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PART ELEVEN 243 Russian agents were working effectively everywhere. They followed the developments in Crimea, and at the fortresses on both banks of the Kerç strait day by day. The Mozdok fortress on the bank of the River Terek was maintained as a watch-post for Central Caucasia. Severe discipline was exercised over the Cossack who had been settled around the fortress. The communities inhabiting the banks of Kuban, in Kebertey and Daghistan were kept under strict surveillance. It was not really possible for the Russians to send a large army to Caucasia at the beginning of the war. They rather planned to use the Cossacks in the Don basin, and the Kalmuks in the east of Volga, and perhaps the Nogays. They were counting on their luck. Because, the situation with regard to the loyalty of these independent communities were not quit reassuring. Cossacks didn't appreciate being pushed into war by Russians repeatedly. Their living conditions were quite poor. Cossacks of lower strata who were looked down by the feudal lords at peace time, to participate in battles, resented, rightfully. To their present abode due to internal frictions at their original homeland, crossed Volga in the 17th century, and terrorized the Don basin. They had attacked and plundered northern Caucasia a number of times. Now, however, the situation of Kalmuks were no better than of the Cossacks. They were not able to act independently. They were strictly controlled by the Russian Military Garrisons along the banks of Don and Volga. The Russians were interfered in the electing their Khan, in the decisions of the Divan (Assembly), and even in the allocation of pastures. Their life was precarious.. The situation of Nogays was even more complicated at the early days of the war. To their north there were the Russians, Cossacks and Kalmuks. To their south the are contained by the River Kuban. They could never get along well with Caucasians either. So the Nogays were truly surrounded. They were in difficulty choosing sides in the conflict. Notwithstanding unfavorable circumstances which the Cossack, Kalmuk and Nogay communities were in grip with, the Russian commanders believed they could use them if good policies could be implemented. The three communities represented a significant force. They could put forth highly agile cavalry brigades. They were though people. They could be satisfied with a minimum of enticement. For they could subsist on dry food, and could survive long days of campaigns without assistance. Russian military operations at the western front started in the middle of April. The Hotin fortress was chosen as the initial target. Hotin was located on the south of bank of Dnestr. it stood as a gateway to Poland. The Russians deemed it necessary to have the Ottoman presence there destroyed before marching into Crimea. The Russian army under the command of Prince Galitsin crossed Dnestr on 26th of April. He surrounded the Hotin fortress. The first attack repulsed. Thus, the long fight the fortresses of Hotin, Bender, and Akkerman began.. Another Russian army commanded by Prince Dolgoruki was in reserve, watching the gates to Crimean Khanate. It was to act as the developments at the western front dictated. In the mean time, two other generals had set up headquarters between the rivers Volga and Don, in preparation for attack on Caucasia, and to build up the requisite forces for the operations. 244 Actually, the Russian strategy had been laid down much earlier. The Mozdok Fortress on the River Terek was to be preserved at all cost. To secure that it was imperative to keep the passage to Central Caucasia open. General Von Medeme was to control western Caucasia between Don and Kuban rivers. General Totleben was to go down to Terek banks directly. He would be stationed at Mozdok Fortress and its vicinity, keep surveillance over the Kebertey and Daghistan regions. He would act according to the new developments. If the situation required, he would establish contact with Georgian Principalities through control over Daryal pass. Russians organized core brigades of their army to be deployed in the two separate operations. Artillery batteries, and light armed battalions were organized in accordance with the scope of the operations. The battalions of General Von Medeme was to be supported by Kalmuk cavalry brigades, the battalions of General Totleben was to be reinforced by Cossacks. To this end orders were sent to Cossack Atmans and to the Kalmuk Khan, Ubasi. As they didn't have much confidence in Nogays, the Russians approached them with caution. They promised them the vast steppes if the war was won. Nogays sensed the risk involved. If they resisted, they would receive the first blow. Having no other choice, they accepted the Russian offer. They would go under the authority of Prince Dolgoruki, who was waiting in reserve at the Crimean front. This decision was advantageous for both the parties. The Nogay fighters who would be going to Crimean front, would leave their effects and abodes in the east under Russian control. Thus a Nogay treachery to the Russians was discounted at the outset. In return, Nogays hoped to square an old account. They would take revenge from the Crimean Khan, who had turned them out of his kingdom. The Russians were well aware that Turks would not start military operations from the east, over Caucasia. Because there were no preparations being made. At the eastern front, the Ottomans had made some preparations only at Kerç strait and at the Crimean gateway, Or-kapi. For that reason, the Russians could work steadily