Union Court of Pskov-Novgorod

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While Mina spoke, Aleksandr felt how he disliked her more and more. He couldn't say why, but this woman who had seemed so kind and pretty the last time they met had turned into the official Mina, the Grand Princess of Pskova-Novgorod, and Aleksandr didn't like this new person. Maybe it was because what she said about his people, maybe because she disagreed with him, or maybe because of the simple fact that she, a woman, was of higher grade than him, but Aleksandr couldn't help to feel irritated with her. He noticed how his irritation also went towards Alexei, the friendly old man whom he had liked so much before. A puppet of the Grand Princess, who had tried to befriend him, maybe only because it was his job to take care of foreign diplomats and to influence them to accept whatever the Grand Princess had to offer. This is what politics does to people, he thought.

Then it struck him how childish he really was. Aleksandr was young and although a tad bit quiet and shy he had as near to irritation and anger as any young man, but he was a Royal diplomat now, not a 13 year old kid who had just entered puberty. He was supposed to either lack feelings totally or hide them while working. The Grand Princess hadn't done anything to him, her hospitality had been over expectation. Her words made a lot sense as well, she was merely expressing her opinion. And what did Alexei have to do with it, he had befriended him and made his waiting for the audience with the Grand Princess a lot more bearable than if he had spent them alone. The old man merely did his job, standing behind Mina, noone could blame him for that. Aleksandr spoke.

"Grand Princess Mina, there are indeed more differences between our people than I thought, and for that I am sorry. I understand that your people have suffered and wishes to not do so again, but there is no need to put shame and dishonour upon my country. You ask where Ryazan was when the Kingdom of Lithuania invaded your country and killed your brother, but where was Pskova or Novgorod when Ryazan was burnt down to the very ground by the Mongols anno 1236? Where was Pskova during the numerous wars Ryazan has fought both against the Muscovites and the Tatar Mongols? I can assure you that Ryazan has fought more ruthless wars with lower chances of surviving, than the Union of Pskova-Novgorod has combined. Bordering the Mongols, our history has been painted with blood since the very beginning of our existance. Also, unlike Pskova, we have only fought wars of defense, protecting our independence. We have never gained anything but our independence, while Pskova has expanded and doubled its size many times the last 50 years. We have never done like the Mongols, we have never brought war and hell upon another country, but we have only once surrendered our independence to an enemy, and never without a good fight.

You speak about my home city as a backwards city in the east without any use for the mighty Union that you rule, and that we therefor shall bend to your will like the weak wheat plant bend to the mighty wind, but your ignorance of our history is sadly obvious. We might not be as rich as the Pskovian merchants that travel around the known world, and whom brings enormous wealth to their family and their people, but I can tell you that we are not backwards people in the East. About our dependence on Pskova, and your struggle to protect us against the Lithuanian invadors, we have never recieved a hostile word from the Lithuanian crown, and we do not consider them an enemy nor a threat to our security and independence."

Aleksandr took a breathing pause. He felt like he might be taking this too far, but he was young, and the heart was pumping his adrenaline-filled blood around his venes. This was what Grand Prince Oleg would have said, he was sure of that, and he didn't want to let him down. He was looking Mina in the eyes, but they revealed nothing of what she thought of what he was saying. He thought he could spot a tiny hint of surprise by the ambassador's sudden confidence and impudence, but it was only a glimpse and was soon gone. Aleksandr admired the ability of the woman to hide any feeling and just appear ice cold, he suspected his own eyes were burning with anger.

"I do not disagree that your country's history has been full of sacrifices and bloodshed, but you have earned from it, your Majesty. Pskova is one of the mightiest countries in the christian world, and noone can say that you do not deserve your wealth. Just do not claim that others should be thankful of things you have done out of own interest. I recieved a letter only yesterday from Prince Rodislov, and it told me about the offer Fedor had got in Astrakhan, a subject you skillfully avoided last time we met. God knows there are voices in Ryazan that scream about avoiding our Russian brethren and entering under the protecting wings of the Golden Horde, one of them being the to-be successor of the throne himself, the oldest son of Oleg, Prince Fedor. But yet we have decided to decline the offer, risking our own security. Why? Because while an entrance into the Muscovite-Mongol alliance would be more beneficial for us we still feel unity with our Pskovian, Tverskeey, Novgorod and Suzdal brethren. We chose to decline, and yet you question our loyalty to the Rus? Czarina, we believe in an alliance of equals and if you do not you might as well turn westwards for all we care, for we are less dependant on you than you think."

Aleksandr forced himself to calm down a little. He had let his unpolished version of the story out, and it felt good. He only feared the response of the Czarina, what would she do to the man who had called her ignorant? What would happen if she actually did turn westwards towards the Hanseatic countries of the Baltic? He took three quite deep and calm breaths before he continued, this time with a considerably calmer voice and a slower pace.

"However, we should dicuss the treaty, not the history of our countries, for the history cannot be changed, just interpreted in a million different ways. Ryazan is loyal to the Greater Rus, and would help it in any way possible should it be in danger. However, as I have said before, we dislike the idea of being bound to do so by treaty, especially in a war brought by the Rus herself. I do not question your ability in declaring just wars but chances are future rulers of Pskova, or Suzdal for that matter, could bring all of the Rus to ruin by this very article of the treaty. Ryazan's economy is strained, it is not like wealthy Pskova's, and we cannot afford sending money to an unjust war started by some future ruler of Tver, Suzdal, Novgorod or Pskova."

