Prinicipal Court of Suzdal

[I Killed Kenny]

The man looks with suprise to the russ

I am really sorry for not knowning that... The man looks dow for sometime and looks up and replies Seeing that my main mission is obsolete, I think I would need to say that, I'm here if The Grand Prince needs me...

 

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Repin speaks to the ambassador again:

"The roads to Suzdal are long and treacherous. Many a messanger has perished along them. It is understandable that our governments are sometimes out of touch. On the important things we however find common ground, your excellency.

Would you care to join me and the Grand Prince in a discussion. Grand Prince Yuri seeks to enlarge the Volga Alliance to include more realms of the North, so that it will become the bane of our enemies, the scythe of the fallen and a bond of friendship, brotherhood and understanding betwixt its allies."

With these words the ambassador is ushered into a hall, with the Grand Prince - Yuri called the Mute - sitting upon a throne. Well, rather an expensive seat.

Repin quickly moves to his side and wispers something into the ears of the monarch. Yuri looks at the visitor. His face not revealing emotion. He then quietely speaks to Repin. A word or two. The advisor quickly begins the speech:

"Your Excellency, Muscovy was always a trusted and fellow friend of Vladimir. So it is now. So it shall be forever. We value our most illustrious friend, Grand Prince of Muscovy as our brethen, dearest friend and closest ally.

Grand Prince Yuri of Suzdal is curious as to what are Muscovy's plans for the region. Many a things had transpired since we last spoke. Suzdal is curious whether Muscovy would object to additional members into the Volga Alliance. A pact of steel bonding the realms of the north together. Stronger with each member.

Our spies inform us of an alliance bonding Muscovy to Tatarstan. Is it true?

Would you kindly share Muscovy's opinions and insights, especially on the last point"

With these words both men look at the ambassador in anticipation.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

When the ambassador was summoned he did not know why he was there... But he was very suprised to see the question the Grand price made to him...

Well, Moskwy is trying to enter an Alliance with the Golden Horde, that is true... We do this for our own safety The safety of all True Russ. The Baltic country of Pkov have for too long been a big treat to us. And the Liths are not to be trusted, they don't have a stable govern like we do... They are a nest of Problems, They even made us lost many land to our past enemies... Of the Cristian faith we belive only in our friends here... in Suzal...

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The Moskowy's ambassador recieves a letter after his last words with the Grand Prince he reads the letter but only speaks about it, after hearing the Grand Prince

 

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Repin speaks:

"Excellency, are the Liths or the Pskovites a bigger threat than the Tatars?!

Those who offer you vague promises of Kiev while bonding your nation to theirs?

Let us not again become slaves of the Horde! Let us forge alliances betwixt ourselves so we will be strong - in unity and not discord!

Suzdal will soon ask Pskov and Lithuania to join the Volga Alliance. Will Muscovy support our decision?

Judge your actions carefully, for now the Horde is luring you into their webs with sweet words and honeyed looks. They ripped away a third of your territory from you but a few years ago. They have crippled the Lith, annexed Crymea!

Liars, thieves and highway robbers, their strength lies in their numbers. Like the locusts that rise from the distant steppe to cover the skies and destroy the crops they are.

Let us not offer our freedom for promises."

Repin gets aggitated and the Grand Prince of Suzdal takes the word:

"Suzdal wants Muscovy to prosper. But the path through the Horde is one of servitude and beggardom. Your monarch has to judge carefully what he does. For then there is no easy way out."

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The ambassador replies

Like the Grand prince said.. they are not a bigger treat... Pskov is ours to the taken... He could conquer them, now, No one would help them now...
And even if the liths the russians and the Baltics would ally the horde would have the help of all muslems world... The same would not happen to us... Because we orthodox are not many as we should...
Belive in me, grand prince... The Grand Prince Vassily don't ally with the Horde for pleasure... They are the best allies any russian could have... We shall take back what is yours... And if Suzal goes with us, we shall give something to our biggest allies... that is my promise in the name of the Prince of Moskow

 

[N Katsyev]

Great City of Vladimir

As the early snows fell and coated the world in a delicate blanket of white against the backdrop of the ancient city of Suzdal, a sled pulled by marvellous russian beasts carried in it five men. Four men of arms, the final a man who was not a diplomat, had never wanted to be a diplomat and was acting as a diplomat once more. Zavid Levivitch Probeetski squinted against the flurry of cold white that fell gracefully about them and coated his thick eyebrows and beard. The air with a greater bite than any of the dogs that pulled his sled turned his broad lips almost a shade of purple.