and cautiously, without hurry at the Caucasian front. The Russian Generals, parallel to recruiting soldiers from amongst the Don Cossacks, planned to station some Cossack groups along Terek and in the neighborhood of the Mozdok Fortress. Since they could not be doing this by force, they made their colonization process more attractive. They spread the word about Russian invasion of the land surrounding Mozdok. Anyone could own as much of this rich land as he wished. The Cossacks, who settled down in the neighborhood of Mozdok, were exempted from military service, and from taxation. It was a very attractive enticement to the poor but adventurous Cossacks. The preparations began with the order issued to the commandant of Mozdok Fortress. The locations for the planned resettlement villages Meken, Naura, Icsara and Kalucay were chosen. In mid-May first settlers arrived in these villages. Kebertey became bewildered watching the arriving settlers. They attacked the new Cossack villages. They organized night raids. However, the reaction to these attacks were in line with the expectations of the Russian military chiefs. Cossacks defended their newly acquired land fiercely. Forming a collective work and ownership system. They integrated their forces. They had a military-peasant character. They were producers and fighters at the same time. Thus, the uneasy foreboding of many of Caucasians, including Basti Bram and his son Genar, were very much pertinent. O0O 245 The two Russian Generals completed their preparations by the first week of June. General Medeme had stationed his fifteen thousand strong force on the southern banks of River Don. He was going to control the eastern coast of Azov sea by sending out regularly small reconnaissance units. He would also secure the communication line of twenty thousand men army of General Totleben, who was going down-stream the river Terek to the Mozdok fortress. He would provide security of the communication zone between the Mozdok fortress and the Don basin. In case General Totleben could enter Georgia, General Medeme would move swiftly to the Black Sea coast. If need be, he would join General Totleben, advancing through the coast-line. This was the general strategy. However, the plan would change as the developments in the west unfold. At the time of disposition of General Totleben's army, a large group of Cossack settlers had joined the force. At the front and at the flanks there were the cavalry brigades. The artillery batteries were positioned in the center. The vehicles loaded with the road construction equipment, and supplies of ammunition and food were lined up down the column in the rear. The settlers follow them in more or less in a disordered fashion. Precautions for a possible attack were taken. A part of the Cossack cavalry units had been detailed to deal with irregular attacks. Encamping of General Totleben's army in front of the Mozdok fortress late in June 1970, meant a formal Russian occupation of a part of Caucasia, however limited it appeared. It was not to be a transient occupation. The Russian army brought along people to colonize the territory. About ten years earlier, bloody fighting had occurred between Kebertey Beys due to insignificant disputes. The vanquished Psi Kanşoko1 and his supporters had retreated to and settled in the Mezdegu Forests. He had accepted Russian mandate and adopted Christianity. The Russians built Mozdok Fortress with the support of Kansoko. Since the other Beys had not agreed with construction of the fortress, fierce fightings had taken place.
Psi Kansoko was not alive anymore. At the sight of Totleben's army and
the Russian
The Cossack settlers immediately seized the fertile fields in the Mezdegu forests. They started building fortifications around the villages they set up with great hurry. The Kebertey and the Cossack shepherds soon clashed.. They started with steeling each others herds. Cossacks didn't have much to loose at the beginning. Keberteys were on the offensive. Keberteys living it the north of Terek river realized the extent of the danger they were in. Their situation was worsening by the day. Kebertey elders recognized the fact that they could not deal with the regular Russian army equipped with artillery. They decided to withdraw to the south. They secretly carried their belongings, the heavy ones especially at night, to south of Terek river. They sent away the aged, women and children to their new homes. Then, they burned down all the deserted villages in the north. They attacked the Cossack villages, with the help of the reinforcement received from the south,. Totleben Army and the Cossacks were on alert all the time. They had partly followed movement of the northern Kebertey to the south. They expected an attack. The Russian army was divided into smaller detachments to guard the newly formed Cossack villages. A Kebertey raid carried on at night caused great havoc. Cannons were fired haphazardly, both from the Mazdok fortress and from outside. Cannon balls were fired into the darkness point blank, not reaching any real targets. The Keberteys were aware that they couldn't beat the Russian Army. Theirs was an intimidation. And that was accomplished. Most of the newly built Cossack baracks were burnt down, the prisoners taken were carried away. Those who resisted, were sworded. 