This interesting historical document from a parallel universe slipped through a wormhole in the space-time continuum the other day. I thought the historians among us might be interested in what I am sure is the first ever translation from the original Polish. I have taken the liberty of modernising the English translation.
Crudely scrawled on the front cover was "IGC 1.07C, EU 1.08 UK. Normal/Normal". Presumably this is a library reference or similar distinguishing mark.
Here we go.
CHRONICLES OF THE CASTELLANS OF KALISZ
THE PROLOGUE OF MICHAL RYKALSKI (1492 - 1512)
Greetings, relative. You are reading this book because you belong to the most noble and worthy Rykalski family of the Doliwa clan, from Sandomierz in the Kingdom of Poland. I, Michal Rykalski, was the first of our line to achieve high office, and the first to write down the history of the events in which I was involved, for the better education of those who come after me. This book, which I shall encourage my children to continue, contains the experiences of one who, though never reaching the highest pinnacles of power, was yet respected for the good advice he gave to the Kings and Seyms of our state. Read on, so that you can better serve our motherland, and advance the glory of our family name.
THE BOOK OF MICHAL RYKALSKI (1492 - 1512)
1492
January 2nd 1492 will always be remembered as a proud day in the history of our family, for on that day, at the Wawel castle in Krakow, King Jan Olbracht saw fit to appoint me Castellan of Kalisz, and (informally) to make me his chief adviser. Naturally, I am delighted and flattered by the appointment, and I have been hard at work catching up with the situation I have inherited. It hasn't taken me long to see that there are great challenges ahead both for the King and for me.
Our main problem is diplomatic. The dynastic union of the Crown and Lithuania, while a natural fulfilment of the closeness of our nations, was not received well in the outside world. Ever since, we have been seen as powerful, arrogant and imperialist.
The results in terms of diplomacy have been bad. On one side of us are the heathen Moslems, the Tartars and the Turk, who hate us for disbelieving their false God. On the other our Christian "brothers" hate us just as deeply. Judging from diplomatic reports, the petty German princelings and the King of Hungary can barely conceal their loathing for us. Our only friends are far away, the great Kingdoms of France and Spain in the west. They will not be able to help us with the Moslem menace on our eastern border, or with the barbarous Duchy of Muscovy in the north.
Although our armies are numerous, the nobility are difficult to handle and I fear for the stability of the Kingdom if war comes. The effort of moving forces from one side of the country to the other - particularly in Winter - is huge, and the losses of life from disease and starvation are high. Our campaigning in the East is going to need to be a Summer affair.
And as for the King - well, what is there to say? Naturally, he's an excellent judge of character, or I wouldn't be Castellan of Kalisz. However, his diplomatic skills leave a lot to be desired. The bad breath, the off-colour jokes. It's a wonder that the Papal nuncio even dares to show his head at the Castle. I can't see his skill at conversation with other monarchs will get us anywhere.
Once Epiphany is out of the way, my first orders will be to appoint tax collectors in our richest provinces. We also need to upgrade the fortifications against Muscovy in the north and against the Turk in the south. I should also redistribute our eastern garrisons - as it is, they are stationed in locations where there is hardly enough food to support them in summer, let alone in winter.
September 19th, 1492
I have just returned to Krakow following a very successful trip to Wien to see the Emperor. My mission was simple - bring the Commonwealth into the Emperor's alliance with Bohemia, to protect our western border. The Emperor seemed uncertain at first - he is no friend of ours, after all - but once I rolled out a map I had brought showing that we were both threatened by the rise of the Turks, he came round quickly enough. So we are now members of his alliance, and he has sworn on his honour to defend the Commonwealth, as I have sworn (on behalf of the King) to defend Austria. After this success, we need to improve our relations with our western allies by gifts and marriages.
Christmas 1493.
This year has been spent, aside from the domestics of internal politics, in securing alliances on the Commonwealth's western border. We have sent two noble youths to Praha and Wien to marry suitably noble spouses. Young Pawel Ratoczynski whom we sent to marry the Emperor's niece reports that our western alliance now includes Hungary and Wurttemburg, which is good news indeed.
July 12th, 1494
I have been unable to update this book recently, because I have been travelling from one end of the Commonwealth to the other appointing tax collectors for all our provinces. There's too much slackness in the administration of the Kingdom for my liking.
Good news was waiting for me on my return, however. In my absence, news of discoveries in India by a Spaniard called Krzysztof Kolon had filtered back to court. There was a great sensation, as can be imagined, and three brave young men decided to head out west to advance the glory of Poland. Indeed, before my return, the three of them took a solemn oath to go wherever the King and the Seym decided. This is quite the right attitude! I was forced to tell them, though, that we don't know of the new route to India yet, so there was nowhere for them to go. To discharge them from their oath, I agreed that they or their families would provide one leader to found new lands, whenever the Commonwealth required. The mercenary captain they hired, Pan Gasztold, has been sent out to the eastern frontier to fight the Muslims if that is required.
Another piece of good news is that the Turk has turned his attention away from our borders to the Sultan of the Mamelukes. Long may he remain at war! England and France, who looked on the point of war when I left, are now formally at war, with their allies lining up alongside.
Christmas 1495
Another quiet year for the Commonwealth, although there was much travelling for me. I tried to arrange royal marriages with Sweden and Denmark, without success. When I was in Stockholm I met an English diplomat who told me mournfully that Bristol and Calais had been given up to France, along with 246 ducats.