 

[N Katsyev]

Great Hall, Pskovskeey Kremlin​

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​

The little girl that had thrown cats from the Kremlin walls in pure fits of cruelty now as a grown woman looked at a man who had the gall not only to insult her, but to insult her with what must be the rumours whispered among the small Princes in the east. She looked away as he spoke and even cast a glance at the guards behind him, shaking her head slightly. When he had finished she looked back at him with a condescending smirk. Calm, composed, she approached Aleksandr slowly, hoping to intice him toward one action or another, maybe he would give her the pleasure of killing him - maybe not. Her delicate hands ran up his upper arm and clasped his shoulder which she then leaned her chin upon, speaking slowly, quietly, "And where was Ryazan in 1213 when the Teutons attacked? In 1238, only two years after the fall of Ryazan the Mongols were in Torzhok, in our lands, where their invasion was destroyed. 1223, 1242, 1253, 1269, the Teutons and Liths made major invasions in all these years, then starting in the 1300's we had constant incursions from the Swedes to deal with as well. No Sasha, I think it is you who is ignorant. Have you ever heard of Aleksandr Nevski? There's a reason why Pskova is known as the bulwark of Russia Sasha. This is why much of Pskova is of stone while the rest of Russia is made of wood, this is why there are fortresses and foritifed monastaries dotting our countryside, because my people have bled for centuries to defend the rest of Russia from all manner of threats coming out of the west, north and south and even eventually had to defend ourselves from the east as principalities abound fell to the Mongols. And where was Ryazan at Kliukovo on September 8th of 1380 at our greatest victory? I will tell you where Sasha, supporting the Tatar scum and their Lithuanian allies - is that what Ryazan will do now as well? Betray the rest of Russia to join with the greatest enemy we have ever known? To protect their own hides? I had hoped for more, I am guilty of being an optimist I suppose. And you Sasha, you are the one guilty of ignorance."

Sighing, she turned her cheek on his shoulder and looked over at Alexei, "Your comrade has dissapointed me Alyosha - yet he is a young passionate man. Young passionate men can be useful, they must have their say I suppose, I just fear that his passion is misplaced."

The old man frowned and looked away before turning back, his eyes meeting Aleksandr's before going back to Mina's, "Princess, such divisions are unfortunate..."

Nodding slightly, her weight still resting on Aleksandr's shoulder, she turned up to look at his face again and smiled more fully, a smile that still felt more as a menacing glare, "As for your offer by the Tatar barbarians, and the refusal of it, I was impressed. I would hope that there wouldn't be a second thought on the matter. I have never said or thought your people were backward Sasha, I was simply telling you what many do think, perhaps you should listen to my words more carefully. If you did take such an offer though, I might begin to believe them. How can one see their greater future allied with cattle herders who fight each other with changing loyalties nearly as much as they attack their neighbors? Moscovy is an economic backwater, ruined only further by her ties with the Horde. Take the lesson of the Pechnegs, working with the Mongols only results in your ultimate destruction by your own master's hand. And for the Lithuanians, whether they sent you threatening words or not, their King claimed your lands as his own, whether you realize it or not you are indebted to us for breaking his strength, show some respect if not gratitude."

Sighing, she pursed her lips, the cold notes of her voice easing as she began to speak again, her full lips near Aleksandr's ear, "The future of Russia is here Sasha and I am offering it to Ryazan. Tver, Suzdal have both chosen to be part of that future and have prospered, prospered for it. Their clergy has been reformed, their coffers are filled through their activity, through their connection and cooperation with us and with each other, can't you see this? You speak of wars by Suzdal or Pskov-Novgorod that might put Ryazan's wealth in jeopardy, what of my fear that one day the Ryzanskeey's turn on us once again? Especially with the words you speak to me just now! How can I trust allies without ink who have seriously considered joining with our ultimate enemy!?" Leaving his shoulder, one of her hands trailing down his chest as she moved away, Mina turned back around to face him, before her chair once more, "Please Sasha, look at the compromise in what is already there. It is an alliance of equals, you must trust us and we must trust you. It is the only way. Do you think that if we fell the Teutons would stop here and not conquer Ryazan as well, or the Liths? They hate your culture, they hate your faith, they hate your way of life - they wouldn't stop Sasha." Sighing she clasped her hands behind her back, "I shall offer this, in the case of a war declared upon another, the members of the alliance shall all make a vote in whether they approve of the case behind the war. It shall be simple majority, and in the case of majority all bound members are obliged to aid their comrades." With a contemptuous little smirk she shrugged, "Many of us speak the language of the greeks, maybe we should take a custom or two of theirs in this matter."

"There is something else... ", she continued, "You spoke of our aggressive conquests. Never call anyone else ignorant Sasha until you know of what you yourself are speaking. Even today Pskov-Novgorord is struggling to regain her former territory, we do not control a single blade of grass that was not previously stolen from us. Much of it stolen by the Moscovites, who still control rightful territory of Pskov-Novgorod. Sasha - never insult me again or act as if you know better than I what is good for our people. I will forgive you now because this matter is simply too important to do otherwise, but if you wish to live a long fruitful life of an ambassador, you will soon realize that it is necessary to control your emotions. Not everyone is as forgiving as I am."

