The Annals of Silesia

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Chapter I: Early Reign of Duke Wlost Dunin

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Part 1. Count and Council

1068​

The young Duke Wlost of Silesia had a talent for organization. Taxes were paid on time, disputes settled efficiently, fairly and with firmness. The Duke was interested in men of talent, much to the dismay of his more aristocratic advisors, but it was this appreciation for results over rituals that made the Duchy of Silesia run efficiently.

Duke Wlost Dunin

Mayor Jerzy of Krosno, a lowborn burgher of that town was one of these talented men that made his way into Duke ’s inner circle. Jerzy was a weapons maker and armorer by trade and became the largest supplier of arms in Silesia leading to his eventual rise to Mayor of Krosno. When Duke Wlost was awarded the Duchy of Silesia, the Mayor of Krosno’s reputation as a strong leader, thorough organizer and tough deal maker was well known. The Duke wasted little time vetting Jerzy. The Mayor of Krosno so impressed the Duke that Jerzy would be asked to join the Duke's council and eventually made Chancellor of the Duchy of Silesia.

Mayor Jerzy of Krosno

Duke Wlost’s friendship with Mayor Jerzy, as strong as it was, was not without their disagreements. In 1067 the County of Cieszyn, in southern Silesia, was without a lord. Mayor Jerzy wanted the Duke to press his claim on Cieszyn with the King. At this time, not all of the Duchy of Silesia was actually under Duke Wlost’s tutelage, and this may have upset Jerzy more than the Duke himself. The Polish King, Boleslaw Piast, was undecided as what to do with the county. He could keep the county title for himself. This would risk upsetting all the Dukes of Poland, not just Wlost. Boleslaw could award Cieszyn to Wlost. This would appease Wlost, but to the agitation of the other Dukes, something the King wanted to avoid. The King settled on a compromise that the Duke could accept. The County of Cieszyn was awarded to Baron Sieciech Topor, now Count Sieciech of Cieszyn. In return for the County of Cieszyn, Count Sieciech was offered to Duke Wlost as a Vassal.

Count Sieciech Topor

With the succession of Cieszyn settled, Duke Wlost was content to move on with the daily administration of the Duchy, or so he thought. At the next Silesian council, a representative from Count Sieciech arrived to pay homage to the Duke. Count Sieciech not arriving in person was against normal etiquette of the court unless the Count had sufficient reason, but the representative had none to offer. The Duke of Silesia should have been very offended by this, and he was, but he dared not show his emotions outwardly. The representative did dispense with typical flattery. Mayor Jerzy, on the other hand nearly walked out on the council, and had to be convinced to come back in by other council members. After the drama subsided the general council convened as normal.

General council meetings were used to conduct duchy business, discuss policy on tax amounts, and dish-out punishments for lawbreakers. Lesser nobles could attend the general council meetings, where they could express their opinions on matters of policy, discuss issues of law, and bring up grievances and disputes to the Duke. This particular council went without issue until the council was ready to disperse, at which time the representative of Count Sieciech asked why the Count had not been offered a seat on the council. Many nobles and council members gasped at this. The Duke of Silesia waited for the air to clear and plainly explained that if the Count wanted to have a seat on the duchy council one must attend the duchy council. After the nervous laughter subsided, the represented bowed to the duke, but before leaving expressed great disappointment at the conduct of the council today.

The general council adjourned for that day’s meeting. Traditionally the following day the duchy council met privately. No dignitaries, no ambassadors, no other nobles other than the council itself. The conversation was dominated by the topic of the Count. The Mayor Jerzy of Krosno characteristically wanted the Count’s head on a pike, the Duke had to remind the Mayor that such talk from anyone, let alone a lowborn burgher, would soon see his own head on a pike. This subdued the Duke ’s hotheaded friend, and Jerzy bowed repentantly to Duke Wlost. The Duke of Silesia listened to each member of the council.

