Draco Rexus said:
Amen, brother! Lidiia is the only woman who can make the disgusting Yulyana look like a saintly queen of virtue in comparison.
The New Jerusalem: Moskva 1337
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Amen, brother! Lidiia is the only woman who can make the disgusting Yulyana look like a saintly queen of virtue in comparison.
Father Gerasim had performed so many funerals services for plague victims that they all began to blur together but the final services for Yulyana of Moscow were so unusual that they stuck in his mind.
The weather that morning was unseasonably warm with a cool spring breeze tempering the warm rays of the sun. The sky was a clear cyan unblemished by clouds. It seemed that all was well with God's creation, but nothing could be further from the truth. Warm weather brought more death, more piles of plague ridden corpses, awful masses of diseased flesh that Gerasim and other priests could only hastily bless with holy water and hurried prayers as they were dumped into mass graves in the thick mud outside Moscow.
Even in such harsh times, nobles were still above the common rabble. This woman would not have to share her final resting place.
Only two people were present in the noble's graveyard to witness the Spy Mistress's return to the earth. Both proved extraordinary. The Grand Duke of Moscow, Ivan II silently watched, his emotionless face partly covered by a light cloak. Near him was an official messenger, a young man who held a rolled missive in both hands. He kept shifting his weight from one foot to another as Gerasim spoke, clutching his message in a white-knuckled death grip.
The end of the service saw Ivan II leave without saying a word to the priest, while the messenger quickly rushed up to cut off the cleric's leave. "Yulyana told me to give you this." The youth thrust a tightly rolled scroll into the man of God's hands and then quickly made his exit through the monuments to mortality.
Gerasim decided he would read the message later, tucking it away. As he slowly made his way out of the graveyard, his eyes caught a young women who had been watching from behind a large stone cross. Before he could get close enough to identify her, she ran off through the cemetery gates.
Gerasim's hand again traveled to the scroll. What was going on?
These were truly evil times.
--------------------------------------------------------
"Incompetence!" Ivan II's young face flushed red as he poured abuse on Rogneda and Anastasia. "My new wife is worthless!"
The two women remained silent. The Grand Duke had become increasingly volatile since his return from the war with the Cumans and the painful peace that followed. It was best to try to ride his moods out without provoking him further.
"This whore, this used up women cannot give me a child!" Ivan had remarried to a noblewoman named Iriniia from the nearby principality of Yaroslav. She had taken ill shortly after arriving in Moscow and was reportedly barren.
"We could not have known she would take ill." Rogneda had grown tired of silently bearing the blame.
The statement seemed to mollify the Ruler of Moscow. "Perhaps she is not long for this world. The bridal duty has proved useful." The angry red slowly drained from his youthful features.
"She is also a woman of talent." Anastasia was somewhat emboldened by Rogneda's success.
"There are others I trust more." Anastasia frowned. He meant Lidiia, who had recently been restored to her former position.
"Take your leave." A wave of Ivan's hand dismissed his Chancellors.
Alone, he cursed Yulyana's death. She would have been the perfect choice to help Iriniia's condition reach its natural conclusion. Now who could he trust? Lidiia? Andrei?
The Dragonslayer silently cursed the responsibilities he had to bear.
Iriniiia, second wife of Ivan II.
---------------------------------------------------
"What do you know about this Timofei?" The question had been on Dmitri's mind since news of his visit to Nilkino had reached the elder's ears.
The village priest, Stanislav, choose his words carefully. "He is inspired, no one doubts that. Inspired by what, that's the debate." A part of Stanislav wished he could share that inspiration, as his own faith had grown cold.
"What do you think?" The older man often wondered what his friend truly believed and this seemed an ideal opportunity to draw him out.
"I can only talk in rumors now. Ask me again after I see him with my own eyes." The men sat in silence, both anticipating the moment they would catch a glimpse of a man many believed was a prophet of God.
That opportunity arrived two days later. Timofei and his fellow believers, now numbering over 50, arrived in the town square. They called themselves the Doomspeakers and they brought a message of equal parts harsh judgment, uplifting redemption and bloody spectacle.
Watching from the crowd Stanislav was transfixed by their presence. A divine power flowed over him that he hadn't felt since his earliest days in the priesthood. He found himself involuntarily singing the hymns along with the rest of the crowd as Timofei and his disciples tore the skin off their backs with scourges, shedding blood to atone for sin.
After the religious display ended, Dmitri made his way to his younger friend through the buzzing multitude. "Now what do you think?" He had to shout in the priest's ear to be heard.
The village elder turned his head for the answer. Stanislav whispered a single word, soft but unmistakably clear.
"Revelation."
That evening Stanislav left his flock in Nilkino to join the Doomspeakers.
The weather that morning was unseasonably warm with a cool spring breeze tempering the warm rays of the sun. The sky was a clear cyan unblemished by clouds. It seemed that all was well with God's creation, but nothing could be further from the truth. Warm weather brought more death, more piles of plague ridden corpses, awful masses of diseased flesh that Gerasim and other priests could only hastily bless with holy water and hurried prayers as they were dumped into mass graves in the thick mud outside Moscow.
