“I can’t, Lajos...”
At a nod from Avenheim, Kohlberg stood between us; and at that deliberate cruelty, my fury erupted.
“This is ludicrous!” I fumed. “What charge can you possibly have against him that may not be brought against half the male population of Hungary?”
“Very good,” Lajos approved, his mood appearing to swing again. “Yes, gentlemen, what is the charge?”
“One you won’t talk your way out of,” Kohlberg said drily. “Treason, and raising rebellion against your King.”
Lajos’s brows lifted.
“Against my King? But haven’t you heard? There is no beloved king any more!”
One for Petöfi. Inevitably, Kohlberg struck him, full in the face with the butt of his pistol. The force sent him reeling before he fell. I cried out, pushing my way to him.
“Enough,” Avenheim snapped, as I fell t