Marshal Wszebor Wlostowic wanted to take a wait and see approach. He wanted to observe the behavior of Count Siesiech some more but thought allowing him onto the council now would undermine the power of the Duke greatly. Count Sieciech must submit to Duke Wlost unconditionally before consideration to the council. Chaplain Friederich Prochaska thought Duke Wlost should grant the Count a seat at the council, reasoning that he was now the most powerful noble in the duchy second only to the Duke. How could Count Sieciech be left out of the court council? The Duke heard all the arguments about the Count, and adopted Marshal Wszebor’s wait and see policy. He explained, simply, he could not let the Count’s poor behavior be rewarded with honors on the council. Only time will tell if the Count will take his proper role within the duchy as my vassal, the Duke explained.

Marshal Wszebor Wlostowic

With the matter of the Count of Cieszyn settled, a feast was held, which was customary after the monthly council. All the nobles in attendance were welcomed to join at the expense of the Duke, and the feast represented Duke Wlost’s gratitude to his Vassals.

 

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Chapter I: Early Reign of Duke Wlost Dunin


Part 2: The Plot​

It was not long after the general council that the Duke of Silesia called for his ambassador, the Bishop Przemyslaw of Berzg, for a private meeting. The Bishop was not normally called upon in this manner by the Duke. It was only customary for the Duke to hear the Bishop’s intelligence at the general council. As a Bishop, He traveled to the other diocese and many churches throughout Poland and sometimes further outside the Kingdom. This gave the Bishop access to many different nobles, merchants, clergy, and laymen who gave him much knowledge about the affairs of the realm. In this respect, the Bishop was a very intelligent spymaster.

Bishop Przemyslaw

The Bishop of Berzg arrived at Wroclaw castle and was received by Duke Wlost. The Duke was not his customary self. He was anxious and pacing, and rushed through what he had to tell the Bishop. The Duke asked the Bishop to give up the names of the best assassins in the realm. No questions were to be asked by the Bishop, Duke Wlost demanded. The Bishop gave a biblical response, citing Proverbs 3:5-6;

5. Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6. In all ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

The Duke was silent. After several moments the Duke reminded the Bishop that he greatly appreciated his council, but made it painfully clear that if this meant the Bishop would not perform his duties the Duke was left with no choice, but to replace Bishop Przemyslaw and send him to the guardhouse.

Duke Wlost

Bishop Przemyslaw was stunned by the Duke’s behavior but understood he would not be able to dissuade the Duke from whatever he planned to use the assassins for. With that realization, the Bishop said a prayer and blessed the Duke, bowed humbly, and reassured the Duke he would fulfill the Duke’s wishes to the best of his ability.

Although he was a man of high intellect and talent, what Bishop Przemylsaw was not, was a good spymaster. The Bishop had a great proficiency in intelligence gathering and kept the Duke well informed about the state of affairs of the Duchy. What Przemylsaw lacked was the fearlessness to find the murderous assassins the Duke demanded. What frustrated the Bishop further was that he did not know the specific reasons for why Duke Wlost wanted him to track down these vile creatures, and for what purpose were the going to serve. After all, who hired assassins if one did not want someone killed. Regardless, the Bishop went on to perform his duty.

After some time passed Bishop Przemyslaw was able to scrounge up some wretched fools from the dungeons, alehouses, and other unscrupulous places. These would-be “assassins” were brought to a country manor some distance away from Wroclaw castle. The men first met Marshall Wszebor who was there with a small bodyguard to protect the Duke and reminded these hired thugs that if they did wrong or spread gossip of their visit they would be executed without question.

One of the “Assassins”

This ragged group of hired villains was brought before The Duke of Silesia. They were given promise that their sins be forgiven and, more importantly, a monetary reward when they completed the Duke’s task. It was here the Duke finally revealed that he wanted Count Sieciech of Cieszyn assassinated. These men were taken in by Bishop Przemyslaw, and with his orderlies, trained in the shadowy arts of deception, poisons, and treachery. The assassin trained for a time and then released upon the realm to execute their mission.