Even in such harsh times, nobles were still above the common rabble. This woman would not have to share her final resting place.
Only two people were present in the noble's graveyard to witness the Spy Mistress's return to the earth. Both proved extraordinary. The Grand Duke of Moscow, Ivan II silently watched, his emotionless face partly covered by a light cloak. Near him was an official messenger, a young man who held a rolled missive in both hands. He kept shifting his weight from one foot to another as Gerasim spoke, clutching his message in a white-knuckled death grip.
The end of the service saw Ivan II leave without saying a word to the priest, while the messenger quickly rushed up to cut off the cleric's leave. "Yulyana told me to give you this." The youth thrust a tightly rolled scroll into the man of God's hands and then quickly made his exit through the monuments to mortality.
Gerasim decided he would read the message later, tucking it away. As he slowly made his way out of the graveyard, his eyes caught a young women who had been watching from behind a large stone cross. Before he could get close enough to identify her, she ran off through the cemetery gates.
Gerasim's hand again traveled to the scroll. What was going on?
These were truly evil times.
--------------------------------------------------------
"Incompetence!" Ivan II's young face flushed red as he poured abuse on Rogneda and Anastasia. "My new wife is worthless!"
The two women remained silent. The Grand Duke had become increasingly volatile since his return from the war with the Cumans and the painful peace that followed. It was best to try to ride his moods out without provoking him further.
"This whore, this used up women cannot give me a child!" Ivan had remarried to a noblewoman named Iriniia from the nearby principality of Yaroslav. She had taken ill shortly after arriving in Moscow and was reportedly barren.
"We could not have known she would take ill." Rogneda had grown tired of silently bearing the blame.
The statement seemed to mollify the Ruler of Moscow. "Perhaps she is not long for this world. The bridal duty has proved useful." The angry red slowly drained from his youthful features.
"She is also a woman of talent." Anastasia was somewhat emboldened by Rogneda's success.
"There are others I trust more." Anastasia frowned. He meant Lidiia, who had recently been restored to her former position.
"Take your leave." A wave of Ivan's hand dismissed his Chancellors.
Alone, he cursed Yulyana's death. She would have been the perfect choice to help Iriniia's condition reach its natural conclusion. Now who could he trust? Lidiia? Andrei?
The Dragonslayer silently cursed the responsibilities he had to bear.
Iriniiia, second wife of Ivan II.
---------------------------------------------------
"What do you know about this Timofei?" The question had been on Dmitri's mind since news of his visit to Nilkino had reached the elder's ears.
The village priest, Stanislav, choose his words carefully. "He is inspired, no one doubts that. Inspired by what, that's the debate." A part of Stanislav wished he could share that inspiration, as his own faith had grown cold.
"What do you think?" The older man often wondered what his friend truly believed and this seemed an ideal opportunity to draw him out.
"I can only talk in rumors now. Ask me again after I see him with my own eyes." The men sat in silence, both anticipating the moment they would catch a glimpse of a man many believed was a prophet of God.
That opportunity arrived two days later. Timofei and his fellow believers, now numbering over 50, arrived in the town square. They called themselves the Doomspeakers and they brought a message of equal parts harsh judgment, uplifting redemption and bloody spectacle.
Watching from the crowd Stanislav was transfixed by their presence. A divine power flowed over him that he hadn't felt since his earliest days in the priesthood. He found himself involuntarily singing the hymns along with the rest of the crowd as Timofei and his disciples tore the skin off their backs with scourges, shedding blood to atone for sin.
After the religious display ended, Dmitri made his way to his younger friend through the buzzing multitude. "Now what do you think?" He had to shout in the priest's ear to be heard.
The village elder turned his head for the answer. Stanislav whispered a single word, soft but unmistakably clear.
"Revelation."
That evening Stanislav left his flock in Nilkino to join the Doomspeakers.
Last edited:
stnylan: Lidiia's return is certainly going to shake things up, but it's still unclear how. Fedosia may prove a tempting target for her, but with her ambition Ivan II might be first on the list. Then there's Semyon and Anastasia, possibly Rogneda...she's got a lot of enemies.
jwolf: I think one of the things I like to do as a writer is create contrasts between emotions in different scenes or even the same scene. I'm certainly guilty of constantly taking away good fortune.
Lidiia's recovery may well prove a sign of the coming end of the earth. No one ever said the Anti-Christ would be a man... She's bound to cause trouble in Moscow, no maybe about that.
coz1: Lidiia's return was one of those out of no where moments I really wanted to have stand out. I usually foreshadow major twists pretty heavily, so I think that made it even more effective as a "holy shoot" scene. It actually surprised me in the game itself...I forgot all about her! Fedosia is finally free from her mother, but freedom can carry a price too...
CatKnight: Without Yulyana gone, Feodosia might prove to be easy prey for Lidiia, assuming she discovers her secret father is Ivan I. It could happen, especially if Ivan II takes her into his confidence. She was a trusted and loyal advisor to his father, after all. Thanks for reading!
Pirate Z: Love her or hate her, Lidiia is again a major force and is probably going to launch a lot of sub plots. Revenge and power is her game, and the fact that she's only a mediocre player makes it even worse!
