.Itisnottoolatenowtoanalyzeitfroma
strictlyscientificpointofview.Itisnottoolatetogiveacriticalanalysisoftheinformationitcontainsboth
historicalandcultural.Despiteallitsdefectsacademicallyspeaking,themanuscriptinitsoriginalformisan
interestinghumandocumentrevealing,ofcourse,particularlythepersonalityofthestoryteller,aridtosome
degreethatofthelistenerwhowasmuchtoomovedbyallthatheheardtobejustastenographer.

Andso,letusopenthemanuscript.IwanttowarnthatIhadtodealwith482pagesofsmallhandwriting,atext
notonlydevoidoftitles,butofchapters,andevenparagraphs,atextwrittenbyamanwhowasnotconsideringits
publication,butonlyhowhecouldfinishthejobinthetimeallotted.Thenameofthemanuscript,thetitlesofthe
chaptersanddivisionsintobooks,wereintendedtomakethemanuscripteasiertoread.Ibearfullresponsibility
forallthat,notSharakhKvadzba.

BOOKONE

FEASTINGWITHTHEDEAD

Havinggotoutofthecarriagethatpickedmeupontheroad,Istoodlookingaround,notknowingwheretogo.
Theskinnyhorsethatbarelydraggedusupherewasnowtrottingdownhill.Thesilencewasdisturbedonlybythe
clatteringofthewheels.Theheathadsomewhatsubsidedandthewarmwindthatcameuptowardeveningwas
likeahugeinvisiblebroomsweepingthedustalongtheroad.Totherightinthedistanceavillagewasvisibleand
dogsbarked.Tothelefttherewasasunbakedbarehillwithrainchiseledfurrowsthatlookedlikedeepscars,and
aheaduptothehorizonadismalplainstretchedformiles,dottedhereandtherebytrees.Istoodtherelookingat
theunfamiliarterrainandcouldnothelpfeelingsurprised.CouldtheUbykhsreallyhavetradedtheirmountains
forthisplace;couldthebonesofseveralgenerationsbelyinginthisland?

HearingahammerpoundingonananvilIknewthedriverhadbeenrightwhenhetoldmethesmithywasnearby.
Thereitwasjust100feetbehindme.WhenIsteppedoffthecarriageIwentthewrongway.Theblacksmith
hammeredafewmoretimesasIwalkeduptothesmithy,and,asifhealreadyknewwhyIhadcome,hewentout
togreetme.Hewasashortmanwithathin,blackmustacheonasootstainedface.Inoticedhehadasmall
bundleinhishandandthoughtperhapshewasnottheblacksmith,butsomeoneelse.

FortunatelyheturnedouttobetheblacksmithBiram,theoneIhadheardabout.IwastoldifImethimeverything
wouldgoallright.Thatparcelinhishandwasalsoapieceofgoodluckforme,becausehewastakingittotheold
Ubykh,ZaurkanZolak,themanIhadcomesofarandwithsuchdifficultytosee.

IwalkedwithBiramalongthebottomofthehill.Itseemedsogodforsaken,thathill:furrowsononesidelike
scars;andontheothersidebarerockwithcrackswhereevenwildgrasshadwitheredinthescorchinghotsun.

Hereweare,saidBiram.Thatshishouse.

Hepointedwithhisfinger,butIcouldnotseeahouse.

Notthere.Here!

HepointedonceagainandIfinallysawtheabode.Itlookedasthoughtherewasacaveinsidethebottomofthe
hill,andattheentrancethreesmallwallswerebuiltofadobeandroofedoverwithsootstainedshingles.

Waithere.IllfindoutifZaurkanishome.Illaskhimifhewantstotalktoyou.Sometimeshesmoodyand
doesntwanttoseeanyone,notevenme.Hesahundred,youknow!

Biramshruggedhisshouldersasiftosaythatwhenapersonsahundredhesnotexpectedtogiveareasonfor
beinginabadmood.

ButImafraidhesnothomerightnow,orthedogwouldhavealreadynoticedus.

Justashesaidthatabigdogranoutofthehutandbeganbarking.Butthehoarsebarkreverberatedasthough
someonessorrowoflongagowashowlingwithadogsvoicefrominsideahollowcrackedpitcher.

Biramwalkedupafewstepsmadeofearthanddisappearedintothehutthroughtheblackholethatservedasa
door.Thedoggottiredofbarkingandstoodwatchingmeinsilence.

IwasdisturbedbythethoughtofwhatIcouldexpectfromthiscentenarianIhadjourneyedsolongandhardto
see.Ofwhatusecouldthemeetingwithhimbetolinguistics?WhatwastakingBiramsolong;whatwashesaying
aboutme?MaybeitwouldhavebeenbetterifIhadgoneinwithhim?JustthenBiramappeared.Watchinghim
comedownthesteps,Inoticedforthefirsttimehowmuchhelimped.

Zaurkanisathome.Hewaslyingdown,butnowhesgettingupandwillseeyou,saidBiram.Icouldtellbythe
soundofhisvoicethathewashappyforme.

Wewalkedupthestepstogetherthistimeandstoppedinfrontofthehut.

Itwasntexactlyayard,butasmallearthenterraceinfrontofthehousethatboastedfourstunted,old,and
probablysturdytrees.Therewasabenchunderneathoneofthetrees,soBiramandIsatdownandbegan
smoking.

Hepromisedtogetupandseeyou,repeatedBiram,andaddedasthoughinapology,hesmoodysometimes,
buthowcanyoublamesuchanoldmanwhodoesnthaveonefriendhisownage?ItoldhimIbroughtwhathe
wanted,buthedidntevenlookatmeanddidntsayaword.Heoftendoesntrespond.ThenItoldhimaboutyou,
thatyoureanimportantguest.Buthedidntrespondtothateither.OnlywhenIstartedtoleavehecalledafter
me,Imgettingupnow.Ididnttellhimwhyyoucame.Itmighthavemadehimangry.Itsbetterifyoudoit
yourselfwhenheseesyou.Sincehesagreedtomeetyouhewontturnyouaway.Iknowhimwell.Hewaslikea
fathertome,hefedandclothedmewhenIwasaboy.Hechosetolivealone,butwerestilllikefatherandson;he
doesnthaveanybodybutme.Illgonow;youstay.Pleaseforgivemeforleaving,buttowardeveningpeoplestop
forthenightandmayneedtohavetheirhorsesshod.Illcomebacklateron.Sincehesgettingupandwillseeyou
hellinviteyoutostaythenight.Illbringyousomefood.

IthankedBiramandtoldhimthatIdtrytoreturnhiskindness.

Welltalkaboutitlater,heinterrupted.OnlydontofferZaurkanmoney,oranythingelse.Tohimaguestis
somethingsacred.

Iremainedalone,orrather,withthedog.Bothofuswaitedinsilence;itlyingdown,andIsitting.Myeyeswere
fixedontheopendooritwasadoor,infact,thatopenedtotheinsideandnotaholeasIhadthoughtpreviously.
1waitedforhimtofinallycomeout,thisunknownhostwhohadpromisedtogetupandmeetme.Howlonghad
helivedhere?Hadhealwaysbeenalone?HowhadfatebroughthimandBiramtogether?Whydidhepreferto
livealone?Andwhydidalivinghumanbeingchooseahousethatwasmorelikeagrave?

Iheardadeepcoughcomefromthehouse.AfewminuteslaterZaurkanappearedatthedoor.Hewasverytall
withbroadshouldersandalongfacethatseemedevenlongerbecauseofthewhitebeardthatcamedowntothe
middleofhischest.Hewaswearingwhatappearedtobearobe,butnotquite.Itwasaflowing,whiteattirethat
reachedwellbelowhiskneesandhadwidesleeves.Inhisrighthandheheldastaffwithaheavyirontip.Hedid
notmoveforalongtimeashestoodatthedoorandcarefullylookedmeover.Thedogaffectionatelynuzzled
againsttheoldmanslegs,butZaurkansilentlymoveditasidewithhislegandfinallywalkedafewstepstoward
me.Hewaslightonhisfeetandhisbackwasstraight,notonlywhenhestoodstill,butalsowhenhewalked.

Welcome,hesaidinTurkishashestoppedandraisedhisrighthandtohischest.

Goodday,IansweredinTurkish.

WhenIcouldseehimupcloseIrealizedjusthowtallhewas,andInoticedthathiseyeswereskyblue,notinthe
leastpaledbyage.Whenhegrewtiredoflookingdownatme,becauseitwasapparentlyharderforhimtobend
thantostand,heslowlyseatedhimselfonthestumpofathickcenturyoldtreeandpointedhishandtothebench
whereBiramandIhadbeensitting.Isatdownashewished.Heplacedthestaffinfrontofhimself,thrustthetip
intothegroundandtooksomeamberdevotionalbeadsoutofhispocket.

Terribleheattoday.Eventhatbranchovertherehasdriedup.Hepointedtosometwigonthetree,butIcould
notseeit.

Yes,itwasveryhot,Ireplied.

Hedidnotsayanythingforalongtime.AllIcouldhearwasthesoundofthebeadsclickingashishandsfiddled
withthem.

WhereshouldIbegin?Iwondered.Withthemainthing,therealreasonwhyIcame,orsomethingelse?Without
havingmadeadecisionIsuddenlyaskedhimaquestion:

Howoldareyou?

Zaurkansmiled.

Youprobablycameherebecauseofmyage?Theresnothingelseaboutmethatsinterestinganymore.IfImnot
mistakenImexactlyahundred.

Wereyoubornhere?Iasked,knowingthatifhesaidyesthewholetripwouldhavebeenfornothing.

No,hereplied.Iwasbornveryfarawayfromhere.

Iwaited,hopinghedsaysomethingelseabouthimself,buthedidnotsayanything.Afteranotherminuteorsoof
playingwithhisbeadshestopped,andaskedme:

Andwhoareyou?Whereareyoufrom?

IlookedhimstraightintheeyeanddecidedthatIhadtobehonestwiththismanrightfromthestart.Whatwillbe
willbe!

Ivecomealongway,fromanothercountry.FromtheSovietUnion.

Whatsthat?heaskedmetorepeatashecuppedhishandtohisear.

TheSovietUnion.Russia,theCaucasus.Abkhasia,Isaidthesewordsonerightaftertheothertryingto
pronouncethemexactlythewaytheyaresaidinTurkeyhopinghewouldunderstandatleastsomething.

Heunderstoodandrepeated:

TheCaucasus.Abkhasia.

Yes,IamfromtheCaucasus,fromAbkhasia,Ishoutedtomakesurehecouldhearme.

Whatsyournationality?heinquiredhastilyasthoughImightevadethequestion.Heevenmovedclosertome.

ImanAbkhasian.ImfromAbkhasia.

YoureanAbkhasian?Oh,AllahAlmighty,amIhearingthings!Theoldmansaidthesewordsinperfect
Abkhasianasheraisedhishandstotheskyinastonishment.

Yes,ImanAbkhasian,ImfromAbkhasia,Irepeatedagain,thistimenotinTurkish,butinAbkhasian.
7


Oh,whatjoyyouvebroughtme!HowmanyyearsithasbeensinceIlastsawanAbkhasian.HowmanyyearsI
havethoughtthatthedeadwouldberesurrectedbefore

IdheartheAbkhasianlanguageagain.

Withthattheoldmangotupfromthestumpandpullingmetowardhimkissedmyeyes,oneaftertheother.

Youknow,wehavethesameblood.MyunfortunatemotherwasanAbkhasianfromtheShatIpafamilyfrom
Tsebelda.Whatsyourname?

Itoldhim.Hestillhadhishandsonmyshouldersandsuddenlyrememberedhewasholdinghisbeads.Hequickly
nutthembackinhispocketasthoughtheywerenolongerneeded,anddidnottakethemoutagainthewhole
timeIstayedwithhim.

Sitdown,sitdown,hetoldme.Youshouldntbestanding.Imolderthanyouare,butyouremyuncle,so
accordingtocustomyouretheelder.*Webothurgedeachothertositdown.IfIdietodayandendupin
heavenwhereallmypeoplearewaitingforme,hesaidashetriedtostandupagaineventhoughIheldhim
downbytheshoulders,IlltellthemthattherearestillAbkhasians.

Theoldmancouldnotcalmdownanditmademeutoo.Hewouldsitdown,thenstandup,gobackintothehut,
andagainreturntotheyard,pacingaimlesslyfromonetreetotheother,touchingthemwithhishandsasthough
hewascheckingwhethertheywereintherightplace,whetherallthiswasntadream.Thenaftertouchingatree
hewouldcomebacktome,andsaythesamethingoverandoverasthoughtosomeonewhowasnotthere,
someonewhosepresenceheobviouslyfelt.

Ihaveanimportantguesttoday.HecametomefromwhereIwasborn.Hecametoseeme.Ilivefaraway,but
hecameallthewaytofindouthowIlive!

Hewasnottalkingtome,butthenherememberedIwasthereandagainmademesitdown,forcingmewithhis
handssounusuallystrongforhisage.

Sitdown,Sharakh,sitdown.Youremyuncle,youshouldntbestanding.Yes,yes,theUbykhsknewhowtotake
careoftheirguests,hesaid,andagainsatmedown.Butwhocandothatnowbesidesme?AndwhatcanIdo,a
manalone,toproperlyhostsuchaguestasyou?

Astheoldmantalkedheincessantlywalkedupanddowntheyard,sometimestalkingtome,sometimesto
himself,andthereweremomentswhenIfiguredhewascrazy,ornearlycrazy.

Whenitwascompletelydarkhewentbackintothehouseandlitafireinthehearth.SittingwhereIwasIcould
seeitsreflectedlightthroughtheopendoor.Finallyhecameoutagainandinvitedmeinside.Hesatmedownby
thehearthandwentoutagain.Ilookedaround.Therewereafewlowbenchesbythehearth,aplankbedcovered
withaquiltandoldhouseslippersinfrontofitonthefloor.Adoorledtoasecondroom.Theplacewasneatand
clean,sosomeoneobviouslytookcareoftheoldman.Butwho?

Hereturnedwithanarmfulofbrushwood,throwinghalfofitintothefire.

Sothatsthewayitis,myfriendSharakh.Thatsthewayitis,saidtheoldmanholdingmebytheshouldersoI
wouldnotgetup.Lookatthisfire,atthishearthofthelastUbykh.ItsagoodthingIhaventforgottenAbkhasian,
butifIdoforgetaword,forgiveme.PraisebetoAllahthatmyunfortunatemothertaughtmeherlanguageand
thatIcanstillhearhervoice.

Havingsatmedownbythefire,hestillcouldnotcalmdown;hekeptgoinginandoutofthehouse,forgotall
aboutmypresence,thenremembered.Finallyhewentintotheotherroomandwasawayforabouttenminutes.I
wantedtotakemynotebookandpencilfrommysuitcase,butfeltitwouldntbepoliteuntilIhadachanceto
explainwhyIhadcome.HehadsaidthathewasthelastUbykhanditappearedthathewas.InthetwomonthsI

hadbeenwanderingalloverTurkeyandSyriaIhadnotmetanyonewhocalledhimselfanUbykhbesidesthis
centenarian.IhadonlyheardaboutZaurkanZolakfromotherpeoplewhothoughthewasanUbykh.

Atlastheemergedfromtheotherroom,onlyIcouldbarelyrecognizehim:helookedeventaller.Therehestood
inanoldblackCircassiancoat*wearingatallAstrakhanhatonhishead,andonhisnarrowCaucasianbelt
decoratedwithtarnishedsilvertherewasanolddaggerinasheath,asilverdaggerthatwasalsotarnishedand
hadalarge,blackhaftperfectforhandlinginbattle.Theoldmanheldabrasshornnearlyonemeterinlength.He
remainedstandingashetoldmethehistoryofthehorn.

Soulakh,theeldestofusUbykhsleftonthisland,gavemethisbelt,dagger,andhornbeforehisdeath.Thebelt
anddaggerbelongedtohim,butthehornbelongedtothepeople.TodayIhaveit,andwhenIdie,whoknows
whoseitwillbe.WhenwelivedintheCaucasusmyfatherhadoneverymuchlikeit,andwhenmymothers
brotherscamefromTsebeldatovisitus,myfatherblewthehorntocalltogetherallourneighborsandrelatives.
Anyonewhoheardit

knewthatHamirzahadcompany.Thehornwillbeplayedtonighttoletallthepeopleknowthatarelative,my
maternaluncle,hascomeveryfartoseeme!Everyoneshouldknowandcometothefeast!

Withoutsayinganotherword,theoldmanleftthehutwiththehorninhishands.Perplexed,Ifollowedhimout
thedoor.Hepassedallfourofthetreesoutsidethehouse,stoppedabovetheprecipiceandbeganblowingthe
horn.

Ihadneverheardsuchafrighteningandpitifulsound,likethecriesofawoundedanimal.Thecallnowrosehigh
intotheskylikesmokefloatingoverrooftops,thendiedgrievouslysomeherefarawayhavingbeencarriedaway
bythewind.Ilistenedandthought.Whydoesntthehornblareevenlouderandevenmorepitifullysothat
everyonewhohearsitshouldcry?Whydontallthoselisteningtakefftheirhatsinmemoryofanationthathas
disappearedfromhistory?ThelasthornoftheUbykhsisbeingplayedandthetragedyisnotthatthecentenarian
playingitwillneveragainbeachild,ayouth,orawarrior;thetragedyisthatnootherUbykhwilleither,because
theoldmanisIheverylastUbykh!

Asthosebitterthoughtsracedthroughmymindthehorncontinuedtohoot,untilfinallyitstopped,andZaurkan
andIreturnedtohishutandsatdownbythehearth.ThelasthornoftheUbykhswassilent,butthelasthearth
wasstillwarm.IlookedatthelastUbykhsittingacrossfrommeatthedeepwrinklescarvedonhisface;atthe
bighandsrestingonhisstrongknees;athisbroadshoulders;athisstrongneck,whichlikehisface,wasalsojutted
withwrinklesandcouldimaginewhatanunusuallyrobustmanhehadbeeninhisyouth.

Irealizeyouhavecomealongway,saidZaurkan,pronouncingeachwordslowlyasthoughhewerecallingto
mindonewordatatime.Irealizeyouhavecomeforareason.IknowyouwillaskmequestionsandIwillanswer
you,butIbegyoutorelaxtodayandtrymybread.

TheoldmanhadbarelygotthewordsoutofhismouthwhenBiramwalkedquietlyuptothedoorandour
Abkhasianhabit,instilledinmeinchildhoodtolastalifetime,broughtmetomyfeettogreetthepersonentering
theroom.

Sitdown,sitdown.Hedoesntappreciatesuchgestures,saidZaurkannoddingatBiram.

Biramsilentlybegantountiethebundleoffoodhehadbroughtalongandputitonthetable.Hewouldleanover
toZaurkanfromtimetotimeandsaysomethinginTurkish,practicallyinawhispersoIcouldnothear.Hewas
probablyaskingtheoldmanadviceaboutsupper.

WhileBiramwasbusywiththefoodtheoldmansatimmobile,pattinghiswhitebeardthathungtothemiddleof
hischest,andlookedmecloselyintheeyes.Hesatnearby,butwatchedasthoughfromafar.Thisdistantglanceof
hisshowedbothkindnessandheavinessofheart.Thenheturnedawayfrommeandgazingoutintothedarkness
oftheyardthroughtheopendoorhespokeloudlyandwithgreatjoyasthoughsomethingreallyweregoingon
outthere:

Yes,itwasagoodthing,Sharakh,Iblewthathorn.Theneighborsandrelativeshavealreadycometogetherin
answertoitscallandeachoneisworking:somecutupyounggoatsandareroastingthemoverthefire;others
slicedupabullandareboilingthemeatinabigpot;andstillothersarecookingcornmealporridge.Theyoung
peoplearealsobusy.OurUbykhelderswillsooncometowelcomeyou,mydearguestfromthelandofmy
mother.YoullseethemintheirCircassiancoatswiththeirsharplycurvedsabersandexcellentdaggersontheir
belts.Weagreedlongagothatwewouldgatheratanyoneshousesuddenlyvisitedbyaguestfromthe
Caucasus!

IlistenedtohimandseveraltimesIsilentlylookedbackatBiramwhocalmlycontinuedsettingthetable.Perhaps
itwasbecausehedidnotunderstandAbkhasian,ormaybeitwasnotthefirsttimehehadheardallthis.

Zaurkangotup,tookasmolderingtwigoutofthefire,andlitacandlethatheputontheedgeofthetablesetby
Biram.Thenhewenttothecenteroftheroom,stoodwithhishandsonhiships,andcommandedgoodnaturedly:

Well,youngmen,tellthegirlstobringoutthepitchersandwashbasins.Itstimeforthegueststowashtheir
handsbeforethefeast.

Hewentoutsidetostandbythedoorasthoughpeoplewerepassinghimbyontheirwayintothehouse.

Itwasdarkandquietintheyard.Immobilestarsdottedtheclearsky.

HonorableSit,Daut,Soulakh,Tatlastan,Zoskhan,Ahmed,washyourhandsandaccompanyourguesttothetable.
Everythingsready,saidZaurkanratherloudly.Andhemovedhisheadasthoughallthosehewastalkingtowere
standingaroundhim.Thenhetookafewstepsuptoanoldtree,andputtinghisarmaroundthetrunk,bentover
tosomeoneshort,someinvisiblepersonstandingunderthetree.

Mydearmother,whyareyousosadtoday?Comecloserandgiveourguestasisterlyhug.Afterall,hesfrom
yournativeAbkhasia.IrememberhowyouwouldhideyourbittertearsfromusandlamentinAbkhasianforthe
brothersyouleftbehind.Hesnotyourrealbrother,buthesAbkhasianallthesame.Talktohim.Maybeheknows
somethingaboutyourbrothers.

Zaurkanstoodup.Thenhebegantalkingtosomeonewhowasastallornearlyastallashe.

Father,Iwantedtomakeyouhappy.IrememberthatwhenanAbkhasiancame,youngorold,youwouldalways
feedhimandinvitetheneighbors,andaccompanyhimuputheMzymtaRiver.TodayourguestisSharakh
Kvadzba.Hesyoung,butitwouldbedisgracefulnottohosthimproperly.Hemusthavecomesofartofindout
whathappenedtous,whyweUbykhsdisappearedfromthefaceoftheearth.

AsZaurkancamebackintothehousehestoppedatthedoorandraisedhisvoice:

Whoeverhaswashedhishandsisinvitedtositatthetablewithourdearguest.

ThenhesuddenlyswitchedfromAbkhasiantoUbykh.Ihadstudiedthelanguage,buthadneverhearditspoken;
sobecauseIknewsolittleandwastakenunawaresIcouldnotunderstandwhathesaid.Icouldonlymakeout
wordshereandthereandsensethegeneraltone.Zaurkanwasnolongerinviting,buturgingsomeoneandeven
givingordersIcouldtellbyhisvoice.

Westoodunderthemotionlessstarsintheblacksky.Downonearthacentenarianstoodnearmetalkingtothe
deadwhowereunabletoanswerhim.Thegroundlayunderhisfeetandtheskyroseoverhishead:asIlistenedto
hisincomprehensibletalk,IthoughtthatthisearthandthisskyhadprobablybeenunfairtotheUbykhs.

TheoldmanstoppedtalkingUbykhandgesturedformetogointothehouse.

Biramcameuptouswithapitcherofwatersowecouldwashourhands.

ThatsallGodgaveustoday,saidZaurkanwhenwesatdownatthetableclosetotheground.

10

IsawthateverythingBiramhadplacedbeforeusonthetable,exceptforthebread,wasdifferentfromwhatwe
ateintheCaucasus.IhadeatentheseTurkishdishesseveraltimesduringthetripbeansoupandsteamed
rissolesofmeatmadeTurkishstyle.

Zaurkanservedmyplate;Biram,withclosedeyes,satfarawayfromthetableinthecornersoquietlyhecould
havebeenasleep.

Thehotcoalswereburningoutinthehearth,andsmokewascomingfromthethin,palecandleonthetable.In
thissemidarknessIbegantofeelstrangeasthoughIbothbelievedanddidnotbelievewhatwashappeningto
me.

Zaurkansatoppositeme,ateslowlyandfromtimetotimeglancedpastmeinoneandthesamedirection.Atsuch
momentsadisgruntledlookcrossedhisfaceasthoughsomeonesittingtherewasnotobeyinghim.Suddenlyhe
pressedhispalmagainsthisknees,helpinghimselfslowlyrise,andshoutedtosomeone:

Narchou,hey,Narchou,havealltheguestsbeenseated?Doeseverybodyatthetablehavewine?Doeseverybody
atthetablehaveboiledmeat?Ibegyoutobeattentive,Narchou,andwhenthetimecomesIhopeyouknowwho
togivetheboiledlegto?Zaurkanstooduperect.Andnow,dearguestanddearneighbors,althoughIhaveno
specialmeritsotherthanmyage,itsmyhonortobeginthecelebration.MayGodgrantallofyouhappinessand
health.Todaywehavesuchanhonoredguest,perhapsthemosthonoredwewilleverhave.Hesmyuncle,my
mothersbrother.Hedeservesmuchmorethanwehavebeenabletoputonthishumbletable;buteverythingwe
havewaspreparedwiththeutmostloveandcare.

Zaurkanheldhisheadhigh.Heraisedhisrighthandandhisfingerslookedasthoughtheywereholdingawine
glass.Hestaredintothedistanceasiftherewerehundredsofpeoplesittingatatablethatstretchedfarintothe
darknessoutsidethehut.

Iwatchedtheoldmaninnearbelief:hismannerwassoconvincingandhespokesoearnestlytothesurrounding
emptiness.Iforgoteverythingforaminutethiscountry1wasvisiting,thisdesertIhadcomethrough,thisbare
hillIhadclimbed,andthishutwhereIwassitting.IforgoteverythingandfeltasthoughIwerenotthere,butin
theCaucasus,andnotnow,butahundredyearsagoatabigfeastamongtheUbykhs.Icouldalmostseethe
steamingfriedmeatandcornmealmushandthewinepouredfrompitchers.Icouldseethefacesofunfamiliar
elderswhomZaurkanhadnamedashestoodoutsidethedoor.WhosaidtheUbykhsnolongerexisted?There
theyweresittingaroundmeandspeakingtheirlanguage...Oneofthemwhowaspickedbythehosttobethe
toastmasterstoodup,tuckingtheflapsofhisCircassiancoatunderhisbeltanddranktomyhealth.Alltheothers
followedsuit.WhenIbeggedthemnottobotherstanding,thatIwasnotworthy,theywouldnotlistentomeand
continuedstanding...Iclosedmyeyestoprolongthisstrangemoment,butsuddenlythesilencejoltedmebackto
reality.

Zaurkanstoppedtalkingandslumpedintohisseatabruptly.Hesatacrossthetablefromme,lookingtiredashe
reclinedagainstthewall.

OnceagainonlyheandIwereatthetable.Biramsatafewfeetawayfromus,onlynowhiseyeswereopenandhe
lookedwithindifferenceatusbothasthoughnothinghadhappened,asthoughtheoldmanhadnotstoodupand
hadnotsaidallthathehad.

Whatsthematterwithhim?Whyishesoindifferenttoeverything?IwonderedaboutBiram.Maybehereallyhad
beenasleepuntilnowanddidnthearanything,ormaybe,whatwassoastoundingtomehesalreadytiredof
becauseheshearditmanytimesbefore?

Zaurkansatinwearysilence.Fiveminutes,thentenminuteswentbywhileBirammadecoffeeonthecoalsofthe
hearthandpoureditintoourcups.Theoldmankeptquietwhilewedrankthecoffee,andonlywhenwefinished
itheslowlyroseandsaid:

Sharakh,Iwillnotbotheryouanymoretonight.Youretiredafteryourjourney.Liedownandrest.

11

HepointedtotheplankbedwiththequiltthatIhadnoticedrightawaywhenIenteredtheroom.

Goodnight,hesaidwalkinguptothedoorandbowinghisheadinfarewell.Illgocheckontheothers.Manyof
ourguestshavenotfinishedeating.Andtheneighborswhohelpedcookandservestillhaventhadsupper:I
shouldtakecareofthem.

Heraisedhishead,pickeduphisstaffthathadbeenleaningagainstthewall,andwithoutlookingbackatme,
walkedoutoftheroommajestically.Biram,hurryingbeforetheoldmanreturned,showedmemybed;itwasnot
wheretheoldmanhadshownme,butintheotherroom.

ThatnightIcouldnotsleep.WhileitwasstilldarkIcouldheartheoldmanwalkingaround,inandoutofthehouse
andtalkingtohimself,sometimessoftly,othertimesloudly.Atsunrisewhenhefinallysettleddownandwentto
bedInolongerwantedtosleep.Ipulledoutanotebookfrommysuitcaseandspentseveralhourswritingdownall
Icouldremember,especiallyeverythingtheoldmanhadsaidthatnightfrombeginningtoend.AsIwroteI
worriedhowhewouldgreetmethatmorningaftertheexplosionofemotionsIhadwitnessed.Wouldhecometo
hissenses,wouldhecalmdown?WouldIbeabletotalktohim?

Myfearswereinvain.

Inthemorninghesatdownundertheoldestofhisfourtreesonthathomemadebenchandstartedour
conversationbyaskingmewhatIwouldlikehimtotellme.

WhenIexplainedIwantedtohearthestoryofhislife,andhopedhewouldhelpmelearntheUbykhlanguagethat
hespokeandthatnooneelsecouldeverteachme,hesilentlynoddedhisheadinagreement.

Thatdayheseemedquitetiredfromthepreviousnight,soIdidnotrushhim.Butthenextdaywegottowork
rightinthemorning.Everyday,morningandevening,Italkedtohimseveralhoursatatime.Istayedwithhim
morethanamonth,ormoreprecisely,thirtyfourdays,exactlyaslongasmyvisaallowed.Togetthevisa
extended1wouldhavehadtomakealongtrip,butsinceIhadlittlehopeofsuccessIdecidednottotaketherisk.

BiramwithwhomIhadmadeadealaboutasmallpaymentwithouttheoldmanknowingsometimescame
onceaday,butoftentwicetobringusamodestmealthatwasquitesufficient.

Inthemorninguntilnoonweusuallysatintheyard,theoldmanunderthetreeonhishomemadebench,andI
withmynotebookinhandsatoppositehimonthethicktrunkoftheplanetree.

EverymorninguntilnoonZaurkan,atmyrequest,spokeinUbykh,andIlistenedtohimintently,writingdown
whathesaidandaskinghimtorepeathimselfwhenIdidntcatchsomethingthefirsttime.Thelastweekthework
becameeasier,butatfirstitwashardbecausedespiteallthatIhadlearnedatcollege,Ireallydidnotknowthe
livingUbykhlanguage.

ItwasastrokeofluckthatthecentenarianwhohadlefttheCaucasuswhenhewasjusttwentyfouryearsoldnot
onlyhadnotforgottenhisnativelanguage,butknewmylanguage,Abkhasian,thelanguageofhismother,justas
well.Inaddition,duringthenextseventyfiveyearsofhislifehehadlearnedTurkishandArabicfluentlysothatwe
wentbackandforthbetweenlanguagesuntilwewereabletoeventuallygettotherealmeaningofwhatever
UbykhwordIcouldnotunderstand.

WhenIwasatcollegeIhadnodoubtsthattheAbkhasianandUbykhlanguageswererelated.Butitwasonething
totheoreticallyknowthesimilaritybetweenthegrammar,andquiteanothertotrytolearnthelivinglanguage
thatinrealitywasnotsosimilarandsometimesevenconfusingbecauseoftheseeminglikeness.Yes,despitemy
solidtheoreticalbackgroundIhadtolearnthelanguagealloveragain,althoughIdidfindmanycommonrootsin
theAbkhasianandUbykhvocabularies,especiallyintheancientvocabularies.InAbkhasianthewordforfireisa
mtsa,andinUbykhitisamidze;mooninAbkhasianisamza,andinUbykhitisamedzy;raininAbkhasian
isakua,hindinUbykhitisakku;waterinAbkhasianisadzy,inUbykhitisbzy;eyesinAbkhasianisa
bla,andinUbykhtheyareablia;saltinAbkhasianisadjika,andinUbykhitisdzhi.Thereweremany
similaritiesinthephonetics,too,buttherewerealsosomedifferences.AtanyrateIdeterminedtwoconsonant
soundsthatwerepronouncedverydifferentlyinUbykhandAbkhasian.
12


TowardtheendofmystayItriedtoascertainwhethertheUbykhlanguagehaddifferentdialects,butIwas
unable.ZaurkanhadlivednearthemouthoftheSochiRiverinanareathatwasconsideredtheheartofUbykh
territory.HedidnotknowwhetherUbykhsnorthofhishometowardTuapse,orthosehighinthemountains,
spokedifferently.Perhaps,hehadsimplyforgotten.

SometimesduringourmorningconversationsZaurkanwouldaskmeaboutAbkhasia,hismothershomeland.In
thosecases,havingbegunspeakingUbykhhewouldimpatientlychangeovertoAbkhasiansoIwouldunderstand
himbetter.Hewasespeciallyinterestedinhismothersrelativesandpeoplewiththesamelastname.AlthoughI
toldhimmanytimesthatinthefewtripsIhadmadetoTsebelda,wherehismotherwasfrom,Ihadnevermet
anyonefromtheShatIpafamily,hestilldidnotwanttobelieveitandwouldaskmepersistentlyagain:

Well,maybesomewhere,maybetheresoneperson,lethimbeblindorcrippled,fromtheShatIpafamilystillleft
inTsebelda?

No,inTsebeldatheresnoonewiththatsurname,Iwouldpatientlyrepeatmyanswer,althoughinotherparts
ofAbkhasiatherearepeoplewiththatname.Someofthemareoldandilliterate;someareyoungandliterate;
somearemyfriends.

ThefirsttimeItoldhimthishewasnottheleastbitinterested.HeonlywantedtoknowaboutthoseShatIpas
wholivedinTsebeldaandwerehismothersrelatives.ButthenexttimehetookaninterestintheotherShatIpas
aswell,andheaskedmewhereandhowtheylived,andwhethertheirvillageswerecloseorfarfromthesea.

ItriedtoexplainallthechangesthathadtakenplaceinAbkhasia,aboutthecities,therailroadsandthehighways,
theeffortstodrainourswampylowlandsalongtheseacoast,thefightagainstmalaria,thehospitals,theschools
wherechildrenstudyintheAbkhasianlanguage,andingeneralaboutSovietgovernmentinourAbkhasian
autonomousrepublic.

Althoughhetriedtolistencarefully,Icouldsensethatitwasalltooremoteforhimtograsp.Therewasanearly
insurmountabledistanceofthreefourthsofacenturybetweenwhatItoldhimandwhatwasstampedinhis
memoryfromhisyouth.

Intheevenings,dependingontheweather,wewouldsometimessitunderthesametreeintheyard,butother
timeswewouldstayinthehouseandZaurkanwouldtellmeabouthislifeinAbkhasian,sprinklinghissentences
oftenwithTurkishandsometimesArabicwords.AsIalreadysaidhespokeAbkhasianfluently,butinthelast
threequartersofacenturytimehadaddedhundredsifnotthousandsofnewwordstotheoldvocabulary,andso
hehadtousetheTurkishorArabicwordsheknewtofillthegap.

SometimesforthatsamereasonhedidnotfullycomprehendwhenIaskedhimquestions.IthappenedwheneverI
usednewwordsthathadenteredtheAbkhasianlanguage,oroldwordsthathadtakenonanaltogethernew
meaning.

Imanagedtowritedownwhathetoldmeabouthislife,especiallysincehewasalwaysgladtorepeathimselfifI
askedhimthenandthere,whenIcouldnotkeepupwithhim.OrsometimesIwouldnotwanttointerrupthimsoI
wouldmakeamarkinthenotebookandthenextdaycomebacktowhatIhadnothadtimetowritedown,orhad
notunderstood.Thenhewouldrepeatthestoryinnearlythesamewordshehadusedthedaybefore.

AtnightwhentheoldmanwenttobedIwouldfillinmynotesandsometimesaddmyownbriefcommentsthatI
feltwouldbenecessarylateroninthefinalversion.Butmostimportant,ofcourse,wastorecordpreciselywhatI
wastoldbyZaurkanZolak,amanoftrulyindestructiblelifeforceandanindeliblememory.

WHENWEWEREATHOME

Itsamistaketothink,dearSharakh,thatwecanforgetalanguagelearnedfrominfancy.No,wecant,justlikeI
cannotforgetmymotheralthoughIknowseverallanguagesandknowhownecessarytheyare.Ilearnedthree
13

languageswhenIwasstillyoung.Facingthesea,theAdigheslivedtotherightoftheUbykhsandtheAbkhasians
totheleft.IknownotonlyAbkhasian,butAdighe,too;ofcourse,hotaswell,butIknowit.Wewereallclose
neighbors,sowehadtoknoweachotherslanguages.Ubykhismynativelanguage.Itwasspokenallaroundme
fromchildhoodathome,aroundthehouse,andeverywhereIwent.HowcouldIforgetit?IlearnedAbkhasian
frommymother.GrandmotherknewAdigheverywell,andwhenIwasachildshetoldmefairytales,tongue
twistersandriddlesinAdighe.Irememberwalkingwithhertothemill,andhowshecarriedafullbagofgrainon
herhead,butkeptherhandsfreetotwistwoolasshewalked.Grandmotherstonguewasntidleeither;she
wouldtellmeAdighefairytalesandfacetioussayings.OnceIremembershestoppedandshowedmesomeants
crawlingsomewhereacrossourpath:

Look,theyreonamarch.Canyoustopthem?

Justwatch,Ideclaredandintendedtostepontheants,butGrandmotherwouldntletme.

Youwanttoshowthatyourestrongerthantheants?saidGrandmother.Whatifmenwithgunsseeusinthe
woodsandkillusorlettheirhorsestrampleus?Isitrighttokilltheweakjustbecausetheyreweak?Afterall,
sometimesthesmallestandtheweakesthappentobethesmartest.

ThenGrandmothertoldmeastory.Ourmemoryislikeasieve:somethingsseepthroughandothersdonot.That
AdighestorydidntsoIlltellittoyou.

Oncetherewasamanwhounderstoodalllanguages:thelanguageofthewolves,oftherabbits,andoftheants.
Onedayashewaswalkingthroughthewoodsheaccidentallysteppedonanant.Theantcriedoutinanger:

Whatkindofafoolisthatwhodoesntlookwherehesgoing?

Whenthemanheardthathecaughttheant,putitonhispalm,andlookeditoverinastonishment:

Whatabigheadyouhave!

ThatswhereIkeepmybrains,saidtheant.

Whydoyouhavesuchasmallwaist?

BecauseIdontliveforthesakeofeating,buteatforthesakeofliving.

Howmuchdoyoueatinayear?

Onekernelofwheatlastsmeawholeyear,saidtheant.

Okay.Letsseeifonekernellastsyouayear,saidthemanandputtheantinaboxwithakernelofwheat.

Ayearlaterthemanrememberedtheant,openedtheboxandsawtohissurprisethattheanthadonlyeatenhalf
akernel.

Whydidyoueatonlyhalfakernel?askedtheman.

BecauseIfiguredthestupidpersonwhoputmeinthisprisonthroughnofaultofminemightnotrememberme
inayear,butintwo,sojustincaseIleftmyselfhalfakernel,answeredtheant.

Ilikethatstory,dearSharakh,butIthinkitsbeentwentyyearssincethelasttimeItoldittoanybody.Therewas
noonetotellitto.IrememberitsowellprobablybecauseonmylongroadoflifeIhaveoccasionallyactedasthat
smallant.True,itwasmystrengthandenduranceratherthanmyingenuitythatsavedmefromtrouble.IfIwere
assmartasIamstrongmywholelifewouldhavebeendifferent.Mymother,asIalreadytoldyou,wasan
AbkhasianfromTsebelda,andshecamefromtheShatIpafamily.Idontknowwhethersheactuallytaughtme
Abkhasian,orwhetherIknewitfromtheverybeginning,eversinceIcanremember.WhenIwassmallandlater
whenIwasateenagerIsometimesstayedatmyunclesinTsebeldaforionperiodsatatime.Theyhadabig
14

hospitablefamilyandifstayedwiththeminthewinterIoftenheardstoriesandsongsbythefamousTsebelda
storytellersandsingerswhowerefrequentguestsinthehomeofmyrelatives.

ThatswhereIheardthelegendofAbrskil,whofoughtGodhimself,andthelegendoftheancientwarriorsnarts.*
Irememberthatwhenwewantedtopraisesomeoneforspeakingwell,wecomparedhimtothenartwhomadea
potofwaterboilwithhiseloquence.Thestoryofthatnartwastoldquiteoften.Ihearditseveraltimes:itwas
abouthowthenartsarguedwhichofthemwasthemostsilvertongued.Each,inturn,wentuptothepotashe
spoke,butthewaterremainedcold.Onlywhenthemosteloquentofthemspoke,inthemiddleofhisspeechabit
ofsmokeroseupfromthepot,andbythetimehefinishedthewaterwasbubblingandboilinghisoratorywasso
smooth,honest,andjust.

Mymothersbrothersvaluedhospitalitymost,andtheneloquence.

Iseemtobeblinkingoftentoday,probablybecauseImrecallingthedeceased.

EverythingthatIknewinchildhoodiscarvedinmymemoryliketheinscriptiononatombstone.Theyearspass,
butneitherrain,norsnow,norwind,norsandstormcanerasetheepitaph.

Dontbesurprised,Sharakh,thatIrememberthelanguagesofmychildhood.IwouldbeamazedmyselfifIhad
forgottenthem.

LifeforcedmetolearnTurkishandArabic,andIamgratefulforthat.Ihadahardlife,andwouldnthavesurvived
withoutthosetwolanguages;knowingthemdidnthelpmakemehappy,butitkeptmefromdying.

YoutoldmeyesterdaythatneitherinTurkey,norinSyria,noranywhereelsehaveyoumetanotherperson,but
me,whocanspeakthelanguageoftheUbykhs.YoualsosaidthatintheCaucasus,inthelandoftheUbykhs,
theresnotonepersonleftwhocanspeakthelanguage.PerhapsImisunderstoodyou,butitseemsyoumeanto
saythelanguageoftheUbykhshasdisappeared,itnolongerexists.Butevenifyoureright,tomeitcantbethe
truth.

YouhavesaidseveraltimesthatyouhavevisitedthelandoftheUbykhs,thatitsnearbyallyouhavetodois
crosstheKhostaRiverandgotowardtheSochiRiver.Idontknowwhatitsliketoday,butthentheriverwaswide.
Tellme,whenyoustoodlookingattheriverdidittalktoyou,ordidntyouunderstandit?Sinceitflowsittalks;it
willstoptalkingonlywhennotonedropofwaterisleft.

ProbablywhenyouwenttothelandoftheUbykhsyoucouldnothelpbutseeourholyplace,therefugeofour
almightyBytkha.Somepeoplecalleditashrine,othersanicon.Agreenmeadowlayunderatallhill,andonthe
hillthereweresevenhugeoaktreesprotectingourholyplacewiththeirfoliage.Theirbranchesbrushedagainst
oneanother,theirleaveswhisperedtoeachother.Whenyoustoodtherecouldntyouhearhowtheyweretalking
inourlanguage?Couldntyouseethenumerousscarsinthetrunksleftbythehotcandlesattachedtothemeach
springbytheworshipersofBytkha?

WhenIlivedthereinthelandoftheUbykhsIheardelderssaymanytimesthatatthebeginningofthesummer
theshrinedisappearsfromtheholyplace.Suddenlythereisthunderanditfliesawayintotheskyamidstsparksof
lightninghighupinthemountainstilltheendofthesummerwhenitreturns.

IremembertheyearwemovedtoTurkeysomethingterriblehappenedtoourshrine.Itwasinthemiddleofthe
winteronafrostynightwhenagainstaclearskythunderbrokefromtheholysite;thunderthatlastedseveral
minuteswithoutinterruption.Allofus,youngandold,ranoutofourhousesnotcomprehendingwhatwas
happening,whensuddenlywesawourshrineblazethroughthesky.

NeverbeforehadanyUbykhseentheshrineleaveitssanctuary,norreturntoit,inthemiddleofthewinter,only
inthesummer.

Everyonetookitasabadomen.

15

Didyoueverseeunderthosesamesevenoakstheeternalsourceofholywater?Ifyousawitandstoodoverit,
didntyouhearitsvoice?

IalsowanttoaskyouwhetheryouwereinMatsesta,therewherethefierywaterflows;wherethelandshedshot
tears?Didntthisfierywaterthatburstsforthoutoftheearthsayanythingtoyou?

Butevenifyoudidntnoticeanddidnthearanythingelseyoumusthaveseentheseaonourcoast.Didntitspeak
toyou?Didntitsayanything?

Andwhataboutthegravesofourancestors?Idontbelievethetombstonesaresilent.Theycanalsotalktoyouif
yourmemoryhasnotrundry,ifyourecapableoflendinganeartosilence.

Andwhataboutthebirdswholivethereandnothere?Youdidntheartheirlanguageeither?

No,mydearSharakh,alanguagecannotdieaseasilyasyouthink,becauseitlivesnotonlyonthetonguesof
humanbeings,butinsidethemtoo,andnotonlyinsidethem,butalsoinsidewater,landandstone.Ibelievethat
thereinthelandoftheUbykhsbranchstilltalkswithbranch,stonewithstone,andstreamwithstreaminmyown
language!

Myfatherandmygrandfatherwerepeasants.MygrandfatherdiedbeforeIwasborn,butIwastoldthathewasa
shepherd,thathetendedthecattleofanoblemantoearnalivingforhisfamily.Myfather,Hamirzabecamea
peasant.HegrewmilletandcornandworkedsohardfrommorninguntileveningthatIrememberhimlyingdown
whenIwouldwakeupinthemiddleofthenight,butIdontrememberhimsittingupinthemiddleoftheday.

Mymotherandfathersfirstchildwasmyeldersister,Aisha.Iwasnext,thenmyyoungerbrother,Mata,andthen
mytwoyoungersisters,JunaandKuna.Theyweretwins.

UpuntilouremigrationtoTurkeywelivedtogether,exceptforAisha,wholivedinanearbyvillagebecauseshe
marriedapeasanttherebythenameofGarun.

Wehadseveralbeehives,andeveryautumnwesoldsomecornandnearlyallourhoneyandbeeswaxinreturn
forsalt,soapandmostimportantly,gunpowder.

Whenthereweredroughts,orheavyrainsandthecropswerebad,myfatherandIwouldleavemylittlebrotherat
homeandgouptheSochiRivertochopboxwood.Therewerentanyroadssowewoulddragthewoodonoxen
uptotheshoreandsellittoTurkishmerchantswhosailedthere.TheypaidlittleandwealsohadtopayShardyn,
sonofAlouforcuttingdowntreesonhisland.

Ofcoursewepaidhimlittle,lessthanwewouldhavehadtopaysomebodyelse.Therewasagoodreason;we
wererelated.LiketheAbkhasianswe,Ubykhs,hadthehonorablecustomoftakinginfosterchildren.Wepeasants
wouldbringupthechildrenofnoblemeninourownhomes,thusbecomingrelatives.Sometimesapeasantmade
arrangementsbeforeachildwasborn.Hewouldsendthemosthighlyrespectedvillagerstothefuturefatherand
askthroughthempermissiontotouchhishem,whichsymbolizedbecomingrelatives.

Ifanoblemansenthissontobebroughtupbythepeasantandwaswealthyandpowerful,thepeasantwould
regardhimasapatronandcountonhisassistance.

Thenobles,however,werequitediscriminating.Theydidnotgivetheirchildrenawayinfosteragetojustanyone,
butcarefullyselectedwhichpeasantfamilyitwouldbebettertoestablisharelationshipwith,whichfamilywould
bemoreusefulandwhosesupport,ifnecessary,wouldbethemostreliable.

Weweretherelativesofthenobleman,Shardyn,sonofAlou,whohadbeenraisedbymygrandmother.Wecut
downboxwoodinhisgroveandpaidhimlessthanwewouldsomebodyelse.Sometimeswejustsenthim
presents.

Shardyn,sonofAlou,wasthefosterbrothernotonlyofourfamily,butalsooftheentireZolakkinshipgroup.All
ourkinsfolkweretostandupforhimifnecessary.
16


Shardyn,sonofAlou,likeallUbykhnoblemen,livedinanice,stronghousebuiltofchoicechestnutwood.He
ownedland,woods,pastures,andfields.Thepeopleofourvillagegrazedhisandtheirlivestockonhispastures,
andtogethertheyploughed,sowedandharvestedhisfields.Theyalsopickedgrapesforhim,andmadewinenot
onlyforthemselves,butforhimtoo.

Irememberhowonholidaysallourrelativesofferedhimpresents:akid,alamb,orayoungbull.Theygavehim
nuts,honeyandwine,whatevertheyhad.

IwillalwaysrememberShardyn,sonofAlou,asawarrior.Dayandnightasaddledhorsewasalwayswaitingfor
him,andhisweaponswerealsoeverready.Icantevenrememberhimdoinganythingelsebutfightinginwar,
plunderingandraiding.

Sometimesafteraraid,ifitwasasuccess,hewenttotheseashoreandsoldslavestomerchantswhocamethere
onTurkishshipsandfeluccas.

Buthealwayskeptafewoftheslavestoworkinhishomeasservantsanyprisonerwashispersonalproperty
andhecouldsellthem,killthem,orreturnthemforaprice.

Whentherewasstrifebetweenneighbors,orbetweennobles(thathappenedfrequently),Shardyn,sonofAlou,
wenttothecommunalmeetingwherethedisputewasdiscussedandthemenfromourkinshipgroupalways
accompaniedhimtheretoprotecthimfromdanger,ortoseekrevengeifhewerekilled.

Eachtimehewasaccompaniedbyadifferentman.ButmyfatherHamirza,ashisfosterbrother,followedright
behindShardyn,sonofAlou,everywherehewent.Iheardthatinancienttimes,inthedaysoftheAbkhasian
kingdom,thelandoftheUbykhswaspartofAbkhasia,butnotinmyday.WewerentsubjectsofAbkhasia,nordid
wehaveourownsovereignprince.Therewereseveralinfluentialnoblemenamongthearistocracyandalthough
theyfoughteachotherforpowertheyruledtheUbykhstogether.ButIlltalkaboutthatlaterwhenItellyou
aboutourmisfortune.

MyfatherHamirzawasakindandfairman.Whentherewasadisputeinthevillagehewasoftenaskedtopass
judgmentcalmlyandfairly.Inwarandinraidshewasdaringandruthlessandvaluedcourageaboveallelse.

WhenmybrotherandIwerestillchildrenhetaughtushowtouseasaber,toshootontarget,andjumpona
horsefearlessly.Inthewinterwewenthuntinginthemountains,practicedshooting,andsettraps.Ifitsnowedwe
wenthuntingonskis.Hetaughtusthattoo.

TheseawasnearbyandFathertookustheretoswim,row,andputupsails.Ubykhswentoutontheirboats
sometimesforfishandsometimesforotherpreywewouldgototheshoresofAbkhasiatoplunderorwouldrob
thefeluccasofTurkishmerchantswhocouldntgetawaytotheopenseaintime.

MymotherNasi,aftermytwinsisterswereborn,wasoftenill,butjustasinheryouthshewasntafraidofany
thingandwouldgowithoutanyescorttoTsebeldatovisitherrelatives.Shewentonhorsebackwithonlyagun,
andme,amereboy.WhenIclosemyeyesIcanstillvisualizeherasayoungwoman.Shewastallandveryslender,
andherauburnbraidsreachedpracticallytoherheels.

Wewerepoor,andhadmanycaresandworries.ButIrememberthosedaysashappyonesformyfamily,although
perhapstheyonlyseemhappyincontrasttotheterriblethingsthathappenedtouslateron.

Whenyouremyagechildhoodseemstheshortesttimeoflife:beforeweknewitwewerentchildrenanymore,
butwarriors,theyoungestofthem,butobligatedtomarchwiththerest.

Iwasinthreeraidswithmyfather,brother,andtheothermeninourvillage.Thefirstraidwasshort:wewent
southwardtoAbkhasia;thesecondandthirdwerelonger:northwardfaroverthemountains.Thoseraidstothe
northwerealreadyinthosedarkdayswhentheRussianczarwagedwaragainsttheUbykhs.

17

Thewarlastednotoneyear,ortwo,butmuchlonger.Icantevenrememberhowlong,butIrememberverywell
howwinterchangedtosummermanytimeswhilethewarkeptonandon,andtowardtheendofiteverysingle
manwasfightingexceptforthesickandtheelderly.Itwasespeciallyhardinthesummerwhenwehadtocarry
gunsandfoodsupplieswithusatalltimes,evenwhenworkinginthefields,sothatwecouldbereadytogatherat
theassemblyplaceatthefirstcall.Yes,dearSharakh,thoseweredarktimes.Eventhebeststallioncouldnthave
jumpedacrosstheriverofbloodweshedthen.Butnomatterhowmuchbloodwasspilleditdidntbringthe
Ubykhsanythingbutgriefand,asyouknow,themostbitterthingisbloodshedinvain.

WestillhadnoideahowstrongtheRussianczarwas,howmanysoldiershehad,northetrueintentionsofthe
Turkishsultanwhoincitedustowarfromtheverybeginning.Oh,mydearSharakh,whenmournersatthecasket
cryandscratchtheirfacesandchesttilltheybleed,itonlyeasestheanguishoftherelatives;nothingcanhelpthe
dead.Anddoesntthesamethinggoformystory?

Myfather,brotherandItookupourarmsandneverputthemdowntilltheend.

Ofcourse,thelandoftheUbykhswasneverpeaceful:wecouldntimaginelifewithoutplunderandraids,without
sellingslavesoverseastomerchantsinTurkey,hostilitybetweenfamilies,betweentheUbykhsandneighboring
tribes,withoutabductingwomen,andfeuds.ButwhenalltheUbykhswereindangerweforgotabouteverything
else,exceptthismenace.

Ubykhshadalwaysbeenabletodefendthemselvesfromanyonewhoinfringedontheirfreedomwhetherthey
wereneighbors,orcamefromafarGreeksorRomans,ArabsorTurks.Therewerelegendsaboutsomewars,and
theeldersrememberedothers,butnoonecouldrecallatimewhenUbykhmenwerenottrainedaswarriors.We
simplycouldnotimagineanyotherway,orthatanyonecapableofholdingaweaponcouldrefuseto.Andifsucha
culpritdidappearamongus,hewasstrippedofhisnameandexiled.

Everyfamily,nomatterwhattimeofyear,eveninthesummer,inthehottestseason,wasobligatedtosendone
warrioronamarchatthefirstcall.Tenmenchosealeader,andthoseleaderschosetheirleader,andsoondown
theline.Whenseveralthousandmenwentonamarchtheyelectedasupremecommanderwhohaddonebattle
manytimes,whowasexperienced,patientandbrave.Afterbeingelected,hisorderswerelawforallwarriors,
whoevertheywerepeasantsornoblemen.Hewastheonetodecidewhenandwheretogather.Andhesaid
howmanyinfantrymenandhowmanycavalrymenwereneeded.Everysingleman,exceptforthesupreme
commander,wastocarrywithhimallnecessarysupplies:doughmixedwithhoney,smokedmeat,smokedcheese,
red.andwhitesalt.Everyonehadtobringalongtwopairsofsoftleatherboots,woolleggings,andafeltcloak.
Somewerealsoaskedtotakealongsaws,axes,shovels,andropesincaseweneededtoputupabiacrossariver,
orbuildhutsforsleepingincoldseasons.

BeforeamarchsomeonewouldblowabrasshornliketheoneIhave.

HAJIBERZEKKERANTUKH

HajiBerzek,sonofAdagva,wasthesupremecommanderoftheUbykhsfortwentyyears.Heemergedvictorious
aftermanybloodybattles,andwhenthegeneralsoftheRussianczarcouldnottakehimbyforce,theydecidedto
getridofhimbycunning:theyannouncedtheywouldgiveonethousandsilverrublestoanyonewhobrought
themtheheadoftherecalcitrantsupremecommander

oftheUbykhs.

However,hisgoodfortunecontinued:notonemanturnedtraitor.Intheend,hesteppeddownfromhisleader
shipvoluntarily.

Ineverdidknowtherealreason:perhapshediditbecauseofhisadvancedage,ormaybethecourseofevents
tookthepeoplefurtherandfurtheralongapaththattheoldandexperiencedwarriorthoughtwastoodangerous,
butdidnthavethestrengthtoavoid.Atanyrate,hesuddenlyresignedasmilitaryleader,returnedhome,and

18

diedsoonafterwards.ThathappenedtheyearaftertheendofthebigwarbetweentheRussiansandtheTurks.
HisnephewHajiBerzekKerantukhtookoverasthenewsupremecommander.

Manywereunhappywiththereplacement;theythoughthewasntthebestchoice.Butawarwason,sothere
wasnotimetoargueorhesitate,andbesides,themansunclehadbeenagreatleader.

SoonafterHajiBerzekKerantukhbecametheleaderoftheUbykhsmanydecidedthechoicewasright;heproved
tobefirmandbrave,althoughrumorhaditbeforethathecouldwobblelikearottentooth,backandforth,and
thereputationwaswelldeserved.Notlongbeforethebeginningofthebigwar,hemadepeacewiththeczars
generals;heevenreceivedamilitaryrankfromthemandwaspaidinsilverrubles.Thenforseveralyearswhilehis
unclewasfightingattheheadoftheUbykharmyagainsttheczarsgeneralshesatathomeonhiscarpetand
playedbackgammon.

IfithadntbeenfortheCrimeanWar,mydearSharakh,thefateoftheUbykhsmighthavebeenaltogether
different.WhentheRussianarmyretreatedfromtheAbkhasianandUbykhcoastduringthewar,theGrandVizier
OmarPashalandedhistroopsinSukhumi.MullahscameacrossthemountainsfromDaghestanandsailedinfrom
Turkey.TheywentthroughourcommunitiestellingthepeopletheRussiansweredefeatedandwouldnever
return.

Wehavecometoyouforever,theysaid,toraisehighonyourmountainsthesacredbannerofthegreatsultan,
therepresentativeofAllahonearth.

ThatswhenourHajiKerantukhturnedawayfromtheczartothesultan,toretheshoulderstrapsfromhis
Circassiancoatandstoppedtakingthesilverrubles.

ThesovereignprinceofAbkhasia,HamutbeiChachba,remainedonthesideoftheczar,butourHajiKerantukh
wentovertothesultan.ThatswhenhewasmadeourchiefandhedidnotturnbackwhentheTurkssoon
afterwardsbegansendingtheirsoldiersonshipsbacktoTurkey.

Theczarsgeneralsbeganreturningoneafteranothertotakeupthefortificationstheyhadleft.HereHaji
KerantukhshowedhisfirmnessandcouragethatmanyofushadnotexpectedtheTurksweregone,buthe
continuedfightingtheczarsgenerals.TheczarswarshipsbeganlandingsoldiersnearTuapse,Adler,andatthe
mouthoftheSochiRiver.TheywereinnohurrytoadvancedeepintotheterritoryoftheUbykhs.Theyjustbuiltor
restoredtheirfortresseswheretheylanded,butweallrealizedtheywouldnotstopatthat.Andourchief,Haji
Kerantukh,knewthatverywell.Whereverhecould,hetriedtointerferewiththelandingoftheczarstroopsand
rushedtoattacktheirfortificationsbeforetheywerefinished.

Wewereproudofourownstaunchness,buttotellyouthetruth,dearSharakh,bythenourpeoplewerewornout
bywar.Peopledidnthavetimetocometogetherevenforfuneralsorweddings,tohoewhatwassown,orto
bringinthecornthattheyhadmanagedtohoe.

MyLord,howlongagothatwasandhowmanytimessincetheneverythinghaschangedinthisuncertainworld!

Lifeisoftencomparedtotheseaandrightlyso,because,asinlife,theseaspitilesswavessometimesdestroyand
buryalllifeformsintheirway,andsometimes,satisfiedwiththeireasyprey,quicklyretreat.Butthere,wherethe
waveshaverolledbackandforthlifedisappearsjustthesame,likethewaterleftonshoretodryontheblistering
hotsands.

IalwaysrememberthatwhenIthinkaboutwhathappenedtotheUbykhs,andIhopetoGodIcantellyou
everythingaboutitstepbystep.

Suddenlygoodnewsranthroughourvillages:theRussianswantedtosignapeacetreatywiththeUbykhs,and
withinaweekonthebanksoftheMzymta,wheretheferrycrossedtheriver,ageneralsentbytheczarwasto
meetwithourleader,HajiKerantukh.ThemediatorinthesetalkswouldbeamanbroughtupbytheUbykhs,
Abkhasiassovereignprince,HamutbeiChachba.

19

HajiKerantukhhadhaddisagreementswithsomeoftheinfluentialpeoplefromothernoblefamilies,butafter
provinghisbraveryinbattle,theUbykhstrustedhim.Ifyouwanttoknowwhathewaslike

thenIcantellyouhewasnolongerayoungman,butstilldidnothavegrayhair,hewasofaverageheightand
strongbuild,movedquicklylikefire,hadapowerfulandloudvoice,andaheavy,imperiouslook.Helikedstaring
atapersontoforcehimtolookawayorlowerhiseyes.

LikemanyotheryoungUbykhs,IwasintoxicatedbyHajiKerantukhsfameandcourage.IlovedhimsomuchIwas
alwaysreadytoshieldhimwithmybody,butthroughnofaultofmine,Ineverhadtheopportunityinthethree
yearsIwasoneofhisbodyguards.ThreeyearsIwasnearhimandtriedtoimitatehimineverywaythewayhe
tuckedtheflapsofhistunicintohisbelt;thewayherodeonhorsebacklettinghishandinwiththewhiphang,and
leaninghissaddleslightlytotheleft.

Nowthatmylonglifehadmademewiserwithexperience,whenIrememberwhatHajiKerantukhthoughtand
did,thenandlater,Irealizehewastooimpetuous,tooconceited,tooimpatient,andmostimportant,too
shortsighted.ButinthosedaysbecauseofmyyouthandmyinexperienceIdidnotnoticeanyofthis.

Oh,youth!Thebestthingaboutitisthatitknowsnofatigueandisunabletolookback.

Ihadbeeninraids,andinbattlesmanytimes;withmysaberbaredIhadracedthroughgunfireandInolonger
lookedawayatthesightofdeath,butallthesameIfeltyoungandcarefree,unawarethatIwashangingbya
thread.

Irememberwellthatdaywasunusuallycold;springhadalreadychangedtoalthoughsummer.

Oneandahalfthousandsoldiersreadyforthemarchstoodholdingtheirhorsesbythereininthewideclearing
neartheholyplaceofBykhta.HajiKerantukhwasmeetingwiththemostinfluentialUbykhsunderthesevenage
oldoaksItoldyouabout.Allthewarriorssawhowtheyarguedforalongtimebutfewofthemknewwhatitwas
theywerequarrelingabout.ButIwasabodyguardandwascloseenoughtohearwhatwasgoingon.Haji
Kerantukhwasadamantaboutnottakingsomanysoldierswithhimtonegotiatewiththeczarsgeneral.

IdontwanthimtothinkImafraidofhim,saidHajiKerantukh.Illonlytaketenmen,andtherestwillwait
here.

Buttheotherswouldntagreewithhim.Theysaidthemeetingcouldendnotinpeace,butwar;thattheczars
generalcouldnotbetrusted;thattheyhadalreadybeenknowntotakeleadersaridCaucasiansprisoneroneby
oneandsendthemtoSiberiawithitsharshclimate;thatifthismeetingwouldhaveadangerousoutcomethe
Ubykhleaderneededsoldiersnearby.

FinallyHajiKerantukhagreed.Theyallrosetotheirfeetatthesametime,hejumpedonhishorse,andledhisone
andahalfthousandhorsementotheMzymtaRiver.

Usuallywhensomanysoldiersmarchedtogethertheyallsang.Thatmorningwemovedinsilence;wewereready
forbattle,butbehinduswereourhomes,ourfamilies,ourneglectedfields.Althoughwewerereadytofight,we
couldnothelpbutthinkthebloodshedmustsomedayend.Perhapsthedecisiontoenditwouldbetakentoday
beforesundown.

SuddenlyHajiKerantukh,whowasgallopingaheadoftherest,stoppedabruptly,dismountedandgazedintothe
sky.

Wealsogotdownandliftedourheadstothesky.Whatwesawwasaflockofravensflyingwestward,forminga
thickblacktrailacrossthesky.Wewereallunnerved,butwekeptquietandwaitedtoseewhatHajiKerantukh
wouldsay.

CallSakhatkerioverhere,hesaidwhilecontinuingtopeerintothesky.

20

InaminuteSakhatkerihadpiercedthroughtheranksofthewarriorsandstoodbeforeHajiKerantukh.Hewasa
verytall,thinmanwithlongwhiskersandawhiteturban.HewastheUbykhsmainmullahandtheonlyone
amonguswithoutaweapon.

Whatcoulditmean?askedHajiKerantukhpointinghisfingertothebirdsalreadyfarinthedistance.

Itsabadomen,saidSakhatkeri.AndjustlikeHajiKerantukh,continuingtolookintotheskyafterthebirds,lie
added:Idontknowifyoushouldcontinueonyourway.Thecrowsblackedoutthelightofdayforustoday,and
theinfidelsyouresupposedtomeetwontletuslivetomorrow.AllahhasalreadygivenusHisblessingstoleave
thislandandmovetoanother.ThesoonerwecarryoutthewillofAllah,thebetteritllbeforus!

HajiKerantukhstoppedlookingatthesky,andstoodthinkingforalongtimewithbowedhead.Onethousandfive
hundreddismountedsoldiersalsostoodinsilencewaitingforhisdecision.Onlythehorsessnortingcouldbe
heard.

HajiKerantukhjumpedonhishorsesoquicklythatIdidnotevenhavetimetoholdthestirrupforhim.We
gallopedon.

AftercrossingtheKhostaRiver,HajiKerantukhorderedthetroopstodivideintothreeunits:oneunithesentto
thesea,tothemouthoftheMzymtaRivertowatchtheseaapproaches,theotherupstreamtoblockoffmountain
pathsincaseofanattempttohitusfromtherear.Hetookthefivehundredremainingmenwithhimdowntothe
Mzymtaferrycrossing.

Therewasahutbuiltforourleaderonthissideoftheriverundersomebigplanetrees.Twotents,oneforthe
generalandoneforthesovereignofAbkhasia,wereontheotherside.

ARussianofficerwithaninterpretercameovertooursideoftheriverandreturnedtotheothersidealongwith
oneofourUbykhnoblemen.

Afterbriefnegotiationsitwasdecidedthemeetingwouldbeheldonourbank.

AferryapproachedbringingtheRussiangeneral,hisofficers,bodyguards,andtheAbkhasiansovereignprince
Hamutbei.ThelasttimeIhadseenHamutbeiwaswhenhecametomournthedeathofhisfosterparent,Haji
Berzek,sonofAdagva.Althoughhehadcriedthen,helookedevenmoresomberthistime;ashewalkeduphill
fromtheferryhewasquietandseemedtohavetroubleputtingonefootinfrontoftheother.

Theczarsgeneralwaswearingauniformwithshiningepaulettes,hadaroundfaceandaround,redbeard.

Ihadneverseenaczarsgeneralupsoclose.Althoughhewasaninfidel,therewasntanythingspecialor
frighteningabouthim.

WheneveryonemetatthecenterofthemeadownearthetentthesovereignprinceofAbkhasia,Hamutbei,made
thefirstmovetowardHajiKerantukh.Hebentovertokisshischestasitwascorrectforhimtodosincehehad
beenraisedinanUbykhfamily.

WhenthetalksbeganI,guardingHajiKerantukh,stoodoverhisshoulderaridheardeveryword.

Dontbesurprised,Sharakh,thatalthoughIhaveforgotmanyotherdaysofmylife,Iremembereveryminuteof
thatday,fromthefirsttothelast.Itwasthedaythatdecidedthefateofmypeople.Latertherewereotherdays
crucialtoourfate,butthatwasthefirstofthem.Iremembereverything,eventhedriedstalksoflastyearscorn
cracklingunderourfeet.Irememberwhattheweatherwaslikethatday:thesunwouldhidebehindtheclouds,
thenappearagain.AndIrememberthewindblowingfromtheseaandhowitbegantodrizzleseveraltimes,then
stopped.AndIrememberhowlongtheargumentlasted,howitgotlouderandlouder,becauseHajiKerantukh
waslikeariderbeingthrownaroundonanuntamedhorsehecouldnotcontrolhimself,northeconversation.His
facechangedeveryminute,andaveinthrobbingonhisforeheadlookedlikeitwouldburstasuresignhewas
hardlyabletostophimselffromthrustinghisdaggeratallthosewhodisagreewithhim.

21

Iknewhimandknewthatanythingcouldhappen,andwasreadyatanymomenttocometohisaid.Iguessthats
why,althoughIheardeverywordsaid,attimesIstoppedunderstandingwhatwasbeingsaid,becauseIwas
thinkingofsomethingelse:thatthedaggerswouldanyminutenowjumpoutoftheircasesbythemselves.

TheUbykhswererepresentedatthetalksnotonlybyHajiKerantukh,butalsobyDziapshAhmed,sonofBarakai.
HewasamanwellknownallovertheCaucasus.InhisyouthhehadstudiedinIstanbul,spokeseverallanguages,
andwhentheleaderoftheUbykhswasoldHajiBerzek,sonofAdagva,Ahmed,sonofBarakai,washiscouncilorin
businesswithforeigners.HehelpedstraightenthingsoutfortheUbykhsseveraltimes,traveledtothesultan,to
London,andtoSt.Petersburg.Hewasapassionateman,butcunning.Hecouldgouptotheedgeandstopthere
whenhehadnootheralternative.Andsoasyousee,Ahmed,sonofBarakai,wasatthosetalksforagoodreason.

Theczarsgeneralspokefirstandthesharpwordsheusedwereoutoflinewithhiscalmfaceandvoice,sothatI
thoughtinthebeginningthegeneralwassayingonethingandhisinterpreterquiteanother.

YoubelongtothefamousBerzekfamily,HajiKerantukh,saidthegeneral.Youareamanofnoblebirth,soitis
beneathyoutodoonethingtodayandanothertomorrow.HisExcellencytheEmperorpresentedyouwithrank
andtitle,butyouprovedunworthyoftheEmperorsfavor.Whenthewarbeganyourelinquishedtherankand
titleconferredbytheEmperor.InsteadofbeingfaithfultoRussia,youwentovertotheTurksandnotbecauseyou
wereforcedto,butbyyourownfreewill.Sincethenyouhavebeenviolatingouragreedterms,keepingallyour
manarmed,attackingourfortifications,conductingsecretnegotiationswiththeTurks,andgettingweaponsfrom
them.

General,Sir,youshouldwatchyourwordsmorecarefullywhenyouspeaktome,saidHajiKerantukh.Imnota
rabbitthathasbeenchasedherebyyourhuntingdogs.Iamstandingonmyownlandandnotinshackles,but
armed.

BloodrushedtoHajiKerantukhsface,butthegeneral,unruffled,waitedcalmlyfortheinterpretertofinish.

Butthisisntenoughforyou,thegeneralcontinuedfromwhereheleftoffasthoughhehadnotheardHaji
Kerantukh.YouarestillcountingontheTurkishsultan.Weknowyoureaskingmilitaryaidfromhim,thatyoure
hopingtogetit,butalthoughyourecertaintheresnoonestrongerthanthesultan,youreseekingaidelsewhere
aswell,justincase.WeknowthatAhmed,sonofBarakai,whoisstandingnearyounow,wenttoLondonthree
yearsagoandonyourbehalfaskedtheBritishfordefenseandmilitaryaidagainstus.ItwasreportedinBritish
newspapersandsoitsnosecret.AndrecentlyyousentalettertotheBritishConsulinSukhumi.Thatsnosecret
either.Wehavethatletternowandcanshowittoyou.Idontmeantooffendyou,butIcantcallyouractions
anythingotherthanbetrayal.

ThefirsttimeHajiKerantukhinterruptedthegeneralIthoughthewouldpullouthisdaggerinstantly.Butafter
thatfirstoutbursthestoodandlistened,immobile,likeapostdugdeepintothegroundwithonehandheldon
hiswaist,andtheotheronthewhitebonehaftofhissword.Hedidnotlookatthegeneral,butoverhisheadto
thetopofthemountainswherecloudsweregathering.Itappearedasthoughhecouldnotseeorhearanything.
Theinterpreterwasnervous,mixedupwordsandstuttered,soHajiKerantukh,whounderstoodRussian,finally
gottiredofitallandwithoutwaitingfortheinterpretertofinish,withanangrygrinonhisface,spokedirectlyto
thegeneral:

Yes,youreright.Itwouldhavebeenbetrayalif,likesomeothersovereignprincesintheCaucasus,Ihadtraded
mypeopleforyourranksandyoursilverrubles.ButpraisebetoAllah,asyousee,noonehastemptedme.
General,youcallthatbetrayal.Butwhatdoyoucallwhatyouredoing,comingherewithsomanytroopstoexpel
theUbykhsfromtheirland?

Tellme,ifallgreatsovereignscametogetherincouncilandaskedyourczarwhatweUbykhshavedonetohurt
him,whatweareguiltyof,whywearebeingannihilated,Iwouldliketoknowwhathewouldanswer.

Yes,youareright:weoncetookyourcitizenshiphopingwewouldlivewell.Butweweredeceived.Weareused
totradingbyseawithwhomeverweplease,withoutaskingsomeoneelsespermission.Youforbadeallshipsbut
yourstodockonourcoast.Youbegancallingournoblementhievesanddidntallowthemtosellwarprisoners
intoslavery.Wehaveourlaws,andyouhaveyours.Wedontwantyouralienlawstobeayokearoundourneck.
22

YouwanttodepriveusofourMuslimfaith.Weknowthatjustassoonasweareunderyourpoweryoullforceour
childrentobechristened.IntimeofwarwhenyoucantdefendthiscoastfromTurks,youleaveandwehaveto
takecareofourselves!Thenwhenyoureturnyoucallustraitors!AndsoIask,whatkindofpeacecantherebe
betweenus?

Withoutreplying,thegeneraltookahandkerchiefoutofhispocket,wipedthesweatoffhiswhiteforehead,put
hishandsbehindhisback,wentuptoaplanetreeandbeganlookingatitstrunkasthoughhewerefiguringout
thebestwaytochopitdown.ThenheturnedaroundsuddenlyandspoketoAhmed,sonofBarakai:

HonorableAhmed,sonofBarakai,IbelieveyouarenottheleastimportantoftheUbykhsandsoIdliketohear
whatyouhavetosayonthematter.

Ahmed,sonofBarakai,stoodtallanderect,notmovingamuscle,anddidnotanswerthegeneralsquestionright
away,onlywheneveryonealreadythoughthewouldnotreply:

Youdonotunderstandus,General,andwedontunderstandyou.

HajiKerantukhseyesflashedinanger;heprobablydidntlikeAhmedtalkingsocalmly.

Hearingthis,thegeneralsmiled:

Youaretoowise,Ahmed,sonofBarakai.Youwouldlike,asyousay,thatthechickenbebrownonallsidesand
thatthestickwhichturnsitoverthefireremainwhole.Butsuchwisdomisnotforwar.Itdoesntworkthatwayin
war.

Thegeneralfoldedhishandsbehindhisback,pacedbackandforthslowly,andstandinginfrontofHajiKerantukh,
saidloudlyandwithdeliberation:

YouweretheonestoforceHisExcellencytheEmperortotakesuchdrasticmeasuresagainstyou.Other
Caucasiansweremorefarsightedthanyou:theyeithermovedintothevalleys,orputdowntheirarmsand
promisedtolivewithusinpeace,butyouarestillfighting,stillcountingonthesultantohelp.HisExcellencythe
Emperor,justlastyearwhenhewasintheCaucasus,deignedtomakeanextremelyimportantdecisionthatImust
remindyouofonceagain,andprobablyforthelasttime:TheUbykhsmustdecidewhethertheywishtomoveto
theKubanRegion,wheretheywillhaveperpetualownershipofthelandandwillretaintheirownsystemof
governmentandcourts,oremigratetoTurkey.

Thegeneralstoppedtalking.Hedidnotaddhisowncommentstothisfatalpronouncementthatwasnolonger
newtoanyoneatthetalks.Aftertheczarhadsaidthesewordstoalargecrowdashesatonatreestumpcovered
withaCaucasianfeltcloak,theytraveledquicklythroughouttheCaucasus.Buttheirrepetitionthatdayatthe
peacetalkswasneverthelesslikeaboltoutoftheblue.

IfthosedistantplainsoftheKuban,whereyouwantustomove,couldsustainlife,peoplewouldhavesettled
therelongago,saidHajjKerantukh.Welivebytheseaandareaccustomedtotrading.Weareusedtohuntingin
themountains;welikeourcattletograzeinmountainpastures.Weareusedtolivinghere,notthere.No,
General,wewillnotputourheadsintoyourtrap.Justassoonasweleaveourmountainsthatprotectusfromyou,
toresettleintheemptyplainsoftheKuban,youwilldowhateveryouwantwithus.Youwilltellourpeasantsthat
youhaveabolishedserfdom,buthowarewetoknowinwhatwayyouaregoingtodistributeorsellthelandin
returnforthelandsyouaretakingawayfromus?Youwantourpeasantswhomovetheretostartfightingwithus,
theirpatrons,sotheywilllosetheirrespectforusandstopobeying.Youwanttoencouragethesedivisionssoyou
cancontrolusmoreeasily!

ThistimeHajiKerantukhcouldnotremaincalm.Hespokepassionately,quickly,andinconsistentlywhilethe
generalstoodquietlywaitingforhimtofinish.

Whenhefinished,however,itwasnotthegeneralwhospoke,butthesovereignprinceofAbkhasia,Hamutbei
Chachba,whohadsofarsaidnothing.

23

Ifthereisonlyoneroadthroughamountainpassandnoother,atravelermusttakethatroad,hesaid.Donot
takeoffense,butyouUbykhsdonthaveanymoretimetovacillate;theresonlyoneroadleadingthroughthe
pass.

HamutbeiChachbasaidthisquietlyanditwasobvioushespokeeachwordwithdifficulty.

Nomatterwhatdifficultieswemaybehaving,wewouldratherworkitoutwiththeRussiansourselves.Idont
wantyoutomediateanymore,interruptedHajiKerantukhangrily.ButthisdidnotstopHamutbei.

IwasnursedonUbykhmilkandbroughtupinanUbykhfamily.IamafosterbrotheroftheUbykhs,Ifeel
obligatedtosavethemfromdisaster.IwishtheUbykhsthesameastheAbkhasiansnomore,noless,nobetter,
noworse.Ifnecessary,Iamwillingtoproveitnomatterwhatthesacrifice.

ButHajiKerantukhinterruptedhimagain,wouldnotlethimfinish:

Itshardtobelieveyou.WeUbykhsrememberhowyoufoughtagainstustogetherwiththeczarsgenerals.You
mentionedUbykhmilk.Butyouweretheonewhomixeditwithblood.Andyouhavenothingtoboastoftoyour
ownAbkhasians.Didyounotspillthebloodofthoseofthemwhoopposedgivingintotheczar?

Yousayyoupityus.Butdidyoureallypityyourownpeople?

Didyounotbiteyourselfwithyourownteeth?

IfyourgrandfatherKelishbei,whoonceunitedusall,werestillalive,neitheryouAbkhasiansnorweUbykhs
wouldbeonthevergeofdisasternow!Buthewaskilled,andyourfatherSafarbeigavetheRussianczarallof
Abkhasiawithoutfiringoneshot,andnowyouwanttothrowthenoosearoundournecktoo.

ThesovereignprincestoodfrozenwithhisheadloweredwhileHajiKerantukhragedinfrontofhimhurlingone
insultafteranother.

Noonegaveusthisland,saidHajiKerantukhafterturningawayfromthesovereignprinceandstoppinginfront
ofthegeneral.Andnoonecantakeitawayfromusaslongaswelive.Weareaskingforatruce,andifyou
refuse,weshallcontinuetofight.

HajiKerantukhsqueezedthehaftofhisswordwithhislefthand,andthrusthisrighthandforwardasthough
unsheathinghisarms.

Theinterpretershardlyhadtimetotranslate.IdidnttakemyeyesoffthegeneralandtheRussianofficerswith
himsoIwouldhavetimetopulloutmyswordincaseofdanger.

ThegeneralwatchedHajiKerantukhcloselyinsilence,thenhesmiledironicallyandfinallysaid:

Fine.Ifitswar,letitbewar.ButIwouldstillliketoaskyou,whodaredecidethefateofyourpeople,onemore
question:IknowthatifyousellallyourbelongingsyouwillbeabletobuyweaponsfromtheTurkishmerchants
andtheEnglishsmugglersforsometime.Youstillhavegunsandweevenknowthatyourecentlyreceivedfrom
Britainsixrifledcannonsplustwoinstructorstotrainyoursoldiers.Butyoumustrealizethatrelativelyspeaking
therearentthatmanyofyou.Canyounotunderstandthatyouareincapableofbeatinguswithyoursmall
numbers?

Andifyouunderstandyouhavenohopeforvictory,whydoyouwanttocondemnyourentirenation?

EveryonewaitedforHajiKerantukhsreply;nooneknewwhathewouldsaytothat.

Dontworryaboutus,General,Kerantukhpracticallyshouted,tryingtoraisehisvoiceasloudashecouldsohe
wouldbeheardbyasmanyaspossible.Noonehasyetgaugedthecourageofapeoplebytheirnumbers.Andbe
sides,wehaveenoughweaponsandmenwhoknowhowtousethem.Ifwedonthaveenoughwarriorssomeday,
wewillslitopenthestomachsofourpregnantwomentogetmoresoldiersfromtheirwombs!
24


Whenhefinished,HajiKerantukhlookedmywayandshouted,Thehorses!insuchangerasthoughIhaddone
somethingwrong.

Thegeneraldidnotreply.HeonlyshruggedhisshouldersandlookedatthesovereignprinceofAbkhasiaasifto
say:Sonowyouseeforyourselfthatitwasawasteoftime.

ButHamutbeiChachbadidnotbudge;hestilldidnotwanttoleave.Standingwithhisarmscrossed,hesuddenly
addressedourleaderslowlyandsoftly:

MyfosterbrotherHajiKerantukh,Iaskyouonceagaintohearmeout.Noneofusshouldbehastyinchoosing
betweenlifeanddeath.BeforeyoubareyourswordagainthinkaboutthefactthatthewarisoverinDaghestan,
thatitisoverinChechna,thatitisovereverywhereintheNorthernCaucasus.TheCaucasushasbeentakenover
bytheRussianEmperor,andthosewhodontgoalongwiththisaremovingacrosstheseawhere,asfarasIknow,
nothinggoodawaitsthem.Nomatterwhat,thefuturewillbringpeace,goodorbad,butpeace.Anditwillcome
toeveryoneintheCaucasus.PerhapstheUbykhs,uptotheirkneesinblood,theirsandthatofothers,stilldont
understandthatthewariscomingtoanend,thatiftheycontinuethewartheywilleventuallyperish.Whois
pushingthemintothismadness,someoneelseshandorsomeoneelsestongue?

Myfosterbrother,Ibegyouinhonorofthememoryofmyfosterfather,HajiBerzek,sonofAdagva,inhonorof
themanwhoformanyyearsledtheUbykhs,allowmetocometoyou.Sendoutmessengerstocalltogetherthe
wisestoftheUbykhs:onthedaydesignatedbyyouIwillcomealone,withoutthegeneral,totalkitover
togetheryou,me,andthepeople.Beforewepartwhatisyouranswer?

SinceyouaskmethisinhonorofthememoryofHajiBerzek,sonofAdagva,Icannotrefuseyou,evenifIwanted.
Cometousandlistentotheopinionofthepeoplewhosemilknurturedyou.Butcomenolaterthantheendof
nextweek.Wecannotwaitlongforyou.Goodbye!

HajiKerantukhputhishandtohisheart,bowedhisheadforaninstant,andwentquicklytohishorse.

LookingbackIsawhowthegeneralandthesovereignprinceofAbkhasiaboardedtheferry.Theywereprobably
watchedfromtheothersideoftheriver,too;drumsbeatasthesoldiersstoodupfromunderthetreeswhere
theyhadbeenrestingandassumedformation.

TheUbykhs,ledbyHajiKerantukh,alreadysatastridetheirhorses.Hecrackedhiswhipintheairandthatvery
secondthehornbeganblowingshrilly.Itwasthesignalthatthetalksonatrucehadbrokendownandeveryone
bearingarmsshouldagainbereadytousethem.Thatiswhatthehornsaid.

