[SS 6.3 AAR] Primus Inter Pares - The Kievan Rus *COMPLETED* (w/ Behind the Scenes and a video trailer)

[Radzeer]

I'm really liking Predislav and the complexity of the court intrigue with the succession at stake. With all the other drama floating about, I can tell the climax is coming soon, and it's going to be great. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Than you! I'm glad you liked Predislav's character, he is is latecomer in the story, but I really wanted to develop him as much as I could.

Ditto what Thokran said. As much as I don't want this to be over I can't wait to see what happens.

Well, all good stories come to an end. I have this feeling that this has dragged on too long maybe. But hopefully the last two chapters will give some more action.

I can only agree with the two gentlemen above. I think that this is one of my favourite chapters of yours, in any of your works. The temptation with doing political intrigue is to make it too convoluted, too complex and this can turn people off (as I have found to my own peril!). I think you got the balance between making it comprehensible and still making it very interesting. Great work! I eagerly look forward to the finale, though I don't know what I will do with myself once this finishes!

Thank you, and I'm particularly happy you saying this. The chapter took a long time to write, and occasionally I thought that I squeeze too much politics into it. This was the reason why the narrative is told via Predislav and Komnenos (and with as much dialog as I could write), to keep it as simple as possible.

Commented on some pictures, so I reckoned it would be polite to use spoilers.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Need to spread some rep around increases at a dramatic rate...
Citadels are always a pain to take with the annoying time limit preventing the use of sublime tactics (unless you choose to settle for only damaging the enemy army). What was the Kievan plan to take this one? And what was the thing with hurling flaming boulders at the walls???



Shouldn't that be "Komnenos had to suffer the embarrassment of..."? Poor army of Komnenos, they even had to sell their quiver straps to afford the ransom, as one can see on the foremost rider, but somehow their quivers are still there. Perhaps they are glued to their clothes with transparent and colourless glue, just like the riders are glued to their saddles since they can't dismount in this primitive game...

The UMT will not be happy about this...



The Lithuanian Archers would look much better without the silly vanilla textures. Such clothing does not deserve a place in your pictures, I think. Perhaps they can use the textures of Lithuania (dark and brown, like all the early Lithuanians... )?

Well, what can I say?
The battle plan for Halych was plot driven, although I agree, citadels are a pain. And of course I just installed canon towers a few turns before Venice took it. But you are right, the timer is the main enemy. By the time I took the outer walls, my troops were exhausted and routed easily.
The fire catapult was just for the screenshot effect, I did not expect much damage from it.

Also:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

These guys above are the UMT regional reps. The guy looking backwards with the black beard on the left was the chairman. He tried to complain, but in the next minute the pesky Venetians killed him.

[Scottish King]

Great update! The political intrigue is very interesting and delicate. One wrong move and everything could be loss and civil war break out or it can go the other way and have a peaceful resolution. I think that this unfortunately will end in bloodshed but I have my fingers crossed!

[Radzeer]

Great update! The political intrigue is very interesting and delicate. One wrong move and everything could be loss and civil war break out or it can go the other way and have a peaceful resolution. I think that this unfortunately will end in bloodshed but I have my fingers crossed!

Thank you! You are probably right about the bloodshed, as it is Total War! The political intrigue on the other hand also means that I need time to intrigue enough. I still need to do the final touches on the big battle of the next update, and write some parts of the story (most of it is written though), but if all goes well, the update will be done by the weekend (the latest).

[Radzeer]

List of characters

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The royal family

Grand Prince Vladimir
The first Grand Prince, leading the early expansion of the Rus, annexing several independent cities and fighting against both the Cumans and the Catholics. He has found the Holy Grail after taking Oleshe, and established the tradition in which the Grail is kept by the Prince to guide him. At the end of his life he retired and transferred the power to his oldest son and heir, Mstislav. He lived a long life and died peacefully in Kiev.

Grand Prince Mstislav
The second Grand Prince, and the oldest son of Vladimir. He held power for long as a Prince. He fought against the Cumans in the east, and conquered Smolensk in the north overthrowing the Novgorod-friendly council. He was a skilled politician and determined leader with a vision to expand toward the Baltic Sea. He established the Rus as a major power, although at the end of his reign he had difficulties with his brothers who wanted to have their separate ways. He died peacefully in Kiev.

Grand Prince Gostislav
The third Grand Prince, Mstislav's oldest son, the governor of Pereyaslav. Quite unremarkable as a child, he had a lot to prove. His decisions were not without controversy, but he did what he could to keep the Rus intact. He was somewhat successful with Yaropolk's sons in the west keeping at least their formal allegiance, but could not contain his other uncle, Yurii, who set up his own principality around Azaq. His rule was often compared to the rule of his father, in which comparison he did not fare well, especially about his foreign policy. He died shortly after a victory against Poland.

Grand Prince Nikifor
The fourth Grand Prince, Gostislav's first son. His marriage to a Venetian princess was supposed to build good connections to Catholics, but the alliance was short-lived. He is considered to be a talented leader and a capable general. He launched the long awaited war against Novgorod, which he carried out ruthlessly. After vassalizing Novgorod, he was caught in the conflict between the boyars and Prince Halstan. At the end of his rule he tried to reestablish the succession line of the Yaroslavich family, favoring his only son. He died in Kiev shortly before marching against Venice to retake Halych.

Predislav
Nikifor's only son. A talented military commander, but a man with a temper, similar to his uncle, Rostislav.
Apokavkos Komnenos
Member of the Roman royal family, who married Nikifor's second daughter.
Khotimir Kievskii
Kievan boyar who married Nikifor's youngest daughter.

Rostislav
Gostislav's second son. He lived the life of the younger prince in the Court, where according to the rumor he seduced Nikifor's wife. He led the attack on Novgorod, taking Polotsk, but died shortly after that in the plague.

Grand Prince Halstan Svendsen
Norwegian noble who married Princess Evfrosinia, Gostislav's daughter. Shortly after arriving to Kiev he was chosen by Nikifor to be his heir. After some conflict in the Court, Nikifor sent him to conquer the city of Novgorod, which he did. After Nikifor's death, he became the fifth Grand Prince. His rule was contested by Nikifor's son, Predislav.

Tvorimir Runo
Halstan's older son, governor of the Pskov fortress.
Derzhislav Cheshko
Halstan's second son, governor of Novgorod.

Petr
Mstislav's second son, the governor of the eastern Rus territories. He was trained by his uncle Yaropolk, and he took Serdobinskaya from the Cumans. He led the royal troops the Caucasus campaign. He took Baku and sailed across the sea to fight Khwarezm at Gorgan. The riches of Baku and Gorgan made him wealthy, although he was not successful to counterbalance Yurii and his sons' rule in Azaq. He died shortly after a raid on Astrakhan.

Dmitrii
Petr's son. He was young when his father died and was raised in the Kievan Court. He is a friend and supporter of Prince Halstan, and married Halstan's daughter.

Oleg
Mstislav's third son, the governor of Kiev. Although talented, he was a quiet member of the family, satisfied with administering Kiev. Many saw him as the man guarding the political legacy of Mstislav, mitigating the debates and conflicts in Kiev during Gostislav's and Nikifor's rule. He died peacefully in Kiev.

Danislav Severskii
An exile from Novgorod who became Mstislav's vassal and the governor of Smolensk. He died in battle against the Lithuanians.

Dobrozhir Severskii
The only son of Danislav. He revenged his father and killed the Grand Duke of Lithuania, but died in battle shortly after.
Stroislav Kubenskii
A Kievan noble who married Dobrozhir's oldest sister. Governor of Baia, and a loyal follower of the Grand Prince. He was a long time supported of Nikifor. He died under Halych when the fortress was taken by the Venetians.

Yaropolk
The second son of Vladimir. Legendary commander, the hero of many wars, and the conqueror of Lithuania where he acquired territories for his sons. His personal tragedy was that during his life only his youngest son, Volodislav loved him. He was a loyal general and had done much for the Rus - both by fighting its enemies and by containing his sons. He died shortly after his last victory against Poland, as the most decorated general of the Rus. At his funeral, his sons finally realized what their father has done for them.

Zhirovit
Yaropolk's oldest son, the governor of Vilnius. A violent, dreaded and unpredictable character, he fought in Poland to revenge his brother's death. He hated Catholics and pagans alike, and had plans to restore the political power of the house of Yaropolk. But after so much success on the battlefield, he could not taste the political victory. He died peacefully in Vilnius.
Moimir
Yaropolk's second son, governor of Mensk. He helped financing Zhirovit's campaigns. He was a city politician, satisfied with his position at Mensk. He lived a long, but politically uneventful life. He died peacefully in Mensk.
Tikhomir
Yaropolk's third son, former governor of Smolensk. He died young in battle against Poland at Mensk, saving the city and probably Moimir's life.
Volodislav
Yaropolk's youngest son, the governor of Riga. A talented commander who defeated the Teutons and repelled a Danish invasion. Widely considered as the real successor of Yaropolk's legacy.

Svyatoslav Basenok
He is an unremarkable character, but the rumor said that he is Moimir's bastard son, which is the only reason why Volodislav adopted him.

Yurii, Grand Duke of Azaq
The third and youngest son of Vladimir, the first Grand Duke of Azaq, the duchy he declared independent from Kiev. It was difficult for him to be in the shadow of his two brothers. He was not satisfied with the governor position of Caffa where he was supposed to live the quiet life of a young prince, and made an alliance with the Patrikeev clan in the east. He married the clan leader's daughter, Natalia and started to build his own princedom. He fought the Cumans for the control of the Azaq region, and later attacked the Muslims in the Caucasus. He was considered by all as the main conspirator in the royal family, constantly plotting to get closer to power. After Natalia's death he decided to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The pilgrimage ended with taking Acre, but became a political failure after mutual betrayals by the Roman allies. Yurii died in the siege when Acre fell to the Fatimids.

Grand Duke Ostromir
Yurii's oldest son, governor of Caffa. An unremarkable person in his early life, and withdrawn from the public ever since he survived an assassination arranged by Gostislav. When Sbyslav left for the Holy Land, he had to defend the Duchy of Azaq from the first Mongol invasion. He is the governor of Sarkel, the border stronghold. After the death of his brother, he became the third Grand Duke of Azaq. He was ambushed by the Mongols and killed in battle.

Ratimir Muromskii
A soldier in Sarkel who has shown exceptional bravery against the Mongols and was thus adopted by Ostromir and sent to Tbilisi to raise an army for Azaq. He was captured in battle and executed by the Mongols.

Grand Duke Sbyslav
Yurii's second son, commander of the Caucasus and Holy Land campaigns. He is talented in both politics and war, and succeeded Yurii as the second Grand Duke of Azaq. After revenging his father's death against the Fatimids, he returned to Azaq and fougth against the Mongols. He was an exceptional leader as well as military commander. He died in battle after many victories during a campaign to take Astrakhan from the Mongols.

