Episode VII: Tverni, Tvidi, Tvici
The door of the king’s study creaked open behind Dobczyński. The Polish soldier turned around and saluted as Aleksandr (II) Rurikovich advanced into the hallway.
‘Sleep well, sir?’
‘Yes, thenk you Dobczyński. Hev been up for an hour, in fekt. Was just polishing my sword.’
‘A good idea, sir. Should be done regularly.’
‘I thought so, Dobczyński.’
‘I could help you next time, sir. I always enjoy polishing your sword.’
‘Perheps next time, then, if not too much trouble.’
‘Always a pleasure, sir.
‘So. What is on agenda for today, Dobczyński?’
‘The Prime Minister advises that you should meet with Prince Dmitriy.’
‘Who?’
‘Prince Dmitriy, sir. Son of the other, late Prince Dmitriy.’
‘The one who took three unfortunate hunting accidents to back of head?’
‘That’s the one, sir.’
‘I know him. But who is other one?’
‘His son, sir.’
‘I don’t know him.’
‘You were at his wedding, sir.’
‘I go to many weddings, Dobczyński. Am mightiest king in Russia!’
‘Since the rest of Russia has either been annexed by the Golden Horde, is a Vassal of the Golden Horde, or is a Merchant Republic...yes, I believe you are.’
‘So. Who is this Dmitriy?’
‘I think I’d better have him introduced to you...’
‘Splendid. End he look less dangerous than his father. No monobrow.’
‘Yes, sir. He’s not very talented, but he’s not a total moron either.’
‘Anyway. Was there anything else?’
‘No, sir. Any plans?’
‘Es metter of fect, Dobczyński, yes...I notice that Novgorod hev broken alliance with Castille.’
‘Yes, sir. A strange alliance in the first place.’
‘Indeed. They are open to attack.’
‘I don’t know if they have any money to take, sir.’
‘I em not after money, Dobczyński. Other Russian states are broken. Tver is only free state. It is our destiny, Dobczyński, to unite Russian peoples under stylish red banner with horse that is totally not rip-off of Muscowy.’
‘You want to take more territory off them?’
‘Yes! Rich, fat city of Novgorod herself is but a few miles from our borders. We can take their capital, and more territory besides. More tax income, and more recruits for our grand army!’
‘It’s bold, sir...and it might just work. But what’s our Casus Belli?’
‘Inspired, sir.’
‘I thought so, Dobczyński. To bettle!’
The armies of Tver marched north, over the border into Novgorodian territory. Novgorod’s city guard was small, and stood little chance against the Tverian troops, led into battle by Dobczyński.
The Battle of Novgorod was short, and decisive.
Dobczyński laid siege to the rich city as the rest of the army was divided into two fronts. Scouts reported Novgorodian troops massing in Arkhangelsk for a counterattack. Part of the army moved east into Belozeroo, the other hald north-east into Olonets, to block the Novgorodian advance into Tver’s territory.
The siege of Novgorod lasted mere weeks, the defenders rapidly capitulating as the Republic’s trading partners implored them to surrender and allow the Centre of Trade to re-open.
With this victory, Aleksandr assembled his personal guard, heading to join the army in Arkhangelsk. The Novgorodians had retreated in Ustyug, ready for a last stand: and Aleksandr Rurikovich was more than happy to give them one.
The advantages of numbers, training, and a near-naked military genius made the battle a foregone conclusion.
The sieges of Arkhangelsk and Ustyug were not much longer than those of the Novgorodian capital.
Aleksandr returned to Novgorod, where his troops had taken control of the city and surrounded the Knyaz’s lavish palace. He delivered his terms to the Knyaz, who had little choice but to agree, even though it means that Novgorod would cede not only two large stretches of land...but the capital city itself.
Returning to Tver, Aleksandr and Dobczyński looked at the redrawn map of Eastern Europe.
'You see, Dobczyński? Much neater!'
'Indeed, sir.'
'Both name and country are of great size, and shape!'
'Much like your sword, sir.'
'Yes indeed. Well, we hev both hed much practice these last few weeks, but perhaps another session...'
'Always happy, sir. No such thing as too much practice.'
'Of course not, Dobczyński. Just try not to run me through.'
'Don't worry, sir. As ever, I will be firm, but gentle...'
While the next battle with the Horde could not be far away, they had seen off Novgorod, and were the undisputed powerhouse of Russia. Danger lurked on all sides, the threat of the Tartars backed up by the potential for an attack from the powerful Catholics of Scandinavia. For now, however, all was rosy in the garden of Tver.