The People of the Forest

[Dunaden]

788-789 The Year of Peace and Prosperity, and a Time of Sorrow

Chief Tyushten of Bezichy is dead without an heir, his only child is a young daughter. The curse of Bezichy is becoming more real, three dead Chiefs in less than 5 years, and Viryay hesitates to offer the Chiefdom to another of his councilors, even he is beginning to believe the curse. Tyushten's wife and concubine come to Merya, and Viryay learns that Fevronia, Tyushten's wife has given birth to a second daughter, just a week after her husband's death.

Also, Ulita, the concubine is also pregnant with another of Tyushten's children. Tyushten had obviously put every effort into making an heir. Viryay, after consulting Chinzhay the Diviner, declares that if the child is boy, he will be the new Chief of Bezichy and the curse will be broken, a son will have inherited from his father. Chinzhay voices her support of Viryay's judgment. Viryay prays to the gods that the child is a boy.

During the long consultation, Chinzhay also becomes pregnant with Viryay's child.

Moksha has finally comes of age, the last child of Kardaz. Putyayka taught him well, he is a skilled tactician, brave and chaste, but he has picked up little social graces, raised among his regency council, the only woman he had has close contact with is his sister Putyayka, and all they talked of was war. One thing Putyayka didn't teach, that Viryay feared he learned from his low born council, and that is envy. Moksha feels the High Chiefdom should be his and Putyayka was unable to teach him to be content with what he has.

Viryay invites his brother to take Chief Tyushten's place on the Council as Steward. Moksha is not very skilled in this area, but Viryay wants to keep him close and show he is as important to Merya as his older siblings.

He also arranges Moksha's marriage to one of his high ranking prisoners, Kati Harjumaa, daughter to the High Chief of Estonia. Another Estonian girl, Ilo Ingeria, daughter to the Chief of Ladoga becomes Viryay's latest concubine.

In the spring, Ulita gives birth to a son, Nuyanza Tyusthen. The boy is named Chief of Bezichy and a regency council is established to rule until he comes of age. High Chief Viryay and Diviner Chinzhay announce that the curse is broken, hoping that it is true.

By summer, Chinzhay gives birth to a daughter, named Sochava, Viryay acknowledges the child is his, but does not legitimize her.

After a fight about Viryay's latest bastard, Nyayka and Viryay make up and Nyayka becomes pregnant herself. To further get back into her good graces and to bless the child, Viryay has the harvest festival dedicated to Nyayka and she will play the part of Akka, the goddess of fertility, and Queen of the Harvest during the festival.

The tribes of Merya have a good harvest of food and furs, and Merya prospers.

Putyayka even receives an offer of marriage. Svetislav, a Serbian Slav, leading a revolt against the Byzantine Empire, has asked for her hand. Putyayka laughs it off, she says he is looking for a general not a wife. She still has no desire to marry and certainly not to a Slav who will most likely be dead within a year. Now if Basilissa Anthousa 'the Usurper" had asked for her hand, Putyayka joked, she might have been more inclined to accept and be willing to fight for her.

The peace and prosperity would continue well into the next year, but it was not without sorrow.

***********************

Viryay was sitting outside on a stool, his back to a tall pine, enjoying the summer evening. He was holding his newest daughter in his lap, while her mother, Kunegunda, hovered nearby. Sangasa was a month old, the second daughter Viryay had received this year. His wife Nyayka had given birth to his first legitimate daughter, who they had named Anava, during the past winter. Anava had been sickly at first, but had recovered, despite his stepfather Dietpold's bungled treatments. Sangasa had no such issues, born strong and healthy.

In the past year, he had gone from having just three sons to now having three daughters as well, including Chinzhay's bastard girl, Sochava, almost a year old now.

A light step on the path from the longhouse made him look up to see his mother, Tundava, coming towards them. Probably wanting to admire her latest grandchild again, he thought. But he noticed she was not beaming as she had for the last month whenever she was around the baby, but looked upset. Viryay stood up and handed Sangasa to Kunegunda, and turned to hear what his spymaster had to say.

"Hello, Mother, you bring news?"

But Tundava wasn't looking at him or the baby, she was looking at Kunegunda with sad, pitying eyes.