Grand Duke Sbyslav Oslyabya
Grand Duke Sbyslav's illegitimate son, who did not know about his father until the Duke died. He was adopted by Ostromir and made successor of the Duke title. He conquered Astrakhan, and after Ostromir's death he became the fourth Grand Duke. He married Grand Prince Nikifor's daughter.

Milogost Fominskii
A Kievan noble who married Princess Eupraxia, Vladimir’s only daughter and thus became a member of the royal family. He was the governor of Zhytomyr. He saved Kiev from two Polish invasions, and was killed in the battle of Halych.

Georgii Patrikeev
Governor of Tmutarakan in the east, and an ally of Yurii who married his daughter. He died peacefully after taking Sarkel.

The three brothers

Alexios
The oldest of three brothers who as children were rescued by the Kievans after a Cuman raid. He is a cleric and a chronicler in the Court. He went back to Trebizond to look after his brother, Rurik. He was with Yurii in the Holy Land, and miraculously escaped after the fall of Acre.
Rurik
Alexios’ younger brother. Trained as a warrior, he used to belong to Yaropolk’s bodyguard escort. He was wounded in Trebizond in a battle and was thought to be dead for a long time. He returned to Kiev to fight alongside Yaropolk once more before he put down the sword.
Oleg
The youngest brother of Alexios and Rurik. He disappeared in a Cuman raid and was sold as a slave in Azaq. His brothers have been searching for him for years until they were reunited in Trebizond.He was the chief supply officer for the Court, and the author of the Miloslavich Diary. Shortly after taking Polotsk, he disappeared again in Novgorod territory. His son found him in a prison after the fall of Novgorod.

Andrei
The son of Oleg who was trained as a soldier in the Grand Prince's druzhina. He was in Halstan's army when fighting Novgorod, and later fought in the battle of Pskov. After that battle he and his father were dismissed from Kievan service by Nikifor. He went to Azaq and enlisted in Ostromir's army. He is fighting with Sbyslav's son against the Mongols.

59. The road to Kiev

~~~

"What are the news about your father?"

"He passed away shortly after I arrived. I was able to talk to him, and his departure was in peace. He wished to see the Caucasus one more time, but he was very old." Andrei had a lone tear rolling down his cheek. His father meant very much to him, but he died as a man who was satisfied with what life has given him.

"My deepest condolences, my friend. But I am glad that you were with him in his final moment." Oslyabya's voice cracked for a second as this has not been given to him. "Was he buried in Pereyaslav?"

"Yes. His wish was to be buried with his brothers in the monastery where they grew up." Andrei sighed. "I wonder if anybody would remember them. They have done so much."

"If we keep their memories alive, they will be remembered. And their deeds may pass on others, like you. No, my friend, they will not be forgotten."

Neither of the two men said anything for a few minutes. Finally, Oslyabya broke the silence.

"So what is happening in Kiev?"

"Kiev is in turmoil. Halych was retaken, but apart from that nothing is happening in the west, despite the war with both Venice and Poland. And if there are no outside enemies, people will talk about other things. There are all kinds of rumors about Grand Prince Nikifor's death. His son does not accuse Halstan or anybody in public, but many suspect foul play."

"Do you believe that?"

"Not really. I knew Halstan, and he is not like this. But many say that he has changed and became a bitter and suspicious man. His loyalty is questioned every day because he is Catholic, while his victories against Novgorod have been portrayed as of little significance. I fought in that campaign and I have a different memory of that." Andrei shrugged. "But I don't know what to say about him. "

"Has he named his heir yet?"

"No, and that is strange. Most people in Kiev say that Predislav should be his heir, except those that want Predislav to become the Grand Prince immediately. Halstan has no support there, and he refused to come to Kiev."

"He does not have to go there to be recognized, right?"

"No. But there is the tradition that the Holy Grail is given to the appointed heir publicly in Kiev. The problem of course is that Nikifor never gave the Grail to Halstan, instead he left it for Predislav. Halstan's public recognition as the Grand Prince in Kiev while Predislav has the Grail would also mean Predislav's recognition as the heir."

"I am sure they are negotiating about some solution."

"Yes, but I'm afraid they also prepare for the time when negotiations fail." Andrei was sad. It should not have come to this. "I wish you saw the Rus when it was at the height of its power."

"Do you mean stronger than now?"

"Not in a military sense. We have vassalized Lithuania and Novgorod, defeated Poland, Denmark, the Teutons and the Cumans many times. The only realm stronger than ourselves is the Romans but we have been at peace with them as long as history goes back. The biggest threat for the Rus is itself, and this has not been the case before."

"You forget my grandfather," said Oslyabya. "He carved out Azaq for himself."

Andrei smiled. "You are right. But as I heard, Yurii was different. His brothers were too perfect. Mstislav was a great leader, probably the greatest the Rus has ever had. And Yaropolk was an excellent general and a loyal brother. Yurii had difficulties to compete with them, not just for recognition in the Council but also for the love of their father. He fought against the Cumans many times when they were much stronger. He wanted a duchy for himself, but he never contested his brother's rule or put himself forth as the Grand Prince."

Oslyabya was fascinated by all this. He knew little about his royal ancestors.

"And your father was the same," continued Andrei. "He never had an ambition reaching beyond Azaq. He would have made a fine Grand Prince though. Anyway, Azaq grew stronger and richer, and now we hold Astrakhan which the Rus has twice failed to achieve."

Andrei turned away and looked out to the city from the castle tower. Astrakhan was still hardly more than a skeleton town. The Mongols pillaged the city when they conquered it and left it like that during their reign. When Azaq took it, there were hopes that some of the merchants would return, but this was still a frontier. Andrei hoped that eventually trade routes to the Romans could be reopened to the south across the Caspian Sea. But that needed more time.

"So how do you see the future of Azaq?" asked Oslyabya.

Andrei did not expect this question. After taking Astrakhan, Ostromir officially made Oslyabya his heir. But Andrei felt that Oslyabya did not ask this question as the future Grand Duke, but rather as a friend.

"I think the fate of Azaq has been in capable hands since your grandfather," said Andrei. "And I know you well enough to say that I have no concerns today either. But what I have been thinking since I left Kiev is how Azaq should respond to a potential civil war in the Rus."

"How could we respond? And what is it at stake for us there?"

"I heard people mentioning Azaq several times when they were discussing the political situation. I realized that we are in fact an important force. You and your uncle can of course decide to stay out of that matter entirely, but you can also support either side."

Oslyabya's face was hard to read. Andrei used his last point. "And don't forget that you are the son-in-law of the late Nikifor."

Oslyabya chuckled. "Indeed I am. But I never thought of it that way. I don't look at Akulina as the daughter of the late Grand Prince. I did not even know this until our wedding. My right for succession is a mere theory!"

"Probably true, but in Kiev that does not matter. They only see that one of Nikifor's daughters married a man in Azaq. And some even know that this man is the grandson of Yurii Yaroslavich. Add that up, and suddenly you are a potential challenger for the Grand Prince title."

"But I have no interest in that!"

"You had no interest in becoming the Grand Duke here either," said Andrei. "Our future is hidden from us until we get there."

Oslyabya did not say anything, but Andrei knew that he will think about all these. And Ostromir was expected to arrive soon. He was very old, and he planned this to be his last trip. He wanted to see Astrakhan and publicly reward the soldiers who took it. Andrei did not know how Ostromir would react to a suggestion to intervene in Kiev.

But instead of Ostromir and his bodyguards, only one wounded soldier arrived. The lone survivor of the ambush was hardly alive when he recounted what happened and told Oslyabya about the death of his uncle.



Andrei was shocked. He traveled the same road not two days before and have not seen any Mongols. He felt lucky as he could have paid with his life just like Ostromir and his men. He thought that the Mongol army came from the north, as no army could have passed Astrakhan without being noticed. These must have been the Mongol troops that fought Novgorod and the Cumans before, likely to be veteran soldiers, the last challenge to Azaq.

Oslyabya was visibly shaken by both the sudden appearance the enemy and the death of his uncle which subsequently made him the fourth Grand Duke of Azaq. Merely a runner from Tbilisi hardly two years before, now he ruled over the seven provinces of Azaq and commanded its military force.



Andrei looked at Oslyabya as the young man's initial shock turned into determination and confidence. Before his very eyes, in a matter of minutes, Oslyabya seemed to have grown into the role that of the Grand Duke. When he spoke, his voice was firm.

"Prepare the army. We will fight the Mongols." When the runner left with the order, Oslyabya turned to Andrei. "Let's end this menace once and for all, my friend. After that we'll talk about the other matter." His voice was now softer, and Andrei knew that it was still the old Oslyabya behind the mask of the Grand Duke.

~~~

The dark mass of the Pskov citadel was towering over the city when Grand Prince Halstan arrived there. Pskov was a military town with training grounds, blacksmiths, archery fields and stables, everything that was needed for the art of war. It used to be Novgorod's largest fortress in the old days, but ever since Nikifor defeated the armies of both the knyaz and the knyazich just outside the city, Pskov has been the great military fort of the Rus in the north. Halstan appointed his older son, Tvorimir to become its governor, and has chosen Pskov to be the center of his family lands.

Tvorimir seldom left Pskov, so Halstan was consolidating the former Novgorod lands with the help of his younger son, Derzhislav. His family domain now spanned from the Baltic Sea to the northeast wilderness where the Cumans still lingered after being pushed out of their homeland by the Mongols. After Novgorod has become the vassal of the Rus, Halstan saw no reason to oppress the local orthodox population. He let the merchants carry on their businesses and some of the former landlords could also keep their fiefs. Thus apart from a few local uprisings that were ruthlessly taken care of, the former Novgorod was peaceful and soon rich again.

Halstan could look back to the past months with ambivalent feelings. He had support in Novgorod, and the open challenge he feared the most never came. Yet, he knew that the central and southern provinces largely oppose his rule and stand behind Predislav. He suspected that Nikifor wanted him to name Predislav as his heir, which was the reason why he did not go to Kiev. The Council with Nikifor's son and son-in-laws, in addition to the mob in Kiev were just too unpredictable. Halstan saw no reason why Predislav should be his heir. Nikifor entrusted him with the Prince title, and he felt that he has done nothing wrong. He stayed out of Court politics, he went to war when he was ordered, fought against Novgorod and Denmark, and was loyal to Nikifor to the end.

In return, he was accused of treason, he was attacked because of his faith, and was said to be unworthy to lead the Rus. He suspected that many would like to see him dead too. He saw a big difference between the north where people were driven by practical considerations and the south where people were devout Orthodox believers and thought of themselves as the cradle of civilization. That latter Halstan could never understand as the center of the Orthodox universe was unquestionably Constantinople.