246 At the break of dawn their mission was accomplished, they crossed to the south of Terek river. They had succeeded without giving much of casualty. The attack led General Totleben into confusion. He didn't make any moves for a some time. He realized he was at the door-step of a land that had many secrets he had to master yet. He was to think over, acquire fresh information, study the dangers that lay on his path. He had seen that he was obliged to reassess the situation. O0O The Russian propaganda capability proved very effective. General Totleben appeased the Kebertey Nobles in a short time. General Totleben argued that the Russians had no qualms with Caucasians. They were fighting with the Ottomans. When they were finished with the Ottoman, they were going to return to home. Therefore there was no need to spill blood. The Russian General who played up such lies skillfully, reached the Daryal Pass without any significant resistance. The Kebertey Nobles did not believe the Russian lies. But, they had their own small schemes. They assessed Russians would have to engage with Ottoman army in Georgia. Apart from that, the two powerful empires were at war at many fronts. No matter who was the victorious at the end, both sides would be worn out. Therefore, it was better not to have a confrontation with the Russians for the time being. There was another important factor that tied the hands of Kebertey Nobles. Some groups of the Kebertey commoners had distanced themselves from the aristocracy. About ten thousand Fekols, Psilis and Vuneuts2 who had rebelled two years earlier, lived in the wooded plains between rivers Terek and Balk. Some of them had recently returned to their former Beys for not being able to subsist in the difficult wilderness. However, the lower classes were again showing signs of discontent. An independent peasant, a young man named Kep Kalebec took the leadership of the lower class, who demanded equal rights. He was leader of the groups, who had rebelled against the nobles and had gathered at the upper valleys of Terek river. Despite many attempts, no agreement was in sight. Since they avoided bloodshed, the negotiations lasted for two years. And now, the Russians had arrived at the scene. The Kalebec movement influenced the position of the Keberteys vis-à-vis the Russians. The Russian army, in the face of cold stance of the Keberteys, marched to Daryal pass that lay in the Asetin country. The Asetins didn't react in any major way either. Russians, without hurry, building roads for the cannons and the vehicles, managed to reach Georgia. When the Russian Army entered Georgia, the Kebertey nobles started action at once to eliminate the danger. Each Bey recognized certain rights to the Psilis and the Vuneuts dependents. An amnesty was declared for those who would return home. Under the new circumstances, a crack appeared in the Kalebec movement. Kalebec was cornered and captured. He was executed for being a subversive. Eastern Georgia, then an Iranian dominion, the Principalities of Kehati and Karthli in particular, favored Russian mandate since a number of centuries. The Principality of Imereti to the east was under Ottoman mandate. The Imereti Principality, which was autonomous in domestic affairs, favored to preserve the. existing peace and harmony, without disturbing the status quo vis-à-vis the Ottomans. 247 The Russians were warmly welcomed by Georgian Kings of Kehati and Karthli. Especially, King Herklius became good friends with General Totleben in a short time. The General spent the winter of 1769-1770 at the palace of King Heraklius. He didn't dare to advance any further. He passed the whole of Winter by preparing for on his campaign he planned for the Summer of 1770. According tot he plan firstly he was going to capture Kutais, the capital of Imereti Kingdom. Then he would advance to the west and to the south. At Poti there was a Turkish fortress. The Ahiska fortress on Kura River and its vicinity had been fortified by Ottomans. A strong military garrison was present at each fortress While he was collecting such information for the planning of his military campaign, something came to Totleben's attention. The kings welcomed the Russians. But the Georgian people cold-shouldered them. They believed the Russians replacing the Ottomans or Iranians was not to bring unity and independence to Georgia. The people with a keen intuition were conscious of the fact. In the final analysis the Russian army, just like the others, was an army of occupation. General Totleben was troubled with the situation. He spent fearful and doubtful winter. Nevertheless, he continued the preparation for the campaign as he had been ordered. O0O General Von Medeme was following General s movements from distance with impatience. When he learned that Totleben had crossed the Daryal Pass in mid Summer, he marched into the Jane region. Janes had withdrawn from the path of the Russian Army. To avoid being attacked immediately, they had declared neutrality. Medeme stayed one day in Kaplu. He collected information on the region. Then, he marched onto Temruk fortress. He held the fortress under cannon fire. Holes were opened on this structure built of wood easily. The guards of Temruk was a small group with not much of military character. Also, they had no hope of receiving reinforcement. So they didn't resist long. In a short time they surrendered on certain conditions. This small success raised General Medeme's confidence. As most of his forces was cavalry, he decided not to attack Adahun and Taman Fortresses. He knew, especially at Taman, he would be met with real Ottoman resistance. He wanted to make a more daring and more significant move. He was going to march along the Black Sea coast, meet with General Totleben in Georgia. By striking at Ottoman Forces in further south, he would demoralize the forces in Crimea. With such calculations he