"Kunegunda, I.. I have some bad news for you."

Kunegunda went pale and then looked toward the longhouse, "Has something happened to Tul?" her first thought for her 8-year old son.

Tundava shook her head, " No, it is your other son, Putiata, he has been killed." she said gently and reached out to touch Kunegunda's arm.

Kunegunda froze for a few seconds, and then suddenly wheeled around and gave a thunderous slap to the side of Viryay's head, rocking him back on his heels. He had forgotten how strong she was.

"This you're fault!" She screamed, "Your constant raiding of his lands left him open to attack!" Viryay feared she was right. He had raided Rusa just this past spring, following a rumor from the Followers of Otso. The raid had been profitable, yielding gold, a strange metal box he hadn't yet found a way to open, and Putiata's wife, Chieftess Vasilisa of Rusa. He had ransomed the girl back to the boy after first introducing her to her mother-in-law, Kunegunda.

Tundava interrupted, "No, Kunegunda, he wasn't killed in a raid, he was murdered by his uncle, who has already claimed all of your son's lands and titles for himself."

Kunegunda continued to glare at Viryay, breathing hard, "This is still your fault, if you hadn't stolen me away all those years ago, I would have been there to protect him!"

Viryay shook his head, still ringing from the slap, "No, even if you were there, you couldn't have protected Putiata, or even Rodislav, from Zbignev. You would probably be dead as well." he tried to embrace and comfort her, but she pushed him away and punched his chest with her free hand, Sangasa still held in her other arm.

Viryay looked at his tiny daughter, "And if I hadn't taken you from Rodislav, you wouldn't have Tul and Sangasa to comfort you now. Rodislav could not give you any more children. "

Kunegunda turned away and sat down on Viryay's stool, and huddled over her baby girl, crying softly, "Leave me."

Viryay was shocked to see the strong woman he knew so broken by the news. He looked helplessly to his mother. She beckoned silently, and they left Kunegunda to her grief.

 

[mike the knight]

Loss of a child i always stuggering ...I should also say I am not so sure the curse is broken but we shall see

 

[stnylan]

I've never yet managed to open that chest. Admittedly I've only had one game I got it.

 

[terr0rizm]

Okay, now that curse thing sound a tad bit more believable.

 

[Dunaden]

Loss of a child i always stuggering ...I should also say I am not so sure the curse is broken but we shall see

The loss of a child , especially when you feel guilt, through no fault of your own, for not being there for them. It'll be about 14 years before Nuyanza or his sisters have a son and give Bezichy its next heir. So a lot could happen to reinforce the idea of a curse.

I've never yet managed to open that chest. Admittedly I've only had one game I got it.

I've gotten it open a couple times, but got the booby prize both times, scrolls turned to dust. Maybe this time we'll be luckier.

Okay, now that curse thing sound a tad bit more believable.

I had already seen Tyusthen's death in game, so made me add the idea of the curse after the second death.

 

[Dunaden]

790-792 Changing Times

Chief Vechkas of Torzhok, the War Chief for Merya and his second, Putyayka, Shieldmaiden and commander of Merya, were doing some reorganizing among the other commanders of Merya, Tyushten had been a commander as Chief of Bezichy, no one had promoted into his spot since his death almost 2 years ago. The two years of peace had not made it urgent. Chief Moksha, now that he was was of age and well prepared by his sister and mentor Putyayka, was an easy choice to fill the empty slot.

Kichay, one of Kardaz's old friends and long time commander, was finally retired and named an Elder of the tribes. Vehckas and Putyayka had looked outside the tribes to find a replacement. They wanted a new perspective and new skills to help against foreign warriors. They were still thinking about their defeat at the hands of the late High Chief Aimo's mercenarys. There were two men who had come Merya that they were considering.

The first was a Lithuanian man known as Mindaugas the Trickster, who was a member of the Romuva warrior society. He was an old veteran warrior, a brilliant strategist, quick-witted and hardworking, who was skilled in military areas unfamilar to Vechkas and Putyayka. The old man had been fighting the Slavs and his fellow Romuvans all his life. He had a strong claim some land to the west, but had found no support for pressing that claim among the Lithuanian tribes so had come east to look for allies.