 

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As Mina spoke, the anger that Aleksandr had released quite effectively started to build up in his body again. Where Ryazan was in 1238? We were building up our cities and healing our wounds that the evil Mongol had caused us, damn it. And supporting Mongolians? Ryazan had never ever supported the Mongols, even during the years of vassalage we secretly hated the Mongols and refrained from helping them in any way. The only reason his Ryazanskeey brethren had entered the vassalage which they shared with all of Russia, was the destruction of Ryazan and the failure in holding off the numerous invadors. The princess couldn't see outside her own borders, she was stuck in the impression that his city was backwards and corrupted. She felt superior to the people in the East, only because she had more money than them, and she felt they ought to be her vassals because of that. Aleksander were just about to say all these things and then leave, but the last words of the princess made him change his mind.

Sasha - never insult me again or act as if you know better than I what is good for our people. I will forgive you now because this matter is simply too important to do otherwise, but if you wish to live a long fruitful life of an ambassador, you will soon realize that it is necessary to control your emotions. Not everyone is as forgiving as I am."

Instead of letting it out in another outburst and then leave this Czarina who did nothing but insulted his people, Aleksandr forced himself to swallow both his own and his country's pride and said quietly, almost hissing between closed teeth.

"Of course, your Majesty."

He exerted every part of his body to continue in a normal pace and to hide how upset he really was. Holding his look fixed on Mina's eyes, though as before they didn't give any hint at all about if he succeeded or not, he continued. Still with a quite low voice.

"You say you trust us, and I can assure you that the Ryazanskeey trust you. However, trust doesn't equal agreement. We trust you, Princess, during your years as Czarina you have showed to be most trustworthy, but as I have said, trust ought not to be written down on paper, but in the center of our hearts. Pskov, and you, has a special place in Prince Oleg's heart, and he would never betray you without reason to do so. I do not doubt a minute that he would go to war on Muscowy to free the people under its occupation, even if he, nor the Ryazanskeey people, had nothing at all to gain from such an act. He would do it out of his love for Russia, his love for the Muscovite people and his hatred against those who betrayed the Rus in favour of the Mongol heathens in the east.

I still haven't heard what you find so uncomfortable with the Pan-Russian defence pact that you wish to make it totally invalid and write a whole new treaty. You say it has aged, but that cannot be the only reason. If you do tell, chances are greater that we would be able to come up with a treaty that sees to both of our interests."

 

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Cathedral of St. Sophia​

​

El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra nodded politely, and, when appropriate, scratched out a few notes to himself with quill and parchment. He felt the Patriarch to be sincere, and while the Arab may have held out a fantastic hope that a greater offer of aid might have been possible, he knew that, realistically, what was being offered was quite generous and was probably more than he had a right to expect.

Accepting the Russian's final invitation, he replied:



I thank you for considering my requests. I understand the sensitivity of these issues and am appreciative of even being given this audience.

If I may, I would ask of you one last boon before I depart, and that is whom should I visit within the government of Pskov-Novograd, to talk about the establishment of commercial exchange?"


He would follow the Patriarch's suggestion of whom next to visit, leaving a messenger here with the Holy Man, so that any new thoughts could make their way quickly to the Vizier, and then he would begin the long voyage home, and would learn whether or not a home still remained.

 

[N Katsyev]

Great Hall, Pskovskeey Kremlin​

​

"Of course, your Majesty."​

Her sensuous lips curved in a smile, her anger at his insolence melting from her fair and delicate shoulders, stepping back she sat again and crossed her legs, "Perhaps, I have been approaching this discussion from the wrong angle. One of the largest impetus' for the creation of this new, more developed, specific and binding treaty is that the former one is set to expire in only a couple years time. Also remember that the new treaty we are signing is only valid for ten years, Ryazan is not going to be bound for eternity by it and it can be ammended and changed as needed once signed, this is all included in the wording of the document."

Mina's fingers thoughtfully ran down her thigh, pressing a slight crease that had formed in her dress, her grey eyes slowly rose back up to meet his, "Perhaps I should also edit the article that you find so uncomfortable to make it more specific. All I am asking is that some aid, even if it were a token stocks of grain, a handful of bodyguards, whatever is brought. Not a necessarily a major contribution, but that we at all times make a show of unity. Despite whatever disagreements we might have, Russia must at all times present a unified front to an enemy. Do you see the importance in this as well? We cannot under any circumstance give the impression to a potential enemy that they can create divides between us, we must be loyal to each other first and foremost. Words are one thing, but words in ink are evidence, it is imperitive that our neighbors know that Russia is one, will act as one whatever the circumstance. We are strong Sasha, limitlessly strong, but we are just as vulnerable. Our motherland is large and without natural frontiers, even if we feel weak, we must show ourselves to be strong and the only way to do that is through unity."

 

[N Katsyev]

St. Sophia's Cathedral, Novgorod, Sergius' Office​

​

​

Romanvitich listened to Zahrewi's words with characteristic patience and genuine attention. Smiling at the man's show of gratitude the aging man raised a hand before setting it back down on the desk and searching for a pen and scribbling something out, handing the bit of paper to the arab, "I would not approach the Kremlin for aid, you should remember that the Queen of Portugal is a Melnikov, one of Pskov-Novgorod's more powerful clans and staunch allies of the ruling Polotovskis. Seek out this man, Sadko Eevanivitch, he runs an establishment in Pskova 'the dancing bear', he has ties and connections with a few merchant companies who fund explorations into the tayga, exploitation of resources, etc. If you can convince them of some profit to be found in helping you, you maybe able to gather some roobls for your cause. Just watch yourself, in Pskov-Novgorod money is power like almost nowhere else, these men are both dangerous and influential. Farewell comrade."

