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216 Basti youth under the leadership of Takir, left Nathos with satisfied. They had visited Nathos at a time when they had been troubled and sad. In spite of that, they had been received well. Nathos, putting their pain aside, had done everything to please their guests. When they returned to their village, they told to their elders a lot about the extensive attention they had received,. Bramhan told her mother, how pretty and noble Gubate was, many times. In spite of Libe saying "my daughter, I saw Gubate at Nemerukos' wedding, she really is a pretty girl", she didn't cease talking about the Natho girl. She chattered on with suggestive smile for days, with hints also to the relationship between Gubate and her brother Genar. The warm, sunny and sometimes showering days of April were following one another. The nature was awakening. The birds were singing, the lambs were bleating. However, the spring which stimulated joy of life in human being, was different this year. Everybody seemed uneasy. Especially the older ones, who could foresee the dimensions of the approaching menace, were particularly troubled. Bastiko Bram appeared to be loosing sleep. He, along his neighbor Hagur, who was at the same time his brother in law, went to visit the villages on the right side of Psikuy Valley. Later, he crossed the river, visited Kutezj and Psikuy villages. He met with Nathos. He had confidence in this sensible, sober and dispassionate person. His brother Natho Sabe was a person good manners. He had made friendship with the people at the Natuhay Coast. He believed that both of them had useful ideas and information. Indeed, the two Natho elders inspired much hope in Bram. A day after his return to the village, Bram went up to Çemko. He stayed as a guest at his brother's for a night. He intended to talk to him. In the evening the two had dinner together. After the slave Jıbğe who was serving them, withdrew, they sat on the divans facing each other on either side of the hearth. Thick logs were burning in the hearth. Takir, sitting at the right, was watching the intermittently rising flames. Bram considered for a long time how he should start on the subject. From time to time he looked at Takir. He examined the entire room many times over. The furniture in the room was reflecting Takir's past. The divans were covered with the valuable fur of the animals hunted by Takir. Two large bear skins were spread over the felt on the floor. On the walls deer antlers, various decorative items made out of bone, arms like rifles, arrows and arches of different periods were hung. In the middle of all these Takir was sitting, his posture and erect grand body left no doubt that he was the owner of the house. After a long silence, Bram stirred as if he had decided. -Brother! I came here to talk to you. He said. Takir, lifting his head, looked at his younger brother. His rigid, short, reddish beard was descending to join the hair on his chest. His cheeks and forehead was glistening like bronze. His brown-blue eyes reminded those of a wild wolf. He didn't talk. He kept on gazing. Bram shifted his eyes, as if he was bothered by that look. He turned his eyes to the rising flames in the hearth. -My heart is not at ease. Ottoman-Russian war will spread to the Kuban banks. I want, to avoid facing disaster, precautions to be taken while there is time. 217 -You are exaggerating this subject of war. There was hint of irritation in Takir's words. He continued raising his voice. -We followed Hatkoy Misostiko Bata into the freezing Russian planes. In that God damn place more than five-hundred Adiges were frozen to death. What was our business there? Was there any sense in attacking enemy who was beyond one month's distance? Are you going to suggest we engage in such an insane act again? Bram answered as he wondered and hesitated. -The enemy you think far away is right here under our nose. He has constructed a fortress, built a village at Kebertey, stays there poised. A condescending smile passed across Takir's face. -Keberteys are not men! Their Beys, because of their dirty prides, tore the people into pieces. Some others, in defiance of their rivals, befriended the Russians. And now, a dog named Kep Kalebec organizing revolt among the slaves, is challenging the Beys. The man has two bold friends named Psigotij Musa and Biso Merem. He stood up. Walk towards the door. Then, suddenly he turned around. With a hoarse voice he shouted. -Give me two thousand men: I will crush the trump Kalebec and drive away the Russian dogs in the Mezdegu Forest. Bram had a sad smile. -Kalebec is not important. For the Russians, it is too late. They had built a strong fortress by the Terek river. They are defending the fortress with cannons. To defeat an enemy, one should be armed like him. For the time being we don't have such possibility. Takir examined his brother with naive and child like gaze. -Well, what do you want? -Bram reflected a moment. -What happened to Keberteys might happen to us as well. I want to take measures, before enemy settles behind fortresses defended by cannons. He paused for a moment. -We can only fight with enemy in the open. Takir was still standing. He sat. Nervously, he asked. -What shall we do, then? Speak!