Passing through the gates of the Vladimir Kremlin he and two of his men stepped off the sleigh and their wet black boots tred a path in the newly fallen snow toward the enterance of the Grand Prince's hall. Once inside Zavid removed the fabulous cloak of only the most rare furs to be found in the hinterland of the colonies. Fur that would fetch the yearly incomes of many petty lords of the west and handed it to one of his aides. His rugged, broad body, though worn with age was far more worn by the elements. A frontiersmen all his life - and not a diplomat.

However Levivitch had acted as a diplomat here once before, Prince Andrei knew this, and Levivitch had now returned. Approaching the great doors to the Grand Prince Yuri's inner halls Zavid stopped before the courtiers at the door and standing nearly as rigid as his expression spoke in the deep voice of a man who wastes little time on talk, and when he does speak has assured himself before hand that it is not only warrented, but necessary, "I, Zavid Levivitch, servant to my sovereign Czarina Mina Andreyevna, Grand Princess of Pskov-Novgorod have come as servant and representitive of my sovereign to your most honorable Grand Prince. Your Grand Prince who has spoken of friendship when after only so short a peace, darkness, an ancient evil darkness once more threatens our Holy Mother."

 

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The Grand Prince is disturbed by the sudden arrival of the herald. All eyes of the assembled people turn to the herald. Among them the Grand Prince himself. They put away the genealogy of the House of “SIZDAL-NIZHEGOROD-SHUISKII”:

The herald, realizing that he disturbed an important conference is taken aback, but still announces his message:

“Grand Prince, ambassadors of both Muscovy and Pskovgorod ask for response.”

Yuri, the Grand Prince rolls the above chart and leaves the room to walk into the throne room. Behind him walk Yuri the Small. The heir to the Grand Prince. Alexander Fyodorov. Advisor of War. Pyotr Pyotrovich. Advisor of Trade. Curiously absent is Ilya Repin. Advisor of Diplomacy.

And hence it is the Advisor of Trade, Pyotr Pyotrovich who speaks in the Grand Prince’s stead:

“Grand ambassadors. Both of you have come before. One seeking aid in a war. The other is seeking peace.

Suzdal, a friend of all in the north is in a hard place. We have allies who seek war, the last thing we want. A struggle between Orthodox principalities.

As you know, the text of the treaty does not bind us to join Muscovy in their struggle. And I quote the Third article of the Volga Alliance:

Article III: In the event of an offensive war conducted by one party of this alliance, then it is not required for the other party to participate in the war, however it is advised that the other party support the warring party through military or financial means.

Therefore, we shall not aid neither Pskov nor Muscovy. Suzdal hopes that this conflict will be resolved before the dogs of war are unleashed completely.”

Fyodorov, Advisor of War steps forward:

“But do not think that Suzdal fears a battle. 1,000 lances we have beneath our banners. Some saw recent action against the Lithuanians. We are ready to fight, who will give us a reason to do so? For better of for worse?”

The ambassadors are now to speak to the gather Council of Ministers of Suzdal and Grand Prince Yuri of Vladimir.

 

[N Katsyev]

Throne room of Grand Prince Yuri​

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Zavid Levivitch watches the Grand Prince and his heir depart with a combination of interest and nonchalance that if it had not been seen on the face of this rugged frontiersmen would have been thought to be impossible. With the speech of Pytor Petrovich completed and without giving the Moscovite as much as an instant's attention Zavid raised his calloused hand to the level of his chest and stepped forward before speaking, his eyes in a squint that was obviously natural to him after so many years of looking into the blinding brilliance of snowswept poostash, "With due respect of course, I do believe your assumptions are premature... "

Pausing Zavid taps his chin under his beard indicating that he had not been informed of the man to whom he was speaking, "It is not for aid that I leave the city that bears my name. That has been built under my guidance, with my work and toil. I am also here not for Pskov alone, but for the Union of Pskov and Novgorod - ultimately sovereign and by every action defender of our most beloved faith and brethren."