 

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Aleksandr spoke. He had managed to calm himself down a little while Mina was speaking and didn't have to exert himself as much anymore to keep the pace in his speech calm and reasonable. He still was looking the woman in the eyes but the rest of his body showed no sign of his dislike of this person.

"As I said the first time we met, I and the city I represent wishes unity among the Russian people. However, we do not see us unified under one banner, as one country, whatever the colours of the flag and whatever city from where we would be ruled. We believe in a unity based on trust and co-operation between the Russian principalities as equals. I thought, and hoped, that this was the case already but apparently there are still some difficulties and disagreements between our countries, from both sides. I think these must be overcome before we move closer together in our struggle for unity and defence of our beloved mother, the Rus. I am sorry, but unless the Grand Prince is of a different opinion than me, I'm afraid that Ryazan will only accept the treaty if it's renewed in its current form without any changes to it. I simply fail to see why you need these new articles added, and from what I have experienced, Russia is not yet ready to take another step against the unity that we all desire. Unity written with ink on a paper is, without any base in the hearts of the signing parts and in our opinion, false unity. A unity based only on the fear of what would happen if either of the signing parts would break it."

So it was done, he had rejected the treaty. If Aleksandr had changed the course of the Ryazanskeey future he could not know, yet. At that moment it felt good to reject, the Czarina had insulted his country's history and that was a serious thing to do. He noticed how he was thinking like a diplomat already, the politics was taking him over and poisoning his venes. The old Aleksandr would never have cared, he would've just accepted the treaty if it made this young beautiful woman happy. An insult to Ryazan didn't bother the merchant-wannabe Aleksandr at all, but an insult to Ryazan was an insult to the Ryazanskeey ambassador Aleksandr.

He was thinking of leaving, but decided to stay. He wanted to see the response this woman would give him and it wasn't very nice nor polite to turn your back to the Grand Princess of Pskova-Novgorod. He stayed, staring at the Princess like if he was challenging her. He might just have brought death and ruin to Ryazan but at that place, at that moment it felt like it was worth it.

 

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Outside of St. Sophia's Cathedral, Novgorod, Sergius' Office - Then to Pskova​

​

​

After thanking Romanvitich for his audience, Zahrewi made his way back out into the unfamiliar streets to seek out Sadko Eevanivitch.

Though his first few inquiries in Pskova were met by faces of incomprehension, he met some success after showing the Patriarch's note to a boy and paying him a gold dinar to lead him to 'The Dancing Bear'.

"This was not an establishment for the unwary," he noted to himself, as he and his escorts entered tentatively, not knowing what they might find."

 

[von Streusser]

EVENT

Kandalashka is Founded

​

The next step toward the settlement and consolidation of the empty wildernesses of the Kolskeey peninsula is the establishment of permanent bases for future centralization of resources and exploration. It was to this purpose that the first two organized Kolskeey explorations were conducted, to discover an appropriate place for just such a settlement. Now the first few settlers have arrived and have begun to carve their lives out of this rich and untamed land.

MODIFIERS:
Pskov spends 1 current econ to trigger
+2 to roll for continued exemplary RP.

TABLE:

1. The colony never gets off the ground; before the settlers can even begin building, they are set upon by loyal Russian soldiers. Those not killed immediately are hauled off to the Moscow Kremlin for an even worse fate.
(-2 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)

2. The colony fails, as a harsh winter, even for the Kolskeey Peninsula, sets in early and freezes many of the settlers. What's left of the expedition heads home, leaving a broken dream behind them.
(-1 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)

3~4. The colony is built, but will suffer many hard winters in the future. Several die, and Kandalashka fails to gain a reputation for the New Vacation Spot of the Pskovan Nobility. Still, it is now in place, and the only way to go is up...
(no effect)

5. The colony is a success, as Mother Nature and Fate are kind to the settlers. They find ample building materials, game, and even a few mineral deposits.
(+1 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)

6. The colony is a smashing success. All things fall into order for the Pskovan settlers, and Kandalashka grows at a remarkable rate. Nearby, useful and valuable commodities are readily at hand as well.
(+2 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)

ROLL: 4 + 2 = 6

RESULT: The colony is a smashing success. All things fall into order for the Pskovan settlers, and Kandalashka grows at a remarkable rate. Nearby, useful and valuable commodities are readily at hand as well.
(+2 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)

Pskov spends 1 current econ

EVENT

Incorporation of Tver

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Years have now passed since the marriage of Mina Andreyevna, Grand Princess of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver with Prince Ivan, Voevoda and Tsyatskeey. The initial differences of custom and practice between the two realms so joined were subtle but significant. The southern side of the Valdai hills that seperate the Novgorod and Tver region is much better suited for agriculture, creating a more landed aristocracy while even the most landed gentry to the north also to be prosperious must hold shares in trading guilds or possess key trade routes through his lands. Even laws and customs must see regulation across the now vanished border for truly efficient rule and control. Now the first child is born that can claim both lands as her inherent right as both lands are bound ever closer through the gradual processes of time.

MODIFIERS:
None

TRIGGER:
More RP and IC time devoted to topic than appears in most courts in total.

TABLE:

1. The nobles of Tver realize their future fate lies with the Czarina...but that doesn't mean they have to like it.
(Tver is diplo-vassalized by Pskov-Novgorod. -1 tech to Pskov-Novgorod for 1 year/4 turns)

2. The nobles of Tver realize that their future fate lies with the Czarina...and with the Mongols, Muscovites, and Lithuanians so nearby, is that really a bad thing?
(Tver is diplo-vassalized by Pskov-Novgorod.

