Black Cross (1960)

[bunniefuu]

Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen

challenges you, Your Majesty,
and Grand Duke Vytautas

to mortal combat.

And to strengthen your courage,
which you so clearly lack,

he sends you these two
unsheathed swords.

KNIGHTS OF THE TEUTONIC ORDER

A ZRF Studio Production

Screenplay based on the novel
by Henryk Sienkiewicz

by Jerzy Stawiriski and Aleksander Ford.

Dramatic consultant: Leon Kruczkowski

Dialogues by Leon Kruczkowski
and Aleksander Ford

Starring:

Director of photography: Mieczysraw Jahoda

Music by Kazimierz Serocki

Production Manager: Zygmunt Krol

Directed by Aleksander Ford

Where are you headed?

Who are you?
Out of the way!

Show respect!

Don't you recognize
Master Jurand of Spychow?

Master, save us.

We are merchants. We were
carrying grain from the mill.

They broke the law
issued by the Order.

Trade is allowed only
with the permission

of the pious commander
Siegfried de Löwe.

This is my land.

Let them go.

Out of the way!

Out of the way!

Pious commander, we stopped
Polish merchants with grain.

We were attacked.

- By whom?
- Jurand of Spychow.

Father, let us...

Pull!

Fire! Fire!

Danuska! Danuska!

Danuska!

Close the gate! Close it!

Rain! Rain!

Thank you, Lord,
for saving us.

Open the gate!

Teutonic knights!

- Are you Jurand's wife?
- I am the wife of the master of Spychow.

Defend yourself!

My God!

Mother. Mother...

I shall avenge you, my love.
I shall avenge you.

Inn-keeper!

Clear the tables
and bring more light.

Her Grace, the Duchess Anna Danuta
will stop here for a rest.

Magda, Magda,
clear the tables.

Away with you!
GO away, You beggars!

This is too grand company for us.

Let's go.

Sit down, boy.
It's not too grand for us.

You are a nobleman.

Danuska!

Cheer our hearts with the song,
the one we've heard before.

If I had wings like a goose

I would have flown after my boy...

- Who is it?
- A lady in waiting to our Duchess.

What is the name
of that angel?

Danusia, daughter of Jurand
of Spychow, an orphan.

Isn't Jurand alive?

Her mother was m*rder*d
by the Teutonic Knights.

By Whom?

Jurand was hunting
when the Germans attacked Spychow.

A knight with peacock feathers
on his helmet caught her neck in a rope

and strangled her.

...look, dear boy,
at a poor orphan...

This is Danusia's knight.

But return our sweet singer
to us.

Thank you.

As you said, Your Ladyship,
I want to swear loyalty to this young lady.

You want her
to be your lady?

Who are you?

My nephew, Your Grace,
Zbyszko of Bogdaniec.

- And who are you, my lord?
- Macko of Bogdaniec.

We are on our way back
from Lithuania,

where we fought under the command
of your brother, Grand Duke Vytautas.

- You were wounded?
- Yes, but we won mighty spoils.

Aren't you just boasting?

Show us your spoils.

We struck a deal
with the knights of distant Frisia.

Whoever wins, takes the enemy's
carts and armor.

We got some nice armor
and a handsome doublet for my nephew.

Do you want him
for your knight, Danusia?

I do.

Then here is my chivalric pledge.

I will tear not one
but several peacock feathers

from Teutonic helmets

and cast them at your feet.

- You're a fool, boy.
- I've made a pledge.

You won't get spoils unless you
fight the Tatars with Duke Vytautis.

I've made a pledge. I won't find
Teutonic knights to fight among the Tatars.

But you will find sl*ves there.

Who will work the fields in Bogdaniec,
who will clear the forest?

- I've made a pledge.
- Because you're a fool!

One Duchess poisoned her husband
and got an indulgence.

We have the money,
you can buy one.

I've made a pledge.

Where will you find those peacock
feathers now? Where?

Defend yourself!

You're mad! This the Grand Master's envoy
to His Majesty the King.

- Who are you?
- Powaia of Taczew, you fool.

You've insulted the majesty of the King.
You'll pay with your head!

Welcome, the Duke and Duchess of Masovia.

Welcome, my dear brother Lengvenis,

duke of Mstsislav and Novgorod.

Welcome, noble envoys
of the Grand Master.

Welcome, reverend fathers.

Welcome, all guests
to our Cracow court.

Boyars, Ruthenian
and Polish knights.

Beg the King for mercy.

It is in his power to pardon you
or send you to your death.

This wild Lithuanian
drinks only mare's milk.

- You don't drink, Your Majesty?
- Only spring water.

You set a good example,
Your Majesty.

Noble acts are an even better example.

This is what you do,
Your Majesty.

The Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights
Of Saint Mary's Hospital in Jerusalem

High Most Reverend Grace

has chosen to inform Your Majesty

with all due respect
and reverence,

that not only Lithuanians
but also many Poles

are helping the rebellious pagans
of Samogitia.

Our men, Ruthenian merchants
and nobility, complain

that the Order forcefully
cuts them off from the sea

when they travel
to sell their grain.

We were given the privileges
from the Holy Father.

His Holiness Urban IV

allowed the Teutonic Knights
to trade in agricultural produce

but not for gain.

As monks we took vows of poverty,

but our Order is forced to
wage wars against pagans.

The Order builds castles and mills.

Who can say that in the lands of the Order
there is no order and fear of God?

Order and fear of God in your lands.

And fire and m*rder at your borders.

But we have respect
for Christian laws,

we do not attack envoys.

Who do you mean, commander?

Has anyone offended you
here in Poland?

It was me, Your Majesty.

The Teutonic knight demands punishment,
let there be punishment,

but Zbyszko is the last of his family.

When he is gone,
there will be nothing left of us.

Let me, my lord,
give my head for his crime.

Justice is not a dragon,

that doesn't care whose
blood it drinks.

Only the guilty one
will be punished.

And Teutonic justice?
Samogitia, sharp swords, robbery.

- They have privileges.
- We should attack them!

You want spoils.

We will not risk a w*r
against the Teutonic Knights.

So you want to chop
my nephew's head off?

Yes. We shall act
in accordance with the law.

Beg Lichtenstein,
only he can show mercy.

It is true, I was wearing armor.

You could have defended
yourself, my lord.

But this armor is only worn
for official visits.

This metal provides
no protection in a fight.

Did you intend to k*ll
knight von Lichtenstein?

I did. How else
could I have gotten his feathers?

But I shouted at him from afar
to defend himself.

Had he answered that he was an envoy
I would have left him in peace.

True!
Why didn't he call?

Can you swear by
the Passion of our Lord,

that you did not see the coat
and the cross on it?

I can't.

I would have never attacked one of our knights.
I knew he was a knight of the Order.

Would have a knight of the Order
come so close to Cracow

if he wasn't an envoy?

Or a member of an envoy's retinue?

Kuno von Lichtenstein,

- Show mercy.
- Mercy.

I forgive him with all my heart,
with all my soul,

as a servant of Christ
and a monk.

- Glory, glory!
- But I am an envoy.

He that attacks an envoy,
attacks the Order,

and he who offends the Order,
offends Christ.

This I cannot forgive.

Kneel.

God, have mercy.

The noble Zbyszko of Bogdaniec
is hereby sentenced

to beheading by sword.

Danuska!

Rejoice, for the Castellan has agreed
to delay your execution.

- What difference does it make?
- Don't you feel sad?

A week earlier or a week later.

- How is it outside?
- The sun is shining.