The other candidate was a younger man. Terho Virtanen was an exiled Finnish noble, the former Chief of Satakunda. He had been driven from his lands by invading Norse from Sweden. He had first tried to find refuge within the High Chiefdom of Suomi. But as Terho has claims on the High Chiefdom of Suomi as well as Satakunda, the current High Chief of Suomi, Ahma Itkonen, was not eager to allow a potential rival into his home and indicated that Terho was not welcome in his lands. So Terho came south to Merya and offered his services to High Chief Viryay 'Stone Fist' whose reputation was growing.

Terho was only 23 years old, but already a proven, brawny warrior. He also was a brilliant strategist, skilled in leading light infantry, which made up the bulk of Merya's levys. He was also a devoted follower of Ukko and the other Suomenusko gods and had married a local Meryan girl named Nyal'ka.

The choice was soon settled, but not by Viryay or his Marshal, but by the Gods. Mindaugas the Trickster died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 55 years while they were still debating the decision.

Terho became the next Commander of Merya by default.


Viryay and Putyayka time spent together going over the candidates and discussing future military strategy for the Merya tribes brings them even closer. Viryay also confirms that she remains his heir, even though their brother Moksha has now come of age and traditionally he would have been chosen as Viryay's heir before his sister.

Viryay soon leads his new commanders east across the Volga River to raid Kostroma, the capitol of the High Chief of Vologda, acting on more information from the Followers of Otso. Viryay had been visiting the local Lodge and had been involved in a Flyting against High Chief Parush of Mari.

Viryay wins the war of insults and ends up giving Parush a new nickname that soon catches on. After joking about Parush's prowess in bed (Parush has also fathered six children), Parush is now known as Parush 'the Moaner'. After the Flyting, the two combatants were soon back to more friendly terms and Viryay praised for being a gallant winner. Parush might not have been so quick to make up if he had known his new nickname would stay with him.

As Viryay was leaving, High Chief Nabtiko, one of the Heroes of the order, passed on the information regarding a stockpile of loot in Kostroma.

The raid goes smoothly with little resistance from the Vologdan tribes. Kostroma is pillaged and Viryay seizes the trove as well as the wife and daughter of High Chief Pitsvay of Vologda. Viryay ransoms back the High Chief's wife, Sernyava, but keeps his daughter, Kanyava Meryavid, as a hostage against retaliation by the Vologdan High Chief.

The success of the raid impresses the Followers of Otso and High Chief Ahma "the Whiner" of Suomi promotes Viryay "Stone Fist" to the rank of Veteran in the warrior society. Following the celebration of Viryay's promotion, High Chieftess Nyayka becomes pregnant again.

Viryay is becoming closer to his wife and hovers over her as her pregnancy continues and has maids on hand to attend to her every need. Nyayka responds and becomes more social with Viryay and the other members of the her extended family, including her eldest stepson Kubrat, who is only 8 years younger than her, and soon will be of age; Kezhevat, Viryay's bastard with Chinzhay, who is 11; and 10-year old, Tul, Kunegunda's son. The three girls, including her own daughter, are still in the nursery.

Soon, Viryay has a fourth son, Nyayka gives birth just after the winter solstice. The new year begins with a new Kardaz Kardazid in Merya.

But even as Viryay's family continues to grow, the first members next generation are coming of age. Chief Vechkas' son and heir is the first to become a man. Tylemache Torzhokid is very different than his father. He is no warrior, more skilled in diplomacy, though his uncouth behavior limits his diplomacy to some degree. He is stubborn and lazy, yet ambitious, and there is something off putting about him, sometimes it seems as if he is a completely different person. Viryay arranges his marriage to one of his own concubines, Ilo Ingeria, the daughter of the Chief of Ladoga.

Next to comes of age, is Viryay's own son Kubrat. Superbly trained by Putyayka, Kubrat is a Brilliant Strategist and an inpsired leader of men. He is kind and chaste, showing only politeness to women, with no sign of his father's appetites toward women. He has always lacked his aunt's physical brawn, and remains frail of body. He may never be the warrior that his aunt and father are, but his other skills will do well in leading the tribes in war. With no urgent desire from Kubrat to gain a wife, Viryay holds off on arranging a marriage.

