Fury of Lietuva- A Lithuania-AAR

[Lordkönig]

Chapter 1: Besung in Battle
​

First January, in the year 867 of their "lord"
Alright, everybody is ready and so I, High Chief Palemon of Lietuva, declare on this filthy fool Liudas. There can only be one High Chief in Lietuva!

7th April, in the year 867 of their "lord"
We crossed the Memel just as well as our enemy, if not better. We storm on the wooden walls of Liudas' tribe. The cold has just passed away, so it is quite relaxing. I expect Liudas' tribesmen to give up soon for we brought so many men that they cannot get any supplies. Liudas' forces also fear us, because they do not attack us to free their people. Obviously the river and their lower number do not play a role in this but my genius brain, which offers good tactics to my army, does.

17th April, in the year 867 of their "lord"
Money is running low but I still have enough to pay my troops. When I inspect my reserves I see that someone has stolen some money. Not much money, perhaps the thief thought that I would not see it then, but I see everything. When I get this scoundrel into my fingers I will treat him like a "special guest".

20th May, in the year 867 of their "lord"
I find Gaudimante awesome but she unfortunately does not think the same about me. However, I am clearly the greatest guy in Lithuania. She is well-educated, so she would surely like a hand-written letter. I do not write so often but I put my skills together and then I sent the letter to her.

Deer Gaudimante,

How ya? I have heard that you still have not found any heretics. This is because I am such a gret rooler. There are apsolutely no heretics in my realm. My realm is the best realm. And if we would have any heretics then they would be the best heretics because they are our heretics. This shorely states how gret I am as a chief, do not you think so?​

High Chief Palemon of Lietuva

​

25th May, in the year of their "lord" 867
Gaudimante has not responded to me. She is surely a tough nut to crack. I will stay onto it.

13th August, in the year of their "lord" 867
The tribe of the Memel estuary surrendered in June and now we engaged the fierce army of the enemy in Kaunas. We went the longer way over Scalovia to surprise them from behind. With Vainius to my right side they crumble from within as their commander is so afraid of me that he hides. I go on the hunt for him. He shall not flee me!

I knew this commander from a religious festival some years ago where both of us shared a bottle of beer. So have the times changed. I encounter him in the flat plains of Kaunas, my homeland, which I know well. With my axe I stand before him; he is a bit shivering and sweating and he also looks like an old man now. Nevertheless I do not underestimate him. He may be a coward in a battle but this does not mean that he is bad at a direct fight.
"For honor!", I scream to him.
"Palemon, we must not fight. Once we shared our bottles. Whatever you have against me, let us discuss in peace", he answers, his words sounding a bit broken.
"Kestuti, the past means nothing in the face of the future", I reply and I charge with the wind in my back towards him. I nearly surprised him but his reflexes allow him to draw his axe before I cut through him. Metallic sounds come and go whenever our weapons blades meet. He can hold out for a time but he is older than me and his power begins to shrink. There I kill him slowly. The blood sprinkling out of his body is a sacrifice to Perkunas. Kestuti then falls to the ground and I stand there, successful.

19th August, in the year of their "lord" 867
Vainius was also busy. He and his men arrested a sub-commander of Kestutis. I let this guy directly be thrown into my prison in Kaunas.

4th October, in the year of their "lord" 867
The enemy forces fled into the north but it did not save them at all. We beat them into the ground. Their initial loss at Kaunas led to another one right here.

17th October, in the year of their "lord" 867
My men now see my greatness. My inspiring flame touches their hearts from within and everyone wants to fight for me and to die for me if necessary. They are mine now!

22th January, in the year of their "lord" 868
I am currently not at home and it seems that Borkus used that to do what he wants. This disobeying boy! When I come back I will tell you manners! At last he has some courage. He now studies the trails of the gods and he learns writing. From. his. own. desire. Unbelievable!

6th February, in the year of their lord 868
At Memel we fight them once more. I chill with Vainas in the back. This time it is enough, when we just give our soldiers signs by our hands.

"Vainus, isn't it a big triumph today?"
"Sure, Chief."
"Look, my warriors move as if the godly hands of Perun move them. They exactly know when to attack the enemys flanks, when to retreat but only to return with full strength. Marvelous!"
"This is all due to your tactical genius, Chief", Vainius then says to me, pointing at my fingers.
"Ah, right of course. I am so great that it is hard to differ between Perun and me."
"..."

22th February, in the year of their "lord" 868
Another commander has been captured. The men of Liudas resign and Liudas himself has to give his title of a High Chief to me. He still rules over the Memel estuary and Scalovia but this time he has on overlord. Me.

17th April, in the year of their "lord" 868
I am often disappointed by Kunos being so fearsome, but the council of the Elders favors him as my successor. I better let him learn responsibility by giving him Nalsia, a very poor land. Let us see what he makes out of it. Maybe Kunos has some unknown qualities.

