Union Court of Pskov-Novgorod

[N Katsyev]

Prince Andrei was sitting at a table beneath a window in the great hall when Miquel Manana, made his introduction. Alexi Timkin had been standing over Andrei's shoulder as Andrei went through some reports recently given to him. Andrei immediately pushed out his chair and stood to greet this man from far-away Aragon.

"Good sir, I most welcomingly accept you as an ambassador from the fine Mediterranean realm that is Aragon. Unfortunately I must report to you that the Princess-Regent is currently in Denmark, and I am not authorized personally to form trade treaties."

Prince Andrei thought a moment and chuckled...

"I absolutely must admit, i'm shocked and deeply honoured that your King would send you all the way here from Aragon, the journey must have been dreadful. Here you may rest in the hall until appropriate chambers are outfitted for you. I will summon refreshments. You surely must understand we could not be prepared... I do apologize. Either way, when the Princess returns, I will be sure to inform her of your presence in the most expiditious fashion. Until then I hope you find everything here accomadating to your needs."

Prince Andrei sat back down and motioned for a servant with a smile. Alexi Timkin bent back over, pointing something out to the Prince in the papers...

 

[unmerged(6324)]

A stalwart looking man walks into the court of Pskov, such a wonderful lavish city. He presents himself an bows low, first order of business is to deliver a sealed letter.

 

[N Katsyev]

Princess-Regent Polotovskaya had returned the previous day from Denmark. She entered the Kremlin as inconspiculously as possible and had been in her study since, even taking her meals in the room. She looked over letters recieved and various reports. What puzzled her the most was the newest letter of Moscovy, offering to destroy the Latvian Kingdom for her. Over and over in her mind she went over the question of how a country can send an outwardly hostile letter, then in a short time send one of completely different tone offering to help crush one of Pskov's rivals. Something very strange was going on here, there was no doubt about that.

As if that were not enough within the past hour she recieved notice of the military alliance between Denmark and Moscow. How the Danish King could have possibly been impressed enough and for that matter not completely offended by the stinky Bornov was beyond her. Then to sign an alliance with Moscovy that was so favorable to Denmark... there must be something going on behind the scenes here, these aren't the normal proceedings of any state, there was some great plot at hand, and she could feel it. And with this feeling came dread, these were to be dark times for sure...

Finally she called for a servant, "Fetch me Mikhail Golystsin immediately... also a new quill and paper, I wish to write to my brother..."

 

[N Katsyev]

Mikhail Golytsin and Mina left her study together after some time and headed down the corridor to the great hall. Mina took her seat and Mikhail stood beside her. The hall became quiet upon the arrivance of the Princess-Regent Polotovskaya, many hadn't known of her return from Denmark, and the few who did know weren't sure if it were just a rumour or not. She motioned for a couple servants to come near here.

"In order of their arrival, I wish to speak to our foreign ambassadors newly here from Moldavia and Aragon. You may tell the Moldavian he may discuss with me what matters are on his mind at the present time."

The servants made off to their destinations hurriedly. The young woman in charge of the fate of the realm sat in her chair, her eyes looking to the windows and herself looking very much exhuasted. It was evident to all that the young beautiful Princess-Polotovskaya had a lot on her mind.

 

[von Streusser]

Dimitru Getrescu came before the court and bowed low before the Princess-Regent.

"Noble Princess-Regent Polotovskaya, allow me to introduce myself. I am Dimitru Getrescu, voice of Moldavia here in Pskov. I had no specific requests for you at this time, I simply wanted to make my presence known to you so that my services may be called upon at any time. It is an honor to finally meet you in person, I must say. Now I shall take up no more of your time, unless Moldavia's friends to the North have any wishes of me?"

 

[Longinus]

One evening a secret note is passed into the hand of Princess.

It reads.

"Milady,

I beg for a secret meeting, far away from the eyes of your advisors and spies. I swear on Almighty God that my intentions are most pure and noble.

Please burn this note after reading.

