Chapters 9-10 Summary

In 1878, new rebellions put newly-severed Serbian heads on display on the kapia. Hostilities are short, but rumors of an Austrian occupation causes anxiety. Knowing that the people of Višegrad are by reputation pacifists, the mufti of Plevlje nevertheless gathers the leaders to incite resistance and, failing, leaves his assistant, Osman Effendi Karamanli, to talk continue arguing. Karamanli's chief opponent is Alihodja Mutevelić, a trained hodja who loathes Christian rule over Muslims but even more opposes actions that cannot be won. Their debate degenerates into a quarrel, providing community leaders no direction.

Survivors of the Austrian rout trudge into Višegrad and Karamanli prepares to dig in. Alihodja says I told you so and recommends that he not make things worse. Karamanli lashes out with religious fervor and holds court daily by the ruins of the han. Hearing the legend of...