Tvorimir and Derzhislav were already waiting for their father. Halstan could not delay naming his heir any longer and he wanted to discuss the political consequences with his sons. Some of the news he had were good and others were bad, but all pointed toward the need for quick action.

"The situation has become unstable, and I have bad news" started Halstan. "The Romans are at war with Venice. This was clearly the work of that damned Komnenos, Predislav's brother-in-law, and it increases the chance that Predislav could get military help if he decides to challenge me openly."



"How much help would that mean?" asked Tvorimir.

"Likely not much initially. But a prolonged conflict could bring a large Roman force to the north. Remember that Komnenos is a member of the Roman royal family, however insignificant he may be. He may want to ride the conflict and establish himself as the next Grand Prince."

"We could use his ambition against Predislav."

"Yes, but I am not yet sure if that is what Komnenos really wants. We have to wait and prepare for any outcome. The Romans are quite aggressive, but we are a remote backwater for them no matter what they say in Kiev."

Derzhislav smiled but did not say anything. He had no love for Kiev.

"But before we do anything, tell me what is the situation with Denmark. If they threaten us here, we have to divide our forces."

"I have good news, father," said Tvorimir. "After their latest defeat at Novgorod, Denmark gave up the attacks in the north. Instead they tried to raid Riga. Volodislav met them on the battlefield and defeated them, but he was severely wounded."





"This is great news, indeed," said Halstan. "Denmark is now crippled, and what is even better, Volodislav may be out of the picture for a long time. He was one of our worst enemies in the Council and could have brought a strong force against us."

"So I see that we have to act now," said Derzhislav. "What are you planning to do, father? I hope you don't want to name Predislav as your heir."

"No. If I name Predislav, they will think that I am weak. Predislav and his followers would do everything to gain power as soon as they can. No, the only message they understand is force."

Halstan stopped for a moment. Both his sons were anxiously waiting for what he was going to say.

"I decided to officially name you as my heir," said Halstan to Tvorimir.



Tvorimir bowed. "Thank you, father."

"And you my son," turned Halstan to Derzhislav, "I will appoint you as the governor of Novgorod."



This was an unexpected decision, and Halstan saw that his second son is truly surprised, speechless even.

"The conflict is now inevitable," said the Grand Prince. "If we win, I want to make changes so that Kiev could not rise against us anymore. I decided to make these lands the center of the Rus with the city of Novgorod being its new capital. You two will govern the rich capital and the largest citadel in this realm. I establish a new dynasty and with that the Rus will change forever!"

This was a daring plan, but Halstan knew that he had no other choice. Kiev and the south would never accept his rule, unlike the north. If the center of power shifts from Kiev to Novgorod, the south becomes weak and the leading families there would have no means to challenge him.

"Thank you, father for the confidence you have in me," said Tvorimir. "I suspect we can rely on others too to help achieving this goal."

"Yes, there are allies," said Halstan. "While our enemies thought that we are just hiding here in the north, I have made certain arrangements."

"Who can we count on?" asked Derzhislav.

"Well, I can tell that if Predislav and his Roman barking dog thought that they can corner us here, they will be terribly surprised." Halstan smiled, and that smile was that of the wolf.

~~~

The Mongol army slowly marching toward Astrakhan was indeed the last significant fighting force of the Golden Horde north of the Caspian Sea. The bulk of their armies were deployed against the Romans far away in the south where the rewards for conquest were greater than those on the plains. Oslyabya knew that if the attackers are defeated, Azaq could end the Mongol incursion for a long time. The enemy army was led by a general named Hulegu. He was called merciless for a reason and was considered a violent man even in Mongol standards. He was an experienced general and loyal to the Khan who gave him the task of crushing Azaq's forces and retaking Astrakhan.



Oslyabya decided not to wait for the Mongols in Astrakhan. The city had little supplies and he did not want to get trapped inside just to see how the Mongols would destroy everything and starve his men out. He summoned all his army and marched north to meet the enemy head on. It was a gamble, but Oslyabya felt he has to do this to revenge his uncle, and make his name known to the Mongols written by blood.

They marched for a few days on the endless plains, until on a dark and cloudy day the Mongol army appeared. The battlefield was flat without any features usable for defense on either side. All movements were visible, making tactical decisions easy to follow. Oslyabya had a versatile mix of troops in his army, although his cavalry and especially his archers were weaker than those of his opponent. This meant that the battle had to be decided by the infantry.

It is going to be a long day, thought Andrei. He had confidence in the army of Azaq, with only a small uncertainty about the Tatar light cavalry. Their role was particularly important, as Andrei and Oslyabya decided on a tactic which required discipline and courage against a stronger foe. The Tatars were supposed to flee at the beginning of the battle to go around the Mongols in a large circle and attack them from behind. But Andrei was not sure if they would come back, especially if the battle is not favoring Azaq.

The Mongols' confidence grew as they saw the Tatar cavalry riding away at the beginning of the battle. Still, Hulegu was cautious enough not to run at the enemy. His infantry stopped about a hundred paces away from the Kievan lines, and he sent forth his horse archers on both flanks.





Under the cover of the horse archers, the Mongol foot archers advanced too. Hulegu's plan was to pin down the Kievan infantry, cause as much damage as possible, and then use his cavalry to crush them.



Both Andrei and Oslyabya were aware of this tactic, and it was obvious that the army of Azaq cannot just stand there. To respond to the Mongol arrows, Oslyabya sent his own archers ahead. They had a shorter range and took heavy casualties as they moved close enough to fire. Then to make things worse, suddenly rockets flew from behind the Mongol lines and hit the Kievan troops.



Clearly, the only way to go was forward. Oslyabya signaled his infantry to attack. His spearmen were at the front, supported by the boyar heavy infantry in reserve. The troops slowly started to march toward the Mongol lines and Andrei saw how each soldier tried to cover his body from the rain of arrows. The distance they had to walk was not very big, but the Mongols fell back as the Kievan line approached them. Seeing this, Oslyabya decided to use his light cavalry to lure the Mongols to fight.

The mounted druzhina charged the Mongol archers, riding across the field between the two armies. The enemy archers could not outrun the cavalry and fell by the dozens. However, as the druzhina chased the archers on the battlefield, they ran into the ranks of Mongol heavy infantry which suddenly advanced on the left flank. They were followed by the Mongol heavy cavalry, and it seemed to Andrei that the battle will be in full force in a minute.





Andrei saw that Oslyabya signals his only heavy cavalry company to charge the Mongol riders. This was not a wise decision, as Andrei felt that they should have had to be less hasty sending all the cavalry into battle. But it was too late. On the left flank a cavalry fight ensued while the centers of both armies got closer to each other.



It took only a few minutes, but Andrei felt it was an hour. The two infantry lines met and the melee started. The Mongols were better armed, but the Kievans had the numbers. It looked like that the battle plan works, and despite the casualties the enemy archers and cavalry were not able to dominate the battlefield.







Meanwhile on the right flank the Kievan spearmen had an easy task of defeating the Mongol light infantry. These were soldiers recruited from the conquered people, and they had little motivation to fight for their new overlords.



But Hulegu was not a fool. He used these troops simply to break up the Kievan formations. His reserve heavy cavalry was ready to charge, and just waited for the Mongol light infantry to rout. The Kievan spearmen could not take their formation and were massacred by the dozens.





The situation was not much better at the center either. Andrei saw that the Mongol heavy cavalry routed the druzhina on the left and turned back to attack the infantry in the center. The Kievan spearmen were under enormous pressure and it seemed that they won't last much longer.



Oslyabya realized that if he loses his center the battle is lost. "Where are the Tatars?" he shouted to Andrei as the Kievan center slowly started to fall back. Andrei could not see anything behind the Mongol army. "A few more minutes, that's all we need!" he replied, but inside he was much less confident. He saw that Oslyabya signals all the reserves to engage. Then the young Grand Duke turned back to him. "This is the moment! A swift charge to the center and the reserves on the flanks should give us some time before the Tatars arrive," he said.

Andrei knew that it is their best chance. Standard tactics required the cavalry to go around the infantry lines and flank the enemy. But Andrei understood what Oslyabya was planning to do. The Kievan center was still strong. The general's charge would draw those Mongol units there that otherwise would flank the Kievan lines. But the risk was great. If Oslyabya is pinned down in the center and falls, the battle would be lost immediately.

Andrei prayed that they would survive, and followed Oslyabya. Their blue and yellow colors were soon surrounded by a sea of brown and gold, as the Mongol flanks moved closer to the center.



Fortunately for Oslyabya and Andrei, the brutal fight in the center also captured the full attention of the Mongol general. As seemingly every Mongol soldier was obsessed to reach the Kievan banners, they paid little attention to the reserve boyars and the few remaining horsemen that arrived in the last minute to support the Kievan lines.



The Mongol army was still strong, as the Kievan reserves simply turned the battle back to the fight of equals. Andrei was now in the middle of the melee, and while they fought like lions, he knew that they cannot keep doing this forever. The battle turned into a slugfest of attrition, and the early Kievan casualties now seemed too much to handle.

Then out of nowhere two hundred Tatars charged the back of the Mongol lines.



In a matter of seconds the battle has completely turned. The Mongol army collapsed, and the enemy soldiers tried to flee for their lives. The only company still fighting was Hulegu's bodyguards. But Oslyabya did not mind this. He wanted Hulegu dead.

As the Mongol army retreated in chaos, Oslyabya and Andrei surrounded the enemy general and his men. Hulegu knew that there is no way out for him, and fought to the bitter end. The last enemy soldier was his standard bearer, but he could not avoid his fate either. One of Oslyabya's men struck him down with his mace, and with that the battle was over.



The battlefield was littered with hundreds of dead and wounded men. The soldiers of the Golden Horde, so proud and arrogant lay dead by the hundreds. The Kievan casualties were high too as Oslyabya lost about half of his army, including most of his cavalry. The unusual outcome was the relatively high number of Mongol prisoners. This indicated that the core of the military of the Golden Horde has been destroyed, and the Mongols increasingly use troops recruited by force from their former enemies, mostly Cumans.





Oslyabya let the Cuman prisoners go while the others were executed. He felt no pity for them. He never considered the Mongols anything but a menace, a snake that has to be killed and its spawns to be dealt with by brute force. The cruelty of the war against the Mongols over the past years has left no space for pity in his heart.



Oslyabya ordered the heads of the fallen Mongols to be cut off. The heads were put on carts and taken to the border of the Duchy of Azaq on the old merchant road which led to the eastern void where the Mongols came from. The soldiers put the heads together in a pyramid, and pinned Hulegu's head on a long spear in front of it. The message was clear. No mercy for the enemies of Azaq.

The invasion of the Golden Horde was finally defeated.

A few weeks later a fresh army was ready to march. Oslyabya appointed Andrei as its commander. They had a lot of time to talk, and Andrei was sure that they do the right thing. Now the road that lay ahead of him led back to Kiev, but this time hundreds of veteran soldiers followed him.

And so passed the last peaceful summer before the civil war.
~

[Geoffrey of Villehardouin]

A glorious battle. Lucky the Tatars came before too late. The pictures are beautiful, partly as the Mongols are far too good looking in Stainless Steel and also the appropriate landscape (unlike in vanilla) and the dramatic skies, all conspire to make this (and not only) a very impressive battle. I am surprised the Mongols charged the spearmen with cavalry. In my campaigns they avoid spearmen until they have been shot to shreds and are shaken but these Rus spearmen seem to be holding their ground well. So Hulegu has met his match! Indeed another head collector ...

[Thokran]

So finally the time for civil war has come! This is sure to be a bloody spectacle!

Go Predislav! <--my personal choice for victor

[Ganbarenippon]

Intrigue abounds! I'm not sure who I am pulling for. Halstan seems a decent enough fellow who has been put into a bad situation, Predislav has the weight of the dynasty on his shoulders, and Oslyabya is from Azaq. Oh who am I kidding...Go Ozzie! I look forward to a truly epic finale.

[Robin de Bodemloze]

My choice would be Predislav, although I feel Radzeer favours Oslyabya somehow. Either way Kiev must not fall to the treacherous Novogrodian cur. Can't wait for the finale

[Radzeer]

A glorious battle. Lucky the Tatars came before too late. The pictures are beautiful, partly as the Mongols are far too good looking in Stainless Steel and also the appropriate landscape (unlike in vanilla) and the dramatic skies, all conspire to make this (and not only) a very impressive battle. I am surprised the Mongols charged the spearmen with cavalry. In my campaigns they avoid spearmen until they have been shot to shreds and are shaken but these Rus spearmen seem to be holding their ground well. So Hulegu has met his match! Indeed another head collector ...

Thank you very much! I was actually surprised by the Mongol cavalry charge too, although they did not charge head on, but from an angle aiming at the unit on the flank, just when I routed their light infantry. So that was actually a very good battle AI moment. And as you said, the landscape and colors worked very nicely with the tone of the battle.

So finally the time for civil war has come! This is sure to be a bloody spectacle!

Go Predislav! <--my personal choice for victor

Yes, there will be blood! Now who is going to get the upper hand... well, that's the big question. Thanks for following!

Intrigue abounds! I'm not sure who I am pulling for. Halstan seems a decent enough fellow who has been put into a bad situation, Predislav has the weight of the dynasty on his shoulders, and Oslyabya is from Azaq. Oh who am I kidding...Go Ozzie! I look forward to a truly epic finale.

Thank you! Maybe this is a good time to thank you again for planting the idea of Azaq, which made this final few chapters (and hopefully the last one too) more interesting from the plot perspective.

My choice would be Predislav, although I feel Radzeer favours Oslyabya somehow. Either way Kiev must not fall to the treacherous Novogrodian cur. Can't wait for the finale

Thanks, and we'll see if I can spice the epic finale up a bit. In reality, the weight of the Rus did shift up north to Novgorod after the fall of Kiev, so we'll see what happens. Pity the Mongols could not hang around to participate...