J. Passepartout: Well, you got one of your wishes. Fedosia's future has never been more uncertain, though. Who can she turn to now? Timofei's vision and calling is something I'm leaving the readers to make up their minds about. He's certainly sincere. You're right about the issue of heresy. The Church is going to have to respond to his movement eventually...
the_shy_kid: I swear it was unintentional, but my head is so stuffed with AC/DC lyrics that they're bound to show up accidentally from time to time.
Stuyvesant: Andrei and Ivan's relationship is likely to become increasingly difficult as Ivan continues to be unproductive in the heir making department. They've been close since childhood, but who knows how Ivan's sanity is going to hold up.
You're right about Ivan. He's got a one track mind for sure and I certainly think he believes Moscow is nothing but a source of soldiers and coin to wage war. If that means people suffer, so be it.
Lidiia's mental state is still an unknown quantity. The attack by Matvei and her serious illness has done damage, but where and how much is still anyone's guess. With her health restored, it is possible she'll start seeing life from a new perspective and change her ways, but I doubt it. The scenario you paint is probably much more likely. Ivan may be blind to her schemes, but hopefully (or not if you dislike Ivan) someone else, possibly Rogneda or Anastasia, will be able to get him to see the truth in time. Ivan needs to pick his friends correctly, but his own mental state could make that impossible.
Fedosia has led what could be called a cursed life, even relative to the other characters. I think her chances at happiness are better now then they were before, but powerful forces are in motion behind the scenes. Of all the characters I think she is the most sympathetic. She didn't create any of her problems and only wants to live a normal happy life, but others won't have it.
Andrei's possible future suffering could be coming along nicely if Ivan grows more paranoid over a successor, which now seems likely. Don't worry, I never forget to hand out the misery.
Thanks for following and for the excellent comments!
Draco Rexus: If there's one thing I love to do it's end an update with a "where is this going to go?" moment. I believe that anticipation is the best part of drama. I can promise that the Andrei/Ivan situation and Lidiia's return will be major plot points and we'll be getting some more insight into Fedosia's fate very soon. Maybe someone will even catch a little lasting happiness...it's possible!
To answer the Lidiia debate, I have to admit I do like her as a character, if only because she's bound to cause lots of trouble. Nothing like a trouble-maker to push a plot along!
jwolf: I think one of the things I like to do as a writer is create contrasts between emotions in different scenes or even the same scene. I'm certainly guilty of constantly taking away good fortune.
Lidiia's recovery may well prove a sign of the coming end of the earth. No one ever said the Anti-Christ would be a man... She's bound to cause trouble in Moscow, no maybe about that.coz1: Lidiia's return was one of those out of no where moments I really wanted to have stand out. I usually foreshadow major twists pretty heavily, so I think that made it even more effective as a "holy shoot" scene. It actually surprised me in the game itself...I forgot all about her! Fedosia is finally free from her mother, but freedom can carry a price too...
CatKnight: Without Yulyana gone, Feodosia might prove to be easy prey for Lidiia, assuming she discovers her secret father is Ivan I. It could happen, especially if Ivan II takes her into his confidence. She was a trusted and loyal advisor to his father, after all.
Thanks for reading!Pirate Z: Love her or hate her, Lidiia is again a major force and is probably going to launch a lot of sub plots. Revenge and power is her game, and the fact that she's only a mediocre player makes it even worse!
J. Passepartout: Well, you got one of your wishes.
Fedosia's future has never been more uncertain, though. Who can she turn to now? Timofei's vision and calling is something I'm leaving the readers to make up their minds about. He's certainly sincere. You're right about the issue of heresy. The Church is going to have to respond to his movement eventually...the_shy_kid: I swear it was unintentional, but my head is so stuffed with AC/DC lyrics that they're bound to show up accidentally from time to time.
Stuyvesant: Andrei and Ivan's relationship is likely to become increasingly difficult as Ivan continues to be unproductive in the heir making department. They've been close since childhood, but who knows how Ivan's sanity is going to hold up.
You're right about Ivan. He's got a one track mind for sure and I certainly think he believes Moscow is nothing but a source of soldiers and coin to wage war. If that means people suffer, so be it.
Lidiia's mental state is still an unknown quantity. The attack by Matvei and her serious illness has done damage, but where and how much is still anyone's guess. With her health restored, it is possible she'll start seeing life from a new perspective and change her ways, but I doubt it. The scenario you paint is probably much more likely. Ivan may be blind to her schemes, but hopefully (or not if you dislike Ivan) someone else, possibly Rogneda or Anastasia, will be able to get him to see the truth in time. Ivan needs to pick his friends correctly, but his own mental state could make that impossible.
Fedosia has led what could be called a cursed life, even relative to the other characters. I think her chances at happiness are better now then they were before, but powerful forces are in motion behind the scenes. Of all the characters I think she is the most sympathetic. She didn't create any of her problems and only wants to live a normal happy life, but others won't have it.
Andrei's possible future suffering could be coming along nicely if Ivan grows more paranoid over a successor, which now seems likely. Don't worry, I never forget to hand out the misery.