April 14th, 1496
Although I didn't enjoy being away for Christmas, I must say that the weather in Madrid was considerably better than it would have been in Sandomierz. My efforts there were successful, too, with Lukasz Radziwill married off to a charming French lady, and a Spanish nobleman taking to wife one of the younger daughters of our new Hetman, Michal Glinski.
September 2nd, 1497
A day of great celebration in court, as news came in from Constantinople that the Turk had been forced to cede Sivas to the Mameluke Sultan. What weakens the Turk strengthens the Commonwealth, and our holy alliance with the Emperor. Our relations with our allies improve by the day, and I am hopeful that when our 20-year treaty comes up for renewal, we will be welcomed back into the fold.
Christmas 1498
This has been an undistinguished year. The only major development was the conversion of the Wojewod of Mozyr to Catholicism, which was of course welcome. My son Ryszard has returned from Spain, where he has spent a few years becoming acquainted with the west. I am hoping the King will see fit to appoint him as my replacement when the time comes for my retirement.
June 4th 1500
I have been relaxing in Sandomierz for a few months, and come back to find that the young idiot Zakrzewski, whom I left in charge of diplomacy, sent a message to the Pope asking whether he'd be interested in marrying one of our noblewomen. That brought me several awkward conversations with the nuncio before things were straightened out. Zakrzewski has just been appointed Starost of Tula for his trouble. The nine months of winter there should give him time to think about his mistake.
October 3rd 1500
I was chatting to a merchant from Novgorod today, and he mentioned that the Uzbeks had gone to war with Sibir. I nodded sagely, not letting on that I had not the faintest idea where those two kingdoms were. Perhaps Zakrzewski could go and find out.
January 15th, 1501
I write this entry as the Commonwealth gets used to our new King, Alexander Jagiellonczyk. The old King died just at the turn of the year. Sadly for my purposes, Alexander is as bad a diplomat as his brother. Whereas Jan Olbracht spewed expletives and bad taste stories around any room, Alexander says nothing. Not a thing. I introduced him to the Teutonic Knights' envoy the other day, and he just sat and stared. At least he understands figures, which is more than could be said for his brother.
July 3rd, 1501
If only the new King could keep silent all the time, instead of just at important meetings! A major political scandal is brewing over some remarks he made about the Castellan of Wilno - a man powerful enough to be offended by what the King says. Someone has to teach his majesty that even if one of your most powerful magnates is a drunken, oafish bully, YOU DON'T SAY THAT TO HIS COUSIN.
August 4th, 1501
The worst of the scandal about the Castellan of Wilno seems to have passed. There has been some unrest in his large estates out towards the border with Muscovy, and that will take some time to settle. Our work on internal infrastructure and trade has also suffered - lots of the people involved are clients of the Castellan, and were unwilling to work for the King for a while. We will slowly recover.
October 3rd, 1502
An unpleasant scene in Court today. The French and Lorrainian envoys came to blows in the audience chamber, over who should take precedence in announcing that their nations were at war with each other. It is a pity for Poland, as we are friendly with both sides. The French (supported by Savoie, the Pope, Helvetia and Scotland) are now at war with Lorraine, Spain, the Palatine and the Mameluke Sultanate.
March 30th, 1503
The French envoy to our court is looking happier and happier as the days go by. He tells me that their war with Lorraine is going well (my spies have told me this already, but I don't want to spoil his day). The Palatine has ceded Mainz and half his kingdom to the Savoyards.
April 3rd, 1503
More news from foreign wars, as the Russian envoy tells me in confidence that the Uzbeks are on the point of gaining Kustanai and Orsk from Sibir. I assure him I will keep the secret. Particularly since I don't know where they are.
June 1st, 1503
I have instituted a weekly meeting of all the envoys in Warsaw, over dinner in my palace. It's usually a pleasant social occasion, but at today's dinner, when I asked whether anyone had any announcements to make, the French ambassador said that he his country had annexed the Palatinate, and driven the Palatine into exile in Spain. There was rather an awkward silence around the table, until the Spanish envoy made a pointed remark about annexations not being the sort of thing that Christian nations should do to one another. After that, the meal broke up quickly, even before the third bottle of vodka was opened.
June 15th, 1503
The Russian envoy announced at dinner that his nation and the Crimea were now at war with the Khanate of Kazan. I was plunged into thought, and quite distant for the rest of the meal. This will be an important war for both our nations. If the Muscovites do well against the Khanates, we will have a strong power on our eastern border, instead of the failing strength of the Horde. However, if they do badly, we could have the chance to avenge our ancient wrongs.
October 4th, 1503
I have abandoned my weekly dinner with the envoys for now. At the last one, France announced that it had annexed Lorraine, and swords were drawn over the dinner table, as the French tried to have the Lorrainian envoy removed, while the Spanish envoy tried to protect him. All very unpleasant.
October 27th, 1503
I sent for the Lorrainian envoy this morning. It was a sad scene - he had lost weight since I saw him last, and of course the news from home has not been good. I took refuge in formality, and read from a letter I had received.
"The Envoy of the King in Paris, to his noble Brother, the Castellan of Kalisz - greetings! As you will no doubt have heard from the French King's envoy there, it now seems clear that the Duchy of Lorraine has been completely swallowed up by France. The Duke of Lorraine made submission to the French King yesterday, and this morning I spoke to Sanchez, the Spanish envoy, who said that as far as they were concerned Lorraine was no longer an independent nation. Without Spanish support, I think that Lorraine has no hope of retaining its independence. I know this will have consequences for you in Krakow, please let me know what is decided there. Arkadiusz Pac."