On the same day I go for a visit of a shrine of Perkunas. I think that I might have angered him when I thought that it would be hard to tell the difference between him and me. I am no fanatic follower, I do not even pray often, but it is good to strengthen your bonds to the gods from time to time for they throw their wrath at your enemies and not you. I raise my hands up to the air, Perkunas' domicile.
"PERKUNAS IS GREAT!"

30th April, in the year of their "lord" 868
Peace does not mean that my axe rests. The band of Medina, a warrior lodge, fascinates me. It is like they exactly meet my favourite hobby: beating up people. I ask for a fight to show my strength and they let me step into in their wooden arena. I do not directly start with battling, but I look at some events they make there and after a few days I feel ready.

3rd May, in the year of their "lord" 868
When I come into the battleground I have a hard time with not sinking down to the ground and roll around laughing. My opponent is Kunos.
I clear some tears off my face: "You here? HAHAHAHA..."
Kunos clenches his fists around his axe and he grawls: "Father you will pay for what you did to me in my childhood. All the hits..."
"Some hits never hurted anybody, I guess I have to teach this lesson to you again, son", I say to him. These words make Kunos angry and for like the first time in his life he gets courageous and he charges at me. I have not even ended my sentence when he rages like a berserk and wants to bury his axe in my face. Too good that Kunos has no experience with being courageous. It is easy for me to step aside but let him run into my axe. Instead of my face his got wounded. I may propably have blinded him, but if it is so, then he deserved it after all. I mean, children have to be devout towards their parents and they must do everything what they say. I just put things right.

The crowd cheers at me and Arelis Klakis, the Hero of the Band of Medeina comes to gratulate me.
"It is rare that we see such talent. But I worry about your family relations. You should try to repair it with a bottle of beer."
"Ha! Bottles of beer will surely help. Especially if we share one."
"This is right"
Arelis then goes away for he has to observe other new candidates. If he would know...

 

[Lordkönig]

Chapter 2: Gifts for Vainius​

11th May, in the year of their "lord" 868
"Selija." Vainius is thinking loud. "Selija is weak and if we would attack it now, we could get it into your sphere of influence."
I am not so convinced of Vainius words. That guy is smart but he does not quite understand what makes a legend. "Selija is too weak. It is not worthy even a glimpse of my attention."
"Chief, of course Selija would be just a stepping stone on the road of fame and pride." This sentence now got my ear to hear. "With Chief Giemund of Selija subjugated you would get stronger. We would also have access to the Daugava river and therefore share a border with the tribe of the Latgales which would be an enemy worthy of your attention."
"Tell me more, Vainius."
"When we get stronger, we would also be no easy target for the Polotskians anymore. We have to get strong to avoid getting backstabbed."
"Vainius, your efforts are great. One day they will surely be included in my legend. We already sat around idle for some time but my axe wants to drink some blood. Get yourself and your men ready."
"If you say so, Sir"
The fresh air of spring gives me more of the spirit which I never had in the last years. This age where other men become lethargic and get old, forget the dreams that they had, for me it is the other way around. Rise Lietuva, rise!

19th May, in the year of their "lord" 868
Arelis already accepted me as a member, but today it is made official. For some time I leave my army. They do not really need me. Selija is a shithole country, easy to beat. This festival instead, it is gonna be a pleasure. Even Kunos shows up, his eyes hidden behind clothes and himself being in the last row, but at least he is there.
"It is impressive. You have not gotten a single scratch during your trial."
I nod just slightly because beating Kunos is does not seem impressive to me but I am pleased to take the honour.
"That is the kind of impressive fighter we would be honoured to have sitting at our table."
This suits me more. It is natural that I am an impressive fighter. Here I nod more recognizable.
"You are hereby humbly invited to join in our ranks."
I rise and then I take place on the table of these warriors. There are so much unknown faces but in the moment each one is filled with respect. They bring out a toast: "Palemon!"
I cannot hold myself and I start eating.

13th June, in the year of their "lord" 868
It took my some time to come back to my warriors and I throw myself into battle. Selija is not mighty but some blood to spill is always funny. I cut through the Selijan's when Commander Visvaldis, one that is only here because I did not find anyone better, calls to me: "Leave some skulls for me to crack!"
Ahh, he shares my hobby. I never paid attention to him but now I think that we could become friends.
"If you are fast enough!", I call back.
He joins the battle and begins to count: "1... 2 ... 3!"
"That is nothing! I have already slain 12 of them!"
"Then better be faster! I catch up! 6... 7!"
"Huh, why are there no foes left?", I wonder.
"Seems that we defeated them. They now hide beyond the walls of their tribe-village."
"Ahh, good work."
"You too, my chief"

19th June, in the year of their "lord" 868
We sit around the heart of the Selijan tribe. We prick them with our spears but yet we cannot really touch them. A week has passed and it is boring. So I leave the command to Vainius and return to my hall in Vilnius. When I arrive, my wife suddenly comes to me.
"Palemon, I did not think that it would happen again! My age..."
"What?"
"Palemon, I am pregnant."
"That is great. Big proof of my strength as a man!"
"Palemon..."
"Ok, you also have done something."