Thanks for following and for the excellent comments!
Draco Rexus: If there's one thing I love to do it's end an update with a "where is this going to go?" moment. I believe that anticipation is the best part of drama. I can promise that the Andrei/Ivan situation and Lidiia's return will be major plot points and we'll be getting some more insight into Fedosia's fate very soon. Maybe someone will even catch a little lasting happiness...it's possible!
To answer the Lidiia debate, I have to admit I do like her as a character, if only because she's bound to cause lots of trouble. Nothing like a trouble-maker to push a plot along!
Yulyana dead
I actually liked her, to an extent. At least she was greatly preferable to Lidiia... Let's hope the Dragonslayer can keep his head straight. At least he has Andrei to help him with that.
I actually liked her, to an extent. At least she was greatly preferable to Lidiia... Let's hope the Dragonslayer can keep his head straight. At least he has Andrei to help him with that.
Ive just started reading Paranoid, excellent AAR. I will have to take my time and catch up, but from what I have read, excellent work!
That Lidiia even outlasted Yulyana is itslef amazing...and a testament to Lidiia I suppose. And I was impressed that Ivan even went to the funeral. I suppose he valued her loyal service. Shame about his wife, though. She does, at least, have some decent stewardship numbers.
And it looks as though the Doomspeakers are gaining quite a following. The plague, a possible invasion soon...Lidiia back...maybe they are right.
And it looks as though the Doomspeakers are gaining quite a following. The plague, a possible invasion soon...Lidiia back...maybe they are right.
I think that Fedosia's best chances are with keeping out of sight and out of mind, and then maybe snagging up a few secret supporters. Maybe she could become spymaster?Her mother kept out of sight, and grabbed a few supporters.
Maybe now Feodosia will have a chance at finding happiness with here middling noble, now that her mother can't interfere anymore? If I could give her any advice, it would be: dash, run, race to an altar with that boy and get hitched before anybody else notices you and decides to dictate your future, much as Yulyana tried to.
I notice you haven't told us yet WHAT the mysterious scroll from Yulyana contains, or why it was given to father Boris.
I also noticed Ivan's new wife, though a very nice steward, is 34, which is very old, pushing retirement practically, in CK terms. Is that a signal you don't WANT Ivan to have offspring? I can imagine several reasons why that would be the case, not the least of which would be to have some nice dramatic material for the upcoming chapters... I'll wait and see.
I notice you haven't told us yet WHAT the mysterious scroll from Yulyana contains, or why it was given to father Boris.
I also noticed Ivan's new wife, though a very nice steward, is 34, which is very old, pushing retirement practically, in CK terms. Is that a signal you don't WANT Ivan to have offspring?
I can imagine several reasons why that would be the case, not the least of which would be to have some nice dramatic material for the upcoming chapters... I'll wait and see.
I was wandering around the forum and got lost and where do I end up but back to this wonderful story of Russian intrigue. Just a great story Tsar and I’m once again caught up and wondering what mischief Lydiia is going to come up with.
Iriniia is 34? If Rogneda and Anastasia were responsible for finding her then I don’t think they want Ivan II to have an heir. Maybe its time for Ivan to have a bastard?
I had to stop my CK game since I added the latest patch so I never ran into the Mongols, pity. I think they were afraid of me.
Joe
Iriniia is 34? If Rogneda and Anastasia were responsible for finding her then I don’t think they want Ivan II to have an heir. Maybe its time for Ivan to have a bastard?
I had to stop my CK game since I added the latest patch so I never ran into the Mongols, pity. I think they were afraid of me.
Joe
Alright! Liidia 1, Yulyana 0. Take that you...not nice person!!
I'm very sympathetic towards Fedosia. I don't think she'll do it with her 'church' upbringing, but Stuyvesant is right: Run, grab her 'friend', get to an altar and out. I have a feeling Father Boris' letter is VERY bad news for her.
Look for Ivan to more actively seek ways to off his wife and turn even more paranoid regarding his brothers.
I'm very sympathetic towards Fedosia. I don't think she'll do it with her 'church' upbringing, but Stuyvesant is right: Run, grab her 'friend', get to an altar and out. I have a feeling Father Boris' letter is VERY bad news for her.
Look for Ivan to more actively seek ways to off his wife and turn even more paranoid regarding his brothers.
Yulyana's death is like the crumbling of a great pillar, and only time will tell whether the house will stand its loss before a new one can be constructed. I do not think Feodosia is free - can she ever be free of her mother's memory? - and I suspect Yulyana was canny enough to ensure her reach goes beyond the grave for some while yet.
This is a great AAR! You've really put a great deal of effort into creating a wonderful story and it shows! I really hope you update this AAR soon and often - it would be a shame for such a good story to end so abruptly.
"Lies. All lies." Father Gerasim whispered the words to himself, his watery eyes fixed on the nearly completed chronicle of Ivan I on the monastery table. For countless months he had labored on it, carefully writing each word in the flickering candlelight, making sacrifices to his own health to secure the memory of a great man.
Now it was all falling apart.