~~~

Also, this last chapter is turning out to be quite intensive. I usually don't do this, but if for some reason it would take too long to upload the final chapter, I may do it in two rounds, or at least post some teaser. Thank you all for reading and commenting, we're almost there!

[Marvzilla]

Great battle.I would go with Predislav,even though thats personal preference.Only a few AARs can get you excited for their next chapter,this is one of them.

[Mr. Bean Laden]

I believe this was the longest read in the last month for me, I'm glad I've finally caught up with the story, (even though it's before the last chapter, hurr durr), it was really an amazing AAR to read, and I'm glad I've decided to read it from the start. As always, your pictures are still the best, they are simply fun to look at! I'm anxious to see the last chapter But if you don't mind, I can't write much more, because I have to finish my own AAR's next update today, even though the deadline was yesterday...

[Radzeer]

Great battle.I would go with Predislav,even though thats personal preference.Only a few AARs can get you excited for their next chapter,this is one of them.

Thank you, I really appreciate it! I'm glad that people stuck around to see the endgame. Hope to meet the expectations.

I believe this was the longest read in the last month for me, I'm glad I've finally caught up with the story, (even though it's before the last chapter, hurr durr), it was really an amazing AAR to read, and I'm glad I've decided to read it from the start. As always, your pictures are still the best, they are simply fun to look at! I'm anxious to see the last chapter But if you don't mind, I can't write much more, because I have to finish my own AAR's next update today, even though the deadline was yesterday...

