The Adiğe campaign across the river Kuban had far and wide repercussions.  For days it was the topic of discussions in the Russian forts along the line connecting Taman to the Caspian Sea.  Certain commanders manifested violent reaction.  Prince Bekovich and Col. Katsirev were determined to mount immediate retaliation. 

            General Vilyaminov, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, restrained the hawkish commanders with much difficulty.  “We shall retaliate when time comes!” he said, in an effort to appease them.  He circulated a written directive to forestall any inadvertent action. 

            Vilyaminov was conscious that a move on to Anapa could complicate the situation.  He did not favor any action without a clear instruction from the high command.  He reported the situation to his Commander-in-Chief. 

            The measures taken by Vilyaminov were not enough to hold back the Cossacks.  Early in the spring they set out to attack the Adiğe villages in the neighborhood of Adegum. 

            They had neither requisitioned military support nor there was any person of military background in commanding position with them.

            Due to the spring season over-flow of waters, the two banks of the river Kuban used to turn to swaps.  So were the  pastures of  Adgem.  Therefore, the people living in the neighborhood did not approach the river banks before the month of June.  They did not let their livestock enter the pastures before the flood-season was over. 

            The Cossacks crossed Kuban by letting their horses swim through the river.  Finding the muddy pastures deserted, the Cossacks proceeded to the west.  They crossed the Adgum Stream and approached the forest mountains in the east of Anapa.

            The tributaries of  the Adgum river  had their source in the same area.  There were more than one village in each of the valleys fed by the streams.  The soil was productive.  Prosperous families had set their form there. 

            The Cossacks decided to attack at night time.  So they took cover inside a dense forest nearby to wait for thesun-set. 

            They had been exhausted and smeared in mud while passing through the swamps on both the banks of Kuban.  They were drenched under a heavy rain fall.  The horses were dead tired. 

            All that did not diminish their rancor.  They were determined to avenge at any cost. 

            The local population expected a retaliatory assault at any time.  They, therefore, had been constantly watching  the northern horizon.  At each high they had erected a wooden watch-tower, with watchmen on 24 hours duty. 

            The watchmen had detected the Cossacks as they appeared on the horizon.  The villages and farms had been timely alerted.  The movement of the enemy was followed step by step. 

            Havuduko Mansur’s left leg was in a bad shape.  Şurukyiko Duğuj, Dazyiko Supaş, Islam Geri and Kass Demir  and other leaders immediately went into action.  They saw to it the people of the entire region were mobilised

            Kass Demir was a  master in making weapons and a daring fighter.  He was a neighbor of the Zanikos.  He was familiar with the green terrain around, and the creeks and passes that opened up to the north. 

            The Adiğes, guided by Hass Demir set out to trap the Cossacks.  By the evening time they reached the north-eastern tip of the forest, where they took position watching the enemy under the cover of the trees. 

            The sky was overcast.  A few hours later it was pitch dark.  It was virtually a total blackout. 

            Şurukyiko Duğuj ordered the forces to keep the rifles and the pistols ready to fire, and to keep  the horses dry.  They were also ordered that in the event of a confrontation the fire-arms be used first; that in the event of a  close fight using the swords the Adiğe fighters should keep in shoulder-to-shoulder formation at any cost; and under poor visibility conditions they should continually vociferate the battle-cry so as to identify the friend and the foe. 

            The fire-arms of the Cossack had been soaked and their powder stock had been moistened in transit across the river and through the swamps.  So most of their weapons were out of action.  They depended on their heavy swords. 

            Their condition did not permit any further delay in striking.   Their chieftain in the foreground, the Cossacks charged in the early hours after midnight.  They were supposed to strike at four different points. 

            The Adiğe forces, mindful of possible exigencies, had been organized on a wide front, and were prepared to readjust as the battle situation would demand. 

             The first two columns of  the Cossacks proceeded over the bed of a creek down stream side by side.  Soon the sharp sound of the horse shoes striking on the fable could be heard from the Adiğe hideout. 

            Kass Demir was with Duğuj.  He was a short and broad shouldered man, who could smell out as sharply as a wolf.  He triggered off the first shot.  The rest of the Adiğes followed him. 