God in Heaven, oh to be in the saddle
and to just ride across the fields.

- You do feel sad.
- Will you sing for me?

If I had wings like a goose

I would have flown after my boy...

If I could be saved,
my girl.

It's time to go.

The Duchess sent a letter
to the Grand Master.

If the Grand Master relents,
the King will show his mercy.

Macko took the letter to Malbork.
I hope he makes it in time.

Stop!

He isn't a Saracen.
Are you Christian?

As a knight should be.
And you are a robber.

I'm Fulko de Lorche of Lorraine.
At the Order's service against Muslims.

I thought there were
no fools in Lorraine.

Saracens here?

You fool, we've been Christians
for centuries.

And what about Masurians?
You take me for a fool?

I've seen Masurian wooden idols
many times.

Let me finish him off, my lord,
he's a Mazurian.

- To arms! It's Jurand!
- k*ll the Teutons!

Help me!
Jesus Christ!

Help!
Help me!

Spare him. He's not a Teuton.

- He fought against us.
- And who are you?

Macko of Bogdaniec.
Whom should I thank for help?

I am Jurand of Spychow.

Jesus.

Who are you?

De Bergov, you must have
heard of me.

The pious commander of Szczytno
will pay my ransom.

This is Spychow.

- You are Jurand.
- I take no ransom.

No Teutonic knight has ever
left this castle alive.

To the dungeons.
Put him in chains.

And this one, my lord?

- I am Count de Lorche.
- He is not a Teutonic knight.

He came from Lorraine
in search of Saracens.

- You promised him to me, my lord.
- What will you do with him?

My nephew's life lies
in the Grand Master's hands.

I was riding to Malbork
with a letter from our Duchess,

and he wounded me.

He should pay for this.

A shard of the spear
is stuck in your breast,

you will not live long.

To hell with it!
I must be off to Cracow.

So I must die.

The executioner will have me.

I guess so, but do not worry.

I've ordered you a coffin
made of oak wood.

So exquisite that it is
fit for a king.

And I won't allow them
to cut your head

on the same cloth,
on which they behead townsmen.

I've already made a deal
with merchant Amiley.

The cloth will be brand new
and scarlet.

And good enough for the lining
of the King's coat.

And I will have a mass sung for you.

May God reward you.

- Uncle.
- What now?

Promise me one more thing.

What?

When they cut off my head,
you must find yourself a decent wife.

What? You must be delirious.

You said it yourself,
our family must not die out.

Look. Can you see it?

You're still spitting blood?

A shard of a spear
is stuck between my ribs.

I'll be dead before winter.

But you can save yourself.

- What are you saying?
- Have you heard about Duke Witold?

When he was imprisoned in Krewo,

he left the dungeons
in women's clothes.

Put on myjacket and my hood
and go.

Take this. It's a ransom for
the Lorrainer, de Lorche.

The Teutonic knights paid it.

And they will cut
your head off for me.

And may they enjoy it.

I'll be dead in three weeks' time, anyway.
Take it!

- I won't do it.
- You should have never been born!

It wasn't a disgrace for the Duke
to escape,

it won't be for you.

Duke Vytautas is a great lord.
He was crowned by the King.

He has riches and power.

As a poor nobleman,
all I have is my honor.

Don't you understand that I love you so much
that I won't let you die for me?

Damn those Teutons,
if we have to k*ll our youngsters for them.

Shame! Shame!

Stop! Stop!

Not to the executioner he belongs
but to me!

He is mine, only mine!

She threw her scarf on his head.
It's an old tradition, now he belongs to her.

To the castle! To the Castellan!

Pagan country, pagan traditions.

It's true, that such a tradition exists

but it is usually applied
to the robbers

and common folk.

That's not true!

Ask father Stanislaw,
he knows about laws and traditions.

We must ask the Grand Master.
It was his envoy who was offended.

Popular traditions become the law.

- Free Zbyszko!
- Shame!

They must be betrothed at once,
your Grace,

if we are to honor this tradition.

Your Grace, accept these
humble gifts,

as a truly
Christian prince

and a friend of our Order.

Grand Commander, pay no attention
to minor quarrels and misunderstandings,

or to thoughtless and rash actions
of young gentlemen.

Reassure the Grand Master,

that we are his true friends
and defenders of the common faith.

The pious commander,
Siegfried de Löwe from Szczytno

would like to make a complaint
to Your Grace

and it is not about a young gentleman.

Jurand of Spychow, Your Grace,
attacked our people.

Many were k*lled or wounded
in the most inhumane way.

Brother de Bergov
was taken prisoner.

We brought here a noble witness,

Sir Fulko de Lorche
from Lorraine,

who is a guest of the Order
and who was also harmed by Jurand.

Who is this most beautiful
girl in the world?

Enchanting. She is the daughter of
the man who wanted to m*rder you.

- Jurand's daughter.
- Hot blood like her father's.

- I would like to wage a w*r against her.
- Border quarrels.

The pious de Löwe complains of
the master of Spychow,

and the noble Jurand
complains of the commander from Szczytno.

It's not the only complaint
we would like you to consider, Your Grace.

The Grand Master would like to know
your opinion on

the King's alliance
with pagans.

Some even say he sympathizes with
the Ruthenian heretics.

The Grand Master sends you this holy relic,
which her Grace asked for.

The forefinger of Saint Humphrey,

who died a martyr's death
at the hands of pagans.

I told you this mission
will be as futile

as our talks in Cracow.

You do not believe, my lord,
that the duke is on our side?

- But he will not give us Jurand.
- Jurand will come knocking on your gate.

What did you say, my son?

I said, father, that Jurand
will come begging on his knees

to get his daughter back.

I don't understand.

You want to kidnap
Jurand's daughter?

She is the daughter of
a sworn enemy of the Order.

You have had the opportunity
to see it for yourself.

And what about chivalric honor,
the chivalric code?

Our vocation makes us live
on the border, in the forests.

It's an eye for an eye here or you die.

Listen, she is only a child.

Don't make me warn them.

- This you will not do, my lord.
- I shall, so help me God...

- Finish him off.
- There's no need to when I strike.

Ride on, my lord,
I'll catch up with you.

Forgive him his sins, Christ,

bring salvation to his soul.

Why, oh Christ, must we commit
so many crimes

to defend your name

and extend your reign?

I won't make it home...

- Water!
- Wild horses!

Into the forest!

Stop! Stop!

You shouldn't have intervened.
I would have managed on my own.

- Hlawa, take the horse.
- Zych! Zych!

My God!

So you came back
to your Bogdaniec.

- I did, I did, but only to die.
- What happened to you?

Jagna, this is our neighbour,
Macko of Bogdaniec.

Come here.

And who is this?

- You didn't recognize Zbyszko?
- Zbyszko?

Zbyszko.

Jagna, come near.

Come here.

Kiss him.
You grew up together.

Father, how long do I have?

I've tried to remove the shard
but it won't budge.

It won't budge...
Zych!

- What is it, brother?
- How much land do you have?

Three villages, some fifty serfs.

And Jagna? How old is she?

She is so drawn to boys
that it's enough for her to see one

to get all excited.

Zych, you lie, you have
some seventy serfs.

- Why do you care?
- Zbyszko can marry your Jagna.

Confess your sins
while there is still time.

Tell me the truth as before God,
how many serfs do you have?

- Jesus Christ.
- Our Father...

Will he make it, sir?

It's in God's hands.
But the father says

it might be worth trying
some bear fat.

Hlawa, did you bring bear's fat?

I did not, my lady,
the dogs ate it all.