Thanks, and it is always good to see you back! Hopefully you'll like the final chapter too. Once that's done, I'll have more time to read too.

~~~

On other news, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. It seems now that the final chapter will be up some time on Sunday. But since it has been a long delay, I post here some small teaser: Andrei's letter back home.

Small prelude for the final chapter

My lord Oslyabya, There will be a battle in a few days, a battle that decides the fate of the Rus. I send this letter with a fast runner, so that you could understand the political intrigues should I fall while fighting for Azaq and what has been dear to me in the Rus. As we suspected the civil war was inevitable, and I am sad to note that both sides are to blame. Predislav's disappointment and anger has met with Komnenos' blind faith. With the help of Khotimir, the Kievan governor, of whom you may remember as the husband of Nikifor's youngest daughter, they were summoning troops all summer once Halstan named his son as the Prince. But they were robbed of an important ally when Lord Volodislav died. He was severely wounded in battle against Denmark, and passed away last week in Riga. His adopted son is said to be a weak and untested man, likely unable to keep the lands he inherited together. It is a shame that none of Yaropolk's four sons could leave a worthy successor behind. At the other side there is Halstan no less guilty. He never wished to make a consensus, but was just trying to buy time to appoint his sons to important positions in the north. And what is worse, he plans to move the capital of the Rus to Novgorod, which has shaken Kiev and turned the whole south against him. Many say that he wants to restore Novgorod under his own rule. Finally, he started negotiations with the Catholic powers. The peace offer to Denmark was outrageous, especially after the death of Lord Volodislav who is now seen as a martyr in the fight against Catholics. The offer was rejected, but it shows that Halstan would do anything to buy time to consolidate his power, even if costs the treasury a lot. Rumors say that he promised Halych to Venice and Plock to Poland if they aid him against Predislav, which is quite peculiar as Kiev is officially at war with both. Almost everybody picked sides, and the leading families are ready for the fight. The only person with unclear allegiance is Dmitrii Yaroslavich. His wife is Halstan's daughter, but he is also the grandson of Grand Prince Mstislav. He used to be Halstan's friend and follower, but now few may know where his heart truly lies. You have trusted me to make the right decision. Your confidence in me may have been misplaced though, as it is difficult to see the light at either side. I will pray to find the way, just like my father and uncles have found it many times even in the greatest darkness. I see little wisdom in what Halstan or Predislav stands for, and I weep when I see how far the Rus has gone from the days when we were perhaps weaker but our vision of what is right and what is wrong was not as blurred as it is today. My hesitation also confused both parties. When the army of Azaq crossed the border, people were frightened first, but then both sides realized that they can use us for their own advantage. It took only a week for the first envoy to arrive, led by no other but Derzhislav, Halstan's younger son. He told me how the Rus will be governed from Novgorod, and in exchange for our support he offered us three rich southern provinces, together with official recognition of Azaq as an independent realm. I politely listened to him, but promised nothing. This would be a great gain, but it also would make us a buffer against the Romans, which is I think what Halstan really wants. Upon arriving at Kiev, Predislav sent Komnenos to our camp. Their position was weaker. They offered recognition only if the Dukes of Azaq swear never to claim the Grand Prince title. Besides this, they promised some eastern lands around Ryazan. These provinces now belong to Dmitrii Yaroslavich by the right of his father. This tells me that Predislav and Komnenos probably think that Dmitrii would side with Halstan and as such being unworthy to keep his fiefs. This negotiation was not very polite, because apparently your father and grandfather have a reputation in the Komnenos family. Predislav's cause is more righteous than that of Halstan's but their offer is less attractive and poisoned with mutual distrust. Predislav and Komnenos refused to challenge Halstan in the north, fearing that his Catholic allies may attack from the west and sack Kiev while they are away. At the same time, Halstan apparently understood that he has to defeat the Orthodox forces in Kiev to end this great city's central role once and for all. He is reported to be on his way from the north, and thus the battle will take place not far from here. He will likely wait for his Catholic allies to arrive, and for the same reason Predislav and Komnenos will probably try to force him to battle once he is near enough. It is a terrible choice I have. Supporting Halstan would be betraying what the Rus has been, but at the same time it would make Azaq rich and powerful. Supporting Predislav would restore the house of Yaroslavich, together with their distrust for us, and would also increase the influence of Romans. Maybe something will show me what to do in the next few days before Halstan arrives. Likely I will make that decision in the last minute before my time runs out. By the strange twist of fate, when you read these words it will probably be over already. My last advice is to keep in mind that while there are few to trust and many to blame here, the Rus is something bigger than just the nobles ruling it. The Rus is the light. A.

[la coupe est pleine]

ahhhh, I lost my message, because of an idiot bug.
I'm sorry I will have difficulties to write you my feelings as good as I did.

Stupid computer.

Chapter 58
The political intrigues are there. It was a very nice and deep chapter. At first I had difficulties to understand everything but then, all came in a sudden flow in my mind, as clear as the sky in the morning.
I understand who the different strength were, and how naturally they were assembled together.
You succeeded to make something complex very simple.
And we can feel that the pressure is increasing, again, and again...


Chapter 59
Absolutely brilliant.
I loved as Oslyabya become all of a sudden the most appropriated man to lead the Rus, because of his wife connections and his ascendance.
For me, he IS the man to be crowned, given that he kept out of the plots, still pure as at the beginning of the Empire.
He is the one that is going to clean Kiev, and to destroy the intrigues.

I forecast a clash between nations, between religions from where only the saints can emerge, go Oslyabya.



EDIT: I just read your prelude for the final chapter, and I have only two more words:
Go Oslyabya

[Radzeer]

ahhhh, I lost my message, because of an idiot bug.
I'm sorry I will have difficulties to write you my feelings as good as I did.

Stupid computer.

Chapter 58
The political intrigues are there. It was a very nice and deep chapter. At first I had difficulties to understand everything but then, all came in a sudden flow in my mind, as clear as the sky in the morning.
I understand who the different strength were, and how naturally they were assembled together.
You succeeded to make something complex very simple.
And we can feel that the pressure is increasing, again, and again...


Chapter 59
Absolutely brilliant.
I loved as Oslyabya become all of a sudden the most appropriated man to lead the Rus, because of his wife connections and his ascendance.
For me, he IS the man to be crowned, given that he kept out of the plots, still pure as at the beginning of the Empire.
He is the one that is going to clean Kiev, and to destroy the intrigues.

I forecast a clash between nations, between religions from where only the saints can emerge, go Oslyabya.



EDIT: I just read your prelude for the final chapter, and I have only two more words:
Go Oslyabya

Thank you my friend, and it is always good to see you here! The plot has gotten really thick by now, and I always fear that people finally get lost in the story. Hopefully all will be clear soon.

So I am almost at the end of the final chapter. There is one more (somewhat difficult) part to write and a few pics to tweak (the last chapter will have about 50 pics), but it will be done by tomorrow night. The chapter is already very long, so likely there will be an Epilogue, and of course my customary "behind the scenes" part too. Thank you for hanging out until the very end!

Also, the MAARC vote is on, so if you have not done so, please go and check out some of the great works submitted last month!

[Scottish King]

Greatly anticipating the end!!!

[Radzeer]

Greatly anticipating the end!!!

Thank you and sorry it took so long! But now I can finally present the grand finale!

(In 58 pictures and 6,891 words to explain why it took so bloody long.)

[Radzeer]

List of characters

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The royal family

Grand Prince Vladimir
The first Grand Prince, leading the early expansion of the Rus, annexing several independent cities and fighting against both the Cumans and the Catholics. He has found the Holy Grail after taking Oleshe, and established the tradition in which the Grail is kept by the Prince to guide him. At the end of his life he retired and transferred the power to his oldest son and heir, Mstislav. He lived a long life and died peacefully in Kiev.

Grand Prince Mstislav
The second Grand Prince, and the oldest son of Vladimir. He held power for long as a Prince. He fought against the Cumans in the east, and conquered Smolensk in the north overthrowing the Novgorod-friendly council. He was a skilled politician and determined leader with a vision to expand toward the Baltic Sea. He established the Rus as a major power, although at the end of his reign he had difficulties with his brothers who wanted to have their separate ways. He died peacefully in Kiev.

Grand Prince Gostislav
The third Grand Prince, Mstislav's oldest son, the governor of Pereyaslav. Quite unremarkable as a child, he had a lot to prove. His decisions were not without controversy, but he did what he could to keep the Rus intact. He was somewhat successful with Yaropolk's sons in the west keeping at least their formal allegiance, but could not contain his other uncle, Yurii, who set up his own principality around Azaq. His rule was often compared to the rule of his father, in which comparison he did not fare well, especially about his foreign policy. He died shortly after a victory against Poland.

Grand Prince Nikifor
The fourth Grand Prince, Gostislav's first son. His marriage to a Venetian princess was supposed to build good connections to Catholics, but the alliance was short-lived. He is considered to be a talented leader and a capable general. He launched the long awaited war against Novgorod, which he carried out ruthlessly. After vassalizing Novgorod, he was caught in the conflict between the boyars and Prince Halstan. At the end of his rule he tried to reestablish the succession line of the Yaroslavich family, favoring his only son. He died in Kiev shortly before marching against Venice to retake Halych.

Predislav
Nikifor's only son. A talented military commander, but a man with a temper, similar to his uncle, Rostislav.
Apokavkos Komnenos
Member of the Roman royal family, who married Nikifor's second daughter.
Khotimir Kievskii
Kievan boyar who married Nikifor's youngest daughter.

Rostislav
Gostislav's second son. He lived the life of the younger prince in the Court, where according to the rumor he seduced Nikifor's wife. He led the attack on Novgorod, taking Polotsk, but died shortly after that in the plague.

Grand Prince Halstan Svendsen
Norwegian noble who married Princess Evfrosinia, Gostislav's daughter. Shortly after arriving to Kiev he was chosen by Nikifor to be his heir. After some conflict in the Court, Nikifor sent him to conquer the city of Novgorod, which he did. After Nikifor's death, he became the fifth Grand Prince. His rule was contested by Nikifor's son, Predislav.

Tvorimir Runo
Halstan's older son, governor of the Pskov fortress.
Derzhislav Cheshko
Halstan's second son, governor of Novgorod.

Petr
Mstislav's second son, the governor of the eastern Rus territories. He was trained by his uncle Yaropolk, and he took Serdobinskaya from the Cumans. He led the royal troops the Caucasus campaign. He took Baku and sailed across the sea to fight Khwarezm at Gorgan. The riches of Baku and Gorgan made him wealthy, although he was not successful to counterbalance Yurii and his sons' rule in Azaq. He died shortly after a raid on Astrakhan.

Dmitrii
Petr's son. He was young when his father died and was raised in the Kievan Court. He is a friend and supporter of Prince Halstan, and married Halstan's daughter. Later he worked to avoid the conflict between Predislav and Halstan.

Oleg
Mstislav's third son, the governor of Kiev. Although talented, he was a quiet member of the family, satisfied with administering Kiev. Many saw him as the man guarding the political legacy of Mstislav, mitigating the debates and conflicts in Kiev during Gostislav's and Nikifor's rule. He died peacefully in Kiev.

Danislav Severskii
An exile from Novgorod who became Mstislav's vassal and the governor of Smolensk. He died in battle against the Lithuanians.

Dobrozhir Severskii
The only son of Danislav. He revenged his father and killed the Grand Duke of Lithuania, but died in battle shortly after.
Stroislav Kubenskii
A Kievan noble who married Dobrozhir's oldest sister. Governor of Baia, and a loyal follower of the Grand Prince. He was a long time supported of Nikifor. He died under Halych when the fortress was taken by the Venetians.

Yaropolk
The second son of Vladimir. Legendary commander, the hero of many wars, and the conqueror of Lithuania where he acquired territories for his sons. His personal tragedy was that during his life only his youngest son, Volodislav loved him. He was a loyal general and had done much for the Rus - both by fighting its enemies and by containing his sons. He died shortly after his last victory against Poland, as the most decorated general of the Rus. At his funeral, his sons finally realized what their father has done for them.

Zhirovit
Yaropolk's oldest son, the governor of Vilnius. A violent, dreaded and unpredictable character, he fought in Poland to revenge his brother's death. He hated Catholics and pagans alike, and had plans to restore the political power of the house of Yaropolk. But after so much success on the battlefield, he could not taste the political victory. He died peacefully in Vilnius.
Moimir
Yaropolk's second son, governor of Mensk. He helped financing Zhirovit's campaigns. He was a city politician, satisfied with his position at Mensk. He lived a long, but politically uneventful life. He died peacefully in Mensk.
Tikhomir
Yaropolk's third son, former governor of Smolensk. He died young in battle against Poland at Mensk, saving the city and probably Moimir's life.
Volodislav
Yaropolk's youngest son, the governor of Riga. A talented commander who defeated the Teutons and repelled a Danish invasion. Widely considered as the real successor of Yaropolk's legacy. Later in life he gave up most of his ambitions. He died from a wound after a battle against Denmark.

Svyatoslav Basenok
He is an unremarkable character, but the rumor said that he is Moimir's bastard son, which is the only reason why Volodislav adopted him.

Yurii, Grand Duke of Azaq
The third and youngest son of Vladimir, the first Grand Duke of Azaq, the duchy he declared independent from Kiev. It was difficult for him to be in the shadow of his two brothers. He was not satisfied with the governor position of Caffa where he was supposed to live the quiet life of a young prince, and made an alliance with the Patrikeev clan in the east. He married the clan leader's daughter, Natalia and started to build his own princedom. He fought the Cumans for the control of the Azaq region, and later attacked the Muslims in the Caucasus. He was considered by all as the main conspirator in the royal family, constantly plotting to get closer to power. After Natalia's death he decided to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The pilgrimage ended with taking Acre, but became a political failure after mutual betrayals by the Roman allies. Yurii died in the siege when Acre fell to the Fatimids.

Grand Duke Ostromir
Yurii's oldest son, governor of Caffa. An unremarkable person in his early life, and withdrawn from the public ever since he survived an assassination arranged by Gostislav. When Sbyslav left for the Holy Land, he had to defend the Duchy of Azaq from the first Mongol invasion. He is the governor of Sarkel, the border stronghold. After the death of his brother, he became the third Grand Duke of Azaq. He was ambushed by the Mongols and killed in battle.

Ratimir Muromskii
A soldier in Sarkel who has shown exceptional bravery against the Mongols and was thus adopted by Ostromir and sent to Tbilisi to raise an army for Azaq. He was captured in battle and executed by the Mongols.

Grand Duke Sbyslav
Yurii's second son, commander of the Caucasus and Holy Land campaigns. He is talented in both politics and war, and succeeded Yurii as the second Grand Duke of Azaq. After revenging his father's death against the Fatimids, he returned to Azaq and fougth against the Mongols. He was an exceptional leader as well as military commander. He died in battle after many victories during a campaign to take Astrakhan from the Mongols.

Grand Duke Sbyslav Oslyabya
Grand Duke Sbyslav's illegitimate son, who did not know about his father until the Duke died. He was adopted by Ostromir and made successor of the Duke title. He conquered Astrakhan, and after Ostromir's death he became the fourth Grand Duke. He married Grand Prince Nikifor's daughter.

Milogost Fominskii
A Kievan noble who married Princess Eupraxia, Vladimir’s only daughter and thus became a member of the royal family. He was the governor of Zhytomyr. He saved Kiev from two Polish invasions, and was killed in the battle of Halych.

Georgii Patrikeev
Governor of Tmutarakan in the east, and an ally of Yurii who married his daughter. He died peacefully after taking Sarkel.

The three brothers

Alexios
The oldest of three brothers who as children were rescued by the Kievans after a Cuman raid. He is a cleric and a chronicler in the Court. He went back to Trebizond to look after his brother, Rurik. He was with Yurii in the Holy Land, and miraculously escaped after the fall of Acre.
Rurik
Alexios’ younger brother. Trained as a warrior, he used to belong to Yaropolk’s bodyguard escort. He was wounded in Trebizond in a battle and was thought to be dead for a long time. He returned to Kiev to fight alongside Yaropolk once more before he put down the sword.
Oleg
The youngest brother of Alexios and Rurik. He disappeared in a Cuman raid and was sold as a slave in Azaq. His brothers have been searching for him for years until they were reunited in Trebizond.He was the chief supply officer for the Court, and the author of the Miloslavich Diary. Shortly after taking Polotsk, he disappeared again in Novgorod territory. His son found him in a prison after the fall of Novgorod.

Andrei
The son of Oleg who was trained as a soldier in the Grand Prince's druzhina. He was in Halstan's army when fighting Novgorod, and later fought in the battle of Pskov. After that battle he and his father were dismissed from Kievan service by Nikifor. He went to Azaq and enlisted in Ostromir's army. He fought with Sbyslav's son against the Mongols, and later he became the commander of the army sent to fight in the civil war.

60. Darkness

My lord Oslyabya,

There will be a battle in a few days, a battle that decides the fate of the Rus. I send this letter with a fast runner, so that you could understand the political intrigues should I fall while fighting for Azaq and what has been dear to me in the Rus.

As we suspected the civil war was inevitable, and I am sad to note that both sides are to blame. Predislav's disappointment and anger has met with Komnenos' blind faith. With the help of Khotimir, the Kievan governor, of whom you may remember as the husband of Nikifor's youngest daughter, they were summoning troops all summer once Halstan named his son as the Prince. But they were robbed of an important ally when Lord Volodislav died. He was severely wounded in battle against Denmark, and passed away last week in Riga. His adopted son is said to be a weak and untested man, likely unable to keep the lands he inherited together. It is a shame that none of Yaropolk's four sons could leave a worthy successor behind.



At the other side there is Halstan no less guilty. He never wished to make a consensus, but was just trying to buy time to appoint his sons to important positions in the north. And what is worse, he plans to move the capital of the Rus to Novgorod, which has shaken Kiev and turned the whole south against him. Many say that he wants to restore Novgorod under his own rule. Finally, he started negotiations with the Catholic powers.





The peace offer to Denmark was outrageous, especially after the death of Lord Volodislav who is now seen as a martyr in the fight against Catholics. The offer was rejected, but it shows that Halstan would do anything to buy time to consolidate his power, even if costs the treasury a lot. Rumors say that he promised Halych to Venice and Plock to Poland if they aid him against Predislav, which is quite peculiar as Kiev is officially at war with both.

Almost everybody picked sides, and the leading families are ready for the fight. The only person with unclear allegiance is Dmitrii Yaroslavich. His wife is Halstan's daughter, but he is also the grandson of Grand Prince Mstislav. He used to be Halstan's friend and follower, but now few may know where his heart truly lies.



You have trusted me to make the right decision. Your confidence in me may have been misplaced though, as it is difficult to see the light at either side. I will pray to find the way, just like my father and uncles have found it many times even in the greatest darkness. I see little wisdom in what Halstan or Predislav stands for, and I weep when I see how far the Rus has gone from the days when we were perhaps weaker but our vision of what is right and what is wrong was not as blurred as it is today.

My hesitation also confused both parties. When the army of Azaq crossed the border, people were frightened first, but then both sides realized that they can use us for their own advantage. It took only a week for the first envoy to arrive, led by no other but Derzhislav, Halstan's younger son. He told me how the Rus will be governed from Novgorod, and in exchange for our support he offered us three rich southern provinces, together with official recognition of Azaq as an independent realm. I politely listened to him, but promised nothing. This would be a great gain, but it also would make us a buffer against the Romans, which is I think what Halstan really wants.

Upon arriving at Kiev, Predislav sent Komnenos to our camp. Their position was weaker. They offered recognition only if the Dukes of Azaq swear never to claim the Grand Prince title. Besides this, they promised some eastern lands around Ryazan. These provinces now belong to Dmitrii Yaroslavich by the right of his father. This tells me that Predislav and Komnenos probably think that Dmitrii would side with Halstan and as such being unworthy to keep his fiefs. This negotiation was not very polite, because apparently your father and grandfather have a reputation in the Komnenos family. Predislav's cause is more righteous than that of Halstan's but their offer is less attractive and poisoned with mutual distrust.

Predislav and Komnenos refused to challenge Halstan in the north, fearing that his Catholic allies may attack from the west and sack Kiev while they are away. At the same time, Halstan apparently understood that he has to defeat the Orthodox forces in Kiev to end this great city's central role once and for all. He is reported to be on his way from the north, and thus the battle will take place not far from here. He will likely wait for his Catholic allies to arrive, and for the same reason Predislav and Komnenos will probably try to force him to battle once he is near enough.

It is a terrible choice I have. Supporting Halstan would be betraying what the Rus has been, but at the same time it would make Azaq rich and powerful. Supporting Predislav would restore the house of Yaroslavich, together with their distrust for us, and would also increase the influence of Romans. Maybe something will show me what to do in the next few days before Halstan arrives. Likely I will make that decision in the last minute before my time runs out.

By the strange twist of fate, when you read these words it will probably be over already. My last advice is to keep in mind that while there are few to trust and many to blame here, the Rus is something bigger than just the nobles ruling it. The Rus is the light.

A.

