The city of Sandomierz is located by
the river Vistula on a picturesque hill surrounded by rich green grass. The
city is very inviting. While approaching the city surrounded by the charming
nature, it invites you to proceed inside it to the old town, which is full of
colorful buildings. Centuries ago, the brick buildings replaced wooden
structures, which were destroyed by Tatars. The city was invaded by Tatars
three times in the 13th century. This leads us to a legend of one
brave citizen, who wanted to save the city.
“They’re approaching!” a horseman
with a panic in his voice rushed around the town to warn the residents,
“They’re approaching!” The people didn’t ask Who? As they already knew the answer. That’s the third time the
Tatars were attacking their place within the same century. With each time, they
tried to be prepared better as they knew the ruthlessness and cruelty of the
enemy.
“We will take them by surprise,” the
residents suggested at one of the sessions. The leader Krempa, creased with
many lines on his face showing his age, slowly raised his hand as asking for
attention, “And how are you proposing to surprise the enemy?”
“Attack them at night, before they
approach our walls,” suggested one of the attendees standing in the back of the
room. Murmurs spread through the room with many heads tilting forward as in
agreement. So it was decided to attack at night.
When the darkness covered the sky and
only the Tatar guards were trying to keep their eyes open, the locals attacked
the enemy. The Tatars, even though asleep, raised quickly to the challenge.
Both sides fought fearlessly. The locals were outnumbered by Tatars and at the
end had to retreat back inside the walls.
Many were left behind as they lost
their lives, among them was the leader Kempa. The citizens felt hopeless, there
were not too many strong men left to continue the battle and there was no
leader. At the council of the town, they agreed that they had to accept Tatars
conditions, except Halina.
“The Tatars will not keep their
word!” exclaimed Halina, the daughter of lost leader Kempa. “They are sneaky
and revengeful. We need to fight with their weapon.” The elders didn’t like the
girl’s outburst, but at the same time they felt sympathetic for the loss of her
father. They calmly explained, “We do not want to act as Tatars.” However, the
girl persisted, “Then I will act sneaky on my behalf to revenge my father. I
just need you to do one thing for me.” After presenting her idea, the elders
agreed still reluctantly.
The night was quiet, only the rustle
of the leaves from the nearest trees was heard and the sorrow surrounding the
walls of the village was felt. Halina quietly left the village. At the edge of
the forest, she looked back for a while as trying to engrave the picture of the
place in her memory.
As soon as she entered the forest,
she was surrounded by Tatars with arrows pointing at her. “What are you doing
here girl?” asked one of the Tatars. “I need to see your leader.” The Tatars already
suspecting something with a watchful eye took her to the leader.
At the fire in red coat sat the
leader surrounded by guards. He was slowly sipping hot drink. He raised his
eyes, when hearing approaching feet. Good at masking his surprise, he didn’t
show it, when the girl in long green tunic and blond long hair showed in front
of him.
“The girl asked to see you,”
announced one of the Tatars. “What is the reason for you to be wandering the
woods at night?” asked the leader. “I had to leave at night, so nobody would
see me missing. I’m here, because I want to settle an old score with some
people. There is a secret underground passage that will take you to the town. I
can take you through the dark tunnel.” Halina spoke with convenience not
leaving any trace of suspicion. He watched the girl very carefully, while she
was talking. Now, the silence stood between them. He took his time to see if
girl would give out any trace of deceit. “Settle the horses. We’re leaving now.”
It didn’t take long to arrive at a
secret passage covered in thick thicket. It wasn’t easy to find it, but Halina
had no problem identifying the entrance. They lighted the torches. The Tatar
turned to the girl and commended, “Now lead us.”
When they were half way in the
tunnel, the townsmen, who were hiding near the entrance, did what was agreed
on. They blocked the entrance filling it with boulders.
The Tatars not suspecting anything
yet eagerly followed the girl. When they got to a wall, which was blocking any
farther walk, they were surprised looking for a solution. “This is a dungeon
and it ends here,” announced the girl.
“You betrayed us girl! You know what
that means for you?” yelled the leader. “I can die now knowing that I revenged the
death of my father and that the town will be safe from you,” Halina calmly answered.
Halina died under Tatar’s sword, but
she took all the Tatars with her. There was no way back for them from the
dungeon.
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