I'll go at night to our beehives,
people say it's easy to find a bear there.

That's a dangerous hunt,
at least take our servant, Hlawa.

So he can scare the bear away? No.

God have mercy on us all.

Use your axe.

- Who are you?
- Jagienka.

Thank you. God knows what would have
happened had you not come.

Don't mention it.

One of our servants came here once
with an axe and a pitchfork

and a bear tore him to pieces.
So I followed you.

- It was you I saw behind that pine?
- Me.

There is no other girl like you
in the whole wide world.

- You should fight in the wars.
- Don't laugh at me.

Since we are here,
we can catch a beaver.

For when the bear fat
opens the wound,

beaver's fat will be needed
to close it.

It'll heal immediately.

- Where can we find beavers?
- Follow me.

Did you hear me sing
while you waited for the bear?

- That was you?
- Yes.

This forest belongs to Cztan of Rogow.

- The one who wants to marry you?
- He would if I'd let him.

And I heard that he plans something
against Wilk, your other neighbor,

who would also like
to marry you.

He would, it's true.

- Foolish men.
- Why?

One of them
should have invaded Zgorzelice

when your father was away
and taken you by force.

What could your father do

if he found you with a baby
upon his return.

I'd like to see them try.

Don't I have a spear or a crossbow?

I would chase them back home
and invade their villages myself.

You know if I were
Cztan or Wilk,

I would not fear
either your father or you.

- But I would take you.
- You would.

A girl shouldn't be fighting men
when it's time for her to get married.

Leave me alone.

The beavers are there.

' Got it!

- I will go and fetch it.
- Don't.

There are several meters
of mud there.

If you don't know your way
you may easily drown.

- So how will you get it?
- Don't you worry, let's go.

I left my arrow-heads by the willow tree,
wait for me here.

- You're a beauty.
- Go away!

Wring my braid out.

And I was waiting here
like a fool.

Should I have undressed
in your presence?

What miracles I would have seen...

- Take the beaver.
- Give it to me.

- Zbyszko. ..
- Yes?

I will marry neither Cztan, nor Wilk.

May God give you the best husband.
You'll be a good wife.

In two more weeks
Macko will be back on his horse.

I just can't wait.
I've been here too long already.

- Why is it so?
- Has no one told you about Danusia?

I heard some stories.
She covered you with her scarf...

I know, every knight makes
a pledge, even the married ones.

- So what about that Danusia?
- I'll tell you like I would my own sister.

I will follow her to the ends
of the earth.

I will fulfill my pledge,
unless I die.

- Is it true?
- It is.

I didn't realize.
Hlawa!

May God repay you for all your help.

Hlawa will help you with the bear,
I'm going home.

What the blazes...

Who k*lled him?

Wait.

- He's still breathing.
- Not for long.

We will help him.

If he gets better it will only be
a problem for us.

Now we get his purse

and sword.

We will get the purse anyway,
if we save his life.

Think of our souls.
We can save a Christian.

Let's take him.

You're a fool.
It will be nothing but trouble.

Maybe he will survive.

A letter to Her Grace
from the master of Spychow.

Nothing but bad news...

A part of the castle
in Spychow burned down.

Jesus!

Father Kaleb writes that the master
may still recover

but his only eye
was badly affected by the fire

and blindness is upon him.

So the master of Spychow
recalls Danusia to his side

for he wishes to see her
before he succumbs to darkness.

He humbly thanks Your Grace
for raising Danusia like a daughter

and, though blind,
he'll visit Your Grace at Christmas

to fall at your feet

and ask for your care of Danusia
to continue in the years to come.

Come closer.

I don't know you.
Why didn't Tolima come?

He was wounded in the last skirmish
with the Teutonic knights.

Our lord asks the young lady
to come at once

for he may
turn blind any time now.

Your Grace, we would like to go back
as soon as the horses have rested.

We'll meet those neighbors
of yours in Krzesnia.

- Point them out to me.
- I will, Zbyszko.

What do they do when they approach you
in front of the church?

- They serve me as well as they can.
- But not today, understand?

Look at what miracles
he performs for you!

It's them.

- What now?
- Now what?

- We shall get him...
- You mean to attack him in the church?

Not in the church,
but after the mass.

Remember what her father said?

If there is a fight,
he will chase us both away.

Otherwise I would have
broken your ribs long ago.

Or I yours.

- Let's get him together.
- After the mass!

Hurry UP-

- Damn him!
- Let's go to the inn.

I forgot to order a mass for
my uncle's health, I'll go back.

Don't. We'll send someone
when we get back.

- I must.
- Godspeed.

If either of you two claims

that lady Danusia of Spychow is not
the most beautiful and virtuous

maiden in the world,

then I demand satisfaction in a duel.

- To the death.
- How can it be?

You scoundrel, so Jagienka
isn't the most beautiful?

He mocks us!

So that's the kind of knights you are.

- Praise the Lord.
- Till Kingdom come.

Where is Zbyszko?

He went back to the church
to request a mass.

Shouldn't we send someone
after him?

- What for?
- To stop the fight.

What fight?
Who is he going to fight?

Cztan and Wilk, for me.

So let them fight.

That was quick.

- What happened?
- Nothing. I requested a mass.

- Did you stop by the inn?
- I did.

- And what?
- And that is all.

Now that you are better
I must go to the court of Masovia.

- To Danusia.
- I've made a pledge.

- You promised her peacock feathers.
- Dad!

I promised to marry her.

May God give you health
and all the best.

- Praise the Lord.
- Till Kingdom come.

- I'm your servant, my lord.
- My servant?

Miss Jagienka gave me to you.

Go back and thank her for her kindness
because I don't want you.

I will not go, my lord.

I'm a prisoner of w*r and
I was given to you.

So you belong to me.

- I do, my lord.
- I order you to go back.

Miss Jagienka sends this as well.

Go away or I'll break your bones.

- What is your name?
- In Czech it is Hlawa which means Head.

Give me the cloak.

Christians, save a servant of God.

Whoever you are, sir,
help a servant of God.

- Who are you?
- My horse ran away.

I was left alone without any weapon.

Soon wolves will come out
of the forest.

- I'll die if you won't help me.
- Give him a horse.

May God multiply your victories,
valiant knight.

Inn-keeper, we want to rest here
and warm ourselves up.

Welcome, travelers.

Off with you.

I will freeze to death, my lord,
ask for a bottle of wine.

For a gulp or two I'll give you
indulgence for a month of purgatory.

He looks like a drunkard to me.

Watch out or you will burn
in hell for eternity.

You are talking to a man who last Easter
shared hard-boiled eggs

with the Holy Father.

How can you give pardons
if you took no holy orders?

I have permission to sell
indulgences and holy relics.

- Where are you from?
- From Malbork in Prussia.

You can't be German,
you speak Polish so well.

- What is your name?
- But I'm German.

I am called Sanderus,
and I was born in Thorn,

everybody speaks Polish there,
even the Teutonic knights understand it.

- Bring us some mulled beer.
- Have you visited Malbork recently?

Not really, I went to the Holy Land,
from there I went to Malbork

and now I sell holy relics
and indulgences,

which pious Christians
buy to save their souls.

And where do you get those
holy relics from?

I have various indulgences.

For five hundred years,
and for three hundred

and even cheaper ones so that
poor people can also buy some

and shorten their suffering in purgatory.

I have indulgences for past
and future sins.

Don't think that I keep
all the money I get. I don't!

I'm satisfied
with some stale bread and water.

The rest of the money I take to Rome.
It is collected there to pay

for a new crusade one day.

And these holy relics,
any important ones?