Bram spoke calmly and slowly.
-All Adiges live in villages surrounded by hedges. Janes and Bjedugs live in simple dwellings made of mud with reed roofs. If we don't take precautions early, a strong army will go crushing over them. Takir, saying "Never!”, stood up again. -Russians have to defeat Ottoman and Crimean armies first. During the Russian campaign I saw some of the Ottoman fortresses in the west and Or-kapi stations. It will not be so easy to destroy them. If they can find time for us, they will have to pass through the steppes between Don and Kuban. Thousands of Nogays are there to cause trouble for Russians. Bram, striking his right knee with his hand, laughed. -You don't know Nogays well. They look at no place as motherland. Do you think they will fight in case of a serious threat? They will gather their herds and run away. Takir's eyes widened.
-To where?
-To the east! If necessary beyond Volga. It won't make any difference for them, where. As long as they find land for grazing their herds. Takir didn't answer. He returned to his seat, looking defeated, weakened. He sat down. This time Bram stood up, saying "There is another thing". But, as if he couldn't speak standing, he sat down right away. -Kalmuks went under the total domination of the Russians. Russians can exactly do what the Ottomans did. They may let Cossacks and Kalmuks on us. 218 All night Bram resisted with patience, as Takir roamed. Armed with superiority based on knowledge and experience, he tried to persuade him. Unfortunately, people like Takir in these situations, instead of being persuaded would loose their courage. They couldn't accept the reality. In the darkness of the unknown, they were attempting to fight with ghosts. Takir did the same thing that night. As the bitter reality dawn on him, he became silent. He couldn't talk. He didn't want to hear anything more. When he wanted to get up, Bram said "look, listen!" Takir froze like that with his hands resting on his knees. Bram, as if he was thinking, looked towards the door. Then, he spoke slowly. Thirty-five years ago, when I was in Crimea... Ottoman-Russian war took place. You recall. Russians passed beyond Or-kapi, entered Crimea. I saw them. I told many times what they'd done.
Bram, paused a moment. He continued with his eyes fixed on Takir.
-There is one thing I haven't told: These people have their eyes on Crimea, Caucasia... If they come, invade our land, they will never leave. We not like either Kamuks or Nogays. We are not nomads like them. We are tied to this land. We've been living here since the beginning of time. We cannot live in the meaningless void between independence and slavery. Takir's eyes were darkened. His pupils got motionless, as if he couldn't see. He remained at that state for a long while. Then, he stood up with difficulty. He walked to the door. He leaned on the wall, worn out. Bram continued, as if he wanted to corner Takir, with an hopeless demeanor. -I fear. This war surely will engulf us as well. Even if we don't want, someone will cause trouble for us. Takir was fed up. He returned to his seat rapidly. He sat there his eyes fixed on Bram, he shouted. -Understood! Don't mince your words! What do you want from me? Bram relaxed. He was getting close to his aim. -You are my elder. I'm not in a position to give you orders. I am only asking: leave this place! Come to the village. Leave slave ?ardan in charge of the farm. He thought for an instant. -W are a large family. Thus our needs are extensive. the land, orchards, gardens we own should be managed well. As you know, our two uncles are too old. We can't expect anything from them. ?orkan and others can handle the job. Except, someone should supervise them. In the days ahead, important events will happen. We should be prepared. We should attend the meetings to be held. In fact, we should act without waiting to be invited. I want to stay with the family. I want you to go to the meetings. Takir shook his head to the sides. -I cannot go to meetings. I lived outside the community for thirty five years. Who do I know to talk. I participated in the Russian campaign to avoid to be called "coward" . Yes, I am not afraid of war. I'll go to war again if it is called for. But, if you say "get on the road now, talk, unite the people!", I won't. Because I can't succeed. I will mess up. Bram was set on bringing Takir out of this remote corner of the forest. He was going persuade him with patience. He smiled. Without haste, he waited for Takir to calm down. -You say "I'll go, if there is a war." At this age, will you be an ordinary cavalryman? We have lots of those. We need commandants to take charge of cavalry brigades. On top of it I want to see someone from our family in such a position. 219 Bram reflected for a while. -A commandant should be well acquainted with his country, his people. Should get to know the people he would cooperate. The way to do it is by mixing with them. Takir was examining his brother with child-like, innocent look. He was suspicious, as if he was afraid of deception.
Bram went on.