3. The nobles of Tver not only realize their future lies with the Czarina, but they find themselves rather pleased by the idea. They wholeheartedly endorse closer ties to Pskov-Novgorod...but not *too* close all at once...
(Tver is diplo-vassalised by Pskov-Novgorod) +1 tech to Pskov-Novgorod for 1 year/4 turns)

4. The nobles of Tver enthusiastically endeavor to bind Tver to Pskov-Novgorod, swearing fealty to the Czarina. However, perhaps they are a bit too enthusiastic, and not bright enough. The merger is shaky, and some important revenues are lost to opportunistic looters and brigands while the kinks of the deal are being worked out.
(Tver is diplo-annexed by Pskov-Novgorod. -1 tech to Pskov-Novgorod for 1 year/4 turns)

5. The nobles of Tver successfully bind themselves and their lands to the Czarina. All eyes of Tver now turn to Pskov for guidance and hope.
(Tver is diplo-annexed by Pskov-Novgorod.

6. The union of Tver and Pskov-Novgorod is enthusiastically received and carried out. Those at the head of the operation administer to it skillfully, and the whole turns out to be worth far more than the sum of the parts...some successful and budding Voevodas await only discovery so their talents may be put to further use...
(Tver is diplo-annexed by Pskov-Novgorod. +1 tech to Pskov-Novgorod for 1 year/4 turns)

ROLL: 4

RESULT:
The nobles of Tver enthusiastically endeavor to bind Tver to Pskov-Novgorod, swearing fealty to the Czarina. However, perhaps they are a bit too enthusiastic, and not bright enough. The merger is shaky, and some important revenues are lost to opportunistic looters and brigands while the kinks of the deal are being worked out.
(Tver is diplo-annexed by Pskov-Novgorod. -1 tech to Pskov-Novgorod for 1 year/4 turns)

 

[N Katsyev]

Great Hall, Pskovskeey Kremlin​

​

Resting her chin on her fingers, Mina watched the ambassador speak with a quiet contempt. Either he wasn't listening or wasn't capable of comprehending, it didn't really matter which. When he had finished she pursed her lips a moment in thought before sliding back into the chair and smiling, "It seems we've reached something of a difficult situation ambassador. On the one hand, Ryazan is clearly not ready for the future, on the other hand, I do not want to see my brethren of her populace suffer due to the lack of vision of their represntitives. I'm dissapointed... "

Rapping her nails once on the arm of her chair she looked back at him and continued, "Appointing a new Grand Prince of Ryazan would be... well, less than cordial. Asking for a new diplomat from their lands, well, if you are accurately depicting the stance of the Grand Prince, then tht would accomplish little. If I exclude Ryazan from the seventh and twelth articles, will that satisfy your... reservations? Consider your answer carefully Sasha, if nothing else you should have learned that I have conviction in my passions and my will is law. I prefer to reward those who serve me well rather than using force, but don't think its not in my capability to enforce my will when more pleasant alternatives are exhausted. I'm offering Ryazan a bright and prosperous future along with Pskov, Novgorod, Tver and Suzdal. I'll not see my motherland submited to the horrors of the past once more due to the lack of vision of a select few." Her demeanour had grown simple and cold, the diplomatic intimacy had vanished and was replaced by the matter of fact and calculating.

 

[N Katsyev]

Galleys upon the Volga, Rzhev​

​

Princess Ekaterina Polotovskaya gave a final glance at the oddly dark looking mansion behind her and couldn't help but shudder. Inside there somwhere was the uncle of her deceased father, wasting away. Yuri Georgiyevitch Polotovski, now an astonishing and miserable seventy-five held an aura about him that had always made Katya uncomfortable, a type of aura which sometimes Katya found and tried to ignore in Mina. A certain ruthlessness, a cold detatchment which seemed always on the verge of threatening simple cruelty.

"You see Princess, just some simple modifications on the usual trade barges that travel up and down the Volkhov and Narva rivers, very sturdy constructions... ", Katya's thoughts were interrupted by Golytsin's voice and his arm reaching around her slender shoulders as he pointed out one of the military transport barges being lowered out of drydock into the river. She made an acknowledging sound to the supreme commander to which he continued telling her just as how closely the carpenters had created the design according to Katya's original specifications.

The thoughts of her father's uncle and her own aunt now pushed to the side again she smiled in that playfully caustic sort of way which would remind anyone of her aunt, "I still think the ram at the front is a bit over the top though. Tatar rafts are not going to provide a significant target and the room could have been used for another firing point." Ever since the military parades with her father Katya had always been interested in the martial side of statemanship, and as a member of the most powerful family in Russia, she had plenty of spare-time to devote to meddling in the affairs of Pskov-Novgorod's military. Luckily for all involved, the Princess had something of a talent for her interest, though more often than not and to her dissapointment the military side of things were neglected. It was one of the key differences between Mina and Katya, in that Mina devoted all of her time and attention to domestic, economic and infrastructure issues while largely neglecting the army - Katya would have liked the opposite, to her the army was an example of what life should be. Ordered, dependable, loyal and hopefully efficient and effective.

With Pskov-Novgorod's now solid control over the Valdai Hills and particularly the birth of the Volga, Katya's new pet project had been in insuring that Pskov-Novgorod could make good strategic use out o the mighty waterway that connected the heart of Russia with the Caspian Sea and all lands in between. Now with the spring approaching, the first war galleys, designed to allow Pskov-Novgorod to intervene in areas otherwise far from her borders were being released into wharves primarily in the cities of Rzhev and Zubtsov. Bundled in furs, Katya however was out here for a more specific reason today, a letter from the Czarina in her coat, investigating the usefulness and possibility of using these ships on the Oka river via Volga connection. Finally it seemed, Mina's attention even if for the briefest of times had moved to matters once again martial and Katya was more than happy to take full advantage of the opportunity...

