Here's your answer Alwyn
I have several posts written already, and am in the process of writing even more, so I plan to get the AAR back on track, with this post being the beginning of that. Thank you guys for being patient with me
As for the word Druzhinniki which is mentioned in this chapter, the word is the plural form of "Druzhinnik", which refers to a member of a Druzhina (
here's a Wikipedia link), which was the rentinue of a Russian ruler. A Druzhinnik is basically the equivalent of the Western Knight.
Enjoy guys!
Quorum Praeteritum XXXIV
Early Summer, 1108 AD
"Scouts returning!" came a voice, echoing throughout the camp.
Sergey Pavlovich stood and seized his sheath, which laid beside him from where he had been sitting outside Kosanov's tent. He then moved to the entrance of the camp, and saw the riders he had sent out returning, but only with what amounted to about two dozen men.
It was a ghastly sight for Sergey, to see so few men when he had been expecting nearly two hundred. He did not even recognize the man whom he presumed to be in charge of the group, quickly identifiable by the chainmail he wore as compared to his soldiers, who mostly wore leather.
"Where's the rest of the men?" asked Sergey as the scouts began to dismount. One of the Scouts gestured to the commander of the men to give an explanation, and the man began to speak.
"I am Iaslav Vasiliev, one of Igor's four Druzhinniki. We are all that remained to fight."
"But...where are the others? Why are they not here to fight?" inquired Sergey, slightly baffled, but also frightened.
Iaslav sighed, "Igor made a deal with the Karelians, and agreed to return to Anadrov. They far outnumbered us, and Igor didn't feel the Prince to be worth sacrificing himself for. Personally, I don't either, but I feel the King to be worth fighting for."
"That's...that's most unfortunate. We could have used those men. Well, I suppose we'll have to make due with what we have. Have your man go ahead and join the camp, but I want you to come with me." said Sergey.
Iaslav nodded and then turned to his troops, conveying Sergey's orders to them. The two men then walked to Kosanov's tent, where Sergey introduced Iaslav, who then told his tale. As the Druzhinnik explained what had happened, Kosanov's face grew long.
As he finished, Iaslav waited for a moment, looking at the old warrior. "I suppose we have no choice," he finally said, after what seemed like hours of silence, "Gather the men, Sergey, and tell them we ride to Anadrov tomorrow."