The Eighth Tribe, 1976 (3. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1976-06-01 / 6. szám
Page 4 THE EIGHTH TRIBE June, 1976 KOVATS Then, the odds are ten to one in favor of the British, and victory must be achieved on the strength of faith... he picks up a booklet from the table as for the diary of the legion, suffice it to say: (sits and writes) in Charleston, South Carolina... (looking up) the date, Lieutenant: LIEUTENANT May 11, (with a malicious smile) according to a certain Gregorian calendar. KOVATS (writing) May 11, 1779... Our situation is desperate! We are surrounded, flings book and pen on the table and pronounces the words that follow with immense annoyance, even hate “Surrounded”! The word tastes bitter, like bile— I would like to spit it out! “Surrounded”! It sounds like defeat! (pours wine) Here! Share a drink with me, Lieutenant! The Lieutenant does not move, Kovats turns to him Lieutenant! seeing the “phantom” he shudders But you are NOT my lieutenant! LIEUTENANT (grinning) I am everybody’s Lieutenant, Sir. KOVATS But you are not real! LIEUTENANT Not real? Ask your men in an hour, Sir. KOVATS Monster, I know you now — by your stink, that certain odor.... Get away from here. LIEUTENANT But I’ve come in a most important matter, Commander. KOVATS LIEUTENANT A very special bargain, a rare gift, a gem Away! KOVATS LIEUTENANT A word: VICTORY! hearing it, Kovats lowers the sword he has picked up from the table LIEUTENANT Thank you, Commander. Your chivalry, as always, touches me... like your slogan... “Fidelissimus ad mortem”! loyal unto death! You’ve always uttered these words with such conviction, such elegance — at times I felt almost tempted... (with a leer) really tempted... Well, I’d better make it brief. One should not joke about loyalty and besides, in the carnival of war, time is a precious commodity for a soldier. What I propose: is victory, as I said, and I know the road that would take you there KOVATS The road. .. LIEUTENANT The only road. KOVATS (eager) Show it to me! LIEUTENANT It’s over there — beyond the river. A hidden path... patches of mud, jasmins, flowerbeds, enough softness to swallow the noise of a thousand hoofs.... It leads right to their barracks.... KOVATS Lead me there! Can you lead me there? LIEUTENANT I alone can lead you there. Get away, I said. The price? KOVATS