 

[unmerged(17489)]

The princess' voice had from the moment she sat down become cold and . While he certainly hadn't convinced her, and probably never would since this was a woman with a will harder than stone, it still made Aleksandr feel a bit more relieved and calm. His voice more than anything showed this. His legs had become a bit uncomfortable and tired as he had stood up the whole conversation with the Czarina, but he was determined to not let it show by any means. While he probably should have bent to the will of the Czarina and accepted the treaty in its current form, he continued his stubbornness. There was something else above the whole conversation, it wasn't only about the treaty. Aleksandr noticed that he was in the middle of a showdown, a battle that he could impossibly win. Yet he wanted to continue. He just couldn't see himself defeated by this woman, no matter how many titles she had, and he did not want to see his country become anyone's puppet which they could do anything they wanted to.

"Indeed, we find ourselves in a difficult situation. We are in disagreement, not only about the clauses of the treaty, but also about the causes of the disagreement. If you are implying that the future of the Rus includes it united under one banner, you are probably right that Ryazan is not ready for it and will never be. If this is the case, then I'm also disappointed, Czarina...

If I did not know better, I would say that the rest of what you say are spoken out threats against me adn the country I represent. I want to ask you, is the treaty you offered me really an offer, or is it an ultimatum? Sure your passions and will might be law in this country, and for the population that live to serve it, but as far as I know your laws do not reach outside your borders, even if that might be a dream of yours. In my country, Grand Prince Oleg's will is law, and as I am under his protection I answer to him, and only to him. You imply many things, among them that should I reject and not watch my tounge in the future, the Pskovskeey army might be sent to enforce your will and to replace the Ivanovich family as the ruling Principal family of Riazan? Please correct me if I misunderstood you, but that was the impression I got. Threats ought not to be spoken out in riddles, but clear and understandable even for the simpliest of peasants. I doubt you really intended that meaning, but should it be the case, it sounds like an ultimatum to me and I can assure you that the Ryazanskeey will give your people a warm welcome."

While a bit scared of what he was saying himself, he felt like he was holding the whole future of Ryazan in his bare hands and in some twisted way he liked it. He loved spitting this woman's own words back in her face, and felt an enormous satisfaction from objecting this woman of high rank. He was playing with Ryazan's security in his hands, like a child who has got hold of a knife and without any sense of the danger it is in plays with it around its head, millimetres from penetrating her own skin. He was scared of himself, he wondered what Oleg would say when he returned with a declaration of war from Pskov-Novgorod in his hands, or even worse, if nothing else but his own head returned to Ryazan, carrying a declaration of war in its mouth. He shuddered, but then again he felt the kick and the satisfaction from resisting her demands. Wow, politics maybe wasn't that bad after all...

 

[Prince Eugene]

A lettter arrives in Novgorod bearing the seal of the Patriarchate of Constantinople

Unto Sergius Romanivitch, Patriarch of the Russian Church:

Not too long ago I wrote to you concerning the future of the true Christian people as a whole. I am saddened that I have not yet received a response or at that any sort of acknowledgement that you have received my letter. Perhaps a confused messenger misplaced your letter; I hope that would be the case...

Dictated in 1454,
His All Holiness Gennadius II, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch

 

[N Katsyev]

Great Hall, Pskovskeey Kremlin​

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"Even now you don't understand Sasha, do you? I am not making a puppet of Suzdal, they are loyal allies who share a similiar vision. I want that for Ryazan as well, and it can still happen - I hope, but sadly it will not include you. Your insolence and lack of respect have guaranteed that." She made a nod to the guards that stood behind the man and there was a loud crack as the haft of one of their spears smacked and buckled the back of Aleksandr's knees, causing him to fall to the floor. With surprising speed the Grand Princess was up from her seat and she pressed Aleksandr's chin up with her thumb nail under his jaw to look him in the face, "I respect you for your stance and so I will not kill you, but realize as well, that I cannot let you go either.", she whispered and let go of his face, backing up.

The guards braced the shackles about Aleksandr's wrists and gagged him, he was lifted up onto the shoulder of one of the large men. Dutifully they carried him off, past the other people awaiting audience he was brought, each man's eyes glued to the Ryzanskeey until the large doors were shut loudly again and their eyes turned instinctively toward the Grand Princess before realizing their error and the conversations started once more anew... "I'm sorry Alyosha, its necessary." Mina turned to Timkin.

Frowning, the old man nodded, "Its a mixed curse and blessing of being as old as I am my Princess - i've seen worse. If you'll excuse me, I need to go rest..." Mina simply nodded in reply and the old man wealkly left the hall. Taking her chair again, as if nothing at all had happened, her composure gathered in illusion again so quickly - the audiences began again...

Dungeons beneath the Kremlin​

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The sound of water could clearly be heard in the damp and frightfully cold shadowy chambers and corridors that made up the storerooms and dungeons beneath the Kremlin. The fortress jutted as it did out onto a rock outcropping sandwiched between the Velikaya and Pskova rivers, now into the heart of that rock was the Ryazanskeey ambassador brought. His glorified cage was opened, it had served as a supply room till now and still some crates of cereals remained. While his day had started with a meal of the nobility, with a fine bed, now he lie upon cold damp stones, a single oily torch burning in the corridor outside his cell. The door was closed behind him, locked and the guards dissapeared, the faint sound of dripping and the rush of the rivers outside alone broke the silence...