HOWTHEUBYKHSMETTHEIRFOSTERBROTHER

IwasnotawitnesstoallthatIwouldliketotellyou,butinthoselongagodaysandlater,whenwewerealready
inexile,thepeopletalkedsooftenaboutHamutbeiChachbasvisitthatIwillhavetopulloutthebitsandpieces
fromthebottomofthedrywellofmymemory.

MydearSharakh,youmustknoweverythingthatIremember;everythingtothelastwordbecausethatdaythe
Ubykhsfosterbrother,HamutbeiChachba,cametoourlandwas,perhaps,thelastdaywehadtochangeour
minds...

ThateveningZaurkanscrapedfromthewellofhismemoryeverythingthathadremainedonthebottomofitfor
seventyfiveyears,everythingconnectedwithHamutbeiChachbasvisittothelandoftheUbykhs.

IalreadyknewwhatanunusuallygoodmemoryZaurkanhadforwhathehadseenwithhisowneyesandheard
withhisownears.Butthistimeitwasnotso,andhehadwarnedmeaboutit.Hedidnotactuallyrememberthe
eventhetoldmeabout,butonlysomeofthehearsayaboutitandthelegendsandsongsithadinspired.Thatis
whythistimeIwillnotquoteZaurkandirectlyasIdoelsewhere,butwilldescribeeverythingIlearnedaboutthis
25

pageinthehistoryoftheAbkhasiansandtheUbykhsfromvarioussourcesevenbeforeImetZaurkan.Ipersonally
foundthiseventoneofthemostinteresting.AndIwilladdjustsomeofthedetailshetoldme,theonesIfeelare
mostaccurate.Inconclusion,IwillrelatewordforwordtheendofZaurkansstory,which,thoughitsoundsmore
likealegend,isbasedtotallyonhistoricalfact.

ThetripbyAbkhasiassovereignprince,HamutbeiChachba,totheUbykhsthatZaurkanrecalledtookplacethat
samesummerasthetalksinwhichHamutbeiChachbawassuchafailureinhisattemptstomediate.

NowhewasplanningtogototheUbykhs,andjudgingbywhomhetookwithhimandtriedtotakewithhim,he
understoodsowellhowimportantthetripwasnotonlytotheUbykhs,butalsotohimself,tohisownstatusinthe
eyesofthenewvicegerentoftheCaucasustheGrandPrinceMikhailNikolaevich.

Thetripsfailurecouldunderminehisalreadyweakposition,soHamutbeiChachbadecidedtotakewithhim
peopleloyaltohim,influentialinAbkhasiaand,foronereasonoranother,capableofswayingtheUbykhs.Hetook
withhimEmkhaaAlgydofSamurzakano,GirgualChachbaofAbzhui,and90yearoldMaanKatsofBzyb,who,
despitehisage,remainedthesovereignprincesadviseronforeignaffairsand,ingeneral,onallofthemost
complicatedmatters.

Ontheonehand,takingMaanKatstotheUbykhscouldbearisk,becausehe,likethesovereignprince,hadfought
withtheczarsgeneralsagainstthepeopleofTsebelda,theSadz,andtheUbykhs,andnowhispresencecouldcall
upmemoriesofthosebloodytimes.Ontheotherhand,thesovereignfeltitwasevenmoreriskytogowithout
himonhistripthatwasdangerousenoughasitwas:MaanKatsstepsister,bornwhenhewasnearlyfiftyyears
old,wasmarriedtoHajiKerantukh.ThehopewasthatthereforethetripwouldbelessdangerousandKatscould
helpinthetalks.

HamutbeiChachbawantedtopickuptwoothersontheway,buthewasunsuccessful.AlmakhsitofTsebelda
prudentlyhadgonehunting,andPrinceGechbaRashidofthelandoftheSadzsaidhewasailingwhenthe
sovereignprincesummonedhim.Itisnotdifficulttoguessthecauseofhisillness:iftheoutcomewerepeaceful
Gechbadidnotwanttomeddle,andifitwerebloodyhewouldobviouslysidewithHajiKerantukh.

ThesovereignprincerealizedthatifthesetwohadcomewithhimitwouldbeeasiertopersuadetheUbykhsto
makepeace.Thisthoughtplaguedhimthewholeway.

AftercrossingtheMzymtaRiverthemenontheirfinesteedsrodequicklytothenorth.Theycouldseetheseato
theirleftfromtimetotimeandatonepointtheynoticedafeluccasailingrapidlyawayfromshore.

Thesovereignprincestoppedhishorseandaskedtheotherstowhomtheythoughtthefeluccabelonged.

Itsinahurrytoleave,soitsnotRussian,answeredMaanKatsstandinginhisstirrupstogetabetterlookatthe
felucca.

TheyreprobablyTurkishmerchants,suggestedGirgualChachba.Asamatteroffact,HajiKerantukhwasright
whenhesaidtheUbykhshavetotradewithsomeone.

TheyvebroughtmoreBritishweapons,saidthesovereignprince,nolongerlookingatthesea,butatthepath
windingoverthehillsanddisappearingintheforest.

Aroundthirtypackhorsesloadeddownwithgunsweretrailingeachotheruptheroad.Thesovereignprincestood
thereforalongtimenotmovinguntilthelasthorsewithweaponshadvanishedintothewoods.

Thatsbad,verybad.Idontknowwhoputoutthemoneyfortheguns,buttheUbykhswillpaywiththeirblood.
Itllbeatragedy,saidHamutbeiChachba.

Hisfellowtravelersregardedthosewordsasprophetic,oratanyrate,thatshowtheywererecalledbytheelders
tellingthestoryinthe1920s.

26

ThesovereignprinceofAbkhasia,HamutbeiChachba,alreadyhadtherankofadjutantgeneralintheRussian
armyandhadbeenconferredseveralRussianmilitaryorders.HegotbothforhelpingtheRussiangeneralssubdue
CaucasianswhodidnotwanttobeeitherundertheRussians,norunderthesovereignprince.Thelastthinghe
wantedtodowhenhesetofftotalktotheUbykhs,ofcourse,wasremindthemofthiswithhisRussiangenerals
uniformandhisdecorations,sohedressedsimplyinaridingCircassiancoatthewayanyotherCaucasianwould
dresswhenvisitinganother.Witnessesprovidedthisdetail.Theyalsosaidthatherodepracticallythewholeway
insilenceandinthegloomiestpossiblemood;hewasimmersedinsomedisturbingthoughts.

WhatcouldhehavethoughtaboutonhiswaytotheUbykhs?Iwillnottrytospeculate,butwouldliketopointout
somefactsaboutthesovereignprinceHamutbeiChachba,circumstancesthatcomplicatedhislifeingeneraland
especiallyintheupcomingtalkswiththeUbykhs.

Whetherhewasthinkingaboutallthatpreciselythatday,Idonotknow,buthedidhavemuchtothinkabout.
BeforetheCrimeanWarhehadresolutelytakensideswiththeRussiangeneralsintheirfightagainstthe
Caucasiansandtherebyexpandedandconsolidatedhisownsovereignpower.Consequently,duringthewar
HamutbeiChachbawasinadifficultposition:theRussiantroopslefttheBlackSeacoastbecausetheRussian
generalsfeltitbestforstrategicreasonstotemporarilyabandonAbkhasia,toremovetheirmilitaryforce.The
sovereignprince,realizingthedangerhewasin,firstwenttoMingreliatohiswifesrelatives,theDadianiprinces,
butthenhedecided,despitetheriskinvolved,toreturntohisprincipality.

WhilehewasonhiswaybacktoSukhumihesawwhatpromisedtobringhimbadfortune:themastsofTurkish
shipscomingtoshore.Soonafterhearrivedinhispalacehewasvisitedbyoneguestafteranother.Thefirstvisitor
wasnotfromDaghestan,butIstanbul,oneofShamils*vicegerentsMuhammadAmin,andwithhimwasthe
CircassianPrinceSafarbei.Theysaidquitefranklytheiraimwastospreadtheideasofholywaramongthepeople
oftheWesternCaucasus.TheycametotheAbkhasiansovereigntopersuadehimtosidewithTurkey.The
conversationsdraggedonforhours,theargumentswereheated,butthesovereignprincedidnotshifttothe
Turks.

Justafterthosetwoleft,theTurkOmerPasha,inchargeofCaucasianaffairsintheTurkishgovernment,arrivedin
Sukhumi.HewantedtohanddeliveralettertothesovereignprinceofAbkhasiafromthegrandvizierappealingto
theCaucasianstofighttheinfidelsinaholywar.ButHamutbeiChachbarefusedtoacceptthelettersayingthathe
wasnotaMuslim,butaChristian.

ThenextvisitorcalledhimselfMehmedbei.InrealityhewasknowninEuropeastheadventuristBandia.Hewas
oneofthosewhosemottowastheancientslogan:Ubibene,ibipatria.*Hisselfproclaimedtitlewascommander
inchiefoftheEuropeanarmyintheCaucasus.

ThismanandtwootherEuropeanadventuristssupportedbytheBritishLapinskyandBrowncametothe
sovereignprinceofAbkhasiatopersuadehimtherewasnoforceintheworldthatcouldwithstandthecombined
poweroftheBritishlionandthesultanscrescent.

Thesovereignprincewaspromisedeverythingfrommodernweaponstoeternalglorythroughouttheages.But
hedidnotgiveinthen,norlaterwhenTurkishtroopslandedeverywherealongtheAbkhasiancoastandmany
princesandnoblemen,readytoswitchovertotheTurks,beganaccusingHamutbeiChachbaofbeingnearsighted,
ofrefusingtoseewhichsidewasstronger.

ThereweretwomainreasonswhytheAbkhasiansovereignsostubbornlystoodhisgroundinthefaceofsuch
difficulties:heunderstoodbetterthanmanyhowstrongtheRussiansreallywereand,despitealltheirfailuresin
theCrimeanWar,hedidnotbelievetheyhadleftAbkhasiaforever.Ifhisassessmentwascorrect,heknewthat
afterthewar,becauseofhisloyaltytotheRussians,hewouldbeabletokeephissovereignprincipalitywithinthe
boundariesoftheRussianEmpire,andwouldretainhisvastpersonallandholdings,andtheannual10,000rubles
insilverthathehadbeendrawingfromtheimperialtreasuryandhadgrownaccustomedtolongago.

Buttherewasanotherreasonforhisobstinacy:heknewthatthereweremanyAbkhasianswhodisapprovedofhis
Russianorientation,yethealsoknewthatafterthreecenturiesofTurkishdominationmanyAbkhasians,and
probablyeventhemajoritywhohadfirsthandexperiencewithTurkishrule,wouldnotsupporthimifheseemed

27

readytosubmittotheTurks.IftheseAbkhasianswouldrebelagainsthimitwasunlikelythattheTurkswouldback
upHamutbeiChachba.Rathertheywouldinstallsomeoneelsemoretotheirliking.

WhenIwasstudyingthehistoryofthosedaysIfoundareferencetothecomplicatedsituationtheAbkhasian
sovereignfoundhimselfinonthepagesoftheLondonTimes.Hereisthedispatchsentfromthepapers
correspondentinSukhumi:

ThereisnodoubtabouttheaversionthelocalAbkhasianshavefortheTurks...Theynotonlyarenothelpingus,
buthavedestroyedseveralbridgestohinderourmovement,andareminingroadseverywheretheycan.The
upperclassesdonotconcealtheirsympathieswithandattachmenttoRussiaandarehorrifiedbytheprospectofa
Turkishinvasion.

ThesteadfastnessofthesovereignprinceduringtheCrimeanWarwasrewarded.TheRussiansreturnedto
Abkhasiaand,inthebeginning,HamutbeiChachbafelthewastherealsovereignofAbkhasia.

However,theCaucasianWarwascomingtoanend.Shamilhadbeendefeated,fightinghadceasedeverywhere
exceptintheWesternCaucasus,andtheczarsgovernmentsawlessandlessreasontocontinuesupportingthe
sovereignprincesandkhansthathadintheolddayssidedwiththeRussiansinthestruggleagainsttheCaucasians
whowerestillresisting.By1862theAbkhasiansovereignprincipalitywasthelastthroughouttheCaucasus.It
probablywouldhavebeenabolishedthenandthereifthevicegerentoftheCaucasus,PrinceBariatinsky,hadnot
writtendirectlytotheczarindefenseofHamutbeiChachba:Persecutingtheprincewillgetusnowhere,inmy
opinionwhatsmore,itcouldworkagainstus.HisinfluenceinAbkhasiaandamongneighboringtribes,asIunder
stand,isstillquiteimportant.Therefore,Ithinkwestandtogainbykeepinghimwelldisposedtous...

ButinthetwoyearssincethenthesituationhaddeterioratedforHamutbeiChachbaasthenewvicegerentofthe
Caucasus,theGrandPrinceMikhailNikolaevich,feelingthatthesovereignprincipalityofAbkhasiawouldhardly
bringanynewbenefit,wasonlythinkingofgettingridofitassoonandasquietlyaspossiblesothatitsveryname
wouldnotremindpeopleofitsformerindependence.

HamutbeiChachbahadheardrumorsoftheseplansaswellasalarmingreportsofthepeasantreforminRussia.He
hadnoideahoworwhen,buthewaspositivethatthereformwouldinevitablybecarriedoutinAbkhasiaandhe
wasworriedabouthisownfutureandthatofhisonlysonGeorgywhomheexpectedtobethefuturesovereignof
Abkhasia.Hewantedtogaintime;hehopedthewhisperedplansofthenewvicegerenttodoawaywiththe
principalitywouldbepostponedforseveralyearsatleast.

SoberlycalculatingthestrengthoftheRussians,theAbkhasiansovereignwassincerewhenhewantedtostopthe
Ubykhsfromcontinuingtheirbloodyandfutilestruggle.HamutbeiChachbawaswellawarethatHajiKerantukhs
determinationtocontinuefightingwasfedbythesecretvisitsofoneTurkishagentafteranother,andthis
realizationweakenedhissympathyfortheUbykhswhomherespectedfortheircourage.

HajiKerantukhwascertainlybrave,butlackedclevernessandforesight.HamutbeiChachba,however,wenttothe
talkswiththeUbykhsnotonlybecausehewasconcernedabouttheirfuture,butalsobecausehewasevenmore
troubledbyhisownfate.

HehadgoodreasontobelievethattheirreconcilabilityandobstinanceofHajiKerantukhalsostirreduphisown
subjects,theAbkhasians,especiallyinTsebeldaandotherareasclosetotheUbykhs.HefeltthatiftheUbykhs
wouldagreetoapeacewiththeRussiansitwouldalsoaffecthisownsubjects,thatis,thoseofthemwhowere
consideredhissubjects,butactuallyshowedinsubordinationwhenevertheyhadachance.

ItseemedtohimthatifheweresuccessfulintalkswiththeUbykhsitwouldhelphimtakecontrolofthose
rebelliousAbkhasians.ThiswouldenhancehisprestigeintheeyesoftheRussiansand,possibly,forcethemtogive
uptheideaofabolishingthesovereignprincipality.IfduringtalkswiththeUbykhshecouldaccomplishwhatthe
Russiangeneralfailedtodoonemonthbefore,thesuccesswouldmakehimlooksogoodintheeyesofthe
Russianvicegerentthattherewouldnotbeanymoretalkofdoingawaywithhisprincipality,atleastformany
yearstocome.

28

MydigressionfromZaurkanZolaksstoryhasonlyoneobjectiveonthebasisoftherelativelylittleIhavesofar
beenabletolearnofthesovereignprince,HamutbeiChachba,animportantfigureinthehistoryofAbkhasia,I
wouldliketodefinewhathistriptotheUbykhsjustbeforetheirtragedymeanttohim,andwhyhewenttothese
talksatgreatrisk.

Astotheiroutcome,andmostimportant,thewaytheeventwasrememberedbyhiscontemporaries,thatisbest
describedinthelastpartofZaurkansstory.AsIsaidbeforeIrecordedthismostcoherentpartofhisrecollections
wordforword.Althoughitcontainslegendarydetails,thestoryisbasedonhardfacts:

Youmayormaynotbelieveme,dearSharakh,butpeopletoldme(andnotoneperson,butmany,andnotonce,
butmanytimes)thatduringthetwodaysandtwonights,thatHamutbeiwasontheroadfromhishometothe
landoftheUbykhs,hewassilentlikeamute;heneversaida.singleword.

HeonlyspokewhentheywerealreadyinthelandoftheUbykhsandhesuddenlysawatallsnowwhitesteed
quietlygrazinginaforestglade.PrinceHamutbeiwasfascinatedbyitsbeauty.Heturnedaroundtothemen
followinghimtoshowthemthesteed,butwhentheycaughtupwiththeprincethewhitesteedwasgone.It
vanishedasthoughithadneverexisted.

Then,standinginthemiddleofthegladewithhiscompanions,theprincespokeforthefirsttimeinthosetwo
daysandtwonights.Hetoldthemaboutthetimewhenhewassevenyearsoldandtraveledthissameroad,only
intheoppositedirectionnotfromthelandoftheAbkhasianstothelandoftheUbykhs,butfromthelandofthe
UbykhstothelandoftheAbkhasians.

Hewasjustsevenyearsoldbutherodelikeanadultandonatallsnowwhitestallion.Hewasdressedina
Circassiancoataswhiteasthehorse,woreawhiteAstrakhanhat,andoverhisshoulderswasawhiteridinghood.
Nexttohimonagrayishbrownsteedwashisfosterfather,HajiBerzek,sonofAdagva,andbehindthemwerea
hundredUbykhhorsemenwhosangmarchingsongsand,withoutdismounting,shotintotheairthewaysoldiers
dowhenreturninghomefromwarvictorious.

Everyonewhosawthesehorsemenalongthewaycouldnottaketheireyesoffthem.

Thosewhodidnotknowasked,Whoarethey?

Andthosewhoknewwouldanswer,ThatsthesonofSafarbei,thesovereignofAbkhasia;hewassenttobe
broughtupinthelandoftheUbykhsandisnowreturninghome.Maytheyoungprincereturninghomebehappy!
Maythedaycomewhenthepeoplewillpraisehisname!

NottotirethesmallHamutbei,HajiBerzek,sonofAdagva,stoppedtwicealongthewaytospendthenight,first
attheRydbaprinces,thenattheInalIpaprinces.Eachtimethepartyfeasted,andonlyonthethirddaythey
arrivedinLykhny,thehomeofthesovereignprinceofAbkhasia,Safarbei.Thefeastlastedforthreedaysandthree
nights,andthemostexpensivegiftswerepresentednotonlytotheyoungprincesfosterfather,HajiBerzek,son
ofAdagva,buttoallthe100Ubykhhorsemenwhoaccompaniedhim.

ButwhentheyoungHamutbeiwastakentohisroominhisfathershomeherememberedhisfostermotherwho
hadremainedinthelandoftheUbykhsandcriedbitterly.Nomatterhowmuchhisownmothercaressedhimand
triedtocomforthimitwasnouse.Whenhisfosterfather,HajiBerzek,sonofAdagva,leftwithhishorsementhe
youngHamutbeidartedafterhimtryingtojumponthehorsetogobacktothelandoftheUbykhs.

Andsoaftersuddenlyseeingthewhitesteedthatpromptlydisappeared,HamutbeiChachba,saddenedbythis
memory,toldhisfellowtravelersabouthischildhood.

Hiscompanionsdecidedtodriveawaythismelancholybytrickridingintheglade:theyfiredtheirpistolsatyoung
greenapplesonwildappletrees;theymadeahiteverytime,butnoteventhatcouldcheeruptheprince.

Hewassilentagainasherodeaheadofthemuntiltheycameinsightofthelargemeadowwiththesevenoaks
andtheshrineofourBytkha,wheretheUbykhshadagreedtomeettheirfosterbrother.

29

PrinceHamutbeirodetotheedgeoftheforestandsawthatthemeadowwasempty.Notonepersonwaitedfor
himunderthehugeoaktrees.

Whathappened?Whyisntanyonehere?askedprinceHamutbeilookingoverthemeadowandwithoutwaiting
forareplyrodeon.

Hehadnotreachedthemiddleofthemeadowwhenhesawontheothersidesomethingstrangeandblack
movingtowardhim.Herodefurther,andaminuteortwopassedbeforeherealizedthatcomingtowardhimwere
womenwiththeirhairdownanddressedinblackfromheadtofootlikemourners.

PrinceHamutbeiandhiscompanionsdismounted,and,handingtheirhorsesovertothebodyguards,walked
towardtheadvancingblackcrowdofwomen.Theywalkedtowardthewomenandaskedeachotherinalarm:

Wherearetheygoing?Whyaretheresomany?Whathappened?Whodied?

Butthewomenkeptcomingcloser,andfinallyprinceHamutbeisawattheheadoftheprocessionawoman
dressedliketherest,inblack,andwithgrayhairhangingoverhershouldersshewasthewomanwhohadnursed
him,thewidowofHajiBerzek,sonofAdagva.

Whenherealizedthattheprincehastenedtowardher,buttheoldwomandidnotevenlookathimashecame
near.

Shewalkedonandcriedasthoughoverthebodyofthedeceased,andalltheotherwomencriedwithher.

Shecontinuedtoignoreherfostersonasshecriedandwailed.Whenhelistenedandtriedtomakeoutthewords
heheardwhatitwouldhavebeenbestnotto.

Haveyouheard,stranger,aboutmysorrow?
HaveyouheardhowunhappyIam?
Haveyouheardthattheonenursedbymybreast,
Myfosterchild,princeHamutbei,hasdied?
Hediedaterribledeath,onethattheearthwontaccept.
Hediedindisgrace;hediedunmourned.
TheUbykhshavelosttheirfosterbrother.
TheAbkhasianshavelosttheirprince...

Hamutbeisfostersisterwalkedoutofthecrowdofmournersbehindtheoldwoman.Herhair,whichsheusually
woreinbraids,hungloose,downtoherfeet,andstrikingherheadwithherfistshecriedloudenoughtodrown
outhermotherswailing:

Oh,Hamutbei,tellmewhattodo?
Tellyourunhappyfostersisterwhatsheshoulddo?
Coulditbethatfortheczarssilver
YoubetrayedthelandoftheUbykhsthatfedyou?
Howterribleitistothinkofthedeathyoudied!

Thewomenweptlouderandlouder,andintheirmidststoodprinceHamutbeiwithhisheadhunglow,and
immobilelikearock.Hehadseenmuchsorrowinhistime,buthehadneverexperiencedsuchshameanddisgrace
inhisentirelife.

HajiKerantukh,havingagreedtothevisit,arrangedtohavehisfosterbrothermetlikeamortalenemy.

Finally,Hamutbeicametohissenses,rushedawayfromthecrowdofwomentohishorse,andtookarunning
jumpintohissaddle.

30

Cry,mywetnursemother,heshoutedthroughhistears.Cry,myfostersisters:I,yourfosterchild,crywithyou.
Cry,cry,crynow,becauselateryouwonthaveanytime!Cry,becausethelandoftheUbykhsisdead.Andyou,
HajiKerantukh,youareprobablylaughingatmenowasIcry.Butrememberthatyou,notI,willbedamnedby
yourpeople!

Shoutingallthisthroughhistears,notfeelingashamedofthem,andnotwipinghistearstainedface,prince
Hamutbeilashedhishorse,androdelikeamadmanthroughthemeadowasthoughhewantedtoleavebehind
himasquicklyaspossiblethewailingandlamentingofthewomen.Andhiscompanionsalsogallopedafterhim
likemadmen,eachtryingtooutstriptheother.

SHARDYN,SONOFALOU

Allofus,exceptmyyoungerbrother,werehomeonthatfatefuldayforourfamily.Hewasstillfightingwiththe
Russians;wedidnotknowwherehewas,orwhetherhewasalive.MyfatherHamirzahadbeenwoundedinhis
rightarmthreedaysbefore;thewoundwasinfectedandpainful,butherefusedtostayinbed.Hegotupinthe
morning,putanothertreatmentofpainkillingherbsonthewoundandbandagedit,butthepainwouldnotabate
andhepacedbackandforththroughthehouseandintheyard.Everymorningmymotherandbothsisterswent
totheneighborstoweavebroadclothwiththeotherwomenofthevillage,broadclothforthewarriors.They
returnedhomeinthemiddleofthedaytodotheirchores.

Iwasthelastonetogethome.ForseveraldaysIhadnotleftthesideofHajiKerantukhashisbodyguardunder
fireandinhandtohandcombat.

Thatdaytheleadersofthepeopleweretobegintheirmeetingtodecidewhattodonext.Ihadarrivedwithhim
forthemeeting,andheletmegotospendthenightathome.

Thecolddaywasturningintonight,andtheheavysnowfallfromthemorningwasbeginningtosubsidewhenmy
grandmothersfostersonandmyfathersfosterbrother,Shardyn,sonofAlou,approachedourgateonhissmall,
butstrongmule.

Irushedouttohelphimdismountandtherestofthefamilycameaftermeformingacirclearoundhim.

Howsyourwound?Shardyn,sonofAlou,askedmyfather.

Oh,itsnothing,answeredmyfather,ashamedtoadmittoourguestthathewasinpainandhidinghiswounded
armbehindhisback.

Ourdearbrother,ourhope,mayallsorrowsandallillnesspassyouby,maytheybemine,saidmymotherand
accordingtocustom,toprotecthimfromallillness,shewalkedaroundShardynthreetimesandkissedhischest.
Mysistersshylydidthesame.

Shardynwentintothehouseandwefollowedhim.IhelpedhimtakeoffhisfeltcloakandAstrakhanhat,shookoff
thesnowandhungthemonthewall.

Shardyn,sonofAlou,wasshort,broadshoulderedandverystrong,buthiswaistlinehadexpandedlongagobe
causehewasfondofeating.Theedgeofhislong,blackbeardfellincurlsonhispowerfulchest.

Motherplacedaleathercushionspeciallyforhonoredguestsonthebenchnearthelitfireplace;Shardynsatdown
onit.

Weyoungpeople,ofcourse,hadnothoughtofsittinginhispresence;evenmotherandfather,althoughboth
wereolderthanShardyn,alsoremainedstandinginthepresenceofsuchaprestigiousrelative.

31

Mother,asshealwaysdidwhenShardyncame,putupapottoboilcornmealmush.Fatherindicatedtomewith
hiseyestogooutandslaughteralambspeciallyfedforsuchanoccasion.However,whenShardyn,sonofAlou,
noticedmyfatherslook,hesaidhewasinahurryandhadnotimetostayforsupper.

Iheardyouwerewounded,hesaidtomyfather,thatswhyIdecidedtovisityouandyourfamily.Besides,I
wanttotalktoyou,myrelatives.Werelivingindifficulttimes,andyouretheclosestfamilyIhave.Icameto
consultwithyou.Thatiswhathesaid,andasIlistenedtohimIcouldnothelpwonderingwhathewasleadingup
to,andwhetherwhathewasabouttosaybodeusill.

Yes,saidmyfatherHamirza.True,weUbykhshaveneverhadsuchahardtime.Notonlyourfamily,butIknow
thateveryoneunderyourprotectioninourandneighboringvillageshavecompletefaithinyou.Weresogladyou
choseourhearthtositbeforeinthesetroubledtimes.

Shardyn,sonofAlou,tookablackcigaroutofhistunicpocket.Wehadseenhimmanytimeswithsuchcigarsthat
hegotfromtheTurkishmerchants.Ipickedapieceofcoaloutofthehearthforhimtolightup,andashesmoked
hesaid:

YouprobablyknowalreadythatHajiKerantukhhascalledthecounciltogetheragaintodaytodecidethefutureof
theUbykhpeople.Idontknowhowlongthecouncilwillsit,butsofarnodecisionhasbeenmade.MeanwhileId
liketotellyouwhatmyopinionis!Idontthinktheresanywaythegeneralsoftheczarwillletusstayhereonour
land.Thebattlesarewagedhigherandhigherinthemountains,closerandcloser.Beforewereallbayonetedto
deathwouldntitbebettertotrytosaveourselves?

TheTurkishsultan,Allahsrepresentativeonearth,willsaveusifweagreetobecomehiscitizens.Nothingbuthis
greatpowercansaveus.AfewdaysagoaTurkishmerchantfromIstanbulcametomyhouse.Iveknownhima
longtimeandtrusthim.Hesnotonlywealthy,butknowspeopleclosetothesultan.Irealizedhehadcomehere
notonlytotradewithusasbefore.Hetoldmeaboutourneighbors,thepeopleofNatukhai,whohavealready
movedtoTurkey.Thesultankepthiswordandsettledthemonlandoftheirownchoosing.Thelandwherethey
liveisheavenonearth.Itsnevertoocoldortoohot;theweatherthereisalwayslikeitishereinlatespringand
everythinggrowstherethatanyonecouldwant.Ifajayfliesoverwithagrainofcorninitsbeakanddropsiton
theground,withinamonthinthatspottherellbeatallstalkwithafewripecobs!Hetoldmethebuffaloareused
onlyforploughing,notformilkingbecause,likeouralders,milktreesgrowthereeverywhere:youjustslitthe
trunkwithaknifeandyougetpitchersfullofrichmilk!Ifyouwanttomakesourcreamoutofityoujusttearoffa
leaffromthetreeandputitintothemilkbeforeyougethomeyoullhavesuchthicksourcreamthatyoucancut
itwithaknife.Andhesaidthepumpkinstherearesohugeyoucantcutthem,buthavetouseanaxtochopthem
up.ThethingshetoldmeseemedsoincrediblethatIcouldntbelievethematfirst,buthetookaletteroutofhis
pocketthatconfirmedeverything.TheletterwaswrittenbyamanfromNatukhaibythenameofMuratwhomI
haveknownforalongtime.WevisitedeachothermanytimesbeforeheleftTurkey.Youprobablyhaveheardof
himyourself.

Herestheletterhesentme,saidShardyn,sonofAlou,andpulledoutofaninsidepocketofhisCircassiancoata
pieceofpaperfoldedovermanytimes.Heopeneditup,straighteneditout,andhelditupsowecouldallseeit.

Butwhocouldreadit?Notonlyinourfamily,butintheentirevillagetherewasntanyonewhoknewhowtoread
inanylanguage.AndIdontthinkmyfathersfosterbrother,Shardyn,sonofAlou,couldreadverywell,either.He
justheldtheletterinfrontofoureyes,andevenafterputtingitawayhecontinuedtotellusinhisownwords
whathisfriendMurathadwritten.Ohhowhepraisedthatmanhehadnevermentionedtousbefore.

HewasalsoaverywellrespectedmanamongthepeopleofNatukhai,butinTurkeyhewasgivensuchan
importantjobthathehasbecomeclosetotheGrandVizierhimself.TheTurkishmerchantcoulddeceiveme,but
certainlynotMurat,sonofourmountains,andoneofmyfrequentguests.

Hewritesthatifwehaveenoughstrengthtoleavethishellwewillcomestraighttoheaven!HesaysthatifIcan
getthepeopleundermyprotectiontotheshoresofTurkeyallofuswillhaveahappylife!Thatswhathewrites,
andcallsustocome.Whatcanweexpecthere?ShallwejustwaitfortheRussiangeneralstomakeusmovetothe
Kuban?Ifwefreezehereinournativeforestsduringthecoldwinters,welljustdielikefliesfromcoldinthe
openplains.Andwewontbeallowedtopracticeourfaith.Oursonswillbecompelledtoserveinthearmyas
32

soldiersandeveryonewillhavetobuyhisownland,becausenowthelandlordsinRussiadonttakecareoftheir
peasants;theynolongerhaveanyrightsoverthem.Wherewillyougetthemoneytobuylandthere?Andifyou
cantbuyit,howwillyousurvivewithoutland?MyfosterbrotherHamirza,wewerenotbornofthesamewomb,
butwewerefedfromthesamebreast!Ivetoldyouwhatsonmymind,andnowIwouldliketoknowwhatyou
thinkaboutit.

ThatiswhatShardyn,sonofAlou,saidtomyfather.Myfatherstoodinfrontofhim,tallasadrytree,andholding
hiswoundedarmintheother.

Theonlysoundintheroomwasthatofthehungryfiredevouringthedrylogs.AlthoughShardyn,sonofAlou,
talkedaboutmiraclesandpromisedusheavenonearth,noteventhunderaboveourheadsinwintercouldshock
usasmuchashiswords.

Myfatherdidnotsayanythingforalongtime.WaitingforhimtospeakmythroatwentdryanditseemedIhad
lostmypowerofspeech.Icouldhardlyhearthefirstwordsmyfatheruttered;hebeganspeakingsosoftlyand
slowly:

Ourfosterchild,youareourhope,youarewiserthanweareandhaveseenmore,knowbetterwhattodo.
Whereveryougo,wewillgoandwillserveyouaswealwayshave.WhatmorecanItellyou,Iwhocanonlyplough
andsow?Butifyouwillallowme,IwouldliketoaskyouwhathasbeendecidedatthecouncilareallUbykhs
goingwhereyouwanttotakeus?

Nodecisionhasbeenmadeyet,andIdontknowwhatalltheUbykhswilldo,butyouaremyclosestfamilyandI
cameheretotellyoumyowndecision,repliedShardyn,sonofAlou.Isawalarminhiseyes.

Thenwouldntitbebetter,ourbrother,ourhope,saidmyfatherHamirza,wouldntitbebetterforustoshare
ourpeoplesfate?Whilesomearefightinghowcanotherslaydowntheirarmsandgoacrosstheseafirst?How
canwebethefirsttoputoutthehearthofourancestorswithourownhand,toabandonthegravesofour
fathers,andbidfarewelltoourshrineBytkha?Andwhataboutland?WillwehaveotherlandinTurkeytoreplace
whatweareleavinghereorwillwebeforcedtobuyourland?

Myfatherhadnotfinished;hewantedtosaysomethingelse,butmymotherinterruptedhimwithherweeping:

HowwillIeverknowwhathappenstomybrothersinTsebelda?HowcanIleavethemhereandsailacrossthe
sea?Ienvythedead,thosewhodidnotlivetoseethisday!Mymotherweptbitterly,andmysistersstood
behindheralsocryingastheyleanedtheirheadsagainstherback.

Mymotherseldomcried,andShardyn,sonofAlou,seeingherthiswayforthefirsttimereproachedher:

Mysister,yourcouragehasalwaysbeenadmiredbymen.Itdoesntbecomeyoutoshedtearsatatimelikethis!
YourbrothersinTsebeldaarerealmen.Theywillnotagreetoliveundertheruleoftheczarsgenerals.AsfarasI
knowtheyareeitherwaitingforusor,perhaps,havealreadyleftforTurkey.Andyouwillsoonseeyourbrothers
aliveandwellthere,ontheblessedlandofthesultan.Andyou,Hamirza,hesaid,turningtomyfather,dontyou
worry:noonewillmakeyoupayforyourland.I,Shardyn,sonofAlou,tellyouthis.Butherewhocansaywhether
thegeneralswillresettleusintheKuban,ormakeusmoveevenfurther?TheypromiseustheKubanonlybecause
westillhavegunsinourhands!Butwhenwenolongerhavethemwhowillstopthegeneralsfrommovingus
straighttobittercoldSiberia,deprivingusofourfaith,andmakinguschristenourchildren?

Thatveryminutehewasinterruptedinthemiddleofasentencebythethunderofcannonsfromfarawayonthe
coast.Itwassosuddenthatitseemedasthoughademonhadunexpectedlyjumpedoutoftheearthrightnextto
ourfireplace.

Whyareyoustandingtheresocalmlywiththatpitifulscratchonyourarmwhenitmaywellbethatthose
cannonsovertherehavekilledyourson!shoutedmymotherNasi.

Whensheheardthethunderofthecannonsshestoppedcryingandlookedaroundatusallwithangryeyes.
33


Whatsthematterwithyou?Keepquietandhavepatience!Fatherscoldedher.

Motherdidasshewastold,butshekeptlookingatusinsuchawaythatIwantedtocrawlinahole.

Meanwhilethecannonskeptfiringonthecoast.

IfyouwanttosurviveIadviseyoutogetreadytomove,startingtonight,saidShardyn,sonofAlou,andturned
tome:You,Zaurkan,shouldrememberthatmanyyoungpeoplewantedtobeHajiKerantukhsbodyguard,but
yougotthejobthankstomyinfluence.Iwantedyoutobeclosetohimsothatyourfamilywouldeventuallyriseto
thestatusofthenobility.TheonlythingthatpreventeditwasthemisfortunethatbefelltheUbykhs.Iputyouin
HajiKerantukhssuitemyself,butnowIsayyoumustleavehim!Hesstillkeepingitasecret,butIknowthathes
planningtosailforTurkeywithallhisrelativesandsubjects.AndIdontwantthegrandsonofmyfostermotherto
servehimnotasabodyguardinwar,butasaslaveonthejourney.Youmustleavehimnowandreturnundermy
wing!

Whathesaidcutthroughmyheartlikeadagger.

Yourenottellingthetruth,Ishouted.HajiKerantukhwillfighttothedeath.Hesnocoward.Iwillneverbreak
myoathandleavehim!

Whatsthematterwithyou?interruptedShardyn.Idontlikethewayyouretalkingtome.

Butthatdidnotstopme.

Ibegyoutoforgivemeforspeakingsoboldlytosuchanhonorablerelativeasyou,Isaid.ButIcantunder
standyou!Wasntthatyouwhowentfirstintobattlemanytimes?Wasntthatyouwhomanytimesbefore
battleandaftertoldusthateveryoneofuskilledintheholywarwiththeinfidelsgoesstraighttoheaven?And
nowitseemswecangotoheavenifweputdownourweapons?AndthatheavenisTurkey,andyourepersuading
ustogothere?Whatwereyouthinkingofbefore,youandotherrespectablepeoplelikeyou?Ifitssosimpleto
escapetoheaventhenwhoupthereintheskywillappreciatebloodspilledinbattle?Whoinheavenwillaccept
thosewhohavediedinvain?Andyou,myfather,whydidyouraiseustobetruemen?Whydidyouteachusnot
tofeardeathwhenwedefendourland?

Icouldnotunderstandmyselfwhathadcomeoverme,butnothingcouldstopmenow,althoughuntilthenIhad
never,notonlyinthepresenceofourrelativewhomweworshippedlikeagod,butalsoinfrontofmyfather,
daredraisemyvoice.

Shutup,saidmyfather.Imashamedofyou.Youspoketooloudlyevenformyears.Youhavedisgracedusall
byspeakingsobrazenlytoourdearrelativeShardyn,sonofAlou!Wouldhehavecomesofartoseeusonthiscold
winterdayifhedidnotloveus,simpleandplainpeoplethatweare?

Havinglashedmewithhistongue,myfatherturnedtoShardyn,sonofAlou:

Forgiveusthatwedidnotrealizerightawayhowweshouldansweryou.Ifyou,ourclosestprotector,arecertain
thatweshouldgowithyoutoTurkeyandthatwewillhaveagoodlifethere,allmyfamilywillgothereandwillbe
inseparablefromyou.

MyfatherstoodbeforeShardyn,sonofAlou,lookingdowncastandguiltyashespoke.HewasafraidthatShardyn
wasoffended.Butourguest,onthecontrary,livenedup,rosefromhiscushionand,lashinghisbootwithhiswhip,
spokeasthoughnoneofushadevercontemplatedarguingwithhim:

Youmustnotwastetime;beginpackingrightnow.Dontforgettotakefoodwithyou,too.Ihavetogonowand
startgettingreadyforthevoyagemyself,andifIneedyourhelpIlltellyou.Inthemeantime,Hamirza,ifyour
wound,thankstoAllah,isnotserious,visitallthehomesofourrelativesandneighborsyourenotanelder,but
theyrespectyouandletthemhearwhatyouhavetosayonmybehalf!Tellthemnottospilltheirbloodany

34

moreinvain,toprepareforthetrip,andnottoworry.TellthemthatShardyn,sonofAlou,willbewithyouand
themeverywhere.IfsomeoneelsecomesandstartsconvincingthemtogototheKubantheyshouldrefuse!

Havingdecidedeverythingforushedidnotwasteanymoretime,butgotonhismule,andleft.

Thecustomwasthatthenobilityrodeonhorsebackwhentheywentoffonamarchortovisittheirequals,but
rodemuleswhentheywenttoseepeasantsintheirprovince,becauseitwaseasiertotravelonmountainpaths
andtheydidnothavetoworryabouthowtheylooked.

Herodeawayonhismuleandafterseeinghimoffwestoodstaringgloomilyatthefireasthoughwehadcome
backfromafuneral.

Motherdidnotmakeanycornmealmush,shedidnothangthepotoverthefire,nordidsheputthechickensback
intheirpens.Shesatquietlyandweptbittertears.Fatherdidnotgoouttomilkthecows;hesatsilentbythe
waningfire,thinking.Hisforeheadbrokeoutinbeadsofsweatseveraltimesandhewipeditwiththeedgeofhis
ridinghood.

Evenwhenourdoghowledoutside,probablyfrightenedbythesoundofcannonfirebroughtupwithgustsof
wind,Fatherdidnotgooutside,didnotshoutatitorchaseitaway,althoughheknewadogshowlingwasbad
luck.

Theunmilkedcowsintheyardmooed,andtheroostersuddenlycrowedintheeveningasthoughitdidnotwant
towaituntilmorningtotellthewholevillagethatthemasterofthehousewasplanningtoextinguishthefireinhis
hearthforever.

Isatacrossfrommyfatherandstaredattheweavedtwigwallofourpatskha,*attheceilingblackfromsmoke,
andatthechainhungbymygrandfatheroverthehearth.Ihadbeenusedtoallthatsincechildhood,takenitfor
granted,butnowitseemedbeautifulandgood,andIwasverysorrytobepartingwithitall.

IhadalreadygotaccustomedtothinkingabouthownextautumnIwouldbringhomeFeldysh,theneighbors
daughter.Theywerenotneighborswholivedclose,butinthenextvillage.Wehadmetbychancealongtimebe
foreandthenwemetmanytimesafterthatonforestpathsthatledfromourvillagetotheirs,onlynot
accidentally.Iknewthatmyfamilyhadalreadyguessedaboutourintentionsandwasgettingreadyforthe
wedding.ButafterthatdaysvisitIcouldnotimaginehowIwouldbringhertoourhomewhenitnolonger
existed.

Willwegetmarried?Iaskedmyself.ThelongerIsatandthoughtaboutallthis,themoreanxiousIwasforthe
sunrisetocomesoIcouldsaddlemyhorseandgotoher.

Mymotheroftentookadeepbreaththroughhertearsandthenameofmyyoungerbrotherwasbarelyaudibleon
herlips.Andmysisterstootheyeithersighedorcried.

Idontknowhowlongwewouldhavesatthereifourdoghadnotbarkedsuddenly.Someonewascomingupto
thehouse.IhadjustgotoutthedoorwhenIsawmybrotherwhowasbeingled,orrathercarried,bytwomen.I
helpedthemcarryhimintothehouseandlayhimonabench.Hewasallcoveredwithblood,andmymotherand
sistersthrewthemselvesathimwithshrieksandtears.Oneofthementoldusnottoworry,thewoundwasnot
fatal.Hewashitinthehipandwouldrecover,buttheyhadtoleave.Withoutanotherwordthetwomen
departed.

Fatherwantedthefirelitsowecouldhaveboilingwaterquickly.Togetherweundressedmybrother.Hehadlosta
lotofbloodandwasweak,butalthoughthewoundwaslargeitwasnotdangerous;Fatherwasabletotakecare
ofitquickly.Hewasgoodatthatandwaswellknownamongtheneighborsforhisskill.Hestoppedthebleeding
andbandagedthewoundtightly.Atfirsthegavemybrothersomematsoni*dilutedwithwatertodrink,thenhe
gothimtoeatsomethingruelwithhoney.Onlyafterthathesatnexttomybrotherandspokeforthefirsttime.

Allahhashadmercyonyouandus.Youreturnedhomealive.

35

BetterifIhadntreturned,myyoungerbrotherMatasaidinachokingvoiceasthoughhedidnothaveenough
air.Wevelosteverything,Father,everything.Wewerewipedout.Thebattlefieldwherewefoughtiscovered
withthebodiesofourdead.Justafewhorsemensurvived,andweranoutofbulletsandgunpowder.Weattacked
thechainofsoldiersandalthoughtherewassomuchfirearoundusthatitseemedourhorsesmaneswere
smokingwemanagedtogetthroughtotheseashore.Butabullethitmyhipandkilledmyhorse.Ifellunderthe
horseanditcrushedme.LyingonthegroundIsawhowthelastofthesurvivorsrodetotheprecipice,jumped
rightintothesea,andthehungryseagobbledthemuptogetherwiththeirhorses.Wherearemyfriends?Why
didntthebulletkillme;whyamIlyingherebythefireshamingyouroldage?

Calmdown,saidmyfather.Someonealwayssurvivesabattlesohecanfightanddieinanother.

Ashesaidthis,FatherpattedMatashead.Matafinallyfellintoanuneasysleep,andwesatawakeallnightathis
bedsideuntilthesunroseoverthesnowpeakedmountains.

Ourhomewasplungedinsorrow,butthesunshinedasthoughitwereaholiday.Fatheraskedmymotherand
sisterstomakebreakfastandthenhemadeeveryoneeattheirfill,mybrothertoo.Hefinallywokeupandfelt
muchbetterthanthenightbefore.

Fatherputonhisbestclothes,satattheheadofthetable,andlookedateachofus,oneatatime.

Allofyou,menandwomen,mustnotloseheart.Weneverthoughtthiswouldhappen,butourfosterbrother,
Shardyn,sonofAlou,isright:wewillalldieifwestayhere.Wehavetofindalandwherethereisnowar,wemust
getreadytogo.

Whatdoyoumeango?Whatareyoutalkingabout?shoutedmybrotherandsatuponthebench,althoughhe
wincedfromthepain.Whathadtormentedusallnightwasnewstohim.

Calmdown.WeresailingtotheblessedlandofallMuslimsTurkey.Thesultanwillgiveuscitizenshipandland.
Ourfosterbrother,Shardyn,sonofAlou,promisedtoprotectusinTurkeyandonthewaythere.Allwehavetodo
iscollectourbelongingsandgowithhim,saidFatherwithsuchresignationasthough,indeed,therewasnoother
choice.

Whatareyousaying?criedMatauponhearingthisandagainwincedfromthepain.Whatsthematterwith
you?JustaweekagoyousentmetofighttheRussians.Justthreedaysagoyouwerewounded.Haveyou
forgottenhowmanybattlesyouvebeenin?Justcountyourscars!

Liedown,youhaveafever,saidFatherandforcedMatatoliedown.Youshouldntshout.Iremembermyscars
verywell,butifwecontinuefightingnotoneUbykhwillsurvive.

Idontbelieveallthepeoplethinkthat,IsaidtoFather.Idontbelieveourchief,HajiKerantukh,willlaydown
arms.IdontbelieveanythinggoodwillcomeofrunningawaytoTurkey.IdontbelievethestoriesShardyn,sonof
Alou,tells.Father,dontletanyonedeceiveyou!

BothMataandI,inturn,triedtotalkourfatheroutoffollowingtheplansShardyn,sonofAlou,hadmade.Hesat
andlistened,butdidntargueanddidntagreewithus.Hesatinsilence.Thenhepickeduphisstaff,andatthe
thresholdturnedtous:

Allright.Wellwaitandseewhatthepeopledecide.Zaurkan,gotoHajiKerantukhandstayonashisbodyguard.
Sincehecalledtogetherthecounciltheyshouldmakeadecisiontodayortomorrow.Illgotoalltheneighbors.I
promisedtotellthemthatShardyn,sonofAlou,wantsthemtomovewithhimtoTurkey.Illgivethemthe
messageandlistentowhateachofthemhastosay.

Father,dontgo!shoutedMataandnearlyjumpedoffhisseatafterFather.Dontgo!Whenothermenare
fightingandwecanstillhearthesoundofcannons,howcanyougodoortodoorpersuadingpeopletoleavethis
landforwhosesakebloodisstillbeingshed!

Bequiet!saidFather.
36


Hellbequiet,buthesright.Youshouldntgoanywhere,Father,Iinterfered.

BetterIshoulddiethanyougo,shoutedmybrotherMata,andthrowingoffallhiscoversherosetohisfeet,
begantoreel,and,beforeIcouldgettohim,hefelltothefloorinadeadfaint.

Mymotherandsisterrushedtohimafterme.Fatherturnedaroundandleftthehouse.

THELASTCOUNCILINTHEHOUSEOFCHESTNUTWOOD

Thecouncil,ormedzhlis,aswelatergotusedtocallingitinTurkey,thegoverningbodyoftheUbykhs,consistedof
thirteenpeopleplustwootherswhowererepresentativesoftheAbkhasianSadzandAkhchipsoutribeswhich
wereactuallyclosertousinthosedaysthantotheAbkhasians.

OurlandoftheUbykhswasdividedintoelevenprovincessomethingliketheTurkishvilayets,andtheheadofeach
onewasamemberofthecouncil.OurprovincewasrepresentedbyShardyn,sonofAlou.Andbesidesthese
elevenrepresentativestherewereanothertwopeopleonthecouncil:ourmainmullahSakhatkeri,andMusa.It
seemedtomethenthatMusawasthemostlearnedoftheUbykhs,butasInowrealize,hewassimplythemost
literate.Hesatandjotteddowneverythingthatwasdecidedatthecouncilmeetings.Ineverheardhisvoice;he
alwayssatquietly,withhisheadlowered,behindasmallthreeleggedtablewithmanypens.Hetookone,then
another,andwrotedowneverythinginArabiclettersfromrighttoleft,withoutmissingaword.

ThecouncilmetinthevillageofMitkhaswhereHajiKerantukhlivedalongwithalltheotherBerzeksfromhis
kinshipgroup.Inthesummerthecouncilmetintheshadeofseveraloaksthatformedasemicircle,andinthe
winteritgatheredinahouseofchestnutwoodbuiltcollectively.

ItwasinthathouseandinmypresencethatthedecisionwasmadefortheUbykhstomovetoTurkey;adecision
thatintheendresultedinmybeingthelastpersonwhocanspeaktoyouintheUbykhlanguage.

Itwastheverybeginningofspring.Thetemperaturewasfreezingthedaybeforebutthatnightitrainedsohard
thatinthemorningdirtysnowremainedonlyintheravines.Aftertheraintheskywasblue,butwhileHaji
KerantukhandIwereridingtothewoodenhouseitbeganhalfrainingandhalfsnowing.

Usuallyonsuchdaysnooneevenwentoutside;wealltriedtokeepwarmbythefire.Butthatmorninghundreds
ofpeopleweregatheredaroundthecouncilhouseandtheirfaceswereassadasiftheywereatafuneral.

HajiKerantukhdismountednearthehouse.Therestofthecouncilmemberswerealreadywaitingforhimoutside
thehouseandfollowedhiminside.

Irememberthatdayverywellandwilltellyoueverythingthathappenedinthathouse.HajiKerantukhsat
separatelyfromtherestinalargechair.Everyoneelsesattohisrightandleftonlongbenches.Behindthemstood
thosewecalledpeoplewitheagleminds,notthenobility,butreputedamongtheUbykhsfortheirintelligent
speechesandwiseadvice.AmongthemwasSoulakh,theguardianofourshrineBytkha.HajiKerantukhhadfor
manyyearsbeenrecognizedbyallastheheadofthecouncil,andI,ashisbodyguard,hadtherighttobepresent
inthechestnutwoodhousesomewhatbehindhim.

ThelastonethatmorningtoenterwasthemullahSakhatkeri.Hewalkedslowlyandcautiouslyinhistallturban,as
thoughhewerecarryingacupofwateronhishead.Hewalkedpastusall;didnotlookatanybody,andsatnearest
HajiKerantukh

ThechiefsoftheSadzandAkhchipsouwerenotthere.Theyhadnotcometothecouncilthatmorning.Butallthe
Ubykhswhowerewise,oldandhadtherighttovoicetheiropinionwerepresent.Theystoodinacrowdbehind
thebenchesofthecouncilmembers,watchedHajiKerantukh,andwaitedinsilenceforhimtobeginthemeeting.
Heusuallybeganatonce,likeamaninahurrytoshootfirst,butthatmorninghewasquietforalongtime;hesat
withhispalmsonhiskneesandlookeddownatthefloor.Hiseyeswereswollenfromlackofsleep.Finally,he
37

raisedhishead,lookedeveryoneover,quicklystoodup,pushedbackhisAstrakhanhat,puthisdaggerinplace,
thenplacedbothhandsonthehiltandsaid:

Youalreadyknowhowthewarisgoing,andIcantaddanythingtowhatwassaidaboutityesterday.The
Russiansareattackingfromallsides.Nowtheyareveryclose,notonlyfromthedirectionofthesea,butalsofrom
thenorth.Ourscoutstoldmethatinthenight.WithyourconsentIsentmyownuncletoGeneralGeimanto
concludeanarmisticethreedaysago,butwehaventheardanythingfromhimsince,anddontknowwhat
happenedtohim.Hemayhavebeenkilled,hemayhavebeentakenprisoner.YouseetheemptyseatstheSadz
andthepeopleofAkhchipsoudidntcomebecausetheyreprobablyvacillating.OurneighborstheShapsugs,after
longfighting,asyouhavealreadyheard,havelaiddowntheirarms.TheNatukhaishavebegunmovingacrossthe
sea,andalltherestarehesitating.IhopethatthepeopleofPskhu,Dal,andTsebelda,iftheyrenothinderedby
thesovereignprinceofAbkhasia,HamutbeiChachba,willkeeptheirwordandcometoouraid.Idonthavetotell
youthatthemostdifficultdayinthehistoryoftheUbykhshasarrived.Wedontknowtodaywhatawaitsus
tomorrowwarorpeace,freedom,slavery,oremigration.TheUbykhpeoplearewaitingforustodecidewhere
wewillleadthem.Letsdecidewhatweregoingtodo.Evenifwewantedto,itstoolatenowtopostponea
decision!

HajiKerantukhlookedaroundateveryonewhowassittingandstandingaroundhiminthecouncilhouse.Hefixed
hisheavygazeonthemandsatdownagainpressinghispalmsagainsthiskneesanddirectinghiseyesatthefloor.

Everyonewasquietforalongtime;Itriedtofigureoutwhowouldspeakfirst.IthoughtitwouldbeShardyn,son
ofAlou,whohadlongagodecidedtomovetoTurkey,butprobablywouldnothavethecouragetosaythatout
loudhereandnowinthepresenceofHajiKerantukh;andifhedidtherewouldinalllikelihoodbebloodshed.I
thoughtaboutthatasIwatchedShardyn,sonofAlou,buthewascalmasthoughnothingwashappening;hejust
satthereplayingwiththeendofhisblackbeard.

Icouldntguesswhowouldspeakfirst.

ThefirstonetogetupwasthemullahSakhatkeri.Hebeganbyclaspinghispalmstogetherandraisingthemin
frontofhisthinbeardwhilehespokeinawaveringvoiceasthoughchantingaprayer:

Oh,Allah!Weareyourslaves!Dontdepriveussinnersofyourmercy;giveusyourblessings!Thenhecrossed
hisarmsandlookedaroundateveryoneinthehouse.Heevenstretchedhisnecktoseethosewhowerestanding
behindothers.ThegreatAllahhaswrittenthefutureonourforeheads.Perhapsnotforever,butforthetime
beingourpeoplearepredestinedtoleavethisland.Thatisourfate,anditisasintoresistthefatepreordainedby
Allah!Theinfidelshaveforcedustochoosethewayofoutcasts,anditwillleadusacrosstheseatoTurkeytothe
blessedlandofthesultan,thelordofhalftheworld.Thesultanhaswilleditthatthishonoredlandwelcomesall
Muslimstoitwithoutstretchedarms!Iwouldliketoaskyou,esteemedmembersofthecouncil,ifthisissothen
whatarewewaitingfor?Whatskeepingushere?Thedevilinspiredplansoftheczarsgeneralstosettleusonthe
plainsoftheKubancanonlydisgustus.Howcanwetruebelieversliveinthatdenofinfidels?Cananyoneamong
uswanttoendupinthathellwhenwehaveanopenroadtotrueheavenonearth?

Sakhatkeriswordswerenotnewstomanyofthosegatheredinthechestnutwoodhouse.Hehadneverspokenso
franklyandopenlyaboutthisinthecouncil,butforseveralyearshehadbeenagitatingpeopleinprivate
conversationstomovetoTurkey.

Inoticedthatsomeofthosewhowouldnotstandforsuchtalkearliergavelooksofapprovalthistime.Butfar
fromeveryonesharedthesesentiments.

Nouryz,sonofBarakai,ashort,butstrongman,withawidechest,knownforhishottemper,jumpedupas
.thoughhehadbeenstung.HegrabbedtheAstrakhanhatoffhishead,threwitontothefloorinfrontofhimand,
knittinghisthickblackeyebrows,beganshoutinginashrillvoice:

Thisisnotameetingofmen,butagatheringofoldwomenandfortunetellers!Whyarewesittinghereforthree
daysinarownowandfortunetellingwhenrealmenarefighting?Ifwegoonfortunetellinginsteadoffighting
letsatleasttakeoffourmensclothingsoasnottoshameit.Wecanputonwomensdresses,makecornmeal
mushfortheinfidelsandservethematthetable.Thepeasantshavestoppedpayingustaxesbecausewe
38

noblemenhavestoppedbeingwarriors.Amanwhoownsahorsedoesntasktobeloanedahorse!Wehaveour
ownland,sowhydowehavetoaskforsomeoneelses?Ourhomeishere,notinTurkey,notintheKuban.Letthe
cowardsgowheretheywant,butthebraveUbykhswillstayandfightrightdowntotheverylastman!

HepickeduphisAstrakhanhatfromthefloor,brushedoffthedust,andplaceditnearhim.

Nouryzisright!severalloudvoicessaidinunison.

Weneverhavebeen,andwontbeslaves!shoutedMurat,sonofHirips,puttingbothhandsonhisthinwaist.
Thistall,lankymanwithablackbeardandacleanshavenheadwentontosay,Ifwerefusetosurrenderothers
willfollowuswhonowfearwewillgiveup!

Yes,wewillfight.Wellseewhostaysaliveandwhowillfalldeadweorourenemies!shoutedsomeone,butI
dontrememberwho.

Waitaminute.Hewhomakesadecisionwithoutthinkingitoverdiesbeforehavingthechancetoshoot,saidSit
slowlyandloudlyabovethegeneralcommotion.Hewasanelderandourrelative,thehusbandofmyolderaunt.
Amongthepeasantshewasconsideredawiseandjustman.Hewasaskedtohelpmediatedisputes,eventhe
mostcomplicateddisputesoverlandandspilledblood.EvenHajiKerantukhrespectedhisopinion.

HearingSitsvoice,everyoneturnedtohim,buthesaidnothingmore.

Youreawiseman,Sit,saidHajiKerantukh.Sinceyoustartedyoumayaswellcontinue;wewanttoknowwhat
youthink.

Mysmallmindisnotforsuchseriousmatters,saidSit.ThreeofmySonswentofftofight.Idontknowwhats
happenedtothem,butiftheycomehomealiveallfourofuswillagreetoyourdecisionnomatterwhatitis.But
weaskyounottobehasty,tothinkthingsovercarefully.Dontmakeamistake!Dontconfusethesunsetfor
daybreak.Myoldeyeswanttoseedaybreak,buttheyonlyseethesunsetandfearitisbloodyandsoakedwith
coldtears.

Itwasonlylater,manydaysafterwards,thatIthoughtoverwhatoldSithadsaid.ButatthatmomentIhadother
thingsonmymind:IstaredhardatthetwopeopleIdependedonmostofalloneforthegeneraldecisionand
theotherforthefateofmyfamily.

Shardyn,sonofAlou,satquietandunperturbedasthoughhehadresolvedeverythingforhimselflongago.

HajiKerantukhwasalsosilent.Hewaslikeaninvinciblefortressthatwouldneverraiseawhiteflagtoanyone.Its
sinfultosayit,butthatdayIbelievedinhimmorethaninaprophet!

Ahmed,sonofBarakai,theyoungerbrotherofthehottemperedNouryz,roseandbrokethesilencethatlasted
probably.awholeminuteafteroldSitfinishedspeaking.Hewasjustasbroadshoulderedashisbrother,butso
statelythathissmallwaistlookedasthoughitcouldbecutwithscissors.Hisbeardwastrimmedandalongsnow
whitegarmentcouldbeseenunderhisblackCircassiancoat.IknewHajiKerantukhcouldnotstandhim,but
concealedhishatredfearingthatiftheyclashedopenlyAhmedwouldgoovertotheRussians.

Ahmed,sonofBarakai,didnotspeakrightaway.Atfirsthestrokedthehiltofhisdaggerinitsfancysilversheath,
thenhetookouthisgoldwatch,checkedthetime,closedthelid,putitbackandonlyafterthathebegan
speakinginathin,loudvoice.

WehavearguedmuchaboutwhatweshoulddoandnowwevecometothepointwhenallofusUbykhsare
hangingonadrybranchoveranabyssandcanhearitcrackingoverourhead.Whostoblame?Wearemorethan
anyoneelse.Imnotafraidtosayopenlywhateachofusadmitstohimself.Weshouldnothavewagedwar
againsttheenormousarmyoftheRussianczar.Ourancestors,andthenwe,foughtwithoureyesclosed,afraidto
seethefullstrengthofourenemyandcomparehisstrengthwithourown.

39

Youmeantosayyoujustwokeuptoday,Ahmed,sonofBarakai?shoutedHajiKerantukhashejumpedupfrom
hischair.WasntthatyouwhocalledlouderthananybodyforwarwhenHajiBerzek,sonofAdagva,wasour
leader?WasntthatyouwhowenttoTurkeyandEnglandforhelp?Wasntthatyouwhobroughtuscannonsand
gunsonships?Whyareyoutalkingnowasifyouwerejustbornyesterday?

Orlikearabbitthatwantstocoverhistracks!criedthemullahSakhatkeri.

ButAhmed,sonofBarakai,stoodimmobileuntiltheshoutingandaccusationsceased.

Youreright,HajiKerantukh,hesaid.Iwasmistakenlikeallofyou,andjustasoftenasyouIunsheathedmy
saberagainsttheRussians.Butdespiteallourbraverywearethreatenedwithdeath.Thisthreatwastherefrom
themomentwefiredthefirstshots.Webeatourheadsagainstarock,andnowourheadsaresplit,buttherockis
whole.AndwecantjustblamethegeneralsoftheRussianczar.TherewasatimewhenweleadersoftheUbykhs
madepeacewiththem,andagreedtoaccepttheirofficerranksandsalaries.Butthen,relyingonthestrengthof
thesultan,westartedfightingtheRussiangeneralsagain.Itsourtragedythatthesultan,whomadeusbelievehe
isalmightyandwantsustospillourbloodforhim,isafraidtofightforusagainsttheRussianczar.Thatswhyour
situationishopelessandhavingunderstoodthatlongagoweshouldhavemadepeacewiththeRussians!

AtthispointNouryzcouldntcontrolhimselfanylongerandinterruptedhisyoungerbrother.

Ifanyofusherehassplithisheaditsyou!shoutedNouryz.Youcameherewithacrackedhead,withthepitiful
advicetoasktheinfidelsforgiveness.Evenifsomeoneelsehereagreeswiththiscowardlyadviceofyours,please
tellme,mybrotherAhmed,howwe,bornofthesamemother,canmakepeacewiththeRussianswhohoistedup
ourtwobrothersonbayonets?Whowillpayfortheirbloodifwebecomefriendswiththeinfidels?Iswearinthe
nameofmydepartedfatherthatifyounowsayagainthatyouwantustomakepeacewiththeinfidelsIllslash
youtodeath.Dontforcemeintofratricide.Getoutofhere.Leaveus!

Hehadhisdaggerhalfwayoutofitssheathandthepeoplestandingnearhimhadahardtimepacifyinghim.

Givemeachancetofinish,saidAhmed,sonofBarakai,toHajiKerantukh.Hestoodasimmobileasbeforeand
didnotevenreacttohisbrotherswords.EvenifyouvealreadysentencedmetodeathIstillhavetheright,
accordingtocustom,tohavemyfinalsay.

Youalreadysaideverything!yelledNouryz.

Bepatient.Letshearhimout,saidHajiKerantukh.

Asyouknow,therearemanymoreGeorgiansthanUbykhs,andyettheydidnotstartawarwiththeRussian
czar,saidAhmed,sonofBarakai,aftersilencewasrestoredinthehouse.Theybecamesubjectsoftheczar,but
kepttheirlandandtheirlanguageand,whoknows,maybesomedaytheyllgetbacktheirfreedom,too.

Icouldexpectanythingfromyou,Ahmed,sonofBarakai,butIdidntknowyourecapableofbetrayingyour
faith,saidthemullahSakhatkeri.Whoareyoucomparinguswith?TheGeorgiansandRussiansareChristians;
theymadepeacebecausetheyhavethesamefaith.ButweMuslimshavealwaysbeenandalwayswillbethe
enemiesoftheinfidels.

ThemullahSakhatkerirosetosaythisandhavingspokensatdownagainasthoughhecouldntexpectanyoneto
contradicthim.

ButAhmed,sonofBarakai,nevertheless,didobject.

ReverendSakhatkeri,saidAhmed,youknowaswellasIdothatthepeoplestillrememberhowonethousand
yearsagoweadoptedtheChristianfaithand,althoughwehaveconsideredourselvesMuslimsforalongtime,we
continuetocelebrateChristmasandEaster.Wewerenotalwaystheenemiesoftheinfidelsinthepastandwe
donthavetobeinthefuture.

40

ThistimeNouryzthrewhiAstrakhanhatontheflooragain,grabbedhisdaggerfromitssheath,and,insteadof
takingitouthalfway,pulleditoutalltheway.

HajiKerantukh,youheardhowIsworebymydeadfathersname?IfyoudontthrowthismanoutnowIll
slaughterhimrighthereinthishouse!Fromnowon,Ahmed,youarenotthesonofBarakai,youarenotmy
brother,youareanapostatechristenedsecretlybytheRussians,youareatraitor,asinner.Leaveus!

Nouryzsneighborsfellonhimfromallsidesbarelyabletoholdhimback,andHajiKerantukhstoodupandbegan
pacingbackandforth.ThenheslowlywalkeduptoAhmed,sonofBarakai.

Whatelsewouldyouliketosaytous?ThattheRussiangeneralstemptedyou?WhenyouwereinEnglandyou
weregivenagildedsaber.WhatdidtheRussiansbuyyouoffwith?WhenyoucamebackfromEnglandyougaveus
hopethattheBritishwouldhelpusandagitatedusagainsttheRussians.Today,whenwearehangingasyousay
onadrybranch,youwantustobelievethatyouhadnothingtodowithallthis?Yes,youhaveindeedreachedthe
limit!

Allofushavereachedthelimit.Especiallyyou,saidAhmed,sonofBarakai,ascalmlyasbeforeandnotraising
hisvoice.IsitmyfaulttheBritishdeceivedus?Yes,IbroughthomesomeBritishweapons.Butastimegoeson,I
seeallthemoreclearlythattheywillnotfighttheRussianczarforoursake.Whatarewetothem?Ahandfulof
barbarians!WhenIwasinLondontheypaidmoreattentiontomystrangeclothingthantoourmisfortune.And
dontscaremewiththeRussiangenerals.Eveninthoseplacestheytookbyforceandwheremuchbloodwasshed
theydidnotkillthosewhogavethemselvesup,nordidtheykilltheirwivesandchildren.Theydidnotevenkill
Shamilandhiswivesandchildren,butjusttookhimtoRussia.ThepeopleofDaghestanwhohavesubmittedto
theirrulehavenotbeenannihilated,butcontinuetoliveintheirhomes.Ourneighbors,theShapsugs,thoseof
themwhodidnotcrossthesea,werealsosparedandliveintheirownhomes.Iknowaswellasyoudothecruelty
oftheRussiangeneralsonthebattlefield,butwhentheyarenotfightingtheyarenotmurderers.Ihaveheardthat
oneofthemhasevenmadeuplettersfortheCaucasians2wantstopublishabeginningreader.Iseeonlytwo
alternativesforourpeople:citherwefighttothelastmartinbattle,oradmitthattheenemyhasdefeatedus
andlethimacttowardusashisconsciencedictates.Ihavemoretrustinthosewhofoughtagainstuswithbared
swordsthanthosewhosecretlysoldusweapons,butneverwantedtospilltheirbloodforus.IwasinTurkeymany
timesandknowthatwemencanexpectnothinggoodthere.Wearemenandwecannotbecomeconcubinesin
haremslikeoursisters!Whoeverleavesthislandwillsuffertotheend!Iknowonething:ifweUbykhsleave,our
nationwillperish.Now,dowhatyouwantwithme:banishmeorkillme.

Havingsaidthat,Ahmed,sonofBarakai,didnotsitdowninhisseatagain,butstoodwiththecrowd.Henolonger
consideredhimselfamemberofthecouncil.

Hislastwordshadsuchastrongeffectthateveryonewassilent.Suddenlytherewasthepoundingofhoofs,and
thestepsofthosewhohaddismounted.EveryonewatchedthedooropenandsawbeforethemHajiKerantukhs
uncleBerzekArslanbei,whohadbeensenttomakeatrucewithGeneralGeiman.Withoutturningaroundhe
threwhiswetcloakoffhisshouldersintothewaitinghandsofhisbodyguard.Withhisheadhunglowhestood
surroundedbymembersofthecouncil.Theystoodasifthatcouldhelpthemnotcollapseundertheterriblyheavy
loadabouttofallontheirshoulders.

Whatsthenews?askedHajiKerantukh.

Ihavebadtidings,saidBerzekArslanbei.GeneralGeimanwouldnotseeusforalongtime;wewaitedforhim
practicallyunderarrest.Whenthesoldiersfinallytookustohimhedidnotevenwanttohearusoutandsaid:Its
toolate.Therecanbenopeacebetweenusnow!ThoseofyouwhowanttomovetotheplainsoftheKubancan
gothroughourposts;wellletyoupass.AndthosewhowanttogotoTurkeycanleavebythreeroadswellopen
upforthem.Theycangobythosethreeroadstotheseaandtakewhatevershipsarewaitingforthem.Butwewill
notallowanyofyoufromnowontostaylivingwhereyouare.

Hesentusbackandresumedfightingagain,burninganddestroyingeverythingonhisway.Heismovingquickly
andintwoorthreedayshellbehere!

41

Istillcouldntcomprehendwhatwasgoingtohappen,butfeltthatsomethingterribleawaitedus,andlooked
towardHajiKerantukhasourlasthope.

Unnerved,hefellbackintohischairasthoughsomeinvisibleforcewaspullinghimdown,andclaspedhishead
withhishands.

Someotherssatdowntoo,butthereststooddumbstruck.

Youhaveprobablyseenaforesttorndownbyahurricane?ThatshowtheUbykhslookedatthatmomentinthe
councilheadquarters.

Outsideweheardthepoundingofhorsesagain,andamanenteredoutofbreathfromridingandholdingawet
ridinghoodandwhipinhishands.

HajiKerantukh,thechiefcaptainoftheTurkishships,SuleymanEffendi,askedmetotellyouthis:Wehavebeen
waitingattheshoreformorethantwodaysandnooneispayingusforit.Ifyoudonottellustonightwhetherwe
areneeded,ourships,alongwiththeshipsoftheBritishsmugglers,willsetsail!

Getoutofhere!shoutedHajiKerantukhenraged.

Thewarriorleftwithhisheaddown.Hewasatfaultforshoutinginfrontofeveryonewhatheshouldhave
whisperedtoHajiKerantukhinprivate,therebybetrayingthatHajiKerantukhhadmadethedecisionbeforethe
councilgathered.

ButatthatmomentIhadnoideawhatthesoldierhaddonewrong.Ionlyunderstooditlater.

Everyoneshouldleaveexceptforthemembersofthecouncil,saidHajiKerantukh.AndyouAhmed,sonof
Barakai,youleavetoo;youhavenobusinessbeinghereanymore.

Soweleftonebyone,lettingtheeldersgofirst.Thelastonetoleavewaitingforeveryoneelsetogoahead,was
Ahmed,sonofBarakai.

Soonthesunwouldset,thecloudshadcleared,butthewindwassopiercingitseemedthesunwascold.The
wholemeadowwasfullofpeopleonfootandhorseback.IdidnotnoticeFatherrightaway;Ionlyspottedhim
whenhegrabbedmebytheshoulderandtookmeoutofthecrowd.

Whatwasthecouncilsdecision:arewemovingorarewestaying?heasked.

Theyrestilldiscussingit,Ireplied.

Whatstheretodiscuss?Timehasalreadymadethedecision,saidFather.Ourfosterbrotherwasright.You
waithereuntilthecouncilmemberscomeout,andIllgobacktoShardynshome.Iwastherealready.Theyre
gettingreadytomoveandaskedmetohelp.Italkedtoourneighborsandsomeofthemdontwanttogo.Let
Shardyn,sonofAlou,goandtalktothemhimself!

Istooddumbstruck.Fathersoundedasthougheverythinghadbeendecided.Coulditbetrue?Istoodthereina
stateofconfusion,leaningagainstthewattlefencearoundthehouse,whenthemembersofthecouncil,ledby
HajiKerantukh,emergedfromthemeeting.

Uponseeingthem,thecrowdmovedtowardthehouse.

Listentoourdecision,saidHajiKerantukh,and,hearinghisfamiliar,loudvoice,Ifiguredhewouldnowleadus
intobattle.Istillyearnedtofight!TodayatmidnightwewillceasefightingwiththeRussians.Theyhavewonand
nowtheycanbemastersofourland,butnotofus!Thegreatsultan,hearingofourdisaster,hassetasideforus
thebestlandsinTurkeyandsentshipstotakeusacrossthesea.Wewillsailtherewithfaiththatthedaywillcome
whenwewillreturntogetherwiththesoldiersofthesultan.Now,however,wemustleavehere,butnotlikea
horrorstrickenherdscatteredbyawolf,buteveryonetogethereachcommunityheadedbyitsleader.
42

TomorrowatnoonwewillgatheratoutshrineBytkhaandwillsweartoitthatwewillstaytogether;mayher
wrathfallonanyonewhochoosesadifferentpaththanwe!Saddleyourhorses,andtellallthepeopleinallthe
villagesthroughoutthelandoftheUbykhsofourdecision.WellsendmessengerstoAkhchipsou,Pskhu,Dal,and
Tsebelda.Wefoughtlongsidebysidewiththem,sotheycangowithus,too.Afterwetakeouroathtomorrow
wellgodowntotheseaandboardtheships.

TotellyouthetruthIwasreadyfordeath,forabsolutelyanything,butnotthat!Wherewasthatheroofheroes,
HajiKerantukh,wholedusUbykhssomanytimesintobloodybattles,andwhowebelievedwouldneverkneel
beforeanyenemy?Ithoughtofmyselfasthebodyguardofagiant.ButatthatmomentIheardthewordsofavery
ordinarymanadvisingusthebestwaytorunawayfromtheenemy.

Suddenlysomeonewhowasshoulderinghiswaythroughthecrowdmovedmeaside,and,walkingforward,stood
infrontofHajiKerantukh.ItwastheRussianAfanasythatswhatwewereaccustomedtocallinghim.Hehadat
onetimebeenaRussiansoldier,buttwentyyearsbefore,hevoluntarilywentovertoourside,marriedanUbykh
woman,learnedourlanguageandourcustoms.Havinggotthroughthecrowdwithdifficulty,hestoodbeforeHaji
Kerantukh,tookhisfelthatoffhisheadandbowedlow.

Ibegyoutoletmesayjustonething.

WhenHajiKerantukhdidnotanswertheoldsoldierturnedtowardusandspokeinperfectUbykh:

ByreligionandbloodImoneofthosewhoyouareatwarwithtoday,andyouhavearightnottotrustme!But
whentheRussiangeneralcomeshereIwillbethefirstonehellhangandsoyoushouldbelieveme!Ididnotwant
toshootyousoIleftthearmyoftheRussianczar,andyoursisterbecamemywifeandboremetwosons.Fortheir
sake,forthesakeoftheskyandtheland,forthesakeofgodandallthatisholy,donotbeinahurrytoleavefor
Turkey,toleaveyourlandorphaned!Youdonotknowwhatawaitsyouhere,butyoudontknowwhatawaitsyou
thereeither!This,atanyrate,isyourland.Donotleaveit.Letthingstaketheirowncourse!

Shutupyouinfidel!shoutedthemullahSakhatkeri,andtightenedhisfistasthoughheweregoingtohithim.

HesaRussian.Hewantsthesoldierstocomehereandstabuswiththeirbayonets!yelledsomeonefromthe
crowd.

Asmalloldman,bentwithage,whowasstandingnexttome,leanedheavilyonhisstaff.Itwentdeepintothe
moistearth,andhewhisperedwithagrievoussigh:

Ourluckyancestorstheydiedwithoutseeingthisterribletime.

Bringsomehayhere,orderedHajiKerantukh.Severalyoungmenrushedtotheshedbythetetheringpost
wheretheyfoundsomehayforthehorses.HajiKerantukhtoldthemtohurryup,andtheyoneafteranother
ranintothehousewitharmfulsofhayaridscurriedoutformore.Whentheyhadbroughtinallthehay,Haji
Kerantukhstoppedthem,wentintothehouseandsetthehayonfire.

Thecrowdaroundthehousewasinacommotion.

Whatswrongwiththehouse?

Whowouldyousuggestleavingitto?

Oh,Allah,spareus!

Betterweshouldbekilledherethansinkwithashipontheway!

Ifyouresobrave,thenwhyareyoustandinghere?Takeyourgunandgoouttomeetthegeneral!

Suddenlyonevoice,themostshrillanddesperate,washeardabovetheothers:

43

Arewesupposedtoburndownourownhomes,too?Thefiregotbiggerandbigger;dogsintheyardsnearby
beganbarkingandthenhowling.

HajiKerantukhwenttothetetheringpostwherehishorsewas,buthalfwaytherehestopped;heprobablywas
expectingme,asusual,torushtogethishorseandhelphimmount.

ButIdidnt.Istoodinthecrowdandwatchedthecouncilhouseburn.ProbablysomeoneelsehelpedHaji
Kerantukhonhishorse.Isawhimridebymeagainsttheglowingbackgroundofthefire.

Thehousecontinuedtoburn.Theflamepiercedthroughtheroofandblazedupintothenightskysendingout
sparks.

Thepeoplelingeredonasthoughtheywantedtoenjoythelastbitofwarmthfromthefirebeforesailingtoan
aliencountry.IfeltasthoughIwereflyingintoabottomlessabyss.AlongthewayIcouldcatchglimpsesoffaces
distortedbyfearandpain,rovingeyes,lipswhisperingsomething,andchinstrembling.

Someonetouchedmyshoulder.IturnedaroundandsawShardyn,sonofAlou,onhissmallmule.

Hurryupandgetonyourhorse;followme!ThankstoAllahyouhavefinallyseenforyourselfwhatyourmaster
HajiKerantukhisworth,themanyouwouldhavegivenyourfoolheadfor,helaughedmaliciouslyandrodeoffon
hismule.

Youmusthaveaheartofstoneifyoucanlaughatatimelikethis?Ithoughttomyselfindespair.Inolonger
lovedHajiKerantukh,butatthatmomentIdislikedShardyn,sonofAlou,evenmore.

AHANDFULOFEARTH

ConvincedthattheUbykhsweremovingtoTurkey,theczarsgeneralsstoppedtheirtroops,andtheTurks
promisedtosendmoreships.Ittookusnearlytwoweekstoleave.Idontknowifthatwasbetterorworse,butI
feltitwasworse.Whenyouknowyouaredoomed,itsbettertodiequickly,thanslowly.

ThedaywegatheredinthemeadowofourshrineBytkha,theguardianofBytkhaslaughteredseveralwhitegoats
preparedforsacrificing,strunguponasharpedgedstickaliverandheartfreshlyboiledandstillpipinghot,and
beganpraying.Wemovedinaroundhimandbeganpraying,too.Soulakhsvoicebroke,andtearsstreameddown
hischeeks.Hewasprayingtoourshrine,andalthoughhewasntsayinganythingaboutourleaving,hewas
probablythinkingaboutitthewholetimeandthatwaswhyhecried.

Dontletusperish,oh,Bytkha,heexclaimedintearsashefinishedtheprayer,andwerepeatedseveraltimes
afterhiminunison:

Amen!Amen!

Afterwards,eachofus,oneaftertheother,wentuptotheshrineandsworetofollowtherestintoexile,andifany
ofusfailedtodoso,letourshrinecondemnhimtodeathandeternaldamnation,andnotonlyhimbutallhis
childrenandallhisrelatives!

Whenwewereeatingtheboiledmeatfromthesacrificedgoatsafterpraying,Soulakhspoke:

Weareallleavingtoaforeignland.Whowillprayheretoourshrine?Howcanweleaveitwithoutprayers,like
themillstoneofanabandonedmillwithoutwater?Ibegthepeoplespermissiontotouchourshrineandtakea
pieceofitwithussowecanhaveitsblessingswhenwearefaraway.

Atfirsttheeldersdidnotagreebecausetheyfeltitwasasintotouchtheshrine,butthen,afterthinkingitover,
theydidasSoulakhasked.Togetherwiththreecentenarians,hetookBytkhaoutofitsundergroundhabitatthat
noonehadevertouched.
44


ThatwasthefirstandlasttimeIeversawit.Theshrinewascarvedofstoneandlookedmuchlikeaneagle.Itseyes
weremadeofgoldplatesanditsbeak,wingsandclawsofsilver.

Afterpraying,wesettheshrinebackinitsplace,intoitsundergroundhabitat.ThatwastheBigBytkha,oras
Soulakhcalledit,theelderBytkha.Butwithitinthehabitatwasanotherone,theyoungerBytkha,alsomadeof
stonewithgoldandsilver,butthesizeofadove.

TheeldersandSoulakhtooktheyoungerBytkha,wrappeditupafewtimesoverinasackclothsaturatedwithwax
andplaceditinastrongleatherbag.ThedaywesetoffforTurkeySoulakhtiedthebagtohisbelt;alongtheway
totheshore,ontheship,andwhenwelandedinTurkey,everywherewewent,andwhateversufferingwe
endured,theyoungerBytkhawasalwayswithus.Manyyearslatersomethingterriblehappenedtoit:becauseof
theshrineamandied;amanweregardedasthehopeofourpeople.ButIdonotwanttorunaheadofmyselfand
tellyouaboutallthatnow.Iwilltellyoulaterwhenwecometoit.

ThateveningZaurkanstoppedrightthere;hedidnotwanttotalk,anymore,andthenextmorninghewasquietfor
alongtime.HesatonthetreestumpandcrumbledtobaccothatBiramhadbroughthim.Ihadalreadynoticed
thathelikedprocessingthetobaccohimself.Firsthewouldcutitintolongthreadlikestrips,thenlayitouttodry
inthesun,andafterwardscrumbleit.AsIsatthererecallingwhathehadsaidthenightbeforeaboutBytkhaI
comparedwhathehadtoldmewithwhatIhadheardandreadearlieraboutothershrineslikeitthatbelongedto
variousCaucasians.Ianalyzedandwrotedownmyideas.

Thewordbytkhadidnotjustsignifytheobjectofprayer,butthephysicalobject,thesupernaturalpowers
attachedtoitbythepeople,andtheplacewhereitwaskeptthemoundthatcontaineditshabitatandthecold
springthathadtobenearby.Allthatwasregardedasasingleentity.Thatwasperhapswhyitdidnotoccurto
SoulakhortheeldersoftheUbykhstotaketheelderBytkhawiththem.Theytookonlythesmallone,leavingthe
bigoneinplace.Sotheyoungeronewastreatedfromthenonasarepresentativeoftheolderone,the
representativeofallthatremainedintheirhomeland.

Iwasnaturallyinterestedintheetymologyofthewordbytkha.Thesecondpartofthewordcouldbefromthe
Adyghewordtkhagod.Butthenwhatdoesthefirstpartmeanby?Icouldhaveaskedtheoldmanabout
it,butIdidnothavetheheart,andbesides,Idoubtifheknew.

WeAbkhasiansalsohadourancientdeitiesandtheirnameswerebasedonthenamesoftheholyplacesthey
inhabited:Lidzaa,Lykhny,Dydrypsh,IngalKuba,Elyr,Lashkindar...

Actually,theworddeityinAbkhasianisrelatedtothewordanykha,andsomelinguistsdividethewordintotwo
parts:angodandkhahead,thatis,headofgod.Anykhareferstoapagandeity,buttherearealso
elementsofChristianityintheconceptofheadofgod.Obviously,thewordanykha,whichdatesbacklong
beforeChristianity,adoptedChristianfunctionslateron.Atanyrate,informthesematriarchalsymbolsoffaithdo
notlooklikeheadsofgod:Insomecasestheyarestonesthatlooklikeamountaineagle;inotherstheskullofa
sheep;andstillotherssomeunidentifiablecreature.TherearehistoricaldataindicatingthatByzantine
missionariesspreadingChristianityinAbkhasiaasearlyasthefourthcenturyusedancientpaganholyplacesfor
theirpurposes,buildingChristianchurchesonthesesites:atLidzaainPitsunda,inLykhny,andinElyr.Inthese
churchesthewordanykhainitslatermeaningwastheheadoftheVirginMary,butinotherplacestheword
keptitsoldmeaningand,asintheolddays,continuedtoberelatedonlytoancientpaganrituals.