Straightening fully and clasping his hands behind his back, Levivitch continued, "I have only come to find with my own eyes the true intentions of your most noble Grand Prince. I have come to see whether the Grand Prince Yuri of Vladimir-Suzdal wishes peace for all, wishes victory for the righteous of Pskov-Novgorod, or wishes to partake in the unholy and despicable actions of its Moscovite allies. Twice now your Grand Prince has seen his ally betray his people and his faith, in this instance far worse than ever before."

His voice having become rather loud as he spoke, as if to chace down Grand Prince Yuri with sheer volume and strength of his tone - yet now Levivitch calmed and spoke more slowly and with less stress than immediately previous, "I do admit, that it is my own personal sincere hope that we could find help from our brethren. I do admit, that the sovereign whom I represent would no doubt welcome any such aid - however we do not ask nor expect such aid." Pausing Zavid turns and paces forward before Pytor Petrovich, turning to face him he continues, "You ask what reasons are there to fight, for better or for worse. Moscow has betrayed an oath she made with God as witness in her declaration of war, she has destroyed the effort of so many men that died to create a treaty to end the sensless slaughter, Moscow has desecrated our fallen brothers, defiled the name of God, and now submits herself and her loyalty fully to the same evil that befell glorious Rus so long ago. If these are not ample reasons for Grand Prince Yuri to fight - and I do not deem in my speech that they are. Grand Prince Yuri must also realize that such a treacherous and despicable power as Moscow cannot be ultimately allowed to commit such crimes again and must therefore be weakened. Opportunism plain and simple. If honour will not bring the brave of Vladimir to the field, certainly would opportunity sway her ruler? This is not for me to say, nor for any man but one. And that one man, shall witness a war soon, and with war is opportunity."

Pursing his lips and nodding thoughtfully, Zavid stopped and faced Pyotr fully, "And in many ways there is more opportunity in peace. As I have stated, myself and those who I represent do not expect, demand, or ask help from Grand Prince Yuri. But as defenders of the faith, as brothers and sons of Holy Mother Russia herself, we would certainly welcome it in the warm embrace of fraternity. Myself, I am a man who profits from peace. I only desire peace, and when after so long a struggle we had obtained peace - it is stolen from me. Stolen from me by the most detestable and treacherous swine one in Moscow who worships the powers of Satan and looks forward with the most terrible bloodlust and anticipation of fratrecide. The worst crime however, the one that strikes my own heart, is that he would so willingly open our most beloved mother to despoilment and defilement of the worst kind all to sate his own insatiable hunger for the blood of his brothers."

 

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During mass

It is Sunday. The mass is held by the Bishop, 'Misha' himself. His sermon is on war, killings of heathen as opposed to fellow christians. The princely family is there, but the mind of the Grand Prince Yuri wanders away.

So the mad Muscovites started a war. Started a war, and now nobody even knows where their Grand Prince is. They became madmen down there. And the Tatars, of all the people now collect taxes there too. Hmm. But what am I to do?

Muscovy my ally, yet Pskov is more of an ally then Muscovy ever will be. This Volga alliance has brought nothing else but a headache to me. Thank God for the Third article. Otherwise we would be fighting Pskovites. The very thought I find repulsing.

The mass continues. Grand Princess sometimes throwing a glance at the young Prince, "the Saint". Full of hope this boy is, a medium with the Allmighty, some claim. The Grand Prince curls his lips downwards:

Let them be mad for him. I have greater things to ponder. With Dasha in Pskov and Alexander in Muscovy we shall see. What happened to Tver? What happened to Lithuania.

Horns of war are blown, while some countries pretend it has nothing to do with them..and what of Alsu? Where is my favourite daughter? In a monastery, pretty as a picture, the proud father thinks.