directly marched to Tsemez (Soğucak). This sudden movement created a great turmoil and panic in Caucasia. In a short time local forces gathered at regions distant from each other. They stared surveying the Russian Army without a confrontation. At places where the Russian Army was advancing there was no path or trail. Therefore, transportation of the cannons, food stocks and ammunition vehicles were facing difficulty. By the time the army approached Tsemez, it had lost most of its supplies. The town of Tsemez was empty. Soğucak fortress, located on the rocks at the north of the harbor, was quiet and secluded. At the fortress there was a Janissary company which had lost its combat capability. The Cossacks and Kalmuks included in General Medeme's army, couldn't find much for pillaging at Tsemez. All the villages and farms in the area, including Kutak, the village of Rostan, friend of the Nathos, had been evacuated. People had withdrawn to the hinterland and the forests. 248 General Medeme was left with very few undamaged cannons. He ordered firing with these cannons to the Turkish fortress. And he received equally weak response from the fortress. Tsemez fortress was a small but strong fortress built of stone. Medeme realized it wouldn't be easy to capture it. He supposed the fortress guards could hold on for a prolonged time. He had also seen that it would be difficult and dangerous to march towards the south. A circle of local forces was closing in around him. Minor night ambushes was starting. Every night one of the Cossack or Kalmuk companies disappeared. The influential families of the area, just like everybody else, had abandoned their villages and farms. They had gathered in a forest at a certain valley far away from the coast. Subanekus and Matijikos, their prides injured, were drowned in a flood of anger. The outrageous Matijiko Pesti, without considering his age, mounted his horse everyday and personally watched movement of the Russian Army. Upon his return he would jump on Thaket. He would challenge him by asking "When are we going to attack those dogs?" When the cautious and patient Thaket said there was no need to rush, he would take off to some lonely place murmuring by himself. Rostan's elder son Hazret and Hazes from Subanekus formed a small cavalry units. These fearless small groups organized ambushes every night. The Subaneku youth Bane, Habak and Berduk were very effective at these night attacks. By kidnapping guards, they demoralized the Russian Army. The night attacks gave results in a short time. General Medeme gave orders of withdrawal. But, he set aside his earlier moderate stance. The burned down city of Tsemez. As he was withdrawing, he burnt and demolished every village and farm on his way. Behaving as such, he was hoping to terrorize the people. O0O When General Medeme crossed the Kuban and silenced the Temruk fortress, the news spread in entire western Caucasia within a few days. When Genar heard the news of crossing of Kuban by the Russian Army, like everyone else, he chewed his lips for a long while. He said to himself, "Here come the expected unwelcome guests!” He had felt the same excitement at the beginning of the summer with the invasion of Mozdok area by General Totleben. The people in Eastern Şapsığ, Kemguy and Mehoş regions started the insurgency first. In Çığızaç there were people who proposed, "Let's go and help them!" However, the signs of new troubles and hesitations dampened this desire soon., followed with interest the short lived resistance of the Keberteys, not sure of what they should have done about it. When Genar went to his father with to express his wish to join in the defense of the Mozdok region, Bram pondered about it for sometime. He said -We don't know yet how the events would evolve. It is only the beginning of the war. We have to be patient and wait. He respected his father highly. He believed, he was experienced enough to see the reality. he accepted the need to act within logic. Rapidly a cavalry force was formed in Psifabe Valley. As in the case of the Russian Campaign last time , Natho Hanbeş and Basti Takir were assigned to command the force. Out of the Basti youth, only Genar joined the force. As always it happened, the young slave Jıbğe was to accompany Basti Takir, Bace was to be the groom for Genar. 249 There were many youth from Çığızaç village in the force. Notably, the Genar’s close friends such as Haguruko Perit, Yeftaleko Naşe, Kocako Bate, Shalohoko Netaf too joined the brigade. Psifabe cavalry brigade moved rapidly towards the west. Another cavalry brigade was formed to defend the valley in case of a threat. Bastiko Bram was assigned to command it. Bram, in a short time, formed small groups which patrolled both banks of Psifabe stream. To facilitate communication, he organized a mail system. The Psifabe brigade, commanded by Hanbeş and Takir, met with other brigades by the Abin stream. From this point on they began receiving reliable information on the movement the Russian Army. Koseyiko Beslen, leader of western Şapsığ region, was waiting for the arrival of the brigades from the east to start action. Hatukoy Prince Misostiko Bata, Natuhay nobleman Zaniko Mehmet and Kovnseko Adil were gathered. They were holding their cavalry brigades together in the forests north of Anapa. They had informed Koseyiko Beslen of their location and of the situation. Upon the withdrawal of the Russian army from the Tsemez neighborhood, forces formed by Abzahs, Ubihs and Abazins had joined Natuhays. They watched the Russians quietly. There was a great excitement in the Anapa area. The elders of the region