            There appeared a great panic among the Cossacks.  The enemy’s horses were scared by the explosions and the blazing.  Most of them pranced and suddenly turned back so that the riders were thrown off.  Some were hit by the shots, and neighed painfully.  The Cossacks themselves, on the other hand, were calling one another by name to avoid being lost in darkness. 

            The other two Cossack columns, though not much effected by the rifle fire, were dead scared, and so they swiftly pulled back. 

            The Cossacks were ashamed of the setback.  So they debated for a long time whether to retreat or push ahead.  Finally they decided to fight back. 

            Many of them had lost their horses.  They had to wait till morning to look for the animals scattered around. They were tired, hungry and sleepless.  So they took some rest by turn. 

            No doubt, the Adiğes were in a better condition.  They were fed well and their rear was secure.  Most important of all, they were fighting in defense of their homeland.  They were further strengthened by the reinforcement they received early that morning. 

            The bloody chase started at dawn. 

            The Cossacks gathered at the sight of the approaching Adiğe riders, forming a close up linear front, keeping those left on foot in the rear.   They waited for the Adiğes to strike. 

            Kalabatuko Hatuk had joined the Adiğe forces at dawn.  A shrewd man as he was,  he assessed that the Cossacks would resist what may come.  He spurred his horse towards Şurukyiko Duğuj.  He said.

            -  The dirty fellows seem decided to die.  We do not have such an intention.  We must find a way to scatter them.

            Upon the suggestion of Hatuk the Adiğe forces divided in three groups.  One positioned right opposit the Cossacks.  The other two groups flanked them on the left and the right, each forming a bow shape; so as to surround the enemy on the sides and on the rear. 

            The Cossacks feared lest their retreat line be cut off, split in to two groups, and charged at the right and the left flank of the Adiğe fighters. 

            It was what Kalabatuko Hatuk designed.  The Cossacks had opened up to two side like an unfolding fan. The ones who had lost their horse were left exposed in the middle.  Then ensued a bloody man to man fight. 

            The battle lasted for about two hours.  As it usually happened, they fought to the last man, not even a messenger to be sent to home base was spared. 

                                              O0O

            Save about twenty wounded, all the Cossacks were killed.  Adiğe casualty was insignificant. 

            Pşımef was extremely anxious when the news of the battle reached Tsemez.  He did not know whether to rejoice or lament over the Adiğe victory. “The obstinate Zaporajes are going to cause us trouble!” he murmured by himself.  He feared a military retaliation with guns and artillery.  He proposed a meeting to consider the measure to be taken.  His suggestion received a rather lukewarm reception. 

            Şemız simply remarked, 

            -  Let us wait a little!”

            The Russians did not attempt a military operation.  Because the Czar and his generals had been engaged in some other affairs.  They were after forging out a Greek State by stirring a revolt in Mora.  That had caused a serious political tension.  Outbreak of a war in the Balkans was expected any moment. 

            Pşımef, the Prince of Tsemez, should have been aware of the development, in which certain major powers of Europe too had been involved.  In the meantime, however, there occurred certain other events of more immediate interest to him.

            A Russian Warship anchored at the Anapa harbor.  The Captain of the Ship demanded an interview with the Turkish Commander of Fort Anapa.  The Captain carried a strongly worded letter for the Paşa from General Vilyaminov. 

            The Commander of the Russian Forces in  the Western Caucasian Front in his letter invited the attention of the Guardian of Fort Anapa to the recent incidents, and warned him to the effect that should the Circassians cross the river Kuban again it would be regarded as the end of peace; and that any further violations of the frontier would be retaliated.

            Osman Paşa, the Guardian of Anapa was alarmed at the warning served by the Russians.  He invited Zaniko Sefer and other Adiğe leaders in the coast for a meeting.

            One day before the date fixed for the meeting, the invitees to the meeting gathered partly at the farmhouse of Zaniko Sefer and partly at the residence of Havuduko Mansur.  Both the groups subsequently had a joint meeting, and then together proceeded to Anapa.