 

[N Katsyev]

Ancient City of Vladimir, at Mass​

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Zavid Levivitch Probeetski, some distance behind the the family of the Grand Prince kneels down himself to pray. His head bowed, in his calloused hand he cradles a wooden cross hung always about his neck. Zavid was one of the old school, remembering vividly the time when the Mongol yoke was still very real about much of Russia. He remembered while listening to the Bishop Misha's words the words of sermons many years ago, preaching the need for unity among the Russian people despite their hardship, their endless struggle and toil for alien masters.

Though Levivitch grew up in a town north of Novgorod, free from the Mongol yoke - it had indeed been a dark time for all of Russia. A dark time which bred terrible memories in the older generations. Once more the Mongols had returned, so far their poison had only penetrated the already corrupt heart of Moscow. Unfortunately, poisons tend to spread. As the bishop fell silent a moment, his head still bowed, the wooden cross held firmly in his palm Levivitch prayed in whispers, "God save our most beloved Princess gifted to us by His most gracious will, God save the Grand Princes of Rus, God save my soul and the earthly works my shell shall endeavour upon, God save and bless our most holy mother Russia His blessed land for the faithful and the hardworking. God save my brethren, remember the glory of who they were of who they can be and forgive them for what they have become. My lord, forgive me my sins, for I am but a mortal man - a sinner - imperfect under Your most precious gaze." Crossing himself with the hand in which he held the wooden crucifix, in this house of his God, Zavid Levivitch may have thought for a moment he had found peace in a cold, brutal world in which it seemed there was none.

 

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Vladimir, end of Mass

Grand Prince Yuri notices the ambassador of Pskovgorod in Suzdal. He whispers something to the ear of Ilya Rupin and then sends him over to the diplomat from Pskov, who never wanted to be one.

The advisor of diplomacy kneels besides the ambassador and speaks:

"Your Excellency,

what news from Pskovgorod do you bring? My monarch is quite disturbed over the situation in Muscovy. But there might be a possibility of forestalling this fratercidal war.

Grand Prince Yuri would like to invite you for an audience after mass. Be ready to answer the following questions:

* Do you see hope in your unprovoked war with Muscovy? Hope for peace?

* Does Pskovgorod have ample resources to wage this war?

* What assistance would you need from Suzdal in order to forestall the puppets of Tatarstan, save open aggression? Mad or not, they are still formally our allies.

* Would you possibly join the Volga Alliance once Muscovites, for better or worse, are talked into sense.

The Grand Prince is eager to speak with you and stop the bloodshed before once again Rus will be soaked in the blood.

 

[N Katsyev]

Kremlin in Vladimir, Audience after Mass​

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​

Following Mass, Levivitch did as instructed by the advisor and came to the audience room of the Grand Prince. He had indeed thought of the particular points the man had laid out for him during the Holy service and so when introduced by the courtiers he had his thoughts rather lined out, "My Prince, the Czarina for whom I ultimately represent is rumoured to be among many things gathering an army in Germany. Sadly, this being the case, the answers I can give are as assumptive on my part in addition to certain details given to me by the Prince Andrei Polotovski currently running things in Pskov.

Yes, I do see hope for peace. Pskov-Novgorod are lands of commerce, peace for our own realm at least, is of top priority. While the economic boom taking place now is due to massive wars outside our own realm, and for the period of time many of our goods were tied up due to war - it cannot be expected to last forever and once more war will have its sapping result. A result we very much would like to avoid.

As for our resources to conduct this war. We have the backing of many friends, not to mention our own ability to call to arms. We have the support of the church, we have the support of the Russian Princes. Moscow whose own nobles will not join in fight, has no chance of victory. Peace is only a matter of time when they realize their folly. To the need of assistance from Vladimir-Suzdal, currently there is none of material matter, we only need the assurance of support for our cause from the Grand Prince and the assurance of financial aid if it becomes necessary - which is doubtful.

Finally, I cannot speak on behalf of the Grand Princess when it comes to thoughts of joining the Volga Alliance. However it is my assumption that no Pskov-Novgorod would not join and instead would seek to form her own pact of Russian principalities following the conclusion of this war. A pact that I have no doubt Vladimir-Suzdal would be invited and Moscovy as well - though the latter depends much on who is ruling in Moscovy. Naturaly we have no great liking of Grand Prince Vasili Rurikovich."