Konstanty Makuszyński herbu Leliwa"

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Aragonese ambassador spoke,

I am here, to establish teh friendship and trade between Aragon and Pskov. I offer to sell you the wines, spices, and some fishes in exchange for Vodka, furs, and some goods you may like to sell. What is your opinion? King Joan I desires to establish the friendship between our two nations.

 

[N Katsyev]

Mina's mood lightened slightly with the words of the Moldavian. Her grey eyes followed his, discerning in her mind any hint of untruth or falsity and she saw none. When he had finished she spoke, "Dear Dimitru of Moldavia, voice of the much respected Voivodes, it is a pleasure to meet you indeed. It is even more a pleasure to me to hear from you words of friendship. I shall look forward to in the future having further converations with you and relying on you for dependanble communications with our comrades in Moldavia. If this is all, I wish to you a very pleasant evening."

With the dimissal of Dimitru Getrescu, Princess-Regent Polotovskaya motioned for the admittance of the Aragonese ambassador. As she heard him out, her mood only improved more. During the Aragonese words she discreetly recieved a letter and tucked it away. Upon his address, she responded, "Good Miquel Manana, I have to admit just as my nephew was, at my incredible admiration for your King's willingness to send men on such an incredibly long journey to Russia to trade with us. With such insistence and dedication, it is no doubt that Aragon is the powerful and respectful realm of the Mediterranean that it is. Wines, spices, fish for vodka, furs, lumber... wood is extremely important i'm sure for Aragon's navy. Russian wood is not the weak, soft wood of the Mediterranean but durable and hard. We can also offer large amounts of wax and honey. Also, I wish to ask about Aragon's mineral resources, we have great interest acquiring a reliable source of iron among other metals. Do think about it, communicate with whomever you need, and return to me, i'll be most pleased to see a more formalized proposal."

She smiled at Miquel and motioned for Alexi Timkin to her and whispered something in his ear, he nodded...

 

[N Katsyev]

Late one early Autumn Day, Pskova Kremlin

Mina Polotovskaya and the Princess Katerina Polotovskaya stood side by side atop the Pskov Kremlin, looking over the lands. All around them they saw a world preparing for yet another brutal winter that would start in earnest in just a few weeks. They themselves felt it in a cold wind newly arrived off the White Sea. However they were not looking in that direction, they were looking to Lake Pskova, its connection to Lake Peipus and beyond to the Baltic. Mina after some moments turned to Katya, "What brings you here from Novgorod Princess?"

Katerina gave her aunt a quick glance before turning back to the lake and pointing in the general direction of the Black Sea, "I hear rumours dear Mina of war.. out there. The alliance between Moscow and Denmark, unrest in Sweden, the German emperor is finding disloyalty among his own ranks, the Islamic hordes threaten the Balkans and already have in their posession one more of the more holy of cities... Anyway, I am here to learn more of what is happening... Yet the world looks so peaceful and quiet doesen't it dear Mina?"

Mina nodded slightly then walked over to Katya wrapped her arms around the middle of her niece from behind and rested her chin on Katya's shoulder. Mina whispered something and sighed closing her eyes for a moment. Whatever Mina said obviously put Katya to thought. Mina let loose the embrace she held on her niece and took a step away, joining Katya once more looking toward the Black Sea and she spoke, "You see my dear Katya, there is opportunity in everything... In tranquility like this... and in the horrible flames of war that are being fanned at this very moment in numerous hearths."

Katya looked down for a second then stepped up to Mina and kissed her cheek, "I'm going to retire, and pray... Pray that these flames being fanned don't come our way."

Mina returned the kiss and replied, "I never knew you were the praying type Katerina Polotovskaya, as far as I remember you have been like me, the type to act. I do hope if the flames lick at our doorstep you shall do more than pray as I shall."