ThatwasapparentlyhowitwaswiththeUbykhs,too.Thepeoplefollowedtheirancientpaganreligionwhile
practicingChristianityandobservingEaster.Later,whentheMuslimreligionbecamedominant,itwasnotableto
completelyerasethetracesofthetwoearlierreligions.

IwonderedwhytheUbykhs,infectedwiththefanaticalideasofholywar,whichmotivatedthemtomigrateto
MuslimTurkey,gatherednotatamosquewhentheywereleavingtheirhomeland,butattheshrineofBytkha?
PerhapsitwasbecauseintheirmindsAllahwasfaraway,buttheirshrinewasclose?Fromtimeimmemorialall
thepeoplehadcometheretwiceayeartopray;individualshadcomethereforblessingsbeforeleavingonalong
journey;thoseaccusedofwrongdoinghadcometheretojustifythemselvesinpublicmakingasolemnoathto

45

Bytkha.ThatisapparentlywhytheUbykhscouldnotleaveforTurkey,aMuslimcountry,withouttakingalongtheir
youngerBytkha.

Idonotknowwhattheoldmanwilltellmeaboutthingstocome,butIamalreadyinclinedtothinkthattheideas
ofholywardidnothavesuchastrongreligiousfoundationinthelandoftheUbykhs.Theseideascamefrom
Turkeyand,havinggraduallywonthesoulsoftheUbykhs,luredthemtothatsameTurkey.Itseemsabsurdtome
asIexaminetheeventsofdecadesgonebythattheUbykhscouldnotleavewithouttheirshrine,astonewithgold
andsilverplates,buttheycouldabandontheirlandsoakedmanytimeswiththeirblood.

WhenZaurkanfinishedcrumblinghistobaccoandrollingacigarettehewalkeduptomeandwatchedwith
interestasIwroterapidlyonpaper.Hewasnottheleastbitimpatient.ButtheminuteIstoppedwritinghebegan
speakingatonceasthoughhehadbeenanxiouslywaitingformetofinish.

...Ialreadytoldyou,mydearSharakh,thatofallourUbykhnoblemen,Shardyn,sonofAlou,wasthefirsttodecide
togotoTurkey.Hehadmadeuphismindlongbefore.Buthowcouldsuchamanashemovebyhimself?Sincehe
wasgoing,wehadtogotoowithhim,wewhowererelatedtohiminfosterageandourrelatives,ourneighbors
andthosepeasantssubservienttohim,andthosewhowereindebttohim,orwereobligatedtohimforsome
assistanceorprotectionhehadgiven.Andsowhenweweremourningoverthelandwewerelosing,the
noblemenbeganarguingamongthemselvesastowhowouldbeleavingwithwhom.

HajiKerantukhwantedtotakealongnotonlythefourhundredpeasantfamiliesunderhisauthority,butfifty
others,includingours.IdontthinkhereallybelievedallthosefairytalesaboutTurkey,andsohewantedtohave
asmanypeopleaspossibletoserveandguardhim.Twicehesentmessengerstome,whorepeatedhiswordsby
heart:

Whyhasmybodyguardleftme?IamusedtohimandwanthimwhereverIgotobetiedtomybelt,himandhis
family!

Iwasverystrongthen,dearSharakh,andwhenIstoodnexttoothersIwasaheadtallerthananyofthem.
Besides,severaltimesIhadprovedmycouragetoHajiKerantukhinbattle;thatswhyhesentthemessengersto
me.Iunderstoodthat,butasfarasIwasconcernedHajiKerantukhwasdeadsincethedayItoldyouabout.Idid
notwanttotravelwithhim.Andmyfatherwasagainstittoo:howcouldthefamilygowithsomeoneelse,notour
fosterbrother?

Shardyn,sonofAlou,ofcourse,foundoutwhatHajiKerantukhwasupto,andhadnointentionsofgivinghimour
family,northeotherfamiliesheconsideredunderhim.

Thosedaystheywerecanvassingpeasanthouseholdstryingtoavoidoneanotherasbitterenemiestoprevent
bloodshed.

Oneofthemwouldvisitapeasantfamilytellingtheheadofthehousehold:Youhavetogowithme.Thenthe
otherwouldcometothesamehouseanddemandthefamilygotoTurkeywithhim.Thepeasantswereso
confusedtheydidntknowwhotheyshouldfollow.

AtnoononedaywhenthefamilywasgettingreadyfordinnerHajiKerantukhrodeintoouryardonhisspirited
horse.Hewasallalone.FatherandIwentouttohelphimdismount.Hehadneverhonoreduswithavisit,somy
fatherwasevenmoresurprisedthanIwas.ButHajiKerantukhwasnotplanningongettingoffhishorse.Thehorse
wasjerky,restlesslychampingatthebitwhilewetriedtoholdontighttothestirrups.

Notsolongagomanywerereadytocrossswordsjusttohavetherighttoserveme,saidHajiKerantukhashe
satonhisfidgetyhorse.Now,asyousee,Imalone!Andyouofallpeople,Zaurkan,havenobusinessleavingme.
Didntyouswear,AslongasmymasterisaliveIamboundtohisbelt?Ifhedies,mayIdiebeforehim?!

Hereproachedmeinavoicethatwasbitterandirritated,butmyfatheractedasthoughhedidnotnoticeand
triedtopersuadehimtodismountandcomeintothehouse.

46

Youhaveneverbeeninmyhome.Paymyfamilythehonor.Thecornmealmushisready.Pleaseacceptour
humblehospitality.

Ihadalreadyletgoofthestirrups.Butmyfatherstillheldonandashefoughttocontainthehorsehiseyesspoke
tome:

Ifhegetsdownyouhurryandslaughteralamb.Cantyouseewhatanhonorableguestwehave!

IdontknowwhetherHajiKerantukhwouldhavedismountedorleftusbutwhilemyfatherwaspersuadinghim
Shardyn,sonofAlou,enteredtheyard,asusual,onhismule.Hefeltathomeandsowithoutwaitingforan
invitationhegotoffhismulehimselfandquicklywentuptoHajiKerantukhwhowasstillinhissaddle:

Youvegotnobusinessbeinginmyfosterbrothershomestead.Gobackwhereyoucamefromandleavethis
familyalone!

HajiKerantukhlookeddownathimangrily:

NomatterwhereIgoyouarerightbehindme,Shardyn,sonofAlou.Justwatchout.Youveprobablyforgotten
whoIamandwhoyouare.IhavetherighttogoanywhereIwant,andmywordislaw.

Youburnedwithyourownhandwhatmadeyourwordlaw,Shardyn,sonofAlourepliedbrazenly.

Untilnowyouwereonlycapableoffawning,saidHajiKerantukh.Butnowitseemsyouvedecidedtogetinmy
way?Well,ifyoudontwantanytroublejustrememberthatthisfamilyhasdecidedtomovewithme,anddont
youtrytostandbetweenmeandthem.

ButShardyn,sonofAlou,hadnointentionofbackingdown:

Iknowyoulostyourconsciencealongtimeago.ButyouhadbetterfearAllah!Hamirzaismyfosterbrother.And
heandhisfamilywillonlygowithme.Mothersmilkbindsboththemandme.

Icouldnottakeanymoreofit.AtthatmomentIdespisedbothofthemequally.

Evenwhencattleisledbyaropenobodykeepsitfromturningitsheadwhereitwants,Ishouted.Werenot
beasts,butpeopleafterall.Itwouldnthurttoaskuswhichwaywewanttoturnourhead?

Shutup.Howcanyouspeaksobrazenlywithsuchpeople!myfatherscoldedme.

Ifyourfamilydoesntwantto,sobeit;Iwontforcethem.Youcangowithmeyourself,shoutedHajiKerantukh
fromhishorse.

ButIdidnotevenhaveachancetoopenmymouthtoanswerhimwhenShardyn,sonofAlou,hastenedtoreply
forme:

HajiKerantukh,thisisnotthefirsttimeyoureattemptingtoseparatemotherandson!Tellme,howmanyUbykh
youthshaveyousoldtoTurkeyandatwhatprice?

Youdthinkamanwithaclearconscienceistalking,laughedHajiKerantukh.Andhowmanyyoungboyshave
yousoldtoTurkeynotours,butAdigheandAbazinboys,boughtandsold?Howmanyanswerme!

Theybothfellsilentasthoughtheycouldnotthinkofanythingworsetosayabouteachother.

Irepeat:dontstandinmyway,saidHajiKerantukhafterapause.

IneverknowwhereImgoingtomeetyou,saidShardyn,sonofAlou.Yourelikeasunflowerthatturnsitshead
whereveritseemswarmer.

47

Shutup!Youreforcingmeintoafight.

Really?Idontseeanymenherecapableoffighting,repliedShardyn,sonofAlou,ashelookedinsolentlyright
intoHajiKerantukhseyes.

Why,youdegenerate.NowIknowwhyyouwerecarefulnottoloseyourlifeinbattlewiththeenemy!You
probablywantedmetokillyou,notthem,shoutedHajiKerantukhinfury,and,havinggotoffhishorse,wentup
toShardyn,sonofAlou,withhisdaggerbared.

Theotheronedidnotbudgeandtookouthisdagger,too.ButbeforemyfatherandImanagedtokeepthemfrom
lockinghornsmymothershouted:

Dontforgetyouwerebothbornebyawoman.Shetorethescarfoffherhead,andthrewitbetweenthem
fasterthantheycouldbeginfighting.

Readytofighttilldeathjustaminutebefore,theystoodtherelookingwithhatredateachotherinsilence.Only
thecartridgepocketsontheirCircassiancoatsmovedupanddownwiththeheavingoftheirchests.

Youllregretthissomeday,Zaurkan!criedHajiKerantukhwhenIwentuptoholdthestirrupforhim.

Slippingintohissaddlehespurredhishorseandgallopedaway.Shardyn,sonofAlou,pacedtheyardforafew
minutes.

Well,areyoureadytomove?heaskedmyfatherwhenhefinallystoppedwalkingbackandforth.

Whatstheretogetready?saidFathernoddingtowardthehouse.Wecanttakeitwithus!Justassoonasyou
letusknow,wellleavewithyou.

WellbesailingonabigTurkishsteamship,theNusredBakhri.Itssobigtheysayitcantake4,000peopleatone
time.Thecaptainhasagreedtochargelessthanusual,justsixrublesaperson.Buthewantsthemoneyinadvance
whenweboard.Whatsyoursituationwithmoney?Shardyn,sonofAlou,askedmyfather.

IdontknowifIcanaffordthat,butIlltry,saidFather.

AnyothertimeIwouldhavepaidforyoumyself.ButnowIdonthaveanymoney,saidShardyn,sonofAlou,
throwinguphisarmsinresignation,andwenttohismule.

Motheraskedhimtostayfordinner,buthehadotherthingsonhismind.

HajiKerantukhislikeamaddognow,hesaidashewasgettingontohismule.Imafraidhelltrytoworkon
yourneighbors,too.Callthemtogetherthiseveninginsomeoneshouse.Illcomemyself...Hewasalreadyout
thegatewhenheturnedaroundtogivehislastinstructiontomyfather:Andhaveeveryoneavailablecollectthe
moneybyevening.

Havingshoutedthatinparting,heleft,andallofusstoodthereinthemiddleoftheyardconfounded.Wejust
couldntrecoverfromtheshock.

Mymotherswhitescarfwasstilllyingontheground.Fatherpickeditup,shookitandsaidtoher:

Mayitalwaysbeonyourgrayhead.Mayitneverbereplacedbyablackscarf.Itjustsavedtwoofourguestsfrom
killingeachother,andalthoughtheydidntspillbloodImstillfrightened.Weareleavingourlandandgoingona
journeythatwedontknowhowwillend;inthemeantimeourprotectorsarefightingoverusasthoughtheyre
dividingupcattleamongthemselves.Theypracticallystabbedeachother.Oh,Allah,coulditbethatyouvebegun
hatingus!

Fatherwalkedslowlyuptomymotherandhandedherthescarf.AndIrememberedHajiKerantukhswords:

48

Youllregretthissomeday,Zaurkan.Myheartachedwithapprehension.Thewholeeveningandthroughoutthe
nightIcouldnotdriveawaythisalarm;atsunriseIhurriedtothespringwhereFeldyshwenttogetwaterinthe
morning.Itwasfarfromourhouse,butveryclosetohers,andIknewwhattimeandwheretowaitforher.We
hadbeenmeetingeachotherinthesameplacefortwoyears.Thatdayasalwayswemetunderthebigchestnut
treebythespring.Inthepastwewouldoftenstandunderthegreententnotafraidofrainorsun.Butnowthe
treehadlostitsleaves,aridtherainwaslashingitswetbranchesandourfaces.Butwedidnotwanttoleave.
Feldyshremindedmeseveraltimesthattheywerewaitingforherathome,butIwouldtakeherhandintomine
andshewouldremain.

Whatshouldwedonow,Feldysh?Iasked.Isittruewhattheysayaboutyourprotector,HajiKerantukh?

Fathersaysitstrue.LastnightIheardhimtellingourneighborsthatHajiKerantukhgotpermissionfromthe
czarsgeneralstotakehispeasantsacrosstheseaatthegovernmentsexpense.

Whatelsehaveyouheard?

IheardthatHajiKerantukhhasdividedupallthepeasantsanddecidedwhowillsailonwhatships.Hes
forbiddeneveryonetogotoothervillagesbeforedeparture.Healsosaidtheyoungmenandwomencouldnt
marryanyonefromothervillages.

Doeshewanttostopusfromliving,too?Ishoutedinexasperation.

SeeingIwassoupsetshetenderlysqueezedmyhand.

TodaymyfatherpromisedtogotoHajiKerantukhandbeghimonhiskneestoallowourfamilytotravelwith
yours.Hedoesntwantyouandmetobeseparated.

Oh,howshewantedtocomfortme!Abitternesscameovermehearingherfatherwasreadytogetdownonhis
kneestomakesuchauselessplea.

Tellyourfathernottohumiliatehimselfinvain.HajiKerantukhwillneveragreetothatifonlytospiteourfoster
brother,Shardyn,sonofAlou.

Shewasagainsilent,totallyunnervedbythisnewblowwhenweheardhermotheranxiouslycallingherdaughter.
Feldyshstartedand,pickingupherpitcher,shewentdowntothespring.

Dontaskanyoneforanything,IsaidasIcaughtupwithher.Thedayaftertomorrow,justassoonasthesun
rises,comeheretothechestnuttree.Illtellmyfamilyandwellgetmarried.Thedayaftertomorrowyoullleave
herewithme.

Butwhatwillbecomeofmyfamily?sheaskedandbegancrying.

Iembracedherforthefirsttimeandwipedthetearsfromhercheeks.Shepulledawaytogetherpitcher,butIgot
toitfirstandfilleditupwithwater.TotheUbykhsafullpitcherisatokenofhappiness.HowcouldIhaveknown
thatwasourlasthappydaytogether!

Ipickedupthepitcherandplaceditonhershoulder.Ididnotfollowher,butwatchedasshewalkedalongthe
pathwindingupthehilllikeasnake.Herslenderwaistbentthiswayandthatandhertwolongauburnbraidsslid
toandfroacrossherback.

Whereareyou,Feldysh?calledhermotherfromabove.Imcoming,Imcoming,dontworry,Mama,she
replied.

IhadnowayofknowingthenthatwasthelasttimeIwouldhearhervoice.

49

Althoughthatsnotquitetrue.Iheardheroncemoreinmylife!Butthatwaslater,muchlater,mydearSharakh!
Wehavealongwaytogobeforethat.InordertotellyouallaboutmylonglifeImustfocusononethingatatime,
orIllgetthingsmixedup.

Thewholenextdayourfamilypacked,andthelastnightbeforeweweretoleavenoneofuscouldsleep.Wehad
packedeverythingweweretaking,andsatthewholenightsilentlybyourhearththatwaslitforthelasttime.
FatherforbadeMothertocrybecausehewasafraidtearswouldbringusbadluckbeforethelongjourneythe
sameasbeforeleavingforwar.ButMothercouldnotcontrolherself.Tohidehertearsshewrappedherfaceina
scarf,butthetearsstreameddownfromthereanywaydropbydropfallingontoherdress.Oh,Allah,how
manytearssheshedthen!Wherehadshebeenhidingthatseaoftears?Shecriedforus,andforherbrothersin
Tsebelda,whomsheknewnothingabout,andforheroldest,marrieddaughterwhosheknewwasalreadysailing
acrossthesea.

Thatshowwespentourlastnight.Inthemorningwewentoutintheyard.Mybrotheralsowalkedout,buton
crutchesmyfatherandIhadmadeforhim.Fatherforcedustoeatbreakfast,andremindedthewomenagainto
takeasmuchfoodaspossibleforthejourney.Wedidnotmilkthecows,andwedidntdrivethemouttopasture
either,butletthemstayintheyard.

Whilethefamilywasbusymakingthelastminutearrangementsforthejourney,I,asFeldyshandIhadagreed,
hurriedtothespring.Noonetriedtostopmeoraskanyquestions.Itsnotrighttodiscusssuchdelicatematters,
butthenightbeforeIhintedtoMotherandFatherthatIwouldbringFeldyshtothem,andknewtheywere
preparedforthat.

Iranthroughthewoodssoquicklythatnotevenamanonhorsebackcouldcatchupwithme.Youthisalwaysa
timeofhope,nomatterwhat,andIran,notpayingattentiontothebrancheslashingagainstmybody.Iwas
alreadypicturinghowIwouldbringheruptothehouseandcalltomysistersastheyapproachedus,Hereismy
bride!

IknewthatHajiKerantukhhadmanythingstotakecareof:itwasntsoeasygettingallfourhundredpeasant
householdsunderhiscontrolreadyforthetrip,andsoIthoughtpreciselythisday,becauseofallthecommotion,I
wouldbeabletosaveFeldysh.

Iranuptoourchestnuttree,buttherewasnobodythere.Likesomeonemortallywounded,whohasnostrength
lefttomoveandiscirclinginplace,Iagonizedunderthatchestnuttreenotknowingwheretogo.BythespringI
sawthebrokenpitcherlyingonthenewgrass.

Whyisithere,smashedtosmithereens?Maybeshedroppeditaccidentallywhenshewasliftingituponher
shoulder?Ormaybeshediditonpurposetotellmewewouldneverseeeachotheragain?Ihadafeelingsome
thingirreparablehadhappened,and,nolongerfearinghermotherorfatherwouldseeme,Iranupthehilltoher
houseandwasathergatewithinaminute.

Theyardwasempty:notacowordoginsight.Thehousewaslockedupandeverythingaroundwasquietand
deserted.Onlyablackcatontheroofsuddenlybeganmewingwhenitsawme,asthoughinquiring:Wherewere
youandwhatareyoudoingherenowthateverythingsover?

TheyhadleftbeforeIthoughttheywould.WhenIrealizedthat,IwasreadytotearHajiKerantukhapartwithmy
teethlikeabeastthemanIhadbeenwillingtodiefornotsolongago.ButwhatcouldIdonowwhentheship
Feldyshwasonwasprobablyfarouttosea!

WhenIgotbackhomeItookoutmyhorseBzou.Hewasouronlyhorsenow,becausemyfathersandbrothers
hadbeenkilledinthelastbattles.Itookthehorsedowntothestreamandwashedit,returnedhome,feditcorn
forthelasttimeandleditoutsidethegateonceagain.Seeingme,mymotherandsisterscoveredtheireyeswith
theirhandsandwept.MyBzou,whowasntawareofwhatwashappening,prancedaftermeaffectionately
nudgingmyshoulderwithhisheadfromtimetotimeasiftosay,Whydontyougeton!

WewentintoalargemeadowwhereIsometimespracticedtrickridingintheevenings,andhewassooverjoyed
hebegancirclingaroundme,tuggingatthebit.
50


MyfaithfulBzou,howmanytimesyousavedmefromdeath,andnowIllhavetokillyou,IsaidandcriedasI
pressedmyheadagainsthisneck.

ThenItookoffthebitandranhimaroundthemeadow.Wehadalreadyagreedthatneitherourhorses,norour
selvesshouldfailintothehandsoftheenemyandsoanyonewhohadraisedahorsemustshootithimself.

Icockedmypistolandputmyfingeronthetrigger.Bzoudidnotmoveawayfromme,butgrazednearby,waving
hislongandbeautifultail.

Iwouldnthavefelthalfasbadifthewolveshadtornhimtopieces,Ithoughttomyself,stillunabletoshoot.

FinallyIaimedatthehorsesear,andpressedthetrigger,butthepistoldidntfire.

Thehardestthingwastocockthepistolagain.Themortallywoundedhorsejumpedupseveraltimesasthoughhe
wantedtoleapoverdeathitself,andfelltotheground,hisheadtowardme.InthedistanceIheardseveral
shotsotherpeoplewerealsokillingtheirhorses.ThatwasprobablythefirsttimeinmylifeIfeltheartless.

ThenIburiedBzouwithmyownhands,and,havingputarockoverhisgrave,Iwenttothevillagegraveyard.Iwas
suremyfamilywasalreadythere,andIwasright.BeforeIevengotthereIcouldhearpeoplecryingandmoaning
overthegravesoftheirrelatives.WhenIgotcloserIsawthatmyfatherwasonhiskneesbeforethegraveofhis
fatherandmother.Hehadbenthisgrayheadlow,andwascryingandstrikinghischestwithhisfist.Mybrother
stoodnearbyonhiscrutches.Becauseofhiswoundhecouldntgetdownonhisknees.Mymotherandsisters
werestandingadistanceawayfromthemoverasmallgravewheremyeldestbrotherhadbeenburiedasachild.
Theystoodwiththeirhairdown,criedandpickedtheweedsthathadgrownsincethebeginningofspringaround
thegravesite.Myfamilyhadrarelyseenmeintears,evenwhenIwasachild,butthatdayIstoodnexttothem
andcriedforthesecondtimethatmorning.

Aftercryingoverthegraveofherson,mymotherwentuptomyfatherandlamentedthroughhertears:

Sleepinpeace,GrandfatherandGrandmother,yourgrandsonisnearbyandwillkeepyoucompany.We
unfortunateonesareleavinganddontevenknowwhere.

EveryoneinthelandoftheUbykhscriedthatdayasthoughsomeonehaddiedatthesametimeineveryhome.

DearSharakh,haveyoueverseenoldpeopleandchildrencryingtogether?Ifyouhaventheardthat,Ihopeto
Godyouneverdo.Thereisnothingworsethanthatinthisworld.Icantimaginehowourmountainscouldstand
it,howtheymanagednottofallapartlisteningtoit!Itsawonderallourstreamsandriversdidntturnsaltyfrom
thetearsshedthatday!

Havingcriedourheartsout,weleftpitchersofwineandsomefoodatthegravesforthedead,andfeeling
somewhatbetterafterthateachofuswentbacktohishome.

Itwascoldinthehouse.Thefireinthehearthhadalreadyburnedout.Fathertookthekettlewithcoldcornmeal
mushoutintotheyardandcalledourdogs.Heemptiedthecontentsonthegroundbehindthehousesothedogs
wouldeatandnotfollowus.Thenhecameback.Weallstoodimmobileknowingthatnowwewouldleave,
probablynevertoreturn.Howpitifulapersonbecomeswhenhedoesntknowwhatawaitshim!

Itstime,saidFather.Iseetheneighborsarealreadyleaving.

Hetookoffhishatand,standinginthemiddleofourhouse,helookedattheceilingasthoughhewerelooking
throughitintothesky.

Oh,Allah,giveuspoorpeopleyourblessings!

ThenFatherwentuptothehearth.

51

Youwarmedallofmyancestors,myfatherandmymother;youwarmedmeandmychildren.Forgivemefor
puttingyouout.

Havingsaidthat,Fatherpulledthechain,blackwithsoot,uptohislipsandkissedit.Thenhetookouthisdagger,
duguptheearthnearthehearthandputahandfulofitinthelinensackhangingfromhisbelt.

WhenIdie,sprinklethisearthonmychest,hesaidtomeandmybrother.Andnowitstimetogo!

Myfatherwasthelastonetoleavethehouse.Whenheclosedthedoor,itcreakedloudlyasthoughcomplaining:
Whatareyoudoing?

Itsabadomenthatthedoorcreakedbeforewestartedonourjourney,saidFathersadlyandbeganpraying
onceagain.

Oh,Allah,maythedoorsofthehousesinthelandwhereweregoingnotbeclosedtous.Maywenotbeleft
homeless!

Thefartherawayfromthehousewegot,themorepeoplewalkedandrodenearus.Ourneighborswerecarrying
theirsickmotheronacart;shehadbeenbedriddenforfiveyears.

Whyareyoutakingmewithyou?shemoanedthroughhertears.Burymehereandgo.

Thepeoplekeptcomingandcoming.Lookingbackyoucouldnotseetheendofthelineofpeoplewalkingdown
castandquietdowntheroad.

Inafewhours,whenwecametoacrossroads,Iheardloudvoices:acrowdofpeoplewasblockingtheway.My
selfandafewotheryouthsranahead,passingtheoldmenandwomen,andsawthatAhmed,sonofBarakai,was
standingrightthereontheroadholdinghissaberinfrontofthecrowd.Hissnowwhitehorsewastiedtoatreeby
theroadside.

Youcankillme,butwhileImaliveIwontletyoupassby!heshoutedashewavedhissaber.Gobacktoyour
abandonedhomesbeforeitstoolate;lightyourfireplacesthatarestillglowing!

Stepaside,Ahmed,sonofBarakai!Theshipsarewaitingforus.

Sotheyare.Butwhenyourealizeyouvebeendeceived,theywonttakeyoubackhome.IhavebeentoTurkey
morethanonceandknowwhatawaitsyoutherehunger,slaveryanddeath.Thesultanwilltakeawayyoursons,
givethemgunsandsendthemofftofight,andtheywillnevercomebacktoyouagain.Thatswhyhescallingyou
there,thatstheonlyreason!

Ahmed,sonofBarakai,wasshouting.Butalthoughhehaddelayedthecrowdforseveralminutesalready,noone
wouldlistentohim.

Whatareyoudoing?someoneaskedhim.Doyouwanttheinfidelstofindusherearidforceustochristenour
children?WeareMuslimsandweresailingtoaMuslimcountry!

Youregoingintoanabyss,anabyss!Ahmed,sonofBarakai,yelledhysterically.

Doesntthismadmanhaveanyfamilytocalmhimdown?

HisbrotherNouryzissailingacrossthesea.

Dontcomenearme!criedAhmed,sonofBarakai,ashecontinuedbrandishinghissaberinfrontofthestunned
crowd.Anyway,untilyoukillmeIwontletyoupass!Thosewhohavegone,havegone,butatleastyoucan
return;gobackandsaveyourkin!

Oh,Ahmed,sonofBarakai!Ifyouwisheduswellcouldyouabandonyourpeople?Wouldntyougowiththem!
52


WhyisnttherearealmanamongyouwhocouldkillmebeforeIseehowallmypeopledie!shoutedAhmed,
sonofBarakai,notbackingdownonebit.

Butthecrowdpressedwomenandchildrentowardhim,andhecouldnothurtthem.Soheretreated,and,moving
himfartherandfartheraside,thecrowdslowlymovedpasthim.Andnoone,notonepersonwhowalkedbyeven
turnedaroundtoseewhathappenedtohim.

Thecloserwegottotheseathemorepeoplejoinedus.NotfaraheadwalkedtheblindSakuthelpedalongbytwo
ofhisgrandsons.AsfarbackasIcanrememberheplayedhisapkhiartsa*atallcelebrations.AtfirstIdidntnotice
him,butnow,whenwewerealreadynearthesea,hetooktheapkhiartsaoffhisbelt,tunedit,testedthestrings,
andbeganplaying,thensinging.Heshuffledhisfeetwithdifficulty,buthisvoicewasclearandstrong,soitwas
hardtobelieveitbelongedtoanoldman.

Oh,whatabitterfate,
Whatabitterfate!
Whatalargesea

hesang.

Andwhatasmallhandful
Ofnativeland!
Thepoorlandwillbeempty,
Andthecuckoowillfreezeonthebranch.
Itllhavenoonetotellthefutureto.
Didyoubidfarewelltothedead?
Didyoutellthemwewontreturn?
Youshouldhavetoldthem.
Youmustntdeceivethedead!

MoreandmorepeopleaheadofandbehindSakutheardhisvoiceandthesoundsofhisapkhiartsa.Hewenton
singing:

Letslookbackatourmountains,
Theydontknowwhereweregoing.
Letslookbackandleavethemoursong
Towanderlikeanecho
Fromonemountaintoanother.
Ifachildleavesitsmother
Themotheristoblame.
Butisshereallytoblame?
Isshereallytoblame?
Whyareyouleaving,children?
WhathaveIdonetoyou,children?
Ourlandiscrying,
Ourlandisasking.
Forgiveusunfortunateones,
Forgiveus!
Wehavenopowertostay.
Wecanleaveyou
Onethingonly:oursouls.
Weareleavingforever.
Foreveroursoulsshallremain.

53

Oh,Allah!Howmanyyears,howmanylongyearshavepassedsincethen,butthissongofsufferingisstillringing
inmyears.Ihaveseenmanytimeshowashootspringsforthfromaseedfallentotheground.Ihaveseenmany
timeshowlifeisborn,butonlyoncehaveIheardhowasongisborn.Itwasbornthatterribledayonthewayto
theseaandwekeptitforever.

Whenourshoulderscouldnolongerbearsufferingwewouldgatherinacircle,oneofuswhoknewthewords
bestwouldbeginandwewouldjoininsinging.Wewouldsingituntilwehadnomorestrengthleft,and,believe
me,mydearSharakh,thefatiguemadeusfeelbetter.

Whenwearrivedattheshoreitwassocrowdedwithpeopleandlivestocktherewashardlyanyroomtostandup.
Shardyn,sonofAlou,hadwarneduswhatwecouldandcouldnottakewithus.Butmanyothershadhopedthey
wouldbeabletotaketheirlivestockwiththemsotheybroughttheiranimalstotheshore.

Steamshipsandsailingvesselswerebackedofffromthecoastline;boatspulledbackandforthcarryingpeopleto
theWaitingships.

Ourfosterbrother,Shardyn,sonofAlou,hadalreadybroughthisfamilyandeverythinghewastakingwithhim
ontooneofthesailingvessels.Hehadpromiseduswewouldsailonalargesteamship.Hehadcomebacktoshore
tomakesurenooneatthelastminutestoleoneofhissubjectsandwaitedforusashecountedhisdevotional
beads.HewasnolongerwearingaCaucasianAstrakhanhat,butaTurkishfez.AndalthoughIcouldnotsayitout
loud,Iwasthinkingtomyselfthatifwehadahardtimerecognizinghimalready,thenhowwouldwerecognize
himlaterinTurkey.

Iseverybodyhere,Hamirza?heaskedmyfather.

Myfatheransweredintheaffirmative:

Thengetstartedloadingeveryoneintotheboats.Onlydonttakeanylivestockwithyou,nothingbutpeople,he
remindedusofhisearlierwarning.

Therewasnothingtowaitforanymore,sowegotstarted.Oneboatafteranothersetofffromshorefullofpeople
andreturnedemptyandagainwentawayfull.TheTurksshoutedatustohurry.But,dearSharakh,asthe
Abkhasianssayyougoalongwiththepersonwhoseboatyourein!Andsowequietlyputupwithnotonly
swearing,butkicksaswell.

Bythetimethesunhadgonedowntherewasnooneleftontheshorebutthelivestockbellowingwithhunger.A
fewyoungmenandIstayedonshoreuntilallourneighborshadboarded.Wekissedtherocksonshoreand
jumpedintoaboat.

WhydidntIdiethen?WhydidntmyheartbreakwhenIstoodwithonefootonshoreandtheotherontheback
oftheboat?HowfortunateIwouldhavebeen,howmuchsufferingIwouldhavebeenspared!

Ourboat,thelastone,wasmovingfartherandfartherouttoseawhensuddenly,lookingback,I,andthentherest
ofthemenIwaswith,sawamanrideuptotheshoreonasnowwhitehorse.WesawrightawayitwasAhmed,
sonofBarakai.Hejumpedoffhishorse,looseneditsbridleandletitfree.Thenhestoodontheedgeofacliffover
thewater.Hewavedhishandsandyelledsomethingtous,butthewindkeptusfromhearingwhathesaid.

Letsgobackandgethim,Isaidtotheothers.Wecantleavehimhereallalone.

Theothersweresilent,notquitesurewhattodo,butAhmed,sonofBarakai,solvedtheproblemforus.Weheard
apistolshotandIeventhoughtIsawasmallbluishpuffofsmoke.Afterthegunfired,Ahmed,sonofBarakai,still
stoodattheedgeofthecliff.Thenhebeganswayingandfellintothesea.Hishorse,frightenedbytheshot,ran
alongtheemptyshore.

Wewerealldumfounded.Whenhehadtriedtostopusontheroadnoonewantedtolistentohim.Butnowhis
deathfilledourheartswithtrepidation.

54

Amanwhocoulddowhathehadprobablyknewsometruththatwedontknow!wethoughttoourselvesaswe
satintheboatwhenitwasalreadytoolatetomatter.ThelandoftheUbykhswasempty,andthebodyofpoorAh
med,sonofBarakai,wastossedbythewavesbackandforthbetweenthecoastalrocksasthoughtheseaandthe
shorewerefightingoverhim.

Oursailingvessel,filledtothelimitwithpeople,turnedaround,keelingoverandheadedouttosea.Thefarther
wegotfromtheshorethemoreclearlywecouldseetheoutlineofourmountainsonthehorizon.Iwasusedto
them.Ihadgrownupintheirbreast.IcanstillremembereachpeakasIsawthemthoselastfewminutes.

Weweresofaroutbynowthatthemountainswereobscuredbytheblueeveningtwilight.Justalittlefartherand
theydisappearedfromsight.

TheblindSakutonceagainplayedhisapkhiartsa.Buthedidnotsing.Sometimesthesoundswereclear,
sometimesnotsoclear,drownedinthenoiseofthewaves,thecreakingofthemasts.ButIcouldtellrightaway
whentheapkhiartsabecamequietaltogether.Therewassilenceandforsomereasonmyheartfroze.Iwentover
totheoldman.HesatonthedeckinhisthreadbareCircassiancoat.Underneathhespreadouthiscloak.His
grandsons,whohadwalkedwithhimthewholeday,weresleeping,oneoneithersideofhimandwiththeirheads
restingonhislap.Probablyhesgonetosleeptoo,Ithought,butwhenIgotupcloserIsawhewasawake.Tears,
dropbydrop,streameddownhischeeksandhisgraybeardandfellontheapkhiartsa,whichheheldclosetohis
chestasthoughitwerethelasthandfulofnativeearth.

Oh,Allah!Ithought.Coulditbethatwiththoseblindeyesofhishecanseethroughthefogoftheseathelast
hazyoutlinesofthenativelandwewillneverreturnto?

BOOKTWO

WHEREISTHATPARADISE!

Icouldntsleepthatnight.EarlythenextmorningIgotoutmypencilandnotebookandsatintheyardwaitingfor
theoldman.Whatwouldhetellmetoday?

Theskyhadbeenovercastsinceearlymorning;thebareplainsweresilentasthoughtheywereasanxiousasIwas
tohearthevoiceofthelastUbykh,toknowwhathappenedtohiminthatforeignlandwherehehadnotyet
arrivedyesterdayinhisdistressingstory.

IcouldnthaveimaginedwhenIfirstcameherethatsomewhereinanoutpostofTurkeyIwouldmeettheonly
Ubykhmanwhocouldstillspeakhisnativetongue.

ItwasfortunateformethathismotherwasAbkhasiansomynativeAbkhasianlanguagecouldbethethreadthat
broughtustogetheryesterdayandwouldcontinuetouniteustoday.IfhehadntknownAbkhasian,orhad
forgottenit,whatwouldIhavedone?WithmypoorknowledgeofUbykhwewouldhavehadnochoicebutto
speakTurkish.Andthatwouldhavebeenonemorebittertwistoffate.

Oh,mahajirstvo,*thetragedyoftheUbykhs.Iveknownthatwordsincechildhood,althoughIcouldntfully
appreciateitssignificancethen.BecauseofthatcursedwordAbkhasiawasdevastatedthreedifferenttimes.

Whenoureldersgettogethertotalkaboutsomelongagoevent,oneofthemwillinevitablysayithappened
duringthefirstmahajirstvo,butanotherwillinsistitwasactuallyduringthesecond.Whenaskedwhenhewas
bornmyfatherLumanwouldinvariablyreply:theyearafterthethirdmahajirstvo.

Consequently,thewordwasdeeplyetchedinourconsciousness.Whensomeonewouldsayourpeoplewere
victimsofmahajirstvowhenIwasachildmyimaginationconjuredupsomelargemuddybodyofwatercarrying
theAbkhasiansawaysomewhere.

55

ThismurkywaterswalloweduptensofthousandsofAbkhasians,butintheendourethnicgroupsurvived,unlike
theUbykhs,thankstotheAbkhasianswhoremainedintheirhomelandandkepttheirfiresburning,emitting
warmthtoallAbkhasianstothisday.However,itdidntnecessarilyhavetobethatway.AlltheAbkhasianscould
have,whethervoluntarilyoragainsttheirwill,followedthedoomedpathoftheUbykhs.

Whothenwouldhavebeenlefttotracethebloodytrackstothisland,tostudytheUbykhorAbkhasianlanguages?
Icouldnthave;Iwouldnthaveevenbeenborn!

AllthatIhavetodaymyeducation,myprofession,myhomeland,myteachersandmystudentswouldhave
beenimpossible.Itsassimpleasthat.

WhatIhadheardfromthisloneelder,fromthislastlivingmanamongthedead,mademewonderifthedoomed
fateoftheUbykhshadbeenpreordained,iftheUbykhscouldnthavechosenanotherway.ButIwasalsotheson
ofapeoplewhohadsufferedmuch,apeoplewithasimilarhistory,butadifferentdestiny.IhadcometoTurkey
fromacountrywhosepastsaid:Yes!Whathappenedtothemcouldhavehappenedtous.Itcouldhave,butit
didnt.Andsinceitdidnt,thelogicthatinsiststheUbykhsweredestinedtodisappearissomewhatmuddledasfar
asImconcerned.

OnceagainIgoovereverythingIknowaboutourownhistorythatissimilartothatoftheUbykhs,andIjustcant
agree.Idontwanttoagreethattheirfuturecouldnthavebeendifferent!ThefactthatI,anAbkhasian,amsitting
heretodayislivingproof.

Whatareyouthinkingabout?

IturnedaroundandsawZaurkan.

Ijumpedup,saidhelloandansweredhiswellmeantandleisurelyinquiries:howdidIsleep,wasthebedcomfort
able,wasIhungry?

Thenheslowlysatdownonhishomemadebenchandleanedbackagainstthetreetrunk.Hiseyesgotthatfar
awaylookandwithoutwastinganotherwordonme,oronanythingaroundus,hesankbackintothelastcentury
wherehisthoughtscontinuedtodwell.

Thewavesweresopowerfulastheypushedusonourway;theyseemedtoberushingtheTurkishshiptakingus
awayfromourhomeland.Imustadmit,Sharakh,thatourheartswerefillednotonlywithalarm,butwithhopeas
well.Finally,thevoyagewasoverandallthosewhohadchosentoemigrate,youngandold,menandwomen,
steppedontheshoreofalandweknewnothingabout.But,youknow,noonewastheretomeetusasthoughwe
hadcomeunexpectedly,asthoughwehadnotreceivedthesultansgenerousinvitation.TheUbykhssatdownin
groupsallalongthebeach.Welookedlikeflocksofbirdsthathadlosttheirwayinastormand,finallyexhausted,
landedinanunknownplace.AmongtheservantsofShardyn,sonofAlouwasourfamily.Wehadcomeonthe
NusredBakhri,alargesteamshipforthosedays.Whenwedisembarkedwefoundaplacenotfarfromthebayin
theoutskirtsofSamsunandtriedtosticktogetherlikehorsesthatsensedanger.Ourbaggagewaslight,justthe
barenecessities,asthoughwehadfledafire,andhadgrabbedonlywhatwemanagedtotakeawayaswe
escapedtheflames.

OhLord,howmiserableanddoomedapersonfeelswhenforcedtoliveanddieinaforeignland!

Thefirstmonthofspringwasjustbeginning.Thecountrywehadenteredandwouldliveinseemedtobebarren
andunfriendly.Ievenhadahardtimebreathingasthoughtherewasntenoughair.Perhapsbecauseofmyheavy
heartIkeptonwantingtotakedeeperanddeeperbreathsofair.Justassoonasthesunhidbehindafleeting
clouditwaschilly,butwhenthesunreappearedthecoldinstantlyturnedtoswelteringheat.AndeverytimeI
lookedupthesunseemedtobeayellowishwhite,asifithadfaded.

Oh,mydearSharakh,webegantheroadtoextinctionthatveryhourwetookthefataldecisionthatledustothe
shipswhosemastswereadornedwithgreencrescentmoons.Maytheybecursed,thoseships!

IalreadytoldyouthatwesailedontheNusredBakhri.
56


Therewerealsoafewotherthreestackships.Somanyyearshavepassed,butIstillremembertheirnames.They
wereassistedbysomesailboats.Theshipscaptainswerepaidthesameforthepassengersasforcattle,bythe
head.Theresasayingthatascroogecansqueezewaterfromarock.Theshipswerestuffedtothelimitwithlive
cargo.Ourcaptainsaidwithregret:Idtakeonmore,butImafraidwedsink.

Wesailedalongtime.Weranoutofwaterandfoodsoon.Thentherewasastorm.Thepeoplegotseasick.Even
themostcourageousamonguswerefrightened.Thepeopleprayed,cursed,andprayedagain.Thecrewwasno
helpatall.Theirattitudewas,ifyoudonthavethestrengthtoendurethesufferingthendie.Funeralswereno
troubleyoudidntevenhavetodiggraves.

Windsdidntblowthewayshipswantedthemto.Duringthestormoneofthesailboatswascarriedbythewind
fartothewesttowardVarna.Becauseofthecontinuouspitching,lackofwaterandanaccumulationof
excrement,typhoidfeverbrokeout.Peoplediedlikeflies.WhenthesailingvesselreachedSamsuntherewere
onlyahandfulofpeoplestillalive.Theywerentallowedtocomeashoresothefeverwouldntspreadtothecity.
Thesailingvesselsetanchoratseaandtheunfortunateemigrescalledforhelptothepeopletheysawonshore
wearingCircassiancoats.Butwhatcouldwedo?Wecouldonlyrowuptotheshipandsendupjugsofwateron
ropes.Theshoreguardssworeatusandthreatenedtoopenfireifwedidntstoptryingtohelp.

Peoplearepeople,nomatterwhat,Sharakh.ThesmallSadzcommunitysetoffafterusonawhitesailingvessel.
Thestormtossedtheshiptoandfrolikeanutshell.Theangrywaveswouldntletitgetneartheport.Thepeople,
crazedfromthirst,begandrinkingseawater.Thefirsttodiewerethechildren.Theydiedlikemothsonarainy
night.Thesailorsthrewthebodiesoftheinfantsoverboard.Oneofthewomenwasawidow.Shewasallalonein
theworldexceptforherinfantson.Thebabyofthatpoorwomanfellillandsoondied,buthismotherkeptsinging
lullabiestohimandheldhimtoherbosom.Whensailorswouldcomenearshewouldsing:Gotosleep,mybaby,
gotosleep.Whenthesailorswentawayhersongwouldturnintoaheartrendinglament.Thepeopleknewthat
thebabywasdead,buttheykeptquiet.Thethirddaythesailorscouldsmellthecorpsesotheywrenchedthe
deadchildoutofitsmothersarmsandthrewitintothesea.Thewomanwasbesideherselfwithgriefandjumped
overboardafterherson.Noonecouldstopher.

Peoplearelivingcreatures,notmindlesscuckoos.Allthosewhohadbeenspareddeathatseasawwhentheygot
toshore,totheirsorrow,thatthiswasaGodforsakenland.Therewashardlyanyvegetationhereandtheearth
lookedlikethewrinkledfaceofaeunuch;itwasnothingliketheevergreencoastwehadleft.

Itstrue,Sharakh,thatwecanappreciatewhatwehavefullyonlywhenweloseit.Howcouldwehelpthinking
abouthome,aboutthevirginforeststhatfilledupthehollowcanyonswheretheleavesoftheplanetrees
glistenedinthesunasthecoatofamarten,andicecoldspringsmurmuredenticinglyunderneathhugetrees.Our
landofferseverythingyoucouldwanttoeatordrink.Ifastrangerwasnttakenintoanyhome,whichwasunheard
ofanyway,hecouldeasilyescapehungerandcold,whetheritwaswinterorsummer.Natureitselfwouldtake
careofhim.Hecouldeathisfillinanymeadowjuicywildstrawberriesamidstallkindsofherbs,andabitlaterin
summeralltheraspberriesandblackberrieshewouldwant.Andinearlyautumnallhedhavetodoisgoalittle
deeperintotheforesttofindnaturesgiftsgaloreyellowbunchesofripegrapes,thewinelikeberriesofwildfig
trees,walnuts,chestnutsintheirpolishedshells,deepredcorneliancherries,andinthehollowsoftrees,combs
fullofwildhoneygivingenergytoanyonewhowantsitfortheasking.Andifamanhasagunorcansettraps
theresnobetterhuntinggroundsonearth:mountaingoatsandroe,wildboarsandaurochshuntingtrophiesfit
foraking.Andtheressomuchwildfowl,allkindsandbestyoucouldfind.Butifhedoesntlikemeat,sowhat!He
canmakeafireonariverbankandfishtohisheartscontent.Hecanevencatchgoldentroutwithhisbarehands.
Theresnoothersuchparadiseonearth.Butifamanfleesfromparadisehecanonlyendupinhell.Werealized
thatonlywhenwegottoTurkey.Weunderstood,butitwasalreadytoolate:thedoorsofhellshuttightbehind
onewhoenters.

Godcreatedustobeequal,buthegaveusdifferentpurses.OurlordShardyn,sonofAlou,hadnotrouble
resuminghisacquaintancewithalocalmerchantwhotookhimintohiscomfortablehomeinSamsun.Butwe
ordinarymortalshadnowheretogo.Wherecouldwefindshelter?Whenyoureintroubleyouhavetobe
resourceful.Wesawsomestonestructuresnotfaraway;aroundtenofthem.Theywereusedtostorethe
cornmealTurkishmerchantshadbroughtfromtheCaucasus.Allofthembutonewereempty.Thecobwebswere
sothickapersoncouldhavesleptonthem;theydtaketheweight.Somebutterfliesthatlookedlikelocusts
57

crawledonthewallsinthedarkandflewincirclesundertheceilings.Withoutwaitingforpermissionweoccupied
thosedrearyhovelswithstaleairandconsideredourselveslucky,becausewehadatleastsomeprotectionfrom
rainandwind.Ourlordandbenefactor,Shardyn,sonofAlou,wassurprisedtofindusinsuchadesperatestate.

Apparentlytheresbeensomemistake,heconsoledus.Illgettothebottomofthisandtrytostraightenthings
out.Inthemeantimecheerupandbepatient.

Leavinguswithrenewedhope,hegotreadytogotoIstanbul.Ofcourse,onedoesntleaveoneswealthwithout
supervision.Beforehestartedonhisjourneyhesathiswifeinfrontofhimandgaveherstrictorders:

Keepaclosewatchonmyonlysister.InthisMuslimcountryawomanisaprimecommodity.Anyonewhogets
mysister,eitherbydeceptionorkidnapping,canexpectahandsomepriceforher.IfanythinghappenstoShanda
youreresponsible!

Shardyn,sonofAlou,hadgoodreasonforapprehension:anybrotherwouldbeworriedsickbeinginchargeof
suchabeautyashistwentyyearoldsisterShanda.EveninthelandoftheUbykhsherreputationasararebeauty
wasknownalloverthemountains.ManydaredevilsfromAbkhasia,Adighe,andKabarda,knownforeithertheir
valor,nobility,orwealth,orallthree,sentmatchmakerstoher.Althoughshefoundsomeofhersuitorsappealing
shecouldnotdisobeyherbrother,whosenteachofthehonorablematchmakersawaywithpolitewordsof
refusal.Shardyn,sonofAlou,wastooproudandconceited.Evenwhenitcametohissistersfuturehecouldnt
forgethisowninterests.Hewasholdingoutforsomealmightybrotherinlawwhosegoldenglorywouldshedstill
morelusteronthenameofShardyn,sonofAlou.

ItsonlyfairtosaythattheglamorousShandaalsoknewherworth.Spoiledinchildhood,shelikedshowingoff
amongtheUbykhnobilityinherfancyclothes.Butwhenmenwouldplayuptohershewasmuchtootrusting.
ThatwaswhatparticularlyworriedhersisterinlawwhenshefoundShandainhercare.

DontforgetthatnameShanda,mydearSharakh.SoonIlltellyouhowcapriciousfatedeceivedher.Fortuneand
misfortunewalktogether.Shanda,captivatingShanda!Whocouldeverimagineshewouldbethecauseofher
ownbrothersdeathandmakeourhopelesslotevenworse.

Whereverthereislifethereisfaithinthefuture.Shardyn,sonofAlou,wenttoIstanbulwhilewewaitedand
hoped.Aweekpassed,thenanother,butheremainedabsent.

Hungercanmakeyouchewarock.AllthefoodtheUbykhshadtakenwiththemfromhomehaddisappearedthe
firstfewdaysasifsweptawaybythewaves.Whilewestillhadsomemoneyweboughtbreadintheneighborhood
bakeries.Whenourpocketswereempty,webegansellingthefewfamilytreasureswehad.Wesoldeverythingfor
asong,becausehungrymendontbargain.Whenshopownersandtavernkeeperssawhowmanypeoplewere
starving,theycloseddowntheirplacesinfright.Theyknewthathungercouldevendriveawolfoutoftheforest.

Firstthesultansgovernmentplayedonourgullibility,raisingupourhopes;thenitbecameconfused,perplexed,
notknowingwhatelsetodo.Seeingthatwewerearmed,thegovernmentrefusedtokeepitspromisetoletus
settlewherewewanted.Fearingus,thegovernmentdecidedtoscatterustodifferentpartsofthecountry.Itsnot
hardtoguessthatthoseplaceswereremoteandunpopulatedandhadunfertilelandplaguedbydroughts.We
soonforgotabouttheheavenlylandsandriversofmilk,wedbeengivennothingbutfairwords.Wegotnoneof
thecattle,northeassistancewehadbeenpromised.Wewereangryanddemanded:

Makegoodyourpromises!YousaidtheUbykhswouldnthavetopaylandtaxesforfiveyears,butnowyoure
makinguspay!YousworeontheKoranthatyouwouldnttakeoursonsintothearmy,butnowyouremaking
themserve!Howcanyoudothat?

Butwhocouldbemadetoanswerforitall?Allwegotwascunningsmilesandtheinsolentreply:

Wheresthepaperwiththesultanssignaturethatsaysso?Oh,hegavehisword?Oneswordistaxfree.Itsnot
anorder!

Onethingwasforsure:theywereafraidofus.Andtheyhadgoodreason.Thedesperatearecapableofanything.
58


Maybethatswhytheyleftusaloneatfirstthinkingwemighteventuallycalmdown.Theyhopedwedloseourwill
andbecomecompliant.Hungeranddeprivationwilltakethemdownapegortwo,theythought.

Oneofthestonestructures,asyouremember,wasfilledwithcornmeal.Hungergavethecommand.Ipitythe
personwhowouldhavetriedtostopus.Aftertearingtheboltsoffthedoors,weemptiedoutthestoreroom.We
eachtookasmuchaswecould.Therewasnomillnearby,sowehadtogrindthecornmealourselves.Somedidit
withstones,butothershadaneven,simplersolution:theyboiledit.Hungeristhebestcookyouknow.

Thecorndidntlastlongandwhenitwasfinishedwewenthuntingforfoodintheneighboringvillages.Imustsay
theTurkishpeasantssharedwhattheycouldwithus.Theywouldhandoversomewornclothingtoaperson
standingbeforetheminragsandshiveringwithcold.Theyalsogaveoutbread,butnotasalms;theyactually
sharedtheirbreadwithus.

Butjusthowmanymouthscanbefedthatway?Ahungrycrowdofpeopleislikeanoverflowingriver;theresno
waytocontrolit.Beforeweknewitwebecamethieves.Wewereintatters,butwekeptourweaponsinsilver
sheaths.Ledbyhunger,theyoungwentaroundinbandsstealingcattleandsharingthefreshmeatwiththeir
fellowtribesmen.Theyraidedtowns,robbeddrygoodsandshoestores.Thetruthwillout,Sharakh:bloodwas
spilledonbothsides.Webecameknownasruffians.TheUbykhswereusedtofrightenchildrenintogood
behavior.CaucasianshauntedthestreetsofSamsunlikebums.Theireyeswereglassyfromhungerandhada
streakofmadness.TheirshoulderbladesandcollarbonesprotrudedfromtheirtatteredCircassiancoatsanddirty
toesstuckoutoftornshoes.Theywalkedintocafesandcoffeeshopswitharovinglookasmenpossessed,striking
fearintotheownersandcustomers.Thesickandtheold,theweakandthehelplesslayintheshadeoftreeson
dustyandtorncapes;theirfacesthin,cheekssunkandwithonlyenoughstrengthtoshoopesteringflies.

IhadlostFeldyshlikeonemigratingbirdlosesanother.Maybeshediedatsea,ontheship,whenshewascoming
here?Or...Terriblethoughtsplaguedmyinflamedmind.Iknewherparentswereelderlyandwereunabletohelp
heroutofanytrouble.Withherauburnhair,thatsheworeinbraidsreachingdowntoherfeet,withherslender
figureandeyeslikealmonds,shewastooseductivetogounnoticedontheshoresofTurkey.

MostofthewomenintheharemsoftheTurkishlordsandwealthymerchantswerefromotherlands.Feldyshwas
anUbykhandwordaboutthecharmandmeritsofUbykhwomenreachedTurkeylongbeforeourpeople
emigratedthere.Ontheotherhand,maybeFeldyshwasinragsanddyingofhungersomewherenearby,andsatan
wastakingpleasureinkeepingmefromseeingher.

Feldysh,mylove,doyouhearme?Saysomething!Iwouldcryoutinmymind.WhocouldIask,whowould
knowwhathappenedtoher?Ithoughttomyselflikeamanobsessed.

Theverydaywearrivedhere...ohno,theveryhour,allIcouldthinkaboutwaswhereIcouldfindtheleaderof
theUbykhs,HajiBerzekKerantukh?Well,Iwasnttheleastbitinterestedinwhathadbecomeofhimpersonally,
butwantedtoknowwhathadhappenedtoFeldysh.Sheandherparentsweresupposedtobeamonghispeople.
RumorhaditthattheshipthathadbroughtKerantukhandhissubjectsherehadstayedforawhileintheSamsun
harbor,butthenitweighedanchorandsetoffforIstanbul.

IwouldoftengototheshoreasifIcouldlearnaboutFeldyshfromthewavesorthechatteringseagulls.Ifonly
theycouldgivemeahint,Ithought.Onedayafeluccamadeport,Iheardsomeoneshoutingonboardandsaw
fourTurkishsailorskickingoffatiedupmaninaCircassiancoat.Adlia,*hecussed,andaddedadirtyswear
word.

Thefeluccacastoff.Iwentuptothemanandhelpedhimtohisfeet.YoucanimaginemysurprisewhenIsawhe
wasoneofHajiKerantukhsfosterbrothersSaidDashan.

Whathappened?Whydidtheytieyouupandthrowyouoff?Iasked.

Whathappened?heechoedandstillfuriousheadded:Whathappenediswhathashappenedtousall,the
worstpossible,Zaurkan.

59

Hehadoncebeenastrongmanwhocould,likeagiant,breakathickropewithonepull,orforceabullbythe
hornstotheground.NowhewasjustashadowoftheformerSaidDushanandcouldbarelystandupright.

Mymouthisalldry,hesaidashelickedhisparchedlipswithhistongue.Ifyoureamangetmeatleastasipof
water.

Justaminute,Said,justaminute,IassuredhimasIusedmydaggertocuttheropetyinghishands.

Wewalkedalongtheshore.Hehadtoleanonmyshoulder,hewassoweak.Thesunwasgoingdown.Thesea
reflecteditslastbeams.Twilighthadfallen.Wewerenowquiteadistanceawayfromthecity.Saidwasleaning
stillmoreheavilyonmyshoulder.Irealizedhewasdeadtiredandcouldbarelymovehislegs.Ilaidhimdownnear
somethinbushes,promisedtocomebacksoon,andsetofftolookforwater.

Imanagedwithdifficultytogetapieceofbreadandabottleofwater.Saiddrankgreedily.Hisadamsapple
bobbedupanddownashedrankandIcouldhearthewatertrickledownhisdrythroat.Havingquenchedhis
thirstabitandcatchinghisbreath,HajiKerantukhsfosterbrotherlookedupatmewitheyesfullofsorrow,tears
glimmering:

Itsalloverforus,Zaurkan!..ForalltheUbykhs...Itwassuicidaltocomehere!..hewhisperedasifcondemning
himselfandtherestofusforthatfatefulmistake.

WhathesaidmademyheartcontractwithdespairandnotjustbecausethesinisterrealityconfirmedSaids
prediction,butbecausethemanwhowastalkinghadoncebeenstrongwilledandneverlosthopeunderany
circumstances.

Inthedistancewheretheseametwiththeskyacrimsonbeamwasfading.ForaninstantIthoughtIsawFeldysh.
Butthenherimagevanishedintonothingness.IcametomysensesandrealizedIhadathinthreadofhopeinmy
hand:

Said,whereisyourfosterbrotherHajiBerzekKerantukh?

ThehospitablerulersofthisfriendlycountrygavehimlandonRhodes,heansweredwithbitterirony.Allofhis
subjects,exceptformyfamily,arewithhim.

Mytemplesthrobbed,thenewssetmyheartatease,and,carefully,notwantingtopressmyluck,Iaskedhim:

Tellme,mydearSaid,wasthepeasantAbijVardanwithKerantukhspeople?

Isheafriendofyours?

Yes,Isaidrelieved.

Saidlookedatmeclosely,andspokeslowlyasthoughbandagingmywound:

WhenIleft,Abijandhisfamilywerealiveandwell.Hehasabeautifuldaughter,verybeautiful...Theyallwentto
theisland...Andthen,loweringhishead,hecontinued:

Beautifulwomenwillsuffershamebeforetheydie.

Buthiswordsdidntregisterwithme.Ifeltrelievedofaheavyburden.Amanintroublelivesfortoday.Amere
sparkcanfillhimwithjoy.Hedoesntseemtounderstandthatmoreevilawaitshimtomorroworelsehejust
doesntcaretothinkofit,oncehehasbeengivenamomentofrespite.

Todayluckcarriedmeoutofthatgloomystonestructure,Ithoughttomyself.Feldysh,mywonderfulFeldyshis
alive!NowIllfindher.IlldefinitelyfindherevenifIhavetoswimtogettotheislandwheresheisnow,I
promisedmyselftriumphantly,andwithdetermination.

60

Sittingacrossfrommeinthesamepose,Saidloweredhishead,anddidntseemtonoticemypitifuljoy.Crumbling
offbitsofthestalebread,heputthemintohismouthwithanabsentlook.AsIwatchedhimIsuddenlyfelt
ashamedofmybeingsoimpolite;IhadntevenaskedhimwhyhehadbeenthrownofftheboatbytheTurkish
sailors,howcomehewasherewhenallofHajiBerzekKerantukhspeopleweresomewhereelse.

WhenIbroughtupthesubjectSaidstoppedputtingthecrumbsinhismouth,becamemorose,likeawounded
falconwithruffledfeathersandbeganinaroundaboutway:

Doyouremember,Zaurkan,howweonceunsheathedourdaggersreadytokilleachotherasthoughinblood
revenge?ThereasonwasbecauseIwasreallyinsulted...

Saidchangedintoamorecomfortablepositionsothathisbackwasproppedupagainstajutoftheshore,and
lookingoutattheseawhereafterthesunsettheskywasturningdarkblue,wentonwithhisstory:

YouhadthehonorofbeingproposedtoserveasoneofthebodyguardsofthechiefoftheUbykhs,myfoster
brother,HajiKerantukh,andyourefusedtheoffer.Yourrefusalwasinsulting.Bloodrushedtomyhead.Andif
someonehadntpulledusapartIdontknowwhatwouldvehappened.

Hecaughthisbreath,stillpeeringintothedistance.Hiseyeswereconcentratedandimmobileasiffixedonsome
object,althoughtherewasntevenalonesailingvesselonthescalysurfaceofthesea.

Iwaitedaminuteorso,notwantingtointerrupthistrainofthought,andthensaid:

Youknow,Said,thatsinceIwasateenagerIworshipedHajiKerantukh.Hewasagodtome.Iwouldnthave
hesitatedtodieforhim.But,Said,onecantpraytotheheavenswhiletramplingeverythingsacredonearth.
When

KerantukhagreedtostopfightingandmovetoTurkey,Inolongervaluedthelifeofourleader.ThatswhyI
refusedtobehisguard.Headsarecrowned,notfeet.Forgivemeforsayingthis,butyourfosterbrotherbecame
theleaderofflight.

HereIsuddenlyrealizedthatSaidcouldntbeblamedfortheactionsofthenoblemanwhohadbeenrearedinhis
familyandwhomheidolized.Myharshwordscouldoffendaninnocentman.ButSaidlistenedwithastonecold
expressionasIspokesodisparaginglyaboutHajiKerantukh.Hisfacetookonanairofsufferingforjustafleeting
second.

AsfarasImconcernedKerantukhmightaswellbedead,Iadded.

Myvoicesoundedreconciliatoryasiftosay:oh,well,whocaresaboutKerantukh;letsnotstirupthepast.But
Saidwentoninthesamevein:

HesdeadasfarasalloftheUbykhsareconcerned!We,theblind,haveregainedoursightjustbeforedying!

Iwastakenaback,becausethemanwhospokethosewordsalwaysregardedHajiKerantukhassomeoneeven
closerthanarelative.

Listentome,Zaurkan,hesaidquietlytogetmycloseattention.Iprobablywonttellthistoanyoneelse.

Whathesaidnextwaslikethelashofawhiptome.

Iknowforsurethatallofusweresoldatagoodprice,likesheep.Theycalleditmigrationandallofusfellforit.
Whereourleadersgo,thatswherewellgo!Whatasses!Andoneofthosewhomadegoodmoneyonuswasmy
dearfosterbrother,HajiKerantukh,mayhedieoftheplague!

Thatsenough,Said,ashavedheadisntashopelessasabaldone.Angerwonthealaninsult,Isaid,refusingto
reconcilemyselfwiththehorriblemeaningofhiswords.IwantedtostopSaid,buthewentonvehemently:

61

IsweartooursacredBytkhathatImtellingthetruth.WhatImgoingtotellyouwillunravelthemystery.Doyou
thinkitsphysicalpainthattorturesme?No,Zaurkan,no!BebraveandlistencarefullytowhatIsay.Whatwould
you,acourageousUbykh,thinkifyouknewthattheheadoftheUbykhssoldouttothegeneralsoftheRussian
czar?Well?

Iwasshockedandwantedtoexpressmydoubts,butSaidwouldntletme:

Wait,Imnotthroughyet!Thegeneralsofferedhimadeal:Whenthebloodshedisoverandyoupersuadeyour
peopletoemigratetoTurkeyyoullgetenoughfromtheczartotakecareofyouandyourgrandchildrenforthree
lifetimes.Bothsidesneedpeace.Itcouldntlookbetter.

Thatsjustspeculation,butwherestheproof?Icutin.

Idonthaveanydirectproof,butindirectevidenceisjustasgood.Iwasthebodyguardofmyillustriousfoster
brotheranddidntleavehimforasecond.ThedayweboardedtheshiptwoRussianofficersfromheadquarters
cametohimandIsawwithmyowneyesthatafterhavingafriendlyconversationtheygavehimanexpensive
smallchest.Icantsayforsurewhatwasinsideofit,whetheritcontainedgoldornot,butIthinkyoullagreethere
couldnthavebeensheepsdroppingsinit.Besides,Iheardwithmyownearshowourleaderaskedthemto
conveyhisgratitudetothevicegerentoftheCaucasus,whoistheczarsuncle.Doesntthatseemstrangetoyou?

Ihadthefeeling,Sharakh,thatalandslideinthemountainshadcaughtmeoffguardonamountaintrail.Itwasas
thoughIwashearingarockoverhead,andmorecomingbehindit.Saidswordswereinexorable,likeheartless
rockstumblingfromamountainpeakIhadbeenadmiringjustamomentbefore.ItseemedasthoughSaidwanted
tofinishmeoff.Whathesaidwaslikeselfflagellation;betweenthelinesheseemedtoberepeatingwith
reproach:Thatswhatwefoolsdeserve!Andthenanotherboulderwouldhitmeinthechest.

SaidsaccusationsagainstKerantukhbecamemoreandmorecredibleashespoke,andfinallytherewasnowayto
denyit.Whathadhappenedcouldnothavebeenanunfortunatecoincidence.

Ourship,SaidDashanwenton,likealltheotherships,headedatfirstforSamsun.Whenwewereafewmiles
awayfromshoreaTurkwholookedlikesomeonefromtheportauthoritycameonboardfromamooredfelucca.
Heturnedouttobeapersonalenvoyofthesultan.HeinvitedHajiKerantukhtogowithallhispeopletoIstanbul.
Thegrandvizieriswaitingforyou,theTurkinformedhim.Whenyourlucksnotwithyou,youcandrowneven
onland.PassinguptheBosporuswearrivedinthecityofIstanbul.OnlyKerantukh,theheadoftheUbykhswas
allowedtogetoff.Butweinsistedthathebeaccompaniedbyhisbodyguards,thatis,byusthreebrotherswhose
motherhadnursedhimininfancy.

Thereceptionquartersofhegrandvizierwasamansionwithwindowsintheshapeofsemicircles.Guardsstood
atthedoors.Wewereledtoachamberwithanelaboratelypatternedcarpetsosoftthatwhenyouwalkedonit
yourstepswereasnoiselessasbirdsflying.Anelderlymanwithablackbeardandwearingatallfezsatwithhis
legscrossedonabeautifulsoftdivan.Hewasthegrandvizier.Thisman,whoseemedtobedozing,didntstand
up,nordidheholdouthishandtoHajiKerantukh.Hejustpressedtogetherthepalmsofhishandsinfrontofhim,
andbowedhisheadslightly.Aservant,shadowlikeandbowinglowtothegrandvizier,seemedtohavecomeout
ofnowherewithacupofaromaticcoffeeandplaceditinfrontofthegrandvizieronasmalltable.Havingsleepily
sippedsomecoffee,thevizier,hiseyeshalfclosed,spoketoHajiKerantukhwhostoodbeforehiminawhite
Circassiancoatwithsixteencartridgepocketsonbothsidesofhischest,andwithhispalmonthesilverhaftofhis
dagger:

TherepresentativeonearthofAllah,sacredfatherofalltrueMuslims,ourgraciousandmercifulsultanand
caliph,expresseshisdeepsatisfactionthatyoudidnotletyourpeoplebekilledbythehellishflameandhatredof
theinfidels,butinsteadbroughtthemtosafetyintheheavenlylandofourincomparablesovereign,andaccepted
hiscitizenshipandprotection...

Thegrandvizierstoppedtalkingandclosedhiseyes.

HajiKerantukhputhishandtohisforeheadandbowedtothegrandvizierwho,withabarelyvisiblefoxysmile,
continued:
62


TheRussianambassadorhasaskedusthatyou,nobleHajiBerzekKerantukh,beconferredspecialcharity.The
almightysultan,rulerofhalftheworld,hasgenerouslyagreedtograntthisrequest.Besides,therulerofhalfthe
world,tothegloryofAllahandhisprophetMuhammad,filledwithgenerosityandfeelingwelldisposedtoyou,
HajiBerzekKerantukh,inrecognitionofyourmerits,grantsyouthetitleofaTurkishpasha,paymentaccordingly
fromthetreasury,andanestateonRhodes.Takeyourfourhundredpeasantsandgotheresothatinprosperity
andhappinessyoucanprayandsingpraisetothekindnessandgenerosityofthegreatsultan.

HajiKerantukhexpressedhisgratitudetothegreatsultanandhisgrandvizier.Myelderbrotherwhisperedlikean
adviserduringnegotiationstowarnHajiKerantukh:

AsarelativeIbegofyoutothinkthisover.Youhavesufferedmanyadversitiesforthesakeofyourownpeople.
Youhavealwaysbeenaboveuslikeasilkbanner,beenourtrueandonlyleader.Youcantretirenow.TheUbykhs
arecountingonyourleadership.Itwouldbeamortalsintobetraytheirfaithinyou.Youhavenorighttothinkof
yourselfwhenthelifeofyourpeopleisatstake.

Kerantukhgrewangry.Pretendingthatnothinghadhappenedbetweenhimandmyelderbrother,hespoke
throughhisteethbutwithasmilestillplayingonhisface:

Donttellmewhattodo!Thisisntthetimeforthat!Itwouldbeeasiertoresurrectthedeadthanrestoremy
leadership.Itwasburnedtoashesacrossthesea,togetherwiththehousemadeofchestnutwood.Analiengodor
onesowndevilitsallthesame.

Havingasmuchastoldmyelderbrotherthatonewhoplayswithapantherhadbettergetusedtoscratches,Haji
BerzekKerantukhrespectfullywentupclosertothegrandvizierand,puttingonehandtohisforeheadandthe
othertohisheart,hebowedlow:

Thesultanscharityisinfinite!Underthisblessedroof,GrandVizier,IdliketoassureyouthatImpreparedto
servethefirststarintheeasternskythegreatsultanandyou.Youwillfindinmeatrueandfaithfulservant!

Thegrandvizierlivenedup,hisdarkeyesglistened,andtherewasafleetingimperioussparkofselfsatisfactionin
thelookhegaveusall.

Itsabighonortobeapashaofthegreatsultan.Toproveyoureworthyoftheconfidenceandhospitality
bestowedonyoubytherulerofhalftheworld,youmustagreetotwoconditions...Aftergettingupoffthedivan
andtakingaseatinthearmchairnearby,headded:Theconditionsareinkeepingwithourfaith.

Kerantukhbowedhisheadtoshowhewasallattention,butdidnotaskwhattheconditionswere.

TheclevervizierappreciatedthecautioussilenceoftheUbykhleader,andasthoughsayingaprayerhespoke:

ThereisnogodbutAllah,andMuhammadishisprophet!Whoeverisgiventhetitleofpashamusthaveaname
befittingtheKoran.We,unliketheChristians,donthavesurnames.Fromthisdayon,insteadofHajiBerzek
Kerantukh,youwillbecalled:HajiSuleymanPasha.Yournamewillbeinscribedingoldenlettersinthe
governmentsbookofpashas.Thatsthefirstcondition!Thesecondisthateachpashamustdressaccordingtohis
title,soyouwillhavetostopwearingyourCaucasianclothing,saidthegrandvizierinatoneofvoiceindicating
thefinalityofthedecision.Whathadhappenedtohisdrowsiness?

HajiBerzekKerantukhsfaceturnedpale.TheleaderoftheUbykhswastornbetweenconflictingdemands:the
grandviziersatinfrontofhimandwe,threesonsofhisownpeople,stoodbehindhim.Theeldestofuscouldnt
containhimselfanylonger:

ThegoldenBerzeks,borntorule,areinseparablefromthegloryoftheCaucasus.Nofamilyofnoblesisanancient
andhighrankingasyours.Youvebeenaskedtochangeyourname.Cometoyoursenses!Tellhimyourenota
slaveoracaptive.

Quiet,saidtheperturbedHajiKerantukhinabarelyaudiblevoice.
63


Butmyelderbrotherwouldntgivein:

RememberhowtheRussiansmadeyouacoloneltowinyourfriendship,butyoufoundwithinyoutheprideto
rejectsuchanhonorandtossedthosegoldenshoulderstrapsintothefire.Nowthefightingfalconisbeingturned
intoagoose.Itsjustshameful!Yourenotaconcubineinaharemtobewearingwidetrouserswithfancydesigns.
Ifyougiveinthenextthingtheylldoismakeyouwearaveil.Tellthatblackbeardedonethatthebestclothingfor
amanisaCircassiancoat.

ThegrandvizierdidntknowUbykh,buthecouldtellfrommybrothersexpressionhiswordswerelikefirenextto
apowderkeg.Butthesultansfirstministerwasanexperiencedfoxandsohedidntletonthathewasalarmed.
Onthecontrary,hekeptrightonfiddlingwithhisamberdevotionalbeads.

Imwaitingforyourdecision,saidthevizier.

Butthemanhewastalkingtoseemedtohavemissedthesewordsanddidntanswer.

Thegrandviziersquinted,andadded:

OurholyKoransays:Knowhowtoservetheonewhobringsyouhappiness.Suddenlyhisvoicebecameharsh:
Iwouldliketoknowwhetherafterconsultingwithyourpeople,thevizierthrewusawitheringlook,youaccept
theproposalmadebytheallmercifulsultan,ordothey,notyou,makeyourdecisions?

HajiKerantukhgrittedhisteethinanger,sharplyturnedawaytothewall,butthentookcontrolofhimself,and
cameupclosertothegrandvizier:

Iwouldliketoseethesultan,whosesubjectsmypeopleandIhavebecome.

ItsnowtheninthmonthoftheMuslimcalendar.Ramazan.Thegreatfast.TherepresentativeofAllah,the
glorioussultan,hasgivenupallearthlymattersfortheduration.Heisntseeinganyone;hedevotesallhistimeto
prayer,toprayersofpurification.TheresnogodbutAllah,andMuhammadishisprophet.

HajiKerantukhknewthatthiswasthetimeoframazanandthatorthodoxMuslimsdidnteatordrinkfromsunrise
tosunset,buthedidntbelievethesultanwassopious,.solietriedtooutwitthevizierbyremindinghim;

TheGreatSultansmotherisanAdighe;theAdighesarerelativesoftheUbykhs.Sheknowsourcustomsandwill
sympathizewithourpredicament.TheGrandVizierhasthepowertoletusseethisnoblewomanatleastfora
minute.

Thegrandvizierpressedhispalmstogetherinfrontofhimselfandansweredasthoughpraying:

Sayyourprayers,performthepurification,andkneeltogetherwiththosewhoarealreadyontheirknees.When
theleaderofallMuslimsspeakstoAllah,thosenearhimalsogiveupearthlycares,anddirecttheirthoughtstothe
heavens!

Thegrandvizierclosedhiseyesagainasthoughheweredozingoff.

HajiKerantukhrealizedtheoldmanwouldnotgivein.Healsoknewitwouldberiskytokeeppressingthegrand
vizier,especiallyinourpresence.Sohesentusbacktothewharftowaituntilhereturned.

ItllbeeasierformetodealwiththisfoxwhenImalonewithhim.Gonow.DoasIsay!heordered.

Dontletyourangergetthebetterofyou.Dontblowup!Furyisabadcounsel!wewarnedhim.

Dontworry!Iwontlosemyheadandwillnotacceptanyconditionthatentailslossofdignity!hereassuredus.

64

Weleftandwaitedpatientlyforhimatthewharfuntilthemoonappeared.Believeme,Zaurkan,itwastheworst
dayofmylife.

Whatdoyouthinkwasthedecisionmadebythatmanwhohadledheroes,whohadntbowedhisheadtothe
entirearmycommandedbyGeneralYevdokimov;amanwhosenamehadbeenonthelipsoftheUbykhpeoplefor
solong,towhommothershadsungpraiseattheirsonscradles:GrowupmylittleboytobebravelikeHaji
Kerantukh.Theresnousefoolingourselves,Zaurkan!Hebetrayedus,changedhisnametopleasehisnew
masters,becameaTurkishpashaandputonTurkishclothes.Ifourmotherhadknownaboutthis,shewouldhave
jumpedoverboard,feelingitwasherfaultshehadntraisedherfostersonproperly.

ThenextdayatnoonourshipcarryingaroundfivehundredUbykhfamiliesleftIstanbulandsetoffforRhodes.
Neithermybrothers,normypoormother,norIwereonthatshipaccompaniedbyasnowwhitesailingvesselthat
belongedtothegrandvizier.Wehadtakenourmotherofftheshipbeforeitsetsail.TheUbykhsheadedfor
RhodeswereconfidentthattheirsilkbannerHajiBerzekKerantukhwasfollowingtheminthatbeautifulsailing
vessel.TheystillhadnoideathatHajiBerzekKerantukhnolongerexisted.Anewlybornpasha,HajiSuleyman,was
onthatvessel.Ourmothertoodidntknowwhathadhappened;wedecidednottotellher.

SincethenIhavebeenpossessedbyonlyonethoughttogohome.IfIdidntmanage,IdecidedIdshootmyself.
IcalledmybrothersasideanddemandedtheygivemetherighttodoasIwished.Theyrefusedto.

Ifwedie,wedietogether!wastheirreply.

SometimelaterIsneakedawayfromthem.ImanagedtohideonashipleavingforSamsun.Ihadheardfromone
ofthesailorsthatthenextdaytherewasashipleavingfromSamsuntoAdlerontheUbykhshores.Itwastopick
upandbringoversomeAkhchippeople.IwassoeagertogethomethatIwouldvestrappedmyselftothemast.
ButtheTurkishguardsfoundoutaboutmewhenwewereleavingport,tiedmeupand,asyousaw,removedme
fromtheshipandtookmetoshore.

Theroundmoon,likeaseveredheaddrippingblood,rosehigherandhigher.ThewavesechoedSaidsstoryina
muffledroar.

Youlldieinvainifyoutrytostowawayoncemore.Staywithus!Godwilling,thingswillgetbetter!Ipersuaded
Said.

Buthewasdeaftomypleas.Tyingtheendstringsofhisridinghood,hestoodupandsaid:

Ahmed,sonofBarakai,actedlikeaman!Hewasaprophet.GoodbyeZaurkan.Maybewellseeeachother
again.Andheadded,InthelandoftheUbykhs.

HajiKerantukhsfosterbrotherwenttowardthewharf,mergingwithhisownshadow.

Oh,Said,Said!Itwouldvebeenbettertoremainmortalenemies,IthoughtasIwatchedhimwalkaway.

Manyyearslater,withoutintendingto,Ikilledhim.

ThatsinIcommittedinvoluntarilyisaheavyweightonmyhearttothisday.Illtellyoulaterhowithappened.

MOUNTAINSAFLAME

Emigres,pitifulcreaturesdesperateforfood,wereupanddowntheAsiaMinorBlackSeacoastineverycityand
everyvillagefromTrabzontoIstanbul.Theyhadoncedreamedofheavenonearth.Whentheyrealizedwhata
fatalmistaketheyhadmadeitwasalreadytoolate.Thesepeoplewhowereliketumbleweedwerenotonly
Ubykhs,butNatukhais,BzhedukhsandShapsugs(Adighetribes),whohadcrossedtheseaevenearlier.Therewere
evenmanyKabardinians,althoughtheyhadoncemadepeacewiththeRussianczar.AndeverylastoneoftheSadz
andAkhchips(Abkhasiantribes)wereinTurkey.
65


ThereweresomanyemigresfromthenorththattheTurkslostcount.Alarmedbythesituation,theyeventriedto
stoptheinfluxofforeigners,butitwasimpossiblebynow.Youhavetobeanoutcastinanalienlandtoknowwhat
wefelt,whatsufferingweendured.

Thewindofdeathdoesnotappointthetime.Ahungrymaninthefaceofdiseaseislikeanunarmedmaninthe
faceofhisenemy.Typhoidfeverandcholeracarriedawayourpeoplebythehundreds.Nothingwasdonetostop
theepidemic.Somedayssomanypeoplediedthattherewasnoonetomournandburythedead.Butthereare
differentwaysofdying.Itsonethingtodieinbattleforajustcause:suchdeathishonorableandevendesirable.
Abravemanwhodiesonthebattlefielddoesnotdisappearwithoutatrace:hisnameliveson.Amortally
woundedUbykhwouldsingaproudsongbeforedying.Itsnowonderthatthepeoplewhodiedhereinaforeign
landlikestraydogs,enviedthosewhohaddiedathome.Deathisunavoidable,butitcanbringtruehappiness
whenyoudiequietlynearyourownhearth,Sharakh!

Look,thereyouarelyingonyourdeathbedsurroundedbyyourfamily.Ontheirfacesisloveandsorrow,andin
theireyestearsofsinceregrief.Asyoubidyourlovedonesfarewell,wishingthemlonglifeandhappiness,youare
peacefulandcalm.Yourwordislaw.Yougiveyourlastinstructionsforyourfuneral,thedivisionofyourproperty,
magnanimouslyforgivesomeonessinsandyouareforgivenyours.WhenyoubreatheyourlastandGodtakes
yoursoulyourrelativesandfriendsfromnearbyanddistantvillagescomedressedinblack,onhorsebackandin
carts,topaytheirlastrespectsandmournyou.Theycarryyourbodycarefullyintheirupliftedarms,walking
slowlytotheeternalrestingplaceofyourancestors.Theyloweryouintosweetmotherearthandafterfillingin
yourgravetheyleaveinreverence;theireyesaresadandtheyspeakinwhispersasthoughyourdeathbrought
themclosertosomethingelevatedandsacred,tosomegreatmystery.Thentheyholdawakeforyouarid,without
clinkingglasses,theydrinktoeveryyearofyourlifeandtalkaboutwhatadecent,honestandgoodpersonyou
wereinthisimperfectworldofours.Thentheyputafencearoundyourgravesothatnowolf,dog,oranyother
animalcandefileit.Theywillwearmourningforalongtimetoshowtheirrespectforyou.

Thepooremigrescouldntevendreamofsuchawonderfuldeath.Alltheycouldhopeforastheywaitedfordeath,
povertystrickenandhomeless,wasthattheirbonesbeplacedundergroundandnotbelefttothepreyofravens
andjackals.Thoseofuswhoweredoomedtotheclosequartersofthestonehovelssawthesignsofthefatal
diseasebeforetheothers.Theeldersfiguredthecholerahadstartedfromeatingmouldycornmixedwithmice
droppings.Ithoughtitwasamiraclethatthelethaldiseasehadbypassedourfamily.Mymother,father,brother
Mataandbothyoungersisterswerewellsofar.Butmymotherstearsneverdried;shewasworriedsickaboutmy
eldersister,Aishaandwasmeltinglikeacandle.Tremblinginfearshetoldusabouthernightmaresthatshe
superstitiouslythoughtwerebadomens.Ohpitifulme,shebemoaned,myhearttellsmemypoorAishawont
heabletostandthesufferingthathasbefallenus.IwishIhaddiedathomeratherthanhavetobearthepainofa
motherwhohasoutlivedherdaughter.Mypoordaughter,shewasheavywithchild...Yes,Aishahadbeen
expectingababywhenweleft.Youcanimagine,Sharakh,thedeatharoundus,theterriblesituationwewerein
andwhatcouldhappentoapregnantwoman.Evensatanhimselfcouldnthavedevisedaworsefate.Aishaand
herhusbandhadlandednearSamsunlikewehad,butthentheywalkedwestwardalongthecoastline.Wehadno
ideawheretheywerenow.

Whilethereslifethereshope.Seeingmymotherstearsandwantingtocalmdownmyfamily,Idecidedtogo
lookingforAisha.MyfatherandbrotherandIagreedthatifIfoundherIwouldtrytobringherandherhusband
tolivewithus.Isetofffollowingtheseacoast.Thesunwasalreadyrising.WhatIsawalongtheway,mydear
Sharakh,wasbeyonddescription.IswearthatifIhadheardaboutallthatevenfromareliablepersonIstill
wouldnthavebelieveditifIhadntseenit.Iwasntgonelong,butIcamebackwithgrayhair.ThepoorUbykhs,
thegullibleemigres.Whattheyexperienced,thehumiliationandsuffering,wasmorebitterthananyothertragedy
theywerecapableofimagining.Thedeadlydiseasethatenteredmanthroughfoodandwaterwasrampant
amongus.Andhowcouldithavebeenotherwisesincetheywereforcedtoeatgarbage.Backhome,theUbykhs
wouldntevendrinkwaterfromriversthatfloweddowntheglaciersupinthemountains,beyondtheclouds,but
wouldonlyquenchtheirthirstwithspringwater.Theywouldntmakecornmealporridgeoutofflourthatwasnt
siftedtwice,andtheywouldconsiderapumpkinrottenifitsstemweretornoff.Butnow,likehomeless,mangy
dogstheyscroungedaroundforfoodinsmellygarbageheaps.Girlsandwomenintatteredclotheswouldturn
awayorhidetheirfaceswhentheysawmebecausetheywereashamedofbeingseenhalfnakedandinsucha
state.Childrenwhoweredirtyandbarefoot,liveskeletons,ranuptomewithoutstretchedhands,beggingfor
food:
66


Bread!Givemebread!