I looked up from the letter. The Lorrainian envoy was standing disconsolate - almost on the point of tears. As gently as I could, I said, "I am afraid that we both know what this means, Pierre. I am sorry."
"It's good of you to be so considerate, Pan Castellan," he said. "I should go home quickly. I need to show my loyalty to the new regime, for the sake of my family."
"I understand. Perhaps we will see you in Warsaw again as French envoy," I added, with a cheerfulness I did not feel.
"I think we both know that's very unlikely, Michal. Goodbye." And so he left. The French are not the most popular people in Warsaw at the moment.
November 5th, 1503
Another political disaster - although this time it's not the King's fault. Some jumped-up Wojewod in the distant provinces has been stuffing his pockets with the Commonwealth's treasury, and the subsequent scandal has caused inflation to rocket. Not good.
January 2nd, 1504
Just before Christmas, news came in that England (with the Teutonic Order and our vassals Prussia) have declared war on France (with their usual allies). I think King Henry has made a serious mistake here. With the Scots in the north and the French to the south and in Bristol, he'll be hard pressed not to lose territory.
April 4th, 1504
For some reason neither I nor the Ragusan envoy can fathom, the Ragusan republic, alone and without allies, has declared war on England, the Teutonic Order and Prussia.
September 17th, 1504
Another low point in our diplomatic efforts. In an attempt to pave the way for future conquests, the King and I decided that we should claim the throne of the Golden Horde. However, when I summoned the Horde's envoy to the King's presence to hear the announcement, they got on so well that our relations with the Horde have actually improved. I wonder what I am to do with this idiot.
November 5th, 1504
More fighting between the French and Spanish envoys, as France announces it has absorbed Artois and Luxembourg from the Spanish Netherlands. They have also required 250 ducats from Spain for peace.
January 4th, 1505
At last, someone has struck a blow against the ever-expanding French empire. The former Palatine has made it across the border into his former country, and has led an independence movement! The Palatinate is independent again, although the French have vowed to crush the "internal rebellion".
March 3rd, 1505
The time is near for our strike against Moscow. I have spoken to the King, and he has agreed that if Moscow is besieged by Kazan, we will declare war on the grounds of our ancient injustices, and pursue the siege. Hetman Michal Glinski is ready in Tula, and I have ordered that 40 cannons be built to assist in the siege of Moscow.
April 1st, 1505
A report came in yesterday from Hetman Glinski - everything was ready for attack in the north, and the spring thaw had begun. Hetman Konstanty Ostrogski is ready in the south to face Muscovy's Crimean allies, with 55,000 men. Today, I summoned the Muscovite envoy to my presence, and delivered the bad news. He took it like a man - I am sure that they were making their own preparations to attack us at some point. The orders were sent off to the front today. Hetman Glinski is to join the Kazanians in their siege of Moscow, while two lesser units commanded by colonels will head for Tver to create a diversion. Our target in this campaign is the former Republic of Novgorod, as well as Tver to keep it linked into the main body of the Commonwealth.
April 2nd, 1505
The treacherous swine in our so-called Alliance have abandoned us! Although I am confident that we can handle Muscovy on our own, every member of our alliance dishonoured their obligations when we declared war. A curse on them! I must confess I lost my temper to a large extent when their envoys came to tell me. Most of a dinner service was hurled across the room, and, regardless of the diplomatic consequences, I had a military escort take them to the border immediately and kick them all out. In Warsaw, all their property is confiscated, and the houses of the envoys given to the King's mistress. So much for Christian brotherhood.
May 20th, 1505.
News from the front, and not all good. Hetman Ostrogski (in the south) decided that discretion was the better part of valour, and withdrew to Ukraine while 50,000 Crimeans under Giray besieged the fortress in Ochatow, the first city of Bessarabia. After a few attacks, the fortress was crumbling, and the Hetman went in to the attack. However, he was driven back with much loss of life. Another regiment is being raised in Ukraine, but I think we will not be able to save Ochatow. Meanwhile, Hetman Glinski is at the walls of Moscow, but progress is hard. Tver's fortress shows no sign of cracking, and there are reports of Muscovite troop movements on our border in Tula.
May 27th, 1505
France have re-annexed the Palatinate, and this time executed the Palatine for good measure. If we were at leisure, we would be outraged.
June 4th, 1505
Tula is besieged by Russian forces, led by Vassily III himself. We are rapidly summoning the levies in Lithuania and Belarus, but once again I do not think we will be able to save the city. Muscovy have also made peace with Kazan, giving up 39 ducats, so they are now free to concentrate on us.
June 8th, 1505
Bessarabia is fallen to the Crimean Khan! This is a severe blow to our hopes, and the King is most upset. Hetman Ostrogski has almost finished training his new recruits. He says he will move into Bessarabia to try and recapture Ochatow, before taking on the might of Giray directly.
July 1st, 1505
I think that this war might be on the way to being lost, as another scandal rocks the court and damages our stability at the worst possible moment. Trade and infrastructure investment, already being hit hard by the war economy, are devastated. Moscow still holds out.
August 29th, 1505
Good and bad news on the same day, as Moscow falls to the victorious arms of Michal Glinski. Our armies in Novgorod and Tver are making less progress, but Hetman Glinski will now be free to go and join them. The Russians demand 207 ducats for peace, and I laugh in their envoy's face. I avoid the Crimean envoy, whom I know is talking of demanding Bessarabia and our entire treasury for peace with the dervish Giray.
September 7th, 1505
Tula has fallen to Vassily III. Although we have Moscow, we are making no other progress, and more Muscovite troops are appearing from the north.
