Frederico awoke early to join the monks in prayer. He was
falling into his monastic life too easily. It was difficult being both a
warrior and a priest. His priesthood was hidden at this time, as he did not
want any shame to be brought against the Order in case he failed his duty as a
commander. Unlike many of his priestly peers, however, Frederico had found his
vocation naturally, as an answer to the deepest desires of his heart of hearts.
His only wish was to end his day in the simplicity and silence of this
monastery in Mdina. He prayed that the war, the siege would end in a time of
peace so that he could pursue contemplative prayer.
Today, in prayer, he seemed to find a great peace and a
greater joy concerning his own possible death. The death of Paulo had reminded
Frederico how close he was daily to the reality of eternity.
His small army gathered in the Cathedral for a Mass for the
dead Paulo. The bishop then blessed all the men and gave them general
absolution-a gift from the Pope in Rome
Afterwards, Frederico called his military advisors for a
meeting. But, first, he ordered twelve lookouts on the walls of the small city.
They each had a grand view of the surrounding area and could warn of danger
quickly.
The city on the hill provided a temporary safe-haven for the
soldiers and for many inhabitants. Daily, farmers, merchants, fishermen came
with their children and wives into the walls. People slept outside on the
streets, and in doorways. The nuns and monks fed the displaced families as best
they could with soup made of grass and seaweed, while eggs were given to the
mothers nursing their babies and the very old.
Frederico brought up the question of the day. “Do you think
the Turks will attack?” The advisors disagreed, and just as a decision as to
defense was made, a messenger from Vallette rushed into the meeting.
“Pardon, but read this. There is need for great haste.” The
young man sat down and was given wine.
Frederico opened the scroll. He read and then spoke.
“Vallette is asking for the army to leave Mdina immediately and moved both arms
and men to St. Michael’s and St. Angelo’s.
Elmo’s’ has fallen.”
Frederico bowed his head. He feared for the holy city, but
more men were needed near the promontory and the peninsula. Vallette was busy building defenses on the
peninsula and Vallette had asked the Spanish in Sicily to send more men to
Birgu, and they were, apparently, on their way, while the Turkish fleet was in
three places.
“We, of course, will obey the command. I shall leave a few
men here, and hand armaments only. The army shall march tonight, under cover of
darkness. Our decision has been made for us. We shall take the large cannons”
More ships sailed into Marsamxett, now that Fort St. Elmo
was a ruin, while the army of Frederico left Mdina to a handful of his men and
a few armed farmers. The ships waited for more orders from Piyale or Mustafa. Suleiman
had decided on continuing the attacks on the forts. Perhaps he thought the loss
of the forts would undermine the confidence of the Knights and the bravery of
the Maltese inhabitants. The other orders from Suleiman, to attack overland,
did not come until too late. At Marsamxett, one third of the Turkish fleet languished. The decision to take
St. Elmo’s at all costs, a decision of mere pride and arrogance, and the
decision to split the fleet into three would prove to be decisions of wasted
opportunities and carnage. But, the Lady who watched over the Maltese was in
charge, not the three Turkish commanders.
Frederico
and his small company of men traveled as quickly as they could in the night.
Clouds covered the moon, and no sound of cannons or gunfire from the Senglea.
But, an attack would come in two days, an attack from both sides of the
peninsula. The history of the war would include battles at the remaining forts,
with both soldiers and inhabitants suffering losses. However, the Corsairs and
Turks found the locals capable of fighting one of the most experienced and
trained armies in the world, if necessary, to the death of all.
Both
brothers were moving towards the east. One with his entire group of dedicated
and relatively fresh men, one with a small body guard of two men made their way
in darkness. Both would meet up in unusual circumstances.
To
be continued…