Evenahardenedmancouldnthelpbutbepainedbythesightofthosechildren.OnedaywhenIwaslookingfor
mysisterandherhusbandIwanderedintoabazaar.Youwontbelievethis,Sharakh,butpeoplewerebeingsold
there.Barelymovingherbadlyswollenlegs,Kazyrkhan,thewidowofanoldfriendofmine,wasleadingbythe
handhertwoteenagesonsandshouting:

Boysforsale!Boysforsale!

Shocked,Ireachedforthehaftofmydaggerandthrewmyselfather.

Mayyouroldagebecursed!Howdareyousellyourownsons,youmonster!

Sheraisedhertormentedeyeswithdarkshadowsunderthemand,asthoughexcusingmyoutburst,sheshookher
head:

Whichofuswilllivetooldage,Zaurkan?Andnoddingherheadatthechildren,sheadded,Bettertheyshould
beboughtandfedthandieofhungerbeforemyveryeyes.

Ashamed,Iloosenedthegriponmydagger.

MaylightningorcholerastrikedownHajiKerantukhwhohaskilledoffalltheUbykhs!saidthewidowinparting
andwalkedonwithherchildren:Whowantssomeboys?Boysforsale!

Sheadoredhersonsandaftersellingthemitsunlikelyshecouldliveanotherday.Atthatmomentafatbeyina
bluefezappeared,waddlinglikeanobesedrake.Hewasfollowedbyaleanservantstoopedoverinaslightbow.

ThebeywalkedtowardKazyrkhan.Hestoppedherandbeganfeelingtheboysarmsandbodiestoestimatewhat
theywereworth.Thenheshowedwithhisfingersthepricehewaswillingtopay.Shedidntbargain.ThefatTurk
slowlytookthemoneyoutofhistrouserspocket,andflungitatthewomansfeet.ThecornersofKazyrkhans
ashenlipsquivered.Withatremblinghandshepickedupthemoneyinakindofstuporandtookonelastlookat
herbelovedsonsbeforeshewasseparatedfromthemforever.Oh,whatalookthatwas,Sharakh!Kazyrkhanwas
alovingmother;onlyamotheriscapableofdoingathinglikethattosavethelivesofherchildren,ofdoing
somethingcomparedtowhichherownsufferingandevendeathmeantnothingtoher.Theservanttookthe
childrenawayafterthrustingapieceofbreadateachofthem.Icoveredmyeyeswithmyhandexcruciatingpain
andmiseryshotthroughmyheartasthoughitwerepiercedbyaTurkishscimitar.

ThefreedomlovingUbykhs!TheproudUbykhs!Whenasonwasbornthehappyfatherbrokethenewstothe
mountains,thesunandalltheneighbors,tellingthemthatanheirofhisbloodwasborn.Andthereplyechoing
backtohimwas:MaythefamilyofUbykhsgrowinnumber!

Istaggeredawayfromthecursedbazaarlikeawoundedman.TheTurksboughtandsoldslaves,andinthoseill
fateddaysabeautifulCaucasianwomancostnomorethanasheep.Thewomenwereboughttoserveas
concubinesintheharemsofIstanbul,Ankara,Trabzonandothercities.Boyswereevencheaper.Oh,those
unfortunateUbykhboys;itwouldhavebeenbetteriftheydneverbeenborn!Icantevenbeartotellyouwhat
theydidtothoseboys.Theevilprofiteerswouldbuythemandmakethemeunochsfortheharemsoflargeand
smalllords.

TheUbykhsImetonthewaylookedlikelivingmummies.Someofthemdidntevenhavethestrengthtoanswer
mygreetings.Homelesspeoplemadehutsandmakeshifttentsagainstthewindandrain.Hearingthecryingand
moaningoftheliving,thedeliriumofthedyingwaslikewalkingthroughhellonearth.Somepeoplewhoknewme
advisedmetogoback:

Youwontbeanyusetoyourmotherdead.Gobackwhileyourfeetstillcarryyou.ButIignoredtheirwarnings.I
wasworriedaboutmysisterandherhusband.

67

Theplaguewasragingthroughoutthecommunity.ThelocalTurkswerescaredtodeathandtriedtostayasfar
awayfromtheUbykhsastheycould;theyevenputupcordons.Butthegreedyalwayswantmore;eveniftheir
stomachsarefulltheireyesarehungry.Theownersofcoffeeshops,taverns,restaurants,andother
establishmentssawrightawaythattheycouldmakemoneyofftragedy.Theyhadtheonceproudandrecalcitrant
Caucasiansdothedirtiestandhardestwork,butpaidthemwaterysoupinreturn.Thestarvingpeoplewereready
toworkfrommorningtillnightforalittlebitoffood;theyeventhankedtheiremployersasthoughtheywere
benefactors.Butthemoremanhasthemorehewants.Andprofitseekinglocalofficialssearchedthemarketsfor
youngUbykhwomentobuyandresell.Meanwhilethemuezzinwouldgouptheminaretfivetimesadaytocall
orthodoxMuslimstopray:

InthenameofAllahthegraciousandmerciful!..

ThemuezzinsloudvoicereachedthedeceivedandrejectedUbykhs,butitcouldntmuffletheirmoaningand
cursing.Sharakh,itseemedtomethewomenssighingturnedintocloudsandflewacrosstheseatoourorphaned
landwheretheyweptovereachabandonedhearth.

ThefartherIwentfromSamsunasIwalkedalongtheseaside,themorehorriblewasthesightIwitnessed.SoonI
cameacrosscorpsesrottingrightontheground.Thenauseatingstenchofdeathpermeatedtheair.Itwasasure
signthatthewholeemigrecommunityinthisareahaddied;noonewaslefttoburythedead.MoreandmoreI
hadapremonitionofdoom.

Icrossedastretchofhighlandcoveredwithpebblesanddescendedintoavalleywhereamuddyriverwasflowing.
IwasutterlyexhaustedalthoughIhadntwalkedveryfarthatday.TherewasatimewhenIwalkedwitha
youthful,springystepandmysinewswereasstrongasamountaingoats.Iwouldhaveeasilycoveredthat
distancethen.ButnowIwastiredout.Ikneltbyaquietriver,washedmyhands,rinsedmyfaceand,notbeing
verythirsty,justtookasipofthewarmwater.Buttherearedifferentkindsofwater,Sharakh.Inourhomeland,
whereweusedtoliveundertheoldplanetrees,ifsomeonewouldfallillwewouldgivehimicecoldwaterina
claypitcherfromacrystalclearspring.Beforeyouknewitthemanwasonhisfeetagain,robust,andhealthy.Yet
noonethoughtofthatasthemiracleitwas.Itookoutapieceofstalebreadwrappedinmyhoodanddippeditin
therivertostaymyhunger.

Ididntrestforlong.WithaheavyheartIwenton.SoonIsawasqualidhutinthedistance.Itwasobviouslythe
homeofafishermansincenetswerehungupbythedoor.WalkingtowardthehouseInoticedawomanlying
proneonthesideofthepathwayandholdingababytoherbreast.Nexttoher,inasmallpuddle,wasapitcher.I
thoughtthatthewomanhadcometofetchwaterintheriverandhadfallendownonherwayback.Ihurriedto
hertohelphergetup.IwassostartledwhenIsawherfacethatIcriedout.ThewomanwasmysisterAisha.

Oh,Allah!Whatswrongwithyou?Wakeup!Saysomething!

WhenItriedtoliftmysisterIsuddenlyrealized:shewasdead!Sheapparentlyhadntbeendeadforlongsinceher
bodywasstillwarm.Thebabywasalive,butwasntcrying;justgreedilysuckingmydeadsistersbreast.Fora
secondthereIwaslost;Ididntknowwhattodo.Myforeheadwascoveredwithleadheavydropsofsweatand
myhandshunglikethoseofaparalytic.FinallyIgotcontrolovermyself.Icarefully,butforcefullytookthebaby
awayfromhismothersbreast.Therewasadropofmilkonhislips.Oh,Sharakh,itseemslikeamillenniumhas
passedsincethen,butthecryingofthatbabywiththelastbitofhismothersmilkonhislipsisstillringinginmy
ears.

Youknow,myfriend,IwasthinkingtodaythattheresareasonwhyIhavemiraculouslysurvivedtolivesuchalong
life.SomeonehadtowaitforyousothestoryofhowtheUbykhsperishedwouldliveon...Ashipshouldreach
shore,andthetruthshouldreachpeople...

Itlookedliketheboywasilltoo.Hisbodywashot.Heclenchedhistoylikefists,nobiggerthanwalnuts,andcried
sohardIthoughthewouldsuffocate.Holdinghimclosetomybreast,Ipracticallyranuptotheclayhutand
beforeIevengottothedoorIcriedoutforhelp:

Someonecomeouthere!

68

Butnoonerepliedorcametothedoor.Standingatthethresholdofthedilapidatedhut,Ipeeredinside.Someone
therewasmoaninginpain.Itookonemorestepandsawamanlyingwithhisbacktothewallandwrithingin
pain.HewasmybrotherinlawGarun,hisforearmscrossedandpressinghardonhisstomach.Hiseyeswere
inflamedandhiseyelidsseemedburned.Hewassothinhishookednoselookedevensharperandhisunshaven
cheekswerehollow.Theoncefamoushorsemanwhousedtobreakinwildhorses,aluckyanddaredevilman,
nowhoveredbetweenlifeanddeath.

Barelyrecognizingme,Garuntriedtostanduptogreetme.

Oh,Zaurkan,forgivemefornothavingthestrengthtogetup.Aishawentforwaterandwillbebackanyminute.
Hisspeechwasinterspersedwithsoftgroans.Deathwasnear.HalfdazedGarunobviouslydidntnoticeIwas
holdinghissoninmyarms.Thensuddenlyheunderstood.Breathingheavilyhespokeinahoarsewhisper,If
youreaman,Zaurkan,killme.Takemeoutofmymisery!AishaisdeadandIlldielikeabrokenwindedhorse.But
ifIsurvive...No,Idontwantto...Imolderthanyou...Iorderyoutokillme,shootme!..

Hisfaceconvulsed,hislegswentstraight,hisheadfellsideways,andbloodfoamedfromhismouth.Forgiveme,
Sharakh,IguessIvedepressedyou.Butifyouwanttohearmoredontcomplainifmystoryislikeableeding
woundthatsomeevilsoulhaspouredsaltinto.Ourancestorssaidmedicineisneversweet.

Well,mybrotherinlawGarundied,andIwasleftwiththesickandhungryinfantinmyarms.

Isetmynephewdownontheplankbedandclosedtheeyesofmydeceasedbrotherinlaw.ThenIwentouttoget
Aishasbody.Iliftedherupcarefully;herpitchblackbraidsfelltomyfeet.Justrememberingisterribleenough.
Soonthedeadcouplewaslyingnexttoeachother,sidebyside.Mytinynephew,whosenameIdidntevenknow,
andwhohadbeencryingsohardjustaminuteagosuddenlyfellquietinhisbed.Thepoorthing,whoselife
quiveredlikethewickofacandleinthewind,becamesilent.Hislittlefacewasperspiringfromthefever.Whenhis
eyesmetmineIshiveredbecausehelookedasthoughheunderstoodandwaspleadingforhelp.Ibroughtsome
waterfromtheriverinthepitcherAishahaddropped,gavetheboyadrinkandwipedhisfacewithawetcloth.
Thechildsankintoanuneasyslumber.WhatshouldIdo?IthoughtasIstoodnearthedeceased.Maybecruelfate
willatleastsparethelifeofthisnewbornbabeandIllbeabletofindhimawetnurse?Butwhere?First,though,I
hadtoburythedead.Accordingtocustomtheyhadtobeburiedandmournedbytheirfamily.ButwherewouldI
findsomeonetoreportAishasandGarunsdeathtotheirrelatives?SurelyIcanfindsomeoneintheareatohelp
me?IthoughtIputastickagainstthedoorofthehuttokeepoutthedogsand,graspingthelaststrawofhope,I
wenttowardtheseashorealittlewayandshotmypistolintotheairthreetimes.

Heythere,wasthereplyIheardinalittlewhile.Threemenandanelderlywomancametowardmefromthe
dustyshrubs.Allofthemwereinterribleconditionandcouldbarelywalk.Themenheldshovelsovertheir
shouldersandthewomandressedinblack,hadherhairdown.Irealizedrightawaytheyweredevoutpeoplewho
voluntarilybecamegravediggersdoingtheexcruciatinglydifficultjobofburyingthosewhohadnofamilytodoit
forthem.Itoldthemaboutthedeathofmysisterandherhusband,andaboutmytinynephewwhowaslyingsick.

Oh,mydearman,sympathizedthewoman.Whathappenedtoyournoblerelativeshashappenedtomany
others.AllahhasturnedhisbackontheUbykhs.Whenweleftourhomelandwecommittedaterriblesin.Andnow
wearepayingforit.

Weshareyourgrief,dearman!Wellhelpyouburyyourdead,buttheresnothingmorewecando,addedthe
menastheydugtheirshovelsintotheearth.

Itookthemtothehut.Wefoundthebabycryingagain,andmakingasuckingmovementwithhislips.Hewas
choking.Thewomanpickedhimup,pressedhimagainstherchest,andshookherheadgravely:

Hesnotlongforthisworld,either!

Rockingandtryingtocalmthebaby,shewalkedoutside.Itookoffmyhoodandbeganbeatingmychestin
mourning.Imournedthemformyself,formymother,father,brotherandsisters,andImournedthemforthe
orphanedlandoftheUbykhswhichwassonear,yetsofarawayfromusnow.Thesunwashidingbehindthetrees
whenwebroughtthedeadouttothefootofthehill.Whilewewereburyingthemthebabydiedtooasthoughhe
69

didntwanttolivewithouthismotherandfatherinthislandofthedevil.Weburiedthestillunnamedboynextto
hisparents.

Farewell,Zaurkan,saidthekindpeoplewhohadhelpedme.Wehopenothingmoreterribleeverhappensto
youthanwhathappened.today.Wecandonothingmoreforyoubecauseeachoneofusisdoomed.Theresno
waywecanescapedeathinthefaceofthispestilence.Pointingtothenewgravestheysaidinenvy,Theyre
lucky!Ourlotwillbemuchworse.Therewillbenoonetoburyus.Theravenswillpluckoutoureyesandstealour
bones.Prayforoursouls,Zaurkan!

WhentheyleftIremainedaloneinthesilenceofthegraves.Thesun,havingbloodstainedthehorizon,finally
wentdown.Theskyturneddarkandtheshadowslong.Idecidedtostaythereandguardthegravesthefirstnight
asmyancestorshadalwaysdonetokeepanyanimalsfromcomingnearanddefilingtheburialsite.

WhenitgotcompletelydarkIlitafireattheheadsofthedeceased.Theflamewascrimsonredandshowedme
thevisagesofthosewholayatitsfeet.Thenthewaningmooncameout.Thecloudslookedlikeshroudsfloating
throughtheskythatwaslighterthantheland.Everymuscleinmybodyachedwithfatigue,mythoughtswere
muddled,andmyeyesclosedbythemselves.Iputmyheaddownonmyhoodandfellasleepinstantly.Idreamed
ofmygrandfather.Ineversawhiminmylife;hediedbeforeIwasborn,butmyfatheroftentoldmeabouthim
andsoIrecognizedhiminmydream.MygrandfatherwaswearingawhiteCircassiancoat,aswhiteasdriven
snow.Andhisheadwaswhite,too.Hewasholdingahugeblackkettleinhishandsandwaterspilledoverthe
brim.

Zaurkan,hesaidreproachfully,howcanyousitidlewhenallyourpeoplehaverisenuptofighttheir
predicament?

Whatsthematter?Iasked.

Areyoublind?Lookaroundyou:themountainsareonfire.Pointinghisarminthedirectionofthemountainshe
madeanarcintheair.

WhenIlookedwherehewaspointingIsawthemountainsaflame.Aterrible,shaggyfireroseupthemountain
slopeslikeaherdofaurochsthathadbeenskinnedalive.Thepermanentsnowonthemountainpeaksboreits
reflection.Thecloudsweretingedredandtheskycrackledlikedrybrushwoodinahugebonfire.Thesparks,asbig
asburningships,flewskyward.

Whatsgoingon?Iwhisperedinhorror.

AvisitationofGod!GodhasdesertedusandhasdecidedtowipealltheUbykhsoffthefaceoftheearth.Woolly
snowhadbeenfallingthewholenight;therewassomuchofitthemountainswerenolongervisible.Andthen,
heavenknowshow,butsuddenlylightningstruckandsetitallonfire:theearthisbeingenvelopedinflames.Run,
Zaurkan,run,mygrandson.Savethemountains!calledmygrandfather.

Igrabbedthehugekettleofwateroutoftheoldmanshandsandrushedtoputoutthefire.ItwasthenIwokeup.
AtfirstIdidntknowwhereIwas,butinthemorningtwilight,lookingatthegraves,Irememberedeverything.I
heardwhiningbehindmyback.Iturnedaroundandsawadogwhoseribsstuckoutsothateachoneofthem
couldbecounted.Coveredwithburs,withhistailbetweenhislegs,thedogwaswhimpering.

Goaway!IhissedandliftedmyhandasthoughIwasgoingtothrowarock.

Thedogmovedawayfrightened,thensatdownandresumedhiswhining.Itriedseveraltimestochasehimaway,
butitwasnouse.Eachtimethedogranafewstepsawayandhowledagain.Maybethedogbelongedtothe
ownersofthefishermanshut,Ithoughttomyself.InthatcasehesthehostandImtheguest.

Thefuneral,thenightmare,andthedogshowlingwereallmixedupinmyhead.AretheonesIleftbehindin
Samsunstillalive?Andwhatiftheyrenot?

Iclosedmyeyes:everythingseemedbloodredasifIwerelookingatthesun.Igotupandhurriedoffforhome.
70

THERESNOGODBUTALLAH

WhenIwasnearingtheplaceIhadcomefrom,IsawfromadistanceagraycrowdofUbykhsandheardthebuzz
ofmanypeopletalking.Icaughtupwithanoldmanonhiswaytothegatheringandasked:

Whatsthemeetingfor?

TheSamsungovernorOmerPashaissupposedtogiveusthehonorofmeetinghim.Hewantstotalktous,
answeredtheoldmanashestuckhisstaffintothedryearth.

Wecameuptothecrowd.BesidesthepeopleofShardyn,sonofAlou,therewerealsosomeotherCaucasiansI
didntknow.Thepeopleweretalkingexcitedly,arguing,andgesticulatingwiththeirhands;somehadgrim
predictionsandotherswerehopeful.Theireyeslookedlikesparksfromafirethatarockhadjustbeendropped
into.Therewerewomeninblackstandingnexttothemen.Oldshriveledupwomencoveringtheirmouthswith
theedgesoftheirblackkerchiefssighedcontinually.LookingaroundthecrowdInoticedmyfather;hewas
standingthereleaningonastickmadeofboxwood.WecaughteachothersglanceandIrealized,tomysorrow,
thathecouldtelleverythingjustbymylook.

Hamirza!someoneshoutedtomyfatherandheturnedhisheadtheotherway.

MybrotherMatacamerunninguptomeoutofbreath.ThankAllahthatyouvecomebackaliveandunharmed!
heexclaimedbywayofgreeting.Thenheclungtomyshoulderandlookedintomyeyes:DidyoufindAisha?

Poorlyconcealedfearwasinhisdirectandimpatientquestion.HowcouldIdashhishopes?

Yes,Ifoundher!Ifoundher!Ilied,takingpityonhim.Theyredoingfine.Andtokeephimfromaskingany
morequestionsIwastheonetoinquire:Andhowareyougettingalonghere?

Allright,Zaurkan!Motherwasveryworriedaboutyou.Shewasinbedforthreedaysandjusttodaygotup,as
thoughshefeltyouwerecominghome.

AbroadshoulderedUbykhinapatchedCircassiancoatandyouthfullookingalthoughhehadgrayhair,came
throughthecrowdandsaidfacetiously:

Idliketoknowwhathappenedtoourspiritualleader,thepiousSakhatkeri?Hewasnttalkingtoanyonein
particular,buttoeveryoneallatonce.Longbeforewemovedourpiousmullahwentthroughthevillagestelling
usfoolsfairytales,trickingusintocominghere.ImitatingSakhatkeri,hechantedinablissfulsugaryvoice:My
dearpeople,Turkeyisafloweringparadise.Itsaheavenlygardenfortherighteous.Itsnevertoohot,ortoocold
there.NoonethereprofanesthenameofAllah;theyonlyprayingratitude.Whereisthatdirtyliar?IfIcouldget
holdofhimIdwringhisneck!Thegiantshookhishugefistsintheairasthoughhewasalreadyholdingthe
invisibleSakhatkeribythethroat.

Youdhavebetterlucklookingforaneedleinahaystack!

Justassoonaswegotofftheboathevanishedintothinair!

TheysayhesgoneonapilgrimagetoMecca.

Maytheblackrockcrushhimthere!Hamidainterruptedthemen,whileshewipedatearfromhereyewiththe
edgeofherkerchief.

Turkeyisabigcountry...MaybefromhereontheoutskirtsofSamsunwecantseethingsintheirproper
perspective,justlikeahenthatcantseefartherthanherroost.MaybeitstruethatSakhatkeriwentofftofindus

71

thefertilelandswewerepromised?Ourleader,Shardyn,sonofAlou,hasalsogoneoff,saidthewellmeaning
Shrin,fromtheSadztribe.

Amanwithmoneywilleat,sweetseveninhell!Weredyinglikeflies,mydearShrin,butyoustillbelievethatour
benefactorswillcomeforustotakeustoparadise.Takeoffyourblinders!theangryCaucasian,whowasthefirst
tomentionthescoundrelSakhatkeri,lashedoutagainstShrinsrosyillusions.

DziapshNouryz,sonofBarakai,pushedhiswaythroughthecrowd.Helookedaroundasthoughhewastryingto
findsomeone.Ahottemperedman,hewaslikeapistolthatsalwayscocked.UsuallyDziapshNouryzdidnotjust
standup,butjumpedup;hecouldinterruptsomeoneinthemiddleofasentenceandalwaysactedonimpulse.

MybrotherMata,noddingathim,explained:Hejustgotoutofhissickbed.IcouldseethesonofBarakaiwas
deathlypale,andhunchedover.Helookedsoillyoucouldnthelppityinghim.

Idontseeanypointinarguingaboutwhostoblameforourmisfortune,hebeganinahoarsevoiceasthough
hehadacold.Onethingsclear:weweredeceivedandsoldlikeaflockofsheep.WheresHajiKerantukhgoneoff
to?Huh?Youdontknow!Icansweartoyouthatunlikeushesdoingverywell.Thatkindofmanfeelsathome
anywhere.Wearentatamajlis*wherepeoplewagtheirtonguesarguingalldaylong.Illbebrief:Ivetoldmy
relatives,fosterbrothersandfriendsthatImreadytoleadanyonewhowantstogobackhome.Ifwecant
managetodoitpeacefullythenwelltakeuparms.Idratherdieinbattlewithmyheadtowardmyhomelandthan
starvetodeathfornothinginthisforeignland.Itstimetoact!Andpointinginthedirectionoftheseaheshouted:
Weleavetomorrow!

MostofthosegatheredthereweresurprisedtohearDziapshNouryz,sonofBarakai,talkthatway.Although
peoplewereusedtohisheadlongdecisions,hisweleavetomorrowhadthempuzzled.Everyoneofthemhad
women,oldpeopleandchildrentoworryabout.Takingthemalongwaseasiersaidthandone.Butwhocould
leavethemheretofendforthemselvesandbeatfatesmercy?DziapshNouryzknewallthat.Thecrowdwas
hesitant.

ButNouryzrealizedthatcheeksdontburnunlesstheyreslapped.

Someofyou,decentandbravepeople,warnedthatwewerewalkingintoatrap!Nevertheless,likesheep
followingalasciviousgoat,youledyourchildrenandwivesintothischolerariddenhole!

Whatyouresayingistrue,mydearNouryz,saidtheoldmanSitasheshovedtheedgesofhishoodbehindhis
back.YourbrotherAhmedtriedtokeepusfromtakingthatfatalstep.Butatthattimeyou...

Thepashaiscoming!Thepasha!

Thisshoutpreventedtheoldmanfromfinishingwhathewantedtosay.

Thepasha,accompaniedbyaconvoyoftenarmedhorsemen,approachedalongtheroadfromSamsun.Soonhe
reachedthecrowd.Thecrowdmadewayforthepashatocomerightintothemiddle.Hewasahugemanwitha
darkcomplexion,wearingafezlikehatwithatassel.Hisreddishmustacheseemedpastedontohispoutingupper
lip.Helookedoverthecrowdwithhislilactingedeyesashesatastridehisportly,tallroanhorse.Thestirrups
wereloweredasfarastheycouldgosoitseemedthelongleggedriderpracticallytouchedthegroundwithhis
feet.ManyUbykhsknewtheTurkishlanguage.Butusuallytheywerenoblemenortheirservants,orsmugglers,
notthecommonfolk.OmerPashacouldntspeaktothecrowdofmostlycommonerswithoutaninterpreter.
ThatswhyMzauchAbukhba,asmartyoungmanwhocouldreadandwrite,wasbythepashasleftstirrupand
actingasinterpreter.HewasaSadzfromGagra.

Aftergreetingthepeoplethepashainquired:

IseveryonehereaMuslim?

Yes,everyone,Governor!repliedtheoldmanSit.

72

IfeveryoneisaMuslimthenwhydontyougotothemosqueandprayfivetimesadaylikethedevout?Itwas
impolite,tosaytheleast,tostartoffaconversationwithreproach.

HonorablePasha,allowmetopointouttoyouthatAllahhasridthenakedoftheneedtowashclothes.We
wouldgotothemosquebuttheresnobreadtheretorelieveourhunger,andnomedicinetoputouttheflameof
contagionthatburnsinourmidsts.

Iwasstartledbymyownvoicewhichsoundedlikesteelwhilemyrighthandwasclenchingthehaftofmydagger.
ItwasasthoughIwereseeingthepashasfaceinadeliriumandfloatingpastitwastheghostlyshadowofmy
deadsisterAishawhoselivebabywasstillsuckingherbreast.Mysistersblackbraidsfelltothehoofsofthehorse
thepashawassittingon.Matainstantlycamebetweenmeandthepashatoprotectme.Buttheinterpreter
turnedafrenziedbullintoasubmissivesheep.

Wearehungry,Sir,washowhetranslatedmywords.

Beginningwithtomorroweveryfamilywillgetaloafofbread,declaredOmerPashasosolemnlyandwithsuch
statelinessasthoughtomorrowhewouldopenupthegatesofparadiseforus.

Thepashadidnthearanyshoutsofjoy.Onthecontrary,theoldwomanHamida,wholookedmorelikeasickbird,
jumpedforwardandsquawked:

Howcansomestalebreadhelpus?Allourchildrenwilldiewithoutmilk!

Whatkindofgratitudeisthat,onecouldreadinthepashaseyeswhichbetrayedhisdissatisfaction.

ThatsnottheMuslimway,hespokeoutloudandingreatanger.Womenarentallowed,especiallywithout
veils,tobewheremenare.Youshouldforgetthewaysoftheinfidels.ThisisnotRussia!Thewomenmustgetout
ofhereatonce!

Pleasebekindenoughtohearmeout!appealedthegraybeardedSoulakh,foldinghishandsandbowingtothe
distinguishedpasha.WeUbykhshaveourshrine,theAlmightyBytkha.Ihavethehonorofbeingitshighpriest.
Whenwesingglorytoourshrine,whenwepraytoit,ourwomenaretogetherwiththemen.Thatsourcustom!
Wehavecarriedonthatcustomfromourancestors.

WhenMzauchAbukhbatranslatedthehighpriestsstatementwordforword,thepashahunghiswhiponthe
saddleand,raisinghishandstothesky,muttered:

ThereisnoGodbutAllah...andinterruptinghisprayer,hethreatenedthecrowd:Youapostatesmustgotothe
mosque!Allofyoumustgo!Praythatyoursinsbeforgivenoryouwillnotseeheaven!

Iwaschokingwithrage:

Giveusachancetolivelikepeopleonthisearthandwellletyouhaveyourparadise!

Mataonceagainguardedme,readytofight,andIcaughtmyfatherscriticallookwhichseemedtosay,Wheres
yourselfcontrol,Son?

OmerPasha,whoserhetoricIinterrupted,lookedback.Oneofthehorsemenpointedthehandleofhiswhipinmy
direction.

Damnyouall!sworetheSamsungovernorand,sheddingthemaskofwellwisher,declared:Inthenameofthe
greatsultan,therepresentativeofAllahonearth,Ihaveorderedthatalistbedrawnupoftheyoungpeople
capableofmilitaryservice.Thoseonthelistwillbedrafted.Whoevervolunteerswillberewarded:hisfamilywill
gaintheprotectionofthestate.

Therewascompletesilence.Itwasbrokenbymyfather:

73

Theywanttotakeawayoursons!Depriveusofourlasthopeandsupport!

Oh,Hamirza,someonesaidwithtotallackofspirit.Ifyoudontagreetoday,tomorrowtheylltakeyourSonsby
force.Thesultansswordislong...

Thepeoplewereinastateofconfusion.AtthatpointNouryzemergedinfrontofOmerPasha.Stickinghisshort
staffintothegroundandhanginghissaberonit,hesaidinTurkish,makinghispositionclearwithoutbeating
aroundthebush:

Youknow,governor,yourlandofhappinessdoesntsuitus.Eitherwearentworthyofit,oritisntworthyofus.
Halfofthosewhosailedherewithusarealreadyintheirgraves.Thesamefateawaitstherestofus.Solistenhere,
governor:wevedecidedtogobacktoourhomeland!Giveusships!Ifyoudontwellwalk,onlyopenupthe
frontier.Ifyoudoussuchagreatfavorwellprayeternallyforthehealthofyoursultan.

Thecrowdwasdeadsilent.ButOmerPashawasntstartledintheleastbywhatwassaidbyNouryz,sonofBarakai.
Hewasprobablyexpectingtheexilestomakesuchademandandthatswhywithouthesitationheexclaimed:

Itsimpossible!Ifitwereonlyuptome,butIdonthavetheauthoritytochangetheconditionsspecifiedina
treatybetweentwogreatnationsTurkeyandRussia.Youwillprosperunderourcrescentmoon.Eventhe
prophetwasntrecognizedatfirst.Yoursacrificeswillnotbeforgotten.Patienceisthesisterofsuccess.Theres
nogodbutAllah!DontforgettogotothemosqueeveryFridayandpurifyyoursouls...Withthatfarewell,after
prancingforawhileinfrontofus,OmerPashaspurredhishorseandtrottedonhisway.

Hisconvoyfollowedafterhim.Acloudofdusthidthehorsemenfromus.Thecrowdbrokeup.Peoplewerede
pressedbyalltheyhadheard.Soonmyfather,brotherandIwerestandingtogether.Myfathergavemea
penetratinglook.IcouldnttakeitandsoIloweredmyhead.

IseebyyoureyesthatAishaisingreattrouble!Telleverythingasitiswhilewerestillalone,andputtinghis
handonMatasshoulder,added:we,men!

Notconcealinganydetail,Irelatedtothemeverythingthathadhappened.Fathersjawsquivered,butheshowed
noothersignthattheterriblenewsbrokehisheart.HeeventookhishandoffMatasshoulder,supportinghimself
byhisboxwoodstaff.Butmypoorbrotherweptlikeachild.Ofcoursehewasjustayoungmananditshowed.
AftergivingMataachancetocryouthisgrief,fatherspokeinthevoiceofamanwhohasenduredthemost
terribletragedyinhislife:

Keepthissorrow,likeadeepsecret,behindthefortresswallofyourteeth.Neitheryourmother,noryoursisters
aretoeverknowthis.Iftheyfindoutitwillkillthem.Zaurkan,yougotothemquicklyandgivethemhope.Gonow
mysons!

Myfatherleftusandwenttotheedgeofastonecoveredvalleywheresomestuntedtreesgrew.Hehadadored
hiselderdaughterAisha.Shewasthefamilysfirstchild.NowFatherhadtobealonetomournherintheshadeof
thedustybranches.Hesoughtsolitude,sonecessaryformeditation,prayerandtears.

Matafollowedafterme.Hewasnolongersobbing,justsighing.BeforeIwentofftofindAishaInoticedhowhe
waslosingweightandshoutinginhissleep.Hispeaceofmindwasdisturbed.Ifelthewastormentedbymental
anguish,notaphysicalillness.Hewassufferinganddidnthavethestrengthtorestrainhisfeelingsthatwould
havebeenhardforevenamaturemantoconquer.Everytimeheopenedhismouthhedsaysomethingaboutour
mountains,ourhomestead,andourland.

Recently,headmitted,Ivebeenhavingbaddreams.JustlastnightIdreamedIwascarryingafullsackofcorn
veryearlyinthemorninguptoouroldmill.ThedoorwasopenedandatthethresholdsatagraydogIdnever
seenbefore.Helookedlikehewasreadytosinkhisteethintomythroat.Thecursedcreaturewasbarking,but
madenosound;itwasavoicelessdog...Ipickeduparock,threwitatthedog,anditjumpedoutoftheway.I
walkedintothemillandsawinamazementthatthelowerwheelwasmovingatfullspeed,butthemillstones
stoodstillandtherewasdustonthemthreefingersthick.Insteadofthewoodentroughwheretheflourwas
supposedtofall,therewasablackcasket.Iwasterrifiedandranoutside,butitwaspitchdarkoutsidealthough
74

justaminutebeforethesunhadbeenshiningbrightly.Thesunwasgoneandinsteadtherewasadullcircleinthe
blackskythatlookedlikeaballofsmokedredcheese.Iwasprobablyshoutinginmysleep,becauseFatherwoke
meup...

Heslikeamanwhosehandhasbeenchoppedoffinbattlebuthestillhasthesensationhisfingersaremoving
andhurthim,Ithoughttomyself.

Bepatient,Mata.Maybethingswillworkout.

Zaurkan,hesaidafterthinkingitoveramoment.Youknow,ifIdontmanagetofindawaytogohomeIlldie.

Achillwentupmyspine:Irealizedhewasntjusttalking.

Dontsingadeathsong,Irebukedmybrotherwhileatthesametimetryingtowarnhimofdangeranddistract
himfromhisdisturbingthoughts.ButwhatIsaidjustfellondeafears:

Nouryzandhisfriendsarealreadygettingreadytogobackhome.IfMotherandFatherfindoutaboutmyplans
togowiththemtheywontletmegonotforanything.Ibegofyou,Zaurkan,talktothemforme.Theysayitsa
risk;wecouldeasilygetkilledtrying.Butmisfortunehasnolaws;italldependsonluck,Zaurkan.Ofcourse,Ihave
toconsiderMother,Father,andoursisters,butifImkilledyoulltakecareofthem.AndifImanagetogettoour
abandonedhomeIlllightafireinthecoldhearth.Illlookafterthehomestead;Illplough,sowandtakeinthe
harvest.Icandoallthat.Illbuysomelivestock,gohunting,andthen,nomatterwhatitcosts,Illhireaschooner
andcomeforyou.

StandinginfrontofmewasanUbykhladwholookedlikeaneagleincaptivitynoonecouldtakeawayhisdream
ofsoaringintothesky.Iwascarefulnottocliphiswings,yetatthesametimeIdidntwanttogivehimfalsehopes
ofsuccess.

OmerPashajustdashedyourhopes.HespokeonbehalfoftheTurkishgovernment.Whocanbesurethathellbe
giventherighttoliveinformerUbykhiaevenifhedoesmanagetogetthere?Lookbeforeyouleap!ButifNouryz
andhisfriendshavechosenthisthornypathandyouwanttojointhemIwontstandinyourway.Youreyourown
master.

IwantedsobadlytogowiththedaringgrouporganizedbyNouryz,sonofBarakai.Icouldjustseemyhome:the
fireflickeringinthefireplace,ourdooropentoanyone.YetIdidntletonatall.Notasinglemusclemovedonmy
face.TheSamsungovernorwasprobablytellingthetruthaboutthetreatysignedbetweenthetwocountries.That
meantthatallofusweredoomedtoperish:thosewhowantedtofollowNouryz,andthosewhowouldremain
behind.Wherewasthewayoutoftheviciouscircle?Whocouldpossiblygettheczarandthesultan,thoselong
timeenemies,toreconsidertheirdecisionabouttheUbykhexiles?Myheadwaslikeabeehivethatthoughtsflew
outoflikebees,withoutbringingbackanyhoney.Thebittertasteoftruthgrewstrongerinmymind.Wewere
approachingourstonequartersthatlookedmorelikeacryptwhenMataputhishandonmyshoulder:

Waitasecond,Zaurkan...

Whatsthematter?Areyoutired?Heshookhisheadandsuggested:

LetsgolistentooldSakut.Justforalittlewhile...

Whataboutourmotherandsisters...

Youllstillhavetimetotellthemthathopefulfairytale.AndanywayIstillhaventpulledmyselftogether...
Theyllseethroughme...

Thisisnotimetolistentomusic,Mata.Thisisnotimeatall!

Yourewrong,Zaurkan.Thisisjustthetime.Onlythestringsofanapkhiartsacaneaseoursorrowandsootheus,
atleastalittle.Comeon,Ibegyou...
75


Wewalkedtowardthelonetreethatstoodontheseashore.GraybeardedSakut,withhisbackupagainstthe
trunk,wasgazingwithhisblindeyesoutwherethewaves,likehorseswithwhitemanes,rolledintheroaring
vastnessofthesea.

Sakutwassurroundedbypeoplewhohadcomefromthemeeting.Therewereatleastfifteenofthem.An
apkhiartsaandbowwerelyingonafadedhorseclothnexttotheblindsinger.Iknewthateverydayatsunset
Astanguidedhisgrandfathertothelonetree.Peoplewouldsoongatheraroundtohearhimsing,wouldsecretly
shedatearandgetsomerelieffromtheirsorrow.Sakutneversanghissongstwice,makingagiftofeachoneto
thepeople.Afterall,whowouldgivethesamepresenttwice?OldSakut,eversincehewentblind,couldrecognize
peoplebytheirvoices.Hewouldsayhellotoanyonewhogreetedhimandwouldcallhimbyname.

Goodday,Sakut,IsaidasIapproached.

Oh,Zaurkan.Icouldtellthatwasyoufromyourfootsteps.MayGodblessyou,theeldestsonofHamirza.You
know,myfriend,wheneverIhearyourvoiceitremindsmeoftheheroeswholivedinthedaysofmyancestors.
TheylivedalonglongtimeliketheNartsthegiantsofourfairytales...Iwishyoutheirlonglife!Imsogladyou
came.Ihavearequesttomakefyou.MygrandsonAstanissoyoungandinexperienced.Allourrelativesarenow
deadsoIaskyouthisfavor,Zaurkan:afterIdiedontleavehimwithoutyourcounsel.Beanolderbrothertohim.I
havealreadytoldtheotherstoburyme,asinner,underthistreewithmyheadfacingtowardmynative
mountains.Pointingtotheleathersackattachedtohisbelt,heexplained:Inhereisahandfulofearthfromour
homeland.Sprinkleitonmychestafteryoulowermeintomygrave.Andhangmyapkhiartsaonthistree.The
windwilltouchthestringsandIwillbeabletoheartheirsounds.Thenherubbedhisquiveringpalmoverthe
roughtreetrunk.Wheresyourbrother,Zaurkan?

Greetings,grandfather,saidMataquietly.

Nowyoucomeclosertome.Benddown!Comeon,benddown!

Mataleanedovertotheoldmanwhofelthisfacewithhisthinsensitivefingers.

Youvebeencrying,lad?

Yes!

Thatsallright.Youneednotfeelguiltyaboutyourtears.Maytheyturnintocourage!

Thenhefumbledaroundforhisapkhiartsaandbow.Heputtheinstrumentnexttohisthinchestandstrummedit
afewtimestotunethehorsehairstrings.Sakutwasinnohurry.Heturnedhiseyestotheskyasthoughhecould
seeitslight,thefloatingclouds,andthebirdssoaringinitsendlessexpanses.

Everydayhasitssong,heannounced.

Thepeoplebecamesilent.Thebow,ledbyhishand,moveddownsmoothlyandthenwentupsharply.

Waraida,dontstop
Playingmyapkhiartsa,
Giveushopelikeyoudgive
Stirrupstoarider.
Blindman,touchthestrings.
Maylightcomethroughdarkness,
Andlethopefillagain
Thousandsofbravehearts.
Asonisweakfromdaysofthirst:
Mother,Imthirsty!
Patientbe,belovedson
76

TillSisterbringsyouwater.
Ihaventeaten,Mom,fordays!
IneedsomefoodorIlldie.
Yourfatherisgrindingthebarley,
Bepatient,mydearson.
Themotherissoothingheronlyson
Herhusbandanddaughterareintheirgraves.
Waraida,mayalwayshope
Belightingupyourdarkestnights.

BACKTOTHELANDOFTHEUBYKHS

TheRussianconsulwasinTrabzon.HislastnamewasMoshnin.Weknewhehadbeenverypersistentinarranging
ourmigrationtoTurkey.Hisstrategywasquitesimple:ifhecouldgetthearmedUbykhsofftheirlanditwouldbe
easytotakeovertheCaucasuscompletely.Ithadbeentheczarslongtimedreamtoconquerthatrebelliousarea.
WhenthevicegerentoftheCaucasusandhisassistantssawtherewerentenoughshipstotaketheemigresto
Turkey,noneotherthantheefficientanddeterminedMoshninworkeditoutwiththeTurkishauthoritiesto
providemoresailingvessels.Moshnintriednottousesecondhandinformationifhecouldgetthefactshimself.
WhenhegotwordoftheUbykhsdiresituationhewentwithsomeofhismendowntheTurkishseacoastonfoot.
Whathesawwithhisowneyesupsethimimmensely.Hewasconsciencestricken.Besides,likeitornot,theexiles
werefromtheRussianEmpire.Consequently,Moshnin,mayhisnamebeforeverremembered,demandedtosee
thegovernor,OmerPasha.WithpolitefirmnesshetoldthegovernorwhathethoughtabouttheTurkish
authoritiesinhumantreatmentofthethousandsofCaucasianswhohadcomeunderthesultanspatronage.

Theyaredyingofhungeranddisease,whileyourwealthycountrymenaretakingadvantageofthesituationand
buyingtheirchildrenfornexttonothing,andespeciallytheirbeautifulgirls.Youpromisedtheleadersofthe
Ubykhsyoudbehospitablehosts...Thesultanswordinyourcountryislaw,andtheprophetbequeathed
charity...

Youllexcuseme,consulSir,buttomygreatregret,Idonthaveenoughtimetodaytoengageinadetailed
conversationabouttheUbykhs,.repliedOmerPasha,containinghisannoyance.And,asherose,indicatingthat
he,indeed,didnothavethetime,said:YourHighness,Ihavemettheexilesandfoundthemtobeungrateful
peoplewhoaredifficulttodealwith.Theydontrespectthelawsofthecountrythatgavethemrefuge...Theydo
astheyplease,refusetolettheirsonsserveinthearmyandengageinlawlessactivities...Mostofthemnowhave
theirresistibledesiretoreturnhome.OnlyIdontknowhowyourgovernmentwillreacttothat,saidOmerPasha
withavictorioussmile.

OnhiswayoutMoshninrealizeditwasunlikelyhisconversationwiththegovernorwouldchangeanythingforthe
Ubykhs.Anyway,hefoundthegovernoranunpleasantman.TheconsulknewforsurethatOmerPasha,who
accusedtheUbykhsoflawlessness,hadboughthimselffiftyUbykhwomenforasong.Someofthemwerenowhis
servantsandothers,hisconcubines.OmerPashawasoneofthoseresponsibleforourtragicfate,notthemain
one,butneverthelesshedeservedtobehanged.Thehandsofrevenge,however,areshort.Butitwasimportant
thattheRussianconsulsympathizedwithus.Itofferedusatleastsomehopeofreturning.

Onbehalfofallthosewhowantedtogohome,MzauchAbukhbawenttoTrabzonthreetimestotalktoMoshnin.I
rememberthefinaltimehereturnedtherewasameeting.NotonlytheUbykhswerethere,butrepresentativesof
othermountaintribesaswell.Youknow,Sharakh,whenyoureolderitseasiertoseefar.MyGod,howmany
yearshavepassedandyettomeitsasthoughitallhappenedyesterdayandIcanvisualizeMzauchAbukhba
standinginfrontofme.Hewasabroadshoulderedmanwithablackmustache.Hishomeandfieldhadbeennext
totheGagrafortress.Likemostofus,repentingthefatefulmigration,hehadonlyonedesirenow:togoback.But
unlikeNouryz,sonofBarakai,whowasreadytotakeuparmsifneedbe,Mzauchadvocatednegotiationswiththe
governmentsofbothcountries.Whenheaddressedthepeopleatthemeetingheinsistedonworkingthroughthe
RussianambassadorinIstanbulIgnatiev,aninfluentialandnobleman.

77

Theczarhimselflistenstotheambassador.AndtheTurksknowit.Letswritetohismajestyandinourpetitionas
recentcitizensoftheRussianstate,welldescribeallourmisfortunes.Threepeopleofyourchoiceshouldtakethe
lettertoIstanbultotheRussianambassador...ThatwasMoshninsadvice.Hehasgivenmehisownletter,may
Godblesshimwithgoodhealth.Hislettershouldbeattachedtoourssoitwillbeacceptedbytheembassy.Lets
notwasteourprecioustime...

Foraninstanttherewascompletesilence.Suddenlysomeonespokeoutinaloudvoice:

MayIremindyouthatjustyesterdayyouwereshoutingDeathtotheinfidels!asyoutriedstoppingtheczars
soldiersfromridingintothemountains.ThatwasUakhsitRydba,aSadzprinceandmemberoftheformerUbykh
council.Hisnarrow,silverbeardwaslikeastreamrunningdownasteephill;itmadetheleanmanlookeventaller
thanheactuallywas.Hiswholeappearancespokeofnobleorigins.Oflatetheprincewasnotoriousforopposing
themajoritywhowantedtogohome.Someevensaidhegaveleadershiptotheopposition.

WeweretheoneswhochosetoleavethevalleysoftheNorthernCaucasusforTurkey...Firstweturnourbackon
theczar,thenonthesultan.Howcouldanyonerespectusafterthat?Andifwegoback,whatwillwefindinour
homeland?IheardthatCossacksarelivingonmyland...MaybeyouwantmetotakecareoftheCossacksgeese?
Pattinghiswellgroomedbeardwithhisthinhand,theprincethrewaproudglanceatthecrowd.

Someonelaughedfacetiouslybehindhisback:

Well,whatdoyouknow!Hessogratefulforthesultanscharity.Tellme,highlyesteemedUakhsit,whathave
yougainedinthiswonderfulcountry?Paradiseonearth?Peace?

Yes,peace!Ifwegobackwellhavetostartfightingagain.Buttheonlyoneswholikewararethosewholookatit
fromadistance.Hereatleastbulletsarentflying,repliedRydba.

Waitasecond,Prince!Whotoldyoubulletsarentflyinghere?Youcanthearthem,buttheytakethelivesof
hundredsofpeopleaday.Andthelivingdonthavethestrengthtoburythedead.Itsworsethanwar;itsmurder,
pureandsimple.Nouryzwasaspaleasaghost.Hebegancoughing.

Takingadvantageofthepause,Mzauchsuggesteddrawingupapetitiontotheczar,asadvisedbytheconsul
Moshnin.

Hey,Nouryz,wheresyournoblemanshonor?Amanwhowasherdingsheepjustyesterdayisconducting
negotiationstoday.Whatwillhappentomorrow?commentedtheprincesarcastically.

Mzauchgaveajerkasthoughstruckwithawhip,butcontrolledhimself.

TheoldwomanHamidathenemergedfromthegroupofwomen.Shewasdressedinblacksinceshewasin
mourning.Thereweredarkshadowsunderneathhersadeyes,butsheheldherheadhigh.Asshetoreoffher
blackscarfandhergrayhairfelldowntohershoulderslikeasnowfall,sheshouted:

Whatswrongwithyou?Maybeallofyouhavealreadyleftthisworldandhaveplentyoftimetotalkatleisure
aboutnobleorigins,aboutlostwealthandothertriflingmatters?Countthegravesontheshore!Ihopeour
nobilitywillforgiveme,butthosegravesareontheirconsciences.Ourfosterchildren,ourleadersdidnotusetheir
heads.Thequestionis,why?Younoblemenaretoblameforourpredicament!Evennowyouarehaughtilytalking
aboutyourlostproperty.Youdontwanttotendgeese!Butwereusedtothatjob.Iwouldratherhavehadmy
fourgrandchildrentendgeeseintheirnativeland!Butnowonlyoneisleft.Theotherthreearedead...Hamidas
voicebroke,butsheswallowedthelumpinherthroatandwenton:Imhangingontolifeforthesakeofmylast
grandchild,mybelovedTagir.WhatIwouldntdotogethimbackhome.AndonceagainHamidasvoicebecame
harsh:YourenotactinglikeUbykhmen!Forcenturiesthemeasureofyourdignitywasyourcourage!Butnow
youseemtohaveforgottenthatyouremen!MaybeI,withmyheadbare,shouldbecomeyourleaderandtake
youbackacrossthesea?Wevetalkedlongenough!Letsdosomething!Ifitsapetitionwemustwrite,thenlets
writeit!Illbethefirsttosign!Ifwemustappealtotheczar,thenletsdoit!Imwillingtobethefirsttokneel
downbeforehim.Thisisnotimeforarrogance.Weshouldhaveonlyoneconcernnowandthatistoreturntothe
landoftheUbykhs.
78


NoonewantedtotalkafterHamida.OldSitfinallybrokethesilence:

MydearMzauch,whowillwritethepetitionforusifourscribediedoftyphoidfever?Hewastheonlyonewho
knewhowtowriteRussian.Againfateisworkingagainstus.

Wehavesomebodyelse!repliedMzauchandwavedhishandtosomeoneinthecrowd.

Aplainoldmanincityattirecameoutofthecrowd.Nobodyhadeverseenhimbefore.Hewaswearingglasses
andhisgrayhaircombedstraightbackcamedowntohisshoulders.Agoldenwatchchainwashangingfromthe
oldmansfrontshirtpocket.

ThishonorablemanisaGreek.HehasbeenalloverRussiaasaninterpreterformerchants,butnowhesworking
fortheRussianconsulate...IfwetellhimeverythingwewanttosayinTurkishhellwriteitdowninRussian,
explainedMzauchbywayofintroduction.

Theoldmantooksomepaper,apenandinkoutofanoldleatherpurseandarrangedthemonalittletablethat
camefromheavenknowswhere.Havingwipedhisglasseswiththeedgeofhishandkerchief,hestoodonhis
kneesinfrontofthelittletableandlookedatMzauchasiftosay,Imready!

PrinceUahsitRydbasmiledironically:

HowcanaChristianhandscribbleoutourMuslimsuffering?Dontexpectanythinggoodfromanalienprophet!

Yourmaliciousremarksdonthelpanyone,Prince,cutinHamida.

Theoldmenandwomensatinasemicirclearoundthescribewhileweyoungpeoplestoodbacksomewhat.Sit
proposedtheopeninglinesofthepetition.Thepeoplediscussedthem:theyshortenedsomeofthesentencesand
addedontoothers.WhentheeldersfinishedredoingSitsversion,MzauchtranslateditintoTurkish,andthe
Greek,squeezinghispen,wroteitdowninRussian.WhiletheGreekwaswritingeveryonewassoquietwecould
hearhispensqueak.ThenanotherUbykhofferedhisthoughtsfortheelderstoconsiderOnceagaintheywere
discussed,translatedtwiceandcommittedtopaper.Thatprocedurewasrepeatedmanytimesover.Inthesame
waythatstreamsmergeintooneriver,sotooourthoughtsanddesiresfloweddownalongthelinesofthe
petition,blendingintoonehope.WhenevertheGreekpickeduphispenthepeopleheldtheirbreath,stretched
theirnecksandfixedtheireyesonthedocumentilluminatedbythesun.Theirfatenowhingedonthatpieceof
paper.

IftheBlackSeawereahugeinkwell,ifthetreesonbothitsshoreswerepens,andiftheearthwereapaperscroll,
therestillwouldntbeenoughink,pensorpapertodescribeallthetormenttheexileshadendured,Ithoughtto
myselfasIlookedatthepetition.

StillIhopedforamiracle.Icouldimaginethatpaper,likeawhitewingeddove,flyingfromthehandofthe
ambassadorinIstanbulacrosstheseaandovertheplainsandforestsofRussia,andlandingintheczarspalacein
St.Petersburg.Therearemanywindowsinthewhitestonepalace,butIprayedthedocumentintheformofa
whitewingeddovewouldfindtherightoneandalightonthedeskwheretheemperorhimselfwasseated.Why
shouldntsuchamiraclehappen?Whatifthesovereignofhalftheworldwouldwakeupthatmorningfeeling
energetic,cheerfulandmagnanimous.Hedpickupthepaperwithourwordsofentreatyand,aftercallinginan
adjutanthedinquire:Whatsthis?

ApetitionfromtheUbykhs,YourMajesty!theofficerwouldreplypleasantlyhavingpickedupontheczarsgood
moodliketheotherpeopleofthecourt.

TheUbykhs?Ohyes!Abravetribe,quitebrave,theemperorwouldrecall,andwouldcommentrespectfully:
TheylivedontheBlackSeacoastandwerecalledrecalcitrantinthevicegerentsreports.

Yes,thatsright,YourMajesty,theadjutantwouldsayasheclickedhisheals.

79

Theyfoughtusvaliantly,andafterrefusingtoacceptourtermstheymovedtoTurkey.Aworthyenemy,quite
worthy!Whatdoyouthink,General?Doessuchanenemydeserveourrespect?

Absolutely,YourMajesty,wouldbethereplyoftheofficerwhoseuniformwouldboastamedalForConquering
theCaucasus.

Oh,whatatragedy!theczarwouldexclaimwithcompassion.Ihadnoideatheydendupinsomuchtrouble...
Afterall,therearemanyoldpeople,womenandchildrenamongthem...Ofcourseitstheirownfault,butwhy
shouldIdeprivethemofmymercy.Andpickinguphispeninhiswhitehandtheczarwouldwritejusttwowords
onthepetition:Requestgranted!Andjusticewouldprevail.Shipswouldcomeforusandwedreturnhometo
thelandoftheUbykhs.Wedopenupourneglectedhomesandonceagainthepeasantswouldgooutintothe
fieldstoploughandsow.Onceagaintherewouldbejoyandgaiety,weddingsandbirths.

Butwhatiftheoppositewouldhappen:theczarwouldwakeupinabadmood,angryandsullenbecausea
beautifulwomanrefusedhisattentionsthenightbefore,andtheadjutant,whenthesubjectwouldcomeupabout
theUbykhs,wouldoffertheczarharshadvice:Itwouldbeextremelyunwisetoforgivethosebarbarians,Your
Majesty.Besides,wehaveanagreementwithTurkey.Thentheautocrat,pickingupthepeninhiswhitehand
wouldwrite:

Caseclosed,nottobereconsidered!AndweUbykhswouldperish,everysingleoneofus.Andsoourfatehung
onthetipoftheczarspen.Thelifeanddeathofanentirepeoplenowdependedonchance,onthedispositionof
theczar,onthepowerofthehandholdingtheimperialpen.

WhileIwastryingtoguesswhatwouldbetheczarsreactiontoourpetition,thescribeandtranslator,theold
Greek,finishedhisjob.

Itseemsasthoughaneternityhaspassedsincethen,Sharakh,yettothisdayIcanrememberthecontentsofthe
Ubykhspetitiontotheczarpracticallywordforword.Itsasthoughmymemoryisatombstoneandthewordsin
thepetition,theepitaph.Youaskwhatthepetitionsaid?Itdescribedoursufferingthatnotonepeoplehadever
beforeexperienced.ItsaidtheTurkishgovernmentthathadinviteduswasnotfulfillinganyofitspromisesof
hospitality.Onthevergeofinevitableextinction,sincerelyrepentantandfranklyadmittingthefullseverityofthe
mistakewehavemade,weUbykhs,allthesurvivingmenandwomen,oldandyoung,bowourheadstoYour
ImperialMajesty,andtearfullyprayyouallowustoreturnhometoourorphanedhearths.Wesolemnlyswearto
youthatifwearefortunateenoughtobepermittedtoreturntoourhomelandthennotonlywe,butour
descendantsaswell,willneverforgetyourimperialcharityandwillfaithfullyandhonestlyservetheRussianstate.
KneelingbeforeYourMajestywebegofyou:dontlettheUbykhpeopledisappearfromthefaceoftheearth!
That,Sharakh,waswhatwewroteinthepetition.

Whenthetextwasreadoutloud,MzauchAbukhbasigneditandaskedustodothesame.TheoldwomanHamida
neverlearnedtowritesoshedippedherthumbintheinkwellandpresseditonthepaper.Therewasnothing
unusualaboutthefactthatHamidacouldntwrite.EvenourhonorablepriestSoulakhwasilliterateandsohedid
asshe.Imustsay,Sharakh,thattherewereonlyafewwhocouldwritetheirnamesonthepetition.Infactmaybe
therewereoneortwoandthatwasit.Allthosewhosignedthepetitionorputtheirthumbprintsonitcameaway
inagoodmoodasthoughtheyhadheardgladtidings.Whenmyfathersturncamehehesitated.

Hamirza,whyareyoudallying?askedSitinsurprise.

Whatthepeopleagreedtotogetherislawtome,butmyfosterbrotherandmasterShardyn,sonofAlou,isnt
here;Icantputmyfingerprinttothispaperwithouthimknowing.

MataandIlookedateachotherandwentuptothetabletogether:

Wellsignevenifourfatherwont!

FirstIastheeldestandthenMatasignedwithourthumbprints.

Whataboutyou,Nouryz?Whatareyouwaitingfor?OrdoyougoalongwithRydba?askedMzauch.
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Nouryzraisedhisbentheadand,hittinghisshortstaffagainstthegroundaswashishabit,hesaid:

IfIhadtheslightestconfidencethatsomethingcouldcomeofthis,believeme,Iwouldhavesignedittentimes
over.Allthiswilldonoharm,norwillitdoanygood.Okay,givemethatpen,Illsign.Wevebeenbuildingcastles
intheairlongenough!TomorrowSoulakhwillblessusinfrontofsacredBytkhaandthen,believeme,Illknow
whatIhavetodo.Buttoday,ifthisiswhatyouwant...AndNouryz,sonofBarakai,enteredhisnamenexttoour
thumbprints.

ImustadmitthattherewereplentywhosupportedPrinceUakhsitRydba.Theystoodonthesidelinesanddidnt
leavebecauseitwouldhavebeentakenasachallengetothemajority.Thepeopleappointedthreemen,headed
byMzauchAbukhba,totakethepetitiontotheRussianAmbassadorIgnatiev.Theyweretosetoffimmediatelyfor
Istanbul.

WecouldntfindaholyplaceinTurkeyforourshrineBytkha.Thepeopleweredistressedthatwehadtokeepitin
thepriestssqualidhousingasthoughitwereanordinarypitcherorspinningwheel.Whenthecholerabrokeout
someofthemspeculatedinsuperstitiousfearthattheoffendedBytkharefusedherprotectionbecauseofour
sacrilege.ToraisethepeoplesspiritsSoulakhcarriedBytkhatoallwhocontractedthediseaseandprayedfortheir
recovery.ThepeoplebelievedBytkhacouldworkmiracles;manyofthesecholeravictimsescapeddeath.People
havetobelieveinsomething,Sharakh...

AlltheUbykhs,exceptthesick,gatheredontheseashoreinfrontofthelonetreewherenotsolongagoSakutthe
apkhiartsaplayerhadsoothedourpainwithhissongs.Everyonerealizedthattodaysprayermeetingwasspecial.
Bytkhaherselfwastoblessthosewho,ledbyNouryz,sonofBarakai,weregoingbacktothelandoftheUbykhs.
Afterpraying,Soulakh,dressedinwhite,tookthestatueofBytkhaoutofitsleathercaseandplaceditbythetree
trunk.Weallgotdownonourknees.

Oh,AlmightypatronessBytkha!Giveusyourblessings!

Thepriestsincantationpenetratedourhearts.Wecouldsmellthesweetsmokeofthehearthswehadleft.
Pleasantscenespassedbeforeoureyes.Werememberedourhomeland,rememberedthedead,andeventhe
menhadtearsrollingdowntheircheeks.Raisinghishandstothesky,Soulakhcontinued:

Oh,AllmercifulBytkha!Todaymanyofourpeoplearesettingoffforhome.Destroytheobstaclesintheirway!
Buildbridgesforthemtogetoveranyprecipice!Andwhentheysailthesea,givethemfairwind!Protectthem,
guardthem,andbolstertheirspirits!

Amen!Amen!saidthoseontheirknees.

Whenwefinishedprayingweallfeltimpatientforaction.Themenputontheirdaggers,andpickeduptheir
pistolsandriflestheyhadlaidasidebeforetheritual.

WehaveBytkhasblessings.Itstimetogo.Goodluck!exclaimedNouryz,sonofBarakai.

ThecrowdofmenandwomenfollowedafterNouryzcarryingbundles,saddlebagsandpitchers.Theoldwoman
Hamida,holdinghersmallgrandsonTagirbythehand,didntevenlookback.Theysetoffinthedirectionof
TrabzonhopingtofindashipthatwouldtakethemtoSukhumkale*.Iftheycouldntgetashiptheyagreedthey
wouldwalktotheborder.Relyingonthegods,theirweaponsandonfavorablecircumstances,thepeoplehoped
onewayoranothertogettothelandoftheUbykhs.

Ourwholefamilyassembledontheseashore.WeembracedMata.Icarriedhisloadwalkingbyhisside.Thenwe
huggedoncemore.Istoodforalongtimeonacliff,watchingthemwalkawayintothedistance.Itsnotrightto
envyonesownbrother,butIdid.Howluckyhewastobegoinghome!WhydidntIgowithhim?Godismy
witnessthatIwouldhaverunoffafterthemifithadntbeenformymother,fatherandmysisters.Andnotonly
them.IcouldseebeforemethemysteriousislandofRhodes.Thatislandwaswheremybelovedwas,myFeldysh.
Myheartwasreadytobreak.

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Forcedidlenessislikeanillnesstosomeoneusedtoworking.Whatcouldourfamilydo?Wedidnthaveanyland
tofarm,eventhesmallestgarden;wenotonlydidnthaveanycows,butnogoatstograze,either.Sowhatcould
wedo?FortunatelyFatherhadbroughtournetfromhome.Sonowhespentdaysatatimeoutinthesea.The
onlyfoodweatewasfish.AtfirstInearlydiedofidleness.ButthenIgotusedtolookingaroundvillagesandcities
foranyoddjobs.TobringhomealoafofbreadIloadedandunloadedshipsintheharbor,choppedfirewoodfora
wealthyTurk,andwashiredtocleancattlesheds.Nojobwastoodirtyforme.ButIcouldhardlyearnanything
becauselaborwassocheap.

You,mydearSharakh,probablydontevenknowwhatitsliketolivehalfstarving.Whenyourownstomachis
emptythatsonlyhalftheproblem;itsnotasbadaswhenyourfamilyisstarvingthatsarealcalamity.When
thathappensyourewillingtodoanything.Youmaycursemeorpardonme,butyououghttoknowthatmy
familyshungerforcedmetosin.Whenfiftywellarmedyoungmenwenthunting,Iwentwiththem.Asyou
alreadyknow,weUbykhshadabadreputationalloverTurkey.Peopleslammedtheirdoorsinthefaceofaman
wearingaCircassiancoat.ShootoutswerecommonbetweenthearmedCaucasiansandthepolice.Eventhearmy
wasonalertifthepolicewerentabletocopewiththethieves.Wetriedtooperateinremoteareaswherethere
werenoroadsandwherenooneknewaboutusyet.Wedidnttouchthepeasants.Whatcouldwegetfromthem
anyway?Theywereaspovertystrickenaswewere.Butwedidagoodjobontravellingmerchantsandshop
owners.Wecleanedoutalltheirmoney,drygoods,andfoodsupplies.Wealsostolehorses.Youcanimaginewe
couldntgetalongwithouthorses.Inourclasheswiththepolicepeoplewerekilledonbothsides.Thosewhowere
takenalivebythepolicewerepunishedmercilessly.

IgotinwithagroupofyoungdaredevilsaroundthetimeMataleft.Wewerentluckyineveryraid.Oncethe
policeencircledus.Therewerelotsofthem.However,wegotoutoftheirsnareintwosandthreesandthrough
forestsandmountainswegraduallymadeourwaybacktothecoast.Wetravelledinthedeadofnightlike
shadows.

WhileweweregoneanimportantdevelopmenttookplaceamongtheUbykhsoutsideSamsun:Shardyn,sonof
Alou,returned.Manypeople,includingmyfatherhadbeenlookingforwardtohisarrival.Ourmasterseyeswere
jollyandtherewasntatraceofsadnessinhisface.HeworeTurkishattireandaredfezwithablacktasselinstead
ofaCircassiancoat,andwasfingeringamberdevotionalbeads.Therewassomethinghaughtyabouthim,self
satisfied.Hismovementshadbecomemeasured.Heinquiredhowhispeopleweregettingalongwithouthim,
whathadhappenedinhisabsence.Astheywereaccustomedto,thepeopletoldhimfranklyallabouttheterrible
thingsthathadhappenedtonearlyeveryoneofthem.

Wardidnttakethelivesofasmanypeopleasthisforeignlandhasinhalfayear.

Thatnewsdidntupsetourfosterbrothertoomuch.Hewasmoredistressedtolearnthatwehadwrittena
petitiontotheczarandthatmanyhadleftwithNouryz,sonofBarakai.

Whereisyourselfcontrol?hescolded.Whatsthematter,hastherebeenafloodoranearthquake?Arentyou
anoddlot!Yourelikelittlechildren;youcantbeleftaloneforaday!Whatscurvyknavethoughtofwritinga
petitiontotheczar?HaveyouforgothowtheRussiansshotholesinus?Doyouwanttobeslavesoftheinfidels?
Thisisterrible,justterrible!Justremember:weareMuslimsfirstandforemostandwereinthelandofthetrue
believers!

Themostnoblesultanhimself,therepresentativeofAllah,isthefirstcitizenofthiscountry.Justthinkingofsuch
anhonorshouldfillyourheartswithpride!ImusttellyouIwasreceivedbythemotherofthegreatsultan,Abdul
Aziza.Asyouknow,sheisanAdighe.Herancestorsandminewererelated.Thesamebloodflowsinourveins!The
sultansmotherhasentrustedmyfate,andthatmeansyourfate,toapersonwhoisthesultansrighthandman.
Wevebeengivenfertilelandwithforests,fieldsandwater.Thereyoullforgetallyourtroubles.Getreadyto
move;weshouldbetherebeforethecoldweathersetsin.

WhatImtellingyouaboutShardyn,sonofAlou,iswhatIheardfromothers,Sharakh.AtthattimeIwasworking
mywaybacktothecoastwithabandofmenonhorsebackafteranunsuccessfulraid.Wehadalreadycovered
morethanhalfthedistancehomewhensuddenlywesawcomingfromtheeastagraygangofemaciatedpeople
barelyshufflingtheirfeetandfollowedbysoldierswithrifles.Soonwegotcloser.Youcanimagine,Sharakh,what

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wefeltwhenwesawwithourowneyesthatthesetorturedandweak,barefootpeoplewereUbykhs,asmall
numberofthosewhohadsetoffforhome.

Mata!Ishoutedlikeamadmanandshotoffintothecrowd.

Hewaswalkingstoopedover,supportinghimselfonastickandholdingaboyagainsthischest.Iimmediately
recognizedtheboy:hewasTagir,Hamidasgrandson.Notpayinganyattentiontothesoldierswhoweretryingto
stopuswepulledoutofoursaddlebagseverythingwehadtoeatandbeganhandingitouttothehungry,
spiritlesspeopleunderguard.Thesoldierswerescaredtodeathbytheunexpectedappearanceofarmed
horsemenandtheyallowedthefatiguedpeopletohaveashortrest.Notgivingthesoldiersachancetorecover
fromshockwesatuponoursaddlesthewoundedandtheexhaustedUbykhsandmergedwiththecrowd.

IputMataandTagironmyhorse.MatabegantellingmehowtheygottoTrabzon.Theshipownerwhohad
promisedforahandsomesumtotakethepeopleledbyNouryz,sonofBarakai,totheCaucasianshore,backed
downinfrightatthelastminuteandwenttoseawithouttakingonesinglepassenger.Then,ashadbeendecided
earlier,theysetoffonfoottotheborder.AttheChurukSuRivertheTurkishfrontierguardswouldntletthem
pass.FortwoweekstheUbykhssoughtaplacewheretheycouldgetthroughtotheothersideoftheriver,butall
invain;theborderwascarefullyguarded.Indesperationtheydecidedtofighttheirwaythrough.Thefirsttobe
killedintheshootingwasNouryz,sonofBarakai.Abulletstruckhimintheheart.

Ienvyhim,whisperedMata.Oh,whywasntIoneofthosefellowswhodiedlessthanhalfamilefromour
homeland!Mataheavedaheavysighandadded:AndpoorHamida,notstoppingtothinkabouthersmall
grandson,threwherselfintotheriver.Onthewaytothebordersheadoptedmeandentrustedmewiththefate
ofhergrandson.Tagirisnowmybrotherandyours,Zaurkan.Ifsomethinghappenstome,youlltakecareof
him...

LittleTagirslumberedpitifullyinMatasarms.

Goodnewsstaysinplace,butthebadtravelsoneagleswings.TheUbykhswhohadremainedintheoutskirtsof
SamsunhadlearnedsomehowthattheircountrymenwhohadleftwithNouryz,sonofBarakai,couldntcrossthe
borderandmanyofthemweredead.Whenthesurvivorsreturned,lookingmorelikeghosts,therewasheart
rendingshoutingandmoaningalongtheshore.Onecouldntfindabrotherinthecrowd,anotherhisson,anda
thirdacloserelative.InthemidstofthesedramaticeventsthebitterlydisappointingnewsbroughtbyMzauch
AbukhbafromTrabzonwasmetwithonlymournfulsilence.Thenewswasextremelycruel:theczarhadpersonally
writtenhisansweronourpetition,TheUbykhcaseisclosed,nottobereconsidered!

Itoldyouso!respondedShardyn,sonofAlou,gleefully,whenheheardabouttheczarsdecision.

HewasplayingbackgammonwithOmerPashainacoffeeshopunderawhitecanopybytheseashore.Theterrible
newsMzauchbroughtwithhimmadeShardyn,sonofAlou,glowwithselfcontent.Heknewthatwhetherthe
peoplewantedtoornottheywouldnowhavetosubmittohiswill.Hekeptwinning,too,thatday:thedicecame
upsixpracticallyeverytime.Thepashasstuffedwalletwasgettingflatterbytheminute.Theonlythingthatup
setourleadersmoodwasthatthepashacasuallymentionedHajiKerantukh.

Tohellwithhim!saidShardyn,sonofAlou,losinghistemper.Thatmeant:Imtheonlysovereignofthe
Ubykhs!

SoonshipscametotakeustothatwonderfullandShardynhadtalkedabout.Webeganboarding;andtwodays
latertherewasntasingleUbykhleftinSamsun,exceptforthosewholayintheirgraves.

Twosentimentswerestrugglinginmysoul,liketwobullslockinghorns.Onewassadnessthatweweregoingeven
fartherawayfromthelandoftheUbykhsandtheotherwasjoythatourshipwouldtakeusclosertoRhodes
Islandand,thegodsbewilling,ImightperhapsseeFeldysh.Istoodonthedeckandlookedattheoutlineofthe
shorewiththelonetree.UnderneaththetreewasthewhitetombstoneoverSakutsgrave.Aboveit,tiedtoa
branchuphigh,swayedhisapkhiartsathatnotlongagohadsotouchedourhearts.Andsuddenlyitseemedas
thoughIcouldhearitsstringsandthewordsfromtheblindsingerslastsong:

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Onceawarriordemanded:
Saddlememybattlehorse.
Thoughhewasinthesaddle
Supportedonhisstirrups.
Soweasksometimesintears:
Whereisthatlandofjoy?
Thoughweveleftforever
Whatwasourhomeland.

OurshipssetofftowardIstanbul.OnthethirddaywedroppedanchorintheIstanbulroadstead,butnoonewas
allowedtogetoffbecausetheportauthoritieswereafraidwewouldbringtyphoidfeverorcholeraintothecity.
Thewateroverboardwasboilingasinakettle,andthewaves,asthoughindelirium,werelashingagainstthe
wharf.ATurkishsailorlookingatthewaterbubblingoverboardspitthroughhisteeth:

Thecurrent,deviltakeit!

Thesuperstitiousamonguswereterrified:Itsabadomen.

FromIstanbulwesailedtoYemzid,butwewerentletoffthereeither.Theonlypersonwhocoulddisembarkwas
Shardyn,sonofAlou.Afterspendingalongtimeinthecity,hereturnedsmilingandboasting:

Thisiswheremyfriendlives,thesaviorofallofyou,SelimPasha.Aslongaswereunderhisprotectionwehave
nothingtofear.

TheshipstookoffforBandirma.Therewedisembarkedandwalkedbehindthecartscarryingthefamilyof
Shardyn,sonofAlou,toaplacecalledOsmankoy.

LaterthelocalpeopletoldusthatlongbeforewemovedtothatplaceanUbykhhadcomethere.Hisnamewas
Osman.Hewalkedaroundasifheweremakingplans.Whenhegotthefullpicturehedisappearedassuddenlyas
hehadcome.Maybeitwasallidlegossip,butmaybethemanhadbeenShardyn,sonofAlou?

OSMANKOY

ItwaseveningwhenIenteredtheyardcarryingafullsackofcornovermyshoulders.Tendrilsofbluishsmokerose
overtheroofofthemudhut.Ourwhitedogwithyellowspotsranupandsnuggledagainstmyfeet.Thehens
gettingreadytoroostwerecackling.MymotherNasiwasscoldinglittleTagirforpullingthecalfbythetail.Her
voice,affectionateandindulgent,wascomforting.Myfatherwassittingonasmallbench,milkingourcow;the
milksquirtingintothewoodenmilkpail.Kunawashurryingintothehousewithsomegreenonionsfromthe
garden;shewasafraidthewaterforthecornmealmushwasboilingover.AndmyyoungersisterJunawas
poundingthedustoutofamattresshangingontheclothesline.Ibeganwonderingiftheheavenswouldreally
helpuslivebetter,aswedidbefore.

Everyonehadsomethingtodo.SoonafterwesatdowntoeatsupperMataarrived.Hewasupsetabout
something.

Whatsthematter,Son?askedFatheraftersupper.

Illneveragaingotoourmastersestate,repliedMataashegotupfromthetable.TodaywhenIleftthatplace
Ipromisedmyself:Thatsit!FromnowonIwontsetfoothereagain!

Dontgetintoatemper,saidFathersoothingly.

Weshouldhavebegunweedinglongago.Thecornfieldischokedwithweeds.Andthetobaccoplantsarerotting
attherootsbecauseoursisterscantdothepickingfastenough.
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Iknowallthat,butwhatcanwedo?Everyfamilyhastosendoneofitsmemberstoworkonthenoblemans
estatetwiceaweek.Thatsanoldcustomofours.Besides,Shardyn,sonofAlou,isourdearestandclosest
relative.

Fatherlitacandleandsatdowntosewslippers.

Imnotalone,blurtedoutMata.Alltheyoungmenwhoareworkingtherenowhaveswornnottogoback
tomorrow.

Whentheresaunanimousdecisionithastoberight,Iintervened.

Fatherstoppedsewingandlookedatmeseverely:

Iseeyouregoodataddingfueltothefire!Hesoutofhismind,heexclaimednoddingtoMata,andallyoudo
isencouragehim.HaveyouforgotthatShardynismyfosterbrother?Haveyounoshame?Notonlyourfamily,but
alltheUbykhswhohavesettledinOsmankoy,areindebtedtohimforhiskindness.Orhaveyouforgothowrotten
ourlifewasontheoutskirtsofSamsun?Itssinfultobesoungrateful.

Dontyourealizeyourfosterbrotherwasthinkingmoreofhisownwelfarewhenhebroughtushere?Ifhehadnt
takenuswithhimwhowouldworkforhim?Besides,theresnohonorinbeinganoblemanwithoutmanorserfs.
Nowheslivinghigh.SelimPashaisvisitinghim;hecamelastnight.Theygotuplateaftersunrisetoday,because
oftheirdrinkingboutthenightbeforeandthefirstthingtheywantedtodowasplaybackgammon.Shardyn
squanderedoodlesofmoney.IcouldntbelievemyeyeswhenIsawhimcountingupthoseliras.Iwontearnso
muchinawholelifetime...Wedonthaveeventhesmallestcointopayforsalt,butthatgoodfornothingburns
moneyasthoughitwerepaper,themoneyearnedbyoursweat.Ishouldntsaythisinfrontofoursisters,butI
heardwithmyownearsthevilewordstheyused,commentingonthegirlswhobroughtpresentstotheprincess.

Yourestillyoung,myson!Yourenottojudgewhomaydowhatinthisworld.Somepeoplearebornto
commandandothers,toobey.Itsnotsomeonescaprice,butthewillofAllah!Andrememberthis,bothofyou,
saidFather,shakinghisfingeratusinwarning,wereinaforeignlandand,heavenforbid,ifanythingshould
happentouswehavenoonetoturntoforprotectionbutShardyn,sonofAlou!Fatherputdownhissewing,
blewoutthecandleandadded:ThedayaftertomorrowisFriday;dontforgettogotothemosque!

Wewontbemissed,Isaidlosingmytemper.

MayAllahforgiveyou,whisperedmyfrightenedmother.

Tiredfromthedayslaborswewenttobedearly,butIcouldntfallasleep.Ilaywithmyeyesopenandthought
aboutwhatmybrotherhadsaidandaboutmyfathersreaction.

Althoughwehadbeengivensmallplotsoflandandbuilthouseswewerentdoingwellatall.Wesuffered
hardshipsanddidnothaveenoughfood.InthelandoftheUbykhswehadonelordweworkedforandpaidin
kind;butherewehadtopaytwolords.OneofthemwasShardyn,sonofAlou,andtheotherwasourlandlord
SelimPasha.Wewereleftwithonethirdofouryields.YetthefieldwasnothinglikeitwasinUbykhia.Itwasatiny
patchoflandthatcouldbecoveredwiththehideofabull.Justtrytofeedawholefamilyononethirdofits
harvest.Wealsohadtopaytaxestothestate.ThatnightIwenttosleeplateandhadbaddreams.

AtnoonthenextdaywhenMotherwassettingthetableforlunch,Shardyn,sonofAlou,ridinganArabianhorse,
burstedintoouryardlikeamadman.Thehorsewassweating,itsmasterhaddrivenitsohard.Itwaschampingat
thebit,squintingitsvioleteyes,andprancingonitsthinlegsmoistfromperspiration.

Withoutdismountingorevensayinghellothehorsemanbellowed:

Hey,Hamirza,whathaveIdonetodeserveyourdisdain?

Whatswrong,mydearbrother,whatshappened?askedFatherfrightenedtodeath.
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Dontyouknowthatyourarrogantyoungman,saidShardyn,sonofAlou,pointinghiswhipinthedirectionof
Mata,hasdecidedtorevolt?Followinghislead,nooneshowedupatmyestatetoday.Thatsyourupbringing,
Hamirza!andraisinghiswhipheguidedhishorsetowardMatawhohadturnedpale.

Dontyoudare,Iblockedhiswayandheldontothehorsesrein.

Inarage,Shardyn,sonofAlou,wantedtocrackhiswhiponmyhead,buttheexpressiononmyfacestoppedhim:
thewhiphunglimplyinhishand.Bothofusbreathedheavilyinspurts.Iwasthefirsttospeak.

Listen,Shardyn,sonofAlou,IsaidthreateninglywhenIcaughtmybreath,Idontcarehowclosearelativeyou
are,butyoudonthavetherighttoraiseyourwhipatus!Justwatchout!AndtakinghishorsebythebridleIledit
tothegate:Goodbye,Shardyn,sonofAlou.

Iwonteverforgetthis!hespokehoarselyandspurringhishorse,hegallopedaway.

Whathaveyoudone!mutteredmyfather,hislipsquivering.Howdareyoudriveawaysomeonewhowas
nursedbyyourgrandmother?

OneeveningIwenttotheblacksmithtopickupthehoeswehadgivenhimtobesharpened.Ialsowantedtotalk
toDursun,theblacksmithssonandmygoodfriend.Thesmithywasntfarfromourhouse,nomorethanamile
away.Itwasrainingandsomanypeoplehadfinishedworkearlierthanusual.Therewereseveralpeasantssitting
infrontofthesmithyundertheeaves.Theyweregossiping,exchangingnews,andspeculatingonthefuture.Its
amazinghowpeoplegettheirnews.Idontknowhow,butthewholevillagehadheardaboutourargumentwith
Shardyn,sonofAlou.Andmanypeopletookourside.

Greetings,Zaurkan!saidOmar.Yousureputthatrelativeofyoursinhisplace,didntyou!

Serveshimright!grumbledoldRashidashefixedthehandleofhishoe.

IdidntwanttogivethemmoreammunitionintheirconversationaboutourfallingoutwithShardynsoIinquired:

IsDursunaround?

David,theblacksmith,wasaGeorgian.AlongtimeagohisancestorswereforcedtobecomeMuslimsandwhen
thesouthernregionsofGeorgiaweretakenoverbytheTurkstheymovedhere.DavidwasborninTurkey.Hiswife
diedyoung,leavinghimasonnamedDursun.Theboygrewuplearninghisfatherstradesoheeventuallybecame
hishelper.Theywerehardworkingandkindpeople.WhentheUbykhsarrivedinOsmankoytheyhelpedmanyof
us.Theymadehoesandaxesfreeofcharge,sharedtheirbreadwithusandtookmilktothesickchildren.Idont
knowhowitcameabout,buttheblacksmithsandmyfamilybecameespeciallyclose.Theyhelpedusineveryway,
andwhenwedidnthaveanymoneytopayourtaxes,Davidloaneduswhatweneededwithouthesitation.His
sonDursunandIbecamefastfriends;wesaweachothereveryday.Dursunsfatherapprovedofourattachment.

Bothofyou,hesaidonce,arethechildrenofpeopleswearingCircassiancoatsandsoyoushouldbeone,likea
twoedgeddagger.

Dursunwasadaringyoungman.Hiskinddontburneveninfire.Inspiteofhisyouth,hehadbeennearly
everywhereinTurkey.TheonlyplaceIhaventvisitedissatanspalace!heusedtosay.Onetimeinamomentof
confidenceItoldhimaboutFeldysh.Hesympathizedwithmeanddidhisbesttosoothmyworriesandreassure
me.

YousaytheytookhertoRhodes?Itsnotsofarfromhere,hesaidpointingtowardthesea.Dontlosehope:
wellthinkofsomething...Translatedintothelanguageoffriendshiphiswordsmeant:Beassuredthatfromthis
dayonImyourfaithfulpartnerinthis.

Itwasgettingdark.Therainhadstopped.Thepeasantsgatheredinfrontofthesmithyweretiredofchattingand
weregettingreadytogohomewhenZhantemirappeared,soakingwet.Hewasreturningfromtown.
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Whatsthenews?askedOmar.

Nothinggood!ThesultanisinafixintheBalkanswar.Verysoonthevillageelderswillstartpokingaroundevery
housetomakesureallthemencapableofcarryingarmsaredrafted.

Themensonlyresponsewasalarmedsilence.Youcouldevenheartheraindropsfallingfromthetopoftheeaves.

Iftheytakeawayoursonsweredonefor!exclaimedSaatsadlypensive.

Hasntenoughhappenedtousalready!

Whenthesovereignsarefightingoverland,thesonsofothershavetopayforthatwiththeirlives.

Therewaspanicinourneighborsvoices.

IcouldntmoveaninchafterIheardthenews;Iwasthunderstruck.MyfirstthoughtwasaboutFeldysh.Ifthey
takemeintothearmyIllneverseeFeldyshagain,Ifeared.Itssaidthatafaithfulfriendismorenecessaryintime
ofneedthanatafeast.IwantedtotalkthisnewsituationoverwithDursun;hewouldthinkofawayout.But
Dursundidntcomehomethatnight.