November 3rd, 1505
Winter has begun properly, and Hetman Glinski reports that the Novgorod army are suffering. The infantry are dead almost to a man, and those that are not have to man the guns around the city. The cavalry do better for themselves, going farther afield in search of food. However, I dare not call off the siege. Tula's siege force, though smaller, is having more success against the minimal fortifications there.
February 20th, 1506
At last, I think we are getting somewhere. We have large armies ready to strike when the winter is over. Vassily's army have wintered in Tula, while a Muscovite force of some 11,000 men is trying to retake Moscow without success. Yekaterinoslaw (in Krementjug) is holding out against Giray, whose forces have been depleted by the harsh winter. Hetman Ostrogski's decision to hold back in Ukraine until the winter is over seems to have been justified.
April 28th, 1506
Good reports from the front line, and a diplomatic success to report. Novgorod looks close to falling, and Tver has fallen. The Tver army have been ordered to the unfortified Onega, to cut off relief coming towards Novgorod. Meanwhile, the Lithuanian levy has swept into Tula and dealt Vassily III's army a huge blow. The remains of his forces are even now being pursued towards Smolensk.
At the same time, the Spanish envoy has invited us into his King's alliance, which is made up of Spain, the Mameluke Sultanate, Hesse and Savoy, who have been detached from their traditional French alliegance.
May 1st, 1506
God is on our side! The great Hetman Ostrogski has swept in like a spring wind, and annihilated the army of the Crimean Khan, killing Giray and relieving Yekaterinoslaw in the nick of time. Now we march on Bachisarai, the Crimean capital.
July 26th, 1506
We have reached Bachisarai and are besieging it. We have also captured Onega and are heading with a small force towards Moscow, to prevent it falling back into Muscovite hands. Vassily and his bodyguard are being chased back and forth through the Lithuanian forests. We must not let him escape towards Moscow.
December 25th, 1506
Yesterday, Vassily III of Moscow was brought down in the field with the last of his men, outside Minsk. Colonel Kalinowski was responsible for leading the pursuit force, and has been granted extensive honours as a reward. Vassily is recovering in Minsk, as our prisoner.
April 18th, 1507
After a quiet winter where most of our armies retreated into winter quarters, we have captured the Crimean capital and are heading towards Azow. We are consolidating our power in Muscovy. Our last task is to destroy the only remaining Muscovite army, and the terms will be ours to dictate.
July 2nd, 1507
England cede the Marches to Scotland, and continue fighting with France. I suspected this would happen. A rather ragtag army was beaten back outside the walls of Moscow by the Muscovite besiegers. We have retreated into Tula to gain reinforcements.
April 24th, 1508
Our victory is nearly complete, as our reinforced troops sweep aside the Muscovites encamped outside Moscow. The last Russian army is destroyed, and it just remains to dictate terms.
May 3rd, 1508
In a field outside Novgorod, the King is seated in full pomp and majesty to receive the surrender of that city, and of neighbouring Tver. Vassily III approaches, still looking frail, and bows in homage to Aleksander. My heart swells in pride (and self-congratulation) as the herald reads the agreement "that Tver and Novgorod should belong to the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania for ever, with no claim by Muscovy over them." Trumpets blare out in congratulation, and the gathered nobility cheer raucously (drunkenly) as the white eagle banner is raised over Novgorod's citadel. The King, in a touching speech which I wrote for him, describes the sacrifices we have all made for this victory, and declares that May 3rd will always be commemorated in the Royal court as a day of great celebration.
September 1st, 1509
I have spent the last year supervising the building-up of our armed forces to pre-war levels. I also sent my son Ryszard to Germany to learn about military tactics. Today, a very bizarre looking man presented himself at court claiming to be the envoy of Shaibani the King of the Uzbeks. We brought out a map, and he showed us where the Uzbeks and Sibir were, which made it much more informative when he told us they had declared war on each other again. The Golden Horde and Kazan also had a brief war earlier this year, which ended with the Horde paying Kazan indemnities.
November 12th, 1509
Our services are called upon again as Spain (with us, the Mamelukes, Hesse and Savoie) declare war on France (with Navarre, Scotland and Helvetia). We agree to declare war, but I point out to the French envoy over a genial drink that there is no chance of our doing any fighting.
September 9th, 1510
The French envoy is not a happy man. His battles in the Low Countries are going badly, and England have forced France to give up Bristol, their toe-hold on the British Isles.
November 30th, 1510
The French envoy didn't come out of his house today, but pinned a note on the door saying that France had ceded Pfalz to Hesse in return for peace.
December 13th, 1510
The strange-looking Uzbek envoy comes in, and says that they have liberated Tenghiz from Sibir. I say "that's nice."
January 19th, 1511
Reports from our envoy in the Empire suggest that a seditious priest called Martin Luther has been preaching against the True Church. I can't say I'm surprised. After the mass desertion by the Austrian alliance, I've got some strong opinions about Christian unity.
August 2nd, 1511
General disbelief at the news from the French/Spanish war. Navarre have been given Flanders by Savoie in return for peace. Really.
May 3rd, 1512
As if to celebrate Novgorod Day, new figures show that inflation has dropped by 33%. I use the opportunity to commission a fortress in Pripet.
November 23rd, 1512
Ryszard came back from his German studies last month, and I have now got the King to agree that he should be appointed to take over from me as Castellan of Kalisz, with effect from the end of the year. I have had a successful period in office, and look forward to spending more time in my orchard, knowing that the reins of state are in the sensible, cool-headed control of a Rykalski.