 

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Ilya Repin replies to the Pskovite, with the Grand Prince Yuri sitting on his throne in the back. As always Grand Prince of Vladimir is quiet, while the advisor of diplomacy does the talking:

"We see. We shall aid our brothers in Pskov as we can, within the bounds of diplomacy and our pacts with Muscovy. Suzdal has not shed Russian blood for decades. Nor shall we begin now.

But a nest of Tatar vipers within the very lands of Rus will not be tolerated. We have allowed Pskov the utter degree of trust to take place as the Grand Prince has sent a missive to the distant land, none other than his very own daughter. Princess of Suzdal.

Your alliance will be welcome with joy, should the Grand Princess of Pskovgorod forge such a treaty. A pact of brotherhood and fraternity across the snow-covered wastes of the tayga.

Suzdal has spoken. Will you accept the offers of peace stemming from Muscovy? They seem reasonable enough, ambassador. How will Pskov react to lights of reason stemming from the Muscovite kremlin?"

 

[N Katsyev]

Court of Grand Prince Yuri​

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​

It had been a number of weeks since their last and in some ways inconclusive audience, in no small part due to the lack of information Levivitch was able to attain in the far-off locale, when even in Pskov it wasn't until after the Battle at Velikaya Bridge that confirmed news the Czarina was alive was even recieved. Today though, the man that never wanted to be a diplomat and had been twice, was in a very pleasant mood as he entered the hall of the Grand Prince.

Giving a respectful nod the way of Ilya Repin and an obligatory bow to the Grand Prince, Zavid Levivitch announced to his audience, "The most honorable Grand Prince and his court will be pleased to know that there is armistice and end to hostilities between Pskov-Novgorod and Moscovy. The Czarina Mina Andreyevna upon her return to Pskov, declared this with the final disposal of Grand Prince Vasili of Moscow and a new regent taking his place. Naturally we are most saddened to find however that this new regime is no less submissive to the Kipchak Khan.

This peace may be illusory, maybe only a drawing of breath to gather strength for the next conflict but regardless it is peace. It is difficult for many to imagine how peace can be maintained with so many of our brothers sworn to service under the same evil that befell mighty Kiev. So it is of great importance that we embrace this peace while it lasts, and hope that all our misgivings are on false foundations. This is also the time where the free Russian principalities must secure greater bonds of friendship, military, diplomatic and commercial.

Your highness the Godfearing Grand Prince Yuri speaks of his own daughter currently in Pskov. If she, or another advisor may remain, this would be most beneficial as we seek envoys from Tver as well. It is in Czarina Mina Andreyevna's most sincere and heartfelt desire that we may by the end of the year see the beginnings of a new unity among the Rus. We mourn the loss of our brethren in Moscow to the darkness that pours out of Sarai, we must assure ourselves through mutual strength that no more are lost. Maybe we can even hope for a future where Moscow can be returned to us. If the Grand Prince would be so kind as to dismiss me however, my work here seems to be finished with the conclusion of the war. There is a city that bears my name that i'm sure eagerly awaits my return. It has been an honour being a guest here in Vladimir, on both occasions i've had the pleasure to be such." Zavid Levivitch Probeetski, bows before the Grand Prince Yuri and takes a step back, his eyes remaining lowered.

 

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Palace hall in Suzdal

Ilya Repin's face has expressed saddness as soon as he heard that the accidental diplomat aches for departure. He was a man of common sense and straightforwardness. So rare in diplomacy. He, among the very few believed to discover the true mover of forces in Vladimir.

The Grand Prince sits in his chair. Reclined. Ilya Repin, advisor of diplomacy speaks:

"You will be missed in Suzdal. You may leave the ancient halls of Vladimir. Let not the links with Pskov and Vladimir go cold.

Vladimir will eagerly join Pskov's alliance. Just like we planned for so long, just like we were not able to due to flames of war. Pskov has like the fire-bird re-emerged from these flames. Brighter and stronger than ever before!

Send us merchants, ambassador. There are hordes of pelts in Vladimir. Little of it ever finds the way to the distant ports of Europe. I will send..."

