Harold Lamb,
Rusudan — XVI. The Salute to the Khan
(1927)
“ Deep in his throat laughed Sir Hugh. “Before I yield her I shall take life from her, Subotai. And your men—they who live—will tell of the end of the Swooping Hawk.” With pride, for it is not given to many men to bear a Rusudan in their arms, he advanced down the broad marble steps, his eyes menacing, his sword gripped firm, his shield covering the girl, her dark hair flooding over his shoulder. ”
Harold Lamb,
Rusudan — XVI. The Salute to the Khan
(1927)
“ Sir Hugh grasped Arslan's shoulder. “The gate is open,” he said quickly, “but ten thousand men are awake and armed. If Subotai has come he will have no more than a thousand. Go and find horses. Go swiftly to the highroad beyond the town and warn him. Take this for a token.” He ripped the falcon tablet from his throat and thrust it into the Mongol's hand. “I am going to the palace.” Arslan and his ten melted into the hurrying throng and the crusader strode to the postern gate and caught the attention of the sentry by whirling him around with steel-meshed fingers that bruised his flesh. ”
Harold Lamb,
Rusudan — XVI. The Salute to the Khan
(1927)
“ But when men appeared in one of the doors, whispering and staring at them, and the crusader, arising, took his sword in hand, she laughed, seeing the Greeks draw back. “Gurgaslan,” she cried softly. “My lion, they fear thee.” No others came, and presently the crusader found the doors and embrasures empty of faces. He went to the balcony and heard nothing moving. Then for a while he considered, frowning. “There is no good in waiting. Little Rusudan—” and he smiled at her—“there is hope in going forth. Be the end what it will—'twill come the sooner.” ”