18th August, in the year of their "lord" 868
I spent more time with my family for in the war for Memel I have not cared much for them. Today a rabid dog somehow appeared in the garden before our hall. I hit him with my axe. I do not want him to harm my children and so I gonna hit him until he is dead, but my daughter Breksta comes from behind and hits me with a stick.
"Do not kill the poor doggie! Do not kill it!", she cries.
"It is not a poor doggie. It is a mad dog and he deserves death!", I say while my axe lands in the dog, finally hitting him seriously. I let my axe lay here and I turn to Breksta. "He would have hurt you and then I may not have you anymore as my daughter, Breksta", I say softly but my hand grips her so she cannot run away.
"I shall teach you this lesson not only with words but physical. I do not want any damage to you, Breksta."

Then the dog bites into my ankle. I have thought that he would be dead but I have to leave Breksta. The dog must finally die. I grab my axe again and this time I hit him and I hit him until it is hardly recognizable as a dog.
Little Breksta flees and she cries: "I FUCKING HATE YOU!" Tears are flooding over her face.
Why are children so dumb sometimes? I just protected her. Alas, this leaves me with a void inside my heart. I think, I lost Breksta, but in another way one I did not think of.

16th October, in the year of their "lord" 868
I like it, how competent Vainius is. He observed the siege of Selija until I returned to make peacedeals with Chief Giemund. Nothing changes except that he is now subject to me. With this I have now doubled Lietuva in size. Even this should be enough for the bards to sing over me but I want more. Lietuva is more than Lietuva is now. The chiefdom is not the same as the kingdom. I have to conquer more.

My dream

To bind Giemund to me, who does not hate me the way like Liudas does, I assign his wife as the guardian of my youngest son Spera. Maybe it is best, when my family and I... do not have to much contact.

I also see, that Giemund is a man of the word. He may not be a bold fighter, but (psst, this is secret) He took most part in the peace deal, I do not know how, but he is so eloquent. He would make a better chancellor than Elder Azuolas.

"You cannot throw me simply out!" Elder Azuolas is upset over my idea.
"If you would have been better, then I would not do this. You also were there when Giemund made the peace deal with us and this convinced me of him. I am sorry Azuolas but you should go."
"I feel younger than I am. I would be able to do this till my seventies!"
"Go, old man. You are still court physician and you still have place at my table. It is not the end."

6th November, in the year of their "lord" 868
In the last days I have thought, how I could reward Vainius. He is really someone I can trust, because he trusts noone. I think I make him my official Master of the Blade. But this is only the smaller part. I checked his private life and I discovered something.
"Vainius, do not you think that you are a bit lonely?"
"It is my self-chosen life. People are not to be trusted."
"And if I would order you to trust someone, would you?", I counter him.
"If you would say so, Chief."
"Then I have great news for you. The priestess Martyna of Penzelyn would like to marry you. This intelligent and beautiful woman has heard of your deeds and I have made plans up. Short: You will marry her soon."
"If you say so, Chief"
"Show more joy!", I shout at him. He should be more grateful for what I have done.
"IF YOU SAY SO, CHIEF!"
"This is better. Get yourself a better look, the marriage will be held in the temple of Penzelyn and it is just a week until there."
"So soon, Chief?"
"Isn't it great that you won't be alone anymore?"
"..."

I then invite two competent men, who follow the Romuvan faith. I have heard that one would make a competent Steward while the other cares for the shadowy things. But when they arrive I recognize that one of them is even better in martial things than Vainius. He shall be marshall. Now my council looks way better. I cleaned out the senile elders. Well, most of them.

9th December in the year of their "lord" 868

Then I receive pleasant news. This old fart over there in Zemaitija has made his last breath. Now nothing can hold me off of attacking the Zemaitijans. I shall pierce them into their hearts when I take Zemaitija for me.

Then I assemble my men but I discover that Vainius is not amongst them. Huh? It seems that his new marriage has given him so much entuthiasm that he does not want to leave his wife.

19th January in the year of their "lord" 869
Then Visvaldis and I must do this on our own. The Zemaitijans cross the border to enter Selija and our forces come to crush them. Right in the mid of the battle I receive news. My daughter is born and her name is like her mothers: Zemyna. This inspires me and my furious commands let us win the battle easily.

28th February in the year of their "lord" 869
The Band of Medeina is not idle in the meantime. They have found out that beyond the walls of the Zemgalian tribe are lots of treasures waiting and because I am their neighbour I shall plunder them. Why not. I want these treasures. However, first Lietuva must conclude the war for Zemaitija.