END OF THE BOOK OF MICHAL RYKALSKI
Crudely scrawled on the front cover was "IGC 1.07C, EU 1.08 UK. Normal/Normal". Presumably this is a library reference or similar distinguishing mark.
Here we go.
CHRONICLES OF THE CASTELLANS OF KALISZ
THE PROLOGUE OF MICHAL RYKALSKI (1492 - 1512)
Greetings, relative. You are reading this book because you belong to the most noble and worthy Rykalski family of the Doliwa clan, from Sandomierz in the Kingdom of Poland. I, Michal Rykalski, was the first of our line to achieve high office, and the first to write down the history of the events in which I was involved, for the better education of those who come after me. This book, which I shall encourage my children to continue, contains the experiences of one who, though never reaching the highest pinnacles of power, was yet respected for the good advice he gave to the Kings and Seyms of our state. Read on, so that you can better serve our motherland, and advance the glory of our family name.
THE BOOK OF MICHAL RYKALSKI (1492 - 1512)
1492
January 2nd 1492 will always be remembered as a proud day in the history of our family, for on that day, at the Wawel castle in Krakow, King Jan Olbracht saw fit to appoint me Castellan of Kalisz, and (informally) to make me his chief adviser. Naturally, I am delighted and flattered by the appointment, and I have been hard at work catching up with the situation I have inherited. It hasn't taken me long to see that there are great challenges ahead both for the King and for me.
Our main problem is diplomatic. The dynastic union of the Crown and Lithuania, while a natural fulfilment of the closeness of our nations, was not received well in the outside world. Ever since, we have been seen as powerful, arrogant and imperialist.
The results in terms of diplomacy have been bad. On one side of us are the heathen Moslems, the Tartars and the Turk, who hate us for disbelieving their false God. On the other our Christian "brothers" hate us just as deeply. Judging from diplomatic reports, the petty German princelings and the King of Hungary can barely conceal their loathing for us. Our only friends are far away, the great Kingdoms of France and Spain in the west. They will not be able to help us with the Moslem menace on our eastern border, or with the barbarous Duchy of Muscovy in the north.
Although our armies are numerous, the nobility are difficult to handle and I fear for the stability of the Kingdom if war comes. The effort of moving forces from one side of the country to the other - particularly in Winter - is huge, and the losses of life from disease and starvation are high. Our campaigning in the East is going to need to be a Summer affair.
And as for the King - well, what is there to say? Naturally, he's an excellent judge of character, or I wouldn't be Castellan of Kalisz. However, his diplomatic skills leave a lot to be desired. The bad breath, the off-colour jokes. It's a wonder that the Papal nuncio even dares to show his head at the Castle. I can't see his skill at conversation with other monarchs will get us anywhere.
Once Epiphany is out of the way, my first orders will be to appoint tax collectors in our richest provinces. We also need to upgrade the fortifications against Muscovy in the north and against the Turk in the south. I should also redistribute our eastern garrisons - as it is, they are stationed in locations where there is hardly enough food to support them in summer, let alone in winter.
September 19th, 1492
I have just returned to Krakow following a very successful trip to Wien to see the Emperor. My mission was simple - bring the Commonwealth into the Emperor's alliance with Bohemia, to protect our western border. The Emperor seemed uncertain at first - he is no friend of ours, after all - but once I rolled out a map I had brought showing that we were both threatened by the rise of the Turks, he came round quickly enough. So we are now members of his alliance, and he has sworn on his honour to defend the Commonwealth, as I have sworn (on behalf of the King) to defend Austria. After this success, we need to improve our relations with our western allies by gifts and marriages.
Christmas 1493.
This year has been spent, aside from the domestics of internal politics, in securing alliances on the Commonwealth's western border. We have sent two noble youths to Praha and Wien to marry suitably noble spouses. Young Pawel Ratoczynski whom we sent to marry the Emperor's niece reports that our western alliance now includes Hungary and Wurttemburg, which is good news indeed.
July 12th, 1494
I have been unable to update this book recently, because I have been travelling from one end of the Commonwealth to the other appointing tax collectors for all our provinces. There's too much slackness in the administration of the Kingdom for my liking.
Good news was waiting for me on my return, however. In my absence, news of discoveries in India by a Spaniard called Krzysztof Kolon had filtered back to court. There was a great sensation, as can be imagined, and three brave young men decided to head out west to advance the glory of Poland. Indeed, before my return, the three of them took a solemn oath to go wherever the King and the Seym decided. This is quite the right attitude! I was forced to tell them, though, that we don't know of the new route to India yet, so there was nowhere for them to go. To discharge them from their oath, I agreed that they or their families would provide one leader to found new lands, whenever the Commonwealth required. The mercenary captain they hired, Pan Gasztold, has been sent out to the eastern frontier to fight the Muslims if that is required.
Another piece of good news is that the Turk has turned his attention away from our borders to the Sultan of the Mamelukes. Long may he remain at war! England and France, who looked on the point of war when I left, are now formally at war, with their allies lining up alongside.
Christmas 1495
Another quiet year for the Commonwealth, although there was much travelling for me. I tried to arrange royal marriages with Sweden and Denmark, without success. When I was in Stockholm I met an English diplomat who told me mournfully that Bristol and Calais had been given up to France, along with 246 ducats.
April 14th, 1496
Although I didn't enjoy being away for Christmas, I must say that the weather in Madrid was considerably better than it would have been in Sandomierz. My efforts there were successful, too, with Lukasz Radziwill married off to a charming French lady, and a Spanish nobleman taking to wife one of the younger daughters of our new Hetman, Michal Glinski.