The third person to come of age is their neighbor to the north. High Chief Urho of Veps has come of age. He also is not a warrior, his clubfoot limiting his skills. His talents lay in diplomacy, but his cruelty and the fact that he is a kinslayer limit how far any will trust his word, he sacrificed his own mother to the gods. He is much like Kubrat, chaste, with no interest in women, but his attitude is already well known beyond his household, he is called Urho 'the Chaste' by all.

But of more interest to Viryay, the truce between Viryay and the regency council of Veps has expired and Viryay begins to look north once more.

 

[stnylan]

It is always very convenient how the rumours are always true

 

[Dunaden]

It is always very convenient how the rumours are always true

Yeah the Followers of Otso have very reliable intelligence.

 

[Dunaden]

793 - 796 Travels with Parush

Any plans High Chief Viryay had for moving north against Veps had to be put on hold. It began with a visit to the Lodge of the Followers of Otso. There Viryay had gotten into a conflict with High Chief Ahma "the Whiner" of Suomi. Ahma did not like the fact that Terho Virtanien had found a home in Merya and risen in favor, now a Commander in the Meryan military. He feared that Viryay might support an attempt by Terho to press his claim for Suomi. It had started with an arm-wrestling match between the two High Chiefs, in which Ahma had prevailed. Ahma had then boasted and postured, saying if Viryay had the temerity to come north in support of Terho's claim, he would be beaten just as badly as he had in arm-wrestling. Viryay had laughed at that stupidity and then had challenged Ahma to a duel to better demonstrate their respective prowess. Surprisingly, the Hero Ahma 'the Whiner' had declined the duel, claiming Viryay had manuevered him into this situation in hopes of assassinating him in a sham duel, and left the Lodge.

A week later, Ahma, abusing his position as a Hero in the Followers of Otso, had ordered Viryay to fight a duel of honor against his own brother-in-law and ally, High Chief Parush of Murom. Just a week earlier, a similar due of honor had resulted death of High Chief Tatva "the Whiner" of Zavarot in a duel with Chief Nabitko "the Grinner" of Kolguyev. Perhaps Ahma was trying to get Viryay killed, sending him against Parush, a reknowned warrior who was anticipated to be the next Veteran to claim a spot at the Heroes' Table in the Followers of Otso.

Viryay accepted the task and headed south to Murom to meet his brother-in-law only to learn that Parush was in Kostroma. High Chief Parush has launched a subjugation war against High Chief Pitsvay of Vologda. He was surprised to see Viryay appear at the siege of Kostroma.

After greeting Viryay with his customary bear hug, he said,""I was just about to send word to you, asking you to honor our alliance and join me in my war." He looked pointedly behind Viryay, "If you anticipated my request, I'm surprised you didn't bring more men. " He said with a laugh.

Viryay explained the reason for his visit,"Hero Ahma of Suomi has sent me here to fight you in a duel of honor"

Parush shook his head, "I have no time for such foolishness right now. The Whiner will have to wait for his duel." Then with a grin, "Though I am curious to fight the Stone Fist."

"So," he continued," Will you?"

Viryay confused," Will I what?"

"Honor our alliance."

Viryay smiled and nodded, "Of course, brother, I would rather fight at your side than fight against you."

Parush laughed in joy,"My father chose well for little Nyayka!"

The two High Chiefs made plans to meet in Galich Mersky, and then Viryay returned west to Merya to raise his personal levys to war.

By the time the Meryan army was gathered, High Chief Parush had already captured Kostroma and marched east into Galich Mersky. Before Viryay crossed the Volga, Galich Mersky was overrun and Parush was in Hlynov.

When Viryay finally caught up with Parush, he was already the High Chief Chief of Vologda and now controlled a swathe of the taiga extending from Cheremisa in the south up to Bjarmia in the north. High Chief Pitsvay, with one army already pillaging his land and a second fresh army crossing his border, had already surrendered the High Chiefdom of Volgoda and accepted High Chief Parush of Murom as his liege.