~~~

"We have the scouts' reports from Smolensk. Halstan is approaching and will be here in two days." Predislav was tired, but he was glad that the waiting is over. He had a strong army and Komnenos brought a Roman contingent, so he felt the time to regain the title for the Yaroslavich family has arrived.

"What are the news about the Catholic armies?" asked Komnenos. "How much time do we have?"

"They were sighted near Halych. They passed the fortress and it will take at least four days for them to reach Kiev," said Khotimir. "The Venetian contingent is small, but the Polish forces are strong."

"Curse that Catholic bastard for bringing them into this!" Predislav was actually angry with himself as his diplomats were not able to keep the Catholics out of this conflict.

"We have the numbers to fight them... if all goes according to the plan," said Khotimir.

Predislav looked at his brother-in-laws. Both were tied to his family by marrying his sisters and therefore their fate depended on his victory. And that will make them fight to the end, he thought. "What about Azaq?" he asked.

Khotimir shook his head. "I just sent him another runner, but that sneaky general was not willing to give a straight answer to us. I don't know much about him or his motives. Cowards... Likely they wait until the last moment to join the victor."

"I know that man," said Predislav. "He was in my father's druzhina."

"How did he end up in Azaq?" asked Khotimir.

"He betrayed us, that's how." Komnenos had a ready answer before Predislav could say anything. "All traitors end up in Azaq. Their duke is the bastard grandson of Yurii Yaroslavich who greatly offended my family. Yes, his dark deeds in the Holy Land are well known to us... Fortunately, the Saracens killed him in Acre. But his spawns have not been any better..." he spat.

Predislav was surprised by this outburst. He suspected that Komnenos had a personal reason to hate Azaq, but this made their situation critical. It was a mistake to send Komnenos to negotiate, he realized. But personal motives should not trump state affairs. The sooner Komnenos understands this the better.

"Send another runner to this man," he said to Khotimir. "Promise him anything he wants to join our side."

"Anything?" Komnenos could hardly contain his anger.

"You can always promise anything, my friend," said Predislav with a smile.

~~~

"We have advanced too far. They are here, and it looks like that they are about to deploy their troops for battle." Tvorimir's report was alarming. Halstan and his two sons were marching toward Kiev leading a large army, but they did not expect Predislav and Komnenos to be so close. This was a miscalculation from Halstan's part who wanted to engage his enemies only when the Catholic armies arrive from the west.

He remained calm. "How long until our allies arrive?"

"We can't really tell. Likely not until tomorrow. And we can't fall back. We are too close to them already."

"We need to take defensive positions. Remember, we only need to hold them back for a while. The sun sets in a few hours." Halstan knew that Predislav and Komnenos are more pressed by time and have to risk the battle before the Catholics arrive. "Any information on their forces?"

"They are stronger than us, because of the Romans on their side. But we have the advantage in heavy infantry, and the Bergen contingent can take on a much stronger force." This was a last minute blessing for Halstan. Norway remained neutral, but Halstan was able to mobilize some of his subjects in Bergen. He never gave up his governor position there and the men who joined him were all hardened veterans, led by Halstan’s younger son.

"Any news on Azaq? Are their troops here too?" This was the only thing that really concerned Halstan.

"No sign of them," said Tvorimir.

"Our offer was very generous and they would be fools not to take it." Halstan frowned. "Unfortunately, they can also turn the battle against us if they side with Predislav. Keep a runner at hand. If Azaq arrives at the battlefield and appears hostile, they should be crushed as well."

"Yes, father."

"Very well," said Halstan. "Let's prepare for battle." But Tvorimir did not move. "What is it?" asked the Grand Prince.

Tvorimir was uncomfortable. "If I may ask, father, what is your plan with Lord Dmitrii?"

This was a difficult question, and Halstan frowned. Dmitrii arrived the day before to convince Halstan not to fight. Halstan was not willing to listen, and when it became clear that Dmitrii would not help him in battle, he simply put him in chains.

"I cannot take chances that he would side with Predislav. And I had enough of the talks. Predislav and Komnenos have made themselves the enemies of the Rus, and I will settle this account once and for all."

"Will you release him after the battle?"

"He used to be my friend, and for that I am grateful. If he is willing to accept my rule without conditions, I will release him. But I cannot afford challengers from the house of Yaroslavich. The Rus will be ruled from Novgorod, and that is my final decision." This was an ambiguous answer, but Tvorimir did not dare to ask again.

~~~

The two armies met not far from a village called Djerev. Predislav deployed the bulk of his infantry in the center, but his battle plan largely depended on Komnenos and the Roman troops who were on the right flank and hoped to overpower Halstan there. This deployment was of course not hidden from Halstan who reinforced his opposing flank with heavy infantry and his cavalry led by Prince Tvorimir. But the most shocking sight for many on the battlefield was that Halstan flew a flag which was not that of the Yaroslavich family, clearly signaling the new direction he set for the Rus.



Predislav had the high ground, but it meant little help for him. Halstan had no desire to start the battle, so there was no other choice but to order the Kievan troops to advance. As Predislav's men descended from the hill, the Romans on the right flank also started to march in perfect formation against Halstan's battle line.





The two armies have not yet met when the Roman mangonels opened fire. Halstan's men watched nervously how the fireballs explode in the air. Many knew that if the flames hit them there is no escape, as it burns through armor, cloth and skin. But there was not much time to think about it as Predislav's heavy infantry was already charging in the center.





The two battle lines clashed. Men on both sides were eager to prove their worth in front of their commanders. Halstan stayed behind, but Predislav rode closer to the melee to encourage his soldiers. The two sides were about equal in strength, and Predislav only wanted to keep Halstan's troops busy while Komnenos attacks on the right flank.



The Roman charge was more powerful than what Halstan expected. Several companies of heavy infantry attacked his spearmen there. They were able to push Halstan's men back in confusion, and it seemed that Predislav's battle plan works.





Halstan decided to send a runner to his son to lead the cavalry and charge the Romans to ease the pressure on his men. But there was no need for this, as the Prince saw the situation as clearly as his father. The cavalry rode around the flanks and attacked the second line of the Romans which was just about to enter the fight.



The melee was long and brutal. Casualties grew on both sides, but it seemed that Halstan's troops could hold their ground. The Grand Prince was cautious with his reserves and resisted the temptation to send them into battle. Instead, he shuffled his frontline companies according to the pressure coming from Predislav's troops. He also sent a runner to his other son, explicitly forbidding the Norwegians to enter the battle.





Predislav and his men fought bravely in the center, but that was not enough for the victory. All depended on the Romans who were able to hold back Prince Tvorimir's cavalry, but despite their numbers they made no progress against Halstan's infantry. Then suddenly the Prince saw Komnenos' banner behind the battle line. He and some other riders immediately attacked them.