September 2nd, 1497
A day of great celebration in court, as news came in from Constantinople that the Turk had been forced to cede Sivas to the Mameluke Sultan. What weakens the Turk strengthens the Commonwealth, and our holy alliance with the Emperor. Our relations with our allies improve by the day, and I am hopeful that when our 20-year treaty comes up for renewal, we will be welcomed back into the fold.
Christmas 1498
This has been an undistinguished year. The only major development was the conversion of the Wojewod of Mozyr to Catholicism, which was of course welcome. My son Ryszard has returned from Spain, where he has spent a few years becoming acquainted with the west. I am hoping the King will see fit to appoint him as my replacement when the time comes for my retirement.
June 4th 1500
I have been relaxing in Sandomierz for a few months, and come back to find that the young idiot Zakrzewski, whom I left in charge of diplomacy, sent a message to the Pope asking whether he'd be interested in marrying one of our noblewomen. That brought me several awkward conversations with the nuncio before things were straightened out. Zakrzewski has just been appointed Starost of Tula for his trouble. The nine months of winter there should give him time to think about his mistake.
October 3rd 1500
I was chatting to a merchant from Novgorod today, and he mentioned that the Uzbeks had gone to war with Sibir. I nodded sagely, not letting on that I had not the faintest idea where those two kingdoms were. Perhaps Zakrzewski could go and find out.
January 15th, 1501
I write this entry as the Commonwealth gets used to our new King, Alexander Jagiellonczyk. The old King died just at the turn of the year. Sadly for my purposes, Alexander is as bad a diplomat as his brother. Whereas Jan Olbracht spewed expletives and bad taste stories around any room, Alexander says nothing. Not a thing. I introduced him to the Teutonic Knights' envoy the other day, and he just sat and stared. At least he understands figures, which is more than could be said for his brother.
July 3rd, 1501
If only the new King could keep silent all the time, instead of just at important meetings! A major political scandal is brewing over some remarks he made about the Castellan of Wilno - a man powerful enough to be offended by what the King says. Someone has to teach his majesty that even if one of your most powerful magnates is a drunken, oafish bully, YOU DON'T SAY THAT TO HIS COUSIN.
August 4th, 1501
The worst of the scandal about the Castellan of Wilno seems to have passed. There has been some unrest in his large estates out towards the border with Muscovy, and that will take some time to settle. Our work on internal infrastructure and trade has also suffered - lots of the people involved are clients of the Castellan, and were unwilling to work for the King for a while. We will slowly recover.
October 3rd, 1502
An unpleasant scene in Court today. The French and Lorrainian envoys came to blows in the audience chamber, over who should take precedence in announcing that their nations were at war with each other. It is a pity for Poland, as we are friendly with both sides. The French (supported by Savoie, the Pope, Helvetia and Scotland) are now at war with Lorraine, Spain, the Palatine and the Mameluke Sultanate.
March 30th, 1503
The French envoy to our court is looking happier and happier as the days go by. He tells me that their war with Lorraine is going well (my spies have told me this already, but I don't want to spoil his day). The Palatine has ceded Mainz and half his kingdom to the Savoyards.
April 3rd, 1503
More news from foreign wars, as the Russian envoy tells me in confidence that the Uzbeks are on the point of gaining Kustanai and Orsk from Sibir. I assure him I will keep the secret. Particularly since I don't know where they are.
June 1st, 1503
I have instituted a weekly meeting of all the envoys in Warsaw, over dinner in my palace. It's usually a pleasant social occasion, but at today's dinner, when I asked whether anyone had any announcements to make, the French ambassador said that he his country had annexed the Palatinate, and driven the Palatine into exile in Spain. There was rather an awkward silence around the table, until the Spanish envoy made a pointed remark about annexations not being the sort of thing that Christian nations should do to one another. After that, the meal broke up quickly, even before the third bottle of vodka was opened.
June 15th, 1503
The Russian envoy announced at dinner that his nation and the Crimea were now at war with the Khanate of Kazan. I was plunged into thought, and quite distant for the rest of the meal. This will be an important war for both our nations. If the Muscovites do well against the Khanates, we will have a strong power on our eastern border, instead of the failing strength of the Horde. However, if they do badly, we could have the chance to avenge our ancient wrongs.
October 4th, 1503
I have abandoned my weekly dinner with the envoys for now. At the last one, France announced that it had annexed Lorraine, and swords were drawn over the dinner table, as the French tried to have the Lorrainian envoy removed, while the Spanish envoy tried to protect him. All very unpleasant.
October 27th, 1503
I sent for the Lorrainian envoy this morning. It was a sad scene - he had lost weight since I saw him last, and of course the news from home has not been good. I took refuge in formality, and read from a letter I had received.
"The Envoy of the King in Paris, to his noble Brother, the Castellan of Kalisz - greetings! As you will no doubt have heard from the French King's envoy there, it now seems clear that the Duchy of Lorraine has been completely swallowed up by France. The Duke of Lorraine made submission to the French King yesterday, and this morning I spoke to Sanchez, the Spanish envoy, who said that as far as they were concerned Lorraine was no longer an independent nation. Without Spanish support, I think that Lorraine has no hope of retaining its independence. I know this will have consequences for you in Krakow, please let me know what is decided there. Arkadiusz Pac."
I looked up from the letter. The Lorrainian envoy was standing disconsolate - almost on the point of tears. As gently as I could, I said, "I am afraid that we both know what this means, Pierre. I am sorry."