had learned about the destruction of villages during General Medeme's retreat. Therefore, all the settlements were evacuated. The herds of horse, and sheep; the most important resources of the area; were hidden in the forests. The destruction by the Russians had to be stopped. Misostko and people around him decided on an encounter with the Russian Army at Anapa. They informed Koseyiko Beslen of their decision. As if he had sensed the impending danger, Medeme had all his forces in one place. The Nogays, who served him as guides had told him that the major points of habitation existed in the neighborhood of Anapa. Medeme’s forces halted when it reached Anapa. He watched the town for a while. It was fortified with timber logs all around as it was done throughout western Caucasia. In the background there lay the ruins of an ancient Genoese fortress. Medeme, considering the quiescence in the town, thought that the inhabitants were prepared to defend their town, and were just waiting for his arrival. He was about to give orders for the offensive. But, the profound silence around troubled him. He decided to send out surveillance units. Like a wolf caught in a trap, incessantly gazed through the woods, forests, hills with binoculars hanging over his neck. He got mad as he could not observe any moving object. Finally he decided against sending out surveillance units. He had only four cannons and few cannon balls left at his disposal. He ordered his artillery to approach, under the protection of the cavalry, and batter the town. Himself went up to a small hill over looking the area. Russian battalions, armed with rifles, had taken position at the skirts of the hill. The Cossack and Kalmuk cavalry men were waiting prepared for a sudden counter attack. Kalmuks were uneasy. They were anxious to return to their tents of leather and felt along Volga. Since their arrival in Caucasia their horses had been laden with war spoil. They seemed to be looking for ways and means of fleeing in case of a danger. They were gathered haphazardly at the skirts of the Hill where General Medeme was. Their undisciplined attitudes had been often a source of irritation for the General. Cannons begun firing with short intervals over the town of Anapa. Dust and smoke were rising where the balls landed. While the noise of the cannons echoed in the forests in the environment, there were not even the slights movement was in the villages around. General Medeme was biting his lips as he watched the town with his binoculars. He had been expecting a minor resistance, hopeless screams. He became frantic with disappointment. 250 His two aids, who were in charge of order in the brigades, had not attained their ranks as effortless as the General himself had. Unlike him, they did not belong to the Russian aristocracy. However, they had been trained in the army. They were familiar with military action. By virtue of the experience they had were scared. They sensed the impending danger, wanted retreat to the north, to the Don Basin as fast as they could. They had warned the General to the same effect on a number of occasions. But, Medeme didn't want to be less victorious than the other Generals of the Tzarina. Tzarina Katerina had successfully provoked rivalry among the nobles around her so much that they were all consumed with ambition. All those men, who stepped on each other’s shoulder to win the favor of the Tzarina. before the war, were now competing to prove their talent at the battle field. Each one of them was commanding a Russian army. Aleksi Orlof, one of the Orlof brothers instrumental in the seizure of the crown by Tzarina, was leading the navy in a Mediterranean campaign. He was to hit Ottoman navy and harbors in Aegean Sea. Prince Golitsin was to attack the Hotin Fortress in Podolya. Prince Dolgoruki and Count Romonzov were at the Crimean gateways. They were waiting for the proper time to attack. General Vaymars was at the Polish border. General Totleben had marched into Georgia. There was no reason for General Medeme to have a lesser achievement. Especially when he confronted a Western Caucasia with no central government. A collection of disorganized barbarian communities without an army, treasury, written laws, and national identity. How could they hamper the General's victory? That how Medeme viewed the situation throughout the campaign. As the situation deviated from his expectations, his nerves shattered. The villages and towns along the route of the Russian Army had been promptly evacuated in advance As the landowners disappeared they the saw to it that the enemy know that they had been living there a few days ago. Meddeme could not understand what quiescence meant for. At the sight of the destruction of the wooden constructions and the towering clouds of dust due to the pounding of Anapa by Russian cannons, Koseyiko Beslen's Şapsığ cavalry could not help waiting any longer. Forming long battle lines, they came out of the eastern forests. Abzah, Ubih and Abazin brigades appeared from their left flank. They fired their rifles all together at once, as if they were saying "We are here!" But, they didn't attack right then. Hatukoy and Natuhay brigades hiding in the forests north-west of Anapa, receiving the message, followed their suit. They appeared in two large groups. General Medeme and his staff-officers observing the new situation, realized the dimensions of the threat. After a short discussion, they decided on a strategy that would to lead to the worst out come for themselves. The Russian Army, leaving their heavy loads, was to retreat to the north rapidly. General Medeme would be