            The prominent among the Adiğe leaders invited to the Anapa meeting included Indaryiko Mehmet, Geriyiko Şemız, Kadı Haci Mehmet Efendi, Islam Geri, Kalabatuko Hatuk, the Jane Prince Selim Bey, Bastiko Pşımef, Havuduko Mansur and Zaniko Sefer.  They were primarily personalities of political significance. 

            Osman Paşa, the Commander of the Ottoman Forces at Fort Anapa, personally ushered his guest to a large hall and individually showed them their seat.  He then handed over memorandum to Kadi Haci Mehmet Efendi.  It was a strongly worded ultimatum.  It seemed to have been drafted by a Crimean Tatar secretary.  Osman Paşa asked Mehmet Efendi to read it out. 

            Haci Mehmet Efendi was educated in Istanbul.  He was proficient in Turkish and was familiar with the Tatar phraseology.  He interpreted into the Adiğe language the memorandum which was a highfalutin mixture of Turkish and Arabic words. 

            Present at the meeting also were Osman Paşa’s Staff and some of  other officers.  So the hall was completely full. 

            The memorandum was read out and interpreted.  A silence prevailed in the hall. 

            Osman Paşa terminated the silence,

            -  You have listened to what is contained in the memorandum!  There exists a peace treaty between the Sultan and the Czar, which was concluded about 15 or 16 years ago.  By virtue of the atmosphere of peace and stability you have been able to cultivate your land  and graze your livestock.  This being the fact; you are involved in activities likely to disturb peace. 

            The Paşa frowned, and continued his speech which insinuated a light reprimand:

            -  Tell me! Is it a correct conduct?  What right do you have to violate the peace established by the two majestic emperors?

            The Paşa gazed at the Adiğe leaders  most of whom were looking down.  As no one raised a voice, he again asked,

            -  Why don’t you speak out?  If there is any one among you who believes I am not justified, please let him say so.  I am prepared to listen to him!

            Zaniko Sefer moved on his knees¹ .  “Your Excellency Paşa!” , he lightly coughed, and addressed him straight in Turkish: 

            -  We are not the party who violated the peace.  The Russians and the Cossacks violated it.  We could not sit idle when our cultivated fields were destroyed and our livestock were herded away by them. 

            The Fort Commander raised himself on his knees; pointed the  index- finger of his right hand, as if threatening, and said,

            -  Sefer Bey!  The Cossacks are not our interlocutor. The Czar is.  At such instances you should come to me; and I shall warn their chief and commanders.

            Pşımef received these words of the Paşa with a light smile; while Sefer Bey had blushed, and was offended as if he was insulted in the presence of the other leader. 

            Osman Paşa had noticed Pşımef smiling.  Notwithstanding his mild  nature, the Paşa was terribly annoyed.  He had met Pşımef before, and was aware that he frequently criticized the established order.  He roared,

            -   Prince of Tsemez!  I don’t think I have said any thing that deserved being laughed at. 

            Pşımef was long past his fifties. He was a seasoned person.  He knew how to express his mind.  For several years now he has been outspoken in voicing the ideas he had developed in his own mind.  However he had not addressed a distinguished gathering as the present one.

            He turned to Kadi Haci Mehmet.  “For God’s sake, please interpret to the Paşa what I am going to say!” , he begged him in whisper.  He spoke gazing straight at the Paşa’s eyes:

            -  Yes! Peace was declared between the Sultan and the Czar many years ago.  While the river Kuban had been agreed as border line separating  the two States in Caucasia, now it has been pushed further south, down to the Rion Valley in the southern skirts of the Mountains.  Kuban no longer in effect retains its significance as the border line. 

            The famous Basti paused a moment; gazed around and smiled, and went on:

            -  You say ‘ do not disturb the peace by crossing the  border line!’ But opposit to us there is an enemy with its fortresses, advance posts, and troops to attack us at any moment.  And you do not have a single shed  anywhere along the river Kuban.  The Cossack bandits cross the river and without any hindrance pillage our villages.  Your Excellency Paşa! Would you let us know on whose behalf are you taking about peace? 

            As Haci Memhmet interpreted Pşımef, the Paşa blushed up to his ears. 