So important that one needs to
take off his hat while talking about them.

I have here...

a hoof of the donkey on which
the Holy Family escaped to Egypt.

I have a feather from the wings of
the Archangel Gabriel,

which he lost
during Annunciation.

I have the oil in which pagans
boiled Saint John.

A rung of the ladder
Jacob dreamt about and

an ampoule of the wind that
blew in Bethlehem.

Is it any better outside?

Not at all, it seems we will have to
spend Christmas Eve here.

Saddle the horses. We're leaving.

This is dangerous, my lord,
the roads are covered with snow.

I have to be at the Masovia court
for Christmas Eve.

They will wait, my lord.
We may get lost and die miserably.

You may stay here, drunkard.

I can't! Who else will protect
my holy wares?

Don't go, my lord.

- We've lost the way!
- Didn't I say so?

- Let's keep going!
- The horses won't go any further!

It's bad! I can't see the road!

There is a man in the snow.

My lord! My lord!
We'll die under the snow!

My lord! My mm!

We'll die under the snow!

- Light! Give me light!
- Someone's there!

Is anybody out there?

Who are you?

The Duke of Masovia sent us
to help lost travelers.

Come with me.
There are people under the snow.

Help!

- It's Jurand!
- A torch!

Warm him up!

Your Grace,
Jurand of Spychow was dug up.

Dug up?
Bring him here.

Danuska...

We were looking for her.
Have you left her in Spychow?

I was coming to see her here.

How can it be? You sent your men
and a letter to fetch her.

Wake up.

By God, where is my child?!

Your men came for her
with your letter,

stating that you were
wounded in a fire.

They have my child and
they will k*ll her.

Who?

The Teutonic knights, de Löwe,
Gottfried, Rotgier.

- You found me?
- I did, with others.

- Will you help me now?
- Your daughter saved my life.

- Do you love her?
- I will never love anyone else.

I will get her back even if I have to
tear their castles open with my bare hands.

You know what the Teutonic Knights'
revenge can be like...

Let's go to Spychow.

My lord,
some monks are waiting for you.

They were lingering near Spychow
and said they want to talk to you.

- Who are you?
- Pilgrims.

- Where from?
- From Szczytno.

Where is my child?

The one who sent us
made it very clear

that we must speak in private.

- I have no secrets.
- But we do.

If you let them stay,
we will have to leave.

If they so wish,
we shall leave you.

Your daughter was kidnapped by brigands.

With crosses on their coats?

No! But God blessed them and they
got her back. She is with them now.

Where?

The pious brother Schomberg
looks after her.

The same who strangled
Witold's children.

With him,
no harm will come upon her.

What do I have to do
to get my child back?

- Be humble before the Order.
- Shut up!

- Have you got a letter?
- No, we will say what we have to say.

Your daughter will come to no harm, because
the knights want to pay evil back with good.

If you meet their just demands.

- What do they want?
- Free brother Bergov.

I Will.

And the other prisoners
you keep in Spychow.

I will not bargain when
my child is at stake.

I'm not finished.

The pious brothers made the following condition
to protect the glory of the Order.

You must announce to the Duke,
and local knights,

that your daughter was kidnapped
by brigands and not the Teutonic knights

and you have to pay a ransom
to the brigands.

It is true that brigands took my child.

And I have to buy her back
from brigands.

Tell everyone you accepted a ransom for Bergov,
so as to be able to pay off the brigands.

No one will believe it,
I've never accepted a ransom.

The life of your child
was never at stake.

Or you can go to Szczytno
to get her yourself.

Me? To Szczytno?

Brigands might kidnap her again
on her way back

and once again the pious brothers
would be under suspicion.

And who will guarantee
that I return?

The brothers' virtue,
theirjustice and piety.

Very well, I will go to Szczytno.
You will stay here until I come back.

And then you will leave
with Bergov and the other prisoners.

If you don't want to trust the brothers,
why should they trust you?

Whoever you are,
don't try my patience.

Say what you were ordered to say.

The brothers said that no one is to know
where you are going.

And didn't they tell you I'll have you
tortured in Spychow?

Your daughter is in their power.

What did they want? Speak.

Are you well, my lord?

What happened to Danusia? Where is she?
What did they say? Why did they come?

- They brought a ransom for Bergov.
- A ransom?

- Where is Danuska?
- It's not the Knights who have her.

Come here.

He is my daughter's betrothed.

And after my death
he will be the lord of this castle.

You will be his faithful servant
in peace and in w*r. Did you hear me?

Dear God,
why are you giving me Spychow?

- I give you Danusia.
- The hour of death is unknown.

Where is your master?

- What are your commands, my lord?
- I asked where your master was.

- He has left.
- Where to?

I don't know.
He was wearing his armor.

Go through the forest and turn right.
You'll see the castle from the hill.

From the hill, you say.
A castle...

You're not German, my lord.

They didn't pay their taxes.

And the Order needs money
for the w*r against Samogitia.

And when this w*r is finished,
there will be another.

Fishing is forbidden.

So is hunting.

Mills are heavily taxed,
and if quern-stones are found

not even women and children
are safe.

- You'll find your way now.
- I will.

- God bless you, my lord.
- Go with God.

- Who is it?
- Jurand of Spychow.

- Are you Jurand of Spychow?
- I am.

The pious commander, Siegfried de Löwe,
ordered me to tell you,

that the gate will open
only after you dismount.

You must yield all your weapons.

The commander orders you
to put on this coarse sack,

hang this scabbard around your neck,
and wait humbly by the gate

until the commander's grace will
have it opened for you.

My child...

Get up, you dog. The commander
orders you to meet him.

Are you Jurand of Spychow?

I am.

I am to take you to the commander.
Follow me.

- Do you have any weapons?
- I surrendered everything.

Beware of losing your temper.
You're in the commander's power.

Look how the power of the Order
defeats anger and pride.

It is always God's will.

You bit the Order like a dog.
And God made you stand before us

like a dog
with rope around your neck.

By calling me a dog

you offend those who died
fighting against me.

- Your pride still makes you spit at us.
- I left my pride at the gate.

By dishonoring a knight,
you dishonor yourselves.

Don't complain about
your dishonor.

For even if we made you
our dog-keeper,

a dog-keeper of the Order
is better than your knight.

By the Passion of Our Savior
and the salvation of your soul,

give me back my child
as you promised.

- Who did?
- You, commander.

The word of a Teutonic knight
is like the word of God.

How can it be?
You will not only let the girl

but also this mad dog go
so he may bite us again?

Fret not. The matter is
in Gottfried's hands now.

Well, wolf, though you've drunk our blood,
we'll repay evil with good.

- I was cruel but not treacherous.
- Here is your child.

That's not my daughter.
Listen! It's not her!

Not her?
By St Liborius of Paderborn,

we must have saved the wrong girl
from the brigands,

or she was changed by some sorcerer,
because she's the only girl here.

She is here.
I heard her sing.

May all of you bear witness
that we kept our promise

and we return the girl whom
the defeated brigands claimed

to be the daughter
of Jurand of Spychow.

If she is not your daughter,
it is not our fault,

but the will of our Lord.

God sees your treachery.

By the wounds of our Savior,
by the hour of your death...

Give me back my child.

If we give her back,
she'll be pregnant with my b*stard.

Spare him!

- What are we to debate?
- Defeat.

As well as the words of
the Grand Master

and what actions to take to make sure
our deeds bring no harm to the Order.

It still smells like blood.

I ordered the floors to be washed
and the room fumigated with sulphur.

