Homelands
Chapter Fourteen: For Which He is Remembered
Part 1
Prelude:
The last years of Eadbert’s reign was filled with constant war. It started in 1151 with Russia and by 1153 the obvious target was Poland. With Catholicism busy with crusades, the advance on the poor Kingdom went unnoticed and unchecked. The Noble Republic was under the guidance of a fresh King, one that again saber rattled against Prussia, though this time he did not go on the offensive. Instead Eadbert took the initiative and invaded Poland from several directions; armies from Ukraine, Prussia, and Pinsk all struck in a timed concert. Under the expert guidance of Aethelwulf and with Gunvald’s diplomacy keeping other nations out of the issue, Eadbert was able to single Poland out, scatter her armies and mop up large territories to attach to the Kingdom. His plan was to do this again and again until Poland was removed from the map and he was crowned King. The Second Polish War was brief, lasting only a summer. With her armies scattered and newly elected King dead, the Polish nobles surrendered to Prussia’s demands quickly as to rebuild. Unknown to many Polish peasants the line between the two nations was pushed westward and Poland was cut off from the Sea.
Prussia and Poland in 1153, Dark Green is territory seceded to Prussia.
August 6th, 1153
Gunvald surveyed the new Prussian lands for his father. The lands were poor, as was much of Poland, but the people tilled the fields and brought in crops. The people had a passive recognition of him as their new master. He took notes and with the help of an engineer, plotted a route for a new road; one that would eventually connect Memelbuhr to Krakow. Defenses were not expanded, however. Gunvald told the advisors that by the time they were finished, the next war would be over and they would be useless. They seemed startled by this, but said nothing. But he knew that the Polish forces would not be caught like this again. They would remain vigilant, waiting for Prussia’s strike in the near future. With the Holy Roman Empire a faded note in history and the German Civil War in full swing their only potential ally was gone.
“Sir, a Polish noble wishes to express his desire to expatriate to Prussia.”
“Bring him forth,” Gunvald said, leaning back in his saddle. His guards brought forth a haughty noble dressed in fine furs and carrying a large sword. “Disarm him.” The guards did as commanded and removed his sword and checked his person for more. When it was confirmed he was good, the man was allowed to step before Gunvald, where he bowed and removed his hat.
“I am Arapad Piast, scion of the Piast family who once ruled this Kingdom.”
“I am rather busy, so if you have a request, make it,” Gunvald said without looking down at the noble.
“Before the war I was Duke of these lands, Kuyavia. I wish to ask for them to be returned in exchange for my fealty.” He bowed deeply, but tried to not take his eyes off Gunvald.
“These lands have been reserved for my cousin, who shall be taking the title Prince of Kuyavia. Your fealty is not required at this point.”
“Bu… but… What right do you have of my lands?!”
“As a noble of Poland, you are guilty by association to the plotting of your King to attack Prussia. You should feel lucky I do not have you executed on the spot.”
“Please, no… wait! I cannot return to Poland now that I have left! I have already committed the act of treason!” Arapad shouted as Gunvald turned to leave.
“And I want nothing to do with a traitor.” And with those cold words Gunvald turned around and left Arapad. The guards chained him up and had him shipped back to Poland. From there he would flee south and into Hungary. Gunvald did not worry, however. The Piast line was not long for the world. His however, he knew would rule for centuries to come.