One assassin, recruited into Count Seiciech’s kitchen, as poulterer, mysteriously disappeared one day when fetching a chicken from the chicken coop. Another established himself in the village of Cieszyn and ran an Alehouse. He used the intelligence from some drunken guards about the Count planning a visit to outside the county. The assassin organized an ambush of the Count based on the proposed travel plan. The assassin and his group of thugs readied themselves for an attack on the oncoming entourage of the Count. The Count’s entourage came through the wooded path where the thugs were hiding, but no Count could be seen. The entourage apparently prepared for this ambush, cut the assassins to pieces.

Count Seiciech of Cieszyn

One by one, over the next few years, the Duke kept receiving reports of failed attempts by the assassins to kill the Count. Although it was yet to be discovered whether or not the Duke was behind these assassination attempts or not. It seemed to the Duke that the Count was always one step ahead. The Duke began to believe that someone or some people in his court may be helping the Count. As the years went on and most of the Duke’s hired men were taken out, Duke Wlost wearied of his plot. The plot to kill Count Sieciech eventually ran its course unsuccessfully for the Duke.

 

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This is just the start of part 3.

Chapter I: Early Reign of Duke Wlost Dunin​

Part 3: Rurikids

Poland and Kievan Rus 1070​

Several more attempts were made to assassinate Count Seiciech, forcing the Count into hiding for some time. Even though the whole plot to kill the Count of Cieszyn was a burden on the Duke, he did make life hard on the Count. Mayor Jerzy of Krosno persuaded his friend, Duke Wlost, to stop with this obsession of Count Seiciech and whatever plots the Duke was engaged in. Jerzy had no love of the Count but heard rumors in the duchy court that the nobles believed the Duke to be acting tyrannically. As the Duchy’s Chancellor, Mayor Jerzy suggested that Duke Wlost hold some feast or festival to reassure his subjects that the Duchy was thriving and the Duke was a most benevolent ruler. Before a decision could be made a summons from the King of Poland arrived calling the Duke to come to Krakow Castle for a Magnum Concilium.

It was June 1070 and the King of Poland called for a Great Council. Duke Wlost served the King not only as the Duke of Silesia but also as the Steward on the King’s council, mainly responsible for collecting the taxes of the Kingdom. Duke Wlost was summoned to the Great Council to discuss future policy for the Kingdom of Poland. Duke Wlost made preparations for his journey to Krakow Castle, home to King Boleslaw and his court. The Duke left Mayor Jerzy in charge of the Duchy but brought Marshal Wszebor as guard and aid.

As Duke Wlost with Marshall Wszebor arrived at Krakow Castle they noticed a large tent structure on the outskirts of the castle surrounded by smaller tent structures that created a massive tent city. So large was this Great Council that most of the festivities would be held outside the castle as there was not enough room to accommodate all the dignitaries and magnates that came in attendance. The Duke of Silesia took notice of the many royal flags waving in the wind taking account of all that were in attendance. There was the customary coat of arms of the Polish dukes and counts. Curiously, flying from one of the larger tents, was the banner of the house of Rurikid also with the banner of the King of the Kievan Rus. I appeared The Kingdom of Kievan Rus would be in attendance at this Great Council.

DukeWlost and Marshal Wszebor of Silesia

The Duke of Silesia and his entourage were directed by the King’s orderlies to go the Great Tent structure for greeting ceremonies. Duke Wlost with Marshall Wszebor entered the Great Tent and saw a tall rectangular table in the center with no chairs except for at the top end of the table there was the King’s ornate throne. Throughout the tent, there were nobles milling around conversing, mingling, some laughing, and some others standing silently sizing-up the gathering. Some time went on and orderlies began directing the council members, nobles and magistrates to their spots.

To the right of the King’s seat at the top of the table was the King’s Advisor, Duke Przemyslaw Poraj, the Duke of Greater Poland. He controlled a great citadel of Poznan and his Duchy constituted the northern border of the Kingdom of Poland. Arrogant, but skillful, Duke Przemyslaw was extremely powerful and was a hardened man due to his the constant raiding from the Pagan tribes coming down from Pomerania. The Duke of Greater Poland always sought to gain greater power for his realm, endlessly using the marauding pagan tribes as justification as to why he should claim greater resources from the King.

Duke Przemyslaw of Greater Poland

Duke Wlost took his position next to Duke Przemyslaw. The two Dukes briefly exchanged greetings and pleasantries, then quickly returned to their own affairs. Duke Wlost with Marshall Wszebor beside him sized up the rest of the gathering nobles and ministers now entering the Great Tent.

To Wlost’s right now stood, stiffly and unmovingly, the brutal Swietoslaw of Wieliczka, the Marshal of Poland. Swietoslaw did not speak often at the council meetings. To most, he came across as a dullard. In reality, Swietoslaw was a shrewd strategist and the Marshal of Poland had the King’s ear more intimately than most nobles. The Marshal did not like to express his opinions publicly with the rest of the Council. The King often discussed the Council proceedings with the Marshall after the council was adjourned. Marshal Swietoslaw’s brutal reputation was from his counter raids against pagan tribes on the Baltic coast. It was said that when Swietoslaw came, no one was spared, not women, not children.

Marshal Sweitoslaw of Poland

On the other side of the great table, facing Duke Wlost, was the Court Chaplin, Wit the Scholar. A peculiar creature, who strangely, held no significant title in the Catholic Church. He served the church as some sort of minister that excelled at scholarly research and is said to have the whereabouts of some ancient relics in Greece and Anatolia. Here was another man on the King’s council that did not offer much in opinions, but if asked the Chaplin would often give a very long-winded response, rambling on about theology. The Royal Court thought it best to avoid asking Wit’s opinion less the council never end.

Wit the Scholar

There was another man of the cloth next to Chaplin Wit. This was the Polish Chancellor, the Bishop Lambert of Sacz. Appointed by the King more for his organizational skills than for any real leadership, the Bishop did have his concerns about the state of the Catholic church in Poland. The Poles had not been Christian for very long and although they embraced Christianity and readily adopted western European ways, the fact was the Catholic Poles were hemmed into the North by Pagan tribes and to the East by Christian Eastern Orthodoxy. Bishop Lambert was also appalled by the marriage of Wyszelawa Rurikid, daughter of King Sviatoslav II of the Kievan Rus, two years earlier. What was appalling to Bishop Lambert was the now Queen of Poland did not renounce her Eastern Christian faith and devote herself to the Church of Rome.

Bishop Lambert of Sacz

Directly to the King’s left was the King’s brother, Duke Wladyslaw Piast, Duke of Mazovia and Kujawy. Although he was not the official heir to the Kingdom of Poland, he was the next in line after the infant princess Katarzyna. Duke Wladyslaw was the most powerful of the three Dukes in Poland but suffered greatly from constant illness. This was something that did not go unnoticed by Wladyslaw’s rivals and something that may one day used against him if he should become too powerful a Vassal.

Duke Wladyslaw of Mazovia

All the nobles and ministers had gathered into the Great Tent and awaited the King… Part 3 to be continued...

 

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Part 3 continues...

Chapter 1 Part 3.2: Rurikids

All the nobles and ministers had gathered into the Great Tent and awaited the King. King Boleslaw entered the Great Tent from the back and took his place at the head of the council table. A man, dressed in eastern style garments, accompanied the King and took his place next to, but slightly behind, the King. This was a magistrate from Kiev. Duke Wlost observed the King with his royal field attire and donned the Korona Chrobengo or Polish Crown, on top of his head. Something else the Duke noticed was two crucifixes around the King’s neck, an ornate Catholic cross, and Suppedaneum cross. The King welcomed all the nobles in attendance and thanked them for their loyalty and obedience. Before asking Bishop Lambert to lead the council in prayer he acknowledged that he had very important announcements to make at this council, made a subtle nod of approval to his wife the Queen before moving on with formalities of the council. Duke Wlost noticed the subtle gesture to the Queen and glanced around to see if anyone else had noticed it too, but everyone had bowed their heads in prayer.

King Boleslaw Piast​

Wyszelawa Rurikid Queen of Poland​

Queen Wyszelawa Rurikid married King Boleslaw two years ago, in the summer of 1068. Wyszelawa Rurikid was the daughter of Svatislov II King of the Kievan Rus. The royal marriage between the house of Piast and Rurikid began a pact of friendship between the two peoples. The marriage to Wyszelawa, a devout Orthodox Christian did not come without its detractors. The Catholic church of Poland grudgingly agreed to the Catholic-Orthodox marriage. King Boleslaw reassured the Bishops of Poland that the marriage should be regarded in strategic terms and not religious. Poland would remain Christian and Catholic the King reminded the bishops, but the polish bishops were skeptical at the marriage proposal. Bishop Lambert of Sacz did not trust the Rus Queen and only relented to his objection of the marriage because increased raiding by Pagan tribes from the Baltic north plus unexpected Holy Roman aggression into Pomerania gave King Boleslaw necessary leverage to persuade Lambert into blessing the marriage. That pushed the Catholics in Poland to a union with the powerful Kievan Rus. Military support from the Rus would help secure the Kingdom of Poland and the Church.

Now, two years since the marriage and pact of friendship with Kiev, the King of Poland had called a great council to ask for the blessing of a formal military alliance with King Svatislov II and the Kievan Rus. It was Bishop Lambert who first raised an objection. Bishop Lambert expressed to the King and council his willingness to join in a defensive pact of mutual friendship with their Christian and ancestral cousins, but an all-out alliance was too extreme for this holy man. The Bishop expressed his desire not to send men of Poland to their deaths to fight for the gain of the Kievan Rus. The King pleaded his case. The Piasts and Rurikids are two of the same ancient family, the King stated. We are naturally inclined to mutually support each other in the defense of our realms, the King finished.

Great Council 1070​

Duke Wladyslaw of Mazovia and Kujaway and Duke Przemyslaw of Greater Poland were both undecided about a full military alliance. Wladyslaw, for his part, welcomed Kiev’s assistance against the Baltic tribes that were a constant nuisance to his domain. On the other hand, the alliance meant that Wladyslaw, who shared a border with the Kievan Rus, could see significant more raiding or destruction of his lands should a major conflict arise. Duke Przemyslaw thought more greatly of the possibility to employ Kievan Rus foot soldiers against the vile Pomerian and Pruthenian tribes to the north of his realm.

The three most outspoken of the council, Bishop Lambert, and the Dukes Wladyslaw and Przemyslaw all agreed that, for better or worse, Queen Wyszelawa was having a major impact on King Boleslaw. The Queen started to decorate Krakow Castle with Byzantine art that she could acquire. She had a copy of the Virgin of Vladimir placed in the Castle’s Chapel. Bishop Lambert and Wit the Scholar began to wonder if the Queen really understood that the Queen of Poland should commision art approved by Rome, not Constantinople. Both Dukes and Bishop Lambert hesitated to give their blessing to the alliance, fearful of further Byzantine influence.

Virgin of Vladimir​

While the council debated over the merits of an alliance with King Svatislaov and the Kievan Rus, The magistrate from Kiev that had entered the Great Tent with King Boleslaw rose and introduced himself as Patriarch Ivan of Zhytomyr. A Bishop in the Orthodox church, Patriarch Ivan reassured the Polish nobles that King Svatislov II was only interested in consolidating his power in the Central Russian plain, he had no interest in the affairs of the Kingdom of Poland. Bishop Ivan also stated that King Svatislov wanted to extend his apologies for not coming to this council in person, but wanted to plan a visit to Poland later this summer to address the council personally and sign the alliance with King Boleslaw.

Bishop Ivan of Zhytomyr​

Seeing an opportunity to resolve the debate about the alliance and to increase his own prestige with not only King Boleslaw, but also King Svatislov, Duke Wlost proposed he host a great feast in his Duchy of Silesia. He would gladly take in the King of Kievan Rus as a guest on the behalf of the Kingdom of Poland and at the expense of his Duchy ‘s treasury.

Duke Wlost of Silesia had effectively allied himself with the pro-alliance camp, which included both the King of Poland and King of Kievan Rus. The two other Dukes of Poland, Wladyslaw, and Przemyslaw, realizing that their procrastination may have cost them favor with two powerful Kings quickly affirmed their loyalty and blessing for a military alliance. The Bishops of Poland, now dismayed at the increasing influence that the Orthodox church was having on their King, but seeing no other option at the moment, relinquished any objection to the alliance.

With the conclusion of the alliance, King Boleslaw personally thanked Duke Wlost for his support and apparent break of the council stalemate. Patriarch Ivan of Zhytomyr was retained by Duke Wlost to help aid the Duke in preparing for King Svatislov’s arrival. At the end of the Great Council’s festivities, Patriarch Ivan and Duke Wlost headed back to Silesia to prepare for a great feast.

 

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Chapter I: Early Reign of Duke Wlost Dunin​

Part 4: A Great Feast​

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It was September 1070 and the heat of summer lingered as peasants immersed themselves in the year’s harvest. Duke Przemyslaw Poraj, of Greater Poland, surveyed the progress of the harvest from his castle at Poznan. The Duke also made preparations for his visit to Silesia where a great harvest feast would be held to honor the alliance between King Boleslaw of Poland and King Svatislaw II of Kievan Rus. As the Duke surveyed from the castle tower a man on horseback galloped fiercely to the castle. The rider arrived at the castle and Duke Przmeslaw approached the man to find out what was so urgent.

Duke Przemysal​

DukePrzmyeslaw at first did not recognize the disheveled rider, but when he was greeted by the rider as Lord, Przemyslaw realized that it was one of his Marshal’s Sergeants. The rider told the Duke that Marshal Odon was in desperate need of assistance in resisting raiding Prussian tribes who were plundering villages around Naklo Castle North of Poznan. The Marshal of Greater Poland, Odon, was heavily outnumbered but felt he could hold off further raiding long enough before reinforcements arrived to drive the raiders off completely.

Earlier that year the High Chief of the Prussians, Milzas of Marienburg, waged a brutal and successful invasion of Pomerania. Milzas incorporated most of Pomerania into his domain of Pruthenia. The devastation of the war in Pomerania left the land desolate and the conquered Pomeranians feared starvation. Wanting to stabilize his newly acquired land, Milzas offered half the spoils to the Pomeranians if they helped him raid the surrounding countryside. The Pomeranians agreed, and together Prussians and Pomerians raided into the untouched wealth of villages and farms along the Vistula river, the frontier of Pomerania and Poland. This was the domain of Duke Przemyslaw of Greater Poland.

High Chieftan Milzas​

Milzas’s Conquest of Pomerania and Prussian Raids​

A dispatch was sent to Wroclaw Castle in Silesia, where the King of Poland was attending the Harvest Feast. The dispatch informed the King that Duke Przemyslaw would not be in attendance at the Feast. The Duke further explained that significant raiding by Prussian marauders was laying waste to farms and villages on his Northern border and that he intended to deal a crushing blow to the raiding menace. Upon receiving the news King Boleslaw made a toast to the Duke of Greater Poland and asked God for his glory in battle, and thanked God for the commemoration of this alliance with King Svatislov II of Kievan Rus. King Boleslaw remarked it could not have come sooner.

While Duke Przemyslaw was dealing with the Prussian and Pomeranian raids, the glorious gathering of nobles from Poland and Kievan Rus were arriving in Silesia. Duke Wlost hosting the Feast in honor of the Polish-Kievan Rus Alliance, welcomed all the nobles to his humble Duchy.

Duke Wlost of Silesia retained the services of Patriarch Ivan of Zhytomyr, King Svatislov’s Bishop. Patriarch Ivan helped Duke Wlost organize the feast to cater to King Svatislav’s liking. During this time Ivan met Wlost’s son, Miroslaw, and was impressed by the child's abilities, and inquired about what plans the Duke had for the future Duke of Silesia. Wlost said Miroslaw was being schooled vigorously in all fields of study to be a well-rounded ruler, not just a military brute. Impressed with Miroslaw and Duke Wlost, Ivan of Zhytomyr mentioned that King Svatislov was looking for a suitable groom for his young niece Yevpraxia Rurikid.

Duke Wlost and Patriarch Ivan​

The Duke of Silesia was intrigued by the idea and told Ivan that he would like to discuss the matter with the Duchess. Patriarch Ivan obliged, but mentioned that King Svatislov was hoping to receive an answer before he left for Kiev at the end of the week.

The Duke, in reality, wanted to know a bit more background on Yevpraxia. The Duchess’s opinion was little use to the Duke. The Duchess Kunugunda Czarnkowa of Silesia was a pleasant and fair looking noble lady, but was not very opinionated about much and had a habit of abiding too much wine. The Duke even assigned a special detachment to keep watch on the Duchess’s behavior at the feast and to keep her from drinking too much and feared she embarrass the Duke and House of Dunin. The Duchess would agree to whatever the Duke thought best for Miroslaw.

Bishop Przemysal​

Bishop Przemyslaw, Duke Wlost’s ambassador was called for to shed some insight on the proposed betrothal. Although Bishop Przemyslaw had thus far failed in organizing a successful assassination of Count Sieciech, the Duke still trusted Bishop Przemyslaw’s intelligence. What was known is the Princess Yevpraxia is the daughter of the deceased King Iziaslav King Svatislov’s Predecessor and brother. Prezmyslaw also suspected that Boleslaw’s wife, Queen Wyszelawa Rurikid, recommended the betrothal that would intertwine the nobility of Poland and Kiev further. Not sure what to make of the Queen’s involvement in Miroslaw’s potential betrothal, Duke Wlost nonetheless was now captivated by the idea of Miroslaw’s marriage of Princess Yevpraxia Rurikid.

Bishop Przemyslaw saw the excitement take over the Duke and gave him one more piece of information. The Bishop had very good knowledge that Yevpraxia’s brother, Grand Prince Yaropolk Rurikid of Tuvrov was organizing a large army and was jealous of King Svatislov’s greed and wealth. Prince Yaropolk, Bishop Przemyslaw believed, was the real reason King Svatislov sought an alliance with the Poles, he needed friends from without because of enemies from within.

King Svatislav and Yaropolk Rurikid​

By the end of the week's feast and festivities, Duke Wlost had made up his mind and agreed to a betrothal between Miroslaw Dunin and Princess Yevpraxia Rurikid. King Svatislav II made his impression on Duke Wlost and Silesia. After all, many of the Polish nobility harbored doubts about what would be gained from an alliance with a people that many still thought as unsophisticated, too influenced by Orthodox idolatry, paganism, and barbarism. Duke Wlost, and more importantly, King Boleslaw took a step closer to aligning themselves with more Eastern ways of thought and customs. To King Boleslaw the Rus were not barbarians, they were Byzantine.

 

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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.

 

[Koch4646]

Chapter II: Yaropolk’s Rebellion​

Part 2: The Battle of Medjybij

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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
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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.

 

[Koch4646]

Chapter II: Yaropolk’s Rebellion

Part 3: Battle of Bug River Bridge

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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.