Usual excuses intermittent updates etc. etc.
This update is quite large and honestly it's been intimidating me for awhile, but I finally managed to plunge through it. It's one of the most important for awhile, so here we go!
Enewald: Søborg has always been a fairly sizeable castle...in Piety timeline.
Ilyavania: Hans is one of my favourites, I enjoy writing him, as I enjoy his scheming, plotting and abuse of human psychology to get the best out of him. Harald is starting to get more and more screentime as I try to introduce the characters of the next generation - Skjalm, as you say, is getting old (he's 43 by now, I think) and won't last forever! Harald Audensen is only one of the many who will replace the old crew in time, so I'm going to do my best to ensure they are developed and interesting characters in and of themselves, as opposed to being unfamiliar people who nobody knows at all.
Really glad you like it, hope you like the next update. ^_^
RGB: Fat Karl was indeed quite reasonable, in-game this battle was almost a waste of money as the moment my army showed up, there was a 2 day battle with 0 casualties at which point the entire rebel force disbanded! It cost me 30 ducats to get that army home in time for that!
General_BT: I'm glad you liked it. It was probably the bloodiest, toughest battle of the entire crusade in-game and I was really worried whether I was going to beat them. In the end I did secure victory. Skjalm, despite his leading from the front, has managed to survive where most others have not. He's quite lucky, and picked up a fair bit of prestige off of heroism events to boot! Like I said before, Hans is one of my favourites.
---- -=-=- ----- -=-=- -----
Chapter 36 – Treaty of Stettin
19th of August, 1077 Anno Domini
Skjalm looked around with wariness as he entered the hall, the sound of music and laughter washing over him and his entourage like a wave. Accompanying him were a number of figures: his brother Auden; Teodor of Gdańsk; young Harald of the Bragde clan and his senior advisors; Chieftain Boris of the Vends and Hochmeister Johann of the Teutonic Order. These were the loyalists that formed the core of his forces, united in their purpose of the crusade. Boris, like many of the Vends, was a Christian convert and had become part of the ‘New Vendish’ people who served as mercenaries and defenders of Denmark. In exchange, they had grown wealthy and prosperous, and their respect amongst the Danes had grown.
Looking around him, Skjalm took notice of many figures already here, eating and drinking – the formal discussions would not be until later in the evening and merriment was first on the menu. Aristocracy, be they the lowest noble or the highest king, would never dally in their chance to enjoy a party. Skjalm soon fetched himself a piece of fruit and sat down at the chair assigned to him, while the rest of his delegation found their own seats. He noted they had been spread apart, presumably to disrupt the ability of Sjælland to form a united group in these discussions. Teodor, like most ‘servants’, was obliged to stand and so would stay near him, as would Marshall Ribbing.
He took the time to examine the other notable men present. His personal knowledge was not so great but with a few questions and attention to detail, he was soon able to identify most everyone. It took him, for example, no time at all to realize that the man sitting to his right was the slavic Prince Udo, one of the Germanized Hevelli people who worshipped the cross and spoke German. The Margraviate of Brandenburg was the northern border of the Empire and Udo’s personal demesne, so he expected that this would be a point of contention in the negotiations.
On the opposite side of the room he saw a tall young man he believed was the Duke of Bohemia, Vratislav II Přemyslid. He seemed deep in discussion with King Bolesław of Poland, something that worried him greatly. What he believed to be ambassadors from the Kingdoms of Sweden, Norway and France had also arrived. France, he reminded himself, had contributed to the Baltic Crusade and seized the fort of Hologast during the initial invasions of Vendland – much to the frustration of the Germans, it still flew the colours of King Philip.
“This is unacceptable.” Udo said with some irritation to Skjalm. “Between you and me, I am certain that the Czechs and Poles should be in competition, yet there they are acting as if they were the best of friends. Have they really forgotten the Piast rule of Prague so quickly?”
“Maybe they’ve found a common goal between them.” Skjalm commented, his German a little shaky but still passable. “Perhaps Vratlisav wishes to use Polish leverage to try and gain lands. He has a lot to make up for after the defeat of his army to Krutoj.”
“Aye, I was thinking the same. Seeing as how it was my armies that took Stettin, this is most concerning to me. By all rights, those lands now belong to my family.”
“Skjalm!” A voice exclaimed. Skjalm turned and saw a grinning, familiar face. His sour demeanour brightened a bit at the reunion and he stood, widening his arms to embrace his comrade.
“Magnus! No one told me you were coming all the way here.”
The Duke of Saxony grinned widely and accepted Skjalm’s brief hug, then stood back. “The Emperor has requested my presence due to Saxony’s involvement in the crusades. Not to mention it was the perfect excuse to see you, it’s been so many years. I’d heard about Asbjørn but I was too busy to come pay a visit...my apologies.”