Bram stopped momentarily. -I want to say something to you: Don't take an exaggerated view on the nobles in the west. You should join them courageously. You'll see that they are not different from you. Instead of them mobilizing us, we should mobilize them. We should that without hesitation. Takir smiled with a sad expression. -Understood! You are not going to leave me alone. I'll do as you wish. Give me tomorrow. I'll go down to the village the next day. He stood up, went outside.
Bram was used to Takir's behavior like that. He knew he wouldn't
come back right away. He took a wool blanket knitted at Çemko.
He laid down on the divan at the left corner. He made plans in his
head for a long while. Then eventually, he fell asleep.
Takir, walked for a long time watching the twinkling stars on the sky. Weak light was seeping from the windows of some houses in the farm. Nobody was around. Only the dogs were awake. Some of the large shepherd-dogs joined him. Some wee running in front of him, others were walking by him, rubbing against his legs. The past appeared in front of him with all its details. He remembered the early, days when he had moved to Çemko after causing the Natho-Basti break. He had been so much troubled at the time. In spite, he hadn't accepted the defeat. He hadn't allowed his soul and body to decay. Yes. He was cross with the people. But, he hadn't cut his ties with living. He had started working. He had made Çemko into a productive site. He had put in order the looms, worked the earth, raised the best animal races. He had not acted rigid while doing all of these. Contrary to his appearance, he had created a small happy community around himself. There was about fifteen families in Çemko. He married their grown up children according to the traditions. When there were no suitable brides, he had brought in girls from outside. For each one of them, without making fuss, without giving a chance to the outsiders of Çemko to hear, he had done the weddings quickly. He only condemned his groom Jıbğe to an unmarried life. To him he had said "if you marry, your life with me will end" "A man with his mind behind, preoccupied his wife cannot come with me to Abzah forests, to the skirts of Elburuz. Can't join in dangerous hunts." Jıbğe had never let on his desire to marry. He was, like his master, a severe man. He was the son of a ps l 1 families living in Çemko. He had rode on a wild horse when he was ten, he had gone into the forest on the back of the galloping animal. Takir had found Jıbğe later, caught on a tree branch. After that day he always kept with him. Jıbğe had become a fearless rider, a fierce hunter. Takir recollecting of his past, walked around the dwellings of the farm. Finally his feet got heavy. He came in front of him without realizing. At the door his groom Jıbğe was waiting for him. Takir had excellent vision to see what goes on in total darkness. He came closer. Bent to the young man's ear. He whispered softly. -Jıbğe we will go down the village tomorrow. Prepare the best horses. Tell ?ardan. He should select valuable furs and the best of our tissues. He should make few bales. 220 Jıbğe, just said "fine!"
Takir had said all that for just for the sake of talking with Jıbğe.
In reality, he was going to supervise the preparations, and would follow
all that was being done himself.
A bitter melancholy settled over him. To himself, he said "I guess I have reached to the end of life here." He was not aware of the games being played on in the world, the international political schemes being staged . He never had chance or time to pay attention to them. He only had an iron will that was shaped by the Adige traditions and the severe natural conditions. He didn't know what fear was. He was over fifty-five years old. However, he was at the peak of physical maturity and vigor. He had no health problems so far. He thought about the war for a moment. What was it about, what would happen, he didn't know. During the Russian campaign, he had seen the orderly brigades of the Crimean Khan. But, he had not seen any serious battle. what he knew about war only consisted of what he had heard. What he feared was neither death nor the faceless enemy. It was, not knowing what was to be done.
He knew war was not a one to one fighting. He supposed, it was a
calamity that brought nations in turmoil, that dragged masses into catastrophe.