Mechanical Note: Ryzanskeey ambassador under mechanical arrest

 

[N Katsyev]

Common Room of Dancing Bear Inn and Tavern, Pskov​

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It was a relatively normal night in the Dancing Bear and in odd semblance to its name it was as usual filled with many men who would better pass as bears than men. This is where the frontiersmen, trappers and explorers came when they returned to 'civilization' after for some of them, years in the wilderness where it was possible to live an enitre existance without encountering another human being. Now a strange looking human being entered the Bear and he was met with no few curous glances over large, broad shoulders.

A relatively thin man - not to say he was thin in anything but comparison with some of men in this room looked over at the newcomer and addressed him in the more rough peasant dialect, "Greetings comrade, don't think i've seen you before. I'm Sadko Eevanivich, and what brings you to the Bear? The best stew in all of Pskova perhaps?", he grinned though there was something of a hidden intelligence that was obvious in his dark blue eyes.

 

[unmerged(8915)]

In The Kemlin

Rather unusually, and to the pleasant surprise of at least one of the Pskovite princes, Princess Dasha makes an appearance at the court. He expression of slight boredom, nonetheless she follows all the rules of the protocol and then begins to speak:

"I am to congratulate the governement of Pskovgorod and the ruling house of this pearl of the north on behalf of Suzdal. The recent incorporation of Tverian lands into the realm will introduce stability and unity into the western reaches of Rus.

Vladimir watches with great pleasure as the scattered children of Kiev reunite. Soon, Rus will be respected and feared across the land."

She glances at the small parchment in her hand.

"The Tatars and Liths will see us as equals and not prey."

She then tucks away the paper.

"My father will be sending rich gifts from Suzdal to commemorate this occasion. They will arrive soon," weather and roads permitting.

Dasha then smiles one of her frosty smiles and bows to the Grand Princess.

 

[unmerged(17489)]

Aleksandr woke up by water dripping down in his face. He tried to move, but his legs didn't obey him. It was dark around him, and cold, Aleksandr figured he must be way below the surface. He couldn't remember what had happened to him, he had been conversating with the Czarina when everything turned black. He tried to recall teh last words he had said, if there was anything in them that could have offended the Czarina greatly, but his memory failed him. He felt an enormous pain coming up from his knees, and moaned a little. He couldn't see his knees in the unpiercable darkness that surrounded him, but as he was unable to move them he guessed he must've broken them. Or someone must've broken them for him....

After a few minutes, the surroundings slowly became more visible as his eyes got used to the darkness around him. There was noone around him, the large dungeon hall he was in was completely empty adn quiet, apart from the dripping of water. He noticed he had been put in a cage, like an animal, and his knees were not a pretty sight. He had had a close look at them, and they really didn't look as knees. Deformed and covered with blood they more looked like some old meat than like the knees he once had. He tried to move into a more comfortable position, but the pain his knees gave him as they touched the ground made him throw up all what his stomach possessed and spread it all over the floor and his jacket.

A tear appeared in the corner of his eye, but he quickly and determingly wiped it away. Crying was for babies and not for real men like him. However, he admitted to himself the situation was quite hopeless. The Czarina was obviously furious with him, and Aleksandr hated her. His minor dislike and irritation over how she had spoken about his country, he know realized had grown and grown during the conversation and had turned into pure hatred after what she had done to his knees. The enormous pain must be her work, he couldn't imagine someone else doin it, or it been an accident. Had it been an accident he would surely get a better place to cure than a cage in the dungeons. He felt like he had been put in hell. Not the hell which the priests preech about during Sunday's, there were no fires which he had heard them speak of, and neither any large couldrons with boiling water which he had heard the priests warn him about. No, it was a cold and dark place, filled with the burning pain in his knees and instead of fires burning he could hear water slowly dripping. No, he was in the hell on earth, and instead of Satan burning him in eternal fires, this earthly Satan, Mina, had put him in a cage as an animal and burning him with eternal pain.

What had he done to deserve this? Was he only a piece in the huge game of diplomacy and politics that was played throughout Europe by the various rulers of the different kingdoms, duchies, principalities and counties from Portugal in the south west to Vladimir-Suzdal in the very north east. Or did the princess really hate him, hate him so much that she enjoyed breaking his knees and putting him in this hell? He couldn't know, he couldn't remember the exact words he had told her. He only remembered that they weren't exactly flattering, but not overly offensive either, and that he had enjoyed it a lot. It was possile he had let his tounge go wild, but that was how Aleksandr reacted when he got upset, he couldn't help it. He was normally quiet and reserved, bordering shy, but when he got to the point where he got upset, he always let his tounge run wild. Now this had killed him, he had no hopes of suriving this. Another tear appeared, but he distinctively wiped it away and exerted himself trying not to cry.

He wasn't really suited well as a diplomat, Aleksandr began to think that he was chosen to represent Ryazan not for his diplomatic skills but for the honour of his father. To prevent him from being a merchant and putting shame over the whole family he had instead been put as a diplomat and was now putting shame over all of Ryazan. Maybe the Grand Princess even would go to war over his insults, Aleksandr didn't know. He felt ashamed, but also a bit of anger towards the people who ahd sent him here. Oh, if he only could've been a merchant. Travel the seas, bringing rare good wherever you came and earning a fortune, that was the life he desired more than anything. He fell asleep again, dreaming about wide seas and merchant vessels. Sometimes waking up by the pain wanting to remind him of its presence, but always trying hard to fall asleep again. He longed the eternal sleep, the end of his pains.

