Previously: Valter, a young and cheeky knight from Slavic territories conquered the heart of Helgunda, a Gallic girl, and persuaded her to leave her Germanic fiance and flee with him to his castle in the East. After the unforgettable honeymoon, Valter follows the call of the war and takes off. The lonely Helgunda takes comfort in the arms of the man least likely to please her husband once he gets back.

"Till sword do us part..."

Based on “Kronika wielkopolska”

PART III.

Picture: Codex Manesse

Let's play!

At the beginning Helgunda was very careful - she only let Vislav come down from the tower for a short time each night - just to enjoy his endearments. But very soon it was not enough! She threw away shame, honour and the love of her husband and let herself into fall into the hands of clever Vislav, who bewitched her with his beauty, tenderness and soft words. Without looking back, Helgunda set him free and moved with him to his castle. Vislav was triumphant!

Meanwhile Valter came home in the glory of victory. But his happiness was not destined to last long! How worried and surprised he was when he didn't see his beloved wife running to greet him! But that wasn't the worst of it. When he heard from his peasants what had happened, the cold sword of disappointment and anger stabbed his wasted heart! He almost lost his mind and the only thing he could think of was revenge.

When Helgunda found out that Valter was back, for the first time in her life she was frightened! Was now the time to taste the consequences of what she had done? But she wasn't one to regret! Besides, she had an explanation: "He shouldn't have left me alone!". But something told her that Valter wouldn't be that forbearing. So soon, in her corrupted heart, appeared a plan...

On his way Valter repeated to himself many times not to listen to any of Helgunda's arguments. But it was his armour that was made of iron and not his heart! Just the sight of his wife, crying, kneeling in front of him and swearing that she had been kidnapped by force, melted his anger. He listened to what she said, and she said what he wanted to hear... But the next moment he was lying on the floor, craftily captured and tied up on the orders of his deceitful wife! Given away to his enemy by someone so dear to him. Held up to ridicule. Humiliation slowly filled Valter's heart! But the real cruelty was still to come: the savage Vislav ordered that Valter be chained to the wall in the dining chamber and the biggest bed in his castle be dragged there. For the rest of his days Valter was supposed to suffer greater pain than any caused by battle, tormented by the sight of their immodest love...

Picture: Codex Manesse

2+1: it never works...

But how right are they who say that vanity brings ruin! Vislav had a sister, Agnes, who was unmarried because of her... let's say: lack of beauty. Vislav trusted her more than anyone, so he commanded her to stand guard on Valter. But under her... lack of beauty... the girl was hiding compassion and... a great hope for marriage. One day she threw away her modesty and made Valter an offer: "I know you swore to Helgunda that you wouldn't leave her till death do you part, but if you promise now to take me as your wife I will help you" Valter was desperate so gave her his word. They both made a plan which was supposed to free Valter from his wedding vows. Agnes brought Vislav's sword and cut down the chains. Than she hid the sword behind Valters back and went to prepare herself to make her dream come true.

When Vislav and Helgunda came back after dinner, they were too arrogant and too busy in bed to notice anything unusual. Suddenly they heard Valter's voice - calm and cold as steel - "What would you say if I stood in front of you free from chains, with a sword in my hand, threatening you with a revenge as cruel as your behavior?!". Vislav laughed scornfully but Helgunda seemed to be worried. "My dear - she whispered to Vislav - I didn't see your sword when I was cleaning your armour this morning!" At that very moment, Valter jumped towards them, lifted his sword and, cursing them, he cut them into four halves.

That was the miserable end of love parted by the sword.

The End.