Skjalm patted Magnus upon the shoulder. “There is little any of us could have done. He died twice, and each death was as noble and fitting as a Viking hero could ask for. Perhaps our own times will come soon, but perhaps not.”
Udo looked at the pair with curiousity, one eyebrow arched as if in question. “So...you two know one another?”
“Skjalm and I go back a long time, Udo. My father was too busy to raise me after my mother died, so I was sent to the care of the Hvide clan. This old Dane was for a time my mentor and one of my best friends – I owe him a lot, as does all of Christianity. Skjalm is a hero.”
Skjalm shrugged. “I wouldn’t go that far, Magnus.”
“I would! Someone has to give you the credit you’re due. I will make sure my family always remembers the great deeds you committed in the Baltic.”
“Conquest is one thing, and only timing and sheer numbers permitted that. The bloody conquest of the Baltic permitted us a great deal of flexibility but now comes the hardest part – retaining that which has been gained! Not only must I ensure that the lands I have earned are kept, but I must also ensure that the people do not rise up. This task will be difficult and undoubtedly will try my patience before the end is upon us.”
“Saxony will vouch for the protection of Vendland, you have our support at least that far. For the rest we have little say, but I will do what I can brother.”
Skjalm nodded – this kind of politics was unlike anything he had engaged in before, but he took some comfort in the knowledge that few others were likely to be experienced in the art. Many rulers were soon going to argue over who deserved what.
There was a hail from the entrance and Skjalm turned to look, and then reflexively winced. Standing side-by-side, laughing and sharing conversation, was the last sight he wanted to see. King Harald Svendsen Knýtling and Emperor Heinrich von Franken, enjoying what seemed to be a very entertaining conversation. The King of Denmark would loathe seeing his arch-rival in Skjalm gain more power, and Skjalm was certain his obsequiousness was to gain the Emperor’s support.
He took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled. The last guests were filtering in; it would do him no good to panic now. He nodded to Magnus and took his seat as the others found their own. Once everyone was settled, the real thing would begin. He was brushing shoulder to shoulder with men far above his stature, and his skin tingled with excitement and nervousness. Now was the time to prove his worth in words.
------ -=-=- ----- -=-=- -----
Northern Europe, Pre-Crusades
“The point still stands, the size of territory this...this...
Duke has acquired is beyond irresponsible, he is no King nor does he hold royal status.” King Harald scoffed. “Would you have this vassal of Denmark rule such a great tract of land? By all rights it belongs to the Kings of Denmark!”
“I object, it is hardly different to, say, my own rule over Stettin!” Udo protested, standing up. “Would you claim that we, the Dukes of these lands, do not deserve the right to keep what we too have conquered?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, princes of the Empire are quite different. Why should we let this northerner rule what is by all rights Imperial territory?” Vratislav stated with irritation.
“We are in agreement that the contributions of all members of the Crusade need to be recognized, and their participation honoured and gifted. Skjalm, what say you?” Emperor Heinrich said, gesturing to the Dane.
The Dane stood and bowed his head. “Emperor.” He turned to the others. “It is true that the deeds of all men must be recognized, but it is also true that many men of Denmark gave their lives in this Crusade. In all, over ten thousand men served directly under the colours of Sjælland, of which many lost their lives and for which Denmark suffered a blow. The lands we have taken were honourably won, and to Danish hands much of them has been promised already. Not just to my own Hvide clan, but also to the brave men of the Bragde clans, the Ribbing clans and even to the Knýtling clan, something which my liege seems to forget in his protests.”
“Sjælland lays claim to everything east of the Oder river, how can we not protest my liege? This is a disgrace, no room is left for the brave Germans and Poles who gave up their lives, nor for the Czechs or the Wends who fought in battle in the name of the cross.” Vratislav scoffed.
“Danish troops were at the front lines of every battle in those eastlands, and won most of the land on their own blood, sweat and tears. The Poles were hardly to be seen, and the Germans who crossed east pledged allegiance to the Hvide or flew under their banners! How can this not be seen as our territorial rights?” Skjalm protested, looking a little flustered.
“The Danes are too hungry for conquest, have we not forgotten their bloodthirsty past? It has not been long since their kind invaded Anglia, and for generations throughout history they have terrorized the north. Why should we make this concession for them?” The emissary of France frowned.
“As if France can talk!” Sweden interrupted. “The French refuse to surrender Hologast and would bitterly hold on to that fort despite none of its surrounding land belonging to it by right.”
“Aye, Sweden is right, your King’s insistence on this move is aggressive not just to me but also to Germany as a whole!” Udo shouted in frustration.