situated in the middle with the infantry units. The light cavalry of Kalmuks and Cossacks were to protect the sides and the rear. The Caucasians took advantage of the situation. As soon as the Russian Army was on the move, they attacked from the sides and the rear. With a hit and run approach they lured cavalry brigades of Kalmuks and Cossacks into the forest, and destroyed them. This pursuit that lasted for a few hours forced Russians to pause. While General Medeme fleeing towards the north accompanied by a cavalry regiment, his staff officers sacrificed themselves. They chose to fight with the Caucasians in order to stop or at least delay them. A terrible struggle started. Last balls were fired. Swords were pulled. Adiges with their thick felt cloaks were offsetting the effects of the Kalmuk spears. With their swords, they were bringing down the Cossacks whose eyes were gorged of fear. Genar witnessed a real battle for the first time. He was incessantly restrained by his uncle Takir. At all moments of danger his uncle appeared right in front of him. Like a God of War, he was shielding him with his giant body. He was dispersing the Kalmuk or Cossack groups facing him. 251 Genar, at one moment, chased a Kalmuk horseman, brought him down with his lasso. He turned around and started dragging him. Two Kalmuks noticed this and followed behind him. The one in the front was a huge man with a drooping bushy mustache. By the time Genar realized the men chasing him with great speed, not much distance was left between them. He cut off the lasso from his saddle with his sword. The Kalmuk he was dragging fell of in front of the chasing horsemen as a log. Both horses tottered. But they collected themselves quick enough. Genar taking advantage of the pause made a semi-circle. He came to stop in front of them. His rifle was not loaded. He was going to fight them with his sword. The two Kalmuks galloped their horses, increasing the distance between them. Their aim was clear. They were going to get Genar between them, attack him from two sides. Genar understanding this, heeled his horse. He chose the thinner Kalmuk horseman, went around to his right. The huge Kalmuk couldn't control his horse and jumped forward. Genar at that instant noticed a third Kalmuk horseman approaching him. He broke the semi-circle and went into a full gallop. He was sitting on the saddle sideways, his eyes were turned back. The three Kalmuks started chasing him. At that very moment, he heard his uncle Takir, shouting "Genar!" Takir was galloping with his slave Jıbğe. The Kalmuks also noticed them approaching. Genar turned around with a semi-circle. Now they were three against three. Takir took the first Kalmuk he came across off his horse with a single blow of his heavy, thick sword. Jıbğe took the second. The third Kalmuk realizing the situation started to run away. Takir began to peruse him. There was only a horse distance left between them. The Grand Basti seemed unable to restrain himself. His right arm holding the sword, was flying in the air ready to hit. A gun fired at his left hit him He pulled slightly on the reins as a last effort. His knees had given in. His horse, as if it understood what was happening, slowed down. Then, it stopped. Genar and Jıbğe dealt with the second Kalmuk, started to follow Takir. They saw he was having difficulty staying on his horse. A group of Kalmuks seeing the well-built Takir who had been fighting ferociously wounded, attacked him with malice. Some of the youth coming from Psifabe valley noticed the trouble. a group of them, Çermıtıko Aje leading, came for help. The two small groups were outrageously engaged. They smelled of blood. Genar caught his uncle from his waist. Pulling the reigns of the horse took him out of the battle ground. Takir had lost his balance. He fell towards the mane of his horse. Genar dismounting his horse, brought his uncle down. Laid him on his back, rested his head in his lap. Without knowing what to do, hesitantly, his eyes went in between his uncle and the fighters. Not far from him a terrible fight was going on. While Kalmuks attacking with their long spears, others were counter-attacking using steel swords. With each sword stroke sent a Kalmuk off his horse. A second wave of Kalmuk, however, shifted the balance. Genar saw Aje falling off the horse first. Filled with emotion he tried to stand up. He shouted saying "They hit Çermıtıko Aje!" Takir spoke in a weak voice "Stop! Don't rush; this is a war, everything can happen", he said. The strength of Genar's knees was sapped. He wished to get up and join the fight, but he couldn't. He helplessly watched the fall of Kocako Bate, his comrade from Çığızaç; and Bace, his groom. At the other sites of the battle Cossack and Kalmuk resistance didn't last long. Dispersion of the enemy started. This dispersion turned into a true rout and chase within a short time. A ferocious pursuit begun. Genar’s gaze fixed at the battle ground, he yelled "They are running away!" He thought his uncle would share his emotion, his joy. He bend over: saying "Uncle! Do you hear me? They are running away!" he shook Takir. 