Komnenos was caught off guard, and suddenly he had to fight for his own life. His men were hardened veterans, but the bodyguards of Prince Tvorimir were no less skilled. Somebody pushed Komnenos on the ground, and he would have been killed if one of his own bodyguards had not protected him with his shield in the last moment. That was enough for the Roman commander, and he decided to flee. Seeing the banner of Komnenos falling back, Halstan ordered a full scale counter charge. His reserve berdiche troops and his elite guard pushed forward too.





Once the Roman flank collapsed, Predislav's troops in the center got into a critical situation. As he saw Komnenos’ troops withdrawing to the east, he ordered a general retreat. He was frustrated and angry, has done everything and yet could not overpower the sheer force of the enemy. But fortune has smiled upon him when he saw the banner of Halstan ahead of his troops, chasing his men and striking down several of them.



This was an opportunity hard to resist, and Predislav spurred his horse to attack Halstan and turn the battle. He and his bodyguards galloped toward the Grand Prince. They were maybe a hundred paces away, not more. Eighty paces. Predislav leaned forward and extended his arm with his sword. Sixty paces. Fifty.

And in that moment, Halstan’s horse tripped.

Predislav could not see what happened. The Grand Prince was on the ground, but in the next moment, the boyar cavalry arrived and formed a protective circle. As he turned his horse, Predislav hoped to see Halstan’s body lifeless on the ground. But to his disappointment, Halstan was alive although he seemed wounded. His army lost its momentum though, and that saved Predislav’s men.



Predislav’s troops headed west for the village of Djerev to regroup, while Komnenos and the Romans were pushed back to the east. He has not lost the battle yet, and hoped that during the night he can reunite with the Romans. Still, the Catholics were expected to arrive next day, and Predislav knew that it was going to tip the balance in favor of Halstan. Regardless of how many soldiers Komnenos has left scattered in the night, now Azaq was his only hope.

~~~

The descending darkness found Andrei arriving at the battlefield. He could not keep up with the forced march of the Kievan army in the previous day. They have found many soldiers wondering to find their units or just hiding from their enemies. The situation looked confusing, but Andrei understood that while Halstan got the upper hand, the battle is not yet over, and the two sides will clash again next day. He did not want to get too close, as he needed some time to decide what to do.

Around midnight, the sentries reported movements from the east. They turned out to be Komnenos’ troops, regrouped and trying to use the night to slip through the enemy lines and join Predislav in Djerev. They were unaware of the army of Azaq. But before Andrei could maneuver his troops out of their way, the sounds of battle were heard. The Romans were spotted by the rear guard of Halstan’s army, which was deployed to finish them off. And these troops were the Norwegians from Bergen, led by Halstan’s younger son, Derzhislav.



This put Andrei in a peculiar situation. Predislav’s last message was simple: name the price for Azaq’s help. Now it seemed that he needs this help more than ever. But Andrei did not trust Komnenos, and helping Predislav meant helping Komnenos first. On top of that, Halstan's victory now seemed more likely, especially with the likely arrival of the Catholics in the morning. Andrei sent out a few Pecheneg scouts to report on the situation.



The reports made Andrei nervous. The Norwegians were fresh, well armed and seemed ready to fight. The advanced quickly to crush the Romans, showing a confidence which likely came from experience.





But the Romans had some weapons the Norwegians did not expect. Once the first company was close enough, the last remaining mangonel lit up the sky which was followed by a huge explosion. While dozens of men died immediately, the split second light also illuminated the ranks of the Norwegian army planting fear in the hearts of the Roman archers.



Still, the Romans had the high ground and Komnenos felt that they can stop the Norwegian attack, and then slip away. His only chance was to fight his way across to Predislav and hope for the best. He also needed a victory after his shameful run which was noted by many.

The Romans could hear the enemy getting closer. Komnenos wanted to wait to make sure that his archers have a good shot. He was just about to order fire when suddenly loud shots were heard and smoke appeared above the Norwegian ranks. A second later, several Romans fell, hit by bullets. Now Komnenos faced a new weapon, inaccurate but destructive in close range.



His archers responded, and as the hand gunners continued to fire they also exposed themselves as good targets. Arrows flew down the hillside creating a spectacular firework in the middle of the night.





Derzhislav saw that while the hand gunners shocked the Roman army, they cannot make enough damage to chase them away. It was time for the attack on the Roman positions. Battle cries were heard, and from behind the smoke came the Norwegian heavy infantry charging uphill with tremendous force.



The Romans were unable to hold their ground and were pushed back fast. It was impossible for Komnenos to effectively command the battle as he could hardly see anything in the darkness. Norwegians seemed to be everywhere, and when Derzhislav's cavalry charged his spearmen from behind, the battle looked lost again.





A few hundred paces behind the battle, Andrei's men saw how the first routing Romans pass their ranks. The Romans were surprised to see the army of Azaq, and most of them assumed that Andrei is here to help them. Andrei was still ambivalent about helping Komnenos, although it was clear that the Roman army was largely destroyed by now.



When Komnenos and his bodyguards arrived, the two men could not hide their mutual distrust.

"So you decided to help the house of Yaroslavich," said Komnenos without any appreciation. He seemed rather annoyed that Andrei has not arrived earlier, although the battle in the previous day was largely lost by his own cowardice.

"The house of Yaroslavich maybe... but can I say the same thing about you?" asked Andrei.

"My loyalty has never been questioned," responded Komnenos angrily. "I doubt the same thing could be told about you!"

"I have been loyal to the Rus in all my life."

"Says the chief commander of Azaq!" Komnenos laughed. "If you came to pledge your loyalty to the Rus, you could have done this days ago. No, my friend, you came to collect the highest price for your service, like a rotten mercenary who has no honor!"

The men around the two commanders were surprised by this exchange. Nobody expected Andrei and Komnenos to fight with words while there was a battle raging around them.

"If I was a mercenary, I'd be fighting on Halstan's side," said Andrei.

"You can still do it! Come on, kill me! Finish this battle, and then go and destroy the Rus with that Catholic snake."

"I will let no snake destroy the Rus," said Andrei. "Catholic or otherwise."

Komnenos drew his sword, but before he could say anything somebody yelled "They are here!" In the next moment the Norwegian cavalry which chased the fleeing Romans clashed into the ranks of Azaq. Derzhislav saw the army of Azaq and assumed the same reason for their appearance as the Romans. To have the first strike, his cavalry charged Andrei's troops, and soon both Andrei and Komnenos found themselves in the middle of the battle, in which they fought on the same side. With that, fate intervened on Predislav's side.



Derzhislav's troops were soon aided by some of Halstan's own cavalry which joined the battle. They came from a different direction, and caused much confusion. But this help was too little and too late. The Norwegians were exhausted after running into a much larger army they anticipated, and when it became obvious that Azaq is too strong, Halstan's cavalry fled too.





The night battle did not take longer than an hour, but it pushed Andrei into Predislav's camp, partly against his own will. The outcome of the battle has hardly made anybody satisfied. The Roman army was destroyed but most of the Norwegians fell too. These men were looking for fame in the Rus but only found their graves under the dark night.



Andrei looked at the dead body who his men identified as the enemy commander. He knew this man, who hardly two weeks ago offered Azaq independence and wealth. That offer has meant nothing now. Andrei knew that Halstan would never forgive the death of his son. He was also concerned about Komnenos who disappeared in the night. But there was no time to waste. Halstan must have been alerted by now, and Andrei faced the same dilemma as Predislav the day before: defeating the army of the Grand Prince before the Catholics arrive.

The night air was cool, and it started to rain again. Tomorrow there will be fog, thought Andrei.

~~~

Grand Prince Halstan felt betrayed. The news about the elimination of the Romans could not ease his pain about the death of Derzhislav and the loss of his Norwegian troops. But what turned out to be his largest shock was learning that the commander leading the forces of Azaq was his former lieutenant. Halstan remembered Andrei from Novgorod where they fought against Denmark together. The course of these events was most unfortunate. Had he known this before, he would have tried to convince Andrei personally instead of sending Derzhislav to negotiate who did not know him. But now Derzhislav was dead and for Halstan Andrei was a traitor in two ways, both as a friend and a general.

Early morning Halstan got the news that the Catholic armies arrived. This meant that now he could divide his forces. He planned to face Andrei on the battlefield, while he ordered the Catholics to attack Predislav in Djerev. His men were able to rest during the previous night, so Halstan hoped that he could crush the army of Azaq easily. He decided that they should be taught a lesson about meddling into the affairs of the Rus. His body was in pain because of the wounds from the day before, but he swore to have his personal revenge before he takes a rest.



Andrei knew where he could find Halstan's army. The morning fog hid both armies as they advanced towards each other. It was almost as if the two sides marched blindly into battle, facing the inevitable carnage. When Andrei's advance guard sighted the enemy, the army of Azaq was already too close to them. Andrei's archers could only fire one volley before the battle lines clashed.



On the left flank, Andrei's troops faced Prince Tvorimir's cavalry. The spearmen could not even take battle positions by the time the enemy cavalry reached their lines. In the center, Halstan's druzhina infantry and spearmen charged and the battle has started.





Tvorimir's cavalry attack on the left was so powerful that it soon routed Andrei's infantry companies and light cavalry there. Andrei ordered his reserves to form a new battle line, saving his center. Fortunately for him, Tvorimir's charge was not seen by Halstan in the fog, and he was unaware that Azaq has already lost ground there.



Once the enemy cavalry was stopped, Andrei saw that the battle is fought by roughly equal forces. He held the high ground which helped some, although his men had little rest during the night. But the real danger was now on the right flank where Halstan's boyar infantry slowly overpowered his troops. This was also the moment when the fog lifted for a short time, and Andrei could see Halstan's banner right behind his troops.



Leading his bodyguards, Andrei charged Halstan's boyar infantry. He had no intention to be pinned down for a melee, just wanted to ease the pressure on his right flank. Cutting himself through the enemy lines, he attacked the bodyguards of the Grand Prince.



This was the fight of hardened veterans. No mercy was asked and none was given. The casualties grew on both sides, but neither commander wanted to break up the fight. Soon Andrei saw several of his men, seasoned warriors of the Mongol wars to fall.



Finally, Halstan gave up the fight. His wounds from the previous battle were too much to handle, and he decided to flee. While the tide of the battle slowly turned in favor of Azaq, the Grand Prince tried to make a run for his Catholic allies, sealing the fate of his men. Andrei and his remaining bodyguards were right behind him. He knew that if Halstan is captured, the battle is over and the time of negotiations may come again. He did not want to see Halstan dead, for he believed that the Grand Prince was not the only person responsible for the civil war, and hoped that the further bloodshed could be avoided.



The fleeing Grand Prince reached a small forest, separated from his men. He lost a lot of blood and was not able to hold himself in the saddle. He fell on the ground and grabbed his sword, determined to make the first person finding him pay.