“Might I remind you that this man has papal blessings!” Interrupted another voice, that of the Archbishop of Bremen. “I have a letter from the Pope speaking of his great support for Skjalm’s deeds, declaring him one of the most pious men of the north. It is his personal wish that Skjalm be responsible for ruling over Baltia, for such a pious, level-headed man is the perfect candidate to bring the heathens under the care of Christianity.”
Emperor Heinrich scoffed. “The Pope is a long way from here,
father, and while his opinion is noted, it will be we who decide how best to divvy the spoils of conquest.”
Duke Magnus raised himself up. “My Emperor, while the cries of protest by the King of Denmark are understandable, Skjalm has earned his family’s right to rule over the pagan lands. Perhaps he will be successful in establishing a Christian state there where the efforts of others have failed, and perhaps it is he who can stand as a bulwark against the Russians, who continually threaten the borders of the Poles, and who refuse to accept the Pope as the one true figurehead of Christ.”
King Bolesław nodded in agreement. “I can generally agree that a Danish ally against the Russians would be a positive thing – they have given me no end of torment and their barbaric values go against everything we as true Christians believe in. I will not, however, easily surrender what is mine. At the least, the lands surrounding Chełmno monastery are predominantly Polish – those people should return to the rule of the Piast, and not remain under Hvide control. This much we demand.”
A pounding on the heavy wooden tables ensued. “Aye, we’re in agreement, Chełmno monastery and the surrounding towns and villages are Polish by right!” Vratislav was quite noisy. It seemed clear he was trying to earn the favour of the Polish King.
Skjalm frowned, it was clear he was not going to get away from this negotiation without losses, it was probably all he could do to mitigate these losses as much as he could.
“Very well, I am willing to turn over those lands to the King of Poland, but what of Trusø? It lies not far downstream from Chełmno and it is one of the most important settlements of the region. Surely you do not expect me to surrender it to you?” Skjalm folded his arms, looking sternly at the Piast King.
Heinrich raised his hand. “Aye, I’ve thought of this, and I have a proposal that might suit you. I understand the Knights Teutonic have been left in charge of Trusø as a temporary arrangement. I would suggest this arrangement becomes permanent. It is a perfectly positioned outpost from them, and provides an Imperial outpost in the east as well as a safe administrator for the most important trade centre of the Baltic. Danes and Germans ought to both profit by such a measure.”
Hochmeister Johann’s face grinned a little, but he remained silent.
“Aye, Trusø to the Teutons. Let us create a proper buffer between Germany and the rest of the East.”
Skjalm thought about this. While Gdansk was held by his own troops, much of the region was land promised to the Knýtling clan and thus held subject to the familial claims of his liege. Perhaps this was the best time to do some politics of his own.
“Very well, then a proper buffer we should create. While the lands of the Vistula River fall under the jurisdiction of the Piast and the Teutonic Order, we should see to the lands west of that. It is my proposal that everything between the Oder and Vistula rivers be created into an independent Duchy of Pomeralia, neither Imperial nor Danish in origin, ruled only by itself. This state will serve as a neutral buffer zone between the Danish Baltic territory and the Empire’s own lands.”
Heinrich stroked his chin in thought when King Harald smashed his fist into the table. “Unacceptable - ludicrous! You cannot accept this proposal, he seeks merely to weaken my own gains while strengthening his own!”
Udo laughed and simply nodded. “I think the Duke’s proposal is an excellent one for the Empire, it has my approval.”
“Aye, and mine!” The Duke of Bohemia chipped in. Most of the other parties seemed relatively nonplussed.
“Very well, the Duchy of Pomeralia shall be established for the Pommern people forthwith, a suitable ruler will have to be selected, someone without reason for bias.” Heinrich clapped his hands. “Do we have any suggestions?”
Johann raised his hand. “Aye, I’ve got one.”
“Speak.”
“That man.” He pointed towards Teodor, whose surprised visage stood next to Skjalm. “He may be an advisor of the Dane, but he also be from Gdansk, of noble blood and most importantly, a born and raised Christian. I see no reason why we ought not to elevate him to the status of Duke of Pomeralia, such that he might maintain the loyalty of his people and act as the barrier we desire.
“A Hvide advisor as the ‘neutral’ ruler? Ludicrous!” Harald burst out again.
“This ‘Hvide advisor’ is also an indentured servant of the clan following his capture in battle. We would earn ourselves a great ally by freeing him, no?” Johann said with a grin to the Emperor. “It’s only good for all of us, the Hvide have one less potentially dangerous element to live with and we have our neutral ruler.”
Skjalm stayed silent. Teodor wasn’t exactly of noble blood that he was aware, but Johann was doing him a favour and he wasn’t going to stop that.