3rd August, in the year of their "lord" 869
It is not long until there. I leave them Deltuva but in comparison to the rich Zemaitija it is like nothing. This will weaken them more than if I would have subjugated them as a whole.

9th August, in the year of their "lord" 869
There is this wrath in me and I have long supressed it because after what happened with little Breksta I had been aching in my heart. Now the rage must out. I cannot hold it any longer. My prisoners must suffer!

I wounded Ragutis. He will not die, but it was fun to hear the screams, like I do in battle when I fall upon the enemies together with my light foot troops. In all these battles, first with Vainius who now is gone away, then with Visvaldis I have become familiar with them. I now know their strengths and they respect me as the great leader I am. I just feel greater and I think now I recoverd from these dark doubts which befell me when I was in the garden with Breksta. Lietuva is about to prosper more than it ever did and this is due to me. There are no reasons to let these feelings overcome me.

 

[Lordkönig]

Chapter 3: The enemy
​

18th December in the year of their "lord" 869
"Chief." Liudas looked at me with anger but he kept it under control. He had to otherwise I would crush him beneath my axe. "Recently the tribe of Kurland ceased to exist. Wild men from the north came, plundered their lands, took their wifes and they have not gone. They are now directly at our border."
"To whom owe they their allegiance?" Wow, I am surprised my complicated sentence. Well I should not be. Of course I am so educated.
"They are vikings of Björn Ironside."
"Björn Ironside... A son of Lodbrok?"
"Exactly. The bards now sing how they avenged their fathers death. Their rivals are punished through a ritual that they call the "blood eagle". Even you would say that it is cruel", he says with a shivering undertone.
The blood eagle. I know this one. Liudas is right there.
"This norsemen are dangerous. How can we drive them out of our romuvan land?"
"Honestly, I do not know too. But I plea for your help, chief!", Liudas now kneels before me.

Chief Giemund who is also well-informed about the matter joins us. "It is even worse", he says.
"From the river Daugava into the bay of Riga our merchants sailed to island of Osilia to trade with the tribesmen there but now they were blocked off. The island now is under the control of King Rurik of Holmsgardr."
"Well, but they are not so close as Björn of Svipjod", I speak out my thought.
"The problem, chief, is that the kings of Svipjod and Holmsgardr are bound together through marriages. They have good relations to each other and they may form an alliance to encircle us."
"This is not good", I gulp. Can my legend be over before it ever began?

"My chief, actually we still have chances" Giemund takes a long breath before he continues. "King Haraldr "Fairhair" of Vikken has an interest in keeping Holmgardr out and Svipjod down."Yet he does not have any children to whom we could betroth one of your offsprings."

"The other optio would be... Do you want to her it? It is for the sake of securing a way to survive for Lietuva."
"Come on, tell it"
"High Chief Yelisey of Polotsk is a direct neighbour of Holmsgardr. We also would stay inside our regional reach which would make it easier to use the alliance for other purposes."
"Polotsk...", I growl. "Well, I guess sometimes a compromise has to be made."
"Very well tought, my chief", Giemund applauses.

Breksta's age is similar to the age of the heir of Smolensk. If i would betroth her to the heir of Smolensk she will soon be away from Lietuva. I think she might see it as a gift. When she does not have to see me each day. I go to her chamber. Her face immediately skews when I enter.
"I have good news for you."
"OUT!"
"You will one day marry the heir of Polotsk: Svetovid Yeliseyovich."
"You call this good news!?"
"I thought, you would be glad to be away from me."
"I do not want to spend my life with a stranger. Even if I still have five years until then!"
"But..."
"NO!"
"You will have to! Or do you want that your people will get slaughtered when the Chief of mighty Polotsk may be angered then and decides to take revenge on us if you decline. You must obey!"
"I do not want YOU as my FATHER!"
"Very well. As long as you marry Svetovid when you have grown up."
She takes up a pointed wooden bough and throws it at me. I hide behind the door just in time. My own daughter... She really wants me dead. I walk away disappointed but in the knowledge that Lietuva will live on.

19th July in the year of their "lord" 870
I have gathered some troops to make a raid on the Zemgallians but we are not enough to storm their walls. Unfortunately I must give up the task that was given to me by the Band of Medeina.
Our troops still hunger for money and so I send them to raid the province of Deltuva, weakening our once-relatives even more.

1st August, in the year of their "lord" 870
Bad luck seem to have befallen me. On the way to Deltuva I started coughing. First I thought it was minor but now it seems that my lung wants to burst out of me. I leave my troops in the hands of Visvaldis, while I return to my hall in Vilnius, willing to get treatment by Elder Azuolas.

When I arrive at the hall I feel worse. Elder Azuolas comes fast to me. I do not recognize much of the "diganoseis" or whatever he calls it but his conclusion is really frightening.
Cancer.
A single word, mightier than even Perkunas, more dreaded than the sons of Ragnar Lodbrok. The enemy from within. Azuolas starts to treat me. Can not think...