Gerasim's wrinkled fingers clutched the message he had been given at Yulyana's funeral, his knuckles turning white. The message was a single paragraph, written in the skillful hand of someone trained in such arts by the church. It held the truth of Ivan's life, the truth of his sins.
The man of God returned the missive to his robes and set both of his hands on the scattered papers of the chronicle as if performing a benediction. Dull pain flowed up his arms. The constant writing had weakened his joints.
And for what?
The Priest knew he had to seek advice. There was only one person he could trust with this matter.
"Boris? Are you sleeping?" Perhaps an hour later the troubled priest arrived at the chambers of the Metropolitan. Boris had been confined to a bed for weeks after his legendary health had finally failed.
"Do you normally sleep with your eyes open, Gerasim?" An alarmingly pale, ancient face turned to face the visitor. The Metropolitan's pallid flesh was pulled tight over his skull, already giving him the look of death.
"You thought I was dead?" The visitor was silent, so the old man continued to speak. "I don't blame you, it is coming soon, I am sure." His voice was still easily understandable, even though it had been reduced to a pitiful croaking.
Gerasim had been so shock by the rapid decline of his friend and colleague that he had nearly forgotten the purpose of his visit. "I have an urgent matter to discuss."
"What matter could be urgent for me? As far as this world goes, I am already packed and ready to leave." Boris managed a small smile that was driven away by a series of coughs that shook his frail frame.
When the attack subsided, the younger man explained the situation. He now knew the truth about Ivan I. He had denied his daughter, hidden her from the world in a monastery, inflicted his sins on her. The evil had been buried deeply, it was only now seeing the light of day.
"My Chronicle was supposed to show the merits of a Godly ruler. Now it is nothing but hypocrisy!" All the emotion the priest had invested in the project rushed to the surface.
Silence filled the room for several uncomfortable heartbeats before Boris spoke. "Our duty is always to the truth. We should fix our eyes on God, not on men."
The visitor considered it. "So what do I do, Boris?"
Gerasim was shocked by the croaking laughter from the dying Metropolitan. "You are too old for me to lead you by the hand and pick you up when you fall."
The younger man was glad for his heavy beard, as his face flushed red. Boris motioned him closer and set a skeletal hand on Gerasim's shoulder. His ancient joints rattled from the effort.
"I know you will do what is right not only for Moscow, but for the Church, as well. If you need guidance, ask Christ."
"You are right. I know what I need to do." The visitor stood to leave. "I wish you well, old friend."
The sickly Metropolitan smiled. "Soon there will be no pain or troubles for me."
The following evening Gerasim began to edit the chronicle of Ivan I. Elsewhere, Boris passed into the next world.
----------------------------------------------------------
The services for the Metropolitan of Moscow had lasted for several days, by order of Ivan II. The entire city had simply ground to a halt even as it was recovering from months of plague to mourn the passing of what was quite possibly its oldest inhabitant. There was already talk of elevating Boris to Sainthood.
Anastasia had been hit especially hard by the death, having grown close to the Metropolitan. He had advised her in many things, not the least of which being her failed marriage with Semyon, brother of Ivan I. "You can not carry hate in your heart forever, it sets you against all the good in the world," he had told her.
The truth was she still carried more than enough hate. She dreamed of the day Moscow would smash the ungodly heathens that surrounded her, especially in her native Lithuania. Then there was her husband...
Walking through a courtyard shortly after Boris's shell had been returned to the earth, she nearly walked into Semyon standing in the path, waiting for her.
"I just wanted to say...that if you want to talk..." The soldier's words came with great difficulty. He was finally reaching an age where he shed the immature behavior that had covered his youth and this perspective brought feelings of guilt with it.
Guilt for the pain he had caused.
Anastasia regarded him with eyes that were bloodshot from so many tears. "What do you have to say?" The words were full of ice.
"I am sorry." He extended a massive hand toward his wife. For just a moment she clasped it, her eyes holding a sorrow that her face still resisted.
"I must go." Anastasia rushed off, leaving Semyon standing alone in the courtyard.
Or so he thought. Lidiia had watched the entire scene from the shadows of a balcony, her cruel expression concealed beneath a heavy veil.
------------------------------------------------------------
"We are preparing to drive our mutual enemies from the land that belongs by right to Russians. Will Moscow stand with us, or do you fear the fight?" Ivan II's eyes went wide as the emissary questioned his courage.
"I will cut you down, you villain!" Andrei and Semyon rushed to hold back the brash Grand Duke.
"Calm yourself, Dragonslayer. Remember who the real enemy is." Andrei set his hand on Ivan's chest, guiding him back to the throne. The ruler of Moscow returned to a seated possession, although he continued to glare at the emissary, his handsome face contorted in rage.
"We need that sort of anger against the followers of the False Prophet." The man from Novgorod spoke with a calm precision. The proximity of the two lands meant that Ivan's reputation was well known and the diplomat knew which buttons to push to get his way.
Regaining his own composure somewhat, Ivan nodded. "We owe those cursed Tartars revenge." He rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "But what makes you think you have the strength to claim it?"
"Novgorod has been blessed with great wealth. We would not challenge the yoke of the eastern devils unless we were sure of victory." The emissary rubbed his hands together. "Defeat is bad for business, after all."