Andrei would not have noticed him if not for Halstan's horse which stayed close to his rider. As he arrived, he saw the Grand Prince of the Rus on the ground again, wounded but alive. Andrei got off his horse. In the distance he heard the battle sounds, but the fog hid the armies. Andrei was warmed up in the fight, but now he started to shiver. He stepped closer to Halstan.

"Surrender, and I will spare your life," he said.

"Do what you have to do," said Halstan weakly. "But I never expected this treachery from you!"

"It was not me who betrayed the Rus."

"What do you know about the Rus? You are blinded by your own limited views. Are these the men you fight for? A discontent son who spits on his father's decision? A Roman coward? I am the legitimate Grand Prince of the Rus, and now you betrayed it by taking arms against me."

Andrei knew that Halstan was at least partly right. Strictly speaking, it was Predislav who revolted because he was not satisfied with the succession. But it was not the whole picture.

"The Rus is also about traditions that are many years old," said Andrei. "One cannot just throw away these traditions and expect his subjects to follow him blindly. Kiev has long been the center of our realm and now you intend to end that!"

"When have you become so knowledgeable about traditions? Kiev is the past, and Novgorod is the future..." Halstan could hardly speak as he was in great pain. "You are a soldier, and a good one of that. Why don't you stay at your place and let those with noble origins make decisions about this realm?"

"I may not have noble origins, but my father and uncles have served this realm better than many in the nobility!" Andrei was starting to lose his patience. "I never looked for my personal gain! I left for Azaq because Grand Prince Nikifor released me." This was still a painful memory for him.

"Yes, you left because you questioned his rule and decisions... and now you still side with his son who isn't any better." Halstan groaned.

Andrei did not respond. Then he heard hooves and saw the shapes of riders appearing in the fog. First he thought Halstan's men came looking for their lord, but then he saw that the riders have Kievan banners. Their leader stopped by Andrei and looked at the Grand Prince on the ground.

"What an unexpected surprise," he said. It was Predislav. He was looking for Halstan, leaving Khotimir in charge until he returns. And he seemed very pleased to find him.

"So, the Grand Prince himself," continued Predislav. "Or should I say the usurper?"

"There is only one usurper here, and we all know who that is," scorned Halstan.

Predislav paid no attention to him. "Your service to the Rus has been most valuable," he said to Andrei. "After the battle we will meet and see what your reward is going to be. Now what should I do with our prisoner?"

"My men can keep an eye on him until the end of the battle," said Andrei.

Predislav sneered. "I think not," he said. He grabbed the lance of the soldier next to him and with the same move he stabbed Halstan on the ground. The lance pierced through Halstan's body, nailing him to the ground.

"And this is the end of the rule of Catholics and usurpers from Novgorod!" said Predislav. Andrei was shocked, as he saw the same ruthlessness in Predislav what has made a monster out of his father at the end of his rule. We have completely lost our ways, he thought.

"There is still a battle to fight," turned Predislav to Andrei. "The Catholics are stronger than us, and I count on you. Lead your men to battle, and we'll meet in Djerev." And he left Andrei alone with his dark thoughts and the cold body of Grand Prince Halstan.

~~~

Back in Djerev, Khotimir deployed his men how he felt the best. Djerev was a small village without any defenses. Khotimir's only hope was that the narrow streets of the village would make it possible to hold a numerically superior foe. He was able to reorganize the troops after the defeat in the previous day. Many were relieved that Azaq is now on their side, however the Catholic armies were strong and fresh, and wasted little time before their assault.

The spearmen guarding the south side of the village could hardly take battle positions before they heard the unmistakable sounds of cavalry. It was the Polish commander who arrived with full force. The charge was powerful, but Khotimir's plan seemed to work. After the initial charge, the Polish knights had little room to maneuver and they lost their momentum.





In the west, the Venetian infantry attacked. Poland had the numbers but the Venetians were better armed, and Khotimir realized that they are the more dangerous foe. He sent the remaining boyar infantry to back up his spearmen who were slowly pushed back by the Venetians.



Once the western part of Djerev seemed secure, Khotimir decided to attack the back of the Polish army. He knew that his riders are largely useless in such close quarters, and felt that the Polish infantry is too much focused on the village, leaving their back unguarded. His calculation turned out to be correct. The Polish archers were the first to fall, and then his charge caught the enemy infantry completely unprepared.





While the Polish forces made little advance toward the village center, the Venetians were much more effective. Their hand gunners were unstoppable as they killed scores of Kievans. Right behind the gunners were the elite infantry units, and the situation soon turned critical for the defenders.



The Venetians made it to the center square where they met the last line of defense, the elite infantry of Kiev. These men had the same battle skills and armor as their Catholic enemies, and were kept out of the battle before. Now the time to show their worth has arrived.



Khoitmir chased a routing unit of Polish infantry outside the village when he saw a company of Kievan riders approaching. Predislav arrived back at the best possible time.

"The battle behind me has been won, and Halstan is dead!" he shouted. "Azaq should be here soon. How long can we hold?"

"If we can stop the Venetians, the day will be ours!"

"Then this is what we will do. I will find the Polish commander, and you go back and support our men against Venice." Predislav was in his element, giving out orders. He felt that with Halstan's death, he is the lawful and unchallenged ruler of the Rus.

Khotimir just nodded, turned his horse and rode away with his bodyguards. Predislav soon noticed the banner of the Polish commander. He spurred his horse and attacked the enemy general.



This was the time when Andrei arrived at Djerev. The army of Azaq indeed won the battle. There were some cavalry units led by Tvorimir that continued to fight, and many of Andrei's men were wounded so he decided to leave his army behind and ride to Djerev alone.



He arrived from the same direction as Predislav and soon recognized him fighting on the street. Predislav did not spare himself. He was a skilled swordfighter and an experienced commander. Now it seemed that he would also become the next Grand Prince, restoring the rule of the house of Yaroslavich.

And in the next moment an arrow pierced his throat.



Andrei was shocked to see Predislav fall. A minute later he realized what was strange about this situation. Neither Poland nor Khotimir had any archers in the area. The arrow killing Predislav was the only arrow shot there. Andrei looked to the right and saw somebody stepping back to the shadow of a small hut across the street. He jumped off his horse, run by the soldiers who fought on the street, and with his sword in his hand he entered the hut.



It was empty, but he saw somebody running across the backyard, toward an old mill. The man had a crossbow in his hand. Andrei followed him. The mill was away from the fight on the street, and the man entered without anybody noticing him. Andrei did not want to charge in suspecting that other may be there too, so he stepped close to the door and listened. He heard voices from inside.

"He is dead, my lord." said the killer.

"Excellent news. Now we only need to wait until the battle is over." The voice was muffled, but still it was familiar to Andrei. "Here is your reward. And remember that I always need reliable men."

"Thank you, my lord. I will be at your service."

Steps approached and Andrei jumped behind a short fence. The killer came out, looked around and disappeared in one of the narrow alleys. Andrei really wanted to know who he was, but he felt that finding out the identity of the other man is even more important. He waited for a few minutes, but nothing happened. Then he entered the mill.

There was only one man inside. Andrei immediately recognized him, and regretted that the Norwegian cavalry had not arrived a few minutes later the previous night to give him an opportunity to take care of this man before all hell broke loose.

It was Komnenos. The man who fled from battle and then disappeared, probably slipping back to Djerev unnoticed. The man, who Andrei thought was responsible for poisoning Predislav's mind about Halstan. The man who was too weak or unworthy to rise in Constantinople and wanted to lead the Rus. No, thought Andrei. If Halstan was unfit for his position, Komnenos would be a disaster, even without this despicable assassination and Predislav's blood on his hands.

The Roman commander stood up and grabbed his sword. "I think we have an account to settle," he said. "Too bad I could not kill you last night."

"You would be dead by now if not for the enemy who saved you!"

"The enemy? You won't even recognize your own enemy. How do you think I was able to reach Djerev, crossing the Catholic lines? And this is the man who leads the army of Azaq? How fitting it is for you to serve a bastard as your lord!"

"I would serve a bastard before I would serve a double crossing Roman coward. You are a traitor, but your day is over. You will never have any power in Kiev."

"Power? What does the like of you know about power?" Komnenos scorned. "Your sight hardly extends beyond the tip of your sword."

"Sometimes that is all I need," said Andrei coldly. "Too many have died because of you already. And I am not here to argue with you." He raised his sword, but then something was not right. He smelled smoke. He saw that Komnenos looks up. The roof of the mill was on fire.

"Hah," grunted Komnenos. "Justice will be done and we can both die in the fire."

Andrei saw that the only exit from the mill is the door where he came in. Now it was behind him, but if he heads for it, Komnenos would surely stab him in the back. He stepped away. Then he heard rumbling from above which meant that the roof was ready to collapse in any second.

"So you decided not to flee," said Komnenos. "Very well. The Rus does not need fools and peasants." He jumped ahead, striking at Andrei. Andrei stepped back and blocked the strike. Then Komnenos made a run for the door, but in that second the ceiling caved.

Andrei was now under some heavy beans and other debris. He couldn't move and his head hurt. There was smoke and dust everywhere. He closed his eyes. Random pictures revolved in his head. Fog... village... battle... fire... carnage... escape... and then they formed a coherent thought, a memory holding a story he heard a long time ago.

So where does our family come from? It is hard to tell, son. I can't remember my father at all. We lost our parents when we were children. There was a battle in the village where we lived. We were attacked in the morning fog and the enemy soldiers came unnoticed. Many houses were burned down and many were killed that day. Me and my brothers hid behind a barrel and wept. I was terrified that they will find and kill us too, and I think your uncles felt the same way. Then somebody stepped inside. As I was told, it was Rurik who peeked out from behind the barrel. That man was a young soldier who rescued us, and later raised me as his own.

Fate is such a strange thing, thought Andrei. The story started with a battle in a small village, just like this. There was fire and there was fog, just like now. He wondered if somebody should be coming to save him. But nobody came, and his thoughts became blurred again.

Then darkness fell.
~

[Robin de Bodemloze]

It's chapter 60...out of 60...and we have a cliffhanger

THIS IS A TRAVESTY! I DEMAND TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS IN THE END!!

Ahem.

Brilliant. Simply brilliant. I had a sense that more than one player would die in the final battles but for both Predislav and Halstan to die was quite unexpected. The scene in the barn and Andrei's memory was quite sublimely written. It would seem that somehow Andrei would still be the final victor when all is done and dusted - surely that dog Komnenos could not be allowed to lead the Rus to ruin?

All hail

[nine-o]

That is all.

[Boustrophedon]

oh wow...just wow I don't even know what to say! A glorious chapter in the final stage of this AAR and what a chapter it turned out to be. I'll be re-reading this a few times tomorrow just to make sure I take it all in hehe. Those tactical pictures on the map are the best I've ever seen in creative writing! +1000 rep if I could