            Prince of Tsemez went on,

            -  The Russians forced the Kabardey Princes out of their land.  They terrorized the people to silence.  They our own people.  We could not be indifferent to what have been done to them.  That is not all that happened.

            He paused,  took a deep breath, and continued:

            -  There is more to that.  The Russians, having finished with Kabardey, advanced towards west.  They trampled the territories of Bjeduğ, Besleney, Kenguy and Şapsığ.  They burnt and destroyed several villages. Took away the population as captives. Herded away their livestock.  Could one talk about peace after all what have happened since? 

            He halted to allow time so that his speech be interpreted; and then went on:

            In the last war the Russian Navy turned Fort Soğucak into ruins.  You did not take the pain to repair the damages there.  You withdrew your troops, and let area to face whatever the fate had in store for it. 

            Pşımef, having said what he had to, uttered a few kind words to please the Paşa. 

            - We honor the Sultan and his esteemed Paşas.  What we mean to solicit is this: If His Majesty  ordains “Caucasia is my territory”, he must then bestow the required care to  it. 

            Zaniko Sefer was extremely annoyed at Pşımef’s speech.  Deeply concerned as he was, through the speech he has been on constant watch  to read any reaction  on the Paşa’s countenance.  He did not, however, dare to interrupt. 

            He was well aware of the strength of the Ottoman State, and was competent enough to interpret the Turkish Policy. 

            It was impossible for the Ottman forces to reach Caucasia overland.  A naval operation was out of question at that juncture; for the Russian had achieved the upper hand on the Sea too.  Forts Anapa, Sohum and Poti had been virtually encircled by the Russians.  This being the situation, there was no point in pestering Osman Paşa any further. 

            The way the Osman Paşa received Pşımef’s speech comforted his uneasy soul. 

            The Paşa had overcome his earlier nervousness, and has been smiling  gloomily. 

            A while after Pşımef concluded his speech, Osman Paşa addressed the meeting. 

            -  You are not aware of the problems that best our State!  Do you think we are not sorry for what has been happening over here?    The most powerful States of the world have joined hands against the Ottoman State.  They are looking for opportunity to grab any thing they could from this State. 

            The Paşa narrated the events of the last four or five decades.  He explained how Britain and France, ostensibly in opposition to Russia,  side with the same power at the cost of the interests of the Ottoman Empire. 

            Following the informative speech of Osman Paşa, the participants debated on the current topics.  It was decided to send two memorandums to the Russians.  One was to be an official note signed by Osman Paşa.  The other one was to carry the seals of the Adiğe leaders² .

            The memorandums were to contain an account of the unlawful intervention by the Russian troops and the Cossack  militia in the areas south of the rivers Kuban and Terek, and the Russians were to be decisively assured that no counter-attacks would be launched so long as  the Russians did not repeat unlawful violations of the border. 

            The Memorandum to be signed by Osman Paşa, in addition to the above,  was to contain a couple of sentences that would stress the Paşa’s decisiveness.  He dictated the secretary a note to the same effect, which carried a tinge of threat. 

            Doubtless, he was aware that the resources at his disposal did not permit him to translate his words into action.  Nevertheless he had to bluff. 

            Haci Mehmet Efendi and  the Court Secretary of Osman Paşa’s Staff, who were to  draft the memorandums, withdrew to a private chamber.

            Osman Paşa was familiar with most of the Adiğe leaders.  For instance he knew how restive Geriyiko Şemız and Şurukyiko Duğuj were, how thoughtful Havuuuduko Mansur was, and how sensitive Pşımef and Sefer Bey were.  He was also well aware that all of them, without exception, were highly proud people; hence respectful and dependable. 

            The Paşa attributed the occasional flare up on their part  to patriotism and devotion to independence.  They did not mean malice.  The fear of being deceived, being double crossed, had made them skeptic.

            The Paşa entertained his guests at dinner, in the course of which he had the opportunity to discuss with them various topics. Pşımef received glowing compliments from the Paşa, who admitted that his views were justified. 