Parush was disappointed, "We did not get to fight side by side."

Viryay, however, had a soultion, "Join me in a war against the High Chief of Veps, I plan to take Tikhvine from him."

Parush immediately agreed, and they turned west toward Merya and Veps. Viryay stopped by Merya on the way past to inform his Council of the new war. His brother, Moksha, said he could not join in this war. He was going home to meet his new daughter, Upurga Kardazid, Viryay's first niece.

Viryay was hurt that his brother was once again parroting his old Regency council, but with Parush on his side, he certainly didn't need the men. He asked Putyayka to spend time with Moksha and try to win him to over to support the family. Viryay brief trip home also proved very fruitful, first Kunegunda and then Nyayka soon announced that they were now both pregnant.

The war for Tikhvine was swift and brutal, High Chief Urho could not muster even 500 men, while Viryay had over 2,000 men even without his brother and Parush had over 3,000. The Veps' army was easily smashed and Tikhvine taken in an assault. High Chieftess Inyava Kolkidof Veps and her daughter Salme Tsuudit, Urho's only child were captured. High Chief Urho had little choice and surrendered Tikhvine. Viryay returned his family to him and they made a new treaty ensuring peace for 10 years.

**********************************

With the wars over, Viryay invited his brother-in-law back to Merya to see his sister and niece and nephews, including Nyayka's latest child, Andyamo, another son. This gives Viryay six sons, as Kunegunda had also given birth to a son, named Varaka.

They were celebrating the start of the new year with a great feast when a man from one of the outlying villages arrives begging an audience. Viryay allows him to come forward.

"Hail Viryay Stone Fist. I bring terrible news. One of the Lords of the Forest has gone mad and has begun to feed on human flesh. My village is besieged by this maneater and we beg you to come and free this guardian spirit from its madness. It is your duty as Chief of the Merya to protect us from this great bear."

Chief Vechkas spoke up, "Something is definitely wrong, a normal bear would already be hibernating by now. This creature must be terribly afflicted to be out hunting so late in the season."

His Diviner Chinzhay spoke up, "It is your duty, High Chief to free this afflicted spirit. You must hunt this demon down and kill it."

Viryay rose from his chair and addressed everyone gathered for the feast, "I will hunt down this beast and free the guardian spirit from its corrupted flesh."

Hugh Chief Parush leapt to his feet. "I will join you, brother, in this hunt!"

Viryay replied, "No, this is my problem, you are my guest, Parush, I can't have you risk your life against this mad spirit."

Parush shook his shaggy head, "No, this is why the Followers of Otso were created to protect the People of the Forest. I cannot sit back and allow you to face this beast by yourself."

Viryay nodded, "Very well, your companionship and skills will be welcome on the hunt. We will make sacrifice to the gods tonight and start on the hunt at first light."

The two High Chiefs set out the next morning, travelling through the winter snow with the villager who had brought the news. The young man was named Naruchad and led them swiftly through the Forest to his village, two days away. They find the villagers huddled in a the central longhouse. Another man had been taken by the angry spirit while collecting firewood to the east of the village. Parush and Viryay rested that night in the village and then head out the next morning. A short walk east of the village, they found the scene of the last attack. Dried blood stained the snow around an overturned sledge and a scattered pile of fire wood. An axe handle snapped in two is found in the the largest area of churned snow.

Parush studying the signs, looked up. "Your woodsman died well, he went down fighting."

Viryay nodded soberly, "One more to avenge."

The bear's trail was easy to follow, it had dragging a portion of its last victim with it, leaving a bloodstained trail through the forest. The warriors tracked the creature through the dark forest as the winter sun soon set. The blood was still visible, black on the bright snow in the moonlight and they continued on into the night. Their path led across a frozen bog and finally as dawn was starting to light the eastern sky they came to a haunted area in the Forest. The trees were all dead, branches bare of leaves or needles.

"This is an evil place, Parush." Viryay said, tightening his grip on his spear.

