Chapter 11
War of Swedish Agression
The war of Swedish Agression was to be fought mainly in Norway and North Western Russia. However the very first engagement was fought in the Principallity of Wallachia as Polish forces achieve a swift victory and Swedish diplomats an equaly swift peace where Wallachia pays war reaparations.
August Gorkas march to Sweden was to take almost two years to complete. He was bogged down in the siege of Pskov and forced to march around the Gulf of Bothnia as Novgorod dominated the Baltic sea. He arrived in Eidsiva and in unison with the Swedish garrison he drove of the Norwegians.
This victory and allows Sweden to sign a peace with Norway where Norway cedes Eidsiva, Bohuslän and Jämtland. This allows Swedish and Polish forces to focus on the last remaining enemy: Novgorod.
The war at sea
There are few records left of the naval engagements during the Swedish war of Agression. A major engagement was fought in Öresund. The inexperienced Polish and Swedish sailors fail to hold of the Novgorodians who manges to capture the Polish "Lindorm" and later completely crush the Swedish navy. "The Aleksander" manages to reach safety in Älvsborg.
The Eastern Front
The war on the Easter front initially went well for the Polish-Swedish alliance. Nöteborg fell to Polish forces and Karelia and Kexholm fell to the Swedes. The road to the Novgorodian capital lies open.
Another Dynasty cut short
Having been unable to follow Polish forces on campaign due to his age Prince Wladyslaw remains in Krakow castle. However the unusually cold spring causes him to succumb to Pneumonia. (Heir Falls Ill, Medicus unable to help him)
However not all is dark in 1473. In the Summer the Novgorodian capital capitulates to August Gorka and the swedes halt a Novgorodian attempt to assault Finland. The Novgorodians retreat east to olonets but are intercepted by Augusts forces.
Polish and Swedish troops go into winter envampments until May 1474 when scouts report Novgorodians in Beloozero. With Swedish troops tied up in seiges it once again falls to August to stop the Russians. He is once again succesfull. Polish cavalry easily rout their Russian counterparts and proced to massacre the infantry who flees in dissarray.
This victory allows Sweden to press demands against novgorod and peace is achived after almost 5 years of war. Novgorod cedes Kexholm and Karelia and release the Principallity of Yaroslavl. August Gorka is hailed as a hero by Swedes and Poles alike and the Swedish king bestows the title of Swedish Field Marshall. The highest honour a foreigner can recieve.
Leegitimacy, Legitimacy, Legitimacy
King Aleksanders heir: Wladyslaw was to be the first fully legitimate king of Poland sense Wladyslaw II. Unfortunatley Wladyslaw died in Pneumonia and Aleksander perishes without an heir. Another Aleksander of the Jagiellon dynasty is elected by a council of nobles. While he is from the same dynasty as Wladyslaw II that dynastys legitimacy is long gone.
Lasting peace at last
The rest of the 1470s pass rather uneventfully. In March 1477 a prominent philosopher is condemned as a heretic but he recieves Aleksanders protection. Aleksander cares little for the clergy.
In May 1478 General August Gorka dies. he is given a Grand funeral in Krakow Church. The Swedish king even travels to Krakow to attend the funeral.
In July 1479 Plague strikes Ersekujvar and Aleksander orders all possible help. The reign of Aleksander looks to be a benevolent and peaceful one.
To be Continued