The Ruler of Moscow dismissed the emissary to discuss the proposal with his brothers. After perhaps an hour, the emissary was called back to hear the decision.
"We will go to war with you."
As soon as the winter ended the two greatest Russian powers would challenge the Mongols on the battlefield. The stand had begun.
Now it was all falling apart.
Gerasim's wrinkled fingers clutched the message he had been given at Yulyana's funeral, his knuckles turning white. The message was a single paragraph, written in the skillful hand of someone trained in such arts by the church. It held the truth of Ivan's life, the truth of his sins.
The man of God returned the missive to his robes and set both of his hands on the scattered papers of the chronicle as if performing a benediction. Dull pain flowed up his arms. The constant writing had weakened his joints.
And for what?
The Priest knew he had to seek advice. There was only one person he could trust with this matter.
"Boris? Are you sleeping?" Perhaps an hour later the troubled priest arrived at the chambers of the Metropolitan. Boris had been confined to a bed for weeks after his legendary health had finally failed.
"Do you normally sleep with your eyes open, Gerasim?" An alarmingly pale, ancient face turned to face the visitor. The Metropolitan's pallid flesh was pulled tight over his skull, already giving him the look of death.
"You thought I was dead?" The visitor was silent, so the old man continued to speak. "I don't blame you, it is coming soon, I am sure." His voice was still easily understandable, even though it had been reduced to a pitiful croaking.
Gerasim had been so shock by the rapid decline of his friend and colleague that he had nearly forgotten the purpose of his visit. "I have an urgent matter to discuss."
"What matter could be urgent for me? As far as this world goes, I am already packed and ready to leave." Boris managed a small smile that was driven away by a series of coughs that shook his frail frame.
When the attack subsided, the younger man explained the situation. He now knew the truth about Ivan I. He had denied his daughter, hidden her from the world in a monastery, inflicted his sins on her. The evil had been buried deeply, it was only now seeing the light of day.
"My Chronicle was supposed to show the merits of a Godly ruler. Now it is nothing but hypocrisy!" All the emotion the priest had invested in the project rushed to the surface.
Silence filled the room for several uncomfortable heartbeats before Boris spoke. "Our duty is always to the truth. We should fix our eyes on God, not on men."
The visitor considered it. "So what do I do, Boris?"
Gerasim was shocked by the croaking laughter from the dying Metropolitan. "You are too old for me to lead you by the hand and pick you up when you fall."
The younger man was glad for his heavy beard, as his face flushed red. Boris motioned him closer and set a skeletal hand on Gerasim's shoulder. His ancient joints rattled from the effort.
"I know you will do what is right not only for Moscow, but for the Church, as well. If you need guidance, ask Christ."
"You are right. I know what I need to do." The visitor stood to leave. "I wish you well, old friend."
The sickly Metropolitan smiled. "Soon there will be no pain or troubles for me."
The following evening Gerasim began to edit the chronicle of Ivan I. Elsewhere, Boris passed into the next world.
----------------------------------------------------------
The services for the Metropolitan of Moscow had lasted for several days, by order of Ivan II. The entire city had simply ground to a halt even as it was recovering from months of plague to mourn the passing of what was quite possibly its oldest inhabitant. There was already talk of elevating Boris to Sainthood.
Anastasia had been hit especially hard by the death, having grown close to the Metropolitan. He had advised her in many things, not the least of which being her failed marriage with Semyon, brother of Ivan I. "You can not carry hate in your heart forever, it sets you against all the good in the world," he had told her.
The truth was she still carried more than enough hate. She dreamed of the day Moscow would smash the ungodly heathens that surrounded her, especially in her native Lithuania. Then there was her husband...
Walking through a courtyard shortly after Boris's shell had been returned to the earth, she nearly walked into Semyon standing in the path, waiting for her.
"I just wanted to say...that if you want to talk..." The soldier's words came with great difficulty. He was finally reaching an age where he shed the immature behavior that had covered his youth and this perspective brought feelings of guilt with it.
Guilt for the pain he had caused.
Anastasia regarded him with eyes that were bloodshot from so many tears. "What do you have to say?" The words were full of ice.
"I am sorry." He extended a massive hand toward his wife. For just a moment she clasped it, her eyes holding a sorrow that her face still resisted.
"I must go." Anastasia rushed off, leaving Semyon standing alone in the courtyard.
Or so he thought. Lidiia had watched the entire scene from the shadows of a balcony, her cruel expression concealed beneath a heavy veil.
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"We are preparing to drive our mutual enemies from the land that belongs by right to Russians. Will Moscow stand with us, or do you fear the fight?" Ivan II's eyes went wide as the emissary questioned his courage.
"I will cut you down, you villain!" Andrei and Semyon rushed to hold back the brash Grand Duke.
"Calm yourself, Dragonslayer. Remember who the real enemy is." Andrei set his hand on Ivan's chest, guiding him back to the throne. The ruler of Moscow returned to a seated possession, although he continued to glare at the emissary, his handsome face contorted in rage.