Yakaterina Polotovskaya stopped as she had been walking away and turned an amused glance to Mina over her shoulder. "Dearest aunt, I do more than pray, thus I am here now. I pray to supplement our fortune, however action and prayer is not enough, we will also need a good amount of luck. And to our great benefit luck can usually be found in ample supply to the courageous. The people of Pskov are courageous, and will fight like lions if they know that Pravda, ultimate justice is what they are fighting for. They will be fighting for their freedom if the time comes..."

Mina smiled at her niece as she slowly dissapeared and Mina turned back toward the lake, to think... and of course like everything around her, to prepare... For winter or war, it didn't matter, both were coming and she knew it.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

A letter arrives.

”Noble ruler of Pskov,

Let me introduce myself. I am merely a humble servant to the Most honorable Sultan of the Mamelukes, Lord of Egypt and Africa. I have recently been send on a mission to these northern lands to studie the culture of your people aswell as your neighbours. Currently I am resediding in Moscow, a beutifull city, and is discusing the possibility of a long range trade agreement with the beutifull Tzarina.

It would be an honor for me if you would allow me to visit your fine lands aswell. Perhaps I could tell you more about the fine lands of Egypt upon my arrival…”

Signed by

Kaleb al Mushin, the Sultans representative in the Golden Horde, Russia and all lands north of the Black Sea”

 

[N Katsyev]

Princess-Regent Mina Polotovskaya had awoken in an especially good mood that morning, perhaps in part due to the letter she had recieved the night before from the Egyptian, Kaleb al Mushin. She wore a long flowing crimson gown fastened around her waist with a chain of gold. She walked with her small hands clasped behind her with Alexi Timkin on one flank and the servitor Ivan Mitikov on the other. She was speaking words of the morning and the latest reports from Alexi Timkin. She then stopped abruptly and turned a quisitive glance at Alexi, "Where are the Prince Andrei and Princess Katerina?"

Alexi Timkin looked out a window to the light of the sun slowly making its way up the eastern horizon, "At this time, probably at exercise..."

Mina smiled at the aging man, "Of course, of course, come let us visit them."

The trio walked casually down the corridors toward the increasingly near sound of metal clashing. The Kremlin had the very distinct chill of October, however this morning the sun was burning brightly and what could be a dreary cold only felt refreshing. When Mina, Ivan and Alexi entered the small gymnasium they found a prespiring Prince and Princess, brother and sister circling each other in a thrust's range by the blunted rapier each held. Andrei noticed the entry of Mina and his eyes fell on her figure for a moment much too long. His body fell victim to a violent blow to the chest and he winced at Katya's attack. Mikhail Golytsin sitting on a table in the room called out, "Score!"

Katya let out a victorious "Ha" and tossed her weapon down, seeing her fun for the morning with her brother was quite markedly over with the enterance of Mina. Prince Andrei rubbing the spot where the would be undoubtedly a bruise called out to Mina, "Good Morning Princess-Regent Polotovskaya."

Mina approached him and offered her cheek for him to kiss, "Good morning Andrei, letting your sister pick on you again are you?"

Andrei tossed his weapon down where Katya's lie, "Bah, all luck, I scored on her the other day you know. Mina's eyes searched out those of Katerina and they exchanged a meaningful smile.

Mina still smiling lowered her eyes and walked over to a window unlocking it and pushing it open, letting the sunlight fall about her body and shine off her hair. She stood there for some moments, Alexi began saying something to Andrei still nursing his sore. Finally Mina turned around, virtually in shadow with all light coming from behind her, "I wanted to tell you Katerina and Andrei we may have quite the exotic visitor in some days time. A representitive from Egypt of all places, we must make it a priority to insure he enjoys his stay here. Just as with the people of Aragon its more than an honor to have people from such distant lands visit our fair city. The cold winds of winter I feel on my back but also the fair sunshine of a new day in Pskov's history..."

 

[Prince Eugene]

An emissary arrived from Denmark.

"Hello,

I have come from the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway to represent His Majesty Frederik von Schallenberg here. King Frederik is thankful of Her Grace Princess Polotovskaya for attending his coronation. Grand Prince Pavyel is being taken care of and word is he is much enjoying his tour of Norway.