"It's good of you to be so considerate, Pan Castellan," he said. "I should go home quickly. I need to show my loyalty to the new regime, for the sake of my family."
"I understand. Perhaps we will see you in Warsaw again as French envoy," I added, with a cheerfulness I did not feel.
"I think we both know that's very unlikely, Michal. Goodbye." And so he left. The French are not the most popular people in Warsaw at the moment.
November 5th, 1503
Another political disaster - although this time it's not the King's fault. Some jumped-up Wojewod in the distant provinces has been stuffing his pockets with the Commonwealth's treasury, and the subsequent scandal has caused inflation to rocket. Not good.
January 2nd, 1504
Just before Christmas, news came in that England (with the Teutonic Order and our vassals Prussia) have declared war on France (with their usual allies). I think King Henry has made a serious mistake here. With the Scots in the north and the French to the south and in Bristol, he'll be hard pressed not to lose territory.
April 4th, 1504
For some reason neither I nor the Ragusan envoy can fathom, the Ragusan republic, alone and without allies, has declared war on England, the Teutonic Order and Prussia.
September 17th, 1504
Another low point in our diplomatic efforts. In an attempt to pave the way for future conquests, the King and I decided that we should claim the throne of the Golden Horde. However, when I summoned the Horde's envoy to the King's presence to hear the announcement, they got on so well that our relations with the Horde have actually improved. I wonder what I am to do with this idiot.
November 5th, 1504
More fighting between the French and Spanish envoys, as France announces it has absorbed Artois and Luxembourg from the Spanish Netherlands. They have also required 250 ducats from Spain for peace.
January 4th, 1505
At last, someone has struck a blow against the ever-expanding French empire. The former Palatine has made it across the border into his former country, and has led an independence movement! The Palatinate is independent again, although the French have vowed to crush the "internal rebellion".
March 3rd, 1505
The time is near for our strike against Moscow. I have spoken to the King, and he has agreed that if Moscow is besieged by Kazan, we will declare war on the grounds of our ancient injustices, and pursue the siege. Hetman Michal Glinski is ready in Tula, and I have ordered that 40 cannons be built to assist in the siege of Moscow.
April 1st, 1505
A report came in yesterday from Hetman Glinski - everything was ready for attack in the north, and the spring thaw had begun. Hetman Konstanty Ostrogski is ready in the south to face Muscovy's Crimean allies, with 55,000 men. Today, I summoned the Muscovite envoy to my presence, and delivered the bad news. He took it like a man - I am sure that they were making their own preparations to attack us at some point. The orders were sent off to the front today. Hetman Glinski is to join the Kazanians in their siege of Moscow, while two lesser units commanded by colonels will head for Tver to create a diversion. Our target in this campaign is the former Republic of Novgorod, as well as Tver to keep it linked into the main body of the Commonwealth.
April 2nd, 1505
The treacherous swine in our so-called Alliance have abandoned us! Although I am confident that we can handle Muscovy on our own, every member of our alliance dishonoured their obligations when we declared war. A curse on them! I must confess I lost my temper to a large extent when their envoys came to tell me. Most of a dinner service was hurled across the room, and, regardless of the diplomatic consequences, I had a military escort take them to the border immediately and kick them all out. In Warsaw, all their property is confiscated, and the houses of the envoys given to the King's mistress. So much for Christian brotherhood.
May 20th, 1505.
News from the front, and not all good. Hetman Ostrogski (in the south) decided that discretion was the better part of valour, and withdrew to Ukraine while 50,000 Crimeans under Giray besieged the fortress in Ochatow, the first city of Bessarabia. After a few attacks, the fortress was crumbling, and the Hetman went in to the attack. However, he was driven back with much loss of life. Another regiment is being raised in Ukraine, but I think we will not be able to save Ochatow. Meanwhile, Hetman Glinski is at the walls of Moscow, but progress is hard. Tver's fortress shows no sign of cracking, and there are reports of Muscovite troop movements on our border in Tula.
May 27th, 1505
France have re-annexed the Palatinate, and this time executed the Palatine for good measure. If we were at leisure, we would be outraged.
June 4th, 1505
Tula is besieged by Russian forces, led by Vassily III himself. We are rapidly summoning the levies in Lithuania and Belarus, but once again I do not think we will be able to save the city. Muscovy have also made peace with Kazan, giving up 39 ducats, so they are now free to concentrate on us.
June 8th, 1505
Bessarabia is fallen to the Crimean Khan! This is a severe blow to our hopes, and the King is most upset. Hetman Ostrogski has almost finished training his new recruits. He says he will move into Bessarabia to try and recapture Ochatow, before taking on the might of Giray directly.
July 1st, 1505
I think that this war might be on the way to being lost, as another scandal rocks the court and damages our stability at the worst possible moment. Trade and infrastructure investment, already being hit hard by the war economy, are devastated. Moscow still holds out.
August 29th, 1505
Good and bad news on the same day, as Moscow falls to the victorious arms of Michal Glinski. Our armies in Novgorod and Tver are making less progress, but Hetman Glinski will now be free to go and join them. The Russians demand 207 ducats for peace, and I laugh in their envoy's face. I avoid the Crimean envoy, whom I know is talking of demanding Bessarabia and our entire treasury for peace with the dervish Giray.
September 7th, 1505
Tula has fallen to Vassily III. Although we have Moscow, we are making no other progress, and more Muscovite troops are appearing from the north.