Azuolas orders me to come into a small room in his house. The room is unusual because it has only three corners and not a single window. On each corner he lits a candle and I was in the middle. He wants me to sit in some "crossing-point". Then he comes to me and he took my hands. I just want to sleep for the coughing all the time made me tired but he holds me awake with a slap of his hands. He then takes my hands again.

Silence.

Then he starts speaking in a strange language. Maybe nordic? I really cannot filter out any known words, I just hear the sound. Praising yet full of awareness. Like a litany but more diverse. After some verses he says: "Repeat my words."
I really cannot remember what he said but somehow the unknown verses come out of my mouth. My mind is fully engaged. Then I finish and he begins to speak in the unknown language again.

The hours pass by.

The candles are slowly burning down and they heat the room. I sweat but Azuolas does not let me out. I could not even get out because he let his scolar lock it from the outside. We still sit there and neither I nor he have made a mistake in this language. The sound fills the room. Echoes repeating themselves go from one side to another and weave a web of words around us. I believe, I can see the words. They are wonderfully written. It is perfect. Even the serifs seem to be carefully placed at the point where they belong to. This is the sublime beauty that mankind never is able to reach or not?

Are we still counting hours or have days passed? I do not know. Thoughts, time, everything is meaningless. Words. Words. Words. Words. The room. Room. Hands. Azuolas. Candles. Words. Words. Words.

W...O...R...D...S...











Then the door opens. Both me and Azuolas get unconscious when the fresh air streams in.

6th August, in the year of their "lord" 870

I cannot believe it. Azuolas' treatment worked out very well. I feel... clean from the inside. I still have not fully recovered but when I cough I do it less violently and I do not feel these cracks in me. I also have found out that Azuolas and I were in this chamber for five days. Five days being awake... it is no surprise that we had to rest then.

6th September, in the year of their "lord" 870
I still stay at Vilnius for Azuolas does not let me go, and he is right. Borkus, who has become lazy, visits me at my bed.
"Father, are you going to die?" Children can be so honest.
"No, not today."
"Have you then fighted this illness?"
"Like a brave warrior always does. Bravery is very important not only there but also on the battlefield or when other children try to take something away from you."
"I want to be brave then!", Borkus decides. He means it serious.
"This is good my son", I murmur and I pat his head until I sleep.

14th September, in the year of their "lord" 870
Since this day Borkus comes very often to me to ask for my guidance. At last one child loves me too, as I love them. When he is not there, I listen to the tales that the bards tell me. One with greek origin began to sing of Alexander the Great, a great conqueror. I cannot get enough of this and so I forced the bard to tell me the whole story. This is gonna take some time but I simply adore Alexander and I must consume everything he did.

On the very same day Azuolas comes to me, with no sign of joy on his face.
"You really have cancer" His face says this without any vocal coming out of his mouth.
"I cannot heal you, only slower your decline", he offers me. I can see it. He pities me. Not the feared Vikings, not the fierce believers of the dead god, not even a tribesman from here will end my legend but cancer will.
I nod. Then I stare at him and he stares back.

Then he breaks the silence. "Chief, I have some methods to handle this. One is very risky, the other one would be what I mentioned before or we could see if it is just a false alarm."
It seems that I am preaching water but drinking wine. I clearly do not have enough courage to ask for the risky method but the normal one.

26th September, in the year of their "lord" 870
I really do not know from where Azuolas takes his crazy ideas. Today he came with a goat into my chambers and I had to smell the farts of the goat. Another treatment that worked. This man is a crazy genius.

15th October in the year of their "lord" 870
I do not have much control over my realm since death hath clenched his fists around my throat. My vassalls like their new autonomy but it led to problems. I got news that marshal Galindas and Liudas first bragged about how great they were (how pointless, since I am the greatest in my realm, even if I am down) and then they fought each other. Now they are bitter rivals.

25th April to 2nd June, in the year of their "lord" 871
The cancer really bound a lot of my attention and I forget about my daughter Zvorune. She became a woman, fast with the fist but as craven as their mother so she prefers to stay in the shadows. For Lietuva is weakened when I am bound to the bed I use my her to create bonds to Pronsk, another kingdom in the lands of the Rus, ot in Ruriks reach yet, but it is always good to have connections, right?

While I was searching for a husband for my daughter I got an invitation by chief Giemund. I may have become weak but I never say no to a feast.

20th July, in the year of their "lord" 871
A weaponsmith heard of my fame and he settled in Vilnius.

21st September, in the year of their "lord" 871
I arrive at Giemunds hall and I see the meat being stapled upon more meat and I just talk of my dish! Of course they also offer beer.

8th October in the year of their "lord" 871
"Look!"
"Haha!"
"You see how easy it is to hit them?", I laugh.
"Yes. Another bottle of beer?"
"Of course."
Giemund fills my bottle and when he gives it back to me he loses the balance and the beer is spilled all over both of us. We laugh together.
"Friends?", I ask him.
"Friends!"