If you would accept me, I have been sent to be ambassador from Denmark to Pskov. Oh, by the way, my name is Viscount Anton von Davidsen. His Majesty very much seeks an agreement of trade between our two realms."

 

[unmerged(7347)]

An elderly man enters. He introduce himself as Kaleb al Mushin.

” Most Honorable Princess-Regent Mina Polotovskaya,

It is a pleasure to finally be here at your splendid Court. Unfortunally most gifts that I carried ahve already been spended as I have had a long journey, but I do hope you will enjoy this...”

Kaleb picks up a golden dinar, minted in 1435.

“I do hope this rather small gift will be to your satisfaction as I understood you took a special interest in collecting rare coins...”

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Aragonese ambassador walked and bowed to the ruler. He then spoke,

Princess, Aragon offers this treaty. Please tell me of what you think about this treaty.

Aragon-Pskov Trade​

I. Kingdom of Aragon shall sell the iron ore and silver ore to Pskov at 65% price of the normal price in Europe. Pskov shall favor these over other sources. Pskov shall sell the waxes and wood at 65% price and Aragon shall favor these over other sources.

II. Pskov shall sell the vodka, furs and honey to Aragon at 50% price. Aragon shall sell wines, fishes and spices at 50% prices.

III. Pskovian merchants shall be allowed to trade in Aragon with no custom and only half of the taxes. Aragonese merchants shall have the same rights in Pskov.

 

[N Katsyev]

In the Great Hall, Pskov Kremlin

Sitting in a chair near the fire Mina recieves the Danish and Aragon ambassadors. The servants bussle about behind them, cleaning up after dinner and slowly moving the great tables out of the hall. Mina addresses the Danish ambassador firstly, "I was very much honored to be invited to the coronation of your lord and i'm also pleased by the hospitality that you have shown to my brother. If it pleases your lord, then I shall extend similiar hospitality onto you Anton von Davidsen for as long as the King Frederik wishes you to be here as his voice. As for trade between our realms, I surely am open to suggestions. Have a pleasant night Anton von Davidsen." Mina peered out from the side of her chair and motioned for a servant to show Anton around. Mina watched the Danish ambassador walk off, following him with her eyes and the light of the fire flickering off the side of her face.

Finally she turned to Miquel Manana with a bit of a smile. She motioned to a chair near hers and offered him a glass, "Its from France... Champagne I believe... Anyway...". Mina stopped for a moment and took a drink before turning her fire-illuminated grey eyes back to Miquel, "I've read over your trade proposal and it seems quite sound. One simple adjustment however I would like to see added to it however is a date of expiration for possible ratification or withdrawl. It is hardly realilistic to bind our realms in trade for eternity on this very day. I suggest a one year term, at the end of each term possible re-negotiations can take place? Bring me such a treaty with this additional article and you can rest assured I may sign it."

With this Mina set down her glass and wrapped herself tighter in the fur cloaks drapped over her, comfortable and warm she gave a slightly more broad smile toward Miquel, "You have quite the Mediterranean look about you Miquel. The dark hair, dark eyes, a more... olive? Complexion. I have to admit its quite a pleasant and even attractive change of scenery around here." Mina pushed back a stray hair from her face and looked back towrad the fire with a barely audible sigh, "Its getting late good man, if you will excuse me."

Mina slowly stood wrapped up her cloaks and nodded her head to the Aragon ambassador. She then turned and walked away. For all its crackling and popping the fire could not illuminate the Princess-Regent Polotovskaya forever as she slowly disappeared into the dark, cold night into any one of many corridors.

 

[N Katsyev]

A Cold Dreary Day, Pskov Kremlin

The Egyptian representitive, Kaleb al Mushin had finally caught up with the Princess-Regent on a cold, dark, snow-swept day in the Great Hall. Mina had been playing chess with Andrei when the Egyptian's arrival had been announced. She stood and stepped nearer the center of the room when Kaleb entered. Even Andrei, currently contemplating cheating decided this event was worthy of him taking another loss and stood as well, looking to the enterance.

