Zawisza Czarny

In 1385, Władysław Jagiełło, after a trumpet call, proudly rode with his knights along the stone path. The crowd gathered close to the king, eager to touch his robe. Only one boy, lost in his own suffering, ignored the ruler.

"Boy, turn your tearful face towards me," Władysław said, and grabbed the child by the chin.

"Forgive me, my lord." The boy immediately rose from the ground and bowed.

"Why are you crying? Has something bad happened to you in your short life?

" "Today I learned that I no longer have a father or mother. I am thirsty and hungry. People passed me by indifferently, and I am already dying of hunger. Lord, save me!"

There was a commotion all around. Outraged citizens began to explain that the boy had not been on the street earlier; they wanted to look good in the monarch's eyes.

"King, don't you see that this boy is deceiving you?" one of the subjects said.

"How can you say that?" Władysław exclaimed indignantly. "Get away from me! I don't want to see you! And you, boy, get into the carriage. They'll give you water and food in my palace. Come on, don't be afraid!

" "Thank you, gracious Lord," the boy said, and hesitantly climbed into the carriage.

On the way to the castle, the king and the child had a long conversation. It turned out that Janek was 10 years old, and when his parents were alive, he often helped them with household chores, such as carrying wood and lighting the fireplace. His mother and father were very proud of him and loved him more than anything else, because he was known for his honesty and always helped those in need.

"And now that I have no family left, even my honesty won't help me,"

Janek sobbed.

"He'll give you a lot in life. And I'll guarantee you a future and a roof over your head.

" "Thank you, sir. You're so kind to me, a simple simpleton.

" "If you want to earn some money, I have a job for you." You will do everything as you would at home, that is, you will gather firewood, light the fire, and sweep the floors.

"Of course, sir."

A bright future appeared before Janek, and a faint smile appeared on his tearful, dirty face. Władysław, seeing this, smiled too. Saving lives gave him great pleasure.

Years passed, and Janek grew into a wise, brave man. The king placed more and more trust in him. One day he said to him,

"What is a knight to you?

" "A brave gentleman standing by the king's side," the 17-year-old replied.

"And would you like to be such a gentleman?"

In response, Janek knelt before Władysław and nodded.

"It is a great honor for me," he said.

And so the teenager received an offer that would change his entire life. Within a few months, all of Poland knew of Jagiełło's decision. And when the boy was an adult, he was knighted.

"I, Władysław Jagiełło, King of Poland, knight you and give you the name Zawisza Czarny."

"I, Janek, Zawisza Czarny, swear loyalty and honesty to you, my lord."

Initially, Zawisza was no different from other warriors, but over time he showed increasing courage and wisdom. The king noticed this and appointed him commander of a small group of knights. Janek permanently entered history as an honorable, reliable soldier. To this day, he remains a respected figure among many, especially fighters.