15th October, in the year of their "lord" 871
My still very autonomous men have plundered the viking-invasors and they returned. My commander Visvaldis is first shocked when he sees my current condition but then he hands me an axe.
"This is what we have found in the treasures of the vikings."
I look closer on the axe. A purple +2 is etched into it. I inspect the axe, test how it feels to swing it around and I like this axe. "My old axe now shall belong to you, Visvaldis", I thank him.
"I am grateful, chief", he says and then he turns away.

22nd October, in the year of their "lord" 871
The carousing is over for now. It was a nice distraction from my cancer and I even made a friend. The first real friend in my life. I am sad that the carousing is over. So sad.

14th January, in the year of their "lord" 872
Today I feel like I lost. No, noone died but I put so much effort into the raising of Borkus. I taught him how to be brave but like me he got betrayed by his body. He has become frail and because some people laugh at him when they see him he hides away. I feel tired.

I have not accomplished much in the last years for I were too focused on the cancer and my family. This is not right, why are my efforts nothing worth but waste? I should better concentrate on expanding Lietuva, even if it means death, should I? Be or not be? This question is important.

 

[Lordkönig]

Chapter 4: A change of mind
​

"The Polotskians attack the Latgallians, father!"
I do not listen to what Borkus says. I am still thinking and no unwanted doubt shall disturb me.
"Father, we should attack. Now they are weak and if we hit them fast, then we can seize them before the Polotskians!"
"..."
"..."
"Right, son. One last time I will stand on the field. An 2300 army of frail, will it be enough to match the 900 Latgallians that seem to repel the invaders from Polotsk?"
"But father! What if you would pass the on? I may not fight on the field but your teaching was very good. I can tell you the best strategy for fighting near the Daugava. I know what you can do with a rusty needle and a fruit. Please father!"
"The troops have no respect of you. In the last years you hided way too much. There are speculations if you belong to a bad cult and such things."
"Do you remember when you taught me how to be brave?"
"I do."
"I will be brave."
"Then better be brave. Disobey my wish. Convince my troops that they follow you from now on."
"I will try this."
"Hey, you can't!"
"I am weak but right now you are weaker. Sit down and do the best for your health."
"HEY!"
Now Borkus is the one who does not listen. I think he already made me proud and if he is gonna accomplish what he is doing then I will be even prouder. The legend will be passed on.

I must show my father that I am still worthy. I have to do this, even if it is a big step. To view into the eyes of men that did not see you since years and therefore despise you secretly. On half of the way to the battleground of the warriors I am short in breath. Have to wait some seconds. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
Now I am fit. When I arrive at the battleground a warrior looks amused of me.
"Hah, boy. You wanna watch us?"
I gather all my courage to speak to this muscular giant who could easily break my bones.
"I am Borkus, heir of the chiefdom of Lietuva. I await that you gather your men because now we go to war."
"Listen boy, you are funny. Everybody knows that Borkus is a dwarf with mutations in his face who never leaves his hall."
"I am Borkus!", I say.
"I don't believe you."
His strong arms carry me away from the battleground and I can do nothing. Argh, they still treat me like a child. Do they not care for what is in the mind? Since when is your body the only thing that counts?
I try it again, from another side. This time I speak to a warrior who has a more mediocre stature and also a friendly face.
"I am Borkus, heir to the chiefdom of Lietuva! Gather your men for we go to war!"
The former friendly face of the soldier now has another look. I would call it insidious.
"Very well. Go into the mid of the ground and raise your hands. Then the soldiers will recognize you."
"Thanks."
I do like he said but suddenly a wave of laughter comes over me. Then the warriors stomp rythmically. In what situation have I gotten myself? Now I see it. I am in a situation where a weakling has pleaded for a fight against the "Chosen of Perkunas". I thought it was only a legend but the world revealed a new secret to me. Too bad that I won't live any longer. The Chosen of Perkunas has a height of two metres and one or two heads on top of this and his arms are like my whole width. He also has a very big necklace with a lot of fruits hanging on it. He takes a fruit and after he ate it his eyes have some fire within them. The legend says that the Chosen of Perkunas is fueled by Perkunas strength but the mortal cannot bear it and therefore become really mad.
"Die Borkus!" The friendly soldier to whom I spoke now uncovers his real self.
I have no time to react on him because the Chosen of Perkunas is a very serious issue. He is stronger than any normal man. And I cannot even fight a normal man. But flight is no plan because the warriors are like a wall that stops me from doing this. The only plan I have is...
"CHARRRRGE!" The Chosen of Perkunas is coming at me and I swear, I can see how his teeth are pointed and how he will bite me apart with them. The shock is paralyzing me. My mind thinks that I am going to die. Cannot think because I have to much fear before death. Think!
What was the plan?
The plan was to...
...
...The plan was to make the Chosen of Perkunas weary. I will just run around in circles. Then I can move myself again, just in the right moment. As my mind comes back to reality I can see how the fists of the Chosen are going to smash me in this very moment but my plan gives me something like optimism and I pull my head out of this danger. Then I progress in my plan.
"AAAAAAAHHHHH!" I am running circles around the Chosen. The warriors get angry at me but they are not allowed to kill me right now. If I would be killed then the Chosen of Perkunas would do it.
The first round already makes my heart pounding like a hammer but I still live and I want to live on so I do not sit down to rest. My feet are killing me but in this case I kill them. I run and my superior tactical understanding which the Chosen does not have lets me dodge his attacks. Only to fail in the end. My mind wants to run until the Chosen dies because of fatigue but my body cannot do it any longer.