When Kaleb had delivered his introduction and his gift to Mina, she smiled and motioned for a servant to bring him a gift she had prepared for him. The servant laid in Kaleb's hands a most fine, beautiful and delicate cloak of sable, Mina stepped to the old man's side and laid her small hand on the cloak, "You will need this, in the coming weeks and months it shall become more and more dreadfully cold. Much more than i'd guess you have ever experienced. I understand you must be exhausted from your journey, let me show you to your prepared chambers personally."

The Princess Mina Polotovskaya walked with Kaleb down the corridors toward the room prepared for him, along the way Mina questioned him of his journey and the sights he had seen. When they arrived she opened the door for him and closed it behind them, setting herself on a chair near a masterly worked desk. "Firstly, you will have to forgive me, as i'm rather ignorant of your customs... Please keep in mind that yours is such an alien and distant realm to ours, anything you may tell me of your diplomatic protocol would be greatly appreciated, I would hate to offend.

Secondly, I must thank you most heartily for your gift. As I spoke of in my correspondance to you, we have quite the collection of coins from much of the world. They will be found when a peasant is tilling a field, or a foundation is being lain... these are indications of a great mercantile tradition that we hold dear in these lands." Mina manipulated the coin between her fignertips, studying it, then she half raised her face to Kaleb again, her beautiful grey eyes searching his face. She looked back down and looked to be as in thought for a moment, then she stood up and offered her hand for him to kiss, "I'm sure you must be exhausted, and I shall let you rest. I will send for refreshments for you to be sent as well, I hope we can speak again soon." Mina stepped to the door and seemed to effortlessly open it, slip through it, and close it behind her so gently...

 

[unmerged(9167)]

The ambassador gave the new treaty. It reads,

Aragon-Pskov Trade​

I. Kingdom of Aragon shall sell the iron ore and silver ore to Pskov at 65% price of the normal price in Europe. Pskov shall favor these over other sources. Pskov shall sell the waxes and wood at 65% price and Aragon shall favor these over other sources.

II. Pskov shall sell the vodka, furs and honey to Aragon at 50% price. Aragon shall sell wines, fishes and spices at 50% prices.

III. Pskovian merchants shall be allowed to trade in Aragon with no custom and only half of the taxes. Aragonese merchants shall have the same rights in Pskov.

IV. At the end of each term which is two years, the members could re-negotiation the treaty or withdraw from the treaty. Or even, to keep it.


Miquel asked,

Is this acceptable?

 

[N Katsyev]

Princess-Regent Polotovskaya took the sheet bearing the newest form of the trade treaty with Aragon and read it over. She then stood and gave a playful glance to Miquel, "One moment." . She stepped away and walked off, after some minutes she returned and handed the now signed treaty back to Miquel with a smile, "Congratulations. This has started a wonderful day indeed." She offered her hand to Miquel to kiss...

 

[unmerged(7347)]

“By Allah!” Kaleb al Mushin mumbled to himself. He was astonished and without words... Never had he expected being so welcomed in these northern lands of the infidels and by Allah, that Princess Mina must be one of the most noble hearted and friendly personalities he ever had the pleasure of meeting in his long life as an ambassador at foreign courts.

If he had been somewhat younger, Kaleb surely would have tossed his dignity away, kissed here feets and swear to her his eternal loyalty, as such beuty that he had witness today was rare to find. Never could he in his wildest dreams imagine meeting it in these northern lands...

Suddenly a knock is heard on the door and a servant enters with some refreshments. Among all deliciouses that is served, Kaleb only takes a zip from a bottle of cold water, before going to bed.

That night Kaleb sleept well.

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Miquel took the treaty and smiled back at the princess. He took her hand and kissed it. He spoke with some Aragonese accent,

Thank you, my princess. It indeed has been a great day. May Aragon and Pskov be close from now.