He couldn't sleep for a long time. He turned left and right. He was immersed in sweat. By the time he fell asleep, the dawn was about to break. Bram returned to the village at the early hours of the day. Takir supervised all day the preparations being done. He gave the necessary orders to slave ?ardan. He gathered the inhabitants of the farm, bid them farewell. He had the evening meal with the man of Çemko. He lacked sleep, he was tired. He went to bed early. The next day, he got on the road to village, rested. Behind him, there were ten loaded horses led by Jıbğe and two other young slaves. O0O The evening that Takir came down to the village, Basti elders had dined together. Only Bram talked. Grand uncle Ale, who was quite aged, examined Bram with worry. But, he didn't speak. The other uncle Psıçe didn't show any reaction. Bram explained what he wanted to do. Nobody opposed his ideas. Bram, after convincing his family of his plans, he invited the respected members of the village to his home. Because he wanted nothing to be done in secrecy, the meeting was not restricted. He announce that the youth could also come. He wanted everybody to gather in front of the house where Ahmet Sena had lived until few months ago. It was the only solution, since it was not possible to held a meeting of the whole village in close quarter. It was a sunny afternoon. In spite, it was cold. The elders were taken to the rooms of the guest house. The youth waited outside, standing.)Once it was deemed that everybody arrived, the elders came outside. The guests were lined in few rows under the shed of his house. 221 Bram walked to the stairs. He looked around. For not to turn his back to the elders, he stood at the southern end of the shed. He could see the entire group from here. Everybody was silent. All the eyes were directed to him. Bram, after glancing over the group briefly, started to talk. -As you all know: Ottoman Empire declared war to Russia. As a starting point, Crimean Khan marched onto Russia. We also participated in Khans winter campaign. We clearly said "we are implicated in this affair" If it was right or not, God only knows. Both states have very large territories. Where will they fight, what will be the outcome, I don't know. Whether we will be detrimental to us or not, it is difficult to say. My conviction is this: We should prepare as if we will be attacked.
Bram reflected for a short while.
-I haven't taken any decisions. At any rate, it is not possible for me to do so. I can't think of going against our traditions. I wanted to convey my preoccupation, to identify what should be done together. The elders, saying "it is right, it is right.", seconded him in murmurs. Bram continued with confidence. -I have developed some ideas. If you agree, we will apply them. The crowd was all attention. They were holding their breath. -Here are my propositions: The people of the Psifabe Valley should form a brigade of war against a possible threat. To facilitate that, a meeting should be held with the participation of all the elders of the valley. It is imperative that the decisions to be taken should be communicated to the neighboring, or even to more distant valleys. Only, while we are doing that, I want us to be informed of the events taking place outside of our valley. Let's send a delegation to the west. We learn what goes on at the coast, Jane and Bjedug regions. Even, we follow the developments in the east at Kebertey region. I believe, we should call for Northern Caucasian unity in the face of the imminent danger. Thamates 2 again expressed their opinions, saying "right, right.." Bram, as if he has gained a new strength, increased his voice. -We don't have time to held a meeting with the elders of the valley to select the delegations. I have seen Natho Hanbeş at Psikuy. As you know: Hanbeş and my elder brother Takir directed the Psifabe brigade during the winter campaign. They have met with the nobles from the west, became friends. I would like them to leave right away. What do you say? The group agreed with Bram nosily. The meeting lasted a long time. The details of the plan were discussed. When the group was breaking up, Takir was standing erect at the north end of the shed. His facial expression was so calm that it was impossible to guess his feelings. Bram was at the southern corner of the shed. He looked at Takir. For an instant, his heart swelled with doubt. To himself he said "Am I doing the right thing?" Takir had lived outside of the community or years. He was rude, hard and harsh. He was limited in knowledge and experience. It was not sure if he would be able to interact with the nobles of the west who were deeply attached to the traditions and most meticulous. Bram knew all of these. But, this was to only way to bring out Takir from the depth of the forest. 222 On the other hand, he had confidence in him. He had courage and strength. The inhabitants of the valley has talked about him for years. His merits were told with exaggeration from mouth to mouth. Old Basti had a legendary reputation which reached far. O0O Two days later Takir, with Genar, left for the west. Bace and Jıbğe among the young slaves were accompanying them to help with the horses and serve them. They were set on the road early. In spite of the heavy loads on the horses, they reached Psikuy before the evening. They had informed Nathos before hand. They found Natho Hanbeş and Sabe ready. They spent the night at Psikuy as Nathos' guests. Genar was happy to have a chance to see Gubate one more time. However, the young girl was very subdued again. She only said "welcome." After that she was not seen again throughout the night. After the dinner, the leaders of the village gathered at the Natho Hanbeş' house. Genar, for all his interest and effort, was not able to concentrate on the discussions. He kept thinking of Gubate. The elders decided for a departure early next day. Genar was sorry thinking that he wouldn't have opportunity to speak with