I fall into the mud and I am to wearied to rise up. At last I do not feel any pain. Every part of my body is numb. Except my fingers. They are moving around and I do not tell them to. Then my fingers grab something. A needle. It feels rusty.
"I know what you can do with a rusty needle and a fruit."
I hold the needly in my hands and on the necklace of the Chosen I see some remaining fruits. This may be very dumb but...
With my last power I jump at the Chosen and I manage to grab a fruit away from his necklace and I pull the needle into the fruit. The rust from the needle will "poison" the fruit. If I just could throw the fruit into his mouth...
"Oh."
I literally did what I thought. I threw the fruit into his mouth. Very well, then I just have to hold out a little bit longer until he dies from a sepsis. But for now I just made him angry. Anyway, the fruit and the needle, they will work. I just have to give them time. This newfound hope mobilizes my feet and we run circles again.
The only problem is that this time I do not have strength I had before. This exhausting fight against the Chosen has got a heavy tribute from me. I tried so hard but this time my body really cannot afford it any longer. I break down.
My eyes get some terrifying last glimpses. I see how the Chosen comes. I see how he does not kill me right now but is torturing me. He enjoys it. He goes around and lifts me to show that he won. Then he puts me down. I know what now comes. He is planning to sacrifice me for Perkunas.
His eyes have a scary look. They are frightening. His arms drag me into a position where the Chosen can spill my blood most effectfully. In this moment his arms do not seem to be that strong. Maybe the Chosen was just a frail boy before he became this?
Wait. Do I sympathize with my enemy? I spit into his face right into his eyes. He gets unconscious. The needle and the fruit saved me in the last second but I do not feel joy. I am just tired. I hear so much noises around me but I do not care. I sleep.

I cannot believe that Borkus defeated the Chosen of Perkunas. There may still be hope for him. This victory has turned the soldiers into his favor. They would fight Chernobog for him. He also inspired me. The Latgallians are here to be subjugated.

When I come back from this war I also have a surprise for Borkus. Little hint: This victory does not only increase his popularity under the soldiers. The daughter of Liudas could even out his behaviour. She is already very gregarious at an age of 13. I betroth her to my son Borkus. I am sure they will love each other.

2nd March, in the year of their "lord" 872
The vikings do not seem to be vikings anymore. Svipjod converted to the faith of the dead god. They call it catholic. I call it suspicious. Are the followers of the dead god now the ones who try to encircle us? This makes me angry. Why can't they just leave me alone? I guess, I will find out in the prison...

17th March, in the year of their "lord" 872
Visvaldis does not seem to be so competent than I thought. Anyway, good so. Leaves more space for me to shine.

4th July, in the year of their "lord" 872
It is easier than I thought. Borkus was right. We swarmed over the Lettgallians and while they were busy with defending against Polotsk, I and my men took some land of them and it will become more. The warm summer makes the sieges tolerable. No sitting in mud but eating the corn directly from the blade.

1st October, in the year of their "lord" 872
It is a bad day. Today I found out why my son does not like to be in the public. My cancer seems to develop, mishandle me even more and inviting his diseases-friends like Leper. Leper. Another word that just strikes fear in the hearts of people. Not as deadly as cancer but cruel in another way. My mood has regained optimism since the Latgallians are utterly defeated but now I feel defeated. I can fight mortal enemies but against those who invade your body from the inside and make you empty and fill this emptiness with nothing but sorrow, I must resign.

7th October, in the year of their "lord" 872
All hope is gone. Even Azuolas who did a good job at defying my cancer now gives up.

16th March, in the year of their "lord" 873
Nothing but the stories of Alexander the Great is now mine. Everyone immediately turns away when they see me. I am talking a lot to myself now and I taught me a great lection about the art of war. If I could still write I would write a book but if your fingers are no fingers anymore this is pretty hard.

9th August, in the year of their "lord" 873
I think I am broken. The things that interested me once are now vanished. I think I will never hold a spear-throwing competition. No one would like to be near me. I understand them. Now that my physical strength is faltering I have much time to shift my mind away from cruelty to wisdom. I think this would be more appropriate than still hanging on to this war-business.