November 3rd, 1505
Winter has begun properly, and Hetman Glinski reports that the Novgorod army are suffering. The infantry are dead almost to a man, and those that are not have to man the guns around the city. The cavalry do better for themselves, going farther afield in search of food. However, I dare not call off the siege. Tula's siege force, though smaller, is having more success against the minimal fortifications there.
February 20th, 1506
At last, I think we are getting somewhere. We have large armies ready to strike when the winter is over. Vassily's army have wintered in Tula, while a Muscovite force of some 11,000 men is trying to retake Moscow without success. Yekaterinoslaw (in Krementjug) is holding out against Giray, whose forces have been depleted by the harsh winter. Hetman Ostrogski's decision to hold back in Ukraine until the winter is over seems to have been justified.
April 28th, 1506
Good reports from the front line, and a diplomatic success to report. Novgorod looks close to falling, and Tver has fallen. The Tver army have been ordered to the unfortified Onega, to cut off relief coming towards Novgorod. Meanwhile, the Lithuanian levy has swept into Tula and dealt Vassily III's army a huge blow. The remains of his forces are even now being pursued towards Smolensk.
At the same time, the Spanish envoy has invited us into his King's alliance, which is made up of Spain, the Mameluke Sultanate, Hesse and Savoy, who have been detached from their traditional French alliegance.
May 1st, 1506
God is on our side! The great Hetman Ostrogski has swept in like a spring wind, and annihilated the army of the Crimean Khan, killing Giray and relieving Yekaterinoslaw in the nick of time. Now we march on Bachisarai, the Crimean capital.
July 26th, 1506
We have reached Bachisarai and are besieging it. We have also captured Onega and are heading with a small force towards Moscow, to prevent it falling back into Muscovite hands. Vassily and his bodyguard are being chased back and forth through the Lithuanian forests. We must not let him escape towards Moscow.
December 25th, 1506
Yesterday, Vassily III of Moscow was brought down in the field with the last of his men, outside Minsk. Colonel Kalinowski was responsible for leading the pursuit force, and has been granted extensive honours as a reward. Vassily is recovering in Minsk, as our prisoner.
April 18th, 1507
After a quiet winter where most of our armies retreated into winter quarters, we have captured the Crimean capital and are heading towards Azow. We are consolidating our power in Muscovy. Our last task is to destroy the only remaining Muscovite army, and the terms will be ours to dictate.
July 2nd, 1507
England cede the Marches to Scotland, and continue fighting with France. I suspected this would happen. A rather ragtag army was beaten back outside the walls of Moscow by the Muscovite besiegers. We have retreated into Tula to gain reinforcements.
April 24th, 1508
Our victory is nearly complete, as our reinforced troops sweep aside the Muscovites encamped outside Moscow. The last Russian army is destroyed, and it just remains to dictate terms.
May 3rd, 1508
In a field outside Novgorod, the King is seated in full pomp and majesty to receive the surrender of that city, and of neighbouring Tver. Vassily III approaches, still looking frail, and bows in homage to Aleksander. My heart swells in pride (and self-congratulation) as the herald reads the agreement "that Tver and Novgorod should belong to the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania for ever, with no claim by Muscovy over them." Trumpets blare out in congratulation, and the gathered nobility cheer raucously (drunkenly) as the white eagle banner is raised over Novgorod's citadel. The King, in a touching speech which I wrote for him, describes the sacrifices we have all made for this victory, and declares that May 3rd will always be commemorated in the Royal court as a day of great celebration.
September 1st, 1509
I have spent the last year supervising the building-up of our armed forces to pre-war levels. I also sent my son Ryszard to Germany to learn about military tactics. Today, a very bizarre looking man presented himself at court claiming to be the envoy of Shaibani the King of the Uzbeks. We brought out a map, and he showed us where the Uzbeks and Sibir were, which made it much more informative when he told us they had declared war on each other again. The Golden Horde and Kazan also had a brief war earlier this year, which ended with the Horde paying Kazan indemnities.
November 12th, 1509
Our services are called upon again as Spain (with us, the Mamelukes, Hesse and Savoie) declare war on France (with Navarre, Scotland and Helvetia). We agree to declare war, but I point out to the French envoy over a genial drink that there is no chance of our doing any fighting.
September 9th, 1510
The French envoy is not a happy man. His battles in the Low Countries are going badly, and England have forced France to give up Bristol, their toe-hold on the British Isles.
November 30th, 1510
The French envoy didn't come out of his house today, but pinned a note on the door saying that France had ceded Pfalz to Hesse in return for peace.
December 13th, 1510
The strange-looking Uzbek envoy comes in, and says that they have liberated Tenghiz from Sibir. I say "that's nice."
January 19th, 1511
Reports from our envoy in the Empire suggest that a seditious priest called Martin Luther has been preaching against the True Church. I can't say I'm surprised. After the mass desertion by the Austrian alliance, I've got some strong opinions about Christian unity.
August 2nd, 1511
General disbelief at the news from the French/Spanish war. Navarre have been given Flanders by Savoie in return for peace. Really.
May 3rd, 1512
As if to celebrate Novgorod Day, new figures show that inflation has dropped by 33%. I use the opportunity to commission a fortress in Pripet.
November 23rd, 1512
Ryszard came back from his German studies last month, and I have now got the King to agree that he should be appointed to take over from me as Castellan of Kalisz, with effect from the end of the year. I have had a successful period in office, and look forward to spending more time in my orchard, knowing that the reins of state are in the sensible, cool-headed control of a Rykalski.
END OF THE BOOK OF MICHAL RYKALSKI
Last edited:
