The Annals of Silesia

[stnylan]

I do like a nice discussion of the marriage game.

BTW I have some broken image tags when I read the above post

Thank you to stnylan, Bullfilter for your continued interest in my AAR. It does mean a lot. I see the view counter counting upward so I must assume there are many others hopefully enjoying the story. I think this will be a good end to Chapter I. All I will say is next Chapter should see a faster pace of events, I would think based on the gameplay. I am still parsing through gameplay notes, but have some ideas that might make a good story, I think Chapter I has "set the table" well for Chapter II.

Again thank you to all that are reading and I hope you enjoy.

Oh they are generally quite a few lurkAARs about the place, so you are quite correct. CommentatAARs are, however, a somewhat rarer breed

 

[Bullfilter]

It looks like the feast was a success and an important and prestigious betrothal proposal has arisen. I wonder whether the King will decide the Prussians need a lesson in polite behaviour and call up the levies? Perhaps even a holy war to force their conversion? Anyway, as Duke, Wlost must wait on his King’s word for that.

I’m sure there are many others reading. With my first AAR (Talking Turkey, almost two years old now and still going) I didn’t get any comments until I was 12 chapters into the story! But I could see people were reading and more commenters came in eventually.

 

[Koch4646]

Chapter II: Yaropolk’s Rebellion​

Part 1: Winter Campaign

It was a warm October day in the village of Chernyakhiv, an estate administered by the Bishopric of Zhytomyr, the fiefdom of Patriarch Ivan of Zhytomyr who had helped Duke Wlost welcome Ivan’s Lord, King Svatislov II into an alliance between the Poles and Kievan Rus. The serfs of Chernyakhiv were busy taking advantage of the extended harvest weather, gathering in additional crops, making last-minute repairs to huts and storage buildings before the brutal winter of Zhytomyr and Kiev set-in. One of the serfs, working in the field, was startled to see an unusual number of squirrels, rabbits, birds and all kinds of woodland creatures scurrying out of the nearby wood. Even more startling was the appearance of several deer and bucks galloping out after the smaller animals, there seemed like such a commotion coming from the wood that some of the more curious serfs gathered to take a closer look.

To their dismay breaking out of the wood were armored men on horseback wielding swords, thrashing about, slicing through the unwitting poor serfs. Soon pandemonium set in the village of Chernyakhiv as it was overrun by raiders on horseback. The village was torched after these raiders plundered what they could. Some serfs were able to get away to the security of the walled and garrisoned village of Zhytomyr. Even the defenders at Zhytomyr were no match for these raiders because this was the vanguard of 6000 men under arms led by the terrible Dobrynia a commander of Yaropolk Rurikid. Yaropolk’s Rebellion had begun.

Marshall Dobrynia and Prince Yaropolk​

Even though King Svatislov II suspected that his jealous cousin, Prince Yaropolk Rurikid, would likely rebel against his authority as King, he did not anticipate it happening until next spring. Svatislov was unprepared for an attack and his spies had given no knowledge of an impending attack. Yaropolk was bold to revolt in October and risking his army in the chance that it would be exposed to an early winter cold snap, but the weather remained in Yaropolk’s favor. Yaropolk, the Grand Prince of Tuvorov, gained the initiative and now had the element of surprise in his favor. With the mighty and terrifying Dobrynia at the head of his army, Yaropolk struck eastward, from Tuvorov, at King Svatislov’s stronghold of Kiev, wasting no time after the sack of Zhytomyr.

So swift was Dobrynia, that the garrison at Kiev failed to organize a proper defense of the Town Walls. The outer walls of Kiev fell to Yaropolk’s forces, commanded by Dobrynia, quickly. While some of Town’s defenders held out within the castle stronghold, they quickly succumbed to starvation. Due to the shock of the attack, much of the grain stores were captured by Dobrynia’s men. The garrison of Kiev had little to eat themselves and submitted to their attackers. Dobrynia was able to establish a winter base at Kiev and his army would be sheltered from the winter cold.

Yarapolk’s gamble paid off, but he was not willing to keep up a winter campaign after the fall of Kiev. Yaropolk and Dobrynia made winter quarters at Kiev, while King Svatislov, who was not in Kiev when it was attacked remained in the South of his realm. Svatislov gathered his remaining forces and marched to the Northwest and made camp at the fortress of Lutsk. The move put Svatislov’s meager and demoralized army in supporting distance of the King of Poland. Boleslaw, who was organizing his army of 6000 men of his own to come to King Svatislov’s aid. Svatislov awaited for his friend and ally to arrive.

King Boleslaw and the contingents of the newly raised Polish army was to rendezvous at the Town of Lublin. The advanced guard under Prince Wladyslaw, Duke of Mazovia, was given instruction, by King Boleslaw, to move ahead of the main army and take his contingent of 1500 men and to secure the Principality of Red Ruthenia that formed the border between Polish and Kievan Rus. The Grand Prince Konstantin of Red Ruthenia supported Yaropolk’s rebellion, but was slow to organize his own regiment and now found himself cut off from Yaropolk’s main force now taking Kiev. Duke Wladyslaw moved from Lublin southeastward into Red Ruthenia and cut off and destroyed any forces trying to move out from the region to link up with Yaropolk. After securing the fortresses and towns of Red Ruthenia, Wladyslaw waited for King Boleslaw’s arrival with the main Polish army.

King Boleslaw personally led the Army of Poland. His Marshal, the brutal Swietoslaw of Wieliczka, took command of the cavalry, while the Knight Lutoslaw Mazoweic commanded the infantry. The King of Poland left Duke Wlost, Steward of Poland, in charge of the affairs of the Kingdom while the army was on campaign. The Duke of Silesia was now one of the King’s most trusted vassals and although the Duke was not on campaign in the field he was in charge of all the garrisons of the King’s domain. To help safeguard the Kingdom proper, Duke Wlost raised an additional reserve force of 500 Silesians and placed them under the command of Marshall Wszebor of Silesia. Marshal Wszebor’s force would be used as a mobile reserve to protect supply lines and defend against raids.

Duke Wlost and Marshal Wszebor​

By the end of 1070, King Boleslaw had eliminated any resistance in the Principality of Red Ruthenia. The main fighting was relegated to light cavalry skirmishing. Duke Wladyslaw’s vanguard of 1500 men was unable to engage Prince Konstantin and eliminate that rebel force. Konstantin was able to flee to Kiev and support Yaropolk’s forces there. The Polish army of 6000 and King Svatislov’s army of 1700 marched south and wintered at the town of Lviv in southern Kievan Rus.

At Lviv, King Boleslaw reorganized his forces into two wings. Boleslaw would command the Right Wing and the brutal Marshall Swietoslaw of Wieliczka commanded the left wing. King Svatislov’s men would act as a vanguard to the combined army. Both the Polish-Kievan army and Yaropolk’s army remained in their camps until the end of February 1071 when Yaropolk then decided to abandon Kiev, leaving a garrison.

King Boleslaw of Poland and Marshall Swietoslaw​

What caused Yaropolk to abandon Kiev was the feared arrival of a second Kievan Rus Army under Svatislov’s loyal vassal and brother, Grand Prince Vsevolod, coming from the far eastern Principality of Pereyaslavl. This would put Yaropolk and his entire army between two hostile forces. Yaropolk’s Marshall, the terrible Dobrynia, Devised a plan to quickly strike westward toward King Boleslaw and the Polish-Kievan Army at Lviv. Dobrynia wanted to draw out the Poles into battle. He believed the Poles to be pampered westerners and could not be a match for his hardened Varangians.

At the onset of the spring campaign of 1071, Grand Prince Yaropolk’s Army swelled to 7000 men. Marshall Dobrynia led 4000 men while Yaropolk followed behind with a reserve force of 3000 men. Yaropolk’s Army marched southwest of Kiev raiding villages and laying waste along the way. They were purposely merciless trying to draw out King Boleslaw and Svatislov from their camp at Lviv. The two Kings quickly received word of Yaropolk’s move away from Kiev and hastily drew up their forces. The Army of Poland and Kiev was roughly the same size as Yaropolk’s. It was soon found out Dobrynia was entering the county of Medjybij. King Savtislav’s men Marshall Swietoslaw’s Left Wing quickly marched eastward from Lviv.

Yaropolk’s Rebellion: Campaign of 1070-1071​

King Svatislov and Marshall Sweitoslaw, while on the march, received word that a small force was spotted near the village of Medjybij at a bend of the Pivdennyi River. According to scouts the small force had already crossed the river but had started to prepare camps and were not moving. The scouts had found the lead elements of Dobrynia’s men, most of his Cavalry that was encamped for the day awaiting the remainder of their force. Svatislov and Sweitoslaw both agreed they should move quickly and try to capture this part of the enemy army that was isolated. King Svatislov and Marshall Sweitoslaw prepared themselves for battle.

 

[stnylan]

Yes, treat the rebels to a good harsh lesson. One they will not forget.

 

[Koch4646]

Chapter II: Yaropolk’s Rebellion​

Part 2: The Battle of Medjybij

​

Down the long plains toward the direction of the Medjybij encampment, King Svatislov, and Marshall Sweitoslaw could see Dobrynia’s Cavalry encampment and his men busily forming up ranks. Dobrynia galloped up and down his battle line yelling and provoking his men in a frenzy. Dressed in Boyar style armor, a rounded helmet with a short angular point at the top, long plated noseguard and chain mail mesh that covered the remainder of the face and mouth that wrapped around the neck, and full chain mail shirt covered in scale plated chest armor. The brutal Dobrynia wielded an enormous Sagaris type ax that was dubbed the Terror.

Dobrynia in Full Battle Dress​

In command of the vanguard of Prince Yaropolk’s rebellious Army, Dobrynia formed up in a long thin line in front of his encampment. The encampment was nestled in the middle of a U-shaped curve formed by the Pivdennyi River. King Svatislov of Kievan Rus and Marshall Sweitoslaw of Poland could see Dobrynia’ back was against the river with a small bridge as the only escape route for the Rebels. The King and Marshall could also see in the distance, on the other side of the river, Yaropolk and the remainder of his army approaching the river bridge. Svatislov and Sweitoslaw needed to act fast to trap Dobrynia against the river.

As Dobrynia made a scene riding up and down his lines, the Polish-Kiev Army began to charge in three waves. The first wave led by Sweitoslaw’s sergeant, Sir Lutoslaw followed by Sweitoslaw ’s men and in the reserve wave was King Svatislov. Before ordering the charge, Marshall Sweitoslaw sent a rider to King Boleslaw, who was not yet arrived at the battlefield, informing him they would be engaging the enemy aggressively and asked his majesty to bring the remainder of the Polish Army to the field of battle as quickly as possible.

Dobrynia’s men remained in place awaiting the charging enemy. They stood firm and did not counter charge. In fact, Dobrynia gave an order to loosen his thin line further right before Sir Lutoslaw’s lead charge approached. Most of Lutoslaw’s Cavalry charged right through Dobrynia’s line, while some of Lutoslaw’s mounted warriors came to blows against the spears of the rebel cavalry. High pitched squealing from horses being gutted by spearheads and screams of men taking hacks to their limbs and bodies started to echo on the battlefield.

When Sweitoslaw’s second wave charge approached Dobrynia, the rebel commander ordered half of his men to counter-charge Sweitoslaw. Now Dobrynia had half his Cavalry engaged against Seitoslaw to his front and turned the other half of his command on Lutoslaw’s mounted men that had pushed through Dobrynia’s ranks on the first charge.

Sir Lutoslaw​

The momentum of Sir Lutoslaw’s charge and the thinness of Dobrynia’s ranks pushed Lutoslaw far behind the line of battle and almost to the Pivdennyi River. As Sir Lutoslaw attempted to wheel his mounted warriors around a group of heavily armored Varangian ax men came up from their hiding spots along an unseen ravine on the banks of the Pivdennyi River. It was a trap! One of Lutoslaw’s men had heard him yell. Lutoslaw tried to spur his horse out of the ambush but he and his men were overwhelmed and dismounted to face their foes in hand to hand combat.

Dobrynia’s Varangians
​

Although Dobrynia had Sweitoslaw to his front and soon joining Sweitoslaw would be King Svatislov’s men, Dobrynia smelled blood and it came from Lutoslaws desperate situation. Not wanting to miss out on the slaughter that he anticipated would become of Sir Lutoslaw’s ambushed men, Dobrynia turned on his horse and away from the fighting with Sweitoslaw’s force.

Dobrynia galloped to his rear where he saw his heavily armored Varangians, that had been stashed away in the ravine, hacking away at the unfortunate men of Lutoslaw’s. Everyone in this part of the battlefield now dismounted and fought on foot. Dobrynia ran toward the now surrounded Lutoslaw, yelled at his men to get away, and pointed at Lutoslaw saying he is mine!

Circling, Dobrynia faced down Lutoslaw, bringing up his ax, The Terror, with two hands holding it over his head and bringing down the Terror against Lutoslaw. Lutosalw brought his shield up to meet the blow from Dobrynia’s Terror, only to have the ax split his shield in two. The force of the blow knocked Lutoslaw down to the ground. Now on the ground looking up at Dobrynia, Lutoslaw took the Terror’s second blow to the face!

While Lutoslaw was being butchered by Dobrynia, King Svatislov charged with his men to reinforce Sweitislaw on the front line. Dobrynia’s men had to bring him out of his deranged state and point him to the danger at the front of the battleline. Dobrynia left a small band of men to finish off the exhausted and demoralized remnants of Lutoslaw’s contingent and rallied his own men to charge Marshall Sweitislaw and King Svatislov’s forces at the front.

King Svatislov II of Kievan Rus Charging into Battle​

It was too late for Dobrynia. His force on the front line was outnumbered and wavering. Marshall Sweitoslaw, still on horseback, saw Dobrynia and wheeled his mount to confront the blood-soaked and hulking slayer of Lutoslaw. The Marshall of Poland dismounted to meet Dobrynia with honor. Sweitoslaw with shield and sword faced Dobrynia’s Terror. The enraged Dobrynia took his ax with two hands from almost ground level, as he had done with Lutoslaw, hefted the ax over his head and charged at Sweitislaw. This time Dobrynia’s strike was dodged by Sweitoslaw.

Marshall Sweitoslaw and Dobrynia​

Dobrynia was exhausted. Hunched over and gripping his ax with two hands Dobrynia was able to repel Sweitoslaw’s attacks. It was at this moment that Dobrynia’s men gathered around him and began escorting him back to their encampment close to the river. Dobrynia so engulfed in the frenzy of battle failed to recognize the true danger his whole force was in.

On the horizon to the West was seen the banner of King Boleslaw with the reserves of the Polish Army now marching down the road leading to the Medjybij encampment. Even more of a concern for Dobrynia was the failure of Prince Yaropolk to move the remainder of the Rebel Army from the other side of the Pivdennyi River to reinforce Dobrynia ’s embattled force.

The battle now turned into a desperate struggle for survival for Dobrynia and his men. Dobrynia and his force fought their way back to the bridge over the Pivdennyi, his only line of retreat. At the Bridge Yaropolk and the lead elements of his force were arriving. Yaropolk inquired as to what had happened. Dobrynia, fiercely loyal to Yaropolk, plainly spoke and stated that he destroyed a great knight of Poland and many of his men, but was overwhelmed by superior numbers and he could not hold off any longer.

Yaropolk realized the gravity of the situation, feared that his late arrival to the battle would jam up the bridge and Dobrynia’s remaining men would not be able to get to the other side of the river. Yaropolk believed this battle was lost, but he still held a large reserve force and whatever of Dobrynia ’s men he could save. It was decided to retreat across the bridge, defend the bridge from any attempt to cross by the Polish-Kievan Army, and retreat early the next day.

 

[stnylan]

Sounds like a right and proper slaughter.

 

[Bullfilter]

A vicious battle. Is it over yet? Even though commanded by other (non-player) characters, is there any idea of the scale of casualties? The Poles have proven to be loyal allies of the Kievans: I hope this is properly recognised. Meanwhile, Wlost’s levy remains conveniently insulated from the fighting.

 

[Koch4646]

Update soon, but delayed. I was hoping to finish tonight and post. A darn Ice dam formed in my gutters and water getting into the house. Probably not the smartest thing to do in 0' weather to get up on a ladder to clean off the snow-covered roof. had to clean the watery mess inside too. maybe tonight, tomorrow or the next day. Got some coffee now, going to do some writing anyways. Good night now, and as always, Thanks!

 

[stnylan]

No worries. Hope the ice and water start behaving!

 

[Koch4646]

Chapter II: Yaropolk’s Rebellion

Part 3: Battle of Bug River Bridge

​

Defeated but not destroyed, Prince Yaropolk and Dobrynia took their Army out of harm's way. A rearguard force was left at the bridge over the Pivdennyi River. The rearguard kept the Polish-Kievan Army at bay long enough for Yaropolk’s main force to march a full day ahead of its pursuers. Dobrynia suggested a bold plan that sent a small detachment to lure the Polish-Kievan Army away from them. Dobrynia hoped King Boleslaw and King Svatislov would think Yaropolk’s Army was moving back to Kiev, but actually, the main Army would strike Westward and raid Poland for the Summer where the Army could loot and pillage. After raiding Poland, Yaropolk and Dobrynia would take the Rebel Army back East behind the Pripyat Marshes and fight a defensive campaign there for the fall and winter.

Dobrynia and Yaropolk​

There were a couple reasons why Dobrynia and Yaropolk adopted this strategy. After the Mdejybij battle, King Boleslaw’s Army and King Svatislov’s Army were now chasing Yaropolk’s men from behind. The Kievan- Rus Army commanded by Grand Prince Vsevolod, was still marching toward Kiev from the East with 7000 men. If Yaropolk’s Army moved back to the stronghold of Kiev he would still be caught between two large armies that could entrap him. A raid into Poland would allow Yaropolk’s Army to replenish food and plunder valuables from the Poles helping boost morale of the army.

Yaropolk’s plan was very risky too. The move West put him further away from his bases in Kiev and Turov. He would also be entering hostile Polish territory, at least in parts of the Kievan Rus he could find some sympathetic villages or towns to help supply him. There was also the fact that Yarpolk’s Army had been defeated in a major battle. His Army remained intact and cohesive, but morale was sinking and they were hobbled. Dobrynia kept the spirit of the Army alive. He promised revenge on the Poles who were the foreign enemy and the real reason King Svatislov was able to beat them. If not for the Polish Army King Svatislov would surely have been defeated.

The plan to deceive the Polish-Kiev Army to march away from Yaropolk’s Army worked. King Boleslaw’s and King Svatislov’s scouts detected both movements, one East toward Kiev and another Westward. The two Kings thinking the Westward move was just a ruse chose to pursue East with their main force. It was two days later when reports came in that there was a large Army moving Westward and that it was thought to be Yaropolk’s men.

Realizing his mistake, King Boleslaw sent urgent word back to Poland notifying Duke Wlost that a large enemy force was on its way and to muster any force he can to stall and delay the enemy. The Duke Wlost of Silesia was left to administer and defend the Kingdom of Poland in the King’s absence, The King of Poland mad an urgent request that Duke Wlost keep Yaropolk’s Army to a standstill for as long as possible, and the combined Polish-Kievan Army would come to finish off Yaropolk’s Force. When Duke Wlost received the warning of an enemy army approaching Poland he sent for Marshal Wszebor Wlostowic to take his 500 man Silesian force and march to the frontier. Leaving the town of Lublin Wszebor marched East toward the Bug River and patrolled the area looking for suitable defensive points.

Battles of River Bug Bridge and Cherven​

Yaropolk’s Army was seen heading toward a crossing point near the town of Cherven on the Eastern frontier of Poland. Wszebor quickly gathered his small force to defend the bridge there crossing over the Bug River. Duke Wlost came to Chernov with his retinue to observe the defense of the bridge but left full command of the 500 Silesians under Marshal Wszebor.

Duke Wlost and Marshal Wszebor​

Watching from a small hill looking over the river the Duke could see Yaropolk’s Army Assembling to make an assault across the river. The two forces remained in a position facing each when a rider from Yarpolk’s Army came to the bridge and demanded his enemy to leave at once, the bridge now belonged to Grand Prince Yaropolk of Turov and anyone that opposed the Prince would surely die.

Marshal Wszebor with his bodyguard trotted out on the bridge to meet the rider from Yaropolk’s Army half way. The rider wearing the insignia of a commander, revealed himself to be Dobrynia the slayer of many Poles and Sir Lutoslaw, an unworthy knight brought down by his ax, the Terror. Marshal Wszebor simply told Dobrynia, who trotted and strutted back and forth on his horse, that Drobynia could have the bridge, but he could not allow Yaropolk’s army to path any further than that. Dobrynia not amused declared that Wsebor and his puny force would all die for their insolence, then turned and galloped away.

The Marshal of Silesia, Wezsbor Wlostowic called up 100 spearmen to defend the exit of the bridge. As the spearmen formed up to defend against the pending attack from Dobrynia and Yaropolk’s Army a loud trumpet was heard blaring, this was the signal from Dobrynia and his horsemen to make a bold charge over the bridge straight into the spearmen’s ranks. With Dobrynia in the lead, the horsemen smashed straight into the spears of Wezsbor’s men. So aggressive and insane was the charge that some of the Polish spearmen were caught off guard. Dobrynia and many of his riders broke through the spearmen’s ranks.

Yaropolk’s Cavalry Charging​

Marshal Wszebor recognized the immediate danger to the breach in his line and personally led a charge with 50 of his heaviest armored knights to wreck Dobrynia’s breakthrough. Unfortunately, it was too late. Yaropolk had already sent in reinforcements to exploit Dobrynia’s breakthrough. A desperate struggle at the exit over the Bug River Bridge ensued. The 500 Silesians were being pushed back but not breaking. They had strict orders from the Duke to hold for as long as possible.