                                                 O0O

            The exchange of memorandums by the commanding officers of the frontier forces of the Ottman and Russian empires did yield certain results.  They had threatened and clawed one another without the knowledge of their respective governments.  Thenceforth they exercised greater restraint; avoided indulging in actions of serious repercussion.  There came a period of relative stability. 

            It was, however, impossible for either sides to always keep under control  the extremists or the  fringe elements. 

            The territories to the north of the river Kuban consisted of expansive steppes, where the vegetation yellowed and dried as early as the month of  June.  Hence the life grew increasingly less active. However, the situation in areas to the south of the river were more lively.  The streams emerging on the skirls of the mountains run to the north, and merged together to form two major rivers, one flowing to the east and the other to the west.  The valleys watered by the streams and the plateau like heights separating the valleys were covered with  green meadows, pastures and forests.  In addition to the floral wealth, the area was rich in fauna too.  At each step one could come across with different species of wild life, both birds and mammals.  Natural food resources, such as mushroom and strawberry were available in abundance. 

            In the steppes there roamed only the jackals and the wolves.

            It was the rich natural resources of the south that tempted the Cossacks and the Mujiks³.   At times opportune they would cross the rivers on sails on small boats, would do some hunting. If  circumstances permitted, they would sneak to the interior.  They indulge in pillage and robbery, a more enticing preoccupation  than hunting.  They have herded away whatever grazing horse and livestock they could lay hand upon. 

            Such criminal excesses on the part of the Russians would madden the Adiğes.  Small groups of undaunted riders chased the intruders to retaliate.  Hence  clashes   ensued.

            For those Caucasians leading their daily life, enjoying the blessings of nature, the peace treaty between two great powers did not mean much.   Anyway they were not aware of the policies concerning their fate pursued at higher levels.  To them, whoever threatened their lives or  usurped their property, was their enemy; and must pay for the wrong done. 

            Notwithstanding the unending border incidents, there was no serious confrontation for some time.  As a result of general stability production increased in the, commerce flourished, and the bazaars and fairs thrived. 

            During the intervening period of peace, which was generally considered as transitory, Pşımef had time enough to devote to his family and his business.

            The Psıfabe colony in Kutak,Tsemez, pioneered by Bastiko Pşımef  consisted of twelve families, including two Pşılı and two vassal households. 

            The number of children in each family ranged between three to seven.  All of them were healthy, and were being brought up with world outlook popular in the coast at that time. 

            Pşımef took pride in the younger generation.   The younger ones attended the school run by Albek Hoca and Hasan Efendi. Biyenko Bital trained them in riding and using fire arms. 

            Biyenko Bital was a thoughtful and sober person  as his father Fetgeri had been.  He was expert in handling all sorts of weapons.  Despite his somber appearance, he could nicely put up with children. 

            Biyenko Bital was assisted, if and when need be, by Bjafe Pezad and Natho Melah.  Pezad was a joyful man.  His humorous conduct in the classroom, though impaired the solemnity of education, did tinge the small community when bored by monotony.

            During the early years birth rate in the colony had been spectacularly high.  Equally high was the infant mortality.  Pşımef’s wife gave birth to seven babies, of which two died before the age of two. 

            His elder son Ismail was now a young man.  His younger son Ahmet and his daughter Goşemef were at the trashold of adolescence.  Osman and Rampes followed them.  Ahmet and Osman attended the school and also  took part in shooting exercise  conducted by Biyenko Bital. 

            Hacimet, the elder son of Yeftale Famok, looked after the affairs of his household, efficiently enough as a replacement of his father.   His brother Hamız used to lend him a helping hand.  His sisters Karej, Nefın and Skurin were now grown up young girls. 

            Bjafe Pezad’s sons Musa and Davud, Koce Eşev’s sons Şereg and Neov, Serkuse  Asha’s sons Kubihan and Hüseyin, Natho Melah’s son Hasan, and Biyenko Bital’s son Takir were the promising young boys of the Psıfabe colony in Kutak. 

            Bastiko Janbek lived in the town.  His  children were too young yet.  Their upbringing followed a somewhat different course than the rest. 

            Pşılı Marde had nine grand-children.  His elder son Laşin had two grown up sons.  The children of his second son Samir and  his daughter Medey were underage yet. 

            The children of the Nogay families were in complete harmony with the other children.  Pşımef was very fond of Ali Mirza’s elder son  Alyusuf.  In the recent years he carried him along to all his visits as groom.  Mehmet the junior  accompanied Biyenko Bital in travel.  Topal Riza’s sons named  Kudrethan and Nebil were good assistants of Pşılı Ortan. 

            The daughters of the Nogay families could not be differentiated from the rest of the girls of the same age group.  They were brought up according to Adiğe customs and tradition.  They were Goşemıd’s favorites. 

            At one time Goşemid had been concerned about the rapid growth of the colony’s population.  As time went by her anxiety diminished and was replaced by satisfaction and pride;  for it had lent strength to her son as well as to herself.

            Pşımef had highly regretted over the death of Yeftale Famok; and had been somewhat discouraged too.  He, however, recovered in due course of time.  The constructive conduct on the part of Biyenko Bital and Natho Melah, as well as the harmony that could be maintained among the population of the enclave inspired him satisfaction and self-reliance.  He could be away from the colony for any length of time with mind in peace.

            For instance recently he readily accepted a proposal made by Batmazyiko Ali:  Ali Bey had been planning to sail to Trabzon on his small private boat, and from there to visit Istanbul overland.  Pşımef could join him.  It could be a useful voyage both in terms of recreation and business; for Pşımef could carry along goods to be marketted in Turkey. 

            It was middle of the month of July of 1827.  Loading of Pşımef’s cargo, consisting of goods freshly received from the Psıfabe Valley and certain items already in stock in Tsemez, had begun.
            Pşımef, accompanied by Janbek,  visited the harbor daily to inspect the progress in the preparations for voyage to Istanbul.  Notwithstanding his advanced  age and social position he seemed very much excited by the projected long trip overseas.  He was particularly jubilant over his prospective visit to Istanbul. 

            Alas! The famous Basti was not destined to visit Istanbul.  One day at an early hour in the morning someone knocked at his door to deliver him the news of the death of his father-in-law Seyin.  He forgot all about the voyage.  For his guardian and protector in the coast, the great Indar, had passed away. 

           At dawn Pşımef, his mother and his wife visited the residence of the Geriyikos. Shortly afterwards other male members of the Psıfabe colony also followed them. 

            The funeral ceremony was to be held the next day.  The news of bereavement was relayed to all over  the coast from Pşat to Anapa. 

            Batmizyiko Ali, who was ready to sail off, postponed his departure for one week. 

             Seyin’s funeral was attended by the Çipako-Indar group of families as well as several hundred other people.  The leading members of the nobility in the coast earnestly led the funeral procession.  The wailing the female members of the family resound throuhout the district. 

            Geriyiko Seyin had lived a long life.  He was too old to move about.  For the last couple of years he had been confined to his own house.  Yet Pşımef was shocked at his death.  He sensed as if the source of his energy had been lost. 

            He had not been so much distressed over the demise of Geriyiko Hazret.  He had received it a natural phenomenon.  The situation in the case of Seyin was different.  Beside being his father-in-law, he had been indeed a real friend of him. 

            Henceforth Şemız, son of Hazret, was to assume the leadership of the Geriyikos.  He was to be followed by Seyin’s sons.  Şemız and Ali both had been kind to Pşımef all the way through. 

            One could not comment as to how Şemız would conduct as the person responsible for the destiny of his family.   Nevertheless he had full confidence in Ali, who was gifted with a stable character. 

            Şemız’s character resembled that of an easygoing wild-horse.  He was a daring, aggressive, and generous person.  At times, however, he could change to a different personality, unpredictable and selfish. When his interests were at stake, the renouned hero would turn to an ordinary thieve.  He would not desist indulging himself in the most unbecoming relationships.

            His only fear was being condemned before his community, being criticized by the elders.  Therefore he was scared of  his uncle Seyin.  In his presence he sat quiet, eyes cast down.  Although no one in the coast could be as vociferous as Şemız. 

            Pşımef bade farewell to Batmaziyiko Ali with mixed feelings.  He did let him know that he was sorry for not being able to accompany him. 

            The Adiğes were deeply shocked by the loss of  so a sagacious person as Seyin. As such they mourned over a long period. 

            Following the demise of Seyin Geriyiko the Kutak Village was overwhelmed with silence. Weddings already scheduled were postponed.  Entertainment and social functions were deferred indefinitely.  Even the children talked in subdued voice. 

            Pşımef though cancelled his trip to Istanbul; he was restless and looked for a pretexts to distance himself from the distressing environment of Kutak.  In August he crossed Pşat and went as far as Vaye.  Immediately afterwards he went to the Bazaar of Anapa.

                                                O0O

            Batmaziyiko was back home from his trip to Istanbul at the end of October.  He kept close to the coast line as he sailed to Istanbul and back to Tsemez, and visited the important populations centers along the coasts of  Anatolia and Caucasia. 

           Pşımef was concerned with the news Ali Bey would bring him, rather than the goods he had entrusted him to trade-off.  He immediately came down to the coast to meet Ali Bey. 

            Indeed, Batmaziyiko had interesting news and information for his friend, the Prince of Tsemez. 

            In the proceeding year Istanbul had experienced almost a civil war.  The Janissary,  which formed the backbone of the Ottoman Army, had been  bombarded, persecuted and destroyed. 

            Pşımef had not idea as how to interpret the event.  He was flabbergasted.  He gazed at Ali Bey unconvinced; and asked: " How the Sultan could destroy his own special guards?”

            Ali Bey, though was born and brought up in Caucasia,  was familiar with affairs of Turkey.  He could speak and read and write in Turkish.  He could not be mistaken.  He tried to make Pşımef understand as best as he could that the Janissary corpse was replaced by a new army called “Nizami Cedid”. 
            In the end Batmaziyiko waved his hand, meaning that all was over; and said, “Be it for better or for worst;  it is all over now!”.  He went on,

            -  There are more important things I have to tell you!

            Pşımef focused his attention to his friend. “What could be more important then the Sultan having destroyed his own army!”, he groaned.

            Batmaziyiko calmly replied,

            -  War! Everybody there talk about an impending war between the Ottoman State and Russia.  Not only the Turks, the foreigners in Istanbul also say so. 

            Pşımef shivered.  He shivered not out of fear but because he was excited.  He was an eyewitness of the bombardment of  Fort Soğucak by the Russian navy.  The warships had destroyed the walls of Fort Anapa.  The same could be repeated, he thought.

            Pşımef did not inquire Ali Bey how he had traded his goods, or how Ali’s own business had fared.  He was dispirited.  Leaving all the business affairs to be taken care of by Janbek, he  mounted his horse and set out for Kutak; heavy hearted, and his mind entangled with thousand and one apprehensions. 

            Having passed the limits of the town, Pşımef pulled the harness of his horse as he reached the first turn of the trail.  The trail here was lightly gradient.  He gazed back at the harbor and further to the rocky terrain to the north-west for a long time.   He watched at the ruins of the Fort Soğucak. 

            Pşımef recalled old Trah, who had died about fifteen years ago.  The words Trah had uttered when he had visited the old man  for the first time in the company of Şemız,  resounded in his ears. 

            Trah had told him, “A Basti called the Prince of Tsemez built the Fort at Soğucak!”.   Later Pşımef was told numerous stories about the fort. 

            There were various versions of the story relevant to Fort Soğucak. 

            The Prince of Tsemez had the fort built in cooperation with the traders from Istanbul and Crimea.  Traders from far away lands used to meet there, did business together, and used to store their goods in the castle’s dungeon. The Basti Prince used to receive a certain amount of commission in return for the services. 

            According to one version; after the death of the Price a detachment of Turkish troops from the Kafe Provincial Center had been stationed in the castle; and Tsemez  was merged to the Province of Kefe as a District twon.

            When Crimean went under Russian domination, Fort Soğucak gained significance.   The Ottman Government dispatched Farah Ali Paşa  to Soğucak with extensive authority.  Anapa, originally an ancient Genoese fortification, was rebuilt by Ali Paşa. 