Therewasafullmoonout.Greenishstarsglitteredintheendlessexpansesofthesky.Aslightbreezerustledthe
leaves.Imashamedtoadmitit,butbecauseofmyemotionalconfusionandunabatinglove,Ibegantalkingtothe
wind.Domeafavor,wind,andflyacrosstheseatotheislandofRhodes.Lookformybelovedthere,butdont
slamtheshuttersonherbedroomwindoworyoullawakenher.Makehercoolifsheishot,andifthereisatear
onFeldyshscheek,dryoffthesaltydrop.Domeafavor,wind,flytotheislandofRhodes!Andwhenmybeloved
wakesupatdawnandbeginsbraidinghersilkyauburnhair,whispertoher:Dontlosehope.Zaurkanisonhis
way.Themountainswillopenbeforehim;theseawillopenbeforehim.Waitforhim...

LikealostsoulIwanderedunderthebrightmoonnotknowingwhattodowithmyself.Icameclosetothegateof
ouryardseveraltimes,butIdidntgoin.MaybeIwouldhavegonetobedifIhadbecomedrowsy,butthatnight
sleepescapedme.

Soonafterwards,withouttellingus,FatherwenttoseeShardyn,sonofAlou.Beggingforgivenesshethrewhimself
athisfosterbrothersfeet:

Ibegyoutoforgivemybrainlesssons.BecausetheyoffendedyouIpunishedthem.Please,dontbeangrywith
them;theyhavewindintheirheads.

Hamirza,theydontdeservemyforgiveness,butoutofrespectforyouIlltrytoforgetwhattheydid,Shardyn,
sonofAlourepliedindulgently.

MysonsaretrueUbykhs.Thebattlefieldtothemiswhatarablelandistotheploughman.Zaurkanhasalready
provedthatbyhisactions,andyouknowyourselfthatMataisnocoward.Rumorhasitthatsoontheyllbetaking
youngUbykhsintothearmy...

Thatsjustwhereyourhotheadsbelong...

Yes,youreright,butImlosingmystrengthandmywifeisoftenill.Ifwereleftwithoutoursonsinthisforeign
landwellperishlikeoldhorseswithoutfood.Ipleadwithyouinthenameofmymotherwhonursedusboth,
pleasehelpmekeepatleastonesonwithme.

WhatamI,amagician?Doyouthink,Hamirza,itseasytofreesomeonefrommilitaryservice?

Well,ofcourse,Iknowonlytoowellhowharditis.Butyou...

Besides,myfosternephewsdontdeservesuchindulgence.
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Butjustasfirecantbeputoutwithoilsotooaninsultcantbehealedwithanger.

Allright,dontlectureme!Iknowkinshiptiescantbeignored.Illtrytohelpkeepyourruffiansfrombeingtaken
towar.

Contrarytomyfathersworstexpectations,Shardyn,sonofAlou,waspleasantandhospitable.Heofferedhim
food,playedbackgammonwithhim,andevenpresentedhimwithaCaucasianAstrakhanhat.WhenFatherwason
hiswayout,thehostsaidinpassing:

Yoursonshavebeenexemptedfromworkonmymanororinthefields;theycanworkonyourfarm.Andyou,my
brother,comeandvisitmemoreoftentowatchtheservantsworking.Ineedsomeoneclosewhohasaloyaleye.
Oh,andInearlyforgot,theprincesshasaskedthatyourdaughterstaketurnscomingtohertwiceaweek.She
wantsgirlsfromthefamilytobecleaningherroomanddoingherlaundry.

HowcouldFatherrefusesuchanhonor!Hecamehomeayoungerman,thinkingthathiswholefamilyhadbeen
doneatremendousfavor.Howcouldhe,akindpoorman,knowthattheshowofbenevolenceputonbyShardyn,
sonofAlou,wasintendedtoconcealtreacheryoftheworstkind.

FromthenonmysistersKunaandJunabegantakingturnstwiceaweektoworkfortheprincessfromdawnto
darkness.Myfatherbeganspendingalargepartofhistimeinthelordsmanordoingeverythingthenobleman
said.

KunaandJunawerenicegirls,considerateandopenhearted.Kunahadafaircomplexion,andlonghairthecolor
ofgoldenwine.Herlargegrayeyeswerepensive,andsad.Sherarelylaughed,wasquietandshy;shewasquite
sensitive,andcouldcryattheslightestinsult.Shetooktinystepswhenshewalked,justlikeadove.

Juna,ontheotherhand,haddarkskin,andwavyblackhair,asblackasthewingofaraven.Herhairwassothick
thattheheaviestrainwouldonlyrolloffthesurface.Hereyeswerelikelilactingedblackberries.Shewasgood
natured,boisterous,andwasfondoflaughinganddancing.Shewasnogoodatkeepingsecretsandifsomeone
offendedhershedidnthideherdispleasure,butspokeoutatonce.Bothsisterswereslenderandtall,butthey
weresodifferentthatanyonewhodidntknowthemwouldnevertakethemforsisters.Allourfamilysjoy
centeredaroundmytwosisters.

OnedayJunadidntcomebackfromthemanorattheusualhour.Therehadbeentimeswhenshewasdetained
untillateatnight,butshehadalwayscomehometosleep.Wewaitedandwaitedbutshedidntcome.Wedidnt
sleepawinkallnight.Asyouknow,inthehomesofthewealthymoralsarenotalwaysstrict.Andasyou
Abkhasianssay:agirlislikeawineglass:letitslipoutofyourhandanditsnomore.Ihadalreadydecidedtogo
aftermysisterwhenaredcarriagewithringingbells,drivenbythreebayhorses,stoppedatourgate.

Whoarethosepeopleatourgate?Maybetheywantdirections?saidMotherinsurprise.

Butthen,youcanimagineourshockwhenJunacameoutofthecarriage...

Mydear,whatshappened?shoutedMotherassherantowardJuna.

Nothingspecial.Shardyn,sonofAlou,wasentertainingimportantguestsandtheyfeastedallnightlong.The
princessmademestayandservetheguests.Iwasverytiredsotheprincesssentmehomeintheguestscarriage.

WenoticedthatJunawassadandquiet.Maybeshereallyisjustexhausted,weeachthoughttoourselves.

Thenextdayathighnoonwhenwegatheredforlunch,Shardyn,sonofAlou,rodehisArabianhorseintoouryard,
anddismountedleisurely.ItwasthefirsttimehehadsteppedoverourthresholdsincethedayIhadquarreled
withhimandthrownoutournoblerelative.Hedidnothingtoindicateherememberedthatinjury,asthoughit
hadneverhappened.Shardyn,sonofAlou,kissedallofuswithafriendlysmileonhisface,andpattedmeonthe
shouldersayingapprovingly:Aferim!Aferim!*

88

Strange,Ithoughttomyself.Whathavewedonetodeservesuchunusuallywarmtreatment?AndInoticedthat
justassoonasourimportantguestcameintotheyardJunahidinthehouse.No,somethingswronghere,I
feared.

ThankAllah,Hamirza,thankAllah!saidShardyn,sonofAlou,withexaggeratedjoyashesatdownontheleather
cushionmymotherbroughthim.

Itsnothardgivingthanks,buttellmewhyshouldI?

YourdaughterJunaissofortunatethatnotonlyshewillbaskingoldenraystherestofherlife,butyou,her
parents,andwe,yourrelatives,andmaybealltheUbykhs,too.

Goodnewsisexpectedfromwelcomeguests...

So,listenhere.ThehonorableValiSelimPashawhohasgivenusthislandhasbeenvisitingmeforthreedays.Ifit
werentforhimIdhatetothinkwhatwouldhavehappenedtoallofus.IhostedhimlikeIwouldasultan.When
ValiScumPashasawJuna,helosthishead.Hewantshertobehiswife.

Inoticedthatmymothersfacewentpale,butShardyn,sonofAlou,continuedasthoughwhathedsaidwasthe
greatestblessingtoourfamily.

Canyouimagine,thesultansclosefriend,andamanofuntoldwealthhasfallenmadlyinlovewithyourJuna.He
practicallygotdownonhiskneestobegmetotellyou,Hamirza,thathewishestomarryyourbeautifulJuna.He
saysallthewomeninhispalacewillbecomeherobedientservants.Shecanhavethekeystoallhistreasurechests
ifonlyshewillbrightenupthetwilightofhislife.Andhehasntforgottenaboutyou!Oh,youresolucky!Hesays
yourewelcometomovetoIzmid,oryoucanstayhereifyoulike.Ineithercasehelltakecareofyouhesaysits
hisdutyfromnowon!

Shardyn,sonofAlou,wastheonlyoneshowinganyjoyatthenews.

Whyareyousilent,Hamirza,oristhisgoodfortunesounexpectedyouvelostyourtongue?

Iglancedatmyfather.Hisfacewassomber,hislips

pale.Withoutraisinghisvoicehesaidwithsadness,butfirmly:

No,myfriend,Icannottakeyouradvice!Ijustcantfigureouthowyoucouldthinkofsellingyourownnieceinto
theharemoftheoldTurk?Ididntraisemydaughterforaharem.ButyourSelimPashais,indeed,anobleman.
Hesbeingpoliteaboutitall.Anothermanwithagobetweenlikeyouwouldhavesimplyofferedmemoneyfor
mydaughter,andthatwouldbetheendofit.

Moneyinthepocketneverhurts.Ifyoudonthavemoneynoonewillpayattentiontoyouevenifyourethe
groomatawedding.

Itdependsonthekindofweddingyouretalkingabout.ConveymygratitudetothehonorableSelimPasha.He
cankeephispalaceandtreasures;hecankeephiswives,butmydaughterwillremaininthishumblehome.

Shardyn,sonofAlou,nervouslypulledathismustache.Underothercircumstanceshewouldhaveflownintoa
rage,butthattimehecontrolledhimself.

Asyouwish,Hamirza!Ithoughtyoudbepleased,butnowthatIseeIveupsetyou,Ibegyourpardon.Donthold
itagainstme:amessengerisntresponsibleforthenewshebrings.However,dontforgetthatwhenagirlinlove
choosesherfianceanddecidestomarryhimnodungeonyoulockherincanstopher.Ifthatswhathappensits
noneofmybusiness.

Withthat,Shardyn,sonofAlou,gotonhishorseandleft.

89

Thenextdaywhenwemenwerenthomethatredcarriagemayitbecursed!stoppedatourgateagain.Two
menunloadedaheavytrunkandafancybox.TheyputthethingsdowninfrontofMother,bowedtoherandsaid:

Theseareforyou!TheyrefromSelimPasha!

Mymotherrefusedtotakethegiftsanddemandedtheybereturned,butthemenbowedagain,gotintothered
carriagemayitbecursedthreetimes!anddisappeared.LittleTagirrantothefieldwherewewereworking.

Grandmawantsyoutocomehomerightaway,heburstout,panting.

Wefeltsomethingwasup.WhenweranintothehouseMotherwasstandingoverthetrunkandboxwipingaway
hertears.Weopenedthetrunkandwereamazedtoseeexpensivecloth,velvetandsilkwithembroidered
peacocksandroses.OntheverybottomofthetrunktherewasafurcoatforJunamadeofwhitefleece.Whenwe
lookedintothefancybox,OhLord!:itwasfullofjewels.Therewereringsandbraceletsmadeofpuregold,pearl
earrings,andbeadsofgorgeousturquoise.WhenJunasawitshefrozeandthenshouted:Giveittome!Itsmine!
Shegrabbedtheboxandwenttoherroom.Wewerequitesurprisedbyherbehavior.Soonafterwardsour
neighborUazamatpaidusavisit.Wecouldntbelieveourearswhenhetolduswhyhehadcome:

JunaisshylikeanyUbykhgirl.Shedoesnthavethehearttoadmittoherfatherandmotherthatshesdecidedto
marrySelimPasha.Sheaskedmetotalktoyouonherbehalfandtellyouthatnooneisforcinghertomarryhim.
Shewantstoherself.Tomorrowsheistobeengaged.

Mykneeswentliquid.

Whatdoessheseeinthatlecherousoldmanwhohasmorewivesthanhehasfingersonhishands?Iasked
bitterly.

Loveisblind,remarkedUazamat,tryingtoconsoleme.WhenIfellinlovewithmyoldwomanmyfriends
laughedatmeasiftosay,whatswrongwithyoureyes,youfool?Shesnothingtolookat!IfIhadloanedthemmy
eyesforjustaninstanttheywouldhavestoppedlaughingatmeandbecomearchrivals!Youseehimoneway,she
seeshimanotherway.SelimPashaisoninyears,buthesstillgoingstronganditdoesnthurttohavemoney.And
asyouknowmoneydoesntgrowontrees.DontjudgeJunaharshly;maybeshewasntonlythinkingofherself
whensheagreedtomarryhim...

Ourneighborknewwhenitwastimeforhimtoleave.Afterwishinguswell,hewentoff.

Wesatsilently,crestfallen,tryingnottolookatoneanother.Mother,shakingherhead,wassniffingandwiping
hertearswiththecornerofherblackscarf.

Youcantchopwoodwithapenknife.Shewantstomarryhim;itstoolatetomakeherchangehermind,said
Fathergettingup.Hepickeduphisscytheandwentouttothefield.

Maybeinthemanorhouseshewasseducedbytheglimmerofwealth,theaccessibilityofpleasuresandthehigh
soundingwords,Ispeculated.SoIdecidedtohaveahearttohearttalkwithmysisterandwenttoherroom.I
openedthedoorandwhatdidIsee:Juna,wearingoneofthedressesshehadbeengiven,waslookingatherselfin
themirrorandtryingonsomeglitteringearrings.Goldringsweresparklingonherfingers.Shewassoengrossedin
whatshewasdoingthatshedidnteventurnaroundwhenthedoorcreaked.Shocked,Iquietlyleftwithoutsaying
awordtomysister.

Shardyn,sonofAlou,wasright.

Thenextdayatsunsetcarriagesofvariouskindsandsizes,accompaniedbymenonhorseback,rodeuptoour
house.OurneighborUazamatwentintothehouse.Junawasalreadywaitingforhim.Alldressedupandsmiling,
shewalkedoutwithhim,satintheredcarriageandwithinaninstantdisappearedbehindascreenofdust.

Deeplysaddened,weloweredourheads.ItseemedasthoughtheshadowofdeceasedAishasteppedoverthe
thresholdofourhome.Eachoneofuswasovertakenbyunconsolablegrief.
90


Soonafterwards,relatives,friendsandneighborsbegancomingtocongratulateus.Theirjoyfulremarksseemed
outofplacetome,likelaughteratacemetery:

Weresohappyforyou!Veryhappy!

NicegoingJuna!Shesuredidwellforherself!Verywell!

Shellliveinparadise:SelimPashaiswealthyandamanofhighstation!

Shesreallylucky!

MyLord!Howcantheytalklikethat?Mysisterbecameaconcubineofanoldlibertine,andtheyrecongratulating
us!Manyareevenjealous!Ithoughttomyselfinamazement.ForsomereasonthelinesfromanoldAbkhasian
songcametomind:

Inthebeakofanoldblackkite
Aflowercanonlyfinddestruction...

AroundthesametimeSakhatkeriunexpectedlyshowedupinOsmankoy.Wehadlongsincethoughthehadbeen
lostwithoutatraceintheforeignlandandhadofferedhissoultoGod.Buthewassuddenlyresurrectedalong
withallhisfamily.Andhereappearednotintheragsofawanderer,notasavagrantdervish,butdressedlikea
wealthyhaji*andwearingasnowwhiteturban.

ImadeapilgrimagetoMecca,mydearpeople,and,downonmykneesinfrontoftheblackstoneofKaaba,I
prayedforyoursalvation.Asyoucansee,Allahheardmeandsentyoutoleadapeacefullifeinthisparadise,
praisedbehisname!TheresnoGod,butAllah,andMuhammadishisprophet!

SoonanewmosquewasopenedinOsmankoy,andSakhatkeribecamethemainmullah.Althoughhewaspaidout
ofthesultanstreasury,hearbitrarilytaxedeveryfamilyforthemosque.Itwashardtobelievethemainmullah
hadoncebeenSakhatkeri.Hebecamehaughty,conceitedandoverbearing.Peoplewerenotonlyafraidtobe
openwithhim,buteventotalktohim.Anddespitehisreligiousvocation,helookedaskanceateveryoneelse.

Sakhatkerisreturnledtoeventssimilartointernecinestrife.ThenewlybornimamandthepriestSoulakhbegana
wartothedeath.Eachofthemtriedtoestablishhissuperiorityovertheother.Itgottothepoint,Sharakh,when
theybothsecretlygotthemselvespistolsandnoweachhadonlyonecherisheddesiretoputabulletinthe
othersforehead.Asyouknow,itisntbefittingclergymentocarryarms.Buteachdecidedthatitsnevertoolate
tobecomeapiousman,eveninthenextworld.Theconflictgrewmorefierceandwasnolongerasecretto
anyone,involving,likeitornot,nearlyalltheUbykhsinOsmankoy.

Everythingisrelative.WhenwemovedfromtheoutskirtsofSamsuntoOsmankoy,wefeltasthoughfinallywe
wereinGodsfavor.WhilethinkingaboutourselveswedidntforgetaboutourshrineBytkha.Forourholyplace
weselectedagreenhillwithahornbeamtreethickwithfoliageperchedonthehilltop.Wesacrificedagoatand
heldaprayerservice.Theshrineremindedusofourlosthomeland,madeusfeelunitedasatribe,andelevatedus
aboveworldlyconcerns.WhenwewereprayingtoBytkhawecouldvisualizeUbykhia.

UponhisreturnSakhatkerisaidthatinthelandofAllahitwasagreatsintoworshipanyonebutAllah.Heasked
thepriestSoulakhtocometothemosqueandsaidwithoutbotheringtobepolite:

Whyareyou,oldgoat,encouragingidolworship!

Youspeakthetruth,but...

Nobutsaboutit,interruptedtheimam.Youburythathawklikestone,thatBytkhaofyours,andcutdownthe
treeonthetopofthehillthatyouchoseasitsrefuge!

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Thepriestgotangry:

Whatareyousaying,Sakhatkeri!HowcanIburyheshrinethatourancestorsbequeathedtoustosafeguard
betterthanourlives?Becareful:bewareofitswrath!

Donttrytofrightenme!

Imaginetellingmetoburytheshrine!exclaimedSoulakhwithagitation.Itwouldbeeasiertoteartheheartout
oftheUbykhsthantodisposeofBytkhabyburyingitunderground.

Youarentbeingreasonable,oldman,insistedtheimam.Thebonesofourancestorsareacrosstheseain
anotherland.ThecountrywereinisruledbythelawthathastobeobservedbyallMuslimsandyoucantbreak
it!

IftheotherUbykhshearaboutthis,Idontenvyyou!

Andifthegreatsultan,therepresentativeofAllah,hearsthattheUbykhspreferahawklikestonetothemosque,
itllendindisaster,Soulakh!

Fromthatdayontheywereatwarwitheachother.

ImamSakhatkeriwouldntstopatanythingtobecomethesinglereligiousleaderoftheUbykhs.HewenttoIsmid
toseeSelimPashaseveraltimestotellonhistribesmen.SakhatkeriblacklistedmanyrespectedUbykhs.Atthe
topofthelist,ofcourse,wasourpriest.Tosavethewholeflockitsnecessarytogetridofthediseasedsheep,
headmonishedSelimPashaashehandedhimtheblacklist.

WhenpeoplecomplainedtoShardyn,sonofAlou,thatSakhatkeriwasillegallytaxingthemforthemosqueheletit
goinoneearandouttheother.Thesecondtimetheywroteacomplainthejustwaveditasideandadvisedthem
thattheservantsofAllahwerefreetoactastheirconsciencesdictated.Hewasnojudgeoftheimam.

ButSoulakhthepriestwasntidleeither.HedidntkeepitasecretthattheimamhaddemandedtheshrineBytkha
beburiedandthetreeovertheholyplacebechoppeddown.Thepriestwassettingasparktodrystubbleneara
gunpowdermagazine.TheflamesofresistanceburnedwithnewforceinthesoulsoftheUbykhs.

Becauseofthemwelostourhomeland,thousandsofpeoplediedintheepidemic,andnowtheywanttoburyour
holyguardianBytkha!Wellwewontletthem!

Iftheydaretouchourshrinewellburndownthemosque!

ThatwasthekindoftalkamongtheyoungUbykhmenwhowereproudandhotheadedbynatureandpaidno
heedtocaution.Thosewhoactrashlyarentconcernedabouttheconsequences.Itsnothardtoburndownthe
mosque,butwhatwillhappenafterthat?warnedthosewhowerecapableofsoberlyanalyzingtheoutcome.

TomeitwasasclearasdaythatSakhatkerihadsoldhimselftotheTurks,lock,stock,andbarrel.Whatmademe
furiouswasthatasanUbykhhehadnoregardfortheselfesteemoftheotherUbykhs.Whywasheeggingthem
intomakingadesperatemovethatwouldhaveendedinthedeathofmanyofourtribesmeninaMuslimcountry?
AndsoImadeupmymindtoseetheimamandhaveitoutwithhim.

Istoodbythedoorsofthemosquetowardtheendoftheserviceoneday.Iwaiteduntilthelastpersonleftand
whenIwascertaintherewasnooneelsetherebutSakhatkeriIquietlyentered.Standingbetweentwolitcandles
hewascountinghismoneyanddidnothearmeapproach.Butthenhecaughtthesoundofmyfootstepsonthe
softcarpet.TheimamshovedthemoneyintohispocketandbentovertheKoran.Icamerightuptohimandour
eyesmet.

Yourelate,theserviceisover,hesaidwithaffectedreproach.Icouldseeintheflickeringlightofthecandlethat
hiseyeswerealarmed.Whyareyouwearingyourdagger,ordontyouknowthatyourenotsupposedtostep

92

intotheabodeofAllahwithweapons?saidSakhatkeriinastricttoneofvoice,buthiseyescontinuedtodart
cowardly.

Oh,Implanningtogotoparadisearmed.Justincase!AndasIutteredthoseblasphemouswordsImovedtoward
him.

Hislipstrembled:

Whatdoyouwant?

HereiswhatIwant!Andpullingmydaggeroutofitssheath,Ihelditagainsttheimamschest.

Haveyougonemad,youruffian!Hey,someone!Help!heyelledandhisfaceturneddeathlypale.

Stopshouting.NooneshereandyourAlmightyistoofarawayhewonthearyou,IsaidasIpressedhim
harderwithmydagger.

Sakhatkeri,movingback,screamedsomethingunintelligible.

Cutoutthatbellowing!YoudontbelieveinAllahorinShaitan,youcur!Yourebetrayingyourfellowtribesmen,
youdoubledealer!

Theimam,whosechestwasprickedbymydagger,movedhackandmumbled:

Thinkwhatyouredoing!Whatdoyouwant?Oh,someone,help!

Whyshouldanyonesaveyou?Becauseyouledusastraywhenyoupersuadedustoleaveourhomes?Whereis
thatMuslimheavenlygardenwheretheresnoanimosity,nopoverty,noheat,nocold,nocalamity,nohunger?
Whereisit,Iaskyou?WhenweweredyinglikefliesonthecoastnearSamsunwherewereyouhidingtosaveyour
ownskin?Thepointofmydaggerwaspressingharderagainsthischest.

Whyareyoukillingyourfathersfriend?stutteredthemullah,histeethchattering.

Hesteppedbackwards,andIsteppedforward.Soonhisbackwasupagainstthewall,andmydagger,havingcut
throughhisclothes,wasprickinghischestunderhisleftnipple.Sakhatkerislegsbegantogiveway.

Comeon,outwithit,Iordered.Yourtimehascome,youoldliar.Tellmewhereyoukeepyourblacklist?I
pokedhimalittlehardertomakehimtalk.

Pallidfromfearandpain,hemumbled:

SelimPashahasthelist!Heorderedmetodoit.Itwasntmyidea...Itwasntme!..Toruleyoumustdivideyour
subjects!Thatsthelawofthesultansstate!Youmightaswellknowthatifyoukillmetheylljustputsomeone
elseinmyplace.

Iappreciatedhisforcedsincerityandputmydaggerbackintoitssheath.Sakhatkerislegsfinallygaveinandhe
slumpeddowntothefloor.IbroughthimtheKoran:

Listen,Imam,towhatImgoingtotellyou.TheresgoingtobeameetinginfrontofoursacredBytkhatonight,
andIhopeyoullcome.

Ihavenochoice,heresponded,shivering.

Youllcomeandrepent.Youllsaysomethinglikethis:

Mybrethren,theresbeenamisunderstandingbetweenus,butImanUbykhandyoureUbykhs,soIwantyouto
knowImnotmakinganydemandsonyou.PraywhenyouwanttoyourhawklikeBytkhaandletithelpyou!
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Asyousay,Zaurkan,heagreed.

ItstoobadyougaveyourblacklisttoSelimPashaandwecantgetitback.

Yes,itstoobad,repeatedtheimam.Wecantgetitback!

SwearbytheKoranthatyoulldoeverythingyoupromisedme.

Ibegyou,Zaurkan,dontmakemeswearbytheKoran,saidtheoldmanstandingup.Tearswerestreaming
downhischeeks.

Goodbye,Sakhatkeri!Wellseehowyoukeepyourword!IdliketobelievethatUbykhbloodstillflowsinyour
veins.Andrememberthis:Iwasnthereinthemosqueandnoneofthishappened.Iputmyhandonthehaftof
mydaggerandleft.

NotlongafterwardsSakhatkeriresignedasimampleadingpoorhealth,andmovedtoIzmid.Ineversawhimagain
andneverheardanythingabouthim.

AnofficerwhohadcomefromIzmidspentthreedaysgoingaroundtheneighboringvillagesandreadthesultans
decreetothepeoplewhoweregatheredonthemainsquare.Theofficeralreadyknewthecontentsofthedecree
byheart,buttoaddtohisimportanceheunfoldedthepaperandshoutedoutlikeaheraldintheolddays:

TherepresentativeofAllahonearth,thegreatsultan,wantstoprotectthesacredrightsofMuslimsthroughout
theworld.Becauseofthetreacheryoftheinfidelsheisforcedtocallthefaithfultoaholywar!Allthesultans
citizenscapableofcarryingarmsareobligatedbeforeAllahtofulfiltheirsacreddutyriseupindefenseofIslam
anddestroyitsenemies!..Theofficerhadaticklinginhisthroatsohisvoicewashoarse.

Thedecreecalledonallpeoplenamedinthelisttoshowupinthevillagesquarethenextmorningwearingthe
properclothingandcarryingprovisions.Thefamiliesofthedrafteeswerepromisedassistanceandexemption
frompayingstatetaxes.Thepopulationwaswarnedthatanyonewhorefusedtodomilitaryservicewouldbe
hanged.

PraisebetoAllah,theLordoftheworlds!

Thefollowingmorningtheearthwaswaterednotwithdew,butthetearsofmothers.Manypeoplethatdaysaw
theirlovedonesforthelasttime,butneithermyname,normybrotherMataswasonthatlist.

Ididntfeelrightaboutstayinghomewhentheothershadtogointothearmy,especiallyDursun,butatthesame
timeIwaswildwithjoy,thekindofjoyIhadnotexperiencedforalongtime.InmymindIaskedforDursuns
forgiveness:Forgiveme,myfriend.Dontcondemnmefortakingadvantageofthissuddenstrokeofluck.Ifitwere
theotherwayaroundIwouldntcriticizeyou.IcouldseebeforemetheislandofRhodessurroundedby
murmuringgraytippedwaves.MydearfaithfulDursun!Hehadplannedtogowithmetothatisland.Whatapity
wewerepulledapart.Iwenttotheownerofasailboat,whomDursunhadintroducedmeto.Thefishermanknew
thewaytoRhodeslikethepalmofhishand;weclinchedadeal.

Thatyearwewereexpectingagoodtobaccoharvest.Ifwemanagedtotakeitallinwithoutanylosses,after
payingtaxeswedstillhavesomemoneyleftoverandIcouldputouttheagreedpricetotheownerofthesail
boat.AndsoIbeganpreparingforthatlongawaitedjourney.Ithadalreadybeenfouryearssincefatehadparted
meandmybeloved.AllthattimeIhadhadonlyonesecretdesire,onepersistentdream:toseeFeldyshonce
again.Lifewasnothingtomewithouther.

UBYKHWOMENDOOMED

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ThreemonthshadpassedsinceJunaleft.Itwasasthoughshehaddisappearedintothinair.SometimesShardyn,
sonofAlou,conveyedgreetingsfromhersupposedlythroughfriendlylettershegotfromSelimPasha.Thenone
daythepostmancamewithaletterforus.Noonehadeverwrittentous,sowefiguredrightawayitwasfrom
Juna.Shedidntknowhowtowriteherself,sowethoughtsomeoneelsehadwrittenitforher.Noneofuscould
read,andanywaytheletterwaswritteninTurkish.WeaskedMzauchAbukhbaforhelp.Junasaidshewasdoing
justfine,washappywithherlife,butmissedusallverymuch,especiallyherdearsister.Itwouldbewonderfulif
KunawouldagreetocometoIzmid.Shecouldstaywithmeaweekorso,wouldhaveagoodtimeandwould
cheermeuptoo.Theletterwasbrief,likeasummernight,butitputusallatease.

Soonafterwardsafancycarriage,carryingtwowomendressedinblack,droveuptoourgate.Theirfaceswere
hiddenbehindveils.Thewomenenteredthehouse,bowedandsaid:

Peacetothishome!Thentheyintroducedthemselves:WereyourdaughterJunasservants!Ourbenefactress
andmistresssendsyouherloveandkindwishes.ThankAllahshesdoingwellandherradiantbeautyilluminates
thewholepalace,tothejoyofallthosenearher.Onlyonethingmakeshersad:herseparationfromyou!Ifyou
dontwantustobethevictimsofheranger,webegyoutoallowKunatovisithersister.Ourmagnificentmistress
deservessuchjoy.

Atthispointthecoachmanbroughtinalargebox.

Thesearepresentsfromourlady.

TheunexpectedvisitbyJunasservantsandtheirconfirmationthatshewasdoingwell,madeusextremelyhappy.
AsforKuna,ourdearKuna,shebeganaskingourparentstogiveherpermissiontoseehersister.

Withheavyhearts,MotherandFathergaveintoherpleadingand,havingdressedinherbestclothes,Kunaleft
withoursistersrespectfulmaids.Howcouldwehaveknownthatherdeparturewouldbesodisastrous.

Dayswentby,thenweeks,butKunadidnotreturn.Webecamedesperate.

MyGod,maybesomethingterriblehashappenedtoherandyouthreemenaresittingtheredoingnothing,said
Motherchallengingusintoaction.

Father,consumedbyworry,wentofftoShardyn,sonofAlou,butwasmetwithareproachfultirade:

Youremakingafussovernothing,youoldrooster,asthoughyourdaughtersaredrowningintheopenseaorare
lostinaprimevalforest!Theyrehavingagreattimeinthewhitemarblepalacewheretheireverywishismet,and
hereyouareringinganalarm.SowhatifyourKunahasstayedafewdayslongerthanexpected!Whyshouldnt
shewhenthesistersaresobusyentertainingthemselvestheydontknowwhetheritsdayornightoutside!It
wouldbebetterifyouperformedyourablutionsfirstthinginthemorning,andprayedtoAllahinthanksgivingthat
hesentusSelimPasha.Havealookatthepresentsherecentlysenttomywife!Thecarpetyourestandingonwas
hisgenerousgift.Andthatvaseonthegoldentrayalsopriceless.Goonhomeandrelax!Illbevisitingour
relativeSelimPashasoonandwillpersonallybringbackyourtreasure,Kuna,safeandsound.Andyoursons
shouldntforgetthatitwaswithSelimPashashelpIwasabletokeepthemfrombeingdrafted.Goon!Gohome!

Shardyn,sonofAlou,dideverythinghecouldtostresshiscloserelationshipwithScumPasha.Itpaidoffbecause
somewouldtrytobeinhisfavortogetprotectionfromtheUbykhleader,andothers,whoweresimplyafraidof
him,didexactlywhathesaid.Itwasoutofthequestiontofileacomplaintagainstsuchaperson,ordisobeyhimin
anyway.YetthesecretambitionofShardyn,sonofAlou,wastorisehigherthanevenSelimPasha.EversinceHaji
Kerantukhrecededintothebackgroundkeepingalowprofile,Shardyn,sonofAlou,becamethemainspokesman
onbehalfoftheUbykhs.Hewaswealthy,butwhatwashiswealthcomparedtothecountlesstreasuresofSelim
Pasha?AndhedidnthavethepowerthattheIzmidgovernorhad.Therefore,thehighbornemigrecarefully
lookedforaroundaboutpathtothesummitofhispower.

ThefirstyearwewereinTurkeyShardynmanagedtomaketheacquaintanceofthesultansmother.Ialreadytold
you,Sharakh,thatshewasanAdighe.YouhavetogivecredittoShardyn,sonofAlou:hewasabletogetthis
womantolikehimandshehelpedsecurelandfortheUbykhsinOsmankoy.Shardyn,sonofAlou,hadagood
95

senseofsmell,likeamerchantwhocouldalwayssmellachangeinpriceslonginadvance.Hecouldinstantlysize
upeverybodysupsanddownsatcourtandquickly,likeanecho,respond.Hetookadvantageoftheenvythat
plaguedthesultanscourtfavorites,theirselfishinterestsandintrigues.Withoutbattinganeyelid,Shardyn,sonof
Alou,wouldhavepawnedalltheUbykhexilesjusttomoveonestephigher.SelimPashaknewhisCaucasianfriend
wasambitious,buthestilldidntknowthatShardynwashoping,nomatterwhat,tosurpasshim.Shardyn,sonof
Alou,wenttoIstanbulmoreandmoreoften.SometimeshewouldstayintheTurkishcapitalformonthsatatime
visitingthesultansAdighemother.Hecharmedthisimportantwomanwhosebeautyhadnotbeendimmedby
time.Shardyn,sonofAlou,introducedhertohiswifeandsisterShanda.Thefirststepisalwaysthehardest.

Afterwardshiswifeandsisterwereinvitedtoeveryaffairgivenatthepalace.ThefirsttimetheSultansmother
sawShandashewasenamoredbythebeautifulfeaturesofthatUbykhgirlaridevenscoldedShardyn,sonofAlou:

Whydidyou,honorableShardyn,soungraciouslyconcealfromusthewondrousbeautyofyoursister?

Whenawomanpraisesaloudthebeautyofanotherwoman,evenifshesyounger,theremustbesomethinginit.

ThesultansmotherwelcomedShanda,wasaffectionatetowardher,gavetheyoungmaidenaringfromher
finger,andchoseforhertheflatteringnicknameDiamondoftheCaucasus.Shanda,Imustadmit,notonlyhad
heavenlyfeatures,butearthlyonestoo:sheneverforgottobemodest,meekandpiousattheappropriatetimes.
Shardynssisterwasnowafrequentvisitortothepalace.Shewentforwalkswiththesultansmother,listened
courteouslytoherwhentheywereembroidering,andsangherUbykhsongs.

WhenthenewsultanAbdulazizascendedthethronehewasabletoputdowntheconspiracybyhisenemiesat
hometheYoungTurksand,despitethefactthatawarwason,heenjoyedlifetotheutmost.Incontrasttohis
latefather,thecountrysnewrulerdidnotliketochatterwithhiscourtiersaboutworldevents,wastoolazyto
readbooksandgotboredwhenhisadviserswerelongwinded.Oh,ifonlyhecouldgettheviziertotakecareofall
theaffairsofstate,allhedeverdoiswatchcockfights,ridehorses,hunt,andenjoythecompanyofwomen.

Hisgrandmothersnewconfidante,Shanda,wasappreciatedbythesultanandsoonbecamehisthirdwife.That
turnofeventswaslikeanenchanteddreamtoShardyn,sonofAlou.AsthebrotherinlawoftheTurkishsultanhe
nolongerfeltitwasbefittingforhimtoliveinsuchagodforsakenplaceasOsmankoy.Sothefavoriteoffortune,
alongwithallhisrelativesandreliablepeople,movedtoIstanbul.Strikewhiletheironishot,asthesayinggoes.

Abdulazizwasblissfulashewasdiscoveringthevirtuesofhisnewwife.Everyoneknowsthathusbandsarenever
quiteaspliable,compliantandgenerousastheyareduringthehoneymoon.Shandadidnthavetotryhardto
persuadethesultantomakeherbrotheranofficerandgivehimalargesalary.Therealitythatwaslikelivingina
dreamcontinued.ThegrandvizierhimselfreadoutthesultanscommissionconferringShardyn,sonofAlou,an
officersrank.Ihavetogivemyfosterunclecredithewascleverandsly,andhadaglibtongue.Withonehand
onhisforeheadandtheotheronhisheart,Shardynexpressedhisgratitudetothesultanandinthesamebreath,
foreveryonetohear,hesaidhewishedtoimmediatelyjointhewareffort.

Thatscommendableandexemplary,saidthegrandvizierapprovingthedecision.

Shardyn,sonofAlou,realizedhecouldntdependonhissisterscharmsforlong,especiallysinceAbdulazizwasnt
themostfaithfulmanwhenitcametowomen.Besides,therehadtobeawaytomaketheenviouscourtiersbite
theirtonguesandstopsayingthatShardynsachievementswerewonbyhissisterShandaonhermarriagebed.
Thatswhyhiswillingnesstoshedbloodorevendieintheserviceofthesultanwasagoodtrumpcardinabig
game.Andso,Shardyn,sonofAlou,wentofftowar.

However,itwasjusthisluckthathearrivedattheadvancedpositionsoftheBalkanfrontrightbeforeabattlein
whichtheRussiansdrovetheTurkishtroopsoutofabigcity.Thestaffofficerswererackingtheirbrainstofigure
outhowtoreportthisunpleasantnewstoIstanbulwiththeleastrepercussions.Itseasiertochargetheenemy,
scimitarinhand,thantobringthesultanbadnews.Itsonlyasayingthatamessengerisnotresponsibleforthe
newshebrings.Whoeverbringsunwantednewsmightnotleavethepalacealive.Finally,someonecameupwith
theideaofShardyn,sonofAlou.Oh,whatawonderfulthoughtthesultansbrotherinlaw!Hetriedtogetout
ofthismostunpleasantassignment,butitwasuseless.Thiswaswarandarefusalcouldmeanbeingkilledwith
yourownmensbullet.Whatwillbe,willbe,hedecided,andwentofftoIstanbul.
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Whenhearrivedinthecapital,Shardyn,sonofAlou,didntgotothepalace,buthidinthehomeofafriendthe
ownerofacoffeeshopandthroughhimwasabletosummonhissister.TheydecidedthatShandawouldfinda
scapegoatwhowouldbringthebadnewsaboutthedefeattothesultanbeforeShardyn,sonofAlou,appeared.
Theunfortunatemessengerbarelygotoutofthepalacealive,whileShardyn,sonofAlou,whofollowedhiminto
thepalacewalkingonsoftcarpets,cameinasaconsoler,assomeonerubbingbalmonthewounds.Manyamong
thecourtiershopedthattheUbykhwouldbebeheadedandhisbodythrownoutofthesultansreceptionroom.
Buttheirhopeswereinvain.Onthecontrary,thesultanwalkedoutofhisroomwithasad,butbrighterface,
holdingthehandofhisbrotherinlawdressedinfulluniform,andsaidtothenoblesbowingtohim:

BecauseourvaliantShardyn,sonofAlou,survivedheavybattleunharmed,Ihaveawardedhimanorderfor
bravery!

Notsolongagothesultansfollowinghadbeencallinghimanupstart,vagabond,alien.Butnowpeople
wereevenafraidtospeakillofhimbehindhisback,especiallysincetheministerofthepolicemadehimhis
adjutant.

Idontknowhowaccuratemyaccountis,Sharakh.Icantsayforsure,becauseImjusttellingyouwhatImyself
heardaboutShardyn,sonofAlou,afterhewenttoIstanbul.

TheUbykhswhoremainedinOsmankoyhaddifferentinterpretationsofthefriendshipbetweenShardyn,sonof
Alou,andthesultan.SomebelieveditwasasignthatthingswouldgetbetterfortheUbykhs.

Ifsomethinghappenswecangorighttohim.Hewontletanyevilbefallus!theyinsisted.

Callahawkaneagleandhelldisownhisownparents.Youdbetterpraywerenotalldestroyedbecauseofthat
Shardyn,warnedothers.

Myfatherwasconcernedabouthisfosterbrotherandmissedhim;IpersonallywasgladShardynhadleft.Iwould
havebeenhappytoneverseehimagain!

InthemorningsIwouldstudytheUbykhlanguagewiththeoldman,Zaurkan,andintheafternoonIwouldwrite
downhisstory.Thatshowtheworkwentatfirst.Butnowthatschedulewasupset:Zaurkangotsocarriedaway
thathewouldcontinuewithhisstorywheneverhewanted,sometimesstartingrightinthemorning.

Iamfortunate,ofcourse,tohavethisinvaluableteacher.Althoughthestoryofhislifeisfascinating,Istillmanage
tofindtimetoaddtomyUbykhdictionarythatIstartedwhenIfirstarrived.YesterdayandthedaybeforeIwrote
downthekinshipterminology.TodayImrecordingthenamesofhouseholdutensils.MorethanIsuspectedinthe
past,ImfindingthattherootsarethesameasinotherrelatedlanguagesoftheNorthwestCaucasus.

Zaurkanwasinabadmoodthismorning;hesperturbedaboutsomethingandissmokingalot.Inthemiddleof
breakfast,fornoreasonatall,hecamedownhardonBiramand,notfinishinghismeal,hegotupfromthetable.
Atnoonhedidnttakeanapasheusuallydoes,butpacedupanddowntheyard.WhenhenoticedBiramwas
leavingthehouse,takinghisbowlsandspoonswithhim,hesuddenlyadmonishedBiram.ButBirammadeno
response.

Zaurkancontinuedwalkingbackandforthintheyard,hutwhenIwasalreadythinkingIshouldntdisturbhim
today,hesuddenlysatdownandcalledmeover.

Isatdownnexttohimandgotreadytowrite.Buthecouldntbeginforalongtime,andkeptrubbinghiswrinkled
foreheadwiththepalmofhishandasthoughhewastryingIogathertogethereverythinginhismemory.

Whenhebegantalking,unlikehisusualmanner,hedartedfromonesubjecttoanother.Somethingdeepdown
wasbotheringhimandsoBiramhadtotakethebruntofit.

ButIstillmanagedtogetsomethingwrittendown.ZaurkantalkedabouthowimamSakhatkeriwasreplacedby
anothermullah,aTurkbythenameofOrhan.Atfirstheseemedtogetalongwiththepeople,whoevencalled
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himatrueservantofAllah!Butthen,gradually,hefoundsubtleandslywaystofollowhisownline.Weddingsand
FuneralscouldntbeorganizedthewaytheUbykhshadbeenusedtosincetimeimmemorial,butaccordingtothe
strictrulesofIslam.Themullahcalledthepeopletothemosquemoreandmoreoftenandtaughtthemhowtosay
theprayer:Allahalwayshearsthevoiceofonewhopraiseshim!Whenachildwasbornanamecouldnotbe
givenwithoutOrhansapproval.Allwomenhadtowearveils.Andanyonewhomissedgoingtothemosque,even
once,hadtopayafine.AndbeforeenteringthemosquetheUbykhshadtotakeofftheirweaponsandhangthem
upoutside.

ZaurkanwouldquivereachtimehepronouncedthenameSakhatkeri,heloathedthemansomuch.Atthesame
limehisattitudetotheothermullahswasthatofderisiveindifference;hedidnttalkmuchaboutMuslimritesand,
apparently,didntknowthemverywell.

IdontbelieveanyofthosewhoinAllahsnameliveincloverwithoutliftingafinger.MydearSharakh,ifpeople
couldreallygetanythingoutofprayersthenmyFatherwouldhavegottenrichfasterthananyoneelse.Ileaven
knowsheprayedenough.Buttherewasnotamanmoreunfortunate!

Recallinghisfather,theoldmanhunghishead,wassilentforalongtime,andthensuddenlybegantalkingabout
allthetroublestheUbykhsmetupwithaftertheyemigratedtoTurkey.Hesaidtheyhadmuchlessfertileland
thaninUbykhia,butpaidmuchhighertaxes!Hecomplainedthatitwassohotinthesummerandsocoldinthe
winterthattheUbykhs,liketheotherpeasantsinthearea,hadtocoattheirhomeswithclayormanure,which
wouldhavebeenshamefulinUbykhia.

Hewasevenmorecriticalofthefactthatgrapescouldbegrownhere,andtheUbykhswouldhavegladly
cultivatedthem,butonlycurrantscouldbemadeoutofgrapesbecausewinewasstrictlybannedinTurkey.
Anyonecaughtwithwinewasforcedoutofthecommunity.

WhoeversawanUbykhlivewithoutwine;whatkindofhospitalitycouldtherebewithoutwine!Justasatree
cantbeseparatedfromavinetwistingaroundthetrunk,sotoowinecantbeseparatedfromoneslife.What
Ubykhhadcelebratedthebirthofachildwithoutwine?Couldtherehavebeenaweddingwithoutwine?Whohad
hostedcompanywithoutwine?EvenwhenanUbykhdiedtheothershadraisedtheirglassesatthewake.Butnow
thatwasnolongerpossible.Itsamazingwhatpeoplecangetaccustomedto!Youmaynotbelievethis,mydear
Sharakh,butifyoudgivemeanaurochshornfullofwineIdontthinkIdbeabletosayapropertoast,justlikeI
dontevenrememberthetasteofwine!

Thatwasthelastofhiscomplaintsthatday.Thereiswhereweendedourconversationuntilwepickeditupagain
thenextday.

...ItwasaFriday.Ourmen,afterhangingtheirweaponsuponnailsoutsidethemosque,wentinfortheirprayers.
OurnewmullahOrhandeclared:

TheresnoGodbutAllah...Blessus,Lord!Giveusguidance!Dontleaveusalone!

Amen!Amen!respondedtheworshipers.

AtruebelievermustsethishopesonAllah,thekindandmerciful!Itsenoughforonewhobelievestosay:Beit
so!andtheholywishwillcometopass!

Amen!Amen!

InoticedsomeoneinatallAstrakhanhatstandingoutsidethemosquesopendoor.Ifhedidntcomeintothe
mosquehemustbeastrangerhere,Ithoughttomyself.Buthisfacelookedfamiliar.Whentheservicewasover
andIwasputtingonmydagger,Iheardsomeonesay:

Goodday,Zaurkan!

ThewordswerespokeninpureAdighe.Iturnedaround:

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Muhammad!Whatbringsyouhere?

Standingbeforemewasoneofmygrandmothersnephews!RememberItoldyoumygrandmotherwasAdighe?
Well,I.hadntseenMuhammadallthetimewedbeeninTurkey.Peoplesaidhehadsettledsomewherenear
Izmid.FatherandMatajoinedus.TheywerehappytoseeMuhammad,huggedandkissedhim.

Whyarewestandinghere!Letsgetonhomequickly,saidFatherexcitedly.

IwasatyourhousealreadyandsawNasi.Shetoldmeyouwerehere,heexplainedpensively,withoutlooking
up.IhadthefeelingMuhammadwasntinthemoodforpleasantriesatthetable.Idonthavetime.Ihavetoget
backhometonight...Maybeitsallforthebestthatwecantalkinprivate.WhatIhavetosayisfortheearsof
men...

Eachofusunderstood:Muhammadhadtheunpleasanttaskofreportingbadnews.

Ibegyoutotakethisbravely!

Whathappened?whisperedmyfatherbarelyabletomovehislips.

SelimPashahasmadeKunahiswife!

Weliterallyrecoiledasthoughacannonfirednearby.ButMuhammad,withhisfacefullofsorrow,continued.

Imoneoftheguardsatthepalaceofthiscursedpasha.Onedayyoursisterssecretlycalledtomeandchoking
withtearsbegged:Evenifitmeansyourhead,ourdearrelative,tellourbrothersourlifehereisunbearable.They
shouldntbelievethatwerelivinginluxury.Weweredeceived,dishonored.Ifourbrotherscantgetusoutofthis
houseofsinthenmaytheyatleastcometosaytheirlastfarewelltous!

IfAllahdoesexist,howcouldheallowthistohappen?Ithoughtwrathfullystandingoutsidethemosque.

Youcancountonme!saidMuhammad.

ThenhetoldushowtofindhiminIzmid,andleft.Isawred.OhhowIwantedtoturnintolightningandburndown
themosquebecauseAllahnolongerexistedasfarasIwasconcerned.

Whenwegotbackhomewecalledallourrelativestogetherandtoldthemwhatwehadjustfoundout.Theywere
allsympatheticandasaggrievedaswewere.Mymotherputherdaughtersclothesontheirbedsandmourned
themboth.

AnUbykhmanwouldnevermarrytwosisters.Andifthathadeverhappenedthecommunitywouldhave
considereditincestandanathemizedtheculprit.

MataandIdecidedwedratherdiethanlookpeopleinthefaceifwedidnttakerevengeforthedisgracethathad
befallenoursisters.

OurfatherwentlookingforhelpfromShardyn,sonofAlou,andhissisterShanda.Butitstruewhattheysay:
troublenevercomesalone.FatherreturnedfromShardynsestatewithnothingforhispains.Shardyn,sonofAlou,
wasattheBalkanfrontatthetime.HiswifeandsonweretouringFrance,andShanda,thesultanswife,wasabout
tohaveababysoshewasntseeinganyone.Allourfathershopeswereblighted,sowehadtorelyonourselves.
Themainthingwasnottositonourhands.MybrotherandIdecidedtogotoIzmid.Welefthomeatthecrackof
dawn.IkeptlookingbackatmyfatherandmotheruntiltheroadmadeacurveandIcouldntseethemanymore.
Motherstoodtherewrappedinablackshawlandleaningonastaff.Shewasasthinasthebladeofaknife.My
father,withhisarmsfolded,leanedhisbackupagainstthegateasthoughhislegswouldnotholdhim.Iwas
terriblydepressedcoulditbethatIwouldneverseethemagain?Abitofsmokeroseabovetheroofandseemed
tobefrozenthereasthoughsensingthatourhearthwouldsoongocoldforever.Walkingalongthedustyroad,
ourboots,clothingandfacesbecameonecolor.OhhowIregrettedIdidnthavemyhotbloodedBzou.Whata

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horsehewas!Thehalfwildthreeyearoldhadbeenbrokenverywell.HewouldhavegotmetoIzmidinaninstant
andoncewereachedthehomeofthatlustfulSelimPasha,hewouldhavejumpedoverthefencejustlikethat.

Inthegoodolddays,whenwelivedinourhomeland,eventhepoorestmanwouldalwaysridehishorsewherever
hewent;whethergoingtoafeast,afuneral,orwhatnot,onewouldeitherarriveonhorsebackorinacart.Brides
werecarriedincarriagesdrivenbysixhorsesofthesamecolor.Whenaboywasbornacoltwasraisedsotheboy
wouldlearntorideassoonashecould.Whenamanwoulddieorbekilledinbattlehishorse,carryinghis
weapons,wouldstandnearthebodyandhisfamilywouldmournhim.Itsnowonder,dearSharakh,ourancestors
saidthathumanbloodflowedintheveinsofahorse.Theyalsosaid:

Thesoulofaman
Andthesoulofahorse
Arethesame
Andhavealwaysbeenthus.

Inthisforeignlandwewerewithouthorses.Adonkeytooktheplaceofahorse.Amanwithadonkeywas
consideredwealthy.

WehadbeenstayingawholeweekatthehomeofMuhammad,theAdighe,wholivedontheoutskirtsofIzmidby
thebazaar.EverydaywewanderedaroundthepalaceofthethricecursedSelimPasha,butwecouldntsendword
tooursistersthatwewerenearby.JustbeforewearrivedinIzmidsomeonehadrobbedtheharem.Thewomen
wereforbiddentotakewalksandsecurityhadbeentightened.IndesperationMatasuggested:

Weshouldjustgotothepashaandaskhimtogiveusbackoursisters!

Justlikethat?Muhammadsmiledironically.Youcanputadogstailunderapress,butyouwontmakeit
straightnomatterhowhardyoutry!Doyoureallythinkthatmanwillgiveyoujustice!

Ihadonlyoneregret:thatwedidntthinkofmurderingShardyn,sonofAlou,whenhewasstillinOsmankoy.No
enemycouldhavedonetouswhatourrelativehad.Iwasmoreandmoreconvincedthathehadsoldmysistersto
SelimPashainexchangeforsomefavors.InUbykhiahewouldhaveneverdaredtodosuchathing!

Weweredepressedbybeingidle.Thedaysweregoingby,butwehadntdoneanythingtowardourgoal.Finally
MuhammadfoundawaytowhispertooursistersthatwewereinIzmid.TheyaskedhimtotellusthatJunahad
notwrittenanylettertousandthatshehadnotsentthewomenwhotrickedusintolettingKunagotothepalace.

WealsofoundoutthatJunablamedherselfforhersistersillfortuneandtriedtocommitsuicidebycuttingher
throatwithapieceofglass.

ItwasspringandthecitywasunusuallywarmforthatLimeofyear.Muhammadcamehometellingusthatthe
nextdaythesultanswivesweretobeallowedtotakeawalkinthegarden.Thecircumstanceswererightforus:
Muhammadwasgoingtobethedoorguardthatmorning.WealreadyknewthatatnoonSelimPashasatinachair
bythefountainintheshadeofthemagnoliaswhilehisconcubinesentertainedhim.Wedecidedthatjustbefore
noonIwouldenterthegarden.Matawouldhireacabandwouldbewaitingformeonthelanenearestthegate.I
wouldtrytogetmysistersoutthegateandthenwedtakethemaway.IfIcouldnttakethemoutunnoticedthen
Iwouldhavetofight,coveringtheirflight.Muhammadwassupposedtogetawaywithusbecauseremainingin
Izmidwouldbedangerous.Aboatwaswaitingforusontheshoretoberowedbyaformersmugglerwehadhired
earlier.AftergettingabouttenmilesawayfromIzmidwewouldhideinthemountains.MataandIwerevendetta
seekerswhosetimehadcome.

Thespringgardenlookedlikeitwasshroudedwithfluffywhitecloudsthetreeswereinfullbloom.Howcanthis
gardenrejoiceinthecomingofspringwhenmysistersarecryingtheireyesouthere?Howcanthenightingales
singasthoughtheyredeaftomysistersmoaning?WhyhasntlightningturnedSelimPashatoashesyet?I
complainedbitterlyabouttheindifferenceofnatureasIsneakedalongthegardenwall.

Muhammadopenedtheirondooracracktoletmein.
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Stayonthatpath,hewhisperedtomeasIwentpasthim.

Iwalkedasthoughhunting,quietly,practicallynotbreathing,lookingbetweenthebranches.Farinsidethegarden
Icouldseethewhitethreestorypalace.Itseemedabandonedtome:notavoicecouldbeheardfromthe
windowsandnoonecameoutsidethedoors.WhenIwasnear,Ihidinthebushes.TomyrightIheardwater
splashing.Icouldtellafountainwasnearby.Suddenlyadooropenedandtwoelderlymenwalkedout;oneof
themlookedliketheheadeunuch.Theyexchangedsomewords,thenwalkedindifferentdirectionsand
disappearedfromsight.Soonafterwardsyoungwomencameout.Theywalkedaloneorintwosalongthemarble
stairwayandintothegardensshade.Theywereobviouslythepashasconcubines.Allofthemwereyoungand
pretty,althoughtheirpallidfacesremindedmeofplantsthatgrowindarkcaves.Ididntseemysistersamong
them.TwoofthemwhopassedmebyweretalkinginalanguageIhadneverheardbefore.thenIturnedtolookat
thethirdyoungwomanwalkingalonebehindthem.Myeyeswentblank,myheartfroze:ItwasFeldysh.Myvoice
soundedstrange,eventome,whenIcalled,Feldysh.

Seeingmesounexpectedlymadeherspeechless.Shelookedatmedumbstruck,hermouthwideopen.Thatlasted
forjustasecondandthenwithoutshowinganyjoyinseeingme,asthoughshewasntevensurprisedIwasthere,
sheasked:

Isthatyou,Zaurkan?

Feldysh,dontbefrightened,Illsaveyou!

Imnotfrightened;Istoppedbeingafraidalongtimeago.Youreprobablylookingforyoursisters?Junaisstill
weakaftertryingtoslitherthroatwithapieceofglass.Kunadoesntwanttoleaveheralone...Werethevictims
ofthesamedemon.

OhLord,whyareyouhere?

Ivebeenhereforfouryearsnow.Asaplingsoldinaforeignlandisnotplantedwhereitpreferstogrow.

Iplacedmyhandsonhershouldersandputmyfaceclosetohers,sayinginafirmvoice:

Itsmydutytotakeyouandmysistersoutofhere!

IlltellyoursistersIsawyou.Butitstoolatetorescueme...Andhangingherheadsheweptbitterly.Iam
alreadydead.Youretoolate!Donttouchme,Imworsethanaleper.GoodbyeZaurkan!

Coveringherfacewithherhandssheturnedaround,andtakingquicksteps,headedtowardthewomenwalking
somedistanceaway.

Mybodysuddenlywentlimp.HoldingontoatwigIstoodthereinatrance.GraduallyIbegantonoticethat
servantsweredartingtoandfrobetweenthepalaceandthefountain.Ihidmyselfamongthethickofthetrees
andsawafountainrisingfromacarvedstonebowl.Therewasarainbowabovethedancingspurtsofwater.Near
thefountain,underthecoveroftrees,someservantswereputtingdownashagrug,layingcushionsonit,and
placingasoftchairinthemiddle.Thentheybroughtoutsomelowtablesthathadviandsonthemandsilver
pitchers.

SoonSelimPashacameaccompaniedbytwoservants.IrecognizedhimrightawaybecauseIhadseenhimonceat
themanorofShardyn,sonofAlou.Hewasasturdylittleman,withathinbeardandalmostnoeyebrowswhich
madehisheavyeyelidslooklikeaturtles.Hishead,asbaldasapumpkin,wascoveredbyaredfez.Themanwas
advancedinyears,buthisbodywassturdy.Hetooksmallbutfaststepsashewalkeduptothechairandplunked
himselfintoit.Twoservants,probablyhismosttrustworthy,stoodoneachside.Oneofthemunfoldedapieceof
paperandbeganreadingittothepashawhorestedIheadonthebackofthechair.Heheldamberbeads,withthe
handthatlayonhisfatstomach,andhepulledathisgoateewiththeother.

ThelongerIwatchedhimthemoreIwasfilledwithhatred.
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Theservantfinishedreadingthepaperandbowed.Thepashamadesomecommentandwavedhishand.Theman
whohadreadthepaperfoldeditupandwentbackintothepalace.Theotherservantpickedupapitcher,poured
thecontentsintoaglass,andhandedittothepashaonasmalltray.Butthepasha,reclininginthechair,was
sweetlydozing.Theservantputtheglassonthetable.Somecrazyimpulsepushedmcforward.InoneinstantI
appearedbeforethepashalikeaboltoflightningoutofaclearbluesky.Astonishedbythepresenceofanarmed
maninhispalace,hesquirmedinhischairandstaredhardatme.Hisfacewentpaleandbegantosweat.

Howdareyouroughneckcomeinhere?criedthepashaunabletohidehisfear.

Imnotaroughneck;Imthebrotherofthetwogirlsyouhavedisgraced!Ifyoudontwanttodieletmysistersgo,
Pasha!

Hiseyesdartedinfearandhenoticedthatmyhandwasrestingonthehaftofmydagger.

Help!heyelled.

Theservantwhostoodbyhimshoutedasthoughhedbeenhitovertheheadandrantothepalacedoors.

Irealizedthatthepalaceguardswouldcomesoon.Thepashaeasedhimselfsidewaysoutofthechairandbegan
movingtowardthepoolaroundthefountain.Heleftmenochoice.Igrabbedthepashabythethroatandjabbed
myCaucasiandaggerintohischestallthewaytothehaft!TheoldmanwheezedasIthrewhimintothewater
wheregoldfishwereswimming.Thewaterturnedcrimsonandforsomereasonremindedmeofthesea,ofthose
terribledaysofexodus,andthecorpsesofUbykhexileswasheduptotheshore.Thesoundsofpeopleshouting
camecloserandcloser.Ididntcareanymore.Totalindifferenceovercameme.Thebloodydaggerfellfrommy
handsandIdidnttrytopickitup.Iprobablycouldhavefled,andgotawaywithMuhammadshelp,butforsome
reasonthethoughtdidntevenoccurtome.Iwassurroundedbytheguards.Ididntresist.Andsowithmyhands
tiedandatgunpointIwastakentoprison.

TodayisthethirddayIvebeenworkingovermynotes.Zaurkanisresting,althoughIdontreallythinkhewantsto
rest.Hehasnteventoldmeabouthalfofhisonehundredyearlife.AfewtimesinthetwoweeksIvebeenwith
himitevenseemedtomehewasafraidtodiebeforetellingmeeverythinghehadstoredinhismemory.Of
course,whenyoucomparehisstorywithoneoranotherhistoricaldate,yourealizethathesometimesgetsthings
mixedupandsayssomethinghappenedearlierwhenitactuallyhappenedlaterandviceversa,butjustthesame
hismemoryisphenomenal,hismindisalert,andemotionsarestillhighinhiscentenarian,butstillpowerfulbody.

IhavethefeelingthatnoonebutBiramhasenteredZaurkanshouseinalong,longtime.Maybeitsalsobecause
helivesinseclusionthatneithermoderntimes,normodernwordsevenexistforhim.Helivesasthoughina
cemeteryandwandersthroughhispastalonganarrowpathamidstthegraves,aliveamidstthedead...

Wevealreadyarrangedthattomorrowmorninghellcontinuehisstory;thiseveningIfinallygotmostofmynotes
inorder,endingwiththebittertaleabouttheUbykhwomen.Mywristisachingfromwriting.Imsittinghere
shakingoutmynumbfingers,butmythoughtsarefaraway,backhomeinAbkhasia.Zaurkansstoryaboutthe
UbykhwomenmademerecallallthemoreclearlytodayourUardschool,whichisnowawhitestonethreestory
building.WhenIstartedthefirstgradeitwasasmall,wooden,tworoomschool,smalllikewepupilswerethen
thirtyboysandgirlsfrommyvillage.

Nowtheschoolhas500children.IrememberhowlastyearKarbeiBarchan,thecurrentprincipal,butonceafirst
graderwithme,toldmethatfigureandhewassoproud.Wegottogetherforthe15thanniversaryofour
graduation.Notallofus,ofcourse,butmany:twoagronomists,threeschoolteachers,oneminingengineerfrom
Tkvarcheli,mealinguist,andNatashaLouba,themaincelebrityamongthealumni,thefirstwomanpilotinallof
Abkhasia.Ofcourse,ittakesstrongcharactertobeapilot,especiallysinceNatashasfather,Islam,was
coincidentallyoneofthemostdevoutworshipersofourvillageshrineKiach.Ourshrinewasconsideredas
miraculousastheUbykhsBytkhaand,asIslamsaidhesawwithhisowneyes,itsometimeswouldflyintotheair
atnightatparticularlyhistoricmomentsandwouldreturntoitsholyplace.Butaflyingshrineisonething,anda
flyingdaughter,quiteanother,especiallyonethatwasnearlyexpelledfromherairclubwhensheflewaU2and
landedinourbigfieldontheedgeofthevillageinthemiddleofthedaywhenwewerehavingabigoutdoor
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meeting.ForalongtimetocomeeviltonguesclaimedthatIslamhadhastilymistakenhisowndaughterforthe
shrineKiachonanotherofitsflights.Ithinkitwasjustidlegossipattheoldmansexpense;ourpeopleinUardlike
havingagoodlaugh,especiallywhenthejokessoobvious.Foralongtimeafterthat,whenevertheydseesome
planeoverthemountainstheywouldteaseIslam,callhimoutsaying:Hurry,hurryupandseetheshrineflying!

IwonderwhereNatashaLoubaisnow?ShedidntanswermylastletterfromLeningrad.Shewasatsomeaviation
exercises.Icantwriteherfromhere;fatehastakenmetoofarinmysearchfortheUbykhlanguage,sofariteven
frightensmetothinkofit.

ALONGTHEYELLOWROADOFTHEDESERT

Ourcaravanconsistingofthirtycamels,twentyhorsesandsomefiftymenadvancedthroughthedeserttothe
plaintivejinglingofbells.Wedbeenontheroadforamonthalreadyafterleavingheavilypopulatedandnoisy
Cairo.

IcanstillseeIsmailSabbahridingaheadofusonhisblackArabiansteed,wearingawhiteburnous.*Hewaswiry,
lightfootedandtough.HewasaBedouinandfeltathomeamongthesandhils.Hisbodyguardsswayedintheir
saddlesfollowinghimonbothsides.Theycouldunderstandtheirmasterfromamereglanceorwordbarely
uttered.IfhedgivethesignDie!,theyddiewithouthesitation.Wewhoworkedonthecaravanwereamixed,

disorderlybunch,butanordergivenbyIsmailSabbahwaslawforallofus.Ifyouddisobey,hedkillyou.

Whenhewasaboy,withoutapennytohisname,helatchedontoacaravanandeversincethenthathazardous
nomadictradinghasbeenhispassion.Hehadonemiragesinceearlychildhoodinthatboundlessseaofsand
money.Thewildyouthachievedhistreasureddream:hebecameacaravanleader.InthedeserthewasGod
Almightytous.Everyonehashissovereign.AndIsmailSabbahhadhistoo.HewasKerimEffendiofCairo,awell
knownmerchantandmoneybagwhowasntaversetomakingillegaldeals.WhenIfirstmetIsmailSabbahhewas
alreadypasthisprime.Hewastall,darkandhadablack,glossymustache.Hiseyesweregreenlikeatigers.Isaid
theyweregreen,buttheywerentexactly,becausetheywereverystrange:theychangedcolorsseveraltimesa
day.Ineverheardthecaravanleaderlaughhisheartout.Whenhelaughedheshowedhisyellowteethandletout
asoundlikeananimalroaring,buttherewasnojoyonhisfaceatall.

Theysay,Sharakh,thatwhenyourpatiencerunsoutthegraveisnear.Apparently,tomygreatmisfortune,fate
grantedmetremendouspatienceandthatswhyImstillalive.Borninthemountains,amongtheevergreen
vegetation,Iendedup,wornlikeaflint,inthedesertthatwasassterileasthegroinofamule.Youcantkeepup
withme,Sharakh?Well,Iwonttalksofast.Ormaybeyouretiredofmybabble?Sinceyourenot,thenhaveyour
penkeepupwithmytongue...

TherewasanoldprisonontheedgeofKaraburun*wherepirateswereoncehanged.Condemnedtodeathbya
religiouscourt,Iwaswaitingforthesentencetobecarriedoutforoverfourmonths.ThatmeansIwasdyingevery
day.Exhaustedbywaiting,mytorturedsoulbeggedforitalltoend.TheonlythingIdidntfeelwasrepentancefor
murderingScumPasha,neitherthen,sittinginmyprisoncell,norlater,throughoutmylonglife.Heldinshackles,
doomedtodie,reviewinginmymindalltheeventsofrecentyears,oneafteranother,likeonewouldcountblack
devotionalbeads,IwasntconcernedaboutGod,butaboutmysisters,Feldysh,mymotherandfather.Werethey
stillalive?IalsoworriedaboutwhathadhappenedtomybrotherMataandtoMuhammad.Whathadbecomeof
them?Thewallsofaprisonaredeafariddumb.AllIcouldhearwasthemurmurofthesea.Iwouldhaveaskedthe
waves,butIcouldntspeaktheirlanguage.

SuddenlyonedayatmidnightwhenIwasdreamingaboutthelandoftheUbykhs,thedoorofmycellcreakedasit
cameopen.IlookeduptoseetheprisonwardenandasailorIdneverseenbefore.Eachofthemwascarryinga
burningcandleflickeringinthedark.

Look,thereheis.Hesasbigasanox!Ifyougivehimsomefoodyoucanharnessthatone.

Heythere,turnaround!Flexyourarmmuscles!Bendyourneck!saidthesailorasheexaminedme.
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Ifiguredtheyweretryingtodecidewhetherthenoosewouldholdmeornot.Myheartfroze.

Thenanarmedguardcameinandgavetheorder:

Out!

Withshacklesclanking,Iobedientlyfollowedmynewmasteroutoftheprison.Itwaspouringoutside.Clouds
hunglowoverthesea.

WhenlightningstruckIcouldseefromacliffoverlookingtheseaaschoonerwithsails.SoonIwasinitshold.The
sailorwhohadexaminedmeinmycellturnedouttobethecaptain.Iguessedrightawaythatthewardenhadsold
metohimlikecattle.Itsnothardtoexplainthedisappearanceofacondemnedman:hehangedhimselfandhis
bodywasthrownintothesea.Thathappenedoftenenough...

IsupposeIshouldhaverejoicedatthesuddenturnofevents.Well,Iescapeddeath,butonlytobecomeaslave.A
slaveisntaperson;hismastercandoanythinghewantswithhimthemasterswhimislaw.Whileyouhavethe
strengthandworklikeahorseyourefed;whenyoucantyoureshot.Youvegotnoonetocomplaintoanyway.

Theslaveschooner,takinggreatcare,headedforCairo.TherethemerchantKerimEffendiboughtmefromthe
captain.SittingonachaironthebalconyofhiscountryvillaKerimEffendisizedmeupandsaidinTurkish:

Iknoweverythingaboutyourpast.Iheardanothermanslifemeansnothingtoyou.TheTurkishpasha,
apparently,wasntyourfirstvictim.Idontevenwanttoknowhowmanymenyouvemurdered.Letitbeonyour
conscience.YourefromtheCaucasus,arentyou?

Inoddedinreply.

WehaveAbkhasiansinEgypt.OncelongagotwelveAbkhasianwomen,thewivesofnoblemeninCairo,you
mightsayruledEgypt.TheirdescendantstookthesurnameAbaza.TothisdaytherearemanyAbazas.The
merchantlaughingroguishly,commented:IfAbkhasianwomenweregoodatrunningtheaffairsofstate,an
Abkhasianmanlikeyoushouldbesmartenoughtocatchafishwithhisteeth.Yourealuckyfellow,youknow:
yourheadwasgoingtobechoppedoff,butthereitisinplace.Iboughtit.ButifyoudontdowhatIsay...Itsnot
inyourintereststocrossme.

ThenhehandedmeovertoIsmailSabbah.AndthatshowIwenttoworkonacaravan.

FromthenonIwascalledAbaza,whichinArabicmeansAbkhasian.Iwas,afterall,halfAbkhasian.Atfirstmyjob
wastofeedthecamels,packandunpackthecargo.Ubykhshadalwayshadhorses;Ihadneverseenacamel
beforeinmylife.WhenIstartedthejobIdislikedthosehumpbackedfreaks,butthenIgotusedtothemand
beganrespectingtheseuncapricious,intelligentandhardyanimals.Theyhelpedusoutmanyatimeduringsand
stormsandevensavedourlives.

MyLord,howdefenseless,smallandweakapersonseemsupagainstthesilent,barrendesertsands!The
wanderingwindthevulturesbrotherwhistlesasitsweepsupsandwavesthatlooklikesaberblades.Ineight
yearsnumeroustimesIcrossedthedesertwherecountlessnumbersofpeoplewereburied.Anhourafter
someonewaslaidinthegroundtherewouldntevenbeagravemounditwouldhesweptawaybythewind.
Fromthemomentthemorningsunopeneditsfirespittingjawsanduntilnightfalltheheatwassofiercethatifyou
couldendureittherewasnoreasontofearhell.Underthesecircumstances,closetrackwaskeptofeverydropof
waterinthebullskinflasks.Butatnightitwasdreadfullycoldandyoucouldntlightafiretherewasnothingto
makeitwith.

IsmailSabbahknewdeadplains,whererattlesnakeschangetheirskin,likethepalmofhishand.Hehadtravelled
manyatimethroughthegoldenseaofsandstovariouspartsofAfrica.Youdliketoknow,Sharakh,whatgoods
wewerecarryingacrossthedesert?Forthesakeofappearancewepackedsilk,utensils,prayerrugsandother
ordinarywares.Butthemaingoodshiddeninourpacksandsaddlebagswereopiumandgunpowder.Itwas
illegaltotradesuchitems,butthatwasnoobstacleforKerimEffendiandIsmailSabbah.Iftheywerecaughtwith
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thegoods,theydbribetheirwayoutofthefix.Ialreadytoldyou,Sharakh,thatthecolorofthecaravanleaders
eyeschangedmanytimesaday,buthealsohadawayoftransforminghimselffromacooingdovetoaraging
panther.Hewaswillingtodoanything,though,togetholdofpreciousdiamonds,goldorfragrancesatalowprice.
AndatsuchmomentsitseemedthatamoregraciouscustomercouldntbefoundanywhereelseinAfrica.

Illpayagoodprice,myking,averygoodprice!MayallyourillnessesbemineifyouthinkImnotpayingtheright
price!hepersuadedastubbornseller.

Andwhenhemanagedtobuysomepreciousmerchandiseataprofitableprice,hewastrulyhappy,happiereven
thanhewouldhavebeenifallhisdeadrelativeshadcomebacktolife.Butwhenhewasfurioushewasareal
beast,especiallyifhisfurywascausedbyapersonoflowerstation.

Onedayasmallleatherbagcontainingacoppercoffeepotwasmissing.Ismailsuspectedoneofthemen:

Whereisit?

Ihavenoidea,Sir!

Yousoldit,youlouse!

Webeggedtheenragedcaravanleadernottopunishaninnocentman.Weevengotdownonourkneesbefore
IsmailSabbah.

Manyotherscansliponthedungofonecamel,heretorted.

AtthathetookaTurkishknifefromhisbeltandthrustitrightintotheheartoftheaccused.Thepoorslavegasped
hislastbreathanddroppeddeadatthefeetofhismurdererwhothensatdownonawoolenmatnearbyand
beganchewingonalegoflamb.Heatewithahardyappetite,contentedlysmackinghisgreasylips,andhis
squintingeyeswentfromcrimsonredtoyellow.

IsmailSabbahtookhistimecleaningthebone,stoodup,pulledhisknifeoutofthedeadmanschest,andordered
ustogetthecamelsreadyfortravel.

Letsgetmoving!

Vulturesappearedinthesky...

Haveyoueverseenrealivory,Sharakh?Ifivorycouldcurediseasesitwouldbeworthwhilecrossingthedesert
wheretheresnoshadeforprotection.Butthetuskofanelephantisonlyornamentationforthewealthy.Ivoryis
hard,sohardabulletcantpenetrateit,butitseasytocarve.

Wealthleadstowhims.ThechesspiecesthatKerimEffendimovedonhisblackandwhitesandalwoodboard,and
thehandleonhiswalkingstick,weremadeoutofivory.Thestemofthehookahhesmoked,andthebuttofhis
rifle,weredecoratedwithivory.KerimEffendiwantedtobesurroundedbyexpensivethings:thatswhyhe
wantedthetableandchairinhislivingroomtobedecoratedwithivory.Andwhyshouldnthe?Afterall,theysay
arichmansroosterlearnstolayeggs.IheardthatinKerimEffendisofficetherewasawhite,slender,nude
womancarvedoutofonelargeivorytusk.WhenKerimEffendilookedatithewouldsometimessigh,recallinghis
youth.Andhisnoblewifealsowantedthingsmadeofivory,andnotonlypowdercases,orjewelryboxesforher
diamonds.

Andsowewouldcrosstheyellowdesert,sufferingfromintenseheat,thirstandmosquitoes,thentravelthrough
thejungleswherethehumiditywasunbearable,andcometoriversfilledwithcrocodilesjusttobuythewhite
ivoryfromblackmenatthelowestpossibleprice.

Butmorevaluablethananythingelsewerediamondswhich,whencut,weremorepreciousthangold.Toget
diamondsfromtheAfricansIsmailSabbahwasreadytoturnallofusmen,andallthecamelsintoahandfulofdust
andturnhimselfinsideoutfortytimes.Agreedymanssenseofsmellisbetterthananydogs.Whitemenfrom
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overseashadcrossedhalftheworldtouncivilizedlandswhoselowerdepthscontaineddiamonds.Theysuddenly
appearedwithsoldiers,alcoholandtheirownclergymen.Isawwithmyowneyes,Sharakh,howblacknatives
turnedintoslavesworkedinthediamondpits.Theresnodrudgeryworsethandiamondmining.Whenthework
daywasovertheguardswouldsearchthemen;theylookedintheirears,theirnostrilsandtheirmouths.God
forbidthatanyoneshouldbecaughtwithahiddenpreciousstonedeathwasimminent.Sometimestheblack
tribeswouldriseupandrebel.Armedwitharrowstheymadetheircaptorstremble,eventhoughtheenslavers
hadrifles.Iwasawitnesstohowfearmadethesunhelmetsofthewhitecolonizersjump!

Ifamansconscienceisclear,buthemeetsonecalamityafteranother,hehasreasontobelievehesbeingmade
tosufferforsomeoneelsessins.

Iwasyoungerthenthanyouarenow,Sharakh,butIkeptthinkingmoreandmoreoftenthatIwasbeingpunished
forthesinscommittedbymyancestors.True,Ihadnoideawhattheyhaddonetokindlethewrathofthegods,
butIwascertainthatIwaspayingforsomeeviltheyhaddone.

ThenonedayIwassparedtheexecutionIdbeensentencedtoandendedupoutsideprisonalive.Perhapsfate
hadfinallysmiledonme?Thehellithad!

RememberItoldyouthatweadoptedthegrandsonofHamidawhodrownedherselfintheriver.Well,Shardyn,
sonofAlou,wantedthatcleverboytoaccompanyhisheirtoIstanbul.Theboyswereayearapartinage.WhenI
returnedfromAfricaTagirhadfinishedhisstudiesandwasstilllivinginthehomeofShardyn,thesultansbrother
inlaw.Tagirknewmanysecrets.Forinstance,Ilaterlearnedfromhimthatwhenthechiefofpolicehadtoldthe
grandvizieraboutthedeathofValiSelimPasha,theslyoldfoxspokehismindforthefirsttime:

ThatUbykhfellow,withoutevenrealizingit,didusabigfavor.

Thegrandvizierimmediatelytoldthesultanwhathadhappened,knowingthenewswouldbereceivedwithgreat
pleasure.Andhewasntmistaken.Itwasallquitesimple.ScumPashawasclosetosomemeninvolvedinthe
conspiracyoftheYoungTurkswhowantedanewruler.Thesultandidnthaveenoughevidencetoaccusehimof
treasonandsendhimtotheexecutionersblock,buthealreadydistrustedtheIzmidgovernorandcouldntwaitto
getridofhim.ThenIenteredthepicture,jabbingmyCaucasiandaggerintothechestofthedisgracedpasha.
Maybethatswhythesultan,Abdulaziz,wasntinahurrytosanctionmyexecution.Thatwasprobablyhiswayof
warningallthosewhowentalongwiththemanIhadkilled:Whoevergoesagainstmewillbeoutlawed,andIwill
notbehardontheassassinsofmyopponents.

TagirwasconvincedthatShardyn,sonofAlou,hadhelpedmakethedealbetweentheprisonwardenandthe
captainoftheslaveschooner.Shardynwasquicktousemynametohisadvantagewhenheinadvertently
mentionedtothesultan:

Incidentally,thatUbykhyouthwhomurderedtheunfortunatepashaismyfosterbrothersson.Thepoorladwas
avenginghisdishonoredsisters.

Shardyn,sonofAlou,didnttellthesultanthathehadactuallyguidedmyhandhimself,butthewayhewordedhis
remarksdidnotexcludethatpossibility.

ThebellsofourcaravancouldbeheardinmanypartsofAfricapopulatedbyvarioustribes.Once,aftertraveling
formanydaysunderthefiercepitilesssunwemetsomeTuaregs*.Thetall,broadshouldered,smallwaistedmen
woredaggersontheirbelts.Thewomenwiththeirolivecoloredskin,andbeautifullyshapedeyeswererevered,
althoughtheyhadtolivebystrictancientrules.

WhenIheardthemusicofanamzade,muchlikeanapkhiartsa,IcouldnthelpthinkingoftheCaucasuswithits
bravewarriorsandbeautifulwomen.Tribesdiffer,butthepeopleinthemcryandlaughthesameway.My
peasantheartwouldmeltwhenIwouldwatchtheMoorsortheBerbersmilktheircows.Themilkwoulddripinto
containersmadeofhugepumpkinsandIwouldberemindedofourUbykhwoodenmilkpails.Themilkfreshfrom
thecowsandthecowbarnssmelledthesame;thecowshadthesamewayofmooing;theroostershadthesame
wayofcrowing;andthegoatshadthesamewayofreachinguptothebranchestogetatasteoftheleaves.And

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thesoundsoftheweddingtomtomsremindedmeofourmountaindrums.SometribesprayedtoAllah,othersto
Christ,andstillotherswerepaganswhoworshipedthesun.

OnceIsawheapsofhumanbonesalongourcaravansroute.Someofthemhadthelooseringsofshacklesaround
themtheyweretheremainsofblackslaves.ButwasntIaslavemyself?IwasawhiteslavethatIsmailSabbah
couldkilllikeadog;therewasnoonetodefendme,noranyonetomournmeafterIdied.

Themeasuredstepoftheloadedcamels,thedismalringingofthebellsthereseemednoendtoitall.Caravan
routescrossed,cametogetherandagainpartedways.Sometimeseventsstretchedserenelylikesandhills,some
timestheyswirledliketheyellowwhirlwindsofsandstorms.

OnceIrememberwesettleddownforthenight,unloadedthecamels,hadameagersupperanddividedupthe
nightwatchesnottofalleasypreytothieves.Aboutthesametimeacaravanofblackslavesropedtogether
stoppednearby.ThechiefoftheescortsturnedouttobeanoldfriendofIsmailSabbah.Therewasnomoonout
thatnightandthedarkblueskywithacrimsonliningbodedevil.Theheadoftheescortsaskedourleaderafavor:
tolethimhavesomeofourmen,ofcourse,formoney,toincreasehiswatchontheblackslaveswhosetribesmen
areeverreadytofreethem.WhenIsmailSabbahheardthewordmoneyhedidntputupanargument.Onthe
contrary,hewasgladtoappointsixmen,includingmyself,tokeepwatchovertheblackslaves.Westoodguardin
threeshifts.Anothermanandmyselfwereassignedthesecondshift,andthethirdshiftwastobetakenbytwo
flunkiesofIsmailSabbah;theywereconstantlytellingontheothers.AtmidnightwhenItookoverthewatchwith
mypartner,theonlythingIcouldthinkaboutwasfinishingthewatchandgettingatleastalittlesleep.Soon
afterwardsthewindbeganblowing,andthefullmoonpeepedoutfrombetweentheclouds.Againstthemoons
silverylighttheslaves,lyingonthesand,werelikepiecesofblackmarblecolumnsofsomeveryancienttemple.
Suddenlymyeyesmettheeyesofoneofthem.Atfirsttheywerehateful,thentheybeganquestioningme:

Doyouhaveafatherandmother?

Yes,Ido.Iwasntabletolookaway.

Abrother,too?

Yes,Ihaveabrother!

Wherearethey?thoseterriblymelancholyeyesinquired.

Idontknow!Fateseparatedus,admittedmysadlook.

Maybeyourlovedonesarealsobeingtakenslaves,likeus.Andmybrotherisescortingthem,hiseyesspoke
persistently,likethatofavoodoo.

Itwaswitchcraft!Iloweredmyeyes,butthensomeunknownpowerliftedthemagaintomeettheslaves
penetratingexpressiveeyes.

Believeme,hiseyesimplored,ifmybrotherweresenttoguardyourenslavedrelativeshewouldhelpthemget
away,becausehevaluesfreedomandrespectsthelawsofhishomeland.

Itriedtoresisthislook,buthiseyesheldmelikefateandluredmelikefreedom.

Dontaskthatofme.Imaslavejustlikeyou;Icanthelp!andturnedawayashamed.

JustassoonasIturnedawayIheardthevoicesofmyfather,mother,brotherandsisters.Theykeptsayingthe
samething:Helpthatboy!Helphim!Maybe,Sharakh,thatwasmyconsciencetalkingintheirvoices?Theedgeof
theskywasgrowinglighter.Soonwewouldbereplaced.Imademydecision:aTurkishknifefellsilentlyinfrontof
thatfellowwhowastiedbyoneropewiththeotherprisoners...AftermypartnerandIwererelieved,wegotback
toourcamelsandlaydownonawoolenmat.Mypartnersleptlikealog,butIkeptwaiting,wonderingwhat
wouldhappen.AtdawnIheardshotsandthewarlikeshoutsoftheblacks.Alltheslavesvanishedintothebluish
fog.Inpoolsofbloodlaythreeguards:ourtwo,andoneoftheslavetradershiredmen.
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Whohasntevermetupwithsomeonewhosefeaturesaresimilartothoseofagoodfriend,orbeentoaplace
thatlooksasfamiliarashome...