Heinrich nodded and waved his hand. “Let it be done! Pommeranian man, come forth and tell me, what noble family do you claim descent from?”
“My family has no formal name as your own German dynasties might, we simply state that we are of Gdańsk.” Teodor explained, his German a little choppy.
“Unacceptable! No, your people must learn to live and rule like we civilized folk. I propose that a formal noble title, recognized by the Empire and the Kings of Denmark and Poland be created, to solidify this creation.” Heinrich raised his hands. “All in favour?”
A chorus of Ayes resounded from most of the nobles present, leaving only the King of Denmark in his silent sulking. His eyes shot daggers at Skjalm, but the Duke ignored it for the moment. This was a success for Sjælland, in that he had successfully locked the King out of the Eastern Baltic.
“What shall the new folk of Teodor’s legacy be named?” Heinrich queried the room.
“The Pommeranians, despite being heavily outnumbered, fought with courage and strength, but also held the wisdom to surrender before all their number were lost. So too did they allow for the pious work of our missionaries to enter their lands, pushing people to the true path of Christianity. Surely we should think of an image suited to this fact.” Johann said thoughtfully.
“The Pommeranian people are said to be kin to my own Poles, they should take an avian symbol as their form, surely!” King Bolesław added.
“Let it be a griffin!” Said Udo. “What other beast might capture such an image so perfectly?”
Teodor looked like he wanted to have a say in his own name, but ended up saying nothing. He was lucky enough to be considered to begin with.
“Agreed! From henceforth you shall be known as Duke Teodor of the House of Griffins, is this acceptable to you?” Heinrich said, looking to the slav.
“Y-yes Emperor, more than acceptable!” Teodor said, trying to avoid the stutter in his voice. He was shocked that such events had worked so thoroughly in his favour.
“The last matter is that of the northern tribes. I understand that the Norwegians have laid claim to several stretches of land along the territory of the Curonian tribes, and that the Swedes and Gotlanders have seized a great deal north of Lithuania.” Heinrich said, examining the primitive map of Europe before him.
“Correct, your Majesty.” The Swedish ambassador said. “The Republic of Gotland had laid claim to the isles around Ösel, and we have successfully taken a great deal of the Estonian lands, despite interference by the vile easterners from Polotsk. We wish cooperation, not competition, with our Danish neighbours and would rather come to a clean agreement.”
Skjalm frowned. “Riga belongs to the Danes, it is an important settlement, but I would propose that everything north of the Daugava becomes lands of the Swedish King. Would this be held as acceptable to you?”
The Swedish ambassador thought for a moment, then nodded. “Aye, this is in line with the instructions of my liege. We are in agreement.”
“Very well, all that remains is the matter of the Wendish territories.” Heinrich leaned forward. “I understand that the territory is currently ruled by Prince Udo, and I wish for this to remain in our control. Under the Treaty as we are prepared to sign it, I propose that these lands should remain under Imperial control, from the borders of Vendland to where we sit in Stettin.”
“Aye, this is acceptable.” Came from Skjalm, along with another chorus of agreements.
“I do not believe that such lands should remain under Udo’s control my liege, what does he know of how to rule such large territories? Allow me to reign there!” Vratislav interrupted.
“Silence, Vratislav! The details of who within the Empire shall control this territory shall be arranged at a further date and is irrelevant to this conference of nobility.”
There was a dark silence, at which the Bohemian Duke looked away.
Heinrich looked around. “Have we any other business to attend to? No? Then have the scribes formalize the notes onto one parchment, and let us sign this agreement. These divisions between countries are formal, internal divisions shall be based upon the desires of the individuals. May each govern their lands as best determined by the Grace of God, and let Him guide us to successfully bring God to the pagans of the lands.”
Northern Europe, Post-Crusades
There was relative silence as the scribes scratched out the details of the treaty, describing vaguely worded borders as agreed by the discussions. It was already well known to every man in that chamber that this agreement would be prone to discrepancies of all sorts and that conflict would inevitably rise over who claimed what. It was also known that where Skjalm had been given Catholic acknowledgment of the rule of all of Lithuania, much of this now fell under the command of Polotsk. As the parchment passed to Skjalm, he took the pen and signed his name and title, granting his approval to the treaty. That day, only one name was not signed, that of the Ambassador of France, who refused to accept the loss of Hologast.
The territory gained by Sjælland was a great boon to Denmark, and Skjalm had earned himself a place in history. While Sjælland held less than half of the territory it had claimed before the treaty, it was overall viewed as a success that the ruler of an island in northern Europe would be able to achieve such explosive gains so quickly. The King of Denmark, having gained little during the time of the Baltic Crusades, was understandably worried.