The usual jovial High Chief of Murom, was also effected by the dead place. He nodded somberly, "Yes, but I think our journey is almost over." He pointed ahead where a rocky hill rose ahead, a cave dug into the slope. The snow outside the cave was churned to slush and stained with blood. Splintered bones and pieces of clothing littered the area. The two hunters checked the wind and circled to the south to stay downwind and approached the entrance to the cave.

As they drew close they could smell a foul stench, a mix of old blood and rotting flesh, and below that the musty smell of a large animal. Soon they could hear the sound of some large creature breathing evenly. They reached the cave entrance and peered in. The cave was shallow and in the growing light of of day they could see the great mass of the beast. It's fur matted with blood and filth, its chest rising and falling with each breath. The gods must be watching over them. The creature was asleep.

With an quick glance and nod the two hunters moved into the cave and readied their spears. The bear's back was to them, its head turned away from the light coming into the cave. With a quick whispered prayer they leapt forward, Viryay drove his spear into the bear's side trying to reach it's heart while Parush drove his spear into its spine, trying to cripple the beast. This beast surged up and lunged as the two men scrambled back. But the beast was sluggish, Viryay had missed the heart, but pierced its lungs and they were already filling with blood adn Parush's thrust had struck true and beast's rear legs refused to obey its command. As the beast struggled to rise, Viryay struck again, driving his spear into the beast's throat.

Blood shot out around the spear shaft, steaming in the frozen air. The beast tried to rise up and shake off its tormentor but its crippled legs betrayed it. The beast swiped weakly at the spear, but it was already dying and Viryay held on, working the point deeper into its neck. Then with a great shudder, the beast collapsed, dragging Viryay to his knees by the sudden dead weight on the end of his spear.

Viryay stayed on his knees for a few minutes, "Be at peace, guardian." The he looked around and found Parush breathing heavily, but wearing a huge grin. "I was expecting you to beat it to death with your fists. But still, that was impressive spear work."

Viryay smiled weakly,"Well struck, Parush."

Looking at the the bear's diseased pelt, Viryay wanted nothing to do with it, so instead he took his axe and struck off one of its front paws as a trophy to reassure the villagers with proof that the beast was dead. They quickly moved away from the foul cave and didn't make camp until they reached living trees and clean snow.

​

Three days later they are back in Merya. After a spending most of the day in the sauna to sweat the stink of the beast from them they settled down for a last meal together before Parush headed back to Murom.

"There's only one more thing we need to take care of before I leave. " Parush said.

Viryay looked at him puzzled,"What is that?"

"Well you did challenge me to a duel three years ago." Parush answered with his familiar grin.

Viryay looked at him startled, he had forgotten High Chief Ahma's task. "I.. yes I did."

"Well, no time like the present, brother."

It was over quickly, Viryay laying dazed on the ground looking up at the sky, pain shooting up his left leg. Parush stood over him laughing, "I think you'll stay down this time. I may have forgotten to mention, they confirmed my status as Hero in the Followers of Otso six months ago, I just haven't had time to find a good bear pelt. The bear we killed was too nasty to make a decent headress."

"Anyway, just a word of advice, keep your shield tighter to your body next time, the way you were holding it hid my blow to your leg."

Viryay just groaned and lay back, content to see that Parush was holding his ribs as he walked away, the Hero hadn't escaped completely unscathed from their duel. "I'll keep that in mind, my friend."

 

[stnylan]

Parush and Virjay come across as being quite good comrades

 

[mike the knight]

Parush look like a likeminded lad indeed...

 

[Dunaden]

Parush and Virjay come across as being quite good comrades

Parush look like a likeminded lad indeed...

Yes, the two are becoming great friends and allies, closer than Viryay is with his own brother.

Been out of town for work, but back and should have the next chapter up tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Dunaden]

797-798 An Unexpected Rival


In the spring of 797, it came to Viryay's attention that he had a rival. This was kind of a surprise at it was news to him. It started with a kidnapping attempt. A group of men had attacked Viryay one night as he had was heading home from a hunt and had taken him prisoner. They were making their way south, when Vechkas and some of Viryay's guards caught up with them and freed Viryay.

After Tundava, his mother and spymaster, spent some time with the kidnappers, she was able identify the man behind it and explain the reasons this Chief Orunza of Pereysalavl Zalessky hated him.

When