The mounted warriors dismounted to fight each other in hand-to-hand combat. A great melee ensued. Wszesbor, sword in hand and a round shield in another hacked down many who opposed him. He looked for Dobrynia’s banner, he need not worry. Dobrynia made a quick end to the few Silesians in his way and soon found Wszebor then charged him on foot. Taking his ax with two hands over his head, Dobrynia tried to take down Marshal Weszbor like he did Lutoslaw, but Wszebor was too quick and blocked the ax blade. With his sword hand, Wszebor, was able to get a piece of his blade between the slats of Dobrynia’s scale armor. Not a deep cut, Dobrynia seemed unphased by the stab into his ribs. Dobrynia took another huge overhand swing down at Weszbor, and again the Marshal of Poland defended against the attack with his shield.

Dobrynia and Wszebor in combat​

Down on one knee with the Shield over his head, Marshal Wszebor defended against a third ax attack by Dobrynia. Wszebor then swept at the ankles of his attacker with his sword. The sword sliced deep into a weak spot in Dobrynia’s ankle armor. He screamed in agonizing pain and tumbled down to the grown flat on his back. Wszebor stood over Dobrynia, with his sword point to his neck, exclaimed himself the victor of this fight, and Dobrynia should yield. A dismissive Dobrynia grabbed the sword blade with his hand, ignoring the pain of the blade cutting through his fingers, and tried to wield the Terror one last time and swung the ax at Wszebor. It was futile, Marshal of Weszbor pushed his sword blade through Dobrynia’s clenching hand and thrust it into his neck, finishing Dobrynia off.

The news of the death of Dobrynia quickly spread through Yaropolk’s ranks. For a moment the outnumbered Silesians looked as if they were going to turn back Yaropolk’s Army, but Yaropolk proved his mettle in the battle that day. He rallied his demoralized force and through sheer weight in numbers overwhelmed the small Silesian force. Duke Wlost watched his men begin to break and tried to intervene with his bodyguard. Duke Wlost and a handful of knights charged into the carnage but were quickly overwhelmed by numbers. Duke’s loyal companions were forced to cashier him to safety.

The Duke was able to escape and save some of the 500 Silesians that were defending the Bug River bridge. Unfortunately for Marshall Weszbor, after the initial shock of Dobrynia’s demise, Wszebor was overwhelmed by Yaropolk’s men, and Duke Wlost feared him dead. At the end of the day’s battle Grand Prince Yaropolk claimed victory. He had secured his crossing over the Bug River and would be free to raid into Polish lands, but the battle cost him an entire day and his entire Army was exhausted against an enemy that he outnumbered 10 to 1. Plus he lost his great lieutenant and field warrior, Dobrynia.

The next day Yaropolk received word that Grand Prince Vsevolod, who had been marching since early spring from the Far East Principalities, had crossed the Bug river North of Yaropolk’s position at Cherven. The Polish-Kievan Army under King Boleslaw and King Svatislov were also a day march away now too. Yaropolk decided to move North against Vsevolod and hoped to defeat him quickly and then turn against the Polish-Kievan Army or try to escape them further.

It was too much too and too late for Yaropolk and his men. Tired and exhausted, Yaropolk’s Army of 4500 men was met by Vsevolod's 5500. Yaropolk did not attack and instead changed tactic and took up a defensive position at Cherven. Kings Boleslaw and Svatislov had arrived and the combined force of 10000 Poles and Rus attacked 4500 rebels under Prince Yaropolk’s command at the decisive battle of Cherven. The Battle was a Major victory for the King Svatislov II and ended the rebellion.

 

[stnylan]

So the rebellion is ended after a the battle of the Bridge. Always the most likely result, but he made his enemies work for it at least.

 

[Bullfilter]

How many of Wlost’s levy survived that valiant stand at the bridge? And the Marshal was indeed killed - not captured?

 

[Koch4646]

Updates will be sketchy at best for February. Demands of my Real Life job are increasing and I need to focus on that. I plan to get a couple of updates in. All I will say to Bullfilter is that the 500 Silesians were pretty much wiped out, but they did their job in delaying Yaropolk's Army. As for the Marshal, we will have to wait and see. The next part of Chapter 2 will tie-in the results of the battle and war results should be a good conclusion for the Chapter.

Thanks for reading.

 

[stnylan]

No worries

 

[Bullfilter]

As always, RL reigns supreme . And thanks for letting us know.