252 The grand Takir was dead. Genar embraced his uncle. The probability of his death had never occurred to him. He almost fainted. O0O The old men, women and children, who had taken shelter in the depths of the near by forest for safety, having noticed the enemy being routed, came out. The battle field, where the bloody confrontation had taken place, immediately turned to an extremely busy scene, crowded and confusing. While the aged ones and the brave women rushed to help the wounded Caucasians; many of them cried aloud in lamentation of those killed in action. There were thousands of casualties, killed or wounded, laying on the battle field. Most of them were Russians, Cossacks and Kalmuks. A group of women had gathered around Genar. Some of the women carried thick sticks. An aged woman in the group inquired Genar as to which family he belonged . Genar, exhausted and bewildered, was there by the side of his uncle’s body, holding his head on his lap,. He regained his sense a bit and replied: -- From the Psifabe Valley, ..Belong to Basti family. The old woman gazed at the horizon, apparently forcing her memory. She murmured: “I had heard the name of Basti Dadu” Genar responded in a faint voice, hardly audible: “He was my grand father”. The old woman kneeled down by Genar’s side, took over Takir’s head from his lap, and slowly laid it on the ground. She gazed at Genar with her dried eyes, and went on: -- Who is he? -- My uncle! She set Takir’s arms right and prayed in subdued tone: “May God bless him in Prides”. The last fight had occurred near the farm of the Kalubatıyıkos. As a group of men, Kalubatıyıko Davur in the foreground, approached, the crowed opened up to let the group pass through. The old woman attempted to introduce Genar to KalubatıyıkoDavur. Davur said: -- I know him. I know his father and his uncle laying over there, too. The crease on Davur’s face deepened, his hunch further thrust out. He could hardly keep standing up with the help of the walking stick he carried. The enemy was being chased to the north. The dead and the wounded on the battle field were picked up by old men and women there. Those wounded were taken care of and their wounds were dressed. As it grew darker they set fire ablaze at a number of places on the field. The people gathered there from near by settlements remained by the side of the Caucasian victims of the war till morning, and offered water and food to the wounded. The women and children there helped Genar to carry the bodies of Çermıtıko Aje, Kocako Bate and Bace to the spot where Takir was laid down. One of the victims was his uncle, the rest were his close friends. He had dear memories about each of them. The four, whom he adored so much, did not live any more. He sat their all night without a wink of sleep. He Passed the night watching the fire, listening to the hue and cry around, talking to the four dead dear persons laying in front of him. His uncle, more or less a copy of his grand father in that he was an introvert and rigorous, did not exist any more. He was up there with his giant physique, and giant strength, alive a few hours before. And about Aje! He reminded Genar of Şate. He lived once more the day Şate fell. 253 The clatter of the cannons, rifles, swords, and the neighs of the horses still echoed in his ears. He thought about the thin line between life and death. Bace was the son of the faithful slave, old Zako. He was his only child. His only wealth. What was he to tell him? How was he going to tell him that Bace had died? Kocako Bate had been one of his best friends.
And others? Wondering "who else was dead?", all the people he knew,
his kins passed before his eyes. "My cousin Haguruko Perit, Yeftaleko
Naşe, Shellac Entail, are they still alive? And Jıbğe! Where
is he? He used to follow my uncle around like his shadow. Is
he also dead?"
O0O The enemy was chased all night long. Most of the ones who tried crossing Kuban randomly, was drowned. Some of them managed hide among the reeds of the river to spend fearful days among hog herds, under the clouds of mosquitoes. The man hunt went on for a few days more. The ones caught at beyond Kuban at the land of Jane and Bjedug were taken prisoner. General Medeme took a deep breath when he entered with his accompanying cavalry to Nogay Desert. But he was in bad shape. Taking short breaks, he reached to the banks of Don with difficulty. Misostiko Bata, Kovnseko Adil and Koseyiko Beslen, who had been commanding his brigades successfully, reached Kabubayitkos' farm two days later. Zaniko Mehmet returned on the third day. Natho Hanbeş who was in pursuit of the enemy had heard that Takir had been injured and fell behind. He was deeply saddened when he learned his death upon his arrival. The old Natho couldn't help his tears running down. He cried for a long while in a secluded corner. Natho Hanbeş was crying not only for Takir's death. He was hurt by the fact that a foreign army could have walked into his land without recognizing any frontiers just like that. He was saying "There should be some solution to this!" Despite his old age, thoughts like this was awakening in his mind. These complicated thoughts were forming pictures he wasn't able to comprehend. He was worried about the future. The one who cried the most for Basti Takir was his groom Jıbğe. Genar had never guessed that he could so sensitive. He was different than his master with his crazy, whimsical behavior and with his joyful personality. But he was like him in his rigidity. One needed he could be ruthless and fearless. He embraced Genar, saying "How do I get on without him?" "Hoe could I leave him alone. I run away with the devil's cue. It wasn't enemy, I chased a ghost. I felt a savage satisfaction while flying with the wind. I couldn't be with my master at his death." After he ceased talking, he sat there shaking his head. As if he had gone mad, he talked away to himself. Genar recovered in two days time. He began to analyze the situation more rationally. While Jıbğe was repenting, he tried to comfort him.
"Look Jıbğe! Listen to me!" he said and shook by the shoulders.