- Where is brother Gottfried's body?
- In the chapel.

The brothers are singing
a litany for him.

- And other bodies?
- Left in the snow to stiffen.

- Is Jurand alive?
- He is.

The soldiers wanted to k*ll him
but the chaplain wouldn't let them.

The kidnapping of Jurand's daughter
was an unfortunate idea.

No one will accuse us
if the girl disappears.

Brother Rotgier speaks wisely.

And then anyone mayjudge us,
even the Pope or the Roman Emperor.

And the girl?

- Give her to me.
- No, my son.

When the Order is at stake,
you must renounce pleasure and debauchery.

Or your heart will turn hard and cold.

Gottfried was k*lled because he wanted
not only to avenge the Order,

but also to satisfy his lust.

- It will be a trying time for the Order.
- An evil night.

Brother de Bergov,
you will go to the Grand Master.

You suffered in Jurand's dungeon,
so you will be more credible.

Tell them that before you managed
to tie this terrible man down,

he had k*lled nine men.

Among them brother Gottfried,
God give him eternal rest.

And tell them that although you wanted
to punish the enemy of the Order,

we did not unsheathe our swords first.

I will tell them all that
my eyes have seen.

Are you certain, Rotgier, that no one
will learn the truth about Jurand's daughter?

The only people who knew
that we had her were Gottfried,

the two of us, and the servant
who looks after her.

Gottfried ordered the men who
brought her here to be hanged.

Good.

What will you do
with Jurand's daughter?

I will do what's best
for the Order.

- Have you courage in your soul, son?
- Can you doubt it?

I do not doubt it,

for I love you for your valor
more than anyone else in the world.

Go to the Duke of Masovia
and tell them everything you saw here.

Just as we agreed.

- It's not safe.
- Do it for the Order.

And what if Jurand survives
and regains his freedom?

Even if he regains his freedom he will never
utter a single word against the Order.

Mindful of God's commandment

we didn't want to k*ll Jurand, even though
he had k*lled so many of our men,

especially brother Gottfried.

Ultimately we had to cast a net upon him,

then he turned his sword against himself
and hurt himself severely.

That night people in Szczytno heard
laughter and voices in the air:

"enemy of the cross",
"he spilled innocent blood",

"our Jurand".

You said you called
Jurand to Szczytno?

We did, Your Grace. For when we
saved a crippled girl from the brigands

we believed she was Jurand's daughter.

How could you have believed that
after you saw her with me

in Cracow?

We monks do not look at women.

And there were many young ladies
accompanying Your Grace in Cracow.

How did you know
Jurand's daughter was kidnapped?

The audacity of this crime
and its impiety

made it known in our lands.

It's strange how you could have taken
a cr*pple for Jurand's daughter.

Maybe it was Satan who altered her?

But brigands, as simpletons,

couldn't have forged Jurand's
and his priest's writing.

Who could have done it?

An evil spirit.

These questions cut like knives
because there is suspicion in them.

I ask Your Grace -
did Jurand accuse us of the kidnapping?

We have his letter.

Yes, it is true. Jurand wrote
about brigands.

This is how the light of the truth
defeats darkness.

Reward us for our losses and our blood,
he was your subject.

And what do you want?

Jurand attacked you in a bout of madness
and I am to be held responsible for him?

He was your subject, his land and
castle are located in your duchy,

the castle where he kept
servants of the Order as prisoners.

At least this land should now
become the property of the Order.

This payment will not bring
our m*rder*d brothers back to life,

but it might appease
the Divine Wrath and prevent dishonor.

Don't you have enough of these lands?

Pomerania, Prussia, Kulmerland,

which used to belong to us,
and are now yours.

Jurand's daughter is still alive,
we have not been informed of her death.

And you want to take her dowry.

Jurand shed the blood
of knights of the Order.

You've agreed that we suffered a loss,
reward it now

as your princely conscience
and just soul demand.

I have come here as
a knight of the Holy Virgin,

ready to defend the honor of the Order
with my own blood.

Whoever wants to accuse the Order,

of abducting Jurand's daughter,
despite what Jurand himself wrote,

should accept this chivalric challenge

and face me in a duel.
ls there anyone

who will pick up my gauntlet?

I Will.

Zbyszko of Bogdaniec.

I take God as my witness, you Your Grace,
and all the knights of this land,

that I am not guilty of the blood
that will be shed here.

Christ...

They fought according to law
and tradition,

in a chivalric and godly way.

- Is he back?
- Not yet.

Do not worry, noble commander,
in a duel like that, God chooses the winner.

- God chooses the winner...
- Brother Rotgier is a famous knight.

- But he should be back by now.
- He will return covered in glory.

Go and see who it is.

Take the body to the chapel.

This is how they sent him back.

Is brother Rotgier in the chapel?

He is.

Tell Diederich to come here

with the keys and a lamp.

My Cape.

Tell him to bring the pot
with hot coals.

My son...

You wrote to me that
the other was just a boy.

The whole arm...

So many times you raised it
for the glory of the Order,

and now it was chopped off
by a Polish axe.

The Lord did not bless you.

Or maybe he doesn't care
for our Order any more.

He left me, as well. Even though
I served him all my life.

No, it's impossible!
The truth is with us.

I loved you, my son.

And you will never
speak again.

Wait!
I will bring you joy!

Ready?

Once you told tales about what
brother Gottfried made you do

and then you lost your dog's tongue.

So now I warn you,

if you even hint what

you've done on my orders

I will have you hanged.

Do you understand?
Move on.

On your knees, dog.

Get out!

Light!

You were promised you would go free,

but the tongue with which
you blasphemed will be cut off.

Brother Rotgier waits in his coffin,
I promised him your right hand.

You still have one eye.

I had only you and now
I have no one.

Listen, my son, I swear
I will lay the hand that k*lled you

on your grave or I will die trying.

But before I can reach him,
I will bring worse torment upon him.

He will never see the girl again.

Who's there?

Who is it?

Who is it?

I've been sentenced to death
once already,

for attacking a knight
of the Teutonic Order.

Have me beheaded, Your Majesty,
because I will do it again.

The Teutonic knights
kidnapped Danusia.

They lured Jurand into
a treacherous ambush.

I will go alone and die there.

Let it be known to the world
what bloody crimes were committed.

Have me beheaded, Your Majesty,
but defend them.

- Speak of them with the Grand Master.
- Enough.

Can you prove that Jurand and his daughter
were ambushed and kidnapped?

Who else could have done it,
Your Majesty?

Have you got witnesses?

Your Majesty, I was informed that near Cracow,
in the forest in a pitch burner's hut,

Sir Fulko de Lorche from Lorraine
was found.

Forgive me, Your Majesty,
that I cannot take a more appropriate bow.

I was stabbed in the back
and the wound has not healed yet.

What does it have to do with
Jurand's daughter's kidnapping?

I bear witness, Your Majesty,

that knights from Szczytno talked
about kidnapping her in my presence.

And when I wanted to stop this atrocity,

they stabbed me on the road,
like a boar.

Will you repeat this
in the Grand Master's presence?

I testified here in Cracow
against Jurand,

and now, when justice calls for it,

I will testify against the brothers
from Szczytno.

Your Highness...

My lord, please accept my heartfelt thanks.

Are you Zbyszko of Bogdaniec?

Hail to the knight of the most
beautiful lady in the world.

And if you contradict me,
I will have to challenge you

to mortal combat.

Duchess Anna Danuta.

Who is it? She is the most beautiful
woman in the world.

Jagienka!

I can't believe my eyes.
You look so beautiful.

What brings you to the court?

