/ world today news/ Botev was sitting in front of one of the tables on the deck of the “Radecki” ship, and people from the “headquarters” were sitting on the chairs next to him.
Several armed Chetniks stood a few steps away from them, straight, proud, self-confident.
A man with a red, fat face rushed up to them, his chin shaking with excitement as he asked the Chetniks:
– Guys, brothers, who is the duke, I have something to tell him!
– Where are you? – asked one of the Chetniks and felt the handle of the saber that was hanging on his waist.
– Merchant, I’m guys! A Bulgarian like you, I want to say something to the voivode.
– My, go then! – the Chetnik nodded to the table.
– But which of them all is the voivode?
– The one with the beard who was shaking hands!
The merchant turned and waved to two more men who quickly ran up to him:
– They let us go to the voivode!
The merchant came to the table followed by the two men, stood opposite Botev and spoke with a voice trembling with excitement and fear:
– Mr. Voivode! Pity our children, we are trading people!
– What have we done to you and your children? – asked a puzzled Botev.
– We heard that you will forcibly make all the Bulgarians who are on the steamer join the squad… But we are trading people, Mr. Voivode! Our pet is waiting for us! We have small children!
– Eagles ate your goods and yourselves, along with your money! – shouted Botev with sparkling contempt and waved his hand in disgust: – Get out of my sight while I’m here captain, not a hair will fall from your bald heads!
The three merchants bowed feverishly and retreated hastily, and when they were farther away they turned round and ran at a small, pig-like trot.
From the unpublished novel “The Bulgarian Christ” by Stoyan Valev
…. Botev approached Captain Englander and asked him:
– Herr captain, are you increasing the steamer’s speed?
“Yes,” answered Captain Englander.
– Are any other precautions required, Herr Captain?
– Yes, and I will take the liberty of exposing them, although I am deprived of the opportunity to bear full responsibility for the ship.
– I will gladly listen to them.
– Order your men to cease firing, as this may be interpreted as a call for help from the steamer “Osmanlar” and the coast guard may also be alerted.
– You are right. Any other tips, Herr Captain?
– Remove the rebel flag from the mast. It can be clearly seen with binoculars, both by passing ships and by the Coast Guard.
– You’re right, Other?
– That the guns on the deck be covered, because their muzzles shine in the sun, and this may also arouse interest among your enemies, who know very well how guns shine… The awning on both sides of the ship must also be lowered – in order to reduce visibility from foreign, mostly hostile, eyes.
– Order, Herr Captain, that the sailors take down the awning immediately. And I’ll take care of the rest.
Botev waved at one of the Chetniks, said something to him, and he ran.
The Chetnik with whom Botev had spoken returned, accompanied by Voinovski.
After minutes, the awning on both sides of the ship began to descend, and one of the Chetniks quickly removed the Chetnik flag from the mast.
Botev returned to Captain Englander and with a friendly smile offered him his hand.
– Thank you, Mr. Captain. You act as our ally.
Captain Englander frowned and spoke grumpily.
– Although I do not approve, I respect what you are doing. – suddenly the captain was embarrassed by his involuntary confession, blushed, turned his head, and Botev only heard his voice, but could not see his face: – Somehow, how could he I say, I don’t know, it’s difficult for me, even impossible! Put it simply… – suggested Botev flatteringly. – If you can’t do something simple, say it as soon as you can – maybe I can understand you, does anyone know?
Sir! – said Captain Englander, still facing away. – I am an orderly person, for so many years I have followed the schedules that have been established. I even think that the Germans, because I am only half German, are right to feel such delight in the creation of order and its observance. What you are doing now, here on the ship, is a gross breach of order, but just that somehow, I feel it—without being able to explain it, unlock it, my soul. In those moments, I realized how stupidly I had lived… I admire you for trying to change the fate of your suffering people for the better…
Botev stared at the back of Captain Englander, who still had his head turned away, his gaze caught the movements of the captain’s shoulders and quickly lowered his gaze, walked away quickly.
The captain turned slowly, excruciatingly slowly, and if Botev had not moved away, he would have seen that two tears had flowed down his cheeks.
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* Excerpt from the unpublished “STORY OF THE BULGARIAN CHRIST” by Stoyan Valev
#book #Story #Bulgarian #Christ
