CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR
The Sultan pulled on the reins and turned his horse to, to face the Grand Vizier. At his back, beyond obscuring flurries and defeating-drifts of snow, the turrets and spires of Vienna mocked him—the bells of Saint Stephens ringing in defiance.
“Our Janissaries were held too long at the border, Shadow of God. We could not have foreseen the resilience of Fort Koszeg to delay us for so long.”
“And Charles?”
“His force will be here within the fortnight to bolster Ferdinand’s.”
Suleyman glanced over his shoulder. “The elusive Red Apple—Vienna. So be it. We will maintain our hold on the valleys and mountains from Istanbul to this summit, the full might of the Janissaries returning upon the summer winds to crush the Hapsburg dogs once and for all. Charles and Fer