My father died and the Duchess
took me under her care.

But I still miss Zgorzelice.

Uncle - you're here!

I have always told you, boy,
she is a graceful girl.

- My lord, the King wants to see you.
- Excuse me, my lord.

My lords, I have more bad news for you.

The Teutonic knights stopped the grain ships
which we sent to Lithuania.

They claim we intended to use those ships
in order to smuggle arms to Samogitia.

What does von Jungingen want?

To sell our grain to Lithuanians
or to find a reason for w*r?

Is w*r inevitable?

Am I to let the Teutonic knights
subdue Samogitia, and later Lithuania?

- Will they stop at that?
- The Order is an immense power.

It is true.

We will all fail if we let them
surprise us one by one.

İf we ally ourselves with Lithuania, Russia,
and other peoples, we shall win.

Your Majesty, should I speak the truth
or say what you want to hear?

The truth, Castellan.

You want us, Your Majesty, to ally ourselves
with the pagans and heretics of the East

against the Order.

These plans do not become a Christian ruler.

To weaken the Order
is to weaken Christianity.

You said you would tell the truth,
Castellan.

Do I want this w*r?

Who cuts our grain off
from foreign countries?

Who took Pomerania?

If there is a w*r,
it will be a mighty one.

So we must start
preparing for it today.

But first we will try
to soothe the whole thing.

Castellan, my lords,

we shall call upon the Order
to return our ships.

We shall send envoys to Malbork.

You've changed so much.

Count de Lorche would like to ask,

if the lady you are talking to is mortal,

or if she is an angel?

Tell him she is an angel,

who chose to spend her time
among the mortals

in a devilishly beautiful body.

Stop it, Zbyszko.

Any news of Danusia?

None. I spoke to His Majesty...

We are leaving for Malbork.

His Majesty gave permission
for you to come with us.

Thank you, my lord.

- Uncle.
- What now?

Jurand left Spychow in my care,

if I have to prolong
my stay in Malbork,

I beg you to go there
and defend the castle.

And who will keep
an eye on Bogdaniec?

My lord, if you leave nuts
on the bench

this girl will crack them

just by sitting on them.

And he insists on traveling the world...

I beg you, if I'm not back soon,
go to Spychow.

Envoys of His Majesty the King of Poland
to the Grand Master.

Welcome, Polish knights.

Envoys of His Majesty the King of Poland
to the Grand Master.

Envoys of His Majesty the King of Poland
to the Grand Master.

Show these noble Polish lords
the way, brother,

and hide nothing from them.

Are they prisoners of w*r?

They are rebels, heretics, and pagans,

who work here
for God's glory.

Envoys of His Majesty the King of Poland
to the Grand Master.

It pleases my heart, my lords,

that we are sitting together at one table,
as good Christians should.

We mustn't let the Samogitians
goad us Christians to w*r against each other.

Between the Order and your King.

There are testimonies of terrible crimes
committed by the Order in Samogitia.

As I've already said in Cracow:
imperial privileges are not crimes.

The privilege states the following:

"the Teutonic Order is hereby granted
Lithuania, Prussia, Russia

and all other heretic lands

which the Order can reach
with its banners."

Oh, how generous the Emperor was
in giving what's not his to give.

May God forgive you this mockery.

Here on earth, the Emperor
represents God in all secular matters.

It is his task to expand
Christian territory.

We pray for the soul and eternal rest
of your Queen Jadwiga.

When she was alive
there was peace between us.

The rights of popes and emperors

and of the Order, their faithful servant,
were respected.

Let us pray for eternal
and earthly peace for all.

We know that you are getting ready
for a w*r against the Order.

We know that your King
has ordered a big hunt,

and salted meat in barrels is
to be prepared for the army.

We ask you directly:
Which side will you take,

when we attack Lithuania
to defend our rights,

when we have to punish Samogitia
for godless rebellions.

Neither Lithuania nor Samogitia
is a threat to the Order,

rather the Order is a threat
to Samogitia and Lithuania.

Will you form an alliance with pagans?

Peace, peace
among Christians.

You are our guests.

It's our good will to listen to
your complaints and consider them

and we want to welcome you
as we should.

We welcome you as neighbors and friends,

as we deal with our enemies
in two tried and tested ways:

a tower full of gold up there
and the steel being forged down there.

Look, what steel this is.

Truly beautiful steel.

But you do a lot of harm with it.

The Order is pious and just.

Just? And what happened to
Jurand's daughter and this young knight.

Or the attack on sir de Lorche?
Does the Order have ways for that, too?

Go to the Grand Master
and lodge your complaint.

And you, my lord.

Welcome, count de Lorche.

How can it be
that we see you here alive,

when the commander from Szczytno,
notified us that you were attacked

on the way from Cracow
and m*rder*d.

I was attacked by brothers
Rotgier and Gottfried from Szczytno

because I intended
to warn the Duke of Masovia

and this noble knight of Bogdaniec

of the brothers' plan to kidnap
the daughter of Jurand of Spychow.

Brothers Rotgier and
Gottfried are dead.

If they committed a crime against
a guest of the Order,

then heaven has punished them justly.

But neither the daughter nor her father
were found after he was lured to Szczytno.

Jurand of Spychow shed the
blood of our knights

and must be punished for his crimes.

He was unarmed when
he attacked those who took his daughter

and m*rder*d his wife.

Your men deprived him of everything
he held dearest in this world.

Strange and bad things
happen on our borders.

There is a lot of injustice on both sides.

I cannot believe that
brothers from Szczytno

could act so openly
against our vocation

and the honor of German knights.

The matter will have to be
thoroughly investigated.

And you probably cannot believe
our ships to Lithuania were seized, either.

Those ships carried arms for Vytautas.

Arms, to be used
against the order.

- There were no weapons there.
- Yes, there were, you can see them.

All weapons look alike.

- Are you accusing me of lying?
- Do you believe your own words?

We shall talk about it tomorrow,

and as far as the girl is concerned,
I will give you safe conduct to Szczytno

and an official of the Order
to accompany you.

Thank you, my lord.

- Are you well, Master?
- I can't breathe.

Take me out.

Have you heard the complaint
of that young knight

and the testimony of de Lorche?

Why do brothers from
castles on the borders

only bring disgrace to the Order?

Jagietto demands the return of his ships
and the exchange of prisoners of w*r.

JagieHo allies himself with pagans.

Those who will rise to help
bring Poland to ruin

deserve salvation.

Christ, Our Lord, converted people
with the word not the sword.

I warn you, brothers,
there is too much injustice in the Order.

We have news that the Prussians
are ready to rebel.

German cities are turning against us.

Should we wait until pagans
and heretics destroy Christianity?

Failure to act will be our downfall.

Sometimes, I think
that w*r will be our downfall.

Because you are sick and weak,
noble brother.

We shall call upon
the finest knights of all Europe.

We shall announce that all who
contribute to the destruction of Poland

and her King deserve
eternal life in Heaven.

What do you want?

In God's name - w*r.

- w*r.
- w*r.

I tell you this
in the final hour of my life,

if you care for the good of the Order,

wait patiently.

Do not start the w*r now.

Poland, Lithuania, Russia,
Samogitia... will overrun us.

Return their ships.

What does that mean?

Sanderus!

What are you doing here?

Be quiet, my lord, brothers shouldn't
know we've met before.

I was in Szczytno,
your lady is still there.

How do you know?

From the local chaplain,
who is a decent man.

She is in the care of
Commander Siegfried de Lbwe,

he won't harm her.