Maybe...

(I unfortunately pressed away the death-screen, so I have to show it to you this way)

 

[Lordkönig]

Chapter 5: The non-physical Commander
​

I was told by Elder Azuolas shortly after. For he heard the last wish of my father he gave me his vote too. My victory against the Chosen of Perkunas convinced the other elders to vote for me and suddenly I was elevated into the rank of the High Chieftain of Lietuva. Hard to believe. Not long ago the people thought bad about me but now they seem to support me.

Still, there was the funeral of my father. Nobody except me, the shaman and chief Giemund appeared. Giemund was a close friend of my father but not of mine. The bad rumours about me seem to keep him off. I talked some words to him but I could not make it clear that I am no cultist. Damn, sometimes it is so hard to speak to people.

When I think about the future I have a clear plan. I want to proceed where my father was interrupted. I may not fight, I may not make him be loved by everyone but I can fulfill his dream. It is the last service I can offer to him.

Maybe I can defy my bad reputation through especially caring for our gods. A sacrifice it is not but how about "protection". The Yatvingians live in the south of us and they are weaker than any polish kingdom. They should be incorporated by us. Lietuva can defend the holy site of Sejny better than them.

5th October 873, in the year of their "lord" 873
I do not fight but wait for my troops. They are the frontline against the enemy. We are more than them but they have to hold till reinforcements arrive, otherwise we have a problem. I trust my soldiers as they trust in me since my own fight.

(oops, forgot to disable leading armies, for Borkus. Anyway, now I did)

26th October, in the year of their "lord" 873
I visited the battleground and I recognized that I can still give commands. I just have to sit in my tent with a great oversight of the battlefield and this gives me strategical advance. I clearly see the big whole, how our troops should move, but I can also see small details. Here! My warriors have slain an enemy commander! Maybe it is good that I am not down there. It is clearly good to have a plan with the possibility of overseeing all consequences. It is not possible in a battle but here it is.

20th November, in the year of their "lord" 873
Here is it. The all-deciding battle has been won. My understanding of supplies renewed the fighting spirit of my warriors all day and their sharp blades did the rest. Intelligence with muscles!

3rd May, in the year of their "lord" 874
Will it work again? I think so. When we have overtaken them once, when we are making progress in occupying their land, then we can do it easily. Intelligence with muscles!

31st May, in the year of their "lord" 874
The last time we killed an enemy this time we just improson him. It is only an Elder who thought he could replay the days of his youth. How foolish. In this age you have all right to idle around and do nothing. Some months in my prison could clear his mind. Of course we now march to the object of our desire. The holy shrine of Sejny.

11th July, in the year of their "lord" 874
"We are too late", Visvaldis told. He told the obvious. We just began the war in time. The Mazovians are up to a complete devastation of one of the holiest places in our faith. We clearly must protect our brethren.
"Let us finish the war fast. If we capture Sudovia then we could make a favorable peace with the Yatvingians."

22nd November, in the year of their "lord" 874

"Today is united what should be united. Today we put our weapons aside to live together in harmony under one faith, one crown." My words are clearly perfect formulated.
"Wanna play? Then I do whatever ya wantin'", the child chieftain surprises me.
Was the war unnecessary? I just have to play with a child and I get its domain incorporated?
"Uhm... sure."

Inofficially the people already talk of me as the king of Lithuva. Through the unification of Yatvingia and Lietuva I saved Sejny from the heathens. But of course a king needs a crown and unfortunately I do not have enough money. I could surely make a crown of iron but I want more. Lietuva is not poor! It just has to wait a little.

15th Januar, in the year of their "lord" 875
Today is a great day. I get to marry the daughter of Chief Liudas. This marriage should ensure that he does not fall into my back when he could. To be honest, it just happens because I must. It is part of the legacy of my father. But it is still a great day isn't it?

2nd February, in the year of their "lord" 875
Sides have changed. Now Giemund is the one who pleas for attention for he is the one with bad rumours about him. At least it is, what I think, when I read his invitation to a feast. But I am not resentful and so I accept.

26th May, in the year of their "lord" 875
I must say that Giemunds hall is quite a cozy place. I understand why my father liked visiting Giemund.

10th June, in the year of their "lord" 875
The bards and the beer and now the dices. This atmosphere is exhausting yet inspring.

My mind is unmatched. We played for hours but each time I won. I wonder if I should play more often?

As I do not have to do much, I would say yes. Games are fun!

Aargh...
It hurts...
my stomach...
BLEARGH!

Someone at Giemunds feast must have tried to poison me. He nearly succeeded but I spit out the entirety of my food and drinks and therefore I also got rid of the poison. But, who? Who was it? I fear the murderer might be nearer than I think.

Is it Giemund?
Is it my wife?
Is it her father Liudas?
Or someone else? Who is educated and could know of poisons? Azuolas?
I will try to find out...