Repin looks on the Grand Prince. The monarch's expression doesnt change at all. Repin continues:

"We will send our advisor of trade to you before you depart. He will have more to details to discuss.

May the strength of Rus re-awaken. As in the Glory days of Kiev and Vladimir, before the Tatar deluge."

With these words the advisor bows. The Prince nods his head and the servant leads the ambassador out of the palace.

 

[N Katsyev]

Palace Hall in Suzdal​

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To the first words of Repin, Zavid Levivitch turns his eyes up briefly to the Grand Prince before letting them fall on Repin with his response, "It is an honour of course to do my duty so fitfully. Zavidgrad, a colonial outpost and bustling town, north of here where the Svernaya Dvina splits is my charge, she bares my name as she was constructed with my own sweat and toil in the frozen poostash. I know cold comrade, cold as such that i've seen men's ears simply fall from their skulls. The links between Pskov-Novgorod and Vladimir shall never become as such while I hold any responsibility."

Rising from his bowed position zavid addresses Ilya with his full erect profile, "As for the merchants, it would be difficult for anyone to keep them out. My own city specializes in the pelts long since hunted out in this region, but the fat opulent courts of the west desire ever more and when they cannot afford the sable, the mink they search for any. In the great markets of Novgorod and Pskov, there is far more demand than supply, Vlaidmir's natural wealth will be gladly welcomed. I myself have a number of contacts and i'm sure with greater political relations, the commercial bonds will grow as well."

Taking a number of steps back Levivitch bows again, "Farewell, I have little doubt that I shall return. Until that time, it has been a pleasure. Health and prosperity." With these final words the large, rough, frontiersmen, turned colonist and finally diplomat departed the court.

 

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A letter arrived from Astrakhan.

[color=bd9200]"To the Russian Prince of neighboring Suzdal;

It seems you have not yet followed the path of Moscow, and you are still a rebel in the eyes of the Mongols.

Should you come to your senses, all letters and diplomats are now to be sent to my palace at my new capital of Astrakhan.

By his own hand,

Orda Khân
Supreme Khan of all Mongols
Great Khan of the Golden Horde
Son of Baraq, Descendant of Genghis"[/color]

 

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Pieces on the Chessboard

The ambassador from Pskov is dismissed with all the pomp of a diplomat to a foreign court, even though he is but a pioneer. In the throne room remain Repin and Yuri V.

The Grand Prince is sitting on his throne. Besides him is the omnipresent Ilya Repin. Advisor of Diplomacy. Rarely leaving the side of his monarch. Fyodor Fyodorov has departed for Pskov to join the Princess Dasha in her Pskovite residence until his business deals are settled.

Alexandrov, Advisor of War is on his way from Muscovy. He will be needed to marshall the troops of Suzdal. For too long they have waited, spoiled in theri barracks. If it wasnt for the little detachment that has fought along the Pskovites against their Lithuanian enemies, soldiers of Suzdal wouldnt have seen military action for decades.

Yekaterina is to be sent to Tver. This ancient capital of some of the premiere Russian principalities will hopefully be welcoming to the Princess nick-named the Generous.

Yuri VI., prince of Vladimir, son of the Grand Prince is to travel to Ryazan. He will aid the communications between the new court that is once again taking an active role in the affairs of the Rus.

Finally, the merchants in Samara are to be instructed to travel to Astrakhan and locate the leading merchants there in order to provide them with valuable trading contacts. Their final destination - Alexandria!

"The letter?" asks the Grand Prince of Ilya.

"Yes, your majesty. The letter from the horde. It is best if we let this issue settle into our thoughts and adress it later."

With that the many diplomats departed from Vladimir. Staying behind? Grand Prince Yuri, Ilya Repin, the Grand Princess and her beloved son Dimitri. Princess Alsu and Misha. Advisor of Faith, leading church figure of Suzdal.

 

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As the Grand Prince views the delegation of Princess Yekaterina leave he turns to Ilya Repin:

"I'm worried for my girl. Repin, could you send Bishop Misha after her? He will be a good minder for her."

Repin bows and walks away from the window to arrange it.