"We need that sort of anger against the followers of the False Prophet." The man from Novgorod spoke with a calm precision. The proximity of the two lands meant that Ivan's reputation was well known and the diplomat knew which buttons to push to get his way.
Regaining his own composure somewhat, Ivan nodded. "We owe those cursed Tartars revenge." He rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "But what makes you think you have the strength to claim it?"
"Novgorod has been blessed with great wealth. We would not challenge the yoke of the eastern devils unless we were sure of victory." The emissary rubbed his hands together. "Defeat is bad for business, after all."
The Ruler of Moscow dismissed the emissary to discuss the proposal with his brothers. After perhaps an hour, the emissary was called back to hear the decision.
"We will go to war with you."
As soon as the winter ended the two greatest Russian powers would challenge the Mongols on the battlefield. The stand had begun.
Pirate Z: I liked Yulyana too, although she was a constant source of trouble. She was also good at getting her way, a talent not shared by too many of the others in the court. Andrei is a calming influence on Ivan II, but it is possible that the lack of an heir could ultimately turn them into enemies. Of course, Moscow has some bigger fish to fry first...drive out the Tartar or die trying!
Estonianzulu: Thanks for reading and for the compliments! With my slow update rate these days you should be caught up in no time. Feel free to comment on any of the older storylines in the meanwhile.
coz1: Both Lidiia and Yulyana had some bad luck with sickness, but fate had very different plans. Lidiia's run as a thorn in Moscow's side is pretty amazing, and it shows no signs of letting up. Ivan II is many things, but he's not one to forget a favor. His wife, however, has a fairly sad lot in all likelihood. In the actual game I picked her for her stats but somehow missed the "age" value. Of course, she still might give Ivan a son, which would do wonders for her respect. Everything is certainly coming to a head for the end of Part IV, especially the long awaited showdown with the Tartar! Armageddon, indeed.
J. Passepartout: Fedosia did not inherit her mother's scheming abilities, perhaps unfortunately for her. Her strengths are that she is very likable and intelligent, but she certainly isn't one to work from the shadows. I agree that her best hope is forming some alliances, but her influence is limited by the fact that almost no one knows her true parentage...yet.
Stuyvesant: I agree that her best hope for happiness is to get free from the controlling influences in her life. Right now she is pretty much a ward of Ivan II. Knowing how arbitrary he can be, her future is very uncertain. He might consider her unimportant enough to follow her heart, or perhaps try to marry her to someone in Novgorod to cement the alliance. Both Lidiia and Gerasim are likely to have a role to play in her future.
I do like to keep things like the scroll contents secret...it's cheap drama, but hey, why not? Of course, we now know what the message is...trouble!
Ivan's marriage is actually my attempts to work an in-game mistake into the storyline. I was looking for a good Steward to marry him and somehow forgot that he still needed a woman capable of bearing a son. Of course, it might still happen, if Ivan gets a break. Otherwise, a conflict over succession is pretty likely to happen. The bottom line is sometimes I just blunder into some good conflict.
Storey: You picked the right time to come back, as some of the old characters are returning and the big "beat the Tartar with a pig-sticker" war is about to get going after about 10 pages of teasing it. Lidiia is certainly going to be in her element with all the chaos in Moscow. The only question is who she'll go after first...
I think Iriniia must have lied about her age. Still, it does reflect poorly on Rogneda and Anastasia. I wouldn't think Anastasia would have a motive for preventing an heir, but Rogneda might want to see one of her own sons inherit...if that's the case she better get to work on Andrei and Semyon, too. I don't think I've ever picked "no thanks" in the "make a bastard" event, so if it fires you'll know it.
Leave it to those cowardly Mongols to hide behind a new patch. Talk about a false retreat!
CatKnight: Don't forget Lidiia's defeat, or at least out-lasting, poor Matvei. For some reason she just won't stay down!
Fedosia might still manage a good future for herself, but running away might be the only way out. She's another chance for Lidiia to extract revenge on the house of Rurik, to say nothing of the possibility that Ivan II decides to use her for a political marriage. I agree that she is probably too good of a person to go against Ivan's authority, even at the cost of her own happiness.
The letter to Gerasim is a bombshell to say the least. As for Ivan, with an end to the painful era of peace, he should be distracted from his growing paranoia. Hopefully he'll save his wrath for the Tartar instead of his own brother!
stnylan: Even beyond the grave Yulyana continues to have an impact, a testament to her abilities to craft schemes. Her death does create a power vacuum, one that most of the court isn't even aware exists. Lidiia would probably like to be the new secret power in Moscow, but she may lack the savvy. Ivan II will need favors in the future, so he may have to seek out someone to fill the role. Fedosia will be back in the next update, just in time to be cauight in the fall out from her mother's death and subsequent revelations.
GuyB: Thanks for taking the time to check this out and for the kind words! My update rate has been slow lately, but I promised I would finish this and I stand by that. I always want to give the best I'm capable of, so sometimes if I'm just "not feeling it" I'll put off an update. What helps is I've got many great readers giving me encouragement.
Estonianzulu: Thanks for reading and for the compliments! With my slow update rate these days you should be caught up in no time.