Genar was right. Entire Psifabe brigade could have been wiped out. He was glad to see all his friends, other than Çermıtıko Aje and Kocako Bate, return home. His uncle's death was an overwhelming tragedy to his family. He could understand it. But, as he said to Jıbğe, it could not be possible to win a war without losses. He had learned it the hard way. Following a meeting of the leaders, the brigades set out for home. Each region was to prepare war brigades that could be mobilized on the first warning. The regional commandants were to start the preparations right away. When the Psifabe brigade reached the valley, there was a great clamor in every village, for each village had lost more than one man. The victory was received with mixed feeling of joy and sorrow. Back in Çığızaç the Basti and Koca quarters was overwhelmed with grief.. Poor slave Zako stayed by the body of his son Bace for a long time. He shed tears silently. Then, he stood up to see Takir's bruised face one more time. He kneeled by him. The corpses had begun to decompose. So they were buried without any further delay. The drama lived in Psikuy was the same. The courtyard of the Çermıtıkos was full of visitors. In the days following the war each village was quiet and gloomy. Sorrow and anxiety had over-shadowed the joy of victory. Everybody was talking in whispers. Despite it was the busy time of harvest, people were staying up late in the evenings. Men and women, everybody was listening to those who had taken part in the war. When the speakers were silent, the rest broke into damnation of the enemy in rage and contempt. Genar was also had visitors. Genar, after giving a brief account of what he had seen, would talk about the future. He said, "Let's not forget; this is only the beginning. We should be prepared for more difficult days!" One night he sat for a long time with slave Zako. They were alone in a room at the guest house where Ahmet Sena had stayed once. They re-lived the old days, under the weak light of a small oil lamp. Genar knew what Zako wanted to learn. He wished to know how his son had been killed. He related the last battle in detail with no hurry. He added that Bace had fought like a hero and died with honor. Then, he expressed his sorrow. He candidly blamed himself. -It was my fault. I led them into trouble. If I hadn't gotten entangled with those damn Kalmuks, perhaps none of them would have died. Zako smiled remorseful. -Don't blame yourself! I have seen war myself too. A war cannot be won without risking one's life. Even though they sat together all through the night , they spoke very little. They lived in the past in silence. Genar was recollecting the complicated stages of the war, he was trying to remember the events. Zako was thinking of his son's childhood, and his wife's death. Then, his thought was focused on the Kebertey-Russian war. He was trying to recall the details of the fight he had participated along with ?orkan in Mezdegu.. O0O 255 General Medeme's army was terribly crushed. Only those who managed to run away survived. Members of the vanquished Russian army were hunted for days. The ones captured alive were taken prisoner. However, the euphoria over the victory didn't last long. A feeling of anxiety of another attack by Russians began bothering the people of Western Caucasia. The defeated army was an army of an empire. It could be rapidly build up again. In addition, the Kalmuks, who accounted for the major part of General Medeme's army, suffered heavy losses. Many of the Kalmuk nobles were killed in action. The Russians aside, revengeful Kalmuks could organize a separate counter attack. There was no sign of any military movement at the Kerç strait and the Ottoman fortresses along Caucasian coasts. A nerve wrecking standstill prevailed in Crimea too The movement of General Totleben's army in Georgia could not be followed sufficiently. Yet, the belief of its imminent defeat was widespread. Everything aside, the most important concern centered in the west. All the eyes were turned to naval action. The news of battles between Ottoman-Russian armies at the northwest of Black Sea were being received. The destiny of Caucasia would depend on the outcome of the bloody, ferocious fightings taking place in the west. Each news from the area spread from region to region in different forms and meanings. Each news created a new wave of excitement. The feeling of security diminished, the disarray was increasing with each day passing. By the end of Summer Bjedugs and Janes crossed to the south of Kuban river to avoid a surprise attack. Janes settled in the forests of northern Şapsığ region. They soon constructed new dwellings for themselves in the Şapsığ area rich in building material. The Bjeduğs preferred the planes at the south of Kuban. They didn't want to be too far away from their own land. For both communities this relocation was transient. In a short time the war would end. The dangers would be eliminated. They would return to their land. This was the contention that everyone shared or wished to hope for.. Genar went up to Çemko often. He used to sit alone in his uncle Takir's room for hours. He thought about the war, his uncle, his mattered friends... He contemplated about the Tzarina, who could reach Caucasia; and the Ottoman Sultan, who could land on to the northern shores of Black Sea. He was comparing the strength of these two great empires, who could deploy not one but several armies. Then, he tried to find a place for Caucasia in between the two great powers. With the death of Takir, Çemko had lost its master. Slave ?ardan was entrusted with the management of the farm. Genar took over the responsibility of overseeing Çemko. Hence, he often visited the farm taking Jıbğe along with him. He spent much of his time there. This routine provided him with a good opportunity think.. He could be alone as long as he wished. He could be contemplating for hours laying on his back. However, his passion was as short lived as his youthful excitement. He was not like Takir. He was quickly sick of solitude. He soon he began longing for friends. On some evenings he would call up Jıbğe and Şardan and had dinner with them. He would talk about the future. On some other days he would go hunting with the youngsters in the farm, as if to keep his uncles memories alive. However pleasant were the days that went by, he was never able stay longer at the farm at a time.. He would run back to Çığızaç, out of thirst for news from the west. As soon as the news assured him that there was nothing to be worried about, he would rush back to Çemko.. Genar relaxed a little with the arrival of Fall and with the start of rainy season. To himself he said: "At last! Winter has arrived!" He didn't believe a foreign army could venture into Kuban swamps at that time of the year. 1Prince Kanşoko
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