TheSouthernCrossconstellationwasrightaboveuswhenweleftthegodforsakenSaharaandheadedsouth.
Soonafterwardsthesunwokeupbehindus.Suddenly,inthefirstgleamofdaylight,Ispottedmountains.Iwas
flabbergasted.EversinceIhadleftthelandoftheUbykhs,Ihadntseenrealmountains.Iwasoverjoyed,as
thoughIwasseeingacloserelative.Theslopesweregreenandthepeakswerewhite.WasIdreaming?Ialmost
believedIwasstandingonthenorthshoreoftheBlackSeaandblissfullyadmiringtheCaucasusMountains.

IcouldimaginemyselfdrinkingwaterfromaspringasIstoodonmykneesholdingarifleatilt,andthenwalkingup
alonganarrowhuntingpathascendingtotheskythroughthebrushwoodofblackberries,blackthornsand
clematis.Birdsweresinging.Andakeeneyecouldspotthetrailofawildboarandmountaingoats.Isatdownona
mosscoveredboulder,listenedattentively,lookedthroughanarrowgapbetweenthebranchesforcedapartby
thewind,andoh,howluckycouldIget:therewasanaurochontheedgeofacliffneartheeternalsnow...

IfonlyIsmailSabbahwouldletmegohunting.Butitwasnouseasking!Iknewbeforehandthathewouldntallow
me,andwouldtakeawaymyrifleontopofit.ThedewhadnotyetdriedwhenIdecidedtotakemychances,and
wasclimbingthemountain,holdingmyrifleatilt,movingfromrocktorock.Eaglessoaredinthesky.Oh,Iwould
giveanythingtobeupashighastheyare,Ithoughttomyself,thenImightevenbeabletoseethemountainsof
Ubykhia,apictureIhavealwayscarriedinmyheart.

Therewasababblingstreamnearbywithchurningwaves.Isawtwochamoisonthecliffofitshighbank.Thewind
blewfrombehindthemsotheydidntsensethedanger.Mypassionforhuntinggotthebestofme.Clingingtoa
rock,Igotdownonmyrightkneeandaimedmyrifle.Themountainechorepeatedmyshotthreetimes.TheJ
shookasthoughnoonebeforemehadeverfiredagunthere.Thedeadchamois,strikingagainsttherocksonthe
slope,rolleddownonthebankofthestream.Thesecondchamoismeltedintothesky,thethunderofgunfireinits
ears.Ihurrieddowntheslopetoskinmyprey,andasIwascomingdownInoticedablackmanstandingata
distancewithhisbowlowered.Igreetedhiminafriendlytoneofvoice.Apparently,thislocalhunterhadaimedat
thechamoisatthesametimeIhad,butmybulletwasfasterthanhisarrow.Squattingbeforethecatchsenttome
bythegodoftheanimals,Icutoffitshead.Ifonemanlooksintentlyatanother,theonebeingwatchedwillsurely
turntolookintheothersdirection.AndthatsjustwhatIdid.WhenIturnedaround,IsawtheAfricanwasstaring
atme.

Comehere!Icalledtohimandsignaledwithmyhand.

Hecamequicklyandmadesomefriendlyremarkinhisownlanguage.Heprobablysaidsomethinglike:What
goodluck!Hetookouthisknifeandhelpedmeskinthechamois.Inkeepingwiththeancienthuntingrulesofour
ancestors,Icarvedthecarcassinhalf.

Here,takeyourpart!andIlaidhalfofthefreshmeatinfrontofhim.

Heunderstoodme,acceptedthegiftwithawidegrin,andbowed.Thenhetookanagatenecklaceoffhismuscular
neckandputitaroundmine.

Ngugi!Ngugi!hesaid,pointingtohimselfwithhisindexfinger.

Ididthesame,saying,Zaurkan!Zaurkan!

TheblackmannoddedjoyfullyandrepeatedaftermeZaurkan!

Thenheranofftogatherbandmadeafireinaflash.Hecuttwopiecesofmeatfromhisshare,tookoffhisbelta
smallleatherbagwithsalt,andsaltedthemeatonbothsides.Thenhewhittledatwigfromsomearomatictree
andputitintothefirewithourmeatonit.Whenthemeatwasdone,hegavemeabigpiece.Weate,praising
eachotherandgesturingwithsignlanguagethewholetime.AllthetimeNgugiandIweretalkinghekeptlooking
atmyrifle.Ihandedittohim.ThenIputabulletinit,cockedit,andfired.Ngugidancedforjoy.Hehadprobably

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neverheldaguninhishandsbefore.Ihadnodoubtthathewantedit.Whoknows,maybeheneededitfor
huntingorforselfdefense,ormaybetofightforhishomeland?

Itwastimeformetobegettingback.Ngugishowedmetheshortestpathtothevalley.Whenweweresaying
goodbye,Itooktherifleoffmyshoulderandgaveittohim,alongwiththecartridgebelt.

TakethisgiftinmemoryofanUbykhwhohaslosthishomeland.Ihopethisgunservesyouwell!IsaidiiUbykh.

Idontimagineheunderstoodmywords,butImcertainhegottheirmeaning.Weembraced!Afterwalkinghalfa
mile,Ilookedback.Ngugisbodywasgleaminginthesun.Raisingtherifleoverhishead,hestoodthereand
bowedasIwalkedaway.

Youreprobablysurprised,Sharakh,bywhatIdid.Themountainsweretoblame:theyawakenedmyrebellious
spirit,urgedmeintocrazygenerosity,andmademeforgetthatIwasaslavemyself.

WhenIgotbacktowhereourcaravanwasstandingandtookthestillwarm,freshmeatoffmyshoulder,my
friendsbecameoverjoyed.Afterall,fortwomonthstheydbeeneatingonlyjerkedmeat,stalebreadanddried
bananas.ButIsmailSabbahseyesturnedbloodred.Itwasabadsign.Histhinlipstightenedandheinquiredwith
amenacings

Wheresyourrifleandcartridgebelt?

WhenIwasreturningfromthehunt,someruffiansittackedmeandtookitaway,Iliedawkwardly.

Whydidntyoushootyourwayout?

Therewerealotofthemandtheyallhadguns!

Lookhere,Imnotanass.Yousoldtherifleandthecartridgebelttothosethicklippedthieves!

Havemesearchedandifyoufindanymoneyonmeyoucancutoffmyhead.

Youhidthemoney,youcreep!Andnowanyofuscouldbekilledbyabulletfromyourrifle,andwiththathe
orderedthementotiemeup.

TenheftyBedouins,havingforgottenallaboutthefreshmeat,fellonme,tiedmeupandthrewmeatthefeetof
thecaravanleader.Ilaytherenotevenabletowiggle,whileIsmailSabbah,withhislegscrossedonawoolenmat,
begandrinkingacupofcoffeesomeonehadhandedhim.

Hedrankslowly,notlookingatmeonce.Whenhefinished,thetigerofthedesert,aswecalledhim,pickedupa
whipandwalkeduptome.

Dontwhipme,justshootme,Ibeseechedhim.

Buthecrackedthewhipandoneblowfollowedanother.Thatcouldhaveneverhappenedinthelandofthe
Ubykhs.IfanyonehadevenwhippedmyhorseBzou,Iwouldhavemadehimcounthisownguts.Itwasthefirst
timeIhadeverbeenwhippedinmylife.Iwasdisgracedinfrontoftheothers.Ididntevenfeelthebodilypain,
butmyimpotentfurywasmorethanIcouldbear:itburnedmybrainandgrabbedmebythethroat.

Stopwhippingme!IfIlivethroughthisIllmurderyou!Iwheezedandcoiledlikeasnake.

ButIsmailSabbahwentberserk,hekeptwhippingmelikeamanpossessed.Andhereyouwontbelieveme,
SharakhItensedeverymuscleinmybodybreakingtheropethatwasbindingme.TheveryinstantIgottomy
feetIhurledmyselfatIsmailSabbahlikeawoundedpanther.Igrabbedthewhipoutofhishands,brokethe
handle,andthrewitLordknowswhere.Ifoneofthemenhadntstoppedme,Iwouldhavechokedthecaravan
leadertodeath.Thenseveralmenfellonmeandtiedmeupagain.ButbythattimeIdidntcareatall.Andthe
caravanleaderhadcalmeddown,too.Myhandsandlegsweretiedallnightlong,butneitherIsmailSabbah,nor
109

anyoneelsecamenearme.Inthemorning,thecaravanleadercameuptomeasthoughnothinghadhappened,
andcuttheropethathadpiercedintomyskin.

Eatandgetdowntowork!saidSabbahpeaceably.

Fromthatdayonforsomereasonthecaravanleaderwasmoreattentivetome,didntgivemetheworstjobs,
sometimesaskedmyadvice,andtoldmewhattodowithoutraisinghisvoice.ButIrealizedthattheknifethathad
cuttheropebindingmyhandsandlegscould,wheneverhewanted,bethrustintomychest...

OnceBiramwaslateanddidntbringoursupperattheregulartime.Thesunwasalreadysetting,buttherewasno
sightofhim.

Whatsthematter?Hesneverdonethisbefore!Idontcareaboutmyself,Imashamedmyguestshouldbekept
waitingforhismeal.Asitisyouhavetoeatourplainfoodnotfitforcompany,grumbledZaurkan,andIkitthat
eventhoughIkeptinsistingIdidntmind,hewasgettingmoreandmoreworried.

Hepickeduphisstaffanumberoftimes,butfinallygotuptogo:

IllgotoBiramandfindoutwhathappenedtohim!

HebarelygottothegatewhenBiramappearedcarryinghissack.

Theoldmanturnedaroundandsatdownquietly,leaningnhisstaff.

Biramcameuptome.

Excuseme,dearSharakh,hesaid.Mywifeisillandcouldntmakesupperontime!

Whatswrongwithyourwife?Iasked.

Sinceyesterday,andthewholenight,sheshadaterribleheadache,buttodayshesalittlebetter!

Zaurkanlistened,butdidntsayawordasthoughhistonguewastied.

AftersupperwhenBiramwasgettinghiskitchenutensilstogether,puttingtheminthesack,Iwentuptohimand
said:

Ifithadtakenyoujustalittlelonger,Zaurkanwouldhavegonetoyourhouse.Hewasworried.

Whatapity!IfIhadknownIwouldhavetakenevenlongeronpurpose!wasBiramsreply.

Why?Iasked.

IthinkitsbeenaroundtenyearssinceFatherhasbeenomyhouse!hesaid,speakingevenmoresoftlysothe
oldmanwouldntcatchwhathewassaying.

Why?

Hedoesntvisittheneighbors,andhedoesntvisitme.Isupposeitsbecausehesangrywithmywife.Itoldyou
alreadywedonthaveanychildren.Hetellsmeallthetime:ItsbadenoughImallalone.Youregoingtobealone,
too,anditsallherfault!Idontevenknowwhattosaytohim;hesadifficultmantogetalongwith,very
difficult!saidBiramsadly,shakinghishead,andthenheleft.

ZaurkanandIsatdownacrossfromoneanotherandwentonwiththeworkwewerealreadyaccustomedto.

Thesunset;itgotdarkoutside.Iwentintothehouse,litthewicklampandtheoldmanfollowedme.Therehe
continuedhisstory.
110


HetalkedaboutallhisexperiencesinAfrica.Triedtorecallwherehehadbeen,whatpeopleshehadseen.Some
timesheevenrememberedwordsfromthedifferentlanguageshedheardoverhisyearsoftravelthere.Mostly
hetalkedaboutthedeserts,butsometimeshedescribedAfricanjunglesandthehugeriversthatshipssailed.

Attimeshemixedupfactsandwouldstartalloveragain:Justasecond.Dontwritethatdown;itsallwrong!Has
everythingdrippedoutofthisoldpumpkin,Iwonder?heexclaimedangrilyashepoundedhisforeheadwithhis
hand.

Butingeneral,despitethisstoppingandstarting,Iascertainedthatforeightornineyearsstraighthetravelled,
mostlywalking,withcaravansthroughoutthevastexpansesofAfrica...

Nineyearsisnolaughingmatteritsawholelifetime!Aboywhowasbornnineyearsagoandsuckinghis
mothersbreast,nineyearslatercanrunsofastyouwontcatchupwithhim.

Whenwesoldallthegoodsandloadedourcamelswiththetreasureswebought,includingopium,ourcaravan
wentbacktoCairo.SomeofthemenwhohadfamiliesinEgyptweregladtogethome.Butwhatwaswaitingfor
methere?Onlymoneyforillegallabor.EvenifIhadbeenfreedandwentbacktoTurkeywheremyfamilywas,I
wouldhavebeenexecutedforthemurderofValiSelimPasha.

IsmailSabbahwasinahurrytogetbacktohiscaravan.Wemadelongermarchesandstoppedforshorterperiods
oftime.WehadalreadypassedthecityofSiva.Thetigerofthedesertwascautious.Henevertiredofreminding
ustobeonguardatalltimes.Hewasalwaysonthealert,sniffingtheair,asitwere.

Bandsofruffiansonthisroadhaverobbedcaravansanumberoftimes,hewarnedus.

Hegaveeachofusadoublesupplyofcartridges.Onenightwhentherewasnomoonout,wepitchedcampforthe
nightnearawell.Wehadjustsentoutguardswhensuddenlysomehorsemenburstoutofthedarknessand
chargeduslikeahurricane.Theyshotatusastheyrode,surroundedus,andwefiredback.Darkness,thewhistle
ofbullets,theroaroffrightenedcamels,thesnortingofhorses,thehootingoftheassailantsallthatblurredinto
one.Oneofthehorsemenattackedmeand,hangingfromhissaddle,raisedhissabertoslashme.Iovercamehim
andshothimrightintheheart.Fallingontothesand,heshoutedhislastwordsinpureUbykh:

Theygotme!NowIllneverseehomeagain!

Iwasshocked.Iwasreadyforanything,evendeath,buthearingmynativelanguageamongthosesandhillswhere
ademonwouldntlingerwastoounexpectedandunbelievable.Besides,themansvoicewassofamiliar.
Meanwhile,thethievesonhorsebackrealizedtheywerentgoingtogetanywherewithusandvanishedas
instantlyastheyhadappeared.Iranovertothewoundedman.Hewasdying.Iwasovercomewithhorror:evenin
theblackofnightIrecognizedhim.ItwasSaid,HajiKerantukhsfosterbrother.Iliftedhishead,feelingthewarm,
stickybloodstainingmyhand.

Said!MyLord,Said!Isthatreallyyou?Imumbledinastateoftotalshock.

Theglimmerofdeathwasinhiseyes.Heapparentlyrecognizedmeand,whisperingsomethingincomprehensible,
loweredhiseyelids.Myfriendssurroundedmecarryingtorches.Happywewereallalivetheycouldntfathomwhy
Iwascryingoverthedeadmansbody.

Ilostmysenses;Iwantedtodie.Suchinconsolablesorrowovertookme;livinganylongerseemeduselessand
impossible.IpointedthebarrelofmyrifleatmychestandwasreadytopullthetriggerwhenIsmailSabbah,who
wasstandingnearby,kickedthegunoutofmyhands.Thenhepulledmyknifeoutofitssheathonmybelt.

Tieupthatmadman!heshoutedtothemen.

ButIgotawayfromthemwhiletheywerestickingtheirtorchesintothesandandranoffintothedarkness.Iran
fast,asthoughIwastryingtocatchthesoulofSaid,themanIhadkilled.Iran,notfeelingmyfeetunderneathme,
untilIhadnomorestrengthtomoveandfelltotheground.
111


PoorSaid!ThelasttimeIhadseenhimwewereintheoutskirtsofSamsun,andhewasdreamingofgoingbackto
thelandoftheUbykhs.Ifiguredheddiedonthewaytoournativemountains.HowdidheendupinAfrica?What
evilspiritbroughtustogetherthatway?Whatevilspiritwantedmetomurdermyfreedomlovingfellow
tribesman?

Iwasinastuportillmorning;thewindwascoveringmewithsandwhileItossedandturnedlyingonthosedead
plains.InthemorningIgotup,asifoutofthegrave,andafterbrushingthesandoffmyfaceIlookedaroundme.
Thereweretwojackalsabouttenstepsawayfromme.Barelyabletostandupstraight,Istaggeredovertothem:
theyjumpedupandranoff,lookingbackallthetime.Whyhadntthosefilthycreatureseatenmeup?Iwashalf
alive,defenselessandunarmed.Maybetheycouldntstandthethoughtofeatingamanwhohadkilledhisown
brotherinmisfortune?Thedesertrockedbeneathmyfeet,likethedeckofashipduringastorm.Iwasdyingof
thirst,andthesunwasrisinghigherandhigher.SoonIcouldseetreeshereandthere.Itwasntamirage,Ihad
cometoanoasis...

ALONGDRYRIVERS

Ijoinedanothercaravan.ItwasalsoheadedforCairo.Thepeoplewithitwerehospitable.Theyfedmethewhole
wayand,althoughIwasnotundertheprotectionofthelaw,theyhadnointentionsofmakingmoneyoffmeby
sellingmetosomeslavetraderorturningmeovertomyformerowner.Thegoodstheywerecarryingbelongedto
anArmenianmerchant.OnourwaytoCairoIfoundoutthatthecargowouldbedeliveredfromtherebyseato
Istanbul.

Cairosagrandcity,butlookinglikeabeggar,ahalfstarvedvagabond,Ididnthaveasinglefriendhere,noraroof
overmyhead.MyheartlongedforTurkey,whereIhadleftmyfamilyandfellowUbykhs.Justonedayathome,
justonedayhearingthesweetUbykhlanguage,andthenIcouldbechoppedintopiecesbyadullax,forallIcared.
IhelpedthestevedoresworkingfortheArmenianmerchanttransferthegoodstotheshipsailingforIstanbul.
WhenthemerchantfoundoutIwasfromtheCaucasushewassympathetic:heboughtmeclothesandshoes,and
gavememoneyforfood.Themanwaswealthy,butgenerousaswell.KnowinghimIlearnedthatonedoesnot
necessarilyexcludetheother.

Andso,duetothekindnessandsympathyoftheArmenianmerchant,IarrivedinIstanbul.Ihadheardalotabout
thatcitysincechildhood.Ubykhsthoughttherewasnoplaceonearthmoresuperborrich.Wheneversomeone
said:HesgoingtoIstanbul,itseemedasthoughthepersonwasheadedfortheothersideoftheworld.Ifan
UbykhsawanexpensivedaggerorfinejewelryheassumedtheyweremadeinIstanbul.Eveninsongstheeyesof
abeautifulwomanwerecomparedtoIstanbulamber.

Constantinople,whichiswhatsomepeoplecalledtheTurkishcapital,astoundedmewithitswhitestonepalaces
surroundedbylushgreenery,mosquescrownedbyacrescent,themostbeautifulofthembeingtheskyblue
HagiaSophia;shipswithflagsfromallovertheworlddockedintheGoldenHorn,andthenoisybazaarswhere
everythingwasboughtandsoldfromgoldentrinketstowhistles,fromIambcarcassestothedelicaciesofthesea.
Throughoutthebazaarthereweretheshoutsofhawkers,thearomaofcoffeestands,thesupplicationsofbeggars,
thehaggleofbuyers,thewhispersofsmugglers,andtheopensaleofpeople,especiallywomen.Whenyouheard
someoneyelling:Outoftheway!itmeantapashaorwealthybuyerwascomingandtheservantwastellingthe
crowdtocleartheway.

Atthecemeteryeveryoneisequal,butwhilewerealive,eachofushashisplaceonthisearth.Iwaslivingamong
theriffraffonthedocks.Thereyoucouldheareverylanguagespokenintheworld,butthelongshoremenand
sailorsunderstoodoneanotherwithoutinterpreters.Nooneaskedwhereyouwerefrom,whatyouweredoing
thereorhowlongyouplannedtostay.Myback,itappeared,wasstrongenoughtocarrybales,barrels,boxesand
othercargo,whichishowImademyliving.Meanwhile,IheardfromthesailorsthatmanyCaucasianshadcometo
Istanbul.

Whattribearethey?Iasked.

112

Abkhasians!

MyLord,Ithoughtindismay,sotherearemoreexiles!DonttellmetheAbkhasianshavemadethesamefatal
mistake?

Iwasanxioustogointotown.WhenIwasfreefrommyworkafterthesunsetandonFridays*IwentintoIstanbul
towanderthestreetsinthehopeofmeetingAbkhasiansfromTsebeldawheremymothersbrotherslived,orjust
seeingaCaucasianImightknow.Hauntingthemosques,coffeeshops,andbazaars,Ikeptmeetingmoreandmore
peopledressedinCircassiancoatsandcarryingweapons.TheyallspokeAbkhasian.Iwouldlistentothemtalk.It
wassweetandbitteratthesametime:sweettohearthatlanguagemymotherusedtosinglullabies,andbitter
becausethenewexilestalkedaboutthesamethingstheUbykhsdiscussedintheoutskirtsofSamsun.

Dayturnedtonight,butthestonesnearthebazaarwerestillwarm.Ononeofthemtherewasanoldmanina
wornCaucasianshirt,hisdirtytoespeeringoutoftornboots.Withhishandsclutchinghisheadhunglow,dejected
andimmobile,helookedlikeatombstone.Isatdownnexttohimandinquired:

Whathappenedtoyou?

Raisinghisheadtolookatme,heshowedsurprise;hecouldntimagineamanwhowasntwearingaCircassian
coatandshirtcouldspeakAbkhasian.

Firsttellmewhoyouare?heaskedinturn.

Imanearlierexile,anUbykh.

Oh!hesighedinsympathy.YouUbykhshaveonlyyourselvestoblameforyourtroublesbecauseyoumoved
herewithoutthinkingitovercarefully,butwewereforcedhere.

BytheRussianczar?

No!BythesultanstroopswhocametoAbkhasiatotakeitawayfromtheRussians.Theyburneddownour
village,andbeheadedthosewhoresisted.Abkhasiaisempty,myfriend.Itsrazedandempty!saidtheoldmanin
atearfulvoice.

Tellme,oldman,doyouknowwhathappenedtothepeopleofTsebelda?Mymothersbrotherslivedthere.

Threeyearsafteryourbrainlessdecisiontoleaveyourhomes,emigrationbeganagain.Thistimepeoplecameto
TurkeyfromTsebelda,Dal,Guma,Abzhakua,andMachara.AndasIalreadytoldyou,youngman,thejanizaries,
maytheybethricecursed,forcedusAbkhasianstoleave.WhoisleftinApsny?*Thelandisthere,butitssoulwas
drivenout.Dogsarehowlingbytheheapsofashesleftbehind.ImfromAbzhui,borninTamysh.Mynames
Ratsba.Goodluck,myfellowsufferer!

Twoyoungmencameuptohimprobablyhissonsandhelpedtheoldmangetup.Leaningonthem,hewalked
offsomewhereintothedistance.

IfIunderstoodtheoldmancorrectly,thepeopleofTsebeldamovedtoTurkeythesameyearIwenttoprison.

Mymotherhadsevenbrothers.AndsoIfiguredthatifIlookedhardenoughIdmeetatleastoneofthemhere.
ThatnightIdreamedagainofthemountains,ofaspringflashfloodintheBzybravine.Theriverrumbledlikea
thousanddrums,butthroughthefrenziedroarIcouldheartheneighingofmyownhorsethatIhadshot.Fire
ragedabovethecouncilhouse,andagainsttheflamingbackgroundIcouldseethefacesofheroes.Themost
frequentamongthemwasAhmed,sonofBarakai,whohadpleadedwithusnottoleaveourhomeland...

Iwokeupbecauseoneofthelongshoremenshookme:

Whyareyoushoutingandmoaning?Areyouill?

113

Ididntgototheportthatmorning.InsteadIfootedittotownagain.Youknow,Sharakh,whenothersareover
comewithdepressiontheyseekconsolationindrink,butIsoughtitinlisteningtotheAbkhasianlanguage.When
yourefarfromhometheresnothinglikehearingyournativelanguagetomakeyoufeelbetter.Itstrulya
guardianangel.IwouldsitnexttopeopleinCircassiancoats,andlistenmorethanItalkedmyself.Thehotheaded
Caucasiansarguedaboutonethingonly:whowasresponsiblefortheirtragedy?Sometimespeoplewouldgetinto
fiercearguments,evenfight,eachsidereachingfortheirweapons.Anditwasallbecausetheywantedtoestablish
thetruth:whowastoblame?Someblamedthemselves,othersfate,andstillotherstheczarandsultan.How
couldtheyhaveknownallthereasonsbehindthoseevents?Andasforyou,Sharakh,youkeeponwriting.Who
knows,maybemystorieswillhelpanswertheriddleposedbytheexiles,theanswerthatisstillasealedbook.
WhenthebellicosemenfromtheCaucasusbecamethesultanssubjects,notbeingafool,hebeganhiringthemas
cavalrymenandbodyguards.Thepainfultestofawhippingcanbeenduredbymany,butthesweettestofbeing
treatedtobaklava*canbewithstoodbyfew.Somethesultanfrightened,othersheenticed,buyingthemoffwith
fertilelandandprotection.TheTurkishgovernmenttookadvantageofthefactthattheAbkhasianandUbykh
noblesandpeasantshavealwaysbeenrelated.SuchmenasShardyn,sonofAlou,werereceivedwithhonor.They
gotlandandtitles,andtheirpeasantsweregivensmallplots.Thebenefitwasobvious:thepeasantladswere
draftedintothearmyandwenttowarinthenameofAllah.TodayonlyGodandIknowhowmanyofthemcame
backcripples.

RememberwhenIstartedoutItoldyoualittleaboutKatsMaan?HewasanAbkhasian,likeyou.ThatCaucasian
didalotfortheczarinhistimeandsohewasmadeageneral.AfterweUbykhsmovedtoTurkey,theysaythe
gleamonhisshoulderstrapsdimmedquickly:theoldwarriordied.OneofKatsMaanssonsfollowedinhis
fathersfootsteps:hebecameanofficerintheRussianarmy.Thegeneralsotherson,Kamlat,whenthekingdom
ofAbkhasiawasdoneawaywithandserfdomwasabolished,wouldntsubmittothenewgovernmentandsohe
andhisfamilymovedtoTurkey.

TheTurksgreetedhimwithhonor,asanoldadversaryoftheirenemies.Hewasgivenapalacerightinthecenter
ofIstanbulandmadetheheadofalltheAbkhasianemigres.Asyouknow,militarymenarentpaidfornothing.
TheysentKamlatandhistroopstoaneighboringArabcountrywheretheimamwasrunningthingshiswayand
hadstoppedobeyingtheambitiousTurks.ManyAbkhasianswerekilledinthosebattles,butKamlatmanagedto
defeattheimamsarmyandtaketheimamprisoner.Hereturnedhomeaheroandcamejustintimefora
wedding:hisdaughterNazifamarriedtheheirtotheTurkishthroneAbdulhamidII.Nosonnerwasthewedding
overthantherewasanewcelebrationKamlatMaanssoninlawbecamethesultan.Thenewsultanwascruel,
heartlessandearnedthereputationasabloodthirstyruler.Hiseyeswerecovetousandhishandsgrabby.There
arethreedangersinthisworld,

Sharakh:aknifeinthehandsofachild,praiseinthemouthofaliar,andpowerinthehandsofamanpossessed
bygrandeur.AbdulhamidIIdreamedofputtingtheCaucasusunderhisheel.Afterresolvingtomakehisdream
cometrue,heappointedKamlatMaancommanderoftroopscomprisedofemigresandTurkishcutthroats.They
weresenttoAbkhasia.BeforetheysetoffonTurkishships,KamlatMaanmadeaspeechtohismen:

Mybrothers,ourtimehascome!TherepresentativeofAllahonearth,thegreatsultanoftheOttomanEmpire,
sharingourbestinterests,hasextendedahelpinghandsothatwecanfreeourhomelandfromtheinfidels.When
welandonournativeshoreswitharmsinhand,allAbkhasianswhoarebeingoppressedbytheczarwillriseup
andjoinus.WeshallfreeApsny!Forwardunderthebannerofholywar!Mayoursultanliveathousandyears.

ManyarmedmencrossedtheBlackSeaandlandedneartheSukhumifortress.KamlatMaanwaseagertoget
started;hesenthismenalloverAbkhasiacallingonthepeopletounite:

Whoeverwantstobefree,jointhearmyofKamlatMaan,theliberatorofAbkhasia!HewillleadustotheInguri
Rivertodefeattheinfidels!

ButthingsdidntturnoutthewayKamlathadplanned.ExceptforMaansrelativesandsomeotherCaucasians
whoallowedthemselvestobedeceived,thepeasantswhoherdedcattleinthemountainsandgrewbreadinthe
valleysdidntrespondtothepashascalltorebellion.ThepeoplehadtakenRussiancitizenshipandwerent
preparedtogiveitup.EvenKamlatssoldiers,afterentering,theirhomeland,foundwaystodesert.Theygotdown
ontheirknees,kissedthegroundandwhispered:Forgiveme,Apsny!

114

TheirtalesofwhattheyhadsufferedinTurkeyalsohadasoberingeffectontheAbkhasianpeasants.

KamlatMaanheadedfortheInguriRiverwithhisfaithfulmenandtheTurkishdetachment.Buthisarmywas
beatenbytheRussians.Thesultanshirelingrealizedhewouldpaydearlyforsuchadefeat,andforlosingsomany
ofhissoldiers:somehaddeserted,otherswerekilled,andstillothersweretakenprisonerbytheRussians.Thats
whenhedevisedthisdevilishplan.Ashewasretreatingheburneddownmountainvillagesandspreadfalse
rumorsthattheRussiansweretakingrevenge.Withthehelpofgunsandterrortacticsheforcedthousandsof
AbkhasiansontoTurkishships.Thenumberwasdoubletheamountofsoldiershehadcomewithtoconquer
Abkhasia.ButnomatterhowhardKamlatPashatriedtogetalltheAbkhasiansontothoseships,hedidntsucceed.
Shepherdswiththeirflockshidinthemountains,andwholefamiliesfledtotheforestsortotheRussians.Andso
Apsnyeventuallyemergedfromtheashes.Thefactthatyourehere,Sharakh,isthebestproofofthat;isntit?
Here,letmehugyouforbringingmesuchgreatjoysolateinlife.

Icouldntstopthinking.aboutmylovedones.SoIwasoffagain,withstaffinhand,headingforOsmankoy.Ihada
longwaytogo:theautumnwindblewinmyface,andsometimesIcouldalmostsmellthesmokefromourhearth
andseemymotherbendingoverit.OftenonthesideoftheroadIwouldseeneglectedgraves.Iwouldask
someoneImetalongthewaywhowasburiedthere.Theanswerwas,Circassians!

Oh,Istillhaventtoldyou,Sharakh,thattheTurkscalledalltheCaucasianemigresCircassians.Theystilldotothis
day.IrememberwhenIwasayoungman,thewordCircassianwassynonymouswithbandit.IftwoTurkswould
argueandrunoutofinsults,oneofthemwouldinevitablycalltheotheraCircassian.AndIalsoheardallover
IstanbulthebloodystoryabouthowSultanAbdulazizwasdeposedandthesinisterroleplayedbyShardyn,sonof
Alou.Throughhistoryifonemancommitsacrimeahundredarepunishedforit.Butaboutthatingoodtime.

Whenatravelersinahurryhedoesntnoticewhennightturnstomorning.ThatwasmystateofmindwhenI
sawOsmankoywithitshousesleaningagainsttheslopesofthelowhills.Itwasveryearlyinthemorning.There
wasadankwindandgranularsnowflakeswerefalling.Icouldheardogsbarking,andfromtimetotimeIalso
heardroosterscrowinghalfheartedlytooneanother.Istoodforawhileonthehillinfrontoftheplaceofworship
tosacredBytkha.Thewholeareawasovergrownwithpricklybushes.Thelonehornbeamtreewaschoppeddown.
Initsplacewasastumpcoveredwithsnow.

WithaheavyheartIwalkedintothevillage.ThefirstthingInoticedtherewasthatthehousewhereMzauch
Abukhbaoncelivedwasnolongerstanding.Isawthegate,buttherewasnohouse.Theyardwasploughedand
aroundtheedgesthereweredrytobaccostems.Everythingsuddenlywentblackbeforemyeyesasthough
someonehadthrownhoodovermyface.Barelyabletowalk,Iwentuptoour1dhouse.Itwasthesamehouse,
onlymoredilapidatedandithadsunkabit.Childrenwereplayingonthebalcony;theywereoblivioustothecold.I
whiffedtheairandcouldtellfromthesmellthatanotherfamilylivedinthehouse.Abigshaggydogranuptome
lookinglikeitwantedtobareitsteeth,butchangeditsmindandsatdownnearbyme.

Itgotcolderandcolder.Iwentouttotheroadandheardtheringingofablacksmithshammerstrikingananvil.
ThatsprobablyDavidworking,Ithoughttomyselfandheadedfortheshop.Itsdoubledoorswereopenedhalf
wayandIcouldseefromadistancehowamanwhohadawoodenleftlegstoodinfrontoftheanvilstrikingit
withahammerandeachtimehestruckaswarmofsparksflewinalldirections.Themansheadwascovered
withaCaucasianhood.Iwalkeduptothedoorandstoodtherewatching.

Comeoninclosetothefireandwarmyourselfup.Itsreallycoldtoday,hesaidwithoutlookingup.

Imanagedtoswallowthelumpinmythroat:

Hello,Dursun!

Thehammerstoppedinmidair.Dursunquicklylookedup:

Zaurkan!Isthatyou,Zaurkan!

115

Hiswoodenlegpoundingagainstthefloor,hemovedtowardme.Wehuggedoneanother.Tearsfloweddownour
unshavencheeks.Aredhotbarofironcooledoffontheanvil,whileDursungentlypattedmeontheshoulder
withhispowerfulhand.Notashamedofhistears,hesmiled:

Haveyoucomebackfromtheotherworld,Zaurkan,mybrother?Yourfamilymournedyourdeath,andhereyou
arealive.Comeon,saysomething,anything.Convinceme,oneleggedDursun,thatImnotdreaming.

Thenhehidhisfaceonmychest.WiththesamefeelingasthoughIwaslooseningatightnoosearoundmyneck,I
asked:

Didyouloseyourleginthewar?

IleftitforahungrywolfinthedesertofTunisia.Ihobbledallthewaybackhomeandburiedmyfathersoon
afterwards.NowIworkallalonehere,ononeleg.

Yourfatherwasawonderfulman.IllneverforgethiskindnesstillthedayIdie!

Fatherwantedustolivelong.Maytodaybeasignofjoyfultimestocome.

Dontholdmeinsuspense,Dursun.Whathappenedtomyfamily?

WhenyoukilledSelimPashainIzmid,Matacamebackunharmed.MyfathertoldmeHamirza,Mataandyour
motherleftthevillagesoonafterwards.Wehaventheardfromthemsince,Zaurkan.AndthefactthattheUbykhs
weremadetoleavethisplacehadnothingtodowithyou.Shardyn,sonofAlou,wastoblame,butIlltellyou
aboutthatlater.Nowyoushouldhavesomethingtoeatafteryourtravels...

Wesatdownatthetable.Therewasfish,aflatcakedividedintotwoandonions.Acoppercoffeepotwasonthe
fire.Itwasgettingdarkoutside,itwassnowingandthewindhootedlikeanowl.Thewickinthelampsmoked
badly,soDursunsniffeditseveraltimes.Itsdimlightilluminatedourmeagersupper.

Forgiveme,please,Zaurkan,forsuchahumblesupper.Ihadnowayofknowingyoudcome.AndIdontknow
theneighborswellenoughtoborrowsomethingfromthem:theyreallnewhere.Aguestlikeyoushouldbe
hostedthewaymyancestorsinGeorgiadid.Ishouldhaveslainabull,broughtwineinsuchabigpitcher,said
Dursunstretchingouthisarms,andcalledourfriendstodrinkwithus,singdrinkingsongsanddancethewhole
week.But,whereiswonderfulGeorgia,hesighedbitterly,andwherearewe?

Awordissuchasmallthing:itfitsonthetipofthetongue,butitcanwinonesheart!Ihaventfeltsogoodfora
long,longtime.

Thewindblewawaytheclouds.Thesnowfallturnedtogroundwind,andgreenstarsglimmeredinthesky.Dursun
threwsomefirewoodintothehearthandyellowshadowsdancedalongthewalls.Welaydownbythefire,myeye
lidsgrewheavyandIdozedoff...

YesterdayIpromisedtotellyouallaboutwhatShardyn,sonofAlou,did.Onlythesandalwoodtreehadno
growthsonit,andonlyatinyflockhasnoblacksheep.TheblacksheepamongtheAbkhasianswasKamlatMaan;
amongtheUbykhsitwasShardyn,sonofAlou.TheysaysomenobletreescametoGodcomplainingabouttheax,
butGodreplied:Theaxisoneofyouitshandleiswooden.

Abdulazizsbrotherinlaw,Shardyn,sonofAlou,wasaninfluentialmanintheTurkishgovernment.Honorschange
manners.AndsobywordsandbydeedsShardynmultipliedhisillwishersbytheday.Tohisfacetheywould
smile,butbehindhisbacktheywouldcursehim.Shardynwasnttheleastbitconcernedabouthispeople,the
Ubykhs.HethoughtaboutOsmankoyonlywhenitcametimetogettaxesoutofthepeasants.Hewouldtake
bribesfromclerksandofficersinreturnforservicesrendered,andwithoutatwingeofconscience.He
accumulatedthewealthoftenpashasputtogether.Heledsuchadepravedexistencethatitshockedevenmen
withharems,menwhoarenotthateasytosurprise.Hetoldonothers,andsetonecourtieragainsttheother,as
thoughatacockfight.Hewasfearedandhated.Thegrandvizier,acunningfoxhimself,tried10findawaytoget
Shardyn,sonofAlou,asfarawayfromthecapitalaspossible.Heevenwentsofarastourgethesultantomake
116

thetoprankingUbykhapasha,inthehopeofgettinghimsenttothearmy,butShandawatchedoutafterthe
interestsofherbrotherandsothegrandviziersplandidntwork.

Andanyway,howcouldShardyn,sonofAlou,beexpectedtorefrainfromtemptationwhenthesultanhimself
wastedhislifeawayathorseraces,inamorouspleasures,feastsandhunting.Hissensesdulledbyadmiration,
flattery,expensivegifts,theavailabilityofwomen,thesultanwasonefinedayknockedoutwithoutoneshotbeing
fired;hewasputunderhousearrestinaremoteestateandsoonafterwardskilledbyahiredgun.Theoverthrow
ofAbdulazizwasasignaltothepeopleatcourttouniteagainstShardyn,sonofAlou.TheyforgotaboutallIheir
ownintrigues,disputesandhostilitiesandunitedasonebytheircommonhatredforthesultansbrotherinlaw.
Shardyn,sonofAlou,wasarrested,andhistitletakenaway.Hewasexecrated,humiliated,torturedandjeeredat.
AllhispropertyinIstanbulandhislandinOsmankoywereconfiscatedbythestate.

Thenewsultan,Murat,wassickly,halfcrazy,andweakwilled.Thegrandvizierandoneofthemoreinfluential
pashasbeganrulingthecountryinhisname.Theworldisreallymuchlikeawheel:todayyoureontop,butatthe
whimoffateyouenduponthebottom,nobetterthandust.Thosewhohadjustthedaybeforecringedto
Shardyn,sonofAlou,thenextdayspatinhisfaceandcalledhimadirtydog.Theformerpasha,apowerfulman,
lockedupinjail,realizedhisdayswerenumberedand,guidedbywellconcealedrage,decidedtostrikeback.He
petitionedthegrandviziertolethimbesentintoactivearmyserviceasanordinarysoldier.

Sure,whynot,decidedthegrandvizier.Soonerorlatersomeonewillputanendtoyou,youwandering
hound.Andso,Shardyn,sonofAlou,dressedasacommonsoldier,wasreleasedfromprison.Itremainsasecret,
though,whethertheformercaptivewasactingaccordingtohisrevengefulplanalone,orwashiredbytheousted
sultanssupporters.

ItwasmidnightwhenShardyn,sonofAlou,appearedinthecenterofIstanbulinfrontofthepalacebelongingto
MihdatPasha,aminister.ShardynknewalreadythatatthislatehourtheMinisterofWarHuseinAvniPasha,and
fourotherministers,weretoholdsecrettalkshere.Onthebeltunderhiscoat,Shardyn,sonofAlou,hadtwo
pistolsandadagger.Eitherheknewthepassword,orasecretpassageintothepalace,Ihavenowayofknowing,
buttheUbykhnoblemanmanagedtogettotheveryroomwherethemilitarymenweremeeting.Shardyn,sonof
Alou,firedthefirstshot,andthebodyofthemurderedwarminister,whohadtriedtogetupslumpedbackinto
thechair.HissecondshothitCaptainAhmedKaisarlyrightintheforehead.ThenShardynthrusthisdaggerinto
RashidPasha.Shardynwaslikeawolfwhohadchargedintoaflockofsheep,althoughthemenhekilledwerealso
representativesofthewolffamily.Thetwoothersintheroomhidunderthetable.Theguardsmovedinquickly.
Shardyn,sonofAlou,didnthavetimetofirethethirdshot.Theguardspickedhimupontheirbayonets.

Thenationwasshockedbythenewsabouttheassassinationofthewarministerandhisassociates.Shanda,upon
hearingaboutthedeathofherbrother,poisonedherself,becausesherealizedwhatwouldhappentoherinthe
end.Aninquirywasappointed.Butwhenthedefendantinaninvestigationisdeadhesusuallyblamedfornotonly
hisowndeeds,butthoseofothersaswell:forsomeonesexecutionandsomeonespardon,someonesdemotion
andsomeonespromotionitsalllumpedtogether.SosomeonecameupwithaminorchargeagainstShardyn.
Anotherbroughtacartloadofchargesagainsthim,athirdonehiredallthedraymenintowntobringallpossible
accusationsagainstShardyn.Intheendtherewasamountainofchargesagainsthim.

AllofasuddenthenameoftheworthlessSelimPashawasoneverybodyslips.ItwasIwhothoughthim
worthless,huttoothershewasmadeouttobepracticallyasaint.Whatafinemanhewas,sointelligent;our
statehasfewmenlikehim!AndhisassassinwasalsoanUbykh!tongueswouldwag.Theseaisstirredbywind,
andpeoplebyrumors.

Doyourememberwhokilledhim?Oh,someCircassianbythenameofZaurkanZolak!Hewasnotsome
Circassian!No,hewasthefosternephewofShardyn,sonofAlou,whoknewallabouttheplanstokillSelim
Pasha.ShardynlatertookallthewomeninSelimPashasharemandmadethemhisownconcubines.

Soyousee,ataleneverlosesinthetelling.ThentheysuddenlyrememberedthatIwassentencedtodeath,but
theexecutionwasnevercarriedout.Youcanimaginewhatthegossipsdidwiththat:

117

WhobutShardyn,sonofAlou,savedhisrelativefromtheexecutionersblock.AndhehelpedZaurkanescape
fromjail.Ofcoursehewastheone!Birdsofafeather!..IwonderwhereSelimPashasassassinishidingnow.
Maybesincehewasletoutofprisonheskilledmanyothers,too!

Rumorrunstheworld.TheTurkishpolicegotinstructionstofindZaurkanZolak!Theylookedformeineverycity
andvillage,butatthattimeIwasintheSaharaworkingonthecaravanforthemerchantKerimEffendi.
Consequently,theworstthinghappenedthatcould:alltheUbykhpeoplewereheldresponsibleforthe
assassinationofthewarministerandSelimPasha.Ihadheardofsuchthingshappeninginthisunjustworldof
ours.

WhoarethoseCircassians,orasyoucallthem,Ubykhs?Everyoneknowstheyreallthieves.Iftheyhadbeen
decentpeopletheywouldnthavebeenkickedoutoftheRussianEmpire.TheyadoptedIslam,butdidnt
becomeMuslims!AndtheydidntdosobadlyforthemselvesinOsmankoy,forexample.Haveyouheardthat
OsmankoyisthehornetsnestofShardyn,sonofAlou,andallhispeople?

Thegovernmentoughttomakealltheemigresliveinaremotepartofthecountry.Theyshouldntallbeinone
place.Itstoodangerous.Itwouldbemuchsafertosendthemtodifferentplaces.Thenmostwilldieoutand
whoeversleftwilljustassimilatewithourpeasants,losingtheirlanguageandcustoms.

Thepashasquarreled,buttheUbykhswerethescapegoats.Itwasdecidedtodividethemup.TheTurkssplitthem
upandmadethemmoveunderguard,allowingthemtotakewiththemonlywhattheycouldcarryontheirbacks.
Peoplewerescatteredhereandthere.WhentheexileshadsailedtoTurkeytheystillhadsomekindofhope.Now,
besidestheguards,theywereaccompaniedonlybyhopelessness.

AllthattookplacewhileIwaswanderingthroughAfrica.

WhenZaurkanandIwenttobedlastnight,heseemedsotiredIwasafraidhewouldntbeuptotalkingtoday.But
hegotupevenearlierthanusual.Hewhistledtohisblackdogtocomeforbreakfast,fedit,andstoodthereinthe
yardpettingitforalongtimeonthebackandtalkingtoitlikehewouldtoaperson:

Ifitwerentforthefliesthatgiveyounorest,youddie,youpoorthing,ofboredom!Okay,enough,gotoyour
place!Whywerentyoubornwithwhitefursoitdbeeasiertoseeyouatnightinthisblackholewheredestiny
hascorneredme!

Thedogwhinedandrubbedagainstitsmasterslegs,overjoyedbyZaurkansunusualtalkativeness.

Ithoughttomyself,justafterthedogwasfed,thatZaurkannormallyshoutssternlyatthemutttodriveitaway,
buttodayitappearstheoldmanwokeupfeelingcheerful.

Afterbreakfastwhenwesatdowntotalk,IsawIwasright.Zaurkanreallywasinagoodmood.Morethanusual
hedottedhisunhappystorywithsayingsandjokes,laughedhimselfandgotmelaughing,too.

Figuringthiswasthebesttimeforit,IdecidedtoaskhimaquestionIkeptputtingoff:

Werethereanywomeninyourlife?

Suretherewere,hereplied.IalreadytoldyouaboutthewomanIloved.Butitsohappenedthatneitherofus
wasmeanttobehappy.AndIneverfellinloveagain.Butwomen,ofcourse,therewerewomen...Whatdoyou
wantmetotellyouabout?Whatyoualreadyknow,orwhatyoudontyetknow?Ifyoudontknowanything
aboutwomen

Icantellyouaboutthem.Butifyouvehadexperiencewiththemyourself,thenwhyshouldIrepeatwhatyou
alreadyknow?

Iwasafraidmybluntquestionwouldoffendamanwhowasthreetimesolderthanmyself,buthethoughtnothing
ofmycuriosity;hejustmadeajokeofit.

118

Hislargehandswithprotrudingveins,lookingliketheuncoveredrootsofanoldnuttree,restedquietlyonhis
knees.Thenhebeganpensivelyfingeringhisbeardand,afterpattingitafewtimes,hecontinuedthestoryIhad
interruptedwithmyquestion.

IstayedwiththeblacksmithDursununtilspring.Ididntsitidlyandwaittobefed.Ibroughtfirewoodinfromthe
forest,kepttheflameburninginthehearth,cooked,washed,andmendedtheclothes.Workneverhurtanyone,
whetheritsmensorwomenswork.Ialsolearnedtheblacksmithtrade,andbecameDursunsapprentice.Icould
forgeanaxorashovelsowellthatDursunhimselfpraisedmywork.YoungandtoughIusedtobeabletotieupa
hotbloodedhorseandbringhimdowntoshoeallfourhoofs.

Dursunwasgladforme:

IfthesultanfoundoutaboutyourabilitiesheddefinitelymakeyouthecourtblacksmithtoshoehisArabian
horses.

Whentherewasntanyworkformetodointheshop,Iwentaroundthevillageslookingforoddjobs.Ihadgrown
abeardandamustache,soevensomeonewhoknewmecouldntrecognizemeeasily.Ichoppedwood,cleaned
outbarnsandstables,cutgrass.IsaidIwasDursunscousinfromOrda,andcalledmyselfToufyk.

Therewerealwaysalotofpeopleintheshop.Onewouldcometogetsomeworkdone,anotherjusttochat.And
eventhoughDursunpassedmeoffashiscousinToufyk,Ilivedinconstantfearthatsomeonemightrecognize
meandthennotonlymyheadwouldfly,butthesonofDavid,whogavemeshelter,wouldalsohavetopayfor
hidingme:Iwaslistedbythepoliceasanescapedcriminalagainstthestate.

Springisthetimeofawakening:everythingreachesforthesunbaskinginitswarmrays.Slendershootsspringup
aroundanold,mosscoveredstump:itsrootshangontolife.AndwhatwasI,butatwigontherootofthepeople.
NowthatmypeoplehadbeenuprootedfromOsmankoytobereplantedinbarrenland,andIwasseparatedfrom
them,Iwasnothingmorethanatwigputinavaseofwater.

Backinthewinter,DursunandI,sittinginfrontofthefire,drewupaplanhowIcouldgettomyrelativessafely.
Wedecidedthebestwaywouldbebysea.ButfirstIwouldhavetogotoIzmid,staywithaloyalfriendofDursun,
andthengowithsmugglersonasailingschoonertotheMersinPeninsula.Therewasasmallbayonthefarside,
wellhiddenfromtheseaguardsmen.Fromthereitwouldbeeasytoreachmydestination.

WhenIwasinIzmidIwenttoeatataplaceforvagabonds,likemyself.Isatdowninadarkcorner,andordered
somecheapsoupandacupofcoffee.AfterIfinished,whileIwaswalkingbetweenthetablestothedoor,Isaw
someragamuffinlookingatme.Hisdarkfaceseemedfamiliar,butIscratchedmymemoryinvain.Onceoutofthe
placeIgotlostinthecrowdthatwasstreamingtowardthebazaar,butIsensedthatsomeonewasfollowingme.
Suddenlytherewasaloudshoutbehindmyback:

Stophim!Stophim!HestheCircassianwhomurderedSelimPasha!

Ilookedaroundandsawthesameragamuffin.OnlythistimeIrememberedwhereIhadseenhimbefore.Hewas
oneoftheservantswhohadtiedmeupinthepalacegardennearthefountainwherehismasterlaydeadonthe
bottomofthepool.Thethrongrecoiledandthepoliceappearedfromoutofnowhere.Itwasnotroubleforthem
tograbanunarmedman.

SONGOFTHEWOUNDED

SoonaftermyarrestIwastriedinIzmid.Idontquiteunderstandhow,butsomeextenuatingcircumstances
affectedtheirverdict,whichinsteadofthedeathsentencewaslifeimprisonment.

TheprisonIwasputinthattimewasinanoldfortress,asomberandisolatedtowerstandingonamountaintop.
Therewerechasmsonthreesidesoftheprison,andonlyonthefourthsidewasthereanarrowroadleadingalong
themountainridgetotheirongates.Thefortresswalls,fortunately,werentmadeofbricks,butofmountain
119

rocks,sowhiletheygaveoffcoldtheywerealwaysdry.Almostnoonewaseverreleasedfromthatprisonandso
amongthepeopleithadthereputationofadeathhouse.

Mycellwasmadeforoneperson,butsomeoneelsecouldbeputthereifneedbe.Lightcameinfromasmall
window,orratheraholethesizeofachildshead.Theedgesofthatholewerepolishedsmoothbytheprisoners
faceswhohadbeenlookingoutofitfordecadesyearningforfreedomandthefreeblowingwind.

AtfirstIkeptcountofthedaysandnights,butIfinallylosttrack.Ifthewallsofthecellhadearstheycouldhave
heardsuchheartrendingshouts,curses,andwordsbornofdeliriumorthefearoflosingthegiftofspeech.
Neitheramullah,guard,orrelatives,butonlythosedeafwallsweredestinedtohearthewhisperingofthedying,
thelastwishesthatwerenevertobefulfilled.

Therewasonlyonejoy,thelittlewindowwithtwodentsoneachside.Thedentswereformedbythepalmsofthe
captiveswhopeeredoutofthatcoldcavityinthewalltolookatthesun,feelitswarmthagainsttheirbloodless
lipsandwiththeleisureofthosewhohavenowheretohurry,siftthefreshairthroughtheirweakenedlungs.

Butthemainthingwastofeastoneseyesonthevastopenspaces,watch,untiloneseyeshurt,allthatwas
happeningintheoutsideworld.Youngpeople,whoarefree,asarule,donotknowhowtoconcentrateonobjects
andphenomena;theyonlyseethesurfaceofthings.Thereinprison,evenyoungcaptivesdevelopedtheabilityto
noticesuchtriflesastheflightofabutterflyorthebirthofaflowerinthecreviceofthemountain.Likemy
predecessors,Iwhiledawaythetimebypressingmyforeheadagainsttheupperedgeofthatbarlesswindow.

Onfinesummerdays,intheafternoonwhenthesunhungoverthetopofthemountain,itsbeamscame
sympatheticallyintomycell,reflectingfromoneofthestonesontheoppositewall.Iwouldstandinthatbeam
warmingmyselfupasthoughIwasinfrontofafire.ThenIwouldwatchthesunset.Itseemedthattheskyover
themountainwaswherethevulturesfeasteddevouringtheirprey.

OnsleeplessnightsItalkedtothestarsglimmeringoverthemountainshroudedindarkness.Theirsparklechanged
fromnighttonight,sometimesbrighter,sometimesdimmer.Andifafallingstarwouldtracealineontheblack
sky,Icouldimaginethepersonwhosesoullefthisbodythatinstant.Whatafinepersonthatwas,Iwouldthinkto
myselfsadly,becauseIknewforcertainthatotherwisetheskywouldgivenosignal.

Themilitantmovementoftheswirlingcloudsremindedmeofadetachmentofvehementanddaringmen.The
cloudswereilluminatedfromwithinbybushyfireandthetriumphantthundertheyproducedwasreminiscentof
cannonade.Sometimestheviolentwindwouldhurlthroughthenarrowopeningafewdropsofrainand,feeling
themagainstmycheeks,withtearsinmyeyesIprayed:

OhAlmighty!Ifyouwanttheearthtoswallowthehumanrace,ifyouwanttodestroyitbyfire,Ibeseechyou,
dontdoitanywhereelsebutheresothatthisfortress,fromwhichthereisnoreturn,withallitstorturersand
tortured,disappearsfromthefaceoftheearth.

ButtheLordwasdeaftomyprayers.IfHeforgetssomeone,itsforever.

DuringmyfirstdaysinprisonInoticedthatontheothersideoftheprecipice,inthedistanceamongscattered
trees,therewasalonehomestead.Itconsistedofasmallhousemadeofclay,abarnandacowshed.SoonI
figuredoutthattheinhabitantswereafamilyoffour:

amanaroundforty,twowomen,oneyoungerandtheotherolder,andasmallboy.Atthebreakofdawnthe
adultswouldgetdowntotheirendlesschores,andthelittleboy,lefttohisownmeans,occupiedhimselfasbest
hecould.

AstimewentonIknewdowntothelastdetaileverythingaboutthelifeofthatpoorfamilyofTurkishpeasantsas
thoughIlivedinvisiblyunderthesameroof.IfoneofthemdidntcomeoutsideinthemorningIwasalarmed
maybeheorshewasill?Imusttellyou,Sharakh,Isurvivedthosemanyyearsburiedinastonecellbecauseofthat
family.Itwasasiftheybroughtmefoodandwater,cheeredmeup,keptmefromgoingmadfromloneliness.

120

Watchingthelifeofthatfamilythroughmyhole,Icametotheconclusionthatboththewomenwerethemans
wives.Probablyhehadoncebeenbetteroffandcouldsustaintwowives.IgaveeachmemberofthatTurkish
familyanUbykhname.IntheCaucasuswehadsomeneighborsandtheyhadafamilyoffour,too.AndsoInamed
myfriendsontheothersideofthefortressafterthefamilyIhadknownbackhome.Icalledtheheadofthe
householdShmat,hislittlesonNavei,theeldestwifealeananddarkwomanShamsia,andtheyoungone
shehadlargebreastsRafida.RafidawasNaveismother.

WeUbykhshadneverallowedpolygamy.Amarriedmancouldntbringasecondwifeintohishome.Ifhedid,the
firstwifewouldntstandforitforonedayunderthesameroofwithherhusband.Herparentsorbrotherswould
takeherin,andthehusbandwouldbringdownthewholeclansfuryonhishead;hedbetheirmortalenemy.

WhenIfirstsawNaveihewasaroundfiveyearsold.Anactive,restlesschild,hewouldplayintheyardwithablack
dog,chasearedroosterorsitintheshadeofatreeandmakesomethingoutoftwigsandrocks.Theadultsdidnt
meddleinhisgames.Ifhismotherwenttofetchwaterhetaggedalong.Hewasmostlyafraidofhisstepmother.If
hedstarttocryafterfallingandhurtinghimselforgettingstungbybee,allhisstepmotherwouldhavetodois
shoutathimandhedwipehistearswithhissleeve,andgraduallyquietdown.

Onedayheandhismotherdressedneatlyandwentoffsomewhere,maybevisiting,maybetotown.Youmaynot
believethis,Sharakh,butIwaitedforthemtoreturnasimpatientlyasifIwereRafidashusbandandNaveis
father.

Shamsiaalwaysworeblackandneversmiled.Shewasobviouslybarrenandthatwasthereasonforhersorrow.
AfterShmatbroughtayoungwifeintohishome,hebecamecompletelycoldtotheleanShamsia,butshetriedto
showineverywaythatshewasstillthemistressofthehouse.Thatwasevidentfromtheloudargumentsthe
familyhadonrareoccasions.

Shmatlivedasecludedlife.Icouldcountonthefingersofonehandthenumberofdayspeoplecametohishouse
totalkbusinessorjustbringnews.Theywereprobablyneighborsfromthevillagelocatedadistanceawayandnot
visiblefrommywindow.IgatheredthatShmatwasnotatalkativeman.Hehadagrave,unhurriedmannerabout
him:hewalkedslowly,didntstartworkrightaway,andifhewaschoppingfirewood,forinstance,hedidntrush.
WhenhesatdowntotakeasmokeShmatalwayslookedlikehewasthinkingofsomething.Yetheworkedfrom
morninguntillateatnight.

Irememberonceinearlyspringwhenthemountainswereturninggreen,Shmatwaspreoccupiedwithsomething,
hejustcouldntgetstartedploughing.Icouldnthelpbutseverelycriticizehimforthat.Iwantedtotellhimhewas
wastingprecioustime;heneededtostartploughingthenandthere.Itturnedoutthatthepoormandidnthave
anyoxen;hewaswaitingfortheothersinthevillagetofinishtheirploughingsohecouldbeginhimself.Butwhen
youploughcornfieldstoolatethecropisrarelyanygood.

AswinterapproachedShmatwouldsharpenhisaxandsaygoodbyetohisfamily.Throwinghisshoulderbagsover
hisback,heleftthehouse.Heusuallydidntcomebackuntilspring.IftherewasheavysnowfallShmatwould
comebackforadayorsotoclearthesnowofftheroofandintheyard,chopwoodandpreparefodderforhis
onlycow.Thenhedbeoffagain.Ispeculatedthatsomewhereoverthemountainorfurtherawaytherewas
lumberworktodoandShmathiredhimselfoutthereuntilspring.

WheneverShmatandhiswiveswerehoeingcornorplantingtobacco,Iwaswiththemconstantly.Mynostrils
weresweetlytickledbythesmellofthesoilandthebloodinmyveinsspeededupitsflow.ItrulyforgotIwasin
prisonandwouldstaytheretillthedayIdied.

Theyearsdraggedbyslowly,likealoadedcartgoingupamountain.ThedayIwasimprisonedmylongbeard
didnthaveonegrayhairinit,butwhenNavelbeganshaving,mybeardseemedsprinkledwithflour.Icountedthe
yearsIwasinprisonbythewayShmatssonkeptgrowing.Theboywasmycalendar.Thenightguardsoundedan
alarm.Iheardwhistling,shouting,thenshots.Ithoughtsomeonehadescaped.

InthemorningwhenIwenttothelittlewindow,IsawthatsomepeopleweregoingintoShmatsyard.ThenIsaw
amullah.Myheartdropped;Iknewsomethingterriblehadhappened.Indeed,thatnightRafidahaddied.Herson
Navei,notholdingbackhistears,mournedhismothersdeath.HadIbeennexttohimIwouldhavetriedtofind
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wordstoconsolehim.Afterhiswifesdeath,Shmatlookedyearsolder.Hewouldsitforhoursintheshade,his
handsonhiswalkingstick,andhisheadhanginglow.Ifhewascalledintoeathewouldgetupreluctantlyand
slowlyshuffleovertothehouse.

OnedaywhenShmatandShamsiawerealoneintheyard,ahorsemanrodethroughthegate.Theoldmanand
womanbowedtohim,buthejustwavedhiswhipandbeganyellingsomething.Heseemedtobescoldingthem.
ThenhelosthistemperaltogetherandmovedhishorserightintoShmat.Theoldman,barelyabletostandonhis
feetasitwas,felltotheground.Shamsiastartedshoutingsomething,callingforhelp,buttherewasnoone
around.Thatsonofabitch!Icursed,asIpacedthecell,clenchingmyfists.IfIweretherewithShmatyou
wouldntseethelightofdayagain,Iraged.IwassofrustratedIbeatmyfistsagainstthewall.SuddenlyIrecalled
theincidentwhenShardyn,sonofAlou,crackedhiswhipatMatainOsmankoyandIsenthimbackwherehehad
comefrom.Idecidedthehorsemanwassomeeffendismanager.Mostlikelyhewasdemandingtaxes.Butwhere
wouldShmatgetthemoneywhenhecouldbarelywalksincethedeathofRafida,Ithoughttomyself.

Shamsiasatbythedoorsewingorpatchingupsomething.Nooneelsewasathomethatday.ThenfourmenI
didntknowcameintotheyardwithNavelinthelead.Eachofthemhadarifle!Well,howdoyoulikethat,you
haveagunalready,youngman!Ithoughtinsurprise,notknowingthatNaveievenknewhowtoshoot.

Shamsiainvitedthemallin.Themenstayedinthehousealongtime.Iguesstheywereeatingwhateverwason
hand.ButwhatifthosefourarefromsomebandofthievesandNaveiismixedupinit?Iworried.No,Icouldnt
believethat.Thesonofanhonestpeasantcantturnthief.Butanothervoiceprotested:ittakesyearstoraisea
humanbeing,butonlyaninstanttoruinhim.

Whentheguestswalkedoutofthehousetheysaidtheirgoodbyesandlefttheplace,notbythegate,butthrough
aholeinthefence.Naveiwaiteduntilhisfourfriendswereoutofsightandwithhisrifleoverhisshoulder,he
wentbackintothehouse.

Whatsthemeaningofallthis,Iwondered.Ikeptmyeyesgluedtothathouse,tryingtounderstandwhatwas
goingonthere.Mylegsweretired,myhandssupportingmeonthewallwerenumb,thethinbeansouptheguard
hadshovedthroughthedoorofmysolitarycell,hadbecomecoldintheclaybowl,butIcouldnttakemyeyesoff
Shmatshome.

OnceagainIsawthatsamehorsemanwhohadrunShmatdownwithhishorse.Herodeintotheyardandasked
Shamsiaaquestion.Maybehewantedtoknowwherethemenwere.Seeingthatnomenwerehomeheturned
hishorsearound,rodetothefieldwherethefamilysonlycowwasouttopasture.Hegotdown,untiedtherope
thatheldthecowtoastickand,gettingbackintohissaddle,whippedittogoaheadofhim.Shamsia,raisingher
handstothesky,beggedhimnottotakethecow,butthehorsemanpaidnoheedtohercries.

AtthatmomentNaveiranoutofthehouse.Hehadarifleinhishands.AtfirstIsawaflashoverthemuzzle,and
thenIheardtheshot.Thehorsemansloweddown,letgooftheropeandspurredhishorse.ThenIheardasecond
shotandsawthehorsemanpresshisheadtothehorsesmaneandgallopaway.Naveitiedthecowuptothestick
againand,gesticulatingenergeticallywhilehetalked,hetriedtocalmdownhisfrightenedstepmother,whowas
wipingtearsfromhereyes.Then,throughthatsameholeinthefencethathisfriendshadgonethroughtheday
before,heheadedforthemountains.

Nicegoing,Son!Youweregreatwiththatscoundrel!Yourearealman!Irejoiced,praisingNaveioutloud.You
shouldhaveseenme.Iwaslikeanoldeagleinacage,imaginingIwasspreadingmywingsandreadytoflyupinto
thefreeskyatleastonemoretime.Thatswhatitdoestoamanswaningspirittoseesomeoneshowcourage.
Thatsthekindofpowerakeyholetofreedomhasoveraman...

AfterthatNaveirarelycamehome.Whenhewouldvisithisfatherandstepmotherhegottoworkrightawayand
assoonashewasthroughhedisappearedatonce.Whetherhewaschoppingwood,weedingthecornfield,or
cleaningthecowshedheneverletgoofhisrifle.Itseemedsuchashorttimeagothatboywasbuildingsimpletoy
structuresoutofpebblesandtwigs,butnowhewasastrappingyoungmaninhisprime,preparedtoprotectwith
aguninhandhisfathershome,fathersfield,andhisowndignity.

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SometimesNaveiwouldcomehomewithhisfriends,braveyoungmenlikehimself.Icouldnthelpbutadmire
them.Thoseladsgavemenewhope.MoreandmoreoftenIimaginedoneandthesamescene:agroup
commandedbyNaveiwouldattacktheprisonguards,pushthemaside,andthedoorsofmycellwouldflyopen.

Comeonout!IcouldhearNaveisay.Longlivefreedom!AsIwalkedoutoftheprisonIwouldembraceNavei.
Helookedalotlikemybrotherwhohaddisappearedwithoutatrace.Oh,sweethope!Theresnoplacewhere
hopeissodearasinprison.

IfNaveihadsaid:Here,takethisgunandcomewithus;wehavethesameenemy!Iwouldnthesitatetofollow
hisleadevenifIknewthatthefirstenemybulletwouldpiercemyheart.

YouAbkhasians,Sharakh,haveasaying:Thesoulofadrowningman,evenatthebottomofthesea,mowsthe
grassofhope.Andisntthatthetruth!

Therewasaperiodwhenatthesametimeinthedeadquietofthenight,Icouldhearsomeonesighing,coughing
andmoaningloudlyinthenextcell.However,later,evenwhenIputmyearnexttothewall,Iheardnothing.
Probablytheunfortunateliferhaddied.

ButthenagainonenightwhenIhadaterribleheadacheandcouldntsleepatall,Isuddenlycouldclearlyheara
songofsuffering.IthoughtIwasdelirious.WhocouldbesingingtheAbkhasiansongofthewoundedinthisplace?
ButIwasntimaginingit.Absolutelyshocked,andforgettingallaboutmyheadache,Ipressedmyeartothecold
stoneandtriedtohearwhathewassinging.Myhearinggotasgoodasabats.No,itwasntmyimagination;
someonewasreallysingingafamiliarsonginamuffledvoice,quiveringfrompain.Thesongwassometimes
interruptedbyadeepandagonizingcoughingortheprisonerfellsilent,oblivioustotheworld,butlaterIwould
againhearthesadandcourageoustune.Icouldntcatchallthewords,butenoughofthemtoknowwhatmy
neighborontheothersideofthewallwassingingabout.Ididnthaveawinkofsleepallnight.

Ipassedthewholedaywaiting.WhenadistantstaroverthemountainbegansparklingagainIcouldhearthe
singing.IknewfrommyAbkhasianmother,evenasachild,thatamansingsthissongwhenhesmortally
wounded.Dutyandcustomobligatedmetocometohisaid.Buthow?Appealtotheguardsmercy?Noguardina
jailforliferswouldunderstandme,becauseevenifhepitiedtheprisonerthebesthecouldwishhimwouldbe
death.Itwastheonlywaytoputanendtosuffering.Aluckyprisonerwasonewhodiedquickly.

Songofthewounded...IthoughtaboutTsebeldawheremymothersrelativeslived.Iwasalreadyateenagerwhen
oneofmymothersbrotherswaswoundedinthestomachandwasdying.Everynighthisfamilyandneighbors
cametohisdeathbedandsangthesongofthewoundedtohim.Tryingnottomoan,hepickedupthetune.My
unclediedwiththissongonhisparchedlips.Thesufferingmaninthenextcellwasnotlongforthisworldeither,
butbyAbkhasiantraditionIhadtohearhislastwishandwhenhedied,closehiseyes.

ThenextnightwhenmyfellowconvictfinishedsingingIcarriedonforhiminatenorvoice,andsoloudthatthe
guardcameinandbarkedout:Whatstheyellingabout?Payingnoattentiontotheguard,Isangthesongofthe
woundedthreetimes.Strainingmymemory,Irecalledthewords:

Waaraida,hewhocantgrithisteeth
Tohidehissuffering,
Isnoman.
Waaraida,hewhomoans,
Makinghispainbeknown,
Isnoman...

Graduallyloweringmyvoice,Irestedmyearagainstthewall.IsangtherefrainthreetimeswhensuddenlyIcould
tellthewoundedAbkhasianheardme.Hepickedupthemelody.Therewasnodoubtaboutit;hewassingingwith
me.Iwassohappy!Isntitsomething,Sharakh,thatamansingingadeathsongcouldbesojoyful?Idontthinkit
hadeverhappenedbefore.ButmyneighborandIrejoicedathearingoneanother.Iwouldfinishsingingandhe
wouldbegin;thenhedfinishandIstartagain.

123

Ourstrengthsapped,wefellasleep.Thatwentonformanynights.Butthenonenightmyneighbordidntmakea
soundattheusualtime.Poorman,hissufferinghasprobablyendedforever,Idecided.

Thenextdaywehadourmonthlywalkoutside.Theinmatesdidntlooklikepeople,butshadows.Wewere
forbiddentotalk;anyonewhotriedcouldntgooutthenexttime.Nevertheless,oneofthoseshadowstookthe
riskofwhisperingtome:

Theresunrestoutthere.Soontheyllpackourfleariddencellswithmoremen;wewontbealoneanylonger.

Icouldtellbeforethat,fromwatchingNaveiandhisfriends,thatsomechangeswereintheair.

Justthreedayslatermyrustydoorclankedopen.Someguardsbroughtinawoodentrestlebedwithastraw
mattressandthencamebackwithaprisoner.

Makeyourguestathome!jokedoneofthemsomberly.

InthedimlightImadeoutatallmanwhoseheadnearlyreachedtheceiling.Thickhairthathadnotatraceof
gray,fellonhisforeheadandhishollowcheekswereovergrownwithapricklybeard.Sharakh,haveyoueverseen
amountainlakenearapeakcrownedeternallywithsnow?Theyrealwaysskyblue.Well,thatwasthecolorofthe
eyesofthatmanwhoenteredmycell.Hewasasthinasarodandcouldbarelystandup.Buteventhoughhewas
weak,hetriedtostandupstraight.

Goodafternoon!hegreetedmewithhispalmagainsthischest.Andthenheaddedwithsadirony,True,there
arentanygoodafternoonsinprison.Tellme,myfriend,wereyoutheonewhosharedmypainandsangthesong
ofthewounded?AreyouanAbkhasianbyanychance?

Icouldntbelievewhatwashappening.IfIhadntbeenleaningagainstthewallIwouldhavemostlikelyfallen
down.

Whatawonderfulsurprisethisis,Iexclaimed.Andwantingtomakehimcomfortable,Isuggested,Comeon,sit
down.Itshardforyoutostand.

Heeasedhimselfontotheedgeofthebedandhisfacewasrightinthebeamofsunlightfromthewindow.My
heartwasgrippedwithsorrow:theblackshadowofdeathloweredoverthatblueeyedman.

ImanUbykh,butmymotherwasanAbkhasian,and,swallowingmytears,Iputmyarmsaroundthedoomed
maninaburstoftenderness.

Then,asifstartledbysomething,hebeganexaminingmeclosely:

WhenIwasachildIknewamannamedZaurkanZolak.Youlookalotlikehim.Onlyhedbeyoungerthanyou.

Tearscloudedmyeyes.

ButIamZaurkanZolak!Andwhoareyou?

OhmercifulLord!hewhisperedandsighed.Buttheysaidyoudbeenhanged.Donttellmeyouvebeenhere
eversinceSelimPashawaskilled?

Practically.

Iwasaboyinthosedays,butIrecognizedyoureyes.

Hecouldnttalkanymore.Hiscoughwasgettingworseandchokinghim.Ihelpedthepoorsoulgetintobedand
gavehimwater.Whenhiscoughingfitsubsidedandtheyouthfeltsomewhatbetterheaskedslightlypanting:

124

Zaurkan,youhaventforgottenOsmankoy,haveyou?OneofyourneighborswasaSadzAbkhasian,Mzauch
Abukhba.Remember,youandheweregoodfriends.Hisson,littleShoudid,spentmoretimeinyouryardthanin
hisown.Andyoumadehimtoys,remember?..

Theunfortunatecreaturebreathedunevenlyandheldhishandoverhischestthewholetimeasifhewereafraid
thatcursedcoughwouldovercomehimanyminute.

SoyoureShoudid?YoureMzauchsson,Shoudid?Iexclaimed.

Yes,thatsright,Zaurkan.

MyGod,whattimedoestous!

MzauchAbukhbassonwasborninTurkey,inSamsun,andmyfatherhadgivenhimhisname!Shoudidwasthe
nameofahighmountaininAbkhasia.Icouldhaveexpectedjustaboutanything,butthatstandinginfrontofme
wasShoudid,thesameboyIonceheldinmyarmsandmadetoysforthatwasbeyondmywildestimagination.

Thebulletwoundinhischestwasfestering.Hiswholebodywasgrippedbyfever,sappinghisstrength.Ohhow
gladlyIwouldhavegivenmylifejusttoprolonghisforalittlewhilemore.Heknewhewasdyinganddidnt
complainabouthisfate;heactedlikeaman.Itwasntgoodforhimtotalk,buthedidntcare;hewantedtotell
meallthathadhappenedtohimandhisfamilyafterIgotridofSelimPasha.

MyparentsandIleftOsmankoyandmovedtotheoutskirtsofAdapazarawheretheSadzweresoonjoinedbythe
peopleofDal,Tsebelda,andGum.Relativeshelpedusbuildahomethere.Istartedgoingtoschool.Iwasagood
studentaridsoafterfinishingthemekteb,IwassenttoaMuslimcollegeinIstanbul.Iwenttherefortwoyears,
butIhadtoquitbecausemyfathercouldntafforditanymore.Inthosetwoyears,though,Imanagedtolearn
threelanguagesandacquiresomeusefulknowledge.InIstanbulImetTagir,Hamidasgrandson.Hewasateacher
andaftertheUbykhswerekickedoutofOsmankoyhefollowedthem.Icorrespondedwithhim.Insomeremote
villagehesteachingUbykhchildrenhowtoreadandwrite.Hesafineperson!Andyouknow,Mansou,theheirof
Shardyn,sonofAlou,cametonogoodeventhoughhegrewupwithTagir:hehasapenchantfordrinking,cards
andwomen,justlikehisfather.

Shoudidcouldntgetenoughairandhewasalwaysthirsty.Ifyoudgivehimapitcherfullofwaterheddrinkitall.
TomakehimrestatleastalittleIwouldtalkmyself;Itoldhimallaboutmymisfortunes,andItoldhimaboutthe
familyIdcometoknow,Shmatsfamily.

MzauchAbukhbassonwasnttheleastsurprisedthatNaveidefendedhishomewithagun.Hetoldmethe
countrywasinturmoil.TheTurkishpeasants,totallyimpoverishedbecauseofendlesswarsandheavytaxes,were
resistingtheauthoritiesmoreandmoreoften,andevenengaginginrevoltagainstthesultansgovernment.In
Russia,too,therewasunrest.ShoudidtoldmehisfatherhadjoinedupwithKamlatPashastroopsjusttogetback
hometotheCaucasus.

Beforehelefthetoldme:TakecareofyourmotheranddontthinkImgoingtofighttheRussians.Justassoon
aswelandImleavingKamlatPasha.Andrememberthis,myson!Yourhomelandcanforgetyou,butyoumust
neverloseyourhomelandinyourownheart.JustassoonastheAbkhasiantroopsarrivedintheCaucasus,my
fatherranawayfromKamlatPasha,takingahundredmenwithhim.Wedidnthearfromhimforalongtime.
MotherdiedbeforeIgotthewonderfulnewsthathewasstillalive.Igotaletterfromhim.Theoldmanislivingin
Jgerda.Hesaskedmetocomethere...ButnowIllneverseemyfatheragain...

Shoudidclosedhiseyes.Iputmypalmonhishotforehead.Heaskedforwater.Ibroughthimsomeandhedrank
greedily.Astrangeraspingsoundcamefromhischest.

Alittlelaterhewentonwithhisstory:

AweekafterIgottheletterfrommyfather,theAbkhasianemigres,sickofpayingsuchhightaxesandworking
likeslaves,riotedandkilledthemanageroftheMarshanprincesestate.Theyweretobeexiledtothedesertorto
Syriaforthat.ThepeopledecidedtoreturnhometoAbkhasia.Wewantedtohireaship,butitcostalotofmoney
125

andwedidnthaveit.Indesperationweturnedtocrime.Ourplanwastorobamailcoachcarryingmoneyfrom
thestatetreasury.Iwaswiththeambushparty.Asluckwouldhaveit,thecoachthatdayhadanespeciallyheavy
guard.Bothsidesopenedfire.Abulletpiercedmychest.LaterIwastried.AndsoIllneverseemyhomeland.If
youeverseeit,Zaurkan,bowtoitforme.Ireallydobelieveyoullbefreeoneday!Waaraida,waaraida,he
begansingingthesongofthewoundedinabarelyaudiblevoice.

Singingthatsong,hediedinmyarms.Myeyesfilledwithtears,IsangalongwithShoudidtillhislastgasp.ThenI
closedhiseyes,notyetknowinghiswordswereprophetic.Everythingwaschangingallaroundandtheinsurgent
spiritgottheupperhand.ThemaliciousSultanAbdulhamidIIwasoverthrownandthereinsofgovernmentwere
takenoverbytheYoungTurks.Theydeclaredamanifesto.Manypeoplewerereleasedfromprison.Becausemy
crimehadbeencommittedsolongago,Iwassetfree.

BOOKTHREE

WHATCANTIMECHANGE?

Didyougetagoodsleep,Sharakh?theoldmanaskedwithsuchconcernthismorningthatIwasashamedtotell
himIsleptlikealog.

Itsgoodwhenamansleepspeacefully!saidZaurkan.WheneverIstartthinkingofallIvebeenthroughmy
memoriesliftmeandcarryme,likethewavesofthesea,somewherepastsleep,asthoughpasttheshore.You
know,myfriend,whatIwasthinkingaboutearlythismorning?Whilemyguest,mymaternaluncle,ishereinmy
home,Idontfeelaloneintheworld.ButwhatwillIdowhenheleaves?Ivebeenthinkingaboutiteverymorning
sinceyousteppedovermythreshold!ButtodayIimaginedthatoureldersSit,Soulakhandtheothers,whohave
longsinceleftthisworld,toldmenottoworryaboutyouleaving.

Whenhegoes,givehimyoursoul,theyinstructedme.Havehimtakeitbacktoourhomeland.Alloursouls
wenttherelongago.Youroldbones,justlikeours,candecayhere;whoneedsthem!

ThatswhattheysaidtomewhileyouweresleepingandIwasnt.Andiftheyreright,evenifIdontdoitintime,
ifIdontmanagetogiveyoumysoul,itwillfollowyouthereanyway!AndIguessitwonthavetowaitlongfor
that!Thisdamnedoldage!Dontbeangry,buttodayIprobablywonttellyouanything.Ihavetogosomewhere
andthenwhenIreturnmaybeIllfallasleepatlast.Tiredfeetsometimeshelptheheadgotosleep,evenifit
doesntwantto.

Zaurkantookhisstaffandleftthehouse.Where?Perhapshewenttosomeoldgraves?Whoknows!

Biramcameasusualatnoon,butwhenhesawthattheoldmanwasntathomehedidntaskwherehewas.He
gavememymealandleft.

ThereIwas,alonewithmythoughts.WhatapleasantsurpriseabreakwhenIcouldbebymyself.Whenyoure
takingnotesyoudonthavetimetothink.ZaurkanZolaksbiography,hisbloodypast,extendsoverthewhole
tragedyoftheUbykhpeople,likebloodoozingfromawound.Ineverceasedtobeastoundedbythecentenarians
memory.WhenIcomparedwhathetoldmewithhistoricaldates,theyalmostalwayscoincided.TheUbykhsleft
theCaucasusin1864.IfZaurkanZolakwas24yearsoldthenthatsapproximatelywhatagehewasjudgingbyhis
storyhewasbornin1840andthereforewhenhesaysnowin1940hesahundredyearsold,hestellingthe
honesttruth.

IwaswiththeUbykhsnomorethanfiveorsixyearsafterwelandedinSamsun,countingthetimewewerein
Osmankoy!heexplained.IfthatstruethentoavengehissistershekilledSelimPashasomewherein1869or
1870.Andafterhewasusheredoutofprisonandsoldintoslavery,accordingtohim,...foreightyearsdayand
nightIstumbledthroughtheAfricandesert.Anddisregardingthepoeticforminwhichhetoldhisstory,ifhewas
inAfricaeightyearsthenheprobablydidreturntoIstanbulin1877rightaroundthetimewhentheAbkhasians
wereforcedtomigratetoTurkey,whichleftanindelibleimprintinhisagedmemory.
126


Afterwardshewasafreemanforsometime.Butitshardtoascertainfromhisrecollectionsjustwhenhewas
arrestedagain.Whenhewasreleasedfromprison,however,isabsolutelyclear.TheYoungTurkrevolutionwasin
1908;thatswhenthebloodthirstySultanAbdulhamidIIwasdeposed,thesultantheoldmanrememberedwith
suchloathing.

WhenZaurkanZolakspentallthosehopelessyearsservingalifesentencethesparksofthefirstRussianrevolution
managedjustthesametoflythroughthethickprisonwallsofhiscellwherehewasisolatedfromthewhole
world.Rememberthestorytheoldmantoldaboutthesongofthewounded?HowcouldtheoldUbykhprisoner,
watchingthelifeoftheTurkishpeasantfamilyformanyyears,throughthetinywindowinhisprisoncell,know
thattheyoungmanhecalledNavei,likethousandsofotherTurkishpeasants,wouldriseupwitharmsinhand
againstthesultansoppressionandthateventhemilitarymenthesultanreliedonsoheavilyasthefoundationof
hispower,wouldsuddenlyturnouttobeunreliable.Afterall,theoldmanhadnowayofknowingthattwenty
eightTurkishofficershadwrittenalettertothesisteroftheexecutedRussianrevolutionary,thefearless
LieutenantSchmidt;aletterIhaveknownbyheartsincecollege:Wesweartofightandifnecessary,todiefor
sacredcivilliberties,inthenameofwhichmanyofourbestcitizenshavedied.Wealsoswearthatwewilldo
everythingwecantotelltheTurkishpeopleabouttheeventsinRussiasothatbycommoneffortswecangainthe
righttoliveasbefitshumanbeings...

HowcouldZaurkanZolakseetheconnectionbetweenallthesedifferenteventsbetweenthe1905Revolutionin
Russia,theexecutionofLieutenantSchmidt,theletterwrittenbytheTurkishofficers,theoustingofAbdulhamidII
andZaurkansownreleasefromprison?No,ofcourse,hehadnowayofknowing,butthetracesofallthese
eventscanbeseenthroughouthisstory,eveniftheyassumeasometimesstrangeandoddform.

Sofarwehavestoppedatthispoint,butIsupposethatashecontinues,thestoryofhislifewillnotbedeaftothe
reverberationsofhistory.Afterall,aheadareWorldWarI,the1917RevolutioninRussia,andtherevolutionin
Turkey.Idontknowhowyet,butIhavenodoubtsthatalltheseeventsaffectedthehistoryoftheUbykhsandthe
oldmanspersonaldestiny.

InonewayImgladtohavetodaysbreak,butthisunexpecteddelayinmyworkalsobothersme.Illhavetobe
leavingsoonanditmakesmewonderwhatIllhavetimetowritedown,andwhatIwont.

WhenZaurkanreturnedhedidntsayanythingaboutwherehehadbeen;wehadsuppertogether,buthedidnt
talkandwenttobedearlierthanIdid.Whenhesaidtiredfeethelptheheadgotosleephewasabsolutelyright.I
didnthearhimgetupinthenight,andnextmorning,rightafterwewokeup,hecontinuedwithhisstoryas
thoughhecouldsensemyhiddenfears.