Feel free to comment on any of the older storylines in the meanwhile. coz1: Both Lidiia and Yulyana had some bad luck with sickness, but fate had very different plans. Lidiia's run as a thorn in Moscow's side is pretty amazing, and it shows no signs of letting up. Ivan II is many things, but he's not one to forget a favor. His wife, however, has a fairly sad lot in all likelihood. In the actual game I picked her for her stats but somehow missed the "age" value. Of course, she still might give Ivan a son, which would do wonders for her respect. Everything is certainly coming to a head for the end of Part IV, especially the long awaited showdown with the Tartar! Armageddon, indeed.
J. Passepartout: Fedosia did not inherit her mother's scheming abilities, perhaps unfortunately for her. Her strengths are that she is very likable and intelligent, but she certainly isn't one to work from the shadows. I agree that her best hope is forming some alliances, but her influence is limited by the fact that almost no one knows her true parentage...yet.
Stuyvesant: I agree that her best hope for happiness is to get free from the controlling influences in her life. Right now she is pretty much a ward of Ivan II. Knowing how arbitrary he can be, her future is very uncertain. He might consider her unimportant enough to follow her heart, or perhaps try to marry her to someone in Novgorod to cement the alliance. Both Lidiia and Gerasim are likely to have a role to play in her future.
I do like to keep things like the scroll contents secret...it's cheap drama, but hey, why not?
Of course, we now know what the message is...trouble!Ivan's marriage is actually my attempts to work an in-game mistake into the storyline. I was looking for a good Steward to marry him and somehow forgot that he still needed a woman capable of bearing a son. Of course, it might still happen, if Ivan gets a break. Otherwise, a conflict over succession is pretty likely to happen. The bottom line is sometimes I just blunder into some good conflict.
Storey: You picked the right time to come back, as some of the old characters are returning and the big "beat the Tartar with a pig-sticker" war is about to get going after about 10 pages of teasing it.
Lidiia is certainly going to be in her element with all the chaos in Moscow. The only question is who she'll go after first...I think Iriniia must have lied about her age.
Still, it does reflect poorly on Rogneda and Anastasia. I wouldn't think Anastasia would have a motive for preventing an heir, but Rogneda might want to see one of her own sons inherit...if that's the case she better get to work on Andrei and Semyon, too. I don't think I've ever picked "no thanks" in the "make a bastard" event, so if it fires you'll know it. Leave it to those cowardly Mongols to hide behind a new patch. Talk about a false retreat!
CatKnight: Don't forget Lidiia's defeat, or at least out-lasting, poor Matvei. For some reason she just won't stay down!
Fedosia might still manage a good future for herself, but running away might be the only way out. She's another chance for Lidiia to extract revenge on the house of Rurik, to say nothing of the possibility that Ivan II decides to use her for a political marriage. I agree that she is probably too good of a person to go against Ivan's authority, even at the cost of her own happiness.
The letter to Gerasim is a bombshell to say the least. As for Ivan, with an end to the painful era of peace, he should be distracted from his growing paranoia. Hopefully he'll save his wrath for the Tartar instead of his own brother!
stnylan: Even beyond the grave Yulyana continues to have an impact, a testament to her abilities to craft schemes. Her death does create a power vacuum, one that most of the court isn't even aware exists. Lidiia would probably like to be the new secret power in Moscow, but she may lack the savvy. Ivan II will need favors in the future, so he may have to seek out someone to fill the role. Fedosia will be back in the next update, just in time to be cauight in the fall out from her mother's death and subsequent revelations.
GuyB: Thanks for taking the time to check this out and for the kind words! My update rate has been slow lately, but I promised I would finish this and I stand by that. I always want to give the best I'm capable of, so sometimes if I'm just "not feeling it" I'll put off an update. What helps is I've got many great readers giving me encouragement.
I have to admit I loathe the very thought of Lidiia. So I was disturbed to read of her casual observation of Semyon's attempt to apologize to Anastasia. Whatever Anastasia's reaction, it's a sure bet that Lidiia will turn this toward her own perceived agenda. And that brings up the creepiest thing about her, because as far as I can tell Lidiia doesn't really have an agenda, save possibly for making as many other people miserable as possible.
Metropolitan Boris will be missed. Is there a priest of comparable stature to lead Muscovy in this dark hour?
And I see that Novgorod pays with coin while Muscovy will pay with blood. Not a good bargain for Ivan II.
Metropolitan Boris will be missed. Is there a priest of comparable stature to lead Muscovy in this dark hour?
And I see that Novgorod pays with coin while Muscovy will pay with blood. Not a good bargain for Ivan II.
Paranoid Tsar said:
All right its butt kicking time!
Hmm I wonder you does the kicking? Joe
Oh..... I liked Boris......
Anyway, I'm sort of hoping Andrei inherits before Ivan II has an heir, 'coz it seems like he's the only sane person in Moscow.
As for the wife mistake- I did that too. Ended up having the old crone eliminated.
Good update.
Anyway, I'm sort of hoping Andrei inherits before Ivan II has an heir, 'coz it seems like he's the only sane person in Moscow.
As for the wife mistake- I did that too. Ended up having the old crone eliminated.
Good update.