            According to another version of the story the Prince of Tsemez had simply presided over restoration of an existing damaged fort there.  Subsequently the fort was expanded upon the arrival of the Turkish garrison. 

            Be it what it may, there is one fact:  That is, a certain Basti had enlivened the Fort Soğucak.  Pşımef, being a member of the Basti Family,  took pride in what the Prince had done.

            At the present the fort was in ruins.  Whereas it had been built by a Basti; it ought to be restored by a Basti again.

            Pşımef resumed his riding homeward, his mind busy with such thoughts. 

            By the time he approached Kutak sun was about to sit behind the forest on top of the hills; and Pşımef was ready with a plan to restore the fort.  He contemplated to give a start of the construction work early next spring. 

            Kutak was generally composed of a number of  districts set up by major families.  It extended along the bank of the Tsemes Stream.  As the buildings were covered by trees, a stranger would not detect a village there at the first glance from a certain distance. 

            At the village cross-road  Pşımef halted his horse.  Pondered for a while.  He changed his mind.  He headed to the Geriyikos district rather than to the Psıfabe colony. 

            He had not met Geriyiko Şemız for several  days.  “Hope he is home”, he murmured as he moved on. 

            When Pşımef reached the courtyard, the household was busy with the last routine of the day.  The female were feeding the poultry, the male  members were engaged in herding the livestock under the sheds.  A Pşılı was taking back two riding horses to the stable after having watered them.

            At the sight of Pşımef, Şemız’s son Şeretluk rushed to welcome him.  He passed on Pşımef’s horse to one of the boys and ushered the famous Basti to the guest-house. 

            Not long before Şemız, the master of the house, turned up.  As the weather was cool, he had his felt over-coat on.  He approached Pşımef, cheerfully knocked at his shoulder as a sign of intimate friendship, and showed him a seat. 

            Şemız was a pleasure loving person as much as he was a man capable of enduring hardship and difficulty.  On him was a long Turkish style shirt with Caucasian motives embroidered on the collars.  Over his belt was wrapped a Turkish made woolen cloth belt.  He had a  scull-cap on his head.  As such he looked like a trader from Istanbul. 

            Pşımef was in a hurry to convey to Şemız what he had learned from Batmazyiko Ali, and wanted to see how he reacted.  Bypassing the usual exchange of  how-do-you-do,  he said,

            -  Batmazyiko has returned from Istanbul.

            Şemız was as easy and clam as usual. He remarked,

            -  Yes, I am told he has.  I have not met him yet. 

            Pşımef looked at Şeretluk busy in exciting the fire in the hearth announced,

            -  The news he had brought are no good at all.  He says they were talking about an impending war between the Ottomans and Russians!

            To Şemız the word “war” did not denote something unusual.  He had witnessed war on numerous occasions, and had been personally involved in it.  He had fought in the Balkans and in Egypt as a volunteer in the Ottoman Army.  A few years ago he had taken part in the raids against the Russians in Kabardey territory north of the river Terek.  When in a throw of fit he would just slip out of his house, cross the Kuban, strike at the Cossack settlements, and return home without consulting anybody. 

            On that matter he had been in good terms with Şurukyiko Duğuj and Haci Huzbek.  The three old wolfs had been extremely reckless in their sallies at the enemy positions; as if they had been going to attend a wedding party. 

            Briefly; to Şemız  the war has been already going on.  So there was not questing of anticipating a war. 

            He delightfully laughed and responded,

            -  Bastikor!⁴ There is nothing to be worried about.  In the event of a war we would do whatever we are obliged to. 

            Pşımef could not be so optimistic.  Şemız was an adventurer, while himself was a systematic person.  He was conscious of the difference in approach between himself and his friend.  He was sure yet that if properly oriented, people like Şemız could perform a lot. 

            Pşımef explained at some length the negative aspects of war, citing instances; and proposed a meeting,  and to inform the whole land of the possible developments.  He also stressed the need for a meeting with the Commander of Fort Anapa. 

            Şemız said “Okay!”;  but seemed inert. 

            Pşımef and Şemız had their meals together.  They chatted for a long time.  Pşımef returned home late at night.