“T

hese look like the same wagon tracks that we saw in the forest,” one of Meir’s hired peasants said. “Your daughter is probably in that castle.”

“We have no weapons and only a small number of men,” Adin complained. “We need a small army to storm this fortress.”

“Then a small army we will have!” Meir declared as his heart beat wildly inside his chest. “My dear daughter is being held inside that evil poritz’s house! I’ll do whatever it takes to rescue her!”

The peasants grinned at each other greedily.

“We can recruit more people, but it will cost a lot of money. Not everyone will be so eager to risk their lives invading a castle perched on a hilltop and surrounded by many armed men.”

“Have you been listening?” Adin rounded on the peasants with fury. “The man said before that money is not an issue! Go find us men who are willing to breach this mansion! And quickly!”

************************

Plenty of local peasants jumped at the opportunity to make some money while getting back at the man who collected the taxes they were forced to pay. A group of 36 men carrying spears, bows and arrows, and other medieval weapons assembled at the bottom of the hill.

“Split up into groups and attack simultaneously at the sound of my whistle!” Adin shifted a heavy axe in his meaty hands. “Remember, no money for anyone that turns into a coward and runs away from the fight.”

“And no unnecessary bloodshed!” Meir added hastily. “Don’t hurt anyone unless you have to. Our mission is to rescue my daughter, even if some of you may harbor grievances against the man inside that castle.”

Everyone took up their positions and the whistle signal was given. Bloodcurdling cries filled the air as the peasants attacked, racing up the hill with amazing speed.

Arrows flew through the air, metal crashed on metal, and the twang of crossbows being fired created a terrifying din on the hilltop.

“STOP! We surrender!” The poritz’s men were completely taken by surprise and they quickly lay down their arms.

“I should have killed you when I had the chance!” The poritz grimaced inside his dining room where he lay cowering on the floor.

“Too bad you didn’t.” Adin growled. “Where’s the girl?”

The poritz sneered.

“I thought Jews are supposed to be smart! Why do you still believe I am lying to you? I’ve never seen Meir’s daughter in my entire life!”

“We saw the wagon tracks outside.” Meir stepped forward. “The game is up. Lead us to the wagon.”

“As you wish.”

(Excerpted from Mishpacha Jr., Issue 756)