I may yet be even with the traitors."
Although the defection of Gallas and Piccolomini and the news of the
issue of the Imperial proclamation had fallen with stunning force
upon Wallenstein, he had still faith in the fidelity of the army
at large, and he had already despatched Marshal Terzky to Prague,
where all the troops faithful to him were to assemble, intending
to follow himself with the regiments at Pilsen as soon as carriage
could be obtained from the country round. His astrologer still
assured him that the stars were favourable, and Wallenstein's faith
in his own destiny was unshaken.
Upon finding that Malcolm had orders to remain with him until he
was joined by Duke Bernhard, he ordered handsome apartments to be
prepared for him, and as there was no longer any reason why the
fact that a Swedish officer was in the castle should be concealed,
he commanded that Malcolm should be furnished with handsome raiment
of all sorts and a suit of superb armour. Upon the following
morning Wallenstein sent for him.
"I have bad news," he said. "General Suys with an army arrived
at Prague before Terzky got there, and I fear that the influence
of Piccolomini, Gallas, and Altringer have withdrawn from me the
corps which they command. Terzky will return tomorrow morning,
and I shall then march with him and the troops here to Egra. There
I shall effect a junction with Duke Bernhard, who is instructed to
march upon that town.
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