But
now, as the battle each instant raged with more fury, and as it was
evident that ere long the main force of both armies must be brought
into collision, Hunniades, with a terrible suspense, watched whether
the Grecian prince were willing or even capable of executing his plan.
Without this fulfilment, the Christian hero could not conceal from
himself that the day must be decided against the Cross.
In the meantime Iskander marked the course of events with not less
eagerness than Hunniades. Already Karam Bey had more than once
summoned him to bring the Epirots into action. He assented; but an
hour passed away without changing his position. At length, more from
astonishment than rage, the Turkish commander sent his chief secretary
Mousa himself to impress his wishes upon his colleague, and obtain some
explanation of his views and conduct. Mousa found Iskander surrounded
by some of the principal Epirot nobles, all mounted on horseback, and
standing calmly under a wide-spreading plane tree. The chief secretary
of Karam Bey was too skilful a courtier to permit his countenance to
express his feelings, and he delivered himself of a mission rather as
if he had come to request advice, than to communicate a reprimand.
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