Journal of Astinus Demarydon, Summer 1090
I delivered the news and the letter to Prince Vladimir personally. I told him of Stockholm. What follows is the official court history of that day, written by myself.
The Battle of Stockholm
The Russian levies of Grand Duke Ysevolod drew up on the outskirts of unwalled Stockholm, haggard from weeks at sea, but eager to be over with the day's work and warm themselves with a confiscated wench, beside a fairly won hearth. The ferocious norsemen defending the settlement waved their axes in taunt, "singing" drinking songs in their guttural language.
The fighting began with an exchange of arrows between the sides. Impressed with our archer's superior misslery, and clearly frightened by the approaching menace of Russian spearmen, the enemy bowmen quickly withdrew across the lone bridge back into town. Next came the horrific clash of spear and axe as the melee began. Our men were temporarily reversed by the norsemens' pagan ferocity, but fell back having dealt the barbarians a heavy blow. What occured next was truly spectacular; worthy of legend and song. Mighty Duke Ysevolod charged with his guard headlong into the mass of heathens, throwing them back and forcing them to flee toward the city center.
For Honor and Glory!
Not one for half-measures, the duke pursued the cowards into the maze of buildings that form Stockholm's outer ring, far outpacing his recovered spearmen that were trying desperately to catch up. For every drop of noble blood he shed that day, our fearless leader made the pagans pay gallons. Despite such heroics, the norsemen, using the deceit inherent in the trickerous hearts of those who are far from the Lord, managed to surround and cut off the duke from the rest of his army.
Duke Defiant
A lucky axe blow struck the duke squarely; surrounded by dead foes he fell.
A Noble Life Ends
Incensed by the death of their leader, our angry soldiers stormed into the city, quickly skewering the remaining opposition. By nightfall, the place lay in the hands of brave Russians.
Let any whose minds were clouded to the courage and honor of our Grand Duke be set right. Let his bravery at Stockholm give heart to those who look to the Dukedom of Novogrod for the strength to bring hope to the downcast eyes of our people!
The Letter
Following this eulogy, I read to Vladimir his father's letter:
Son, if you hear this it is because I will not be returning from campaign, which means you are now Grand Duke in my place. You must put aside your childish things and live up to the example of your fathers. Our people suffer under the rule of petty men: both stubborn boyars and the weak royals of the South. Find the strength to do what I could not: unite the boyars and unite the Rus.
As you go about this task, remember the wisdom of my father: "The Rus are like the mighty bear of the forest, sturdy and strong but with the weakness of being good-natured. The other predators in the forest will take advantage of him unless he is careful. Beware especially the Poles, those wolves, who are ravenous always and roam the woods ceaselessly in search of weak prey. To defeat them you must never reveal your weak place. Of all other forest creatures, you must be concerned only with the fox, whose tribe is made of those descended from the Scourge of God. You will find the fox always gnawing at your heels, but he hides once you turn to hit him. The only way you will get rid of him for good is to seek out his den and destroy it." My son, may God show you the right path, and give you the strength to do what must be done.
Signed, Grand Duke Ysevolod
X
Before my new master and I could discuss the recent developments, or his new mandate, messengers bearing dire news intruded upon our solitude. The very provinces freshly annexed were already in open riot! Duke Vladimir agreed with my suggestion that the majority of the home garrison be deployed to try and snuff the violence. It was decided that the Duma will convene to help determine the next course of action. For the sake of thoroughness, I made a map sketch detailing the current situation. I have added it to my notes.
The Dukedom of Novogrod following the Battle of Stockholm
Growls in the Forest: A Russian Campaign History
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, govern the growing town of Smolesnk, which was acceptable to the duke. General consensus was gained that the wisest course would be to expand easterly and southeasterly. The important matter of succession was settled: "Horsehair" Mikhail was recognized as the closest ducal family member, and along with the strength of his accomplishments campaigning in the south, was unanimously supported as heir. The only policy Duke Vladimir forced the boyars to agree to was a rather draconian tax scheme that applied to all settlements, current and future. Impressed with my role in the successful Duma, Vladimir put me in charge of most administrative duties in the dukedom, giving instructions only to be disturbed with matters of utmost importance. The lazy [donkey].
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