 

[N Katsyev]

Pskovskeey Kremlin, Great Hall​

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​

The tables were set in their dinner arrangement and dignitaries from across Russia were seated around them, however all were silent when the Princess Dasha of Suzdal rose. Of all of them except for Andrei there were two subjects of attention however, Andrei and Dasha both - the relationship between them, their interactions, any hint of something deeper. All this was being searched for by the eyes of the elite. Surely in time things that took place would be misinterpreted, things that didn't would be believed, and others would be simply forgotten - in the end what really happened would be lost to hearsay and gossip. This was all secretly recognized, ignored and duly and pleasuably accepted by all involved.

Mina raised her glass to the Princess, the dark wine swishing inside with the motion and gave her a knowing smile from the corner of her lips, "Your father is a loyal friend and ally, an honourable man of a different time. If only more were like him." This last comment had obvious weight attached, indeed many here tonight had learned for the first time of the outrage at court and that the army would be marching with the spring.

Dasha sat again and Andrei seated conspicously next to her leaned over, "Did you write that? If you did, you make nearly as charming a diplomat as you do a woman."

Dungeons​

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Footsteps once more echoed through the nearly empty chambers beneath the Kremlin. It took them it seemed forever until they stopped outside of Aleksandr's cell where he lay huddled amid the old stores upon the cold hard stones. The group was small, three kremlin guards, a priest and an old man. There was the loud echo of the sound of a bolt being dropped as the door was unlocked and opened. Two guards, the Priest and Timkin entered the small chamber and the door was shut behind them again.

In the shadows Timkin's frown was nearly invisible until it was lit to vision by the unshielding of a lantern being held by the Priest who then set it upon a rickety looking crate. The priest glanced over at Timkin before setting down on his haunches, preparing to inspect Aleksandr's knees. After a moment, Timkin spoke as a guard stepped forward and removed both the shackles and the gag, "I truly regret this had to happen Aleksandr. You must understand that scene earlier was not easy for me to watch, I love the Grand Princess as if she were my own daughter, indeed i've known her since the day after she was born and you - I respect you as a friend. I hope that maybe someday you can understand that what she does is sometimes for a greater purpose that may be hidden to us - this is how I justify such things."

Sighing, the old man lent against the bars of the cell, "No matter now. I should tell you, Pskov will now march on Ryazan and a final ultimatum will be given... But none of this should any longer be of your concern. This...", the old man said, indicating their current surroundings, "is only temporary. Father Pytorivitch here shall see to your... wounds, he is knowledgable in such things. One day you will be free again and I shall use what influence I may to see that you are given a more merciful sentence and assignment. Maybe Aleksandr you will see the mountains in the east, or the White Sea in the north - I have been told of them, but would love to see them myself. Finally, I wish to ask, do you have family that you would like to contact? We could see that they join you in your exile, I will try to secure them landgrants if it is your desire. Most importantly, if there is war - we can seek them out beforehand and remove them before the invasion begins for their protection. I offer all this as your friend but also in duty to my Sovereign."

 

[unmerged(4271)]

Common Room of Dancing Bear Inn and Tavern, Pskov​

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​

The small party of similarly clad Berbers and Arabs followed El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra into the establishment. Turning to the smaller Russian that entered with them, El-Zahrewi repeated back the words that he had heard from the thin man and awaited a translation of the dialect. It would be a slow-paced converation, but this was endurable.

"Greetings, master Eevanich....forgive me for the....intermediary....I understand some of what you say...but some words are not so good to me," recited the make-shift translator , conveying the Arab's words.

"I am to understand that you are being a ... man of business...is this right...I too am such a man...though the stew is tempting...I was hoping we might discuss some....opportunities to profit.

Is there to be....someplace more suited...suitable?....for such discussion...were we might discuss things of importance...but of nature not to be overhead by the careless?"

El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra flinched at what was clearly a less than graceful conveyance of his words, and he hoped too much was not lost of his nuances. This Russian appeared to be of a type known to him, types like had had dealings with before in Oman and Dehli. He thought he understood what motivated them, and that they could be trusted, in so far as that they would act professionally, but that beyond the motive of profit, they offered no allegiance or loyalty. Such individuals made poor friends but could make very effective partners of commerce, if everyone understood their role and expected no more nor no less.

 

[N Katsyev]

Dancing Bear​

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"Any place is suitable for discussions about making profit comrade.", Sadko's intelligent eyes moved from El-Zahrewi to his translators before coming back again, "How about you tell the nature of the business you are referring to, and then I shall see if I... " Eevanivitch stopped with a grin, noticing the girl beside him, a young somewhat pretty creature who must have been no older than fifteen but already had the presence of a woman significantly older. The girl was giving El-Zahrewi an appraising glance and only briefly did her flirty green eyes glance up at Sadko before moving back agian.

Sadko grinned and looked back at the Arab, "She wants to have sex with you comrade, for money of course." The girl screwed up her face at Sadko before silently walking away, giving one last glance to the arab over a bare little shoulder. She found herself in the lap of a large man who bounced her to obvious delight upon his knee. Shrugging Sadko began again, "But something tells me that's not the business you are here for. Tell me of the nature and I shall see if I know anyone you should meet with."