YearsofwanderingawaitedmeafterIgotoutofprison.ItsnothingmorethanasayingthatonceGodgivesyoua
day,Hegivesyoufood.Youdontgetanythingfornothing.Nomatterhowfrugal,orhowhardyamanis,hecant
livewithoutbread,isntthattrue,Sharakh?Thedustofmanyroadscoveredmyfeet.Iworkedatjustaboutevery
kindofjob.Iwasashepherdfortheowneroffattailedsheep,wasalongshoremaninIzmid,cleanedtheshopofa
wealthymerchant,anddugditchesonarailwayconstructionsite.EventuallyIgottothevillageofShatIpawhere
Abkhasianexileslived.Nocloserelativesonmymotherssidewerealivebythen,butasecondremoveduncleby
thenameofKansougavemeshelter;Ilivedwithhimfornearlytwoyears.HeshowedmetwogravesinShatIpas
cemetery.Oneofthemwasmymothersandtheothermyfathers.Therewereroughbouldersattheheadof
eachofthem.Thegraveswereovergrownwithgrass.Iputfencesaroundthemandconsoledmyselfthatmy
mothersandfatherslastrestingplacewasamongtheirownkind.

Youwanttoknow,Sharakh,howmyparentsgottoShatIpa?AfterIkilledSelimPasha,Matahadtogointohiding.
HewasabrightyoungmanandsensedrightawaythathehadtogetFatherandMotherawayfromOsmankoyto
savetheirlives.AndsotheymovedtoShatIpatolivewithmymothersbrother.Heartbrokenbecauseofthe
misfortunethathadcometoherdaughtersandbecauseofmyimprisonment,Motherlivedlessthanayear.Five
yearslatermyfatherdied.

AfterFatherdied,Matadecidedtobuildahouseandstarthisownhomestead,buthewasdraftedintothearmy
alongwithotherAbkhasiansfromTsebelda.HisunitwassenttoArabia.Noonehasheardfromhimsince.

127

AndIhavenoideawhathappenedtomysisters,either.SelimPashasrelativessoldallhiswivesandconcubines
afterhisdeathandIwasunabletoestablishwheremysistersandFeldyshwere,orwhethertheywerealiveatall.

Youreprobablysurprised,mypatientSharakh,thatIshouldspeaksocalmlyaboutthedeathanddisappearanceof
thepeopleIlovedmost.Whatcanyoudo?Alotofwaterhaspassedunderthebridge.Timedullsthepain,dries
thetears,andgivesthememorylongawaitedoblivion.Timeisagreathealer.Ifithadntbeenso,halfofhumanity
wouldgomad.Butthenwhystirupthepastatall,whyresurrecttheshadowsofourancestors,youmayask?Fora
goodpurpose,myson,tokeepothersfrommakingthesameterriblemistakeandhavingtobitterlyrepentlater.

IwouldhavecontinuedlivinginShatIpa,butIlongedtoheartheUbykhlanguage.Andbesides,Iwasnolonger
accustomedtolivinginoneplace.Iwasuneasyandwantedtobemovingon.Astheysay:Nomatterhowlonga
journey,theroadmustbecoveredtwice.Iwasnotinahurryandhadntgonefarwhenthelandbeganlooking
morelikeashes.Thesurfacewaslikeashandunderthewhitedustthereseemedtobeheat.Nomatterwhereyou
looked,everythingaroundwasbareallthewayuptothehorizonwherethedomeofheavenclingstotheearth.
Thewindblew,pickingupthedustandchurningitinfrontofme.ItwasasthoughthewholeworldhaddiedandI
wasleftaloneonthisdark,unpopulatedplanetwherethewindhowledandwhereonewasinclinedtowailfrom
lonelinessandhorror.

Suddenly,cuppingmyhandovermyeyestoshutoutthedust,Inoticedsomeblackspotthroughtherollinggray
haze.AtfirstIthoughtitwasavulture.Thentheblackspotgrew,camecloser,andthroughthegratingandroaring
oftheenragedelements,Icouldmakeoutahumanvoice.Thevoicequiveredlikeanautumnleafonabranch.
Someonewassingingamelancholysongmuchlikeweeping,alamentandadamnationatthesametime.The
windwouldmuffleit,sendingitaroundme,thenamplifyit,movingittowardme.SoonIcouldseeamanridingon
adonkey.Hewasanoldman,hisfacescorchedbythesunandlookinglikethewrinkledlandthatherodeoveron
hissmallass.Seeinganotherhumanbeingcheeredmeup.Whentheridercameupalongsideme,Igreetedhim,
placingmypalmonmyforehead.Buthekepthisblankgazeaimedatthepalesky,notnoticingmeandtotally
engrossedinhissadsong.Ieventhoughttheoldmanwasprayingwhileridinghisdonkey,whichiscontraryto
custom.Buthissongwasunlikeaprayer,althoughitwasaddressedtothesky.Whenhepassedmebyhedidnt
evenlookaround.Itwasasifheweresaying,Fellowtraveller,Iminahurry.Mysongwilltellyouallaboutme.

Iwatchedhimasherodeaway.Thewind,nowblowinginmydirection,carriedtomethewailingvoiceoftheold
Turk.Urgingonhistiredanimal,theridersangaboutthefactthathehadnothingleftbutthedonkeyandhisold
age.Hewassingingtohishardy,lopearedfriend:

Carrymewheremyanguishwills,
Throughthedistanceinanyofthefourdirections
Wheremyfoursonswentandremained
Forever,killedonbattlefields.
Myheartisonebigwound,
Myeyesarefilledwithbittertears.
ThatswhyIcursethebloodysultan,
Mycursingechoedinfourdirections.

Theridervanishedintothedistance,hissorrowfulsonggettingsofterandsofteruntilitwasbrokenlikeathread.
Imashamedtoadmitit,butIenviedthatmiserableoldman,becauseheatleastfoundconsolationinsinging.

Oh,ifonlyIcouldhavesunglikethatlonelyTurkaboutallIhadendured,Iwouldhavemovedeventhecoldestper
sontotears.ButIremainedanUbykh;anUbykhcannotsingalone,exceptforthesongofthewounded.No,to
singIneednotonlyanapkhiartsa,butotherstosingalongwithme,joiningtheirvoiceswithminelikeglassesof
bitterorhoneysweetwinedowhenbroughttogetheratamerryfeast.InthisrespectweUbykhswerelikethe
mountains:whenonewouldsing,otherswouldecho.

Youlousycalf.Ihopethewolvesgetyou!Youvejustgottodrinkupallthemilktotheverylastdrop!aheavy
setoldmanshoutedashebrandishedhisstickandpulledacalfawayfromitsmothersudder.Hegrabbedthetail
oftheredhairedgluttonwithawhitespotonitsforehead,pullingitawayfromthecow.Kickingopenthegate,he
shovedthecalfintotheyard.
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Thesunhasntevengonedownbutyouvealreadycomeprancinghome.Toolazytochewthegrass,you
parasite!theoldmancontinuedhistirade,nowtalkingtothecow,whoseeyeswerelikeripeplumsdampenedby
therain.

Theoldmansrantingandravingwasthemostwelcomegreetingtome,becauseitwasinUbykh.

PerhapsifithadhappenedearlierIwouldhavegotdizzyfromjoyandtearsofelationwouldhavestreameddown
mycheeks,butnowmysoulwasntassusceptibletounexpectedglee.MyLord,theUbykhlanguage!Ihatedto
eventhinkhowlongithadbeensinceIdheardit!

AllImnowtellingyouabouttookplaceinaremotevillagewhereIwasseekingrestandaplacetospendthe
night.Astockyoldwomanlookedoutthegate.

Itsimpossibletokeeptrackofthatanimal!Justyesterdayitmanagedsomehowtogetoutsidesonothingwould
beleftforthemilkpail.Youllhavetotieitup.

Thoughthelifeofavagabondmademyskinascoarseasabuffalos,thesoundofthatvoicesentshiversdownmy
spine.IrecognizedthevoiceofmyauntHimzhazh,myfatherssister.Andtheoldman,hesSit,herhusband.How
comeIdidntseethatrightaway?Ithoughttomyself.

Istoodtheresmilingandmusinghowmanyyearswehadntseeneachother.ButIwasstartledoutofthatstateby
alittlemottleddogthatjumpedoutoftheyardbarkingloudly.

Goodafternoon!Isaid.

Theoldmanandwomanlookedateachotherinwonder.Theyweresurprisedtohearsomeonetheydidntknow
speakingUbykh.

Welcome,traveller,repliedSit,examiningmyface.

Whosthispoorman?myauntwhisperedtoherhusband,notconcealingheralarm.

Judgingbyhisragshemustbetheczarsson!

Shedidntgetthejokeandinquiredinconfusion:

Whatczarsson?

AtthatpointIcouldntholdmyselfbackanylongerandstretchedoutmyhandstoher:

AuntHimzhazh,mydearwoman,dontyourecognizeme?ImZaurkan!

Zaurkan?shesaidunderherbreathandputtingherfingersoverherlips,asthoughshehadsaidsomething
wrong,sheleanedbackagainstthegateforsupport.

Oh,Allah!Wellwhatdoyouknow!gaspedSitandhebeganhuggingme,crying.

Whoishe,Sit?theoldwomanprattledagain.

Youfoolishwoman,cantyouseethatsZaurkanstandinginfrontofyou!Hepracticallyyelled:Zaurkan!Your
nephew!

Zaurkan!Mynephew?myauntsaidasshemovedtowardme,butaftertakingafewsmallstepshereyesclosed
andherkneesgaveway.

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Icaughttheoldwoman,beganblowingonherface,butitdidnthelp.Shehadfainted.Icarriedmyauntintothe
houseandputheronthesofa.Sitdippedatowelincoldwaterandputitonhiswifestemples:

Ifyoudecidedtoleavethisworld,Himzhazh,youpickedjusttherighttimeforit.Yourownnephewwillhelpme
buryyou.

Well,Iwasntinanymoodforjokes.IfmyauntdiedIcouldntbearthethoughtthatIwouldbeunwittingly
responsibleforherdeath.

Dontworry,Zaurkan.Shesnotgoingtodie.Shellcometosoon.Itsnotthefirsttimethishashappened!said
Sitbrushingitoffwithawaveofhishand.Doyouknowhowlongyouvebeenconsidereddead?Youwere
mournedbyyourrelatives,buthereyouareresurrected.Comecloser,letmehaveagoodlookatyou,myson.
Timedoesntflatterus,noitdoesnt.Youreallgray,anditseemsitwasnotsolongagoyouwereayoungman.
Hadyourmotherandfatherknownyouwereupandkickingtheywouldnthavebeenafraidofdying.Here,sit
downandrest!Ibetyourfeetareachingfromyourtravels.Thenhenoddedtohiswife.Dontyouworryabout
her.Shellbejustfine.

Indeed,myauntopenedhereyes,groaned,satupand,placingherfeetonthefloor,shecalledtome:

Comeandsitclosertome,mydear.

Shebrushedhergrayhairunderherblackscarf.Isatonalowbenchnexttoherandshe,tenderlystrokingmy
head,keptsighing.Shedidnthavethestrengthtotalk,andtearsstreameddownherpallidface.Thenshesetthe
table.Whenwesatdowntoeatwepouredoutourhearts,rememberingthedeadasthoughwewereatafuneral
feastofunfulfilledhopes.

Sitshousewasunderaflatroofandwasmadeofmanurebriquetteslikealltheotherhomesinthevillage.The
wallsinsideandoutwereplasteredwithclay.Thehousehadtworooms.WhenIwokeupthesunwasalready
high.OutsideIcouldhearvoicesmensandwomensandtheyweresayingmyname.Theymustbeneighbors,
Ispeculated,whohadcometocongratulateSitandHimzhazhonmyreturn.

Igotdressedquicklyandwentoutside.Instantlyallofthemstoodup,surroundedmeand,greetingmewarmly,
huggedmefromallsides.

Hello,Daut!Iheardyouwereaway,Murat.Whereto?

Soyourememberus,Zaurkan?

HowcouldIforgetsuchfinefellows!Ireplied,barelyabletorecognizetheveryagedHafizandHatkhv,who
werebrothers.

Inthemiddleoftheyardtherewasakettleofboilingmeatonthefire.Icouldtellbythesmellitwasgoatmeat.
Thegeneroushosthadapparentlygoneintodebttobuyagoatinkeepingwiththeancienthospitalityofthe
Ubykhs.

Whenallthemensatdownatthetable,Iwasseatedintheplaceofhonor.Thewomeninveilsstoodoutsidethe
dooroftheroom.OnlyHimzhazhstoodinsidethedoor,nottakingherdotingeyesoffme.Theneighborwomen
broughtplatesoffooduptothedoorandpassedthemontoanefficientyoungman,who,inturn,puttheplates
infrontoftheguests.ThiswasnotpartofUbykhcustom.Womenneverhidtheirfacesandcouldsitwithmenat
thetable,singsongsanddance.Onlyyoungwomenservedtheguests,asarule.Asfortheyoungmen,they
werentsupposedtositasequalswiththeelders,letaloneenterintotheirconversations.Butthosewereother
times,othersongs,aswesay.Therewereafewyoungmenseatedatthetableinbetweentheoldmen.Theywere
talkingloudly,laughing,andevendaredinterruptthegrayhairedmen.Intheolddaysmeatwasdistributed
amongthoseseatedatthetable,dependingontheirstationinlife.Themorehonorableguestsweregiventhe
bestpieces,suchasthethigh,blade,theheadorhalfofthehead.Thepersonwhowassupposedtodistributethe
meatactedaccordingtocustomandnoonetookoffense.Butatthatmealthegoatmeatwascutatrandomand
waslyingonalargetray;eachpersontookthepiecehewanted.Cornmealmush,thethoughtofwhichwould
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makemymouthwater,wasntonthetable.Insteadtherewashardbread.Honeydilutedinwater,wasthe
substituteforwine.

Sitstartedoffthefeast:

Honoredguests,friendsandneighbors!Todayisagreatoccasioninouremptyhome.Zaurkanisback!Hesback
fromthegrave!Ithankyouforcomingtosharewithusthisunexpectedjoy.Dousthehonor,mydearguests,and
partakeofeverythingyouseeinfrontofyou.Dontbeoffendedifsomethingsnotright!Wevedoneourbest.
Blessus,Allah!

Sitdrankdownthedilutedhoneyandbeganeating.Everyonefollowedsuit.Thehousewasfilledwithloudtalking,
jokesandlaughter.Theyoungweretheloudestofall;theyshoutedtooneanotherandlaughedwithoutrestraint.
IlookedatmyoldfriendsdressedinancientpatchedupCircassiancoatsandthoughttomyselfsadly,howtime
haschangedthem;whatfinementheyusedtobe.

IalsothoughttomyselfthatifSitwerehostingguestsinhisowncountryeverythingwouldhavebeenentirely
different.Hewouldhaveputthemeatofawholebullonthetableandstillexcusedhimselffornothavingenough
toexpresshisrespectforallthosepresent.Hewouldhavesentaroundthetableawoodentraywithashotof
vodkaforastart;eachpersonwouldhaveemptieditinonegulp.Thenatoastmasterwouldhavebeenchosen
thepersonwiththemostwisdomandhonor.Toastingwouldhavebegun.Peoplewouldnthavefilleduptheir
stomachsasmuchastheirsouls.Andwhenthetimecametheywouldhavebegunsingingaroundthetable.Then
theladswouldhavejumpeduptodance,puttingtheirhandsontheirthinwaists.Shygirlswouldhavejoined
thosedancing,movinggracefully.Theywouldhaveinvitedthegrayhairedelderstobetheirpartners.Andthe
elderswouldhaveshowneveryonetherethattheystillhadalotleftinthem.

InthelandoftheUbykhsSitwasreputedforhiseloquenceandhissenseofhumor.Hehadawaywithwords.Now
itwasasthoughhewassearchinghispocketsforwords,butcouldntalwaysfindthemthere.Onceadandy,he
wasnowdressedinawellworn,tattered,andpatchedupCircassiancoat.AllthatremainedoftheoldSit,not
sparedbytimeorfate,washiskindheart.

Sitandhisfriendshisownagecouldonlyliveinthepast.Theyoung,however,whowereborninTurkey,hadno
ideahowmightyandablebodiedthesestoopedeldershadoncebeen.WhenHafizstoodupandsuggestedsinging
anolddrinkingsong,theyoungmendidntevenlistentohim.Theychompedtheirgoatmeat,andarguedabout
someeventsthatinterestedthem.

Hey,myfriends,ourancestorsdidntbehavelikethat,Hafizsaid,tryingtooutshoutthedisrespectfulyouths.
Whenaguestcame,theheartiestofwelcomesawaitedhim.Hishostswoulddoeverythingtopleasehim,putting
allworryasideforthemeantime.Aguestshouldbeentertainedwithsongsanddancing!

Oh,comeoffit,willyou!Whatdowecarewhatourancestorsdid!saidtheyoungmenignoringHafiz.

IveneverseenanyUbykhslikethat,Ithoughttomyselfbitterly.

ButHafiz,despitethebadmannersoftheyoung,begansinginganancientUbykhfeastsong:

Waraida,letussing
Ofbravemenwhoneverfailed.
Everyoneisbutalink
Thatunitesthechainmail.

Twoorthreeoftheolderpeople,includingmyself,begansingingthefamiliarsongwithhim.Iwassurprised
myself,butmyvoicewascarefreeasthoughithadbrokenoutofchainsofsilence.

Waraida,itstimetorest.
Butbeforethefeastjoypasses,
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Youngandoldwillhonortheguests
Byraisinghightheirwineglasses!

Itwasjustforaninstant,butwhilewesangtheyoungpeoplestoppedtalkingandlistenedtousthelast
custodiansofournativeculture.Westoppedsingingjustassuddenlyaswehadbegun.Hafiz,wipinghistears
away,smiledatme:

Ourdaysarenumberedbutthankstoyou,Zaurkan,wefeelasthoughwereinournativemountains.

Thewomen,crowdedatthedoorandcoveringtheirmouthswiththeendsoftheirscarves,lookedatmein
surprise.Butitdidnttakelongforustocomedowntoearth.

IstayedoninSitshome.Hissons,whohadgoneofftowarwhentheywerestillinOsmankoy,werereported
missinginaction,andsotheoldmangavemeallhisloveandcare.

MydearSharakh,ifyouwalksouthitwouldtakeabouttwoweekstogettoKarinjovasyfromwherewearehere.
Thenameofthevillagemeansantvalley.ItsquitelikelythatbeforetheUbykhscamenothingbutantsinhabited
thearea.Itwasabare,narrowstripofland...Itwaslikeadogstongueandthetipofthetonguepointedtothe
north.Thebaseofthetonguetothisdayrestsonaswampinfestedwithmalariacarryingmosquitoesandthetip
endsinarockyplateau.Asaruletheheatofsummerissuffocating.Ifyoudontwaterthefieldsnotonebladeof
grasswillgrow.Butinthewinteritsjusttheopposite:chillyandwindy,andpracticallynosnow.Youcouldntfind
aworseplacetolive.OnlyademononblackFridaycouldgivetheTurkstheideaofresettlingtheUbykhsinthat
wasteland.IsupposetheyfigurediftheUbykhssurvivedtheydbeluckyandiftheydidnt,whocared.Andso
thatswheretheUbykhsweremoved.

Whenamaniscaughtinastormoutatseaandhisshipsinkshemustfirstrelyonhisowncourage,thestrengthof
hishandsgraspingtheoars,andonlylateronGod.TheUbykhsselectedtheedgesofthevalleywherethelandwas
lessscorchedandsetuptheirfarms.Theybuiltthirtyvillagesofflatroofedwindowlesshousesmadeofmanure
briquettes.Canyouimagine,Sharakh,livinginsuchhouses?Itwasasthoughfatewerelaughingatthem.Afterall,
atonetimewhenanUbykhwasbuildingjustasimplehuthewouldntevenusepolesfromnuttrees,butfrom
aromaticrhododendrons;anUbykhdidntusealder,butmaderaftersoutofchestnutwood;hewouldntcovera
roofwithfernleaves,butwithgoldenstraworresinousshingles.AndnoUbykhwoulddigawell;healways
quenchedhisthirstinlifegivingsprings.ButinKarinjovasytheUbykhshadtoborethroughthedeadlandalmosta
hundredfeetdeepjusttogettosomemuddywater.Howcouldanyoneblametheyoungpeoplewhohadbeen
bornandrearedsofarawayfromtherhododendrongrovesandthesoftmurmuringofmountainsprings,fornot
beingabletosingUbykhsongs,breakintodancingtothetuneofaceremonialdrumandridehorsesthewaytheir
fathersoncehad.

YouknowwhatIvedreamedofallmylifehere,mydearSharakh?Mymostcherisheddesirehasbeentospendat
leastonenightinanUbykhpatskha.Oh,whatmarvelousdreamsonehasunderitsroof!Nomatterhowhotitisin
summeritsnevertoostuffyinapatskha.Itswallsmadeofthickbranchesletthroughthebreezeandyoufeelas
thoughyoureunderthewingofabirdfanningtheair!Atnightthelightofthemoonpeepsthroughthewallsand
youcanevenfeelitonyourface.Outsidecicadassinglullabies.Itsheavenly!

Andthefireplace!NotoneUbykhcouldimagineahomewithoutafireplace.Weworshipedthefireinourhearths
andwouldneverallowittogoout.Therewasnocursemoreterriblethan,Mayyourhearthcollapseandbe
swallowedupbytheearth!ItseemsasthoughsomeonedamnedalltheUbykhstothatfate,becausethats
exactlywhathappened.InKarinjovasytheUbykhsdugaholeinthemiddleoftheearthenfloorandthatswhere
theymadetheirfire,wheretheycookedtheirfoodandbakedtheirbread.

THEBRASSHORN

Asummerafternoonbroughtouttheblazingsun.Chickenswouldhidefromthesun,waitingforrelieffromthe
heatwithopenbeaks.Everythingwascoveredwithathicklayerofdust.Youcouldfeelitsheateventhroughyour
boots.Theroofs,leavesofscanttrees,chickencoops,gates,andcamelsforeverchewingtheircudwereall
132

coveredwithdust.Ifyouslappedthesideofacamelwiththepalmofyourhand,orputyourfingeronthegatethe
hotvolatiledustwouldfly.Thewholevillageseemeddead;eventhedogsdidntbark.Thepeoplewouldwaitout
theheatintheirwindowlesshomes.Theywouldwakebeforesunrise,workuntiltheairbecameburninghot,and
thentheydwaituntileveningtofinishtheirchores.Itwastheonlywaytosurvivethesummer.Ilivedin
Karinjovasylikeatemporaryboarder.Atanyrate,thatsthewaypeopleregardedme.Sincehecameitmeans
helleventuallyleave,washowtheneighborsthoughtaboutit.

Therewasamosqueinthemiddleofthevillage.Fivetimesadaythemuezzinwouldclimbupontheminaretand
callthefaithfultosaytheirprayers.Hewouldsay,TheresnoGod,butAllah...

...IntheautumntheJamhasars(whobelongedtotheUaraktribe,nomadsbytradition)wouldmakeacampeastof
Karinjovasy.Theylivedinatightcircleandaccordingtotheirownstrictadat*;andtheydidntallowaliensintheir
midst.Evenintheircommercialdealingstheywouldnthaveanythingtodowithoutsidersexceptwhenabsolutely
necessary.Likeallnomadsusedtothesaddletheywerestatelyintheirbearing,thinanddarkcomplexioned.They
werelivestockbreeders,herdingtheirgoatsandsheepfrompasturetopasture.Attheendofthesummerwhen
thenomadsstoppedforashortwhilesomedistanceawayfromtheUbykhvillagestheirblackwoolenclothtents
madeonethinkofravensatrest,butreadyanyminutetoflyoff.ThechiefoftheJamhasarswasJavadBey,a
severeanduncommunicativeoldman.AlthoughhehadUbykhwomeninhisharem,hehadnoconcernforthe
Ubykhpeople.HewouldevensendhismentoraidKarinjovasy,abductingwomenandstealingcattle.

Naturally,theUbykhexilestookuparmstodefendtheirpropertyandhonor,andeachtimebloodwasshed.But
whothinksoftheconsequenceswhenrushingheadlongintoaskirmish?

TheSharualslivedwestofthebareplains.Theywerefriendlyandpoliteinmanner,butactuallyrathercunning,
calculatingandevenabitroguish.GenerationaftergenerationofSharualsengagedinonlyoneoccupationtrade.
Theyhadcontroloverallthebazaars,nearandfar.

WhenaSharualmotherrockedhersontosleepshesanghimthislullaby:

Sleepmysonny,rockaby,
Thingswillcometoyouintime.
Onedayyouwillbeontop
Likeyourfatherowningashop.

PracticallytheverynextdaytheUbykhsarrivedinKarinjovasy,theSharualscametocheckthemoutandvend
theirmerchandise:

Lavashforsale!Lavashforsale!

Kerosene!Kerosene!calledoutthenewlyarrivedpeddlers.

SoononeoftheenterprisingSharualsopenedupashopinanUbykhsettlement.Anotheroneopenedupacoffee
houseandyetanotherbeganloaningsmallamountsofmoneywithinterest.Whenamosquewasopenedthe
mullahtherewasahaji*,.alsoaSharual.Thevillageelderwashisnephewthreetimesremoved.Peoplesaidthat
eventheprovincesgovernorwasfromthetribeoftheclosefistedSharuals.

IntimetheUbykhsandtheoffspringoftheSharualmerchantswerenotonlydoingbusinesstogetherbutwere
intermarrying.ThesharpwittedandartfulyoungSharualmenwouldforgetallaboutmarketdays,profitable
deals,andtheirdebtorswhentheylookedatbeautifulUbykhwomen.Theweddingtoastsinthesecaseswerein
twolanguages,andmostofteninTurkishsomostoftheguestscouldfollowalong.Ubykhmenwhohadbeenborn
subjectsoftheTurkishEmpiregladlymarriedSharualwomenwithdowriesthatcamefromtheprofitsmadeoff
tradeandmoneylending.

Sharakh,yourememberTagir,thegrandsonofHamidawhocommittedsuicidebythrowingherselfintothe
ChorokhRiver?WhenIwasintheprisonforlifersthesonofMzauchAbukhba,blesshissoul,toldmethatTagir,
whohadbecomealearnedman,followedtheexiledUbykhsofhisownaccord.Andthatwastrue.Hetaughtthe
133

childrenhowtoreadandwriteintheirnativelanguage.Imsureyourealizethathehadtohavebooksifhe
wantedtopursuehisnoblegoal.ButtherewerenobooksinUbykh,soTagirpersonallydevisedanUbykhprimer.
Ofcourse,hisbook,probably,theonlyoneinourhistory,wasawrittenmanuscript.

Themullahcouldntignoresuchreprehensible,inhisopinion,behavioronthepartoftheCircassian:Why
shouldchildrenlearnsomeheathenlanguage?ItsonethingwhenI,amullah,teachthemtheTurkishalphabetso
theycanreadsignsandsomedaysigntheirnamestoadraftnotice.Sincetheygotothemektebtheymustalso
learnArabic.InanIslamiccountrypeoplemustknowtheirprayersbyheart.Butitsharmfultolearnalanguage
thatyoucantreadprayersin,orthenameofthesultan.Itjustkeepsthestudentsfromlearningwhattheyre
supposedto.IfweignorewhatthatselfproclaimedteacherTagirisdoing,heavenforbidthattheoffspringofthis
tribeofscoundrelsshouldtaketheirlessonsseriouslyandactuallylearnhowtoreadandwriteinUbykh.Andthen
thedaymaycomewhentheywritesomethingsubversiveandtheauthoritieswontevenknowwhatitistheyre
upto.Allahonlyknowsthereareenoughtroublemakersasitis.

Obsessedwithsuspicion,themullahwasmoreandmorecertainthatTagirwasuptonogood:

WheredidthatscholarTagircomefrom?FromIstanbul!Andwheredidhegrowup?Inthefamilyofthetraitor
andassassinShardyn,sonofAlou!Thatexplainseverything.Andsothemullahtoldhissuperiors:Iminforming
youthattheimpiousTagirisnotonlyteachingthechildrenofforeignersagodlesslanguageagainstthelaw,butis
actingasthemouthpieceofrebelsandmurderers.Havingnorespectforthesultanslaws,hehasencouragedhis
fellowtribesmennottopaytaxestoAliHazretPasha,haswrittencomplaintsaboutthemukhtar*,andaboutthe
managerofPashaHuseinEffendisestate.Tagirwrotecomplaints,orratherslander,supposedlyinthenameofthe
people,andhepersonallydeliveredmanyofthemtothepalaceofthegrandvizier.

Well,itstrue,myson,thatTagirwasthepeoplesdefenderandmouthpiece.Theprophettriedtogethis
thoughtsacrossthroughthescribe;theUbykhsdiditthroughTagir.Butthevizierwasnttheleastbitconcerned
aboutourtroubles.Allhehadtosaywas,Who?TheUbykhs?Haventtheyalldiedoutorbecomeassimilated
yet?Well,iftheydidntitstheirownfault!

AllofTagirseffortswereinvain.Themullahgothisway:Hamidasgrandsonwasforbiddenonceandforallto
teachthechildrenUbykh.ThathappenedjustbeforeIarrivedinKarinjovasy.IwantedtoseeTagir,buthewasnt
available.HewasinIstanbulagaintryingtogetjusticeforhisfellowvillagers.

Asyoucanwellunderstand,Sharakh,IcouldntbeaparasiteinSitshome.Ithoughtaboutgoingintotheblack
smithtradeIlearnedfromDavidsson,butyoucantbuildablacksmithshopongoodintentionsalone.Ihadno
wayofgettinghammers,anvils,tongsandwhateverelseIwouldneedtorunashop.Iwouldhaveborrowedthe
moneyfromSitbuthedidnthaveany.Hewouldbitterlyjoke,AllIhaveinmypocketisafleainasnare.Justto
getcoalinthattreelessvalleyIwouldneedalotofmoney.Sotheonlythingleftformetodowashelptheold
manoutwithhisfarm;heandIsowedwheat,althoughwhatkindofaharvestcouldyouhaveonlandmade
barrenbydrywinds?AnddontforgetthattheplotSitandmyauntownedwassosmallyoucouldpractically
coveritwithacape.Wewouldhavelikedtoplantcotton,butwegaveuptheidea:wecouldnthavefound
enoughwater.

Onedaywegotholdofwildpumpkinseedsthatproducedbottleshapedpumpkins.Weplantedtheseedsand
weresurprisedourselveshowgoodtheharvestwas.Sowehadlotsofpumpkins.Necessityisthemotherof
invention:wedriedoutthepumpkinsandmadeladleswithprettyhandles,colanders,cupsandotherutensils.We
alsolearnedhowtomaketoysoutofdriedpumpkin:dollsdecoratedwithbirdfeather,maskswithwhiskersmade
ofwoolandholesforeyes.Ourgoodssoldwellatthebazaar.Ofcoursewecouldntmakemuchmoney;eachtime
webroughthomejustafewcoppercoins.

ThanktheLordmyfatherdidntlivetoseetheshamefuldayhisson,borntobeafarmerandwarrior,endedupa
marketsalesmanofthesetrinkets.

OneswelteringhotdaywhentheflieswereparticularlyannoyingIstayedatthebazaartillevening,sellingour
waresmadeofpumpkin.ThesunwasgoingdownwhenItookthemoneyIdearnedandspentitonsalt,kerosene
andbreadandwentonhome.IwasdepressedjustbecausewhatIwasdoingwasnotworthyofatruemanofthe
Caucasus.Iwasalsoupsetbythelatestnews.Peopleweretalkingaboutanotherwar.TheysaidGreeksoldiers
134

weregettingreadytolandinIzmid,FrenchshipshadalreadydroppedanchorintheMersinbay,andtheEnglish
weretellingthenolongerindependentsultanwhattodoandinvolvinghiminbloodydeals.ItoldSitaboutthe
rumorsIdheardatthebazaarandsaidIwasworriedaboutwhatwouldhappentotheUbykhs.

Whentheprincefightswithhisprincessthemaidistheonewhosuffersmost,saidtheoldmangloomily.

IwouldgotothemosqueonFridays.DontthinkZaurkanZolaktooktotheMuslimfaith.IonlywentbecauseI
didntwantSitandAuntHimzhazhtohaveanytroublesonmyaccount.Whatwouldpeoplesayaboutthemifthe
mantheyshelteredintheirhomehadareputationforbeingfaithless?

Imusttellyou,Sharakh,thatwhileIwasinAfricaandservingtimeinprisonalltheUbykhsbecameMuslims.This
surprisedmegreatly.TheyevenseemedmoredevoutthantheSharualswholivedamongthem.

EveryFridayallofthem,youngandoldwenttothemosque.MyfellowUbykhsnowfastedaccordingtothe
Muslimcalendar.Ofcourse,thatwasntsohardsincethepeoplehadsolittletoeatanyway.AndtheUbykhsalso
refrainedfromworkingonholidays,especiallyduringUraza*andNauruz.*Liftingtheirheadsskywardstheywould
nolongersay:Godhelpus!butwouldutter:Helpus,Allah!andputtheirpalmstogetherinprayer.Butwhat
surprisedmemostwasthattheyneverdrankanyalcohol.ThesepeopleactedlessandlesslikeUbykhs.

YouaskaboutBytkha,Sharakh?Iwasjustgoingtotellyouaboutthat.Bytkhastillexistedandtheelderscontinued
toworshipher.Thatshouldntsurpriseyou.WhenIwasayoungmanIoncesawhowtheShapsugsworshipedthe
trunkofapeartreewithacrossonitalthoughtheywerepagans.AndtheCircassianshadtwoorthreefaiths:
someofthemworshipedChrist,otherswereMuslims.AndstillothershadminorgodsChristiansaintscombined
withpagangodslikeMerisa,patronofthebees.TheseCircassiansinsistedthatonecoldyearalltheirbeesdied,
exceptforonewhichsurvivedbecauseithidinthesleeveofthevirtuousMerisa.Andsotheyclaimedthatthisone
beestartedoffawholenewfamilyofhoneybees.

ThepriestofBytkhawasstillSoulakh.Bythattimehewasveryold,likeIamnow.

OnedaySitsaidtome:

Soulakhisill.Letsgovisithim,myson!Besides,youhaventevenseentheoldmansinceyouvecome!

IagreeditwastimeIpaidSoulakhavisitandsowesetofftoseetheailingpriest.Sitwasdressedasthoughhe
weregoingtoafestivegathering.HehadonaCircassiancoat,atunicunderneath,adaggeronhisbelt,andwas
carryingastaffwithanirontip.Theoldmanwantedtopleasethepriest.Onourwaytherepeoplegreetedus:

Selamaleykum!

Thrustingthepointofhisstaffintotheground,Sitwouldreplyeachtime:

Vaaleykumasselam!

NooneusedanyUbykhgreetings.Insteadofgooddayorgladtoseeyouwhatweheardwasjustselam
aleykum,vaaleykumasselam!ButthesewereUbykhstalking!Whatswrongwiththemall?IaskedSit.His
answerwasbrief:

Theyvegotusedtoit.

Someboyswereplayinginthestreet.Whenwewalkedpastthemnotoneofthemlookeduptogetoutofour
way.Allofthemactedasthoughtheydidntevenseethegraybeardedmenandjustwentonplaying,obliviousof
ourpresence.Sowewalkedaroundthem.Oneblackhairedboy,whoseemedtobetheoldest,lookingatSit
shouted:

Whydontyoutakeoffallthatwoolclothing,Gramps!Giveyourbonesachancetocooloff.

135

Theboyshadagoodlaugh.ButSitdidntevenlookback.Probablythatwasntthefirsttimeheheardsuchlittle
boysshamelesslyridiculingtheirelders.Newtimesnewcustoms.

Oh,dear!IwishIhadneverbeenborn!theoldmanmutteredandseemedtobelostinthought.Maybehewas
rememberinghisyouthinUbykhia.Oh,believeyoume,everythingtherewasdifferent!

Intheolddaysifoneoftheelderswouldjustutter,Myhorse!theyoungSitwoulddartoffforthetetheringpost
andbringtheelderhishorse.Whilethehorsemanwasmounting,theboywouldholdthestirrup.Iftheboywould
havethehonorofaccompanyingthehorseman,hedridetohisleft,halfalengthbehind.Whentheelderwas
readytodismount,Sitwasalreadyonthegroundandholdingthereinwithonehandandthestirrupwiththe
other,assistingtherider.Thenhedhurryonaheadtoholdthegateopen.

WhenelderswouldsitdowntoeatyoungSitwouldbringthemapitcherofwater,awashbasinandtowelsothey
couldwashtheirhandsbeforeeating.Andnomatterhowlongtheelderssatatthetable,evenifitwasthreedays
straight,Sitwouldservethem,notsittingdownforaminute.Unlesshewasaskedaquestion,Sitwouldntsaya
word.

Theyearsracedby,andSitbecameanoldmanhimself,buttheyoungwerenotthesameanymore.Those
whippersnappersplayinginthestreetwereUbykhsbydescent,yettherewasnotraceinthemofthetraditional
upbringing.TheywereonlyUbykhsinname,butwhattheyreallywerewell,itsevenhardtosay...

WhenwewalkedintoSoulakhsyardIsawhimdressedallinwhiteasthoughthepriestwasreadytoperform
religiousrites.Hewassittingonabenchclosetothegroundandwasholdingastaffwithanirontip.Hisashgray
beardwentdowntohisbelt.Thelocalelderssatateachsideofhim.Soulakhrecognizedme,gotupandhugged
me.

Maytherebehappinessinthehomethathasgivenyoushelter.

HesatmedownnexttohimalthoughIwouldnthavedaredtotakesuchanhonorableseatonmyown.Theold
manwassufferingfromheadaches,butatthatmomentheseemedtohaveforgottenthem.AthisrequestItold
himaboutmytravelsandmyyearsofimprisonment.Hewasmovedbymystory.

Mybrothers,saidSoulakhtoallthosepresent,ifyouhadntcometometodayIwouldhavecalledyouhere
myself.Zaurkanhascomejustintime.Ihavedecidedtogiveupmydutiesasyourpriest.

Wewereallshockedbythatsuddennews.

Ivebeenthinkingaboutitforalongtime,buthesitatedtomentionitbecauseIwasafraidthatyou,thelastof
theUbykhelders,wouldtakeittoohard.

Forgivemeforbeingsoforthright,butyoucantdothis.Youarestillofsoundmindandjustmustntmakearash
decision.Thedutyyouhavebeenentrustedbythepeopleisnotaneasyone,butbecauseourfellowUbykhsare
disheartenedastheyfacetheprospectofextinction,yourdecisionistoohasty,counteredSitwithunconcealed
alarm.

Beingofsoundmindismoreimportantthanbeingofsoundbody,Dautadded.

Ofwhatuseisaleaderiftheresnoonetolead?Atreecantgoonlivingifitsrootsaretornloose!Whoneedsa
priestforashrinethatsbeenlongforgotten?saidSoulakhloweringhisheadandwithsadnessinhisvoice.

HonorableSoulakh,aslongastheresoneUbykhwhoworshipsthesacredBytkha,youcannotstepdown,said
TatlastantosupportSitwhowasaboutthesameage.

Whatyouresayingcomesoutofyourfearforthepeoplesfuture,butwhatImsaying,repliedSoulakh,isthe
truth,bitterasitis,butunavoidable...

136

Theoldmanwasquiet.Hehadoneofhisheadachessohesatstillforalongtimeuntilitpassed.Hewasalready
old,anddecrepit.Thewrinklesonhisforeheadwereasdeepasfurrows.Theskincoveringthehumpofhisnose,
protrudinglikearockunderthesnow,wassothinyoucouldalmostseethecartilage.Hislipsquiveredasthough
hewasconstantlywhispering.Hieyesocketshadsunk,andfromtheirdepthshiseyescoveredwithahazyfilm
glimmeredlikepalebluecoldshardsofglass.Thepriestsvoice,whichwasoncesoloud,couldbarelybeheard
nowasthoughitwerecomingfromacave.

Itissaid:complywiththedesiresoftheoldandyoungalike.Letitbeyourway,utteredSoulakhwhenhis
headachereceded.WellcallameetingandseejusthowmanypeoplestillseekBytkhasprotection.

Therearefewerworshipers,buttherearestillsomeleft,saidDauttotheelderinencouragement,butnotso
sureofhimself.

ButthepriestwasarealisticmanandfeltDautswordswerejustwishfulthinking:

Acalffollowsacow,andatalefollowsateller.Wewonthavetowaitlongtoseeforourselves.Callthepeople
togetherthisThursday.Iftheycome...

Oh,ifonlywewereathomeallwedhavetodoisblowthehornandeveryonewouldcomeatonce,sighedSit.

Wegotuptogoourseparateways,butSoulakhaskedustowaitaminute.Hecalledhissickly,onearmed
grandsonandquietlygavehiminstructions.Thegrandsonnodded,wentbackintothehouseandwithinaminute
broughtoutabeautifulancientdaggeronanUbykhbeltandthesacredbrasshorn.

Soulakhgotup,thrusthisstaffintothegroundwiththelittlestrengthhehadleftandpattedhisbeard.

Mybrothers,hesaidwithunexpectedardour.Yououghttoknowthatthishasbeenpasseddowntomefrom
myforefathers.ThisdaggerwasmadebackwhenthelandoftheUbykhsenjoyedgloryandfame.Allitsowners
wererealmenandthehandofeachofthemwasthecontinuationofthesteelblade.Andthishorncalledthe
peopletogether,wastheheralderoftheirjoyandsorrow.Eventhemountainsechoeditscall.Ihaveonefootin
thegrave.Mygrandson,asyouknow,isnotwellandhaslittleexperience.Soulakhturnedtome:Myson,
ZaurkanZolak,youareyoungerthanallofushere,butyouhavesufferedfarmore.Theweakheartedarebroken
bysuffering,thestrongaretempered.Thatswhyyoualoneareworthyofinheritingtheseobjectsthatcarrythe
stampoffate.

Waitaminute,Iwasdumbstruck.HowcanIpossiblydeservethem?Afterall,Imstainedwiththebloodof
innocentSaidandmyconscienceisnotclearbecauseIdonotbelieveinIslam,yetIgotothemosque...

YoumustdoasIsay.Iknowbest!retortedmyelder.

Theothersbegancongratulatingme.Puttinghishandonmyleftshoulder,Soulakhmadethisrequest:

OnThursdaymorningyouaretocometothesacredmound.Youshallstandontopofit,putyourlipstothebrass
hornandblowforallthepeopletohear.ItscallwillremindtheUbykhswhotheyare!Thosewhohavebeen
disheartenedwillregainhope,andthosewhohaveforgotwhotheyarewillrediscoverthemselves.IfGodstillhas
mercyonuswewillhaveourmeeting!

Theoldmencheeredupandlookedtenyearsyounger.Istoodbeforethemnotknowingwhethertorejoiceorto
cry.

OURPRIESTSDEMISE

ItwasThursday,thedayweeldershadbeenwaitingforwithtrepidation.Theweatherwasdreary.Lowhanging
autumncloudsobscuredthesunastheyscurriedintothedistance.Theairsmelledofrain,butduststillswirledon
theroads.FlocksbelongingtotheJamhasarswerecomingdownfromthemountainsandheadingforourfields.
137

ArmedUbykhwatchmenthenightbeforehadshotinthedirectionofthenomadswhoinreturnfiredbackatour
guards.

Earlyinthemorning,asIdbeentold,Iclimbedthehillthathadascrawnytreeontopofit,ahornbeamplanted
theyeartheUbykhsarrivedinKarinjovasy.Obviously,thesoilwasntgoodforitsothepitifultreegrewwithfew
branches.UnderthatstuntedtreeanddeepinsidearockynichewasthehawklikeBytkha.Istoodoppositethe
shrine,wonderingwhethertobeginblowingthehorn,whetherI,mylungsalreadysoweak,couldblowhard
enoughsotheclarioncallcouldbeheardbyhundredsofpeople.ButIhadnochoice.Soplacingmylipsonthe
mouthpiece,Iwassurprisedmyselfbythesoundthatcamefromthehornsfierythroat.Withregainedconfidence
inmyownstrength,Icontinuedblowing.AtfirstIturnedtofacetheeast,thenthewestwithouttakingthehorn
frommymouth.Soonmybackwasturnedtothenorthandthentothesouth.Iblewhard.Icaughtmybreathand
blewthehornonceagain.Thebloodrushedtomytemples.Thehornhadsoundeddifferentinthemountains.
Therethemountainsechoeditscall,andthewindblowingfromtheseakeptitfrombeingcarriedaway.Buthere
thehornsappealsurgedlazilyupwardstothelowclouds,andstayedthereasifsinkingintocotton.

Thenitbegantorain.Ikeptblowing,strainingmylungsassweatdrippeddownmyface,mixingwiththerain.The
horndidnotsing,butsoundedmorelikeashipsendingoutsignalsofdistress.

Iwasexhaustedandsatdownunderthetreeplacingthehornonthegroundtomyright.Thedrizzlingstoppedand
thesunpeekedthroughtheraggedclouds.Themeetingwastotakeplaceatnoon,soIcouldhavegonehomeand
comebackintime.ButIwantedtosittherebymyselfandthink.SoIstayed.

DidtheUbykhshearthecallofthehorn?Whataretheythinkingaboutnow?Andiftheycomeatnoonwillthey
listentoSoulakh?Myanxietygraduallygavewaytoablissfulsenseofpeace.IthinkIevendozedoff.Throughmy
halfclosedeyelidsIcouldseethemountainsenvelopedinmorningfog.Thesharpsnowcladpeaksshineda
primordialwhite.Alongtheslope,throughthelushgreenthicket,IcouldseethefoamingsurfaceoftheSochi
River,fallinginacascadefromthegraniteledges.Whenitreachedthevalleyitflowedmoreslowlyandbecame
transparent.Thepebblesontheriverbedreflectedthesun.Wherethestreamwasnarrowandthebankswere
hightheriverwascrossedbyasmallbridge.Istoodonthatbridgelookingintothewater,examiningmyyoung,
beardlessface.SuddenlyIcouldhearthebarelydistinguishablesoundofbrokenreeds.LookingbackIsawthree
roestimidlygoingdowntotheirwateringplace.Whatbeautifuleyestheyhadwithgorgeouslongeyelashes.Ihad
seenwomenwithsucheyesinmountainvillages.Ihadmyflintlockgunwithme,butitseemedashametoshoot
soIpushedmyweaponawayfromme.Whywasitsocold?Oh,myLord,itsthehorn.AtthatpointIwokeup.
Beforemewastheyellowbarrenplain.Thestuntedtree,likeGodsfool,whisperedsomethingtomewithitswet
foliage;Iwasgrippedbyfear.WherehadIbeenbutaminuteago?CouldIhavefallenasleep?No,no,Ihadnt
evenclosedmyeyes!ButhowcouldIhaveseenthatdreamlikevision?Orcanonedreamwithopeneyes?

Mythoughtswereinterruptedbyamancomingtowardthefootofthehill.Ilookedattheskytoseeifthesun
werealreadydirectlyoverhead.No,itwasntnoonyet,soifthemanwascomingtothemeetinghewasearly.He
hadnothingonhishead,waswearingalightshirtandboots.Icouldalreadymakeouthisfeatures.Ididntknow
him!Hewastall,thin,andhadgraysprinkledhairbrushedbackfromhisforehead.Whenhegotcloserhesmiled.

Goodday!Goodlucktoyou,Zaurkan.YouhavenoideahowhappyIamtoday.Andhehuggedme.

Iwishyouallthebest,stranger!

Whydoyousaystranger?Weknoweachotherverywell!YousharedyourfoodwithmewhenIlivedinyour
home.

Thenitdawnedonme:

Tagir!IsweartosacredBytkha,youremyadoptedbrotherTagir!

Itookthatgrayingmanintomyarms.ItwashardtobelievehehadoncebeenthechildMataandIoverhalfa
centuryagohadcarriedinourarmsnearlythewholewaytoOsmankoy.Hehadindeedlivedinourhomeuntil
Shardyn,sonofAlou,tookhimofftoIstanbulalongwithhisownson.Oh,howmymotherhadcriedbittertears

138

whenshesawofflittleTagir!Wecouldnttakeoureyesoffeachother.TheharderIlookedatTagirtheclearerI
couldseethelittleTagirinmymemoryseye.Yes,yes,thatshisnose,sostraight,andthosearehiseyes,soblue.

Well,thiswasafineplacetomeetagainrightinfrontofsacredBytkha.Thisistrulyaholyplace,Isaid.

ThecloudswerereflectedinTagirssmiling,blueeyes:

TheUbykhssacredplaceisoverthesea...LastnightwhenIgotbackfromIstanbulmywifetoldmeaboutyour
resurrection.Ididntwanttobotheryousolateatnight.IfoundoutfromSitthismorningthatyouwerehere.
ThenIheardthecallofthehorn.Yes,yourauntshusbandwasrighttosaythatifanyoneeverrosefromthedead
itwasourZaurkan.Ifyouhadreturnedhomeafterallthathashappenedtoyouanditwerethegoodolddays,the
peopleoftheCaucasuswouldhavemadeupsongsaboutyouandsungthemtotheapkhiartsa.Butjustthesame,
totheUbykhswhohaventlosttieswiththeirpast,yourreturnisagreatevent.Youhavebroughtthema
reminderoftheancientparable:Whenthemountainswereburdenedwithsorrowtheycouldntbeartheweight;
whenthepeopletookovertheweighttheydidnotbend.Thestoryofyourlifegivesstrengthofspirit,teaches
courageandpatience.

WhilehetalkedIlookedathimwithadmiration.Hehadbroadshoulders,alargeforeheadwithonlyonewrinkle
onitthatlookedmorelikeascar,andalongoliveneck.Hissmallmustache,barelycoveringhisupperlip,was
goinggray,buthiseyebrowswerestillblack.

Iwasgladtohear,Tagir,thatyoureknownasthepeoplesdefender.Thatsadmirable!Whatsthenewsin
Istanbul?

Badnews,Zaurkan!NoonecaresabouttheUbykhs.Everythingsinchaosinthegovernment.Ispentamonth
hauntinggovernmentoffices,butnoonedeignedtotakeseriouslythecomplaintsIwasmaking.Iaccomplished
nothingthere.Weareoutcasts...

Itwasalmostnoon.

Whatdoyouthink?Willanybodycome?Iasked.

Theelderswentfromdoortodoortellingpeopleaboutthemeeting.Andeverybodyheardthehorn.Somewill
comeperhaps!herepliedashepacedbackandforthonthemound.

TheUbykhshavebecomeorthodoxMuslims.TagirnoddedhisheadtowardBytkha.Theynolongerworshipit.
Whattheyneedisadifferentshrine...

Whatdoyoumean?

Beliefinfreedom!Butithastobeworshipedwithoutkneelingandwithweaponsinhand.

Howcanahandfulofpeoplefightagainstawholestate?

Ahandfulcant,youreright,butbeliefinfreedomshouldbethereligionofallpovertystrickenpeople.
Communalhostilitiesarenotduetohumannature,butarecontrivedbythoseinpower.Apoormanwillalways
understandhisownkind,nomatterwhatlanguagetheyspeak.Themastersofthelandshouldbethosewhowork
hardonit.Abetterfuture,likechildren,shouldbebornofharmony.

Apparentlyharmonysnotpartofhumannature.Whereverthereisday,thereisnight;whereverthereiswealth
thereispoverty.Onemanrejoiceswhileanothershedstears;anewborninfantgreetstheworldwhileadyingman
saysfarewell!No,itsnotinourpowertochangeallthis,Tagir.

Yourerightwhenitcomestolifeanddeath,dayandnight;butnotwhenitcomestopeople.Orhaventyou
heardthattheczarhasbeendeposedinRussia?..

Imnotdeaf...
139


Revolutionisnofairytale.ThelawofbrotherhoodisnowineffectinRussia.Nowitsnotruledbytherightofthe
mighty,butbytherightofallpeoples.Yourmotherspeople,theAbkhasians,havetheirownstatehood.Thehead
oftheAbkhasiangovernmentvisitedTurkeyjustlastyear...

Youcanimagine,Sharakh,whatastateofshockIwasin.IcametoworshipsacredBytkhaandsuddenlyIwas
listeningtosuchthings!NomatterhowhardItriedtopicturetheAbkhasiaofmychildhoodasaprosperous,
independentstate,myimaginationfailedme.

TheechoofeventsinRussiacanbeheardhere.Thesultanspowerishangingbyathread...Thepeopleherewill
gointomotion,too,andthen...

Whatthen?

Everythingwillchange,Zaurkan.Listen,Iwantyouradvice.MaybewhenthepeoplecometogetherIcouldgetup
andgivethemmyownopinionofwhatyouandIaretalkingabout...

Itsuptoyou,butIdontthinkitsappropriatehere.Imafraidyoullonlygetyourselfintrouble.Therehasnt
beenunityamongtheUbykhsinalongtime...

Whenthesunwasdirectlyoverheadpeoplebegancomingintwosandthrees.Noneofthemwerewomen.
Apparently,Muslimcustom,whichforbadetheirpresence,hadtakenrootamongtheUbykhs.Twoyoungmen
werecarryingawhitekidthatwashangingfromapolebythelegs.Theywerefollowedbytheeldersledbythe
priest.TagirandIwalkedoffthemoundbecauseonthedayofprayersnoonehadtherighttobetherebutthe
priest.AsIhadexpected,notmanypeoplecame.

Afterpraying,theprieststabbedthesacrificialgoat.Theyoungmendidntknowhowtoskintheanimalso
Tatlastandiditforthem.Thenhecutupthemeatandputthepiecesintoakettletoboil.Inthegoodolddays
eachkinshipgroupwassupposedtosacrificeagoat,butnowallofBytkhasworshiperscouldbarelyscrapeup
enoughmoneyforonegoat.Intheolddaysthegoatmeatwaseatenoffwide,freshplanetreeleaves.Buthere,
wheretherewerentanytreesformilesaround,somepeoplehadbroughtcornhusks.

Thegatheringwasasorrowfulsighttothosewhohadbeenfortunateenoughtoseethegenuineprayermeetings
ofthepast.WherewerethehandsomeridersintheirsmartCaucasiandress?Whereweretheceremonious
conversationsoftheeldersandtheobligingconductoftheyoung?Wherewerethedaringhorsemenwhoafter
theprayerritualwoulddotheirridingtricksincelebration?Whereweretheyoungwomen,braidstotheirfeet,
dancingslowlyontiptoes,theirarmsspreadlikewingswhileyoungmenonhorsebackgallopedaroundthe
dancers?Wherewerethezealoushorseswhowaitedimpatientlyfortheirriders,champingatthebit?Therewas
justoneshabbycamelgrazinginthedistance.Thepeoplegatheredweretiredandwornout,andtalkedabout
everythingbutsacredBytkha.ManywhosawTagircameovertoaskhimallabouthistriptoIstanbul.

ButrightthenSoulakh,inhissnowwhiteoutfit,wenttothetopofthemoundlookinglikeaghost.Inhisright
handheheldthetwigwiththeboiledheartandliverfromthegoatstillsteaming.Theoldmenatthefootofthe
moundtookofftheirhatsandkneeled.Ifollowedtheirexample.TomysurpriseTagirkneeledtoo.Buthewanted
tospeakhisownmind,Ithoughttomyself.

Mostofthosepresentcontinuedstanding.Someevensmoked.

Oh,AlmightyGod!beganSoulakh.Therewastotalsilence.Hisvoiceunsteadyandweak,thepriestwentonina
singsong:Oh,sacred,hawklikeBytkha,ourpatronanddefender!Blessus!Forgivethesinsofthewaywardand
giveusguidance.Donotcondemnusforourhumblesacrifice!Downonourkneesweputourhopeinyou.Hear
ourprayers,mostgraciousBytkha.

JustwhenIbeganthinkingthatnowonderourancestorsworshipedalmightyBytkha,thatitdefendedthemand
helpedthem,someoneinthebackrowbeganwhistling.Everyonelookedback.Amanwearingafadedarmy
uniformwaswhistlingwithfourfingersinhismouth.Peopletriedtogethimtohushup,butheboldlyaddressed
thegathering.
140


Wevebeenprayingallourlives,butwhatgooddoesitdo!GrandfatherprayedtoBytkha,andFatherkneeledin
frontofitlikeaparalytic,butwhatwastheuse?Ispentthreeyearsforthegloryofthesultan,rottinginthe
Balkansandsprinklingthelandwithblood.WhenIreturnedIhadnofather,nomother,nohome.Tellme,
honorableelder,whyhasthesacredBytkhabeensoblind,sodeaf,sohelplesstotakecareoftheinnocent?The
manspatonthegroundandwavedhishand:Itsallabiglie,nothingmore!

Haveyougonecrazy?shoutedSit,offendedbytheblasphemyoftheformersoldier.

Youcantsayawordinthemosque,andhereyouhavetobiteyourtongue,too!Wevehadmorethanenoughof
this!growledthesoldiersfriend.

Quiet,thatssacrilege!shoutedtheoldmanDaut.Butthesoldierandhisbuddydidntpayanyattention.

Bytkhaislongdeadandgone,andyou,Priest,arewastingyourtimeholdingthatgoatheartandliveronastickin
frontofit!exclaimedthesoldier.

Hisfriendsecondedhimashelaughed:

OrifitwerentforBytkhayouwouldntknowthetasteofheartandliver?

Everyonebeganshoutingandtheeldersandtheyounglockedhorns.

Didyouconspiretobreakupthisprayermeeting?howledTatlastan,wavinghisstaffintheairashefacedthe
youngpeople.

Tagirstartedupthemound.Hemusthavethoughtthetimewasripeforhimtosaywhathehadmeantto.Atthat
momentSoulakhthepriestdroppedthetwigwiththegoatsheartandliver.Andlikeasheettornoffthelineby
thewind,allinwhite,hethrewuphishandsandcollapsedrightinfrontofBytkha.

Theoldmanwaspickedupandcarriedhome.Thatsamenight,withoutregainingconsciousness,hepassedaway.

MANSOU,SONOFSHARDYN

Oh,mydearSharakh!IfIhaventwornyououtcompletelyalready,pleasetakesomemorefruitfromthetreeof
mymemories.

IhatedShardyn,sonofAlou,morethananyoneelse.IblamedhimforallthetroublesoftheUbykhsandour
family.Thatsacrilegeousmanwasresponsibleforthedisgraceandruinofmysisters.Evenhistormentindeath
couldnotappeasemythirstforrevenge.IstillconsideredmyselfamortalenemyofShardyn,sonofAlou,wishing
thateveninHellthedevilwasstillcarryinghimonabayonet.

WhenIsettledinKarinjovasy,IwassurprisedthatMansou,theoffspringofmyfathersfosterbrother,waslivingin
splendor.Thepeasantsworkedhislandforhimwithoutpay.Youwouldthinkthatthesonofastatecriminal,the
warministersassassin,wouldatbestbemadeacommonerandnotliveoffthelaborofothers.Butitseemsthe
nobilityhavetheirownlaws.Ifapoormanlikemyselfcommitsacrimethewholefamilyiswipedout,butifthe
samecrimeiscommittedbyanoblemanhisheirsarenotheldresponsible.AndsoMansouwastakencareof.He
wasarake,denseheaded,buthisbloodwasnoble.Itwouldntdoforanoblemantobeafarmer,otherwisethe
commonfolkmightthinkthesystemonearthwasnotestablishedbyAllah,butthecunningdevil,andwouldlose
theirrespectforthenobility.

WhenShardyn,SonofAlou,waskilled,Mansousmother,withsomedifficulty,senttheheirtoFrance.Butshe
diedtwoyearslater,beforehereturned.Hewasarecklessyoungman,volatileandnotbadlooking.Hewentinto
businessandgotmixedupwithsomecheatinggamesters,sohespentthenightsincasinos.Onedayhewas
caughtredhandedinsomefishydealanddecidedhedbebetteroffinKarinjovasy.Imyourlord,hereminded
141

theUbykhstherewhenhearrived.Youmusthonorandobeyme.Thepeoplerecognizedhimastheirlordand
submitted.

TheUbykhsjustneverlearnedtheirlesson;theoldwayswereinstilledinthemtoodeeply.Theybowedtheir
heads;anditdoesnttakelongtoputayokeonabowedneck,youknow.Thegovernmentdisplayeditsgenerosity
bygivinghimplentyoflandasiftosay:goahead,andenjoylife.Havingmuchexperienceinshadytransactions,
thenewlyarrivedleaderoftheUbykhstookuptheresaleofcotton.Hedidquitewellandsoonthepennylesslord
wasworthaconsiderablesumofmoney.Thehomehebuilt,thebestwithinfiftymiles,wasenviedbyAuHazret
Pasha.MansouwasnttheleastbitinterestedinhowhisfellowUbykhsweredoing.Allhecaredaboutwasthat
theyworkedonhislandandregardedhimtheirlord.Likefather,likeson:Mansouhadallhisfathershabitsand
passions.IdidmybesttostayawayfromShardynsson,butSittookillsoIhadtogoonceaweektoworkin
Mansousfields,eithertograzehiscattleortohoe.

AtthatpointtheUbykhsandJamhasarswerefightingoveradozensheep.Thechief,JavadBeycomplainedtothe
governorthattheUbykhshadslaughteredhissheep.ThreeUbykhsweredetainedandinterrogated,buttherewas
noevidenceagainstthem.Themenwerereleasedonlyafterbeingwhipped,justincasetheywereguilty.Javad
Beywasfuriousthathissheepweregoneandtheculpritsnotfound.SoheherdedhiscamelsonUbykhfields.The
Ubykhsshotathiscamelsandthemenherdingthem.Thegunfirewasreturnedandforthreedaysthefighting
persisted.Meanwhile,JavadBey,accompaniedonhorsebackbyhisguards,wenttovisitMansou,sonofShardyn.
Theysatandfeasted,hadagreattime,dranktoeachothershealth,andbraggedabouthowmanypeopleeach
sidehadfinishedoff.

TheeldersgatheredinSitshomeandcouldntcomeupwithabetterplanthantosendmetoMansoubegging
himtoreachanagreementwithJavadBeytostopthebloodshed.

Cantyouthinkofanyonebetter?Iprotested.

Yourfatherswerefosterbrothers,theyremindedmeandaddedthatnooneelsecouldgobutme.

Well,letmetellyou,Sharakh,IwishyourenemiesthesameluckIhadinbeingchosenbyourelders.TheminuteI
openedtheirongatedecoratedwithsomekindoffantasymonsters,aguardappearedoutofnowhere.

Whatdoyouwant?

MynameisZaurkanZolak.ImthemastersrelativeandIdliketoseehim.

Yousayyourearelative?ZaurkanZolak?Whataname!Canbarelypronounceit!Iveneverheardofhimhaving
sucharelative.

Helookedmeoverfromtoptobottomwithsuspicionandthencommanded:

Getoutofhere,yousimpleton!

Well,Ihopeyourmasterdoesntskinyourhideforsuchimpertinencetoarelative.

Themasterisbusy!Hesgotimportantcompany,notthelikesofyou!AuHazretPashaandtheFrenchgeneralare
here.Sogetlost!Youhearme?Getoutofhere!

Well,whatelsecouldIdo?Istoodthereforawhileandthenwentonhome.WhenIwaswalkingnexttothefence
whichsurroundedtheyardIheardsomejovialtalking.Ileanedagainstthemetalrailsandsawfourmen.Among
themwasMansouhewasallsmiles.Ihadnotroublerecognizinghim;helookedsomuchlikeShardyn.Tohisleft
wasathickset,barrellikeTurkwearingglitteringepaulettesandsmokingalongpipe.ThatsAliHazretPasha,I
figured.ToMansousrightwasatallthinman,acaneinhishandandspeakingloudlyinalanguageIcouldnt
understand.IguessthatstheFrenchgeneral,Ithought.AshortdistanceawaywasJavadBey,atallmanina
whitecloak.Thatshowhewasdescribedbypeoplewhohadseenhim.

142

Themensatdownatthetablelaidoutwithfruits,sherbet,andnuts.Theextortionistsdontlivebadly,wasmy
thought.Allthatslackingisacockfight,Imused.Justthentwoservantscameupwithtwococks.Whentheyset
themdowntheredcockviolentlyattackedthewhiterooster.Theyfoughtsohardthefeathersflew.Thenthey
weresuddenlypulledapart.Theirfeathersruffled,theirwingsoutspread,thecockssharpenedtheirbeaksagainst
thegroundandbenttheirheads.Blinkingtheireyes,theywatchedeachotherangrilyforabriefmoment,andthen
againrushedintobattle.Theircombswerebloody,andeachcockhadtheothersfeathersinitsbeak.Theguests
andmasterweredyingoflaughterastheyeggedonthefighters,whistlingandthrowingnutsatthem.

Icouldntstanditanymore.Ipushedmyselfawayfromthefence,clenchedmyfistsand,boilingwithrage,hurried
asfastasIcouldawayfromthatsickeningscene.

Theyarepittingusagainstourneighborsthewaytheygetthosecockstofighteachother.Theylaughwhen,the
cockstangleandtheycertainlygetakickoutofwatchingpeoplequarrel;theyevenhavesomethingtogain:when
weignorantpeasantsarefightingeachother,ourlordshavelesstroublefromus.

ThenextdaywhenIheardMansousguestshadleft,Iwentbacktothatdamnedirongateagain.Iopenedthegate
andanotherguardondutyaskedme:

Whatdoyouwant?

ItoldhimIwantedtoseeMansou,sonofShardyn,myfathersfosterbrother.

Doyouseethatsaddledhorse?Ourmasterisgoinghunting.Hesgotnotimeforyou!

Iwonttakelong.Ijusthavetosayafewwords.

Icantletyouin!Ivebeenorderednottoletanyonein!

WhileIwastryingtopersuadetheguard,Mansou,sonofShardyn,camedownfromhisbalconyintotheyard.He
hadonthighboots,astrawhat,andadoublebarreledgunoverhisshoulder.

Iwaswearingatunic,Circassiancoat,andhadmydaggeratmywaist.SeeingastrangerinclothesnoTurkwould
wear,hecameovertome.

Goodday!IgreetedhiminUbykh.InsteadofansweringmygreetinghesaidinTurkish:

Whoareyou?

Ifyoulookcloselyyoumightremember!

Haventgotthetimetobotherlookingatyouclosely!

ImZaurkanZolak.Ourfatherswerefosterbrothers.

Oh,themukhtartoldmeaboutyou...Windingthewhiparoundthetopofhisthighboots,hegrinned,Soyoure
theonewhomurderedthenoblepasha...

Iwasnttheonlyoneinourfamilytocommitsuchacrime,Icouldnthelpsaying,hintingthathisfatherhad
killedthewarminister...Iwaspardonedunderthemanifesto.

Themanifesto,yousay?Whatdoesthemanifestohavetodowithit?Youreamurderer;yourhandsarestained
withblood...saidMansou,sonofShardyn,scowling.

Ihavenotcomeonmyownaccount...

Yousaywererelatives?

143

Mygrandmothernursedyourfather.

OhLord,thatwassolongago!Thatsallburiedinoblivion.Whatdoyouwantfromme?

Excusemefortakingyourtime,butIamjustagobetween,

Forwhom?

ForyouandyourfellowUbykhs.

Mansou,sonofShardyn,becamecautious.

AndjustwhatdomyfellowUbykhswant?

TheywantyoutoreachanagreementwithJavadBeyaboutendinghostilities.Toomuchbloodhasbeenspilled.

Whoareyoutobesorryforspilledblood.ThefightingwillendwhentheUbykhsstopstealing.Youcantellthatto
thosewhosentyouhere.

Makingitclearthematterwasclosed,hewenttowardhissaddledhorseand,aftertakingafewsteps,turned
around:

Whatdaysdoyouworkforme?

MondaysandTuesdays.

Yourememberedmyfathersname.ForthatIfreeyouofonedayswork.YouonlyhavetocomeonTuesdays.
Buttoday,sinceyourealreadyhere,youcanjustaswellhelpoutmyservants.Hey,Hasan,showhimwhattodo!

Hemountedhishorseandwentoffalongthebigroadwherehewashiddeninacloudofdust.WhydidntIbreak
alegonmywaytothisillfatedplace?Icursedmyself.

ThemannamedHasan,ablackeyedhulkwithanunshavenface,tookmetoawoodpileandpointedtotheax:

Dontwasteanytime;getdowntowork!

WhenIfinishedchoppingthewood,thatbull,Hasan,tookmeintothegardenandhandedmearake:

Here,rakeupthehay!

Thesunwasstraightoverhead.Mystomachwasgrowlingforfood.Ihadonlyonethought:togetontheotherside
ofthefence.ButthenthatblubberyHasantookmetothekennel:

Thedogshavetobebathed.RollupyoursleevesandIllpourwateroutofthepitcher.

Ihaddonejustabouteveryjobinmylifetime,butbathingdogswasnotoneofthem.Iwasdressedlikeatrueman
ofthemountainwithmyCaucasiandaggeronmybelt.Tohellwithallthosedogs!Ihadnevereventouchedadog,
letalonewashone.

Whatsthematter?Areyoudeaforsomething?Rollupyoursleeves,youbeggar!shoutedtheservant.

Icantdoit,Iexplainedangrily.

Mayyoubestruckbytheplague!Whatdoyoumeanyoucantdoit?

144

Heclenchedhisfist,butheshouldveknownbetter.IpulledoutmydaggerandthefatandbulkyHasan,whose
relativeswouldgetherniascarryinghimtothecemetery,seemedlighterthanabutterflywhenheflewofftothe
kitchenandjustassuddenlyvanishedbehindthedoor.Irushedoutofthatplacemayitberavagedbythieves!

WhatupsetmemostasIwalkedalongtheroadwasthethoughtofmygrandmotherburiedinfarawayUbykhia.

Maythistlesgrowthroughyourbones,Icursedundermybreath.Whenyouwerebathingyourfostersonandyou
pouredmilkintothepaninsteadofwater,whydidntyourhandswitherandfalloff?Youwashedhiminmilkand
nowhisrascalofasonismakingmewashhisdogs!Damnhimandallhisdogs.

IdidntknowwhyIfeltsuchpaininmysunkenstomachwasitfromhungerorfromangeratmyowndeceased
grandmother?ThefurtherawayIgotfromtheestateofMansou,sonofShardyn,thewiderbecamethegapthat
nowseparatedthetwoofus.Ineverwantedtoseethelouseagain.

ASTANZOLAK

IsthereanyoneleftintheZolakkinshipgroup?IaskedAuntHimzhazhthedayafterIarrivedinKarinjovasy.

Theresonlyoneandheslikethemulethatwhenasked,Whosyourfather?answered,Mymotherisahorse.

Whoisheanyway?

Youmustrememberhim,althoughwhenwecametoTurkeyhewasayoungboy.HisnameisAstan.Hesthe
grandsonofblindSakut,theapkhiartsaplayer.Hisgrandfather,blesshissoul,diedbackinSamsun.Butthe
grandsonisstillalive...

Asyouremember,Sharakh,SakutdiddiebackinSamsun,butIforgottotellyouthatSakutwasaZolak.Inthose
daysIstillhadalotofcloserelatives.ButinKarinjovasytherewereonlytwoUbykhsfromtheoncelargeZolak
kinshipgroup:myselfandSakutsgrandsonAstan.Newstravelsfast,sohemusthaveknownaboutmyarrival
there.AlthoughhewasyoungerthanI,hedidnthurrytoSitshomesaying:Myonlyrelative,Imgladyouvere
turned.However,ifthemountainwillnotcometoMuhammad,Muhammadmustgotothemountain.Itwas
summertimeandthesunwasnotyetblazingasusualwhenIwenttovisitAstan.Thepeachtreebrancheswith
theiramberfruits,peeringthroughthefoliage,restedagainstthefence.Smokefromthehearthroseupabovethe
ramshacklemudhut.InthedistanceIcouldseethecowshedandapileofmanurenearbywaitingtobecleaned
up.Anelderly,thinmanwithpricklygrayeyebrowswassittingunderatreesharpeninghisaxonagrindstone.

Goodday.IdliketoseemyrelativeAstanZolak,IsaidinaloudvoiceinUbykh.

Theoldman,puttinghispalmuptohisforeheadtoshadehiseyes,tookagoodlookatme.Evenifsomeonehe
didntcarefororanenemywalkedintotheyard,customdictatedthathemuststandupatonce,buthedidnot.

Hello!Ifyoudontmind,ImAstanZolak!Andwho,mayIask,areyou?heinquiredinTurkish.

Youdontrecognizeme?ThensearchyourmemoryandseeifyourememberamanbythenameofZaurkan
amongtheZolaks?

Astanputdownhisaxandlookedaroundtocheckifanyonecouldhearourconversation:

Zaurkanyousay?Yes,therewassuchanoutlaw,Iremember...anoddtype...Hegotallworkedupbecausesome
pashaabductedhissistersandsohemurderedtheseducer.Thefoolwasexecuted!

IfhewasexecutedthenIvebeenresurrectedbecausehereIam,yourbrother!

Stopjoking!Ihaventgotanybrothersorsisters.Theyalldied...

145

Soyoureallydontrecognizeme?YouthinkImanimposter?

Thedeadarenotreborn.JusttheinfidelsimaginedtheirprophetJesuswasresurrected.

IcanshowyouadocumentsayingIwasreleasedfromprisonunderthesultansmanifesto.Comeon,lookcloser.
YourenotblindlikeyourgrandfatherSakut.Ifyouwant

IllrecitethesonghesangwhenwewereleavingUbykhia.Youwerejustaboythen,hisguide.

Letslookbackatourmountains,
Theydontknowwhereweregoing.
Letslookbackandleavethemoursong
Towanderlikeanecho
Fromonemountaintoanother.
Ifachildleavesitsmother,
Themotheristoblame.
Butisshereallytoblame?
Isshereallytoblame?
Whyareyouleaving,children?
WhathaveIdonetoyou,children?
Ourlandiscrying;
Ourlandisasking.
Forgiveusunfortunateones,
Forgiveus!
Wehavenopowertostay.
Wecanleaveyou
Onethingonly:oursouls.
Weareleavingforever.
Forever,oursoulsremain.

Lordblessthesoulofthemanwhocreatedthatsong.Mayherestinpeaceunderthelonehornbeamtreenear
Samsun.

Astansfaceseemedtosoften.Ieventhoughthedjumpupandembraceme.ButIwasmistaken.Astancontinued
sittinginfront.ofhisgrindstoneasthoughnothinghadhappened.

Iveneverheardofamancondemnedtodeathstayingalive.Congratulations,Zaurkan,butdontbeoffendedI
canttakeyouin...Whereareyoustayingnow?

WithSit,althoughaccordingtocustomitsyourdutytogivemeshelter,evenifIwereafugitivefromjustice.

Oldcustomsarelikeoldclothesyoudiscardwhenworntoolong.

IfIhadbeenexecutedyouwouldvebeenobligedtoavengemydeath.

Wherehaveyoubeen?Ididntevenseekrevengeformyfathersdeath.MaybeIwontgotoheavenforthat,but
allIcareaboutisbeingleftalonewhileImstillalive.Idontoweanybodyanything.

Dontworry!Idontwantanythingfromyou.Ijustwantedtoseeyou.Afterall,werenotstrangers,youknow...

WhenheheardIwasntgoingtoaskhimforanything,Astangaveasighofrelief:

Youreluckyyoucanstillwork.Ifyouasknicelymaybeyoullgetsomeland.Thenmaybeyouwillbebetteroff
andbreathemorefreely.

WerethelastoftheZolaks.Itwouldbeashameforourfamilytodieout.
146


Ithrewmynametothedevil,saidAstan,andtookmySharualwifesname.

Howdoyoulikethat!Sincewhendoesamantakehiswifesname?

Thatsnonsense.Amanslikeapumpkinandhisnamesliketheseeds.Whenyoucleanoutthepumpkintomake
aladleyouthrowouttheseeds.

Dontbeblasphemous,youfool!

TheUbykhwhohadchangedhisnamelaughed,butwithnohumorinhisvoice:

Ha!Ha!Ha!Oh,thatsjustfalsepride.ItwasallrighttoshowoffwhenwewereinUbykhia.Irememberback
homeifpeoplesawasquashthathadlostitsstemitwasthrowntothecowsforfeed.Meatleftoverfromafeast
wasnotservedtocompanythenextmorning.IfanUbykhmarriedagirlfromafamilybelowhisstatushewould
eitherhavetogetridofherorresignhimselftobeinganoutcastalongwithher.Itdidntmatterifwehadtogo
hungryallyearround,aslongasweservedourgueststhebestfood.WeUbykhstookupjustatinypartofthe
Caucasus,butourarrogancewasinfinite.Andwhatdidwegetforit?

Yourejustmakingexcusesforyourself!Imanelderstandinginfrontofyou,andyetyouhaventevenaskedme
tositdown.

Theresplentyofroomforyoutositdownwhereveryouwant!hewavedhishandinasemicirclearoundthe
yard.

Whatgorgeouspeachesarehangingoveryourhead,butyouhaventevenofferedmeone,youmiser.

Ifyouwantpeaches,pickthemoffthetree.Helpyourself.

Ihavetostandouthereintheyardtotalktoyou.Youwonteveninvitemeintothehouse.

Itshotinthere...AndanywayIwouldimagineinprisonyouhadenoughofsittingbetweenfourwalls.

Youshouldatleastintroducemetoyourwife!

Ihavetwoofthem.BothareSharuals.

Wherearethey?

Athome.Theyredoingthehouseworkandbickering,asusual.

Howcanyoupossiblyaffordtwowives?

AtonetimeIcould;notanymore.ButIstillhavethewives.Youwantmetointroduceyoutothem,butdoyou
haveanypresentsforthem?

Isntmeetingarelativebetterthananygift?

Isntfreshairbetterthanastuffyhouse?heridiculed.Thenheaddedwithconciliation,butstillfeelinghewasin
theright,Sitdownawhile.Mywiveswillbakebread,makecoffee,andIllcallovermyneighbor,oldMahmed.
Theresatimeforeverything.

Doyouhavemanychildren?

Twoofthem,asonbyeachwife.

Andtheirnamesaretheirmothersoryours?
147


MynewnameKazancioglu...ItsoundsgoodtoTurksandkeepsusabovesuspicion...

SowhereareyourKazancioglusons?

Ihaventheardfromoneofthemforoverayear.Hegotmixedupwithagangofthieves,thefool.Maybehesin
jail,ormaybehesbeenshot,whothehellcares.Theotheroneisallright.HelivesinKonyaandworksforashop
owner.Heworkshardforaliving.Hesmarried,butIveneverseenhiswifeorchildren.

Whatapityyoudonthaveyourgrandchildrenhere.Iftheywererunningaroundthisyardyouwouldntbeso
lonelyinyouroldage.

Oh,Zaurkan,takingcareofchildren,worryingabouthowyouregoingtofeedthemisonebigheadache.Ijust
couldntaffordit.Theyrebetteroffwheretheyare.Iffatewillsittheyllgrowup,andhopefullybecomewealthy
people.

Howdoyoumakeyourliving?

Iherdgeeseforourlord,HuseinEffendi.Threeofusworkforhimtakingturnseverythreedays.

Whatsamandoingherdinggeese!Herdingsheeporhorsesisadifferentmatter,butcacklinggeese?

Youcertainlyarearrogant.Haventyouevereatengoosemeat?Youshouldtryit;itsdelicious.Justthinking
aboutshishkebabmadeoutofgoosemeatmakesyourmouthwater.Andthefeathersarentlikestraw.Husein
Effendimakesalotofmoneyoffhisgeese.Itsnoteasytakingcareofthestupidfowl,butImusedtoitnow.

Astanbegantellingmeaboutthegeesethewayahorsekeepertalksabouthischarges.Whilehewastalkinga
womaninaveilcameoutofthehouse.Shepickedupasmallarmfulofbrushwoodfromapileintheyardand,
withoutsayingaword,wentbackinside.

IwatchedherasshewalkedandaskedAstan:

Dontyouthinkitsstrange,Astan,thatyouandI,twoUbykhs,aretalkingindifferentlanguages:Imtalking
UbykhandyourespeakinginTurkish?Haveyouforgotyournativelanguage?

Youmightsaythat.IunderstandeverythingyouresayingandIeventhinkinUbykh,butitseasiertospeakin
Turkish.Andmywivestalkandfightinthatlanguage.Icantjusttalktomyselflikesomekindofanimbecile.
SometimeswhenHuseinEffendiwantsagoodlaughheasksmetospeakUbykh.AllIhavetodoisstarttalkingand
hedoublesupwithlaughter:Itslikebirdtalk,hesays.Comeon,keepchittering.Thatdaggeryourewearingon
yourbelt:itsprobablybecomedullandrusty,justextraweightyourecarryingaround.Itsthesamewithour
language.Sodontjudgetooharshly.

Itookmydaggeroutofitssheath.Itsparkledmenacinglyinthesun.ThewholeyardandAstanhimselffiteasilyon
itsmirrorlikeblade.Everythingaroundmeseemedsosmallcomparedtowhatthatblade,coldasasnowcapped
mountain,symbolizednow.MyheartbeatfastlikeitdidintheAfricandesertinthemiddayheatwhentherewas
noairtobreathe.IrealizedIhadtogetawayfromthereatonce;myheadwasthrobbing.

Dontforget,Astan,thatweareofthesamebloodandifyoueverneedmeyoucanfindmeinSitshome.Drop
by,mybrother.Solongfornow!

Goodbye,henodded,andpickinguphisax,heresumedsharpeningit.

Itwasntwiththatax,butwithanother,invisibleax,thatAstanchoppeddownthetreeofourfraternity.The
womanwearingaveilandwhosenameheused,couldthrowthedeadtwigsofthatfelledtreeintothecrimson
fireoftheirhearth.

148

Yes,theZolakfamily,afamilyofboldhorsemenandwarriorsfamous,throughoutUbykhia,haddied,andbecause
ofAstanithaddiedwithoutglory,andeveninshame.Theysayeverythingdependsoncircumstances.Ifthatsthe
casethenitwouldbesillytoblameAstanalone.Hewasavictim,andthecircumstancesweretheaxoverhishead.
Anyway,whatgoodhadIdone?Ihadnofamily,nochildren.Iwasjustdriftingthroughlifeandwaslikeamoss
coveredoaktreestruckbylightning:itdoesntburn;itsmoulders.Intheendnothingremains.TheZolakfamilywill
disappearwithoutatraceasthoughithadneverexisted.Buthowcoulditbe;howcouldawholetribevanish?
Howcouldalanguage,spokenforsomanycenturies,ceasetoexist?Alanguageinwhichpeoplepraisedand
criticizedeachother,sanglullabiestotheirchildren,talkedaboutwaystomakealiving,madeoaths,chattered
idly,cursedandprayed!Wasthisfatepreordainedorwasittheresultofsomeonesdestructivemistake?Could
suchathinghappentoourpeopleifitssonswerealllikeTagir?No,iftheywerealllikehewaswewouldnothave
cometoruin,wasmyconclusion.

Mythoughtsrushedhaphazardlythroughmyheadlikeamanstumblingthroughanunfamiliarthicket.Ifeltso
thoroughlylostandconfusedthatIdontevenknowhowIendedupinfrontofasmallhouseattheendofadusty
lane.

TheonlyplaceIcouldgettheanswerstothosenaggingquestionswasinthatquiet,humble,whitewashedmud
hutbuiltbyTagir.

ANEWSPAPERFROMABKHASIA

Tagirshome,likeanyotherpeasanthouse,wasplainandcramped,butnotadaywentbywithoutsomeone
comingtovisit.Everyonefeltwelcometherebecauseanywordspokenfromtheheartwillenteranothers.There
wasnowaytogetjusticewiththemukhtar.Itwasuselessevengoingtohim.Tagirsdoorswerealwaysopen:
Tagirwouldgiveadvice,writeoutacomplaint,butmostimportantly,hewouldlisten,comfortandjudgewhowas
rightorwronginadispute.Peoplecametohimevenforherbalmedicinealthoughhehadntlearnedmedicinein
Istanbul.TheirtrustinhimforcedhimtoknowthesethingsandTagirlearnedallaboutmedicaltreatmentinold
books.Themukhtarenviedandhatedhim.HewasbesidehimselfthatsomeUbykh,whowasnotendowedwith
power,wassoreveredbytheemigres.Theirspiritualleaderwasntamullah,butasimpleteacher,acommoner
whosefatherandmothernoonecouldremember.Ahhah,suchpeoplehadtobewatchedveryclosely.Sothe
mukhtarplacedTagirundersurveillanceandwrotereportsabouthimtoMiHazretPasha.Tagirknewthat,buthe
wouldntbackdown;herefusedtobecowardly.

NoticingIhadwalkedintotheyard,Tagircametothedoor:

Zaurkan,haveaseatintheshadeawhileandrest.Illbewithyouinaminute.Somepeopleareheretoseeme.

Aguestisinthehandsofhishost,Irespondedandsatdownintheshade.

