The Russian Threat
(Please bear in mind that I altered the starting settlements for Russia, giving them everything from Bulgar to Vilnius)
Russia was now stronger than it had ever been. the Grand Duke had secured alliances with Poland and Hungary to the west. However, this was just an insurance, to prevent war before he was ready. As soon as the armies were ready, Yseolod planned to invade Poland and enslave its people....
But in the mean time, the old Duke sent his daughter, Antonina, off across Europe, selling alliances and obtaining vital map information. Watchtowers were set up along the lengthy border, monitoring nearby activity. As it turns out, Poland had secured the settlement of Iasi, lengthening the potential Front substantially. This would delay the attack considerably, whilst extra troops were mustered. What's more, they were all castles, quickening their muster time and making a successful storming even harder to achieve.
Tragically, in the year 1124, the Grand Duke died, leaving the throne to his son, Vladimir. He took on his Father's quest for mastery in Eastern Europe, and preperations continued.
After the death of Ysevolod, Vladimir's brother, Mikhail, was against carrying on the preperartions, in favour of peace, and after bitter arguments with his brother, Mikhail gave up his Heir apparent status and rebelled against his brother. The problem was, he controlled the largest army that Russia had at the time, and was dangerously close to Vilnius. With a stroke of luck, Antonina had managed to sell an alliance with the Holy Roman Empire, which brought in enough money to muster another army, albeit with mercenaries. It marched out of Vilnius, led by Boris Pavlov, to meet the treacherous Mikhail.
When the two armies met, the day was misty and murky. The rebels deployed atop a hill, forcing Pavlov to attack up it. Firstly, he sent the archers, to wittle down the enemy numbers. His cavalry was sent to the left, to counter the threat of the enemy Kazakhs.
Slowly, under withering arrow fire, the infantry line advanced up the hill. At the last minute, they charged at the enemy line, swords and spears aloft. Minutes later, the cavalry, after having dealt with the Kazakhs, charged Mikhail's Bodyguard, preventing their charge against the Russian line. Almost immediately, the rebel left flank crumbled, running like children from the might of the Russian army. This effectively ended the battle, and the death of the traitorous general sealed the army's fate. Not a man left the field alive.
Just days after the battle, a Polish army was seen crossing the border, headed toward Kiev....
To be continued...
Hope You like, comments welcome
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