He wanted to once but something
pushed him down the stairs

so hard that he fell ill
and almost died.

Now he is afraid of her.

Do you hear it, my lord?
The Grand Master died.

What did you just say?
The Grand Master is dead?

Yes, my lord.

I heard they want to elect Ulrich,
the old Master's brother,

Lord bless his soul.

So w*r is unavoidable now.

My lord, I wish you a wise,
just, and peaceful reign.

We are not here for peace but to fight
for our faith against pagans and heretics.

Then you have no one to fight, my lord,

as you are surrounded by
Christian nations.

True Christians do not support infidels...

What answer should I take to the King,
our lord?

Will the grain ships be returned?

Ships laden with arms
are our rightful spoils.

May I remind you, my lord,

about your late brother's promise
and request safe conduct to Szczytno.

The knights from Szczytno
were sent to fight

rebellious Samogitia.
You won't find anyone there.

Wait until peace is restored.

Are you leaving, my lord?

The right decision.
Everything smells of w*r here.

True. Siegfried de Löwe
and his knights went to Samogitia.

- I'll look for him there.
- You look for him and I'll look for your lady.

He must have hidden her somewhere
to leave no trace of his crime.

Give me, my lord,
a purse,

and I will go from castle to castle,
even though it's dangerous,

maybe I'll learn something.

- Take it and go.
- It is time for us to take our leave, my lord.

I wish you luck with your noble search.

If you don't mind, my lord, I would like
to tell everyone I meet

that miss Jagienka of Zgorzelice
is the most virtuous

and the most beautiful
maiden in the world.

Tell it to whomever you want.
It might as well be true.

Jagienka, you're already
back from Cracow?

Have you heard anything
about Zbyszko?

I fear for Zbyszko, for he didn't return
with the King's envoys.

- He didn't...
- He stayed among the Teutonic knights.

Looking for what he'll
neverfind.

I have just started my work here
and now I need to set off again.

He may meet Jurand's fate
among those scoundrels.

Take me with you. I'll be
your servant. I'll help you.

You think you'll gain wisdom
by casting off your skirt?

Wisdom is not in a skirt but in the head.
Do you want me to marry Cztan or Wilk?

Neither of them will have you.

I've made Cztan swear that
he will defend you from Wilk,

and Wilk swore that
he will not let Cztan get you.

Jesus gave you a lot of wit

I guess now everything will be
exactly as you want it.

If it were so, my girl, you'd have
already been the lady of Bogdaniec.

Why are you kissing me?

It's nothing. Just a goodnight.
It's late and we must set off at dawn.

- Aren't you afraid to go?
- I'm not.

I want to be near Zbyszko.

If the other girl dies,
Zbyszko won't even look at you in his grief.

I don't want him to look at me,
I want to be near him.

Who is that?

- Not a knight because he has no horse.
- Probably blind.

And doesn't even have a dog.
We can't leave him like that.

Do you understand Christian speech?

- Stand up.
- Are you well?

Are you dumb?

He's trying to say
they cut out his tongue.

Who did it?

The Teutonic knights.

Are you from here?
From Masovia?

What were you doing
among the Teutonic knights?

Are you coming from Szczytno?

Weren't you looking for a child there?

You are Jurand of Spychow.

- Jesus.
- My lord...

The Teutonic knights!

- We're going to fight them!
- k*ll the Teutonic knights!

Quiet!

Will you fight the farmers?
They are innocent.

The knights keep
to their castles these days.

We will find the Germans
and throw them at the master's feet.

I am the uncle of Zbyszko of Bogdaniec.

Until he returns I will be the lord
of the castle.

The young master left two days ago.

- Where to?
- To the Samogitian border.

To look for the lady.

- But it's w*r there...
- My God, we missed him.

- Hlawa! Where is your master?
- At the council.

Uncle? Here?

I've looked all over for you
and finally found you.

You thought I'd stay in
Bogdaniec till I die?

Listen, Jurand is in Spychow.
He was blinded by the Teutonic knights.

- They removed his tongue and right hand.
- What horror...

And you? Did you find Danusia?

- I didn't...
- You didn't?

This is my uncle, Macko of Bogdaniec,

he has few peers in the art of w*r.

- Welcome, my lord, take a seat.
- Welcome.

We want to ambush the Germans here.

Two days ago we attacked the local castle
but we were defeated.

- Defeated?
- Defeated.

We've just been discussing
whether we should

set up the ambush here by New Kaunas
or move to Ragnit.

- And where is New Kaunas?
- Two miles from here.

- And Ragnit?
- Far away to the north.

It's good that it's so far.
The Germans won't expect you there.

He's right.

Well, we have just been defeated here.

They won so they won't expect an ambush.

But they won't be at all
cautious at Ragnit.

- He's right.
- So where do we set up the ambush?

Here.

You will hide in the forest
by the road

and wait for the Teutonic reinforcements
heading for the castle.

Two hundred people should
stay away from the fight,

they will cut off the retreat.

- I will attack them from behind.
- Clever!

The Teutonic knights travel in formation
and fight in formation.

You plan to break the formation
with your bare bellies?

You are wrong, uncle, this is
a valiant nation, like no other in the world.

They are happy, those scoundrels.

Attack!

Tie him down!
That's someone important!

- De Lorche.
- I recognized you.

By the bones of Saint Lawrence,
tell me where de Löwe is.

- He escaped.
- Is Jurand's daughter with him?

Jurand's daughter?

There is some mad girl whom
they showed to Jurand in Szczytno.

How do you know she is mad?

I heard she was sick
and never leaves her coach.

Siegfried de Löwe had nothing
to do with the kidnapping.

He is a faithful servant of the Order,

and knew nothing of the crimes committed
by Rotgier and Gottfried.

- Where did he escape to?
- This I do not know.

We agreed that if we were attacked,

Siegfried with the coach
and his detachment would turn back

to a safe place to wait till the end
of the battle.

My lord!

My lord, my defender, save me!

Without you wolves would have eaten me

and now I would have been k*lled
by these sons of the devil.

My lord, give me something to drink,
before I die of thirst

leaving you guilty
of an innocent death.

Take it, drunkard.

- Christ, this is mare's milk.
- You don't have to drink it.

Thank you, my lord,
for taking care of me.

You've never refused me money or
a better drink than this mare's milk,

which I find disgusting, but I will
drink some more to show

that a pious pilgrim is ready for
every kind of mortification.

Enough of yourjokes. Tell us
what you know about Danusia.

Wait.

You're dear to me, my lord.

When misfortune struck
I told myself I had to help you.

It would take a long time to tell
where I went and whom I asked.

Suffice it to say that I did find,

and didn't let go,

of the commander Siegfried de Liiwe.

- Is Danusia alive?
- She is.

He carries her around locked
inside a wicker coach.

It's a cr*pple de Löwe
takes everywhere with him

- since he went slightly mad after his son died.
- What a cr*pple!

You said it yourself, my lord,
that your lady had a lute with her

and sings beautifully,
and so pitifully.

- Where are they?
- Somewhere near.

Commander de Löwe led the relief
forces going to New Kaunas.

When he saw we were ambushed
he ordered retreat.

- Where can they be?
- I don't know.

Probably in the potter's house in the forest
where we stopped last.

- To your horses!
- Wait, my lord, wait.

Give me a horse,
I will go first and tell them I escaped.

It will be safer,
your lady may need me when you attack

Siegfried de L6we's detachment.

Don't trust this drunkard, my lord.

Give him a horse, he didn't cheat me before,
he won't cheat me now.

Sanderus.

He took their swords and armor.