Gulizar,Tagirswife,quicklybroughtmeacupofcoffee.ShewasTurkish,fromIstanbul.Theslender,dark
complexioned,friendlywoman,whodidntwearaveilorshyawayfrommen,remindedmeofFeldysh;everytime
Isawhermyheartskippedabeat.Gulizar,whomTagirhadmarriedlateinlife,understoodourlanguage,butshe
couldntspeakit.Theyhadtwoboys,andnotlikethosewhowereplayingintheroadwhenSitandIweregoingto
Soulakhthepriest.TagirsboyswerebroughtuptobepoliteliketheUbykhsoftheCaucasus.Soon,afterTagirsaw
offthevillagerswhohadcometoseehim,hecalledtome:

Comein,Zaurkan.Excusemeformakingyouwaitsolongintheyard.Iwaswritingapetitionforthepeasants.

Tagirledmeintoasmallroomconnectedtoalargerone.ItwasthefirsttimeIdbeeninit.Iwassurprisedbythe
numberofbooksintheroom.ItwasunheardofforanUbykhtohavebooksinhishome.YetTagirhadawhole
library.Sharakh,youarealsoabigreader,Imsure.ButImlikeablindmanwhenitcomestoreading,ifIhad
openedupevenonebookinTagirsroomandtriedtofigureitout,itwouldhavebeenuseless.Ilookedatthose
booksandthethoughtcrossedmymindthatifyoucouldreadallthosebooksyoucouldputanygrandvizierinhis
place.

149

Pointingtothewalls,Tagirsaid,Youllfindancientandrarebooksthereonthoseshelves.WeUbykhsarenotjust
weeds;wehaveagreatpast.WewerewrittenaboutbymenoflettersinancientGreek,Arabic,Turkishandmany
otherlanguages.Weendedupinthissadstatebecauseofourdeceitfulleaders.Iftheyhadnttalkedthepeople
intoemigrating,wewouldbeastrongnationtoday.

Howdidyougetallthesebooks?

Shardyn,sonofAlou,gaveMansoualotofmoney.WhileweweregoingtoschoolIwasforcedtobehis
irresponsiblesonsconfidant.Hegavememoneytobuybooksbecausehewantedmetostudyforthetwoofus.
Hewastoobusyhavingagoodtimetoreadbooks,soIwouldtellhimwhattheywereaboutandhewouldpayme
extrafortheservice.ThatshowIcollectedmytreasureyoureseeing.

Tagirpulledupachairandhadmesitdownatatablewithathickmanuscriptonit.

This,Zaurkan,isthehistoryoftheUbykhsfromancienttimestillthepresent.Ivebeenwritingitforalongtime.If
IlivelongenoughIllfinishit.Thelivingchangeandthechanginglive.Maybethedaywillcomewhenweasa
peoplewilldisappear,beassimilatedandremainonlyamemory,butmybookwilltelltheworldaboutus,about
ourgreatnessandourdecline.

Thatsanoblepursuit!Goodlucktoyou!Irememberhowourfathers,evenwhentheywerelosingabattle,
wouldsingthesongofheroes.Thesongbolsteredtheirfalteringmoraleandputfearintotheirenemies.Your
bookislikethesongofheroes.Withoutitwewontevenberemembered.Butthewrittenwordiseternal:itwill
bereadbypeoplewhowillsaywithrespect:ThroughouttheirexistencetheUbykhsneverlosttheircourage.

Thankyou,Zaurkan!

Tagirstrokedthemanuscriptlikeastrictfatherwouldpathisbelovedson,andIcouldnthelpbutcomparewhat
IdheardtherewithwhatIdheardatAstanshouse.AtAstansthespiritsaidaprayerforthedyingandatTagirs
itmadeatoasttohealth;atAstansthespiritwasdecliningandatTagirsitreignedsupreme.Tagirpickedupapen
fromthetable.

Doyouknowwhatthisis?

Yes,itsforwriting.

Believeme,Zaurkan,itsstrongerthananysaber.IfweUbykhs,liketheGeorgians,forinstance,hadhadawritten
language,wewouldhavehadaweaponthatcouldnthavebeentakenawayfromus.Imsosurenothingwould
havehappenedtous.Ifapeoplecanreadandwritetheywillneverperish.Ourforefathersaretoblameforour
disastrousplight.ManymountaineerswhohavecometoTurkeyhavewokenup,betterlatethannever.The
Abkhasianshavedevisedanalphabet;theywanttobeliterateandtheyaretryingtostartschoolsfortheir
children.ThesamewiththeAdighes.AndI,Tagirpulledtowardhimapileofpaperwithwritingoneverypage,
havemadeupanUbykhalphabet.Takingupthefirstpage,hesaid:See,thesearethe1etters:a,b,c...

Oh,Tagir,eveniftheywerentsosmall,butthesizeofanelephantIstillwouldntunderstandthem.Donteven
tryandteachme.Evenglasseswouldnthelp.

Ifyouweretheonlyonelikethatitwouldbeapity,butwheneveryoneslikethatitsatragedy.Thatsallthereis
toit.IfIcouldgetpermissionfromtheauthoritiestoopenupanUbykhschoolforourchildrenIdusemyhomefor
aclassroomandwouldteachwithnopay.Openingdaywouldbethehappiestdayofmylife.

IheldthemanuscriptofthereaderonthepalmofmyhandwiththesametendernessasifIwerecarryinganew
bornbabe:

Isupposeyourbookisagoodthingandprobably,justbecauseImsobackwardIcantfullyappreciateyourwork.
Excusemeforsayingthis,butIveheardTurksclaimourlanguagecouldneverbewrittendownonpaperbecause
itstoomuchlikebirdtalk.HuseinEffendicallsitabuzzardlanguage.

150

HuseinEffendihasapumpkinforahead.Thereisntalanguageanywherethatcantbewrittenonpaper.IfonlyI
couldgetthisreaderprintedandopenupaschool.Imhopeful.

AndIthinkyoushouldbe.

Tagirpickedupbothmanuscripts,evenedouttheedgesofthepages,andputtheminatrunkstandinginthe
corner.Gulizarbroughtincupsofhotblackcoffeejustoffthefire.

Tagirrestedhisheadonthepalmofhishandandranhisfingersoverhismustache.Isippedmycoffee.Iwasso
comfortableandcalm,asthoughIweresittinginmyownhomeinUbykhia.Tagirrolledhimselfacigaretteand
begansmoking.Hiswordscametomeinacloudofsmoke:

ImforeverthinkingaboutUbykhiawhichIrememberlikeasweetchildhooddream.Ivealreadytoldyouthat
Russia,includingtheCaucasus,isnowgovernedbythepeople.Doyourealizewhatthatmeans?Therewillnever
beanyinternecinewarsorstrifebetweenethnicgroups,nomorefightingbetweenthepeoplesinhabitingRussia.
Allpeoplehavebeenproclaimedbrothers.Ifonlywehadntleftourcountrywedbeallrighttoday!Icantbelieve
anyotherpeoplehashadsuchbitterrepentanceasours.Itssodamnedfrustrating.

Hesighedsodeeplyitwasasifhewereweepinginside!Thenanothercloudofsmokecoveredhisface.

Ijustcantbelieveit.Icantimagine,forinstance,AliHazretPashachangingfromawolfintoalamb,dividinghis
landupandsharingitwithsomeonelikeme!

Hewouldntgiveuphislandvoluntarily,butifalltheplowmen,alltheblacksmiths,allthegunsmiths,allthe
horsekeepers,andallthelongshoremenunite,peoplelikeAliHazretPashachangefromtigersintocats.

Dontmakememiserabletellingmeaboutlivinginfreedom.

WhenIwasinIstanbulthelasttime,ImetaGreekinport.HewassailingfromSukhumitoAthens.Whenhe
foundoutIwasfromtheCaucasushetoldmeallaboutAbkhasia.Hetoldmeitwasanindependentstate.And
whenwepartedhegavemeanewspaper...

Whatssospecialaboutanewspaper?Iasked.

Tagiropenedupthesametrunkwherehehadlaidthemanuscriptsofhistwobooksandgotoutanewspaper.

Thisisntjustanyoldnewspaper,butthenewspaperofyourmothersfellow.ItscalledRedAbkhasia.Redisfor
thebloodspilledtowinfreedomandindependence.Here,youseethispicture?Thesearepeasantswhohave
takenlandfromthenobility.Look,maybeyoullrecognizesomeone?

Whosthat?Iasked,pointingatamansportrait.

HestheheadoftheAbkhasiangovernment.Hes,makingaspeechtothepeople.

Oh,myLord,Iexclaimedinuttershock.Thankyouforlettingmelivetoseethisday.Itwouldhavebeenagreat
injusticeifIhadnt.AndIkissedthepaper.Onlyamaninmyplacecouldhaveunderstoodmeatthatmoment.
Oh,youretormentingmysoul,Tagir!Ifyouweregivenlifebyacompassionatewoman,pleasedomeafavor:the
dayIdieputthisnewspaperonmychest.Burymewithit.Itwillbethesametomeasahandfulofmynative
earth.

Tearsstreameddownmyface.Wherehadtheycomefrom?Ithoughttheyhaddrieduplong,longago.HadIlost
myselfSometimes,Sharakh,whenabowstringispulledtootightitsplitsunexpectedly.IsatthereinTagirshome
untillateintheeveningbutalthoughheinsistedIspendthenight,Irefusedtostayover.

TomorrowmorningMansouwantstoseeussaidTagirwhenIwasalreadyoutside.

Idontwanttoseehim!
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IfitwereuptomcIwouldntseehimeveragain,butIthinkhewantstotalkaboutsomethingthatconcernsall
theUbykhs.So,whetherwewanttoornotwehavetogo.

Wesaidgoodbyeandarrangedatimeandplacetomeet.Ispentthewholenightwanderingthroughthedark,
quietopenspacesontheoutskirtsofthevillage.IheldnexttomybosomthepaperTagirhadgivenme.Ifanyone
wouldhaveseenmehewouldhavethoughtIwasamadmanwalkingaimlesslyandtalkingtomyself.Sometimesa
personcandreamwhilehesawake.IdreamedIwaswalkingtothevillagewheremymothersbrotherslived.I
couldseethemountainridgeofTsebelda,thePiandjMountainandfromitspeakthepanoramaofallofAbkhasia.
OneedgeoftheKvanachkhircliffshimmeredinthesunandbelow,inarockygorge,wastheroaringKodor.
ListeningcloselyIcouldhearthesongofhorsemencomingfromDal,theclatterofhoofsandgunsfiringasalutein
honorofsomefestiveoccasion.

FinallyIcametoSitshouse.Iwalkedontotheveranda,laydownonthewoodenbenchandlistenedtothe
roostersgreetingthedawn.

ONOPPOSITESHORES

Openingtheirongate,TagirandIwalkedintotheyardofMansou,sonofShardyn.Tomysurprisewedidnthear
theguardshouting,Whatdoyouwant?Noonewasatthegate.Itwasquiet;therewerenoservantsrushing
aboutoutside.

Aretheyalldead?whisperedTagir.

Itstoogoodtobetrue.

WhenwewentbythegroundwhereIhadseenthecockfightIhadvisionsofbloodyroostersandcouldalmost
hearthenoblemen,makingmerry,cheeringinencouragement.Isensednothinggoodwouldcomeofthisvisit.
Nearthehouseaservantseemedtoappearoutofnowhere.AllwehadtosaywasthatMansou,sonofShardyn,
hadcalledforusandtheservantrespondedrespectfully:

Hesexpectingyou!

Hepointedtoaspiralstaircaseleadinguptothesecondfloor.Atthetopofthestairswefoundourselvesinalarge
roomwithasoftcarpet.Mansou,sonofShardyn,wasreclinedonasofacushion,hislegscrossed.Hewaswearing
aloosefittingTurkishrobeandpuffingsmokefromacigaretteperchedinanamberholder.

Oh,comeoninandhaveaseat,hesaidinwelcome.

Wesatonchairsoppositehim.Ilookedcarefullyatthemanofthehouse.ThelasttimeIsawhimhewaswearing
huntinggarbandhadonastrawhatthatcoveredhisforeheaddowntohiseyebrows.Hewasstillastrongman,
althoughhewasalreadysixty,andIcouldntseeanytraceofgrayinhiscroppedhair.Hiseyelidswereslightly
puffyandhissmalleyesweredeeplyset.Ihadknownhimwhenhewasaboy,butthatwassolongago;therewas
notonehintofchildhoodonhisfacenow.Mansoushands,visiblebeneathhisfreeflowingsleeves,werealmost
bloodless,slightlyyellow,likecornstalksgrownintheshade.Ononeofhisbonyhandstherewasaglitteringring.

Howslife?Whatsnew?askedthesonoftheformersultansbrotherinlawashepuffedhiscigaretteforthe
lasttimeandshookthebuttoutoftheholder.

Imjustanordinarypeasantlivinginasmallhouse.Imsureyoucanseebetterfromwhereyouareonthesecond
story,repliedTagir.

Dontgivemethat!Yourenopeasant.Everyonearoundherecallsyouthelearnedone.Yourhouseisfullof
booksandyouneverstopwriting...

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Ofcourse,thatsverytrue!IvedevisedanalphabetandamwritingthehistoryoftheUbykhs,butIeatonlythe
foodIplantandpickwithmyownhands.

BothofthemspokeinTurkish.

Youreamanofextraordinarytalent.IknewthatbackinIstanbul.Butreadingsomanybookshasntdoneyouany
goodbookshaveconfusedyou.Itssadandridiculoustogoagainstthetideoftime.

Eachmanlivesaccordingtohisownconscience.

Astubbornlearnedmanisworsethanamule.Justwhatdoyouthinkyoucanchange?Thecircumstancesare
strongerthanyou.Itslikeknockingyourheadagainstabrickwall.Youshouldthinkaboutyourselfandyour
children...

Iwouldbemorethanhappytofollowyouradviceifyouwouldonlythinkofthepeopleinyourcare...

Mansou,sonofShardyn,pulledoutasnowwhitehandkerchiefandwipedthesweatoffhisface.Thenheopened
upasilvercigarettecaseandofferedittous:

Wouldyoulikeasmoke?

Nothankyou,saidTagirforthetwoofus.

Mansoubegansmokingagainandwentontosay:

Whysowhostilitiesbetweentherichandthepoor?Thatwonthelpthepeople.Surelyyoudontthinkmenlike
you,Tagir,arecapableofchanginghumannature?Itsuttervanityandconceit.Itwouldntbesobadifbecauseof
yourownrashconductyoudie,butyourestirringupthepeopleanddontseemtorealizeyoumaydestroy
others.Wantingmetobackhimup,heasked:ArentIright,Zaurkan?

Tagirwantstohelpthepeopleanddoesthatwithanopenheart.Heisntdoingitforhimself,orforanyulterior
motive.Afterall,Mansou,forgivemeforbeingsofrank,butpeopledontcometoyoutoprotectthemfrom
injustice.However,itsyourdutyastheirguardiantobeconcernedaboutalltheUbykhsinKarinjovasy.

Mansou,sonofShardyn,smiledwryly.

Iseeyouvebeenpoisonedtoobythatselfmadepreacher,henoddedatTagir.Ormaybewhenyouwerein
prisonyougotthosefoolhardyideasalongwiththelice?

Povertyandprisonwillteachamanreason.

Mansou,sonofShardyn,loweredhishead;hewastryingtofigureoutsomething.Myeyes,roamingthewallsover
thesofa,caughtsightofapicture.IwassosurprisedIstarted.Itwasapictureofasleepingwoman,beautifuland
shamelesslynaked;herblankethadfallendownandwaslyingcarelesslyonthecarpetnearherbed.Herhands
weretuckedunderherheadinsuchawaythatyoucouldseeherarmpitswithgoldenhair,andonelegwas
touchingtheother...IwassoembarrassedIshiftedmygaze.Itwassinfulandsacrilegioustohavesuchapainting
inacountrywhereAllahforbadeanypicturesofpeople,wherewomenhidtheirfaces.Thethoughtrunning
throughmymindwasthatMansou,sonofShardyn,mustbeamanofmanyvices.

Theresnopointinwrangling,Mansou,IheardTagirsvoice.Telluswhyyouwantedtoseeus.

Theservantwemetdownstairsbroughtinatraywiththreecupsofcoffeeandleft.

EversincetheUbykhscameheretheyvebeenathorninthesidefortheTurks,saidMansou,sonofShardyn,
calmlyandgravely.

153

Tagirshouldhavebeenpatientandletthemanfinishwhathewassaying,butevenanexperiencedsharpshooter
canforgettolockhisfirearm:

Thethornisntthecause,buttheeffect!

MansouactedasthoughhedidntnoticethevenominTagirsvoice.

ItisthebeliefinthiscountrythattherulerhashisauthorityconferredbyAllah,isAllahsrepresentativeonearth.
ThatswhyallsubjectsaresupposedtobeMuslimsthroughandthrough.Thegovernmentclearlyunderstandsthat
ifpeoplelosetheirfaithitwillleadtoanarchy.ButtheUbykhsgotothemosquejustforthesakeofappearance.

Thesultanshouldrealizethatallsubjectshavetheirfaults.Theonlyoneswhodontareinheavenwhereblack
eyedbeautieswaitforthesultanwithopenarms.Besides,IdliketopointouttoyouthatMuhammadwasagainst
usingforceagainstthosewhorefusedtobeconvertediftheyobeyedhiseverycommandandpaidhimtribute.
Andyouknowonlytoowellthatwepayourtaxes!

Onlythesultancaninterprettheteachingsoftheprophetandyourenotevenavizieryet.Thetimehascomefor
theUbykhstoassimilatewiththeMuslimsunderthegreenbannerwithitsgoldencrescent.moon.Theyshould
takeTurkishnamesandsurnamesandofficiallydeclarethemselvesTurks.

MostofthemhavealreadyforgottenBytkha,speakTurkish,gotothemosqueandnowtheyresupposedto
changetheirnames.Thatsgoingtoofar...

Thatsthelaw!AnyonewholivesintheTurkishEmpiremustbeTurkish.Iwarnyou,Tagir:dontstiruptrouble.
Becarefuloryoulldestroyyourselfandothers.Amatchthatislittosetfiretoamosquebumsupbeforethe
mosque.SetanexampletotheUbykhsandchangeyourname.

Asidedooropenedwithacreakandayoungwomanwalkedin.Shehadonalongwhitedresswithshortsleeves
andalowneckline.Theaircarriedthescentofperfumeandroses.Shelookedlikethewomaninthepainting.
TagirandIgotupatonceandbowed.Thebeautysmiledinreplyand,goingovertoMansou,sonofShardyn,said
somethinginalanguageIdidntknow.Later,whenTagirandIleftMansoushouse,Tagirtoldmehiswifehad
spokenFrenchShewasgoingonanoutingandwantedtovisitMiHazretPasha.

Dontforgettopickmeuptonight,teasedtheyoungwomanand,beforeleaving,shereachedoutherhandto
Tagir,thencameuptomewithsurpriseinhereyesandexclaimed:Ohlala!TheCaucasus!

Carefullytouchingmybelt,dagger,cartridgepockets,theexpressiononherfacereflectedbothfearand
admirationatthesametime:

Oh!

Thewomanleftusjustasquicklyasshehadappeared.

TagirturnedtoMansou,sonofShardyn:

DontyouthinkitssinfulthatyourwifedoesnthideherfacelikeaMuslimwoman?

ShesaFrenchwoman,aCatholic...

Allahforbidsthefaithfultodepicthumanform.Butyouhaveapaintingofanakedwomanoveryourhead...If
anyUbykhhungupapicturelikethatinhishouse...

WhenwewereatschooltogetheryouoncetoldmeaLatinproverb:QuodlicetJovi,nonlicetbovi.*Imnota
TurkoranUbykh;ImaEuropean.

Thenwhyareyou,Mr.European,lecturingusandwarningustobecareful?

154

Ihaveakindoffeelingforyou.

Oh,sothatsit!Well,ifyoucareaboutusthenwouldyoumindpartingwithsomeofyourmoneyandgiveus
enoughtobuildaschoolandpublishatleastmyreader?

Icould.Butwhoneedsit?Dontyouunderstandhowridiculousyourplansare?Whenabignationadoptsasmall
nation,evenifbyforce,itsdictatedbythetimes.EvenyourSonsdontknowUbykh.Theyllattainmuchmorein
lifeknowingTurkishthanUbykhwhichnobodyelsespeaks.PeopledontspeakLatinanymorealthoughtherewas
atimewhenbookswerewritteninthatlanguage,andgreatbooksatthat!

Followingyoursamelogic,thewholeworldcouldbeforcedtospeakinonelanguage,French,forinstance.Andas
forLatin,saidTagirgettingheatedupbytheargument,itcontinuedtobespokenmanycenturiesafterthefallof
theempirewhereitwastheofficiallanguage.

Justcastaretrospectiveglance,youstubbornman,atthathistoryoftheUbykhs.Canyounameoneoutstanding
person?No,becausetherewasntone.Whocanyouboastabout?Noone.WhowillyoutellUbykhchildren
about?Abouttheleadersofraids,aboutshaggyrevengeseekers,aboutdevilmaycareoutlaws?Ithinkyou
shouldtakepityonthechildrenandunderstandthathistoryitselfhasdecidedthefateoftheUbykhs.Itssillyand
uselesstotryandstopthecourseofhistory.ThesoonerUbykhyouthsassimilatewiththeTurks,themorethey
standtogainbecauseintermsofliteracy,cultureandcrafts,theTurksarefarmoredevelopedthanmanysmall
ethnicgroups,nottomentiontheUbykhs...

Icouldntcontrolmyselfanylonger:

Toputitmorebluntly:Onemusthowlwiththewolves.

StrangelyenoughMansou,sonofShardyn,didntblowupinanger,butcontinuedpersuadingus:

IftheUbykhswanttosurvivetheresnootherwaythantoputtheirfateinthehandsofthesultan.AliHazret
Pasha,whoislordoftheselands,isorganizingfightingunitsagainstinsurgents.Ubykhyouthsshouldalsojoin
ranksunderthesultansbanner.

WheredoyouexpecttofindthoseUbykhyouths?MostofthemneverreturnedfromtheBalkans.Andthosewho
didareeithercripplesorill.

IfyouandZaurkanputoutthecalltheUbykhswilltakeuparms.

Mayyourmotherrestinpeace,Isaid.Tagirisright.Whatgoodcanwedo?

Everylittlebitcounts.ButifyoudontsupportthesultaninhisstruggleagainstKemalPasha,hellregarditas
treasonandwontforgiveyouforthetreachery.AnddontcountonanyhelpfrommeifAliHazretPashasendshis
troopsagainstyouforaidingtheenemy.HellruntheUbykhsoffthelandandturntheirhomesintocottonbarns.

Thenyouwontlastlonghereeither!Iblurtedout.

Iknowthat!agreedMansou,sonofShardyn,calmly,andgettingup,hewentovertothemirror.Butdont
worryaboutMansou,andhesmoothedouthisbrows.HuseinEffendiwantstobuymyestate.Imgoingtomy
fatherinlawinFrance.IntheprovinceofChampagneIllhaveavineyardinapicturesqueareaandcellarsfullof
wine.IlldrinktothehealthofTurksfaithfultothesultanand,ifyoudontheedmyadvice,tothereposeofyour
souls.

Youllbesippingwinetherewhilewerebeingtrampledhere!interruptedTagirindignantly.

Imnotplayingthisgameanymore.Icouldhaveleftwithoutwarningyou,andthatwouldhavebeentheendof
it...

Nomatterwhereyourun,thesorrowoftheUbykhswillfinallygripyourthroatandchokeyou.
155


Enoughtalk!IwantyoutoknowImnotindifferenttothefateoftheUbykhsandthatswhyIwarnedyouof
danger.TurningtoTagirhespokedistinctly:Justremember,youpreacherofyesterday,ifyouthrowmyadvice
tothepigs,youreresponsibleforwhathappens.Goodbyetobothofyou!

Holdinghisheaduphigh,Mansou,sonofShardyn,walkedoutoftheroom.

ThateveningZaurkanstoppedtalkingearlierthanusual.Hesatthereforalongtime,tiredandquiet,andthen,
whenwebegantalkingagainabouteverydaymattershecomplainedthathecouldntremembersomeword
eitherinAbkhasianorinUbykh.

Finally,itturnedoutthewordhehadforgotwasfryingpan.

Whatasimpleword,saidZaurkanannoyedwithhimself.ButforsomanyyearsIhaventhearditspokenin
Ubykh.ItsasifIliveinagrave.IforgetwordsIdonthear!

Hecontinuedsittingthereforalongtime,upsetandsilent,andwithhishandsaroundhishead.Icouldnthelpbut
watchhimandthinkaboutthetragedyIhadcometoknowlivinginthathouse.

WhenIfirstmetZaurkanheseemednottobelievethattheUbykhlanguagenolongerexisted,andheeventried
toconvincemethathismothertonguecouldstillbeheardinhisnativeUbykhia,thatitcouldntdieoutanymore
thanthemountains,forestsorrivers.Ididntarguewithhim;Ijustlistenedinsilence,amazedbyhowhardhe
hungontohismistakenconvictions.

SuddenlythatnightIrealizedthattheoldman,livingwithalanguagenooneelsearoundhimcouldunderstand,
liketheonlymanaliveamongthedead,wasjustconsolinghimself.ItwaslikethefeastofthedeadIwitnessedon
thefirstnightIarrived.

ZaurkanZolakdidntknowthewordproblem,becausethescholarlymeaningoftheworddidntexistinhis
language.Butlifeitselfmanytimesovertragicallyposedtohimtheproblemoflanguage,aproblemhehadno
solutionfor.

Foryearsatatimehehadonlyhimselftotalktoandyearnedtohearhisnativelanguage,likeoneyearnsfora
lovedonegoneforever.Howmanytimes,tryingtomakeoutthewordssomebodyspokeinthedistance,hehoped
withallhisheartitwouldsuddenlyturnouttobehisnativelanguage.Thenwhenhereturnedtohispeople,after
beingawayforsolong,whatabitterrealizationitwasthattherewerelessandlessoftheoldpeopletowhomhe
hadspokenUbykhsincechildhood,andmoreandmoreyoungpeoplewhoknewthelanguagepoorlyornotat
all...

Andsolifeitselfbroughthimupagainstthisproblemthat,ifhehadlivedathome,hewouldhavenevergivena
thought.

Inmycase,asanAbkhasian,Ihadnosuchproblem,becauseitwassolvedonceandforallformypeople.

Asalinguisthowever,IwasconcernedaboutlearningtheUbykhlanguage;itwasmyjob.Whathappenedtothe
Ubykhlanguagedidnothappentothelanguagesspokeninmycountry.ButIcouldnthelpbutbetroubledbythe
disappearanceofanotherlanguage,nomatterwhatpeoplespokeit.IsupposeifitdidntmattertomeIwouldnt
havesailedacrosstheseaandcomeallthisdistancetotheedgeofthesebareplains,andtwomen,amanofa
hundredandamanofthirty,eachaffectedbythisprobleminadifferentway,wouldneverhavemet.

BYTKHASDISAPPEARANCEANDTAGIRSDEATH

Doyouknow,mydearfriend,Sharakh,whatsthedifferencebetweenonesmemoryandawoman?Iseeyou
dontknow.Anddonteventrytoguess.Itsreallyverysimple:awomancanonlybetrayherhusbandwhenshes

156

young,butthememorycandosowhenitsold.Dontbesurprised,myson,ifmymemorybeginstobetrayme
moreandmoreoften.

TheyearMustafaKemalwasstrippedofhistitleaspashawehadabigcottonharvest.Itwouldhavebeencause
forgreatjoy,buttimeswerebad;therewasawaronandalltheroadstothebazaarswerecutoffbythehostile
armies.OnonesidewasthesultanwhohadeithergoneintodebtorsoldhimselfouttotheBritish,Frenchand
Greeks,eachofwhomhadtakenoverabigpieceofTurkishland,andontheothersidewereKemalsrebelswho
hadsworntheywouldliberatethecountry.Blackmarketeers,likejackals,wentaroundtheprovincesbuyingup
cottonforasongandsellingitbehindthelinesforthreetimestheprice.Therewasnoonetocomplainto.Husein
Effendihimselfwasmakingalotofmoneyoffspeculationincotton.Hewasnotexactlythepersonyouwouldturn
toforjustice.Accordingtotherumors,thesultaninIstanbul,ahostageoftheforeigners,hadalmostnopower.He
condemnedKemalandhiscomradestodeathbydefault,buteverynightinthecapitaltherewerefires,explosions
ofpowdermagazines,ammunitionshipsburningupbytheGalataBridgeandtherewasgunfirenearthesultans
palace.Thesoldierssentbythesultantoattacktherebelsoftenwentovertotheothersideledbytheman
condemnedtodeathinIstanbul,buttherulerinAnkara.Thecountrywaslikeatwoheadedmonster.Karinjovasy
waslikeonebiginn.EverybodycamethroughourvillagetheFrench,Greeksandthesultanscutthroats,andall
ofthemwerelosttoshame.Anyonewhospentthenightexpectedtobefedandgivenabedinthehouse,evenif
theownerhadtosleepoutside!ThenourUbykhyouthshadtogetintoabrawloveragameofbackgammon.One
thingledtoanotherandtheywereateachothersthroats.Bloodwasspilled.Oneofthemwasleftwithascaron
hisface.HewasfromthearrogantNaguafamily.Therelativesactedasthoughthemanhadbeenkilled,theywere
sooffended:

Aneyeforaneye!Wewontforgiveanyoneforthatscar!Wewantrevenge!

ThefellowwhohadmadeascaronhisformerfriendwasnamedFarhat.HewasfromtheChyzmaafamily.His
relatives,sensingtheywereinforprotractedbloodrevenge,didntbackdown.Theyrejectedtheideaof
reconciliation.

IfwestarttryingtomakeupwiththemthosecowardlyNaguaswillthinkwereweak,warnedoneofthemwho
wasfondofmakingpredictionsandhadareputationforalwaysfindingamaresnest.

WeshouldsendFarhatawaytotheSharualswherehewillbeundertheprotectionofHuseinEffendi!advised
anotherwhohadbrains,peoplesarcasticallysaid,thegrandvizierTevfikPashawouldenvy.

AndsoFarhatwassentofftotheSharuals.Idliketoexplaintoyou,Sharakh,thatanyfightingamongtheUbykhs
gaveHuseinEffendigreatpleasure.HewelcomedFarhatlikeason,dressedhimupinuniformandassignedhimto
theguardsthatprotectedAuHazretPashasproperty.Armedandridingaraginghorse,andwiththebrainsofa
bird,Farhatwasnodifferentthanthethievishandclamorousthugswho,likeHuseinEffendihimself,werecapable
ofkillingadefenselessperson,withoutgivingitanymorethoughtthanwhenslaughteringachicken.Anemirsdog
isworsethantheemirhimself.ThecutthroatgangFarhatwaswithcamefromtimetotimetoKarinjovasy.Each
timeitwaslikearaid.

IoncesawAuHazretPashaatadistanceintheestateofMansou,sonofShardyn.WhenhecametoourvillageI
recognizedhimrightaway.HewassittingonablackArabianstallionandholdingonehandonthepommelas
thoughhewasafraidoffallingoffthesaddle.Nexttohim,onawhitegeldingwasaFrenchgeneral,tallandthinas
apoleandwearingapeakedcapthatlookedlikeamagpiestail.Behindthemwasawholecavalryretinue.The
mukhtaremergedfromthethrong,wentuptothehorsemen,tookoffhishatandbowed,butthepasha,prancing
about,didntpayanyattentiontohim.Thepashaturnedtothecrowd:

Idonotbelievethatyou,thepeopleofKarinjovasy,havebrokenyourvowandrefusetosupportthesultan,

Allahsrepresentativeonearth.Idonotbelieveyouwanttobreaktheheartofyouresteemedfellow
countrymanAnzavurPasha,whoisclosetothesultan.ItisnotTurkeysfaultthatitsufferedsuchterriblelosses
intheworldwar.Takingadvantageofthesituation,criminaltypeswhoclaimmilitaryleadership,aresowing
discontent.Butthesultanwillhavetheirheads.Andheisnotalone.Yousee,nexttomeisaFrenchgeneral.This
courageousmilitarycommanderhascomewithhisarmytohelpoutthegrandsultan,thecountryslegitimate
ruler.AndnotonlyFrenchtroopsaregivingusahelpinghand.TheBritishandGreeksarealsothesultansallies.
157

Whocanholdoutagainstthatkindofstrength?BraveUbykhs,dontforgetthatinyourtimeoftroubletheTurkish
governmentgaveyourefugeandbestowedonyouallsortsoffavors.Thedespicablerebelswanttoslanderyou;
theyrespreadingrumorsthatyouverefusedtoserveinthegreatsultansarmy.

Sitcameoutofthecrowd,wentuptothehorsemen,puthishatunderhisarmandbowed:

GraciousPasha,yourerightthatwearenotagainstthesultan,butwherewillwegetthesoldiersforhisarmy?
Justahandfulofmenareleft!Almostallouryoungmenhavebeenkilledinbattle...

AliHazretPashaimpatientlyinterruptedSit:

Itisntbecoming,oldman,foryoutodeceiveme.Mukhtar,givemethatlistofdraftees.

Themukhtarranuptothepashawithkneesbentandtookoutofhiscoatapieceofpaperthatrustledinthewind.

Yousee,oldman,howmanynamestherearehere.Everyoneonthislistmustreportfordutyattheappointed
time.Anyonewhoignoresthiscallwillbecourtmartialed.Iseethatsomeofyouaretroublemakerswhoare
agitatingthepeopletorebel.Hey,Mukhtar,whatareyoudoing,indulgingtheenemiesofthenation?Whydidnt
youreportthattheenemysmenarestirringuptroublehere?

Tremblingwithfear,themukhtarkeptbowingtothepashaashemumbled:

ItoldHuseinEffendi!

Oh,yes,nowIremember,ofcourse.Somelearnedmaniskickingupadust...

Yes,thatsit,Sir!AlearnedmanbythenameofTagir!

Whereisthattraitor?

Hesnotraitor,Pasha.HesawellrespectedmanamongtheUbykhs,protestedSit,puttingonhishat.

Sowhereishe?

HewenttoIstanbul.

Whatfor?

TocomplainaboutHuseinEffendi.

Oh,sothatsit!

Itsallaccordingtothelaw,andhesgonenotjustanywhere,buttoIstanbul.

Ihope,saidthepasha,addressingthepeople,thatthebraveUbykhswillonceagainbehappytoservewith
honorforthecauseofthesultanandcaliph.

Youask,Sharakh,whatcameoutofourmeetingwiththesultanspasha?Nothing.Thepashaleft;hehadmany
othermatterstoattendto,notjusttheUbykhs.Beforedraftingproceduresbegan,manyofouryoungmen
vanished.Someunluckyones,however,weretakenintothearmy,thosewhodidntgetawayintime.Butthats
thewayitiswhenyoureunlucky:youreeithertooearlyortoolate...

Onemorningwhenthesunhadalreadyrisenahorsemanappearedontheroadinacloudofdust.Herode
barebackandshouted:

Hey,everybody!Ourshrineisgone!Bytkhahasdisappeared!

158

Whatdoyoumeanitsgone?Wherecoulditbe?wasthecommonastonishedresponse.

Gotothehillandseeforyourselves!Goon,youllsee.

Theterriblenewsflashedthroughthevillagelikeasparkcarriedbythewind.Peoplerushedtothehillwiththe
lonetree.Sitwasill,butwhenheheardBytkhahadvanished,heforgotallaboutbeingsick,gotdressedand,
supportedbyhisstaff,headedforthehill.Icouldbarelykeepupwithhim.Weapproachedtoseethatacrowd
hadalreadygatheredthereasintheolddayswhenthefaithfulstillprayedtotheirshrine.Whentheeldersgotto
thetopofthehilltheywerehorrifiedtoseethattheyoungmanwhohadarousedthewholevillagewastellingthe
truth.ThestonenichethatheldthehawklikeBytkhawasdestroyed.Andthelonehornbeamtree,likeamurdered
guard,laynearby;ithadbeenchoppeddown.Thepeopleweresilent.Sitexaminedtherockfragments,thetraces
theaxhadleftonthetrunkofthecrookedtree,touchedthewitheredfoliage,thenstoodup,lookedatthecrowd
andspoke:

Avillainousacthasbeencommitted!Someonehasstolenourshrine.Anditwasnttodayoryesterday.Itsbeen
longenoughfortheleavestodieandtheaxmarktogrowbrown.

Therewasahumminginthecrowd.Mostofthepeopletherenolongerobservedtheoldfaith,buttheywere
offendedbytheblasphemyjustthesame.Atthatmomentthememoryofcommonbloodremindedthemofwho
theywereandunitedtheminanger.Itwaslikeafteralongquarrelwhenrelativesarereunitedbythesorrowofa
funeral.

Believeme,Sharakh,Ifeltasthoughsomeonehadoffendedmetothequick.IfatthatinstantIhadseenthe
personguiltyofthatcrime,Iwouldhavebeenthefirsttowringhisneck.

Whocouldhavecommittedsuchblasphemy.Oh,AlmightyBytkha,turnintothunderandlightningandstrikethat
evilsoul!Mayallhisfamilybeforevercursed,thunderedTatlastan,removinghishatandraisinghistrembling
handstothesky.

Manyinthecrowdchimedin:

Amen!

NoUbykhcouldhavedonethat,Ithoughttomyself,butIwasactuallytalkingoutloudandsomeoneshouted:

Thatsright,Zaurkan!Itwasoneofourenemies!

Butabald,scrawny,oneeyedman,Tagirsneighbor,whosenameIunfortunatelycantremember,grinnedand
protested:

Itsalwayseasytoblamesomeoneelse!Butwhatifitwasoneofourpeople?

Comeoffit!exclaimedgrayhairedDaut.

WhydidntyounoticebeforethatBytkhawasgone?askedawomanwrappedinadarkshawl.Herquestionwas
recriminationagainstallthemeninthevillage.

Asiftosaytheelderswerenottoblame,Dautturnedtotheyouth:

Whyareyousosurprised?EveryoneknowstheUbykhsareusedtoturningtheirbacksontheirowngodsand
worshipingsomeoneelses.Itsnowonderpeoplecallusdrifters.Notsolongagoyouwereallderidingourpriest
Soulakh,blesshissoul!

Thebaldmanspokeonceagain:

Wheretheressmoketheresfire.Whylookforthethiefinanothervillagewhenhesrighthere...

159

Thepeoplelookedworried.

Comeon,telluswhoyoususpect!demandedsomeoneinthecrowd.

Itsnotenoughtopointthefingeratsomeone,weneedproof!warnedSit.

Therearewitnesses...retortedthebaldman.

Thepeoplecameclosertogether.

Andatthatverymomentsomeoneshouted:

Letmethrough!

ThepeopleclearedapathforRahmanandhisson.Rahmanwasdressedallinwhiteandhadawatchchain
danglingoverhisstomach.Hehadbeenincommerceforalongtimeandwasknownforhisdealingsinthemarket.
Hewasntexactlyamerchanthimself,buthewouldoftengettoknowthepeopleinacaravangoingbyandtake
assignmentsfromtheleader.Ingeneralheknewwhichwaythewindwasblowingandalwaystookhissonalong
withhim;hewantedtheboytolearntheropesyoung.

Oh,justandAlmightyBytkha,imploredRahmanashekneeledandputhisstrawhatinfrontofhim,ifImlying,
mayyourwrathstrikenotjustmealone,butmyonlysonaswell.StrikemedeadonthespotifonewordIsayis
false.

Lookwhossolemnlyswearingtotellthetruth,saidTatlastan.

Wesawhimwithourowneyes!saidRahmansson.

TagirstoleBytkha!exclaimedRahmanreluctantly,asthoughtheinformationwasbeingpulledoutofhim.

Thecrowdbecamesilent.

Thatcantbe!Itsalie!shoutedSitraisinghisstaffwithathreateningmotion.

Iknowitshardtobelieve,butthosearethefacts.

Look,youvegonejusttoofar!Throwhimoutofhere!

Itseasyenoughtosay:Getoutofhere!Butmaybeheknowswhathestalkingabout!someoneshoutedfrom
thecrowd.

Anythingispossible,thebaldmanspokeagain.Eventhemullahsdaughteriscapableofsinning!Letshearout
Rahmanandhisson.

Mydearfriends,ourstolenshrine,whereveritis,hasthepowerofrevenge.IfImfalselyaccusingTagir,let
Bytkhapunishmeinstead...TendaysagomysonandIjoinedacaravangoingtothecityofKonya.Whenwe
finishedourbusinesstherewedecidedtobuyourselvessomethingforthetriphome.Whilewewerewalking
downabusystreetwehappenedtopassashopthatsellsexpensivearticlesmadeofstone,glassandivory.
SuddenlyTagirwalkedoutoftheshop.Wecalledtohim,buthedidnthearus,orpretendedhedidnt,and
disappearedinthecrowd.Therearealwaysmanypeopleonthatstreet.Weknewbeforeweleft

homethatTagirhadgonetoIstanbulwithacomplaintagainstHuseinEffendi,soweweresurprisedtoseehimin
Konya.JustoutofcuriositymysonandIwentintotheshopthatTagirhadcomeoutof;itwasaveryexpensive
place.WewentinandsawthreesalesmenexaminingourhawklikeBytkhaonthecounter.Wecouldntbelieve
oureyes!

160

Adeepoooooooowentthroughthecrowd,andRahman,likeaMuslimpraying,puthishandstogetherinfrontof
himandwenton:

Bytkhasbasaltbodyseemedtohavedarkened,itsgoldeneyesflashedfire,anditsclawsseemedtohaveblood
drippingfromthem!

ItlookslikethatCircassianpulledafastoneoveronus,saidoneofthesalesmenashelookedBytkhaover.And
anotheronepattedhimontheshouldersandlaughed,Dontbeupset!Thatthingisntsovaluable,butitisrare.
Wellmakeaprofitoffitanyway.

MysonandIgotdownonourkneesinfrontofBytkharightthenandthere,butthesalesmenranoutfrom
behindthecounterandthrewusout.

Whywasteanytime!Nowweallknowwhothethiefis!Tagirhadbettergiveusbacktheshrineorwelltanhis
hide!shoutedtheyoungmanwho,atthelastprayermeetingthedaySoulakhdied,hadbeenthefirsttospeakup
againstourfaith.

ThepeopleweretornbetweenthedesiretokillRahmanonthespot,andtogotoTagirshousetoraisehell.

Youcancutmeupintopieces,butIdontbelievethatwheelerdealer!ItrustTagirlikeItrustmyself!shouted
Sit.

Youcantforceeverybodytokeeptheirmouthsshut!yelledthebaldman.Wevehadenoughofyourtalk.The
mansarealsnakeinthegrass.TagirsaidhewasgoingtoIstanbul,butactuallywenttoKonya!

AfewotherpeopleandIknewthatTagirhadactuallygonetoAnkaratotalktoarepresentativeofSovietRussia
thereaboutourproblems.WehadheardrumorsthattherepresentativehadcometoseeKemalPashaandTagir
wantedtoknowifnow,aftertherevolution,theUbykhswhowantedtocouldreturnhome.

ButitwasdangeroustotelleveryoneaboutTagirstruewhereabouts:therehadtobesomeoneinthecrowdwho
wasoneofHuseinEffendismenandtheinformationwouldbereportedinstantly.Andthatmurdererwouldnt
thinktwiceaboutputtingTagirsfamilyunderarrest.

Iwenttotheheadofthethrong:

Thoseliarsshouldpipedown!YoullallseeforyourselvessoonthateverythingRahmansaidisalie!Hes
mistakenifhethinkswereasses.TagirwasnotanywherenearKonya!

Thebaldmandartedovertomeandsquealedasthoughsomeonehadhithimintheplacethatdistinguishesa
manfromawoman:

Youreinonthiswithhim!Youreinonthis!Birdsofafeather...

Idrewmydaggeroutofitssheath:

Illtearoutyourgutsandwindthemaroundyourneck.

Thebaldmandashedoff,stumblingdownthehill.Rumorshavewings,andthisonetookoffandspreadallover
theUbykhvillages.Onemanlied,anotherembellishedonit;andathirdonegotitalljumbled.Thatsthewaya
personis:heblowshotandcoldatthesametime.ThosewhowerehailingTagiryesterdayandbelievedhisevery
word,nowswallowedtheliesabouthim,calledthatnoblemanathiefandwantedhishead.Everybodyinand
aroundKarinjovasywastalkingaboutthetheftofBytkha.TagirsfriendsandIcouldntwaittillTagirreturnedto
findoutwhohadreallystolenBytkhaandwhoputRahmanandthebaldmanuptotellingthelie.

ButTagirdidntcomebackwhenweexpectedhim,soonenightDautandIdecidedtotalktoRahmanourselves.
Wewentintohisyard:therewasntasoulthere;thechickenswerentevenclucking.Weaskedtheneighbors:

161

WheresRahman?

ThatsameeveningwefoundoutBytkhahadbeenstolenheandhisfamilypackedupalltheirbelongings,loaded
themonacart,hitchedupacowandleft.

Wheredidtheygo?

Whoknows?FarhatChyzmaacametoseehimthenightbefore.

Oh,sothatswhereitallstarted,wethought,butunfortunatelywedidntknowreallyhowfarbackithad
started...

Ifitisntonethingitsanother...

AliHazretPashahadfailedtogettheUbykhstoserveinthesultansarmy.Thepashasmountedmessengerswent
invainthroughourvillagesagitatingthepeopletofightforthesultan.

AsIalreadytoldyou,Sharakh,theymanagedtorecruitonlyafewUbykhmen.

WeheardthatwhenMiHazretfoundoutaboutallthathewentintoarantingrage.Ohhowhesworeatthe
Ubykhpeople!Ifonlythathadbeentheendofit.Butthepashasenthisthugsaroundtoourhouses,whotook
everythingtheylikedinsight,stoleourcattle,rapedourwomenandiftheyfoundanyyoungmen,illorpretending
tobeill,theyshotthemonthespotasdeserters.

TheresnoGodbutAllah!Longlivethesultan!

OnecandoevilinthenameofGod,andonecancommitlawlessactsinthenameofthelaw.

Helpus,Allah!prayedthepeople.

TheyrealizedthepashaandhismenwouldmaketheirlifeahellonearthiftheystayedoninKarinjovasy.Theyhad
tomovesomewhere,butwhere?Moving,allthetimemoving!Itwasasthoughevilfatewasalwaysfollowingus
Ubykhs.

Itneverrainsbutitpours...Tagirreturned,nothavingreachedAnkara.Everywherethereweresentryboxes,
cordons,guardposts,roadblocksandguardsatbridgesandcrossings:inshortitwaswar.Itwaslateatnight
whenTagirreturnedhomeandwasmetbyhispoorwifeGulizar.Shethrewherarmsaroundhimandthetears
rolleddownhercheeks.

Whatsthematter?askedTagir.

GulizartoldhimhowhewasaccusedofstealingBytkha.Shehadbarelyfinishedthestorywhensomeoneoutside
calledhim.

Isthemanofthehouseathome?saidsomeoneinUbykh.

Dontgooutside!Hide!pleadedTagirswife.

Dontworry;itsoneofourpeople!hesaidreassuringly,andwenttoopenthegate.

AshotwasfiredandTagirfelltotheground.

Fourarmedmengotofftheirhorses,grabbedGulizar,whowastryingtocallforhelp,gaggedherandtiedupher
hands.Awakenedbythecommotion,thefrightenedsonswerealsotiedup.Aftertheintrudersthrewthechildren
andtheirmotheroverthesaddles,theysetthehouseonfireandrodeaway.

162

WhenSitandIgotthere,Tagirshousewasjustaframeofblacksmokingboards.Crimsonsparksstillflewfromthe
dwindlingfire.Smoke,ashesandthesmellofburningwerecarriedbythewind.Tagir,coveredwithblood,was
lyingfacedownintheyard.AtfirstIthoughthewasdead,buthewasnt.Hewasfatallywoundedandwhenhe
cameto,heaskedinabarelyaudiblevoicewherehiswifeandchildrenwere.

Theyreallright,Itoldhim,notknowingwhattosayandsuppressingastrongurgetohowlinsorrow.

ButTagirdidntbelieveme.IrealizedthatwhenIsawaloneteardroprollingdownhischeek.

Whoshotyou?IaskedasIliftedhishead.

FarhatChyzmaa.

Peoplebegangatheringaroundtheplace.AllthosewhohadlovedTagir,whohadplacedtheirhopesinhim,were
presentanddistraughtwithgrief.Thewoundedmanwasputunderatentconstructedinhaste.Ilookedatthe
faceofthatdyingmansodeartomeandhadaterriblefeelingofhelplessness,adeepanguish.Tagirwasdying,
andeverythinghehaddevotedhislifetohadperishedinthefire.Noonewouldeverwritethehistoryofthe
Ubykhpeople;noonewouldeverwriteaprimerforUbykhchildren.

Tagirbarelymovedhislifelesshandashewhispered:

Gohome!GobacktotheCaucasus...Allofyou...Gohome!

Thosewerehislastwords,hislastwillandtestament.Tagirdiedbeforethesunrose.Nearlyeveryoneinthevillage
cametomournhim.Eventhemullahcame,themanwhohadnotsolongbeforecalledTagiraninfidel.Rahmans
mysteriousflightandTagirsassassinationwereproofbeyonddoubtthathehadnothingtodowithBytkhas
disappearance.AndthosewhohadbelievedRahmansstorywerenowdeeplyashamed,criedandasked
forgivenessofthedeadman.

Uaa,nan,myTagir,wailedAuntHimzhazh,herhairhangingloose,asshesatattheheadofthedeceased.Look
howmanywonderfulpeoplehavecometopayyoutheirlastrespects!

Thewomenweptandthemensigheddeeply.

Mansou,sonofShardyn,cametobidfarewelltohischildhoodcompanion.Hewhisperedtothepeoplestanding
nexttohim:

Ifeelsosorryforhim!Hewasarealscholar!Itsashamehedestroyedhimselfandhisfamily.Iwarnedhim...He
wantedtomakeaholeinastonewallwithhislittlefinger...Whatadreamer...

Anelegantcarriagedroveupandstoppedasmalldistanceaway.Beforehegotin,Mansou,sonofShardyn,walked
uptouselders:

Iwishyouluck!Iwillnotforgettheworkyoudidforme.Thankyou!Weprobablywonteverseeeachother
again.IvesoldmyestateandammovingtoFrance,tomywifescountry.Astheysay,letbygonesbebygones,but
ImusttellyouthatyoureallyoffendedmewhenyouhadHuseinEffendigivethepeopleslastshrineawaytoAli
HazretPasha.DidyouthinkIwasntworthyofsuchagift?Wereyoutryingtobuyhisfavors,orwhat?Surelyyou
realizeyoucantmakedealswithsuchscoundrels.Itwouldhavedonemoregoodifyouhadgivenyoursupportto
thesultan!ButnomatterwhatyouthinkofmeIhaventforgottenthatmyfatherwasanUbykh.Yes,my
honorablefellowUbykhs,Ihaventforgottenthat.SoyouknowwhatIvedone?IboughtyourgiftfromAliHazret.
AndIpaidhimagoodpriceforit,too.IlltakeBytkhawithme;maybeitwillbringmehappinessinanalienland.
Farewellandbearmenogrudge!

Mansou,sonofShardyn,gotintohiscarriageandinnotimehewaslostinacloudofsmokekickedupbythe
horseshoofs.

163

NearlyallofuswhocametosaygoodbyetoTagirwereoftheoldergenerationandinmourninghimwere
mourningourterriblefate.Throughourtearswecouldseewhathehadwilledtousourunforgettablehomeland
sofarawayandnamedUbykhia.

WeburiedTagironthemoundwhereBytkhahadoncebeen.Thesettingsunilluminatedthenewgravewithits
departingrays.

Noonewasinahurrytoleave.Peoplestoodwithheadsloweredanddeepinsorrowfulthoughts.Iwenttothetop
ofthemoundandstoodnexttoTagirsgrave,holdingtheancienthorninmyhand.Iputittomylipsandfilledthe
desertwiththemoaningoftheUbykhsbrasshorn.ThehornweptoverTagirsfreshgraveandthunderedagainst
hisenemies.ItwasacalltoreturntothelandoftheUbykhs,toourhomeland!Putthesickonstretchers,the
infantsinsaddlebags,andattachaxesanddaggerstoyourbelts,thehornbellowed.Sowhatifthewayisbloody;
youmustbeonyourwaynomatterwhat.Youhavenothingtolose;hewholoseshiscountrylosesall.

AndsothehorncontinueditsmournfulpleauntilIhadnomorestrengthlefttoblowitandholditinmyhands.

Darknessenvelopedthewholearea;onlyafewstarstwinkledintheskyasthoughtheheavensweremourningus
withcoldtears.ItwasthelastnightoftheUbykhsonalandwherelifewasnolongerbearable.

THEFINALJOURNEY

ItwasmorethanaweekthatnearlyalltheinhabitantsofthirteenUbykhsettlementstheelderly,womenand
children,thatis,thoseofuswhowereincapableofcarryingweaponswereontheroadtravellingwiththe
meagerremainsoftheirbelongings.Lookingatusonemightthinkwewerethevictimsofafire,orgypsies,orwar
refugees.Threethousandhomesteadshadbeenuprooted.Ofcourse,itwasntancestrallandwewereleaving,but
landthatwehadbeensettledonforquitealongtime.Andthreethousandisnosmallnumber.Itwassummer
dryandscorchinghot.Inthedaytimetheheatwasenoughtofryonesbrainsandatnightthecoldwas
unendurable.ItwasjustliketheAfricandesertwhereIhadsufferedsomuchworkingonthecaravanforIsmail
Sabbah,mayhissoulburninhell.

AsthelateTagirhadwilledit,wewereheadedfortheCaucasus.PerhapsifwehadbeengoingtoSyriaorArabia,
whichnolongerbelongedtoTurkey,AliHazretPashawouldhavetakenanaltogetherdifferentattitudeand
realizedhehadenoughtroublesasitwaswithouttheUbykhs.Butwewereheadedforourhomelandwherethe
presentgovernmentwasfriendlytoKemalPasha.AliHazretPashaboiledwithindignation,Wewarmedaviperin
ourbosom;allthoseemigresfromtheCaucasusareturncoats,enemiesofthesultan.Well,Illshowthem!He
wasntjusttalking:thesultanslackeysenthispunitiveunitstoattackuslikeapackofwolvesandtheytookmore
andmorelivesfromourhumanflockinflightforsalvation.

Imnotsure,butIthinkthatifwehadhadmorestrengthandweaponswewouldhavebeenabletogetpastAli
Hazretssoldiers,pasttheGreekswhoweresometimesontheoffensiveandsometimesonthedefensiveinthose
parts,andfinallywithenoughobstinacyandgoodfortunewecouldvefoundourwaybacktotheCaucasusandto
ournativemountains.

Butwehadlittlestrengthandfewweapons.Wedidhavesome,though,becauseseveraldozenofourarmedmen
joinedusalongthewayafterfightingononeoranotherofthehostilesides,oraftercomingoutofthemountains
wheretheywereinhiding.Theyhadgunsanddefendedusasbesttheycould.

WepassedthroughtheKonyaplainsthatwereasbareasaplunderedgrave.Formilesonendtherewasntatree,
waterspringorwellinsight.ItsnowondertheTurkswouldsayyoucouldntgetthroughtheseplainsevenona
camel.

Ourhorses,torturedbyhorseflies,couldhardlymove.Thewheelsofourcartsweregrindingontherocks,
creakingnoisilyastheyrolledalong,carryingourchildren,invalidsanddisabledelders.Wetriedtogoasfastaswe
could.Thedeadwereburiedquicklyandmournedaswemovedalong.Thewounded,whocouldstillwalkeven
thoughtheywerebarelyconscious,didntasktobecarriedincarts.Onlythosewhowerewaveringbetweenlife
164

anddeathwerecarriedincartsoronstretchers.Wecouldbeshotatfromallsides.Itwasdespicabletoshootata
humanthrong,butahitwasguaranteed;anyrandombulletseventuallyfindavictim.Ouryoungmenhadaharder
timeofit:thosewhowerefollowingusonhorsebackwereshiftylikedemons;theyusedhitandruntactics.

AliHazretPashasentmessengerstothreatenus:

Ifyoudontwanttobekilledtothelastman,giveupandturnbackbeforeitstoolate!IswearbyAllahthat
anyoneheadingintothehandsofthesultansenemywillendup,withmyhelp,inthearmsofdeath!

Butwedidnotgiveintohisthreats.Ariveralwaysrunstotheseaandamanreachesoutforhisnativeland.Since
wewerealreadyonourwaywedidntwanttoturnbackbecausethecallofhome,likethecalloftruth,cannotbe
ignored.Asawaytocheerupthosewhowerelosingheart,weelderswouldsometimessinganancientUbykh
marchingsong:

Bleedingwoundsdontmakeussorry
Indefianceofthefoe.
Forthemountainsandglory
Forwardvalianthorsemengo!

Thatwassongsrefrain.Theyoungdidntunderstandthewords,buttheylikedustosingitanyway.Halfthe
scorchedplainswerebehindus.Butthenwefacedanewproblem:oursmallsuppliesoffoodranoutandpeople
beganstarving;itstartedwiththechildrenscrying.Idratherlistendayandnighttobulletswhistlingoverhead
thanthewhimperingofhungrychildren.Wehadnoalternativebuttoslaughtersomeofourbulls,thenthe
horses.Sharakh,haveyoueverheardtheneighingofamortallywoundedhorse?Afterwehadburnedupourcarts
wehadtousewoodencradlesforfirewood.Thenwehadnothingleftthatcouldbeusedtomakeafireexceptfor
thebuttsofourrifles,butwestillneededthemforfightingback.

Bleedingwoundsdontmakeussorry...thesongsoothedoursouls.Butwewerentjusthungry;wewerealso
thirsty.Hungerandthirstgrippeduslikethejawsoftwomadwolves.Andtherewasnowaytofightoffthetwo
beasts.Notaspring,orawellinsight!

Imthirsty,Mom,Imthirsty!achildwithparchedlipswhisperedtoitsmother.

Butthemotherdidntevenhaveanytearslefttocrytheyhaddriedup.Whensomeonewasinjured,hardlyany
bloodcamefromthewound.Thegroupsentouttosearchforwaternevercameback.Ourhumanflockwasno
longermoving,justbarelycrawlingalongatasnailspace.Peoplewouldfightoverapieceofbread,oradropof
water.Theyatethegrassseenonlyonrareoccasions.Anyonewhomanagedtocatchamousewasreallylucky.

Dontgiveuphope,
Rainwillmercifully
Pourfromtheheavenstonight.

Weelderssangthattoliftthepeoplesspirits.Butthesongwasmorelikealament.

Suddenly,likeavoicefromtheheavens:

Theresaswampnotfarfromhere;theresaswamp!wheezedamanstaggeringasthoughheweredrunk.Even
thosewhoweredyinggotupwhentheyheardwhathesaid.

Someran,somewalked,andstillotherscrawledtowardtheplacethatmanpointedto.Motherspickedtheirsmall
childrenupintheirarms,andolderchildrenoutrantheadults.Somejustcollapsedonthehotearththatwas
crackedliketheshellofanoverripemelon,andlaytherewiththeirmouthsopenlikefishoutofwater.Noone
paidanyattentiontothem.

165

Soonthepeoplesfeetweresquelchingovertheswampyhummocks.Theswampwaswide.Theshiftingsoilonthe
approachestoitwasovergrownwithreeds.Thequagmireexudedarottenstench.Thesoilandgrassaroundit
seemedtohavebeendrenchedinsalt.Someoneyelled:

Dontdrinkthatwater;itsnogood!

Butwhocared.Peopleshovedoneanotheraside,breathingheavilyinexcitement.Theyfelltotheirkneesand
whentheirmouthsgottothebrown,lifelesswater,theydrankuntiltheynearlychoked.Thewaterwaswarmand
viscid;slimywaterbugs,larvaeandspidersdriftedonitssurface,butweUbykhsdrankwithmorelustthanwehad
everdrunkfromourpuremountainsprings.Andwhenwehaddrunkallthatwecouldholdwestillstayedbythe
swamp.Despitethefieryheatourbodiesshiveredwiththedreadofthirstthewayamaddogdoesfearingwater.
Whenwefinallyrecoveredourbreathwebeganlookingforourrelativesandfriends.Wehelpedupthosewho
hadntreachedthewater,anddiscoveredthatsomeofthemwerealreadydead.

Ifitsnotonething,itsanother.Wehadbarelyquenchedourthirstwhenwebegansufferingfromhungeragain.
Thenextday,though,wewerefortunate.Twoofourscoutswhohadgoneafewmilesaheadnoticedaherdof
grazinghorses.Theyoungfellowshadthepresenceofmindtofrightenthehorseswithgunshotssotheywould
movetowardourpeoplewhoweredyingofhunger.Haveyoueverheardofawarbetweenpeopleandhorses?
Well,therewasonebythatswamp.Menwithgunsshotatthehorses;thosewithdaggershurledthemselvesat
theconfusedanimalsasthoughinhandtohandcombat;andthosewhohadaxeschoppedthroughtheterrified
herdasthoughitwasaforestthicket.Thehystericalhorseswheezedascrimsonfoamrushedfromtheirbodies.
Peoplefellunderthehoofsofthecrazedhorses.Therewasmoaningandcriesofhorror!Horsesfelltotheground
withchoppedskulls,brokenlegs,slashedopenbellies.Andpeoplewerecrushedunderthehoofsofanimals
franticallyseekingescape.Horses,sometimesnotyetdead,wereskinned,theirbodieschoppedtopieces.A
hungrymanislikeawolf.Wecutdownreedsandmadestinkingfiresoutofthem.Soontheairsmelledofroasted
horsemeat.Whenourstomachswerefullofthehalfrawmeatwegotthirstyagainandwentbacktotheswampto
drinkthebadwatercuppingourhands.Thenweburiedthosewhohaddiedinthebattlewiththeherdofhorses.
Butbeforewemovedonwesetfiretothereedsgrowinginabundancearoundthemarsh:Ourenemieswillthink
werestillsittingbyourcampfires!

Thehopewefoundintheflamesofourcampfiregaveusstrength;butnotforlong.Afterescapingtwocalamities
wehadtodealwithathird.Cholerabrokeout.Thefirstonetofallillwasawoman,themotherofthreechildren.
Pressingherstomach,andshiveringfromfever,herlipsandhereyelidsblue,sherolledaroundonthehotsand.
Thenherhandsandlegsbegantoconvulse.Inafewhoursthewomandied,butherchildrenhadcaughtthe
disease.Ourpeoplewereterrified.SomeprayedtoGod,otherscursedhim.Ivolunteeredtoburythedeadandin
notimeatallIhadburiedthetwopeopleclosesttome:AuntHimzhazhandherhusbandSit.WhenHimzhazh
died,Sittoldme:

Zaurkan,Iamill.WhenIdieburymenexttoHimzhazh;Idontwanttoleaveheraloneinthiscursedland.

Hedughisowngraverightnexttohiswifesandhedidntsufferlongbeforepassingaway.

Istoodovertheirgraves,andalthoughmyeyesseemeddry,tearsappearedonmycheeks.Thatshowitissome
timesinthemountains:eventhoughtheskyisclear,onecanseecolddropsontherocks.Icriedlikethoserocks:
mytearscameasifthroughthewrinkledskinofmycheeks.

SuddenlyIheardthevoiceoftheeldestamongus,Tatlastan:

Wehaventdiedyet,butwerealreadymourningourselves.Comeon,chinup!Ahahara,hahaira!Clapyour
hands!Letsdance!Letsdance!andhehummedadancesongasthoughhewerethehealthiestoneofusand
fiftyyearsyoungerthanheactuallywas.

Icouldntfigureitout:hadhegonemad?

ButTatlastanwasdefinitelyinhisrightmind.

166

Haventyoueverseenhowacandlebeforeitgoesoutsuddenlygetsbrighter?Comeon,andletsbrightenuplike
ashootingstar,no,likelightning,forourenemiestoseeoursplendorbeforewedie.

Tatlastanclappedhishandslouderandlouderashewalkeduptooneperson,thenanother:

Ahahara,hahaira!

Andreally,itwasamiracle.Nooneshouted,Yourecrazy!Calmdown!Onthecontrary,peoplewhocouldbarely
standupandwhoamomentbeforewerelyingmotionlessonthesandwithnosignsoflife,beganclappingtheir
handsandsinging,atfirstinwhispers,thenatthetopoftheirlungs,adancesongoftheirforefathers.

Thislandhasgonedeafanddoesnthearourchildren,crying;itsgoneblindanddoesntseeweredying!So,lets
dance,dancesothatthenoisewemakewithourfeetthundersinitsears.Maythislandknowwerestillaliveand
havenowishtosurrender!calledoutTatlastan.

Graduallyacirclewasformed.Ifonlyyoucouldhaveseenthefaces,myson,ofthepeopleinthatcircle.Just
imaginethefacesofsmilingcorpses.

Tatlastanthenshoutedout,butthistimetohimself:

Hey,Tatlastan,surelyyouhaventforgottenhowtodance?WhenyouwereinUbykhiayoucoulddanceat
weddingsonthetopofanarrowtable.Andthegirlsgotdizzywhenyouahahara!dancedonyourtoes.The
tabledidntshake.Andtheglassesfulltothebrimwithwine,didntloseadrop!Comeonandshowyouvestillgot
yourpep!

Hebegandancing,hishandsonhiships.

Atthatpointtherewasajumbleofnoiselaments,shoutsofahahara,tearsandlaughing.Itwasamomentof
madness.AndIbeganclappingmyhandslikeamanhighonhashish:

Ahahara,hahaira!

Tatlastaneventriedfallingononeknee,buthecouldntdoit.

Hisoldboneswillnolongerdowhathewantsthemto,Ithoughttomyself.Theresaproperageforeverydance!
Butwhereishegettingthatstrength?

Tobesure,awomansagecanbetoldbyherface,butamans,byhissoul.WhatIwaswitnessingthereinthe
desertremindedmeoftheproverbmyancestorshadlongbeforemybirth:Invitethedeadtoafeastandmake
themwanttodance!WhenIrememberedthatIcouldnthelpbutwonderifourforefathershadforeseenthe
terribleendoftheUbykhs.

SuddenlyTatlastan,stilldancingandclappinghishands,brokeawayfromthecrowd,callingustofollowhim.The
oldmanwasoutofbreath.Hecouldnttalkandnoddedtothepeopletofollowhim.Buteveryoneobeyedas
thoughhehadthemtiedtoastring.Heledthemtowardthesoundofaroostercrowing.Notfarfromuswasthe
firstvillagewehadseeninthatdesert...

WhathappenedafterthatZaurkancouldhardlyremember.Hetoldtherestofthestoryincoherently.Hecouldnt
eitherrememberhowlongtheUbykhshadbeenontheroad,theplacetheyhadreached,orthenumberof
survivingUbykhs.Onedayhetoldmeonething,thenextday,another.Hehadeverythingmixedup.

Hewassufferingfromcholerathenandperhapsthatswhyhecouldntremembermuch.Butonethingwasclear:
theoldmanhadenduredaterribleexperience.Whenhebegantalkingaboutithetrembledallover,hisface
becamesullen,andhisvoicebroke.

Butjustwherewasthatplace?

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ItookoutmymapofTurkeyandshowedittotheoldman.IpointedouttheKonyaplainsandtheswampsthat
weremarkedingreen.Buttheoldmancouldnttellmeanymorethanhealreadyhad.

Onthemapthoseswampswerenotfarfromtheplacewheretheoldmannowlived.IfiguredIhadtraveled
throughthoseplaceswherethebonesoftheUbykhslayburiedafterthecholeraepidemic,somewherenearhere.
AndsoZaurkanwasmistakenwhenhesaidtheywereontheroadforalongtimeandthejourneytookforever.
ActuallytheUbykhshadgoneamerefortytosixtymiles.Buthowcouldoldmanbeblamedforstretchingoutthe
daysandthedistanceinhismemory,affectedbythepowerofhisgrief?

Wesatdownagain,andonceagaintheoldmantried,withgreatdifficulty,toconnectallhisdisjointedmemories.

Weweredrivenintoacorner:therewasnowaytogoforwardandtherewasnowayback.Peopleinthenearby
villagesfledtothemountainsawayfromthecholera.Theytooktheirfoodandtheirlivestockwiththem.Only
thosewhowerealreadyillstayedathome.Wherevertherewasthunder,lightningalwaysseemedtostrikethe
Ubykhpeople.TheTurksblamedusfortheepidemicandsothosewhohadremainedbehindintheirhomesto
carefortheirsick;andthosewhohadalreadyrecoveredfromtheillness,tookuptheirgunstostandinthewayof
ourexodus.

ThepolicehadstrictordersfromIstanbul:KeeptheUbykhsfromgoinganywhere.Donothesitatetoshoot.Burn
upthedead!

Whenwegottothefirstvillageandwerealreadyatthehousesontheedgeofthecommunity,somepeasant
camerunningtowardusandshotTatlastan,whowasleadingusall.Thenthemanvanished.Tatlastanfelldown.I
bentoverhim.

Well,theygotme,Zaurkan!BurymewithmyheadtowardUbykhia.

HediedandIfeltfeverish.Irememberedthewordsfromanancientsong:Inacholerayeareventheswallows
dontfly,andIlookedatthesky:therewerenoswallowsthere.FarintothedistanceIsawfog.Ipressedmypalm
onmyforehead.Thefogwasgone,butthenitcameback.StandingoverTatlastansdeadbodyIcouldntforthe
lifeofmefigureoutwhichwaywasUbykhia.Ididntburyhim:Ihadntthestrength.Iwasonlyabletodraghis
bodyunderatreeandclosehiseyes.Myconditiongotworseandworse.Feelingpaininmystomach,Iwentover
tothehousethatstoodsomewhatapartfromtherest.Icouldhearbulletswhistlingovermyhead,butIpaidno
attention.

TatlastansnephewandsomeotherUbykhranpastmewiththeirdaggersbaredinsearchofthepeasantwhohad
shottheoldman.

Hecouldnthavejustvanishedintothinair?shoutedoneoftheUbykhs.

Hesprobablyhidinginsomehouse.

AsIcamenearthegate,Icouldheartheheartrendingcryofawoman.Musteringupwhatwasleftofmystrength,
Iwentintothehouse.Tatlastansnephewhadpushedthefrightenedwomanintoacornerandwaspressinghis
daggertoherbreast.

Telluswherethemanwhoshotthegunishiding?Isawhowheranintothishouse.Stopyourteethfrom
chatteringandanswermyquestion!Ifyoudonttellme,youwitch,Illputanendtoyouandyourson!Hesaid
andnoddedtothesickboytossingonthebed.

IsweartoAllahthatnoonecameinhere.Youmaysearchthewholehouse,butdontkillus.Wereinnocent!My
sonisanorphan;hisfatherdiedtwoyearsago,saidtheterrifiedwoman,tryingtoedgeherwaytothepoorboy.

Getoutofhere!Ihollered.

Probablymyvoicewaslikethehowlofadyinganimal.
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Theastonishedmenputawaytheirweapons.Iheardashotoutside,thenanother,andtheyoungmenranoutof
thehouse.Ialsoturnedtogooutthedoor,butthewomangrabbedmewithbothherhands:

Dontgo,Ibegofyou.Dontgo!Ifwereleftherealonetheyllcomebackandkillus.Pleasetakepityonus!she
pointedtotheboy.

IfthatwomanhadnttriedtokeepmethereIwouldnthavegoneveryfaranyway.Shelaidmedownonherbed
andIlostconsciousness.

IdontknowhowlongIwasdeliriousandconvulsing,andthenunconscious,butwhenIdidcometoIsawthatI
wasinsomestrangehouse.

WhereamI?werethefirstwordsIspokethedayIcamebackfrommyjourneytodeath.Iwastalkingtothe
womanstandingattheheadofmybed.

Justconsideryourselfathome.

Andwhoareyou,Hanum?

Ifyoulookcloselyyoumayrememberme.

IthoughtIsawthewomansmilingandbeganexaminingher.Herroundface,herbigblackeyes,despitehersmile,
werefullofsorrow,andherhairwasstreakedwithgray.Itriedtorememberwhoshewas,butcouldnt.

Thewomantoldmeherself.

Rememberhowtwoofyouryoungmenwantedtoknifemeandmyson,andyousavedus.Thenyouwantedto
leave,butIbeggedyoutostay.Youwerealreadyill,andIhadtoputyouinbed.Tillthisdayyouvebeenonthe
vergeofdying,but,praisebetoAllah,yourealive.

GraduallymyheadbegantoclearandIcouldremember.Oneafteranother,Iconjuredupvisionsofthefinal
journeyoftheUbykhs...Corpses,corpses,andmorecorpses.Tatlastandancing...AndfinallyIrememberedhowI
hadcometothishouse.Cheeredbymyrestoredmemory,Idecidedtositupinbed.

Liedown!Yourestilltooweak,saidthewomanasshecarefullywipedawaysweatfrommyfaceandforcedme
toputmyheadbackonthepillow.Thenshebroughtmeteaandhelpedmedrinkit.

Sothesehandstookmeoutofthegripsofdeath?andIpattedherhand.

Youareoursavior.Ofcourse,itwasnteasytotakecareoftwosickpeopleatthesametimeyouhereandmy
sonthere;butpraisebetoAllah,yourebothalive.Shewenttothedoorand,openingit,shecalledout:Biram!
Comeinthehouse,Son.

Aboyoffifteen,asskinnyasarail,quietlywalkedintotheroom.Hisfacewasverypale.

Yousee,Biram,oursaviorisalsorecovering!saidthemothertoherson,nottakingherlovingeyesoffhim.Go
tohim,andtalktohim,onlynotlong,oryoullwearhimout!

Theboylookedatmewithhiskinddeerlikeeyes,andcomingovertothebed,whispered:

PraisebetoAllah;praisebetoAllah!

Thewomanputherhandontheboysheadandsighedhopefully:

Maybenowourdayswillfinallybebrighter.

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Sharakh,thatwasthehomewherewerenowsitting.Ilayrighttherewheremybedisnow,andshesatwatching
mefromwhereyouresitting...

IknowthatIshouldntsayhername.TheUbykhs,liketheAbkhasians,arenotsupposedtomentionthenamesof
theirwives.ButyoushouldknowthenameofthatTurkishwomanwhosavedmylife:hernamewasSalima.

Mydearfriend,mypatientfriend,Imustvewornyououtwithmystory,everywordofwhichhasasheenofblood
andgrief.AlltheUbykhswhotriedtoreturntotheirhomelandperished:somefromcholera,othersfrombullets.
Stillothers,althoughthesewerefewinnumber,survived,butIalsoconsiderthemdeadbecausetheyceasedtobe
Ubykhs.

YouaskwhathappenedtoSalima?Thatwomanhadararesoul.Iwaseightythatyearwhenshepulledmeoutof
thegraspoftheangelofdeath.Icompletelyrecuperatedwithinashorttimeandgotbackallmystrength.Iwas
planningtogo,butshesaid:Stayhere,youhavenowheretogo.Fromthisdayonmyhomeisyours.Even
thoughIwasadvancedinyearsIwasstillastrongman.Welivedlikemanandwife.Withinafewmonthsthere
wasnomorecholerainthevillage.Allthosewhohadfledtothemountainshadreturned.Onlythenumberof
gravesdugthatyearinthevillagecemeterywasmorethantherehadbeenintenyearsofpeacefullife.

ThenonedaySalimasuddenlyfellill.Shehadsomechestailment.IdideverythingIcouldtosaveher,butI
supposeitwasntenough.Beforeshediedsheaskedme:

DontleaveBiram!Beafathertohim!

ThenextdayIburiedher.Hergraveisnotfarfromhereontheslopeofthehill.WhenItakeawalkIgothere.I
alwaysfeelasthoughnotonlysheisburiedthere,butallofmylovedones.ItoldBiramalongtimeagotoburyme
there,too,whenmytimecomes.

WhileBiramwasgrowinguphestayedwithmeallthetime.IwashisfatherandItaughthimallIknew.Whenhe
gotmarriedhebegantolivewithhisownfamily.Hehasareputationamongthepeopleasanhonestman,anda
hardworking,goodblacksmith.YouandGodaremywitnessesthatmysondoesnotforgetme.Eachdaynowcan
easilybecomemylastinaforeignland,inahouseIdidntbuild.IZaurkanZolakamthelastUbykhinthis
imperfectworld.IevenfeelashamedthatIvelingeredsolong...

ThatsallthatZaurkanZolakhadtimetotellme.Ihavereadmynotesoverandoverandamcontinuallyastounded
bythemansvitality.Hewhowitnessedthedisappearanceofhispeople,managedtofindthestrengthformore
thanamonthtorecounttheirsadstorytome.

Myson,Sharakh,dontbeoffended,butImustliedown,Imdizzy,hesaidthatlasteveningandgotupwishing
meagoodnight.

Iwenttomyroom,litacandle,laidmynotesinfrontofme,andgottothinkingaboutallIhadheardfromtheold
man.ItwasasthoughIhadwitnessedtheUbykhsfinaljourney;Icouldstillhearthescreamingandthegunfire.
Mymanuscriptseemeddrenchedinbloodandtears.

Therearemanyexamplesinhistorywhenwholenations,muchlargerthantheUbykhs,disappearedfromtheface
oftheearthwithoutatrace.ButtheUbykhsceasedtoexistnotsoverylongago;itallhappenedwithinonemans
lifetime,butofcourse,notovernightandnotinoneyear.

FromthedaytheyboardedtheshipsinthehopeoffindingthePromisedLandinTurkey,theydoomedthemselves
togradualextinction.

AssimilationwasandcontinuedtobeTurkeysofficialpolicy,bothunderSultanAbdulhamidandlaterunderthe
governmentoftheYoungTurks.

TheturbidandpowerfulriverofassimilationpickeduptheUbykhsandforcedthemintoitsrapids,asitdidto
manyotherpeoples.TheYoungTurksdreamedofunitingallcountriesinhabitedbyMuslims,theCaucasus
included.TheybelievedthatintheGreatOttomanEmpiretheywouldthuscreate,thestatereligionwouldbe
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Islam;theonlylanguagewouldbeTurkish;andallnationswouldbeequalallwouldbeTurks.Thesmallethnic
groupshadnochoicebuttobeenvelopedandswallowedbythewatersofthatsingleriver.Thosewhoresisted
wouldenduplikeTagir.

The1917SocialistRevolutioninRussiaaffectedtheentireworld;wordofitalsoreachedtheemigresfromthe
CaucasuswhowerelivinginTurkey.Theemigresstill,deepdownintheirhearts,continuedlovingtheirnative
land.Whentheyheardthatafterthe1917SocialistRevolutiontheotherethnicgroupsoftheCaucasushad
becomemastersoftheirancestralterritories,manyofthemwishedtoreturnhometotheirabandonedhearths...
WhenMikhailFrunze*wastouringTurkeyin1921someoftheCaucasianstoldhimaboutit.

AndsoIwasntsurprisedwhenZaurkantoldmeaboutTagir,who,inspiteofallthedangersinvolved,triedtoget
throughthenetworkoffrontlinestoAnkaratomeetsomerepresentativeofSovietRussia.

ArchivalmaterialshowsthatmanyCaucasianslivinginTurkeywereinvolvedintherevolutionaryevents,although
becausethepoliticaldevelopmentsweresocomplicatedthereweresomewhowereforcedtochangesides
overnight,goingfromonepoliticalextremetotheother.

LiketheUbykhTagir,whosedreamnevercametrue,therewereotherCaucasianemigresinTurkeywhorealized
theimportanceofpreservingtheirlanguagesandmadeatleastsomeattempttopreservethemaswellastheir
customsandtheirmodeoflifeingeneral.Theysoughtsalvationinenlightenment.Theymadealphabetsand
readers,printedsmallnewspapersintheirownlanguages,andorganizededucationalcentersfortheirethnic
communities.

In1919MustafaButba,ofAbkhasiandescent,hadanAbkhasianreaderpublishedinIstanbul.Thealphabethehad
devisedwasbasedontheLatinalphabet.SomeAbkhasianschoolswereevenorganizedhereandthereandthey
usedButbasreader.

Butthosefirstweaksproutsofenlightenmentperishedunderthepressureofassimilation.Theyhadjustbarely
sprungupwhentheywerepushedbackdownintotheearth.

Becauseofthemanycomplicationsofwar,someAbkhasiansfromTurkeyendedupinGreece.Ioncereadthe
letterthattheysentindesperationtoSukhumi,tothegovernmentofAbkhasia:

ThreeyearsoflifeinMacedonia,fullofthemostterribletrialsandtribulations,havebeenunbearableinthis
climateweareunaccustomedto.EveninTurkeywealwayslookedbackonournativevillagesofAbkhasia.But
thatwasnotimetogoback.Theoldsystemdidnotwantustoreturntoournativemountains.NowAbkhasiais
freeandindependent,andweAbkhasians,thrownbyfateintoforeignlands,nowmorethanever,yearnforour
freemountains,ourownfamilies,ourbrothersacrossthesea.AllofusAbkhasiansareinspiredbyacommon
dream:toservethefreeAbkhasianpeople.WegatheredinKailariaonSeptember28,1925,andunanimously
agreedtorequestthatthePeoplesCommissariatoftheSovietSocialistRepublicofAbkhasiaallowus,700
AbkhasiansandtheirfamiliesinGreece,toreturntoournativevillagesinfreeAbkhasia.

SittingaloneinZaurkanZolakshomeandaddingthesecommentstomymanuscript,Ithoughtaboutmanythings,
includingthatletter,whichrevealedthedramatichistoryoftheAbkhasianpeople,andnotthemalone.

ThroughthenarrowwindowIcouldseeabrightstarshininginthedistance,andsuddenlyIrememberedAbkhasia
andthehomewhereIwasbornandwheremymothernowlivedalone.Maybeshecantgettosleeptonight
either...

AllnightlongIcouldhearZaurkancoughingandmoaninginhissleep.

Iwasntabletofallasleepuntilearlyinthemorning.WhenIgotupIfoundoutthattheoldmanwassick;he
couldntgetoutofbed.Hetriednottomoan,butIcouldseehewasstrainingtohidehispain;hissunkeneyes
showedthesuffering.Hecouldnteatanything;fromtimetotimeheswallowedsomewaterandsmoked.

ForthreedaysBiramandItriedtodowhatwecouldforZaurkan,buthowwasitpossibletocuretheillnesscalled
oldage?
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Icouldntstayanylonger;myoverseaspassportwasexpiring.

ThemorningofthedayIwasduetoleave,Zaurkancalledmetohim:

MydearSharakh,dontworryaboutleaving:Illeitherrecoveror,ifIseeIcantgoonanylonger,Illquietlymeet
mydeath.Isawyou,anAbkhasian,mymothersrelative,thesonofthepeoplefromwhosebodyIcame,andIwas
abletotellyouallaboutmybitterexperiences.AndyoubroughtmethegoodnewsthattheAbkhasiansand
Abkhasiaarestillinseparable.

TheoldmancalledBiramandwhisperedafewwordsinhisear.Hewentoutandreturnedwithabrasshornanda
bigCaucasiandagger.Theoldmanheldthemforalongtimeinhistremblinghandslookingthemover.

DearSharakh,thisisallthatsleftoftheUbykhswhohavedisappearedfromthefaceoftheearth.Takethese
thingswithyoutoAbkhasia!WithBiramtheyaresilent,buttheywilltalktoyou.Iftheystayhere,theyllendupin
alienhandswhenIdie.Butifyoutakethemtheyllreturntotheirnativeland.

Ithankedhimforthesepreciousgifts,andmadeeveryefforttokeepZaurkanfromgettingoutofbed.Buthe
wouldnthearofitandgotup.HedonnedhisoldshirtandCircassiancoat,puthisAstrakhanhatonhishead,
pickeduphisstaff,andwalkedmetothegate.Itwasonlythere,afterhehuggedandkissedme,wishingmea
goodjourney,thatheletmeleave.

Biramhelpedmecarrymybaggagetothenearestroad.Wewalkedslowlyalongtheplains,andwhenIlooked
backIcouldseeZaurkanstandingonthemound;alonefigure,allthatremainedofanoldfortresswall...

Ididntlookbackanymore.Iwantedtorememberhimthatway.AndIwanthimtoappearthatway,likethelast
proudfragmentofthepast,tootherswhentheyreadthebookabouthimthatIwillmostcertainlywrite.This
bookwillbebasedonmynotesofhisstory.

AFTERWORD

Thosewerethelastlinesinthemanuscriptwrittenbytheyounglinguist,SharakhKvadzba.AsIsaidinthe
beginning,themanuscripthadnotitleandnochapters,sowhenIwasgettingitreadyforpublicationIbrokeitup
intochaptersmyself,inventedthetitles,andcalledthebookTheLastoftheDeparted.

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