Gubate. He fell asleep with a lot of difficulty, when he went to bed. In morning, as they were saying good-bye , Gubate was wearing a sad smile. As Takir and Hanbeş saying "Farewell" , Genar was able to have only a brief glimpse at Gubate. That was enough for him. He never forgot that beautiful, sad face all along the journey. It was almost etched in his memory. Hanbeş, instead of a young man from his family, took with him Çermıtıko Aje. Aje was the best friend of his nephew Şate. Hanbeş, probably had chosen him for this special reason. Genar was very pleased to find out Aje was their companion. Natho Sabe went with the small group on foot, up to the grand plane-trees. He wanted to help his elder brother Hanbeş and Takir to mount on horses. In spite of his deep sorrow stemming from the loss of his son, he joked around with them. He smiled at Genar and Aje who were flanking the group, said "good-bye!" to them. As soon as parting from Sabe, the small group picked up speed. They started to gained distance in a certain order. Hanbeş and Takir were at the very front, side by side, riding their horses. Genar and Aje were following them. At the very back, the loaded horses and the grooms were coming. The journey took one week. The representatives of the Psifabe Valley stopped every village they came across. They rested and held meetings. They explained their objectives. In this fashion, they crossed the Şapsığ region from east to west, until they reached to the farm of Kalubatiyikos' farm in the vicinity of Anapa. Kalubatukos welcomed sincerely the Natho Hanbeş-Basti Takir duo coming from the east. They received them as their guests. But the representatives of the Psifabe Valley couldn't find the same excitement that took them here. At the very first evening, when Natho Hanbeş told about the reasons of their journey, Kalubatuko smiled looking down on them. "This is not our conflict. No need to be concerned." he said. The old man didn't seem to be interested in the matter. -The Turks and the Russians have been fighting since the old times. This one is an extension of those earlier ones. When they get tired, loose strength, they will stop as usual. It is not wise to get involved in their affairs. 223 Natho Hanbeş was startled by these words of Davur. He looked at Basti Takir with astonishment and anger in his eyes. To himself, he was saying "So we came all this way for nothing." He was curious about his reaction. Basti Takir, however, was wearing a smile that was him crazy. Both had taken Davur's words in different ways. Takir was in agreement with the old man. He wanted to laugh, really. "Didn't I say we should be over zealous? Oh, how I wish Bram could have heard all that," he was thinking.
Notwithstanding their difference of opinion, both kept silent.They preferred
to wait.
Genar was hoping that some preparations were being done in this region, where the influence of Crimean rule was very much felt . He was surprised a lot when he heard about this conversation of his elders. In this region was inhabited by the important families of the Şapsığ, Natuhay, Hotkuy tribes. Among those well known ones were the Kalubatiyikos, Zanikos, Indars, Bolitokos, Bezrikos, Koseyikos, Kovnsekos were the well known ones. The silence of all these important families seemed strange to Genar. He was saying to himself "I wonder if there is something we don't understand or know." At the farm of the Kalubatukos', wearisome and doubtful two days went by. Takir and Hanbeş spent their time engaged in idle conversations with old Davur. As for Genar and Aje, since they were not at ease in the company of their elders, they preferred to stay outside and stroll in the fields. They took horse back rides with the Kalubatiyiko youth. In spite of all of these, Genar was profoundly bored. When he found himself alone with Aje, he poured his heart out. -I don't like the situation. And our men, they seemed to have come here for a simple visit. We should act. Aje was calmer. He was ready to be led, instead of leading. He was smiling at the face of Genar's agitation. Sometimes, "just be patient, our men are carrying on with the Adige ways," he was saying. Then he was reminding him that they were young. "We are here to serve our elders. It wouldn't be respectful if we give our advice." But Genar was determined to do something. In the morning of the third day, when he saw his uncle and Natho Hanbeş at the outside of the dwellings of the farm, he caught up with them. The elders, hearing his steps, turned around to look. They waited for him to come closer. Takir asked Genar with curiosity "Is there anything the matter?" The youth's fast approach had gotten him worried. Genar adopted a respectful stance. -If you allow, I'd like to have a word with you. Hanbeş, smiling, said "Speak!" Genar looked behind him. There was no one around to hear them. -The people of this region feel secure. They don't think about taking even the slightest measure. In spite of your explanations of our aims at coming here, they don't care. I don't like this situation. I say "we should do something." The old Basti got very angry. Instantly he turned blue. He respired with difficulty as he was saying "I guess you've forgotten the fact that we are guests." Natho Hanbeş was still smiling. He scolded Takir light heartedly, saying "Wait a second, be patient!" He said as he turned to Genar: -So, what shall we do? Genar looked at his uncle with fear. Then, with an anxious voice, he started talking. -The ones who dragged us into the winter campaign... They, primarily Misostiko Bata, were saying "We should stop the enemy while he is far from our land" Now, the very same men are saying "there is no threat." The Beys are comfortable at their farms. 224 Genar had started talking without restraint. Fearing of being impolite, he looked at both of his elders. His uncle was examining him with his eyes pinched. Hanbeş had a serious stance. However, he couldn't turn around. Although he wanted to soften his words, he continued his talk as if he couldn't help. -I reckon, they count on the Ottoman and Crimean armies. But, Turks and Crimeans will defend their fortresses first. Well, what will happen to us in the mean time? If anyone attacks our land, who will fight? Part of our brothers Jane and Bjedug tribes live in the north of Kuban. Who will protect them? The elders were listening in silence, without letting on their feelings. Genar took a deep breath and went on. -Russians may not attack us right away. Because that is a rational thing to do. Russians first will have to stand against the Ottoman and Crimean armies. If they feel strong they will attack their fortresses at their frontiers. But, what about the Kalmuks? The Nogays, and the Cossacks? You can say about Nogays that "they are allies with Crimea." However, I cannot accept this view. God only knows what Nogays will do. Man cannot. Our elders always described them like that. War will disturb all sorts of order. If don't take measures on time, we might be attacked and our valleys might be ransacked. Our people will suffer. Hanbeş, seeing Genar to slow down, said with a slight smile "But you didn't tell us what we should do" he said. Genar swallowed, regained his confidence as the elders listened to him with patience. His voice became more stable. He continued with ease. -Forgive me for carrying on like giving you advice. He paused. He looked at his elders. Hanbeş gestured with his head as to say "go on." Genar, with more confidence, raised his voice. It is imperative to call a meeting of the elders of the region. Misostiko Bata should be invited to this meeting. The measures to be taken should be identified one by one. A decision on Janes and Bjedugs should be taken now. More importantly, an Adige Force should be built. It should be ready to move as soon as it is needed. Basti Takir laughed at these last words of Genar. It couldn't be said that he was laughing at Genar really. His face was tense. But, his eyes were sparkling. -Since when the youth started to give advice to his elders. Genar turned red. He said nothing. He bowed his head down. It didn't last long. Interjection of Natho Hanbeş put him at ease. Hanbeş smiled at Takir. He said "Wait dear, don't be angry !" Then he continued with good-nature. -Genar is right. The people around here act like there is nothing wrong. It is too much. We should put forward our propositions clearly. Let's ask for a meeting. We can't reach our goal by visiting the elders of the region individually. Everybody respects Kalubatiyiko Davur. If we can convince him, the rest will be easier. Takir was looking down with a long face. Hanbe? took him by the arm. "Let's talk with Davur" he said. They walked towards the farm houses. They had taken about ten steps. Hanbeş turned around. Smiled at Genar. He made gestures with his hands, meaning "Don't worry, everything will be all right." Genar had succeeded. He had mobilized his elders. Suddenly, he felt relaxed . The stress of the last three days had ended. He smiled at himself. He walked to join Çermıtıko Aje who was observing him from a distance. He started humming an old tune softly. If he wasn't worry about being seen by others, he would perhaps dance. That evening, Natho Hanbeş' convincing ability and the respect Davur had for his guests fused. A decision was made to hold a meeting at the Courtyard of the Kalubatukos. The old man, with humility, said "Of course, it would be useful to discuss," he said. He gave orders to his sons for an organization of a meeting. 225 The next day, a group twenty horsemen of Kalunatuko youth and slaves were sent away as messengers. The meeting was to be held in ten days time. Takir and Hanbeş decided to profit from this delay. With the permission of Davur, they left the farm. They left their loaded horses and grooms behind, only Genar and Aje went with them. They visited the Hajanukos who lived on the south, on the way to Tsemez. Hajans were located at the far end of the eastern side of Şapsığ region. They were informed well on the events taking place at the coast of Black Sea. They were respected by the Natuhay and Hatukoy nobles. This unplanned visit was beneficial. The Hajans lived in a large village. While Hanbeş and Takir discussed with Thamates, Genar and Aje made new friends. The youth of the village organized parties every night for their guests. Hanbeş and Takir explained the leaders of the Thamates the reasons behind this visit to the east. Then, about one week later, they returned to the Kalubat farm, taking Hajanuko Perit with them. Even though there was still two days to the meeting, some guests began to arrive. A group of five people representing Tsemez area was one of the early arrivals. In this group there was Subaneku Hazret whom Nathos knew by name. Hanbeş was pleased to see Hazret. He paid special attention to him. On the day of the meeting, towards noon, the Hatukoy Prince Misostiko Bata, Zaniko Mehmet, Kovnseko Adil and Koseyiko Beslen of the Natuhay nobles arrived together. Kalubatukoys were well prepared to receive their guests which numbered more than hundred, counting the nobles, their slaves and grooms. For lunch they offered twenty lambs, roasted whole. The meeting started in the afternoon. The meeting place was the large reception hall of Kalubatukoys. There were three windows at the eastern wall of the hall. Sofas and stools were placed along the wall. The elders sat at the front. The younger nobles visiting, stood on both sides of the door. The entrance to room was left clear for the Kalubatuko youth who were doing the serving. Kalubatuko Davur, as the host, made the first speech. The old man in his nineties was moved, as he had been at the meeting that had been held in the fall. With his head shaking, he said : "Welcome to my house!" -You know our guest who came from the east, from Psifabe Valley. I gathered you here on the insistence of Natho Hanbeş and Basti Takir. You've showed respect, and came. God bless you!
Davur took a deep breath, as if he was tired. Then, he continued
with his speech.
Davur, with his mouth open and breathing with difficulty, glanced over the listeners. Acting like he was in a hurry to pass over his turn to someone else, he said "Misostiko!" -You live close to Taman. What is going on in the fortress? Is there any news from Crimea? Tell us, so we can decide on our strategy. Misostiko followed Davur who took his seat breathing heavily. Then, he looked at the nobles. He rested his fists on his knees. He resembled a tensile bow. He was a healthy man. The silver buckles of his belt and the handle of his dagger were sparkling. 226 In a smooth voice, "No need to be alarmed," he said. He had appeared at ease and not worried. The optimism which lifted his shoulders could be seen on his face. -All the measures have been taken at the Kerç strait and all the fortresses. Ottoman cannons have been place at Or-kapi. A Crimean cavalry brigades of fifty thousand men are ready to be deployed. At a moment of threat, a support of fifty thousand men could be gathered. Misostiko looked at the people sitting, especially to Hanbeş and Takir. He went on with a proud posture. -I am telling you these because you've asked. I believe Russians will not even attack Crimea, let alone Caucasia. I don't think they will have time for it. The soft belly of Russia is their eastern frontier. A large Ottoman Army will march into southern Russia via Wallachia. Why would they attack us, where there are Ottoman Fortresses all along the border watching Russia down to its breathing? He seemed to have convinced most of the people. Some noblemen were shaking their heads and murmuring "Yes, that's right" Mitsostiko felt the support he was gaining. As if he wanted show his humility, he rubbed his hands. Bowed his head. -In spite of all these, I'm not saying "let's not prepare to take measures" It goes without saying. We are ready in fact. We organized an army of cavalry in winter. We participated in Kırım Giray's Russian campaign. Isn't that so? If necessary, we can do it again. Nobody seem to have anything say to these words of Misostiko Bata. The people were looking at him in silence. Hanbeş waited for awhile. When no one spoke, he looked Genar who was standing at the left side of the door. He smiled slightly. Genar closed his eyes. He shook his head to both sides, he seemed to say "it isn't going well! it isn't going well!" Takir was sitting silent and a bit confused. Kalubatuko Davur: "Misostiko explained everything quite well," he said. He smiled looking at Hanbeş and Takir. -I don't know what our guest will say about all of this. If you'd like, we'll listen to them as well. Hanbeş, upon the persistent gaze of Davur, moved in his place. He coughed softly. He decided to convey what he had heard from Genar ten days ago. In his own manner of nice elderly man, he started to talk. -Misostiko knows what is going on better than us. What he said might be all valid. When he realized the attention he was getting, he shivered a little. His hesitation didn't last long, however. He felt at ease remembering that Misostiko Bata was at least twenty years younger than him. He should be able to talk as freely as he had done. -Misostiko Bata is missing a point! He looked at people, as if to see the effect of this slight accusation. Then, he continued slowly and deliberately.
-- Misostiko says that "Russians will
Hanbeş took a deep breath. He was not in a state to notice Misostiko's eyes pinched by anger.
-Beyond Kuban, there are many hoodlums, hungry and plundering: Cossacks,
Kalmuks, Nogays. It is enough to give them a target. There
is no.
1A vassal of the
Bey or the Count
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