Take old Siegfried, he is inside.

And I will take that German.

Hlawa, look for Danusia.
Go alone!

Tie him down! Tie him down!

What happened to you?

Help me up.

Hold this.

Danuska, Danuska.

- I'm scared...
- Danuska, it's me, Zbyszko.

- I'm scared...
- Danuska, it's me, Zbyszko.

Danuska! Danuska!

Let me go!
I'll k*ll him like a dog.

You want to m*rder a prisoner?

Danuska, don't you recognize me?
Danuska!

I'm scared...

You will give the lady a clean dress.

And you will put on the rags
you've made her wear.

- And when you're done, we'll find
a branch for you. - Danuska! Save me!

Stay away from her!

This is the result of her suffering.
Now you know the nobility of Siegfried.

Take him to Spychow and
throw him at Jurand's feet.

Tell Jagienka that Danusia is ill
and we have to ride slowly. Move on!

Life in Poland is much more
difficult and complex

than what I ever imagined in Lorraine.

You must choose, my lord.
A guide can take you to Cracow,

if you want stay with us. If not,
you may go back to Malbork.

Farewell!
Maybe God will let us meet again.

Take him.

I was ordered, my lord,
to bring Siegfried de Löwe to you.

He stands before you;
this evil man, this Teutonic thug

who tortured you
and brought ruin to your child.

Give me a sign what to do with him,
how to punish him.

On your knees, dog.

What are you doing, my lord?

My lord, surely you do not intend
to set the devil free?

You want to let the prisoner go?

You want him to go unpunished?

Why did we chase him across the world?

The prisoner belongs to him and he can do
whatever he chooses.

If your will is to be done, my lord,
we must lead the prisoner to the border.

This is our border,
yours isn't far from here.

If your grief or God's thunder
don't k*ll you,

people will not harm you.
Go free.

Stop!

- I can smell flowers...
- Danuska...

- Where am I?
- Near Spychow.

Danuska, wait! Merciful Jesus, wait!
Wait! Danuska!

I looked for her until I found her
and won her back,

but she preferred to see God
than Spychow.

Call to arms! Call to arms!

Soon, the sun will rise
and the battle will begin.

Repeat my orders once again.

You, Grand Duke?

The Lithuanian army on the right flank,
by Tannenberg.

You, brother Lengvenis?

Smolensk regiments nearer the Polish flank,

Mstsislav regiments in the middle
of the Lithuanian units,

the knights from Novgorod by me.

And your men, Jalal al-Din Khan?

My men will go with the Lithuanians.
Allahu akbar.

And you, John of Lamberk?

Czech units will take their place by regiments
from Smolensk, others with Poles.

You, marshal?

As you ordered, Your Majesty, I left
sixty mounted knights for your protection.

Cracow regiment in the center
of the left flank, near Ludwigsdorf.

Behind them, regiments
from Sieradz and Poznari.

I ordered deep pits to be dug
in front of our army

and for them to be well concealed.

When the Polish heavy cavalry
falls into the pits,

they will be an easy target

for our archers and g*ns.

And then our cavalry
will attack from both sides.

And if the Poles refuse to attack first?

JagieHo is a prudent leader.

JagieHo and Vytautas
are cunning and crafty,

but they lack the artistry
of European knights.

Their men know nothing of obedience,
they are hot-blooded, they will attack first.

No, our heavy cavalry will attack last.

First the Tatars
and light Lithuanian cavalry.

The furs and wooden shields
of Lithuanians and Tatars

will last only a moment against swords,

when the armored
Teutonic knights attack them.

They will be our scouts,
checking for ambush.

I know it's dangerous.

We've won all our battles
attacking in formation.

We will crush them at once
with our heavy cavalry and armor.

Every precaution must be taken,

first the pits, then the cannons
and archers.

And finally, I will lead
sixteen regiments into the battle.

I will fight among you.

As becomes a true knight.

The king should not join the fight
for then he wouldn't be able to command it.

Eastern tradition has the leader
commanding his troops from a hill.

- From there he can see everything.
- Wisely spoken, Grand Duke.

Yes, this is the way
they fight in the East.

- It's dawn.
- Time to move the army into the b*ttlefield.

- Lead the army.
- No!

They will wait in the forest,
do not hurry.

It will be easier to form the regiments
under the cover of the forest

and to wear armor in the shade.

We should hide in the bushes?

We want to fight in the open field
as becomes a lord.

- I won't be able to restrain the knights.
- You are to wait.

Even you cannot stop them, Your Majesty.
What is your command?

Do as I say - wait.
Father Bartholomew will read a mass.

Or two.
Wait in the forest!

Let us bow down to the Sun.

How many of these pagans
are hiding in the forest?

A hundred thousand, I reckon.

It will be the greatest battle of our time.

We don't know how many
Teutonic Knights there are

but we have never seen so many.

Maybe a hundred thousand.

What is the name of the village where
the Teutonic knights set up their camp?

Grunwald.

Before those barbarians
decide where to stand,

our regiments will assume
the best position, and there,

look brothers,
there are the guests of the Order.

The best knights of all Europe.

The rest is in the hands of the Lord,
he will help his faithful servants.

The rest is in the hands of the Lord,
he will help his faithful servants.

Your Majesty,
the Teutonic knights are taking their positions.

To work, brothers!

It will be a bloody struggle,

but it will ensure
the rule of Christianity in the East

for millennia.

- The Grand Master - hail!
- Hail! Hail! Hail!

My lords,
it's time for mass.

Your Majesty, knights from Bavaria, Swabia
and Franconia joined the Teutons.

Stop the mass!
My horse!

Your Majesty, knights from Rhineland,
Frisia and England.

They're hiding. They should stick to spoons
and not pick up swords.

You don't know them,
Poles are courageous,

but their King
still expects envoys of peace.

It's a disgrace! The whole power
of the Order fears the Poles.

I'd rather die!

Even if I have to do it on my own,

I will attack the whole Polish army
with these two swords.

It's disobedience! Think, how we can lure
the enemy out of the forest.

Your Majesty,
envoys from the Teutonic knights.

The Grand Master
Ulrich von Jungingen

challenges you, Your Majesty
and Grand Duke Vytautas

to mortal combat.

And to strengthen your courage,
which you so clearly lack

he sends you these two unsheathed swords.

The Grand Master wants you to know,
that if you need more room for the battle,

he will withdraw his army so that
you don't have to hide in the bushes.

We have enough swords but we accept
these two as a foretoken of our victory.

Stop the heavy cavalry!
They don't go first, stop!

Stop! Stop!

Turn back!

Go to Duke Vytautas and Jalal al-Din.
Attack!

Lithuania!

Damn them!
They broke through.

This is Wit0ld's light cavalry.
Wallenrod!

Begin in the name God.

They won't break through,
we will trample our archers.

Attack!

Go“ m“ uns.

Our knights!
They will trample us!

Your Majesty, send reinforcements,
save our army.

Lichtenstein!

Charge!

Charge!

Kalisz and Sieradz regiments -
support the right flank.

Help Masovia!

The banner is in danger!

Powata! Take three regiments,
go round the enemy and attack!

Turn back!
Turn back!

We'll go around them
and attack their flank.

Zyndram!
The infantry is attacking!

Attack!
Attack!

Kuno von Lichtenstein,
do you recognize me?

I do.

I swore I'd find you
and fight you.

Fight then.

It is mortal combat.

Fight!

Take off your helmet.

Fight, you dog!

This is the man
who this very morning

claimed to be stronger than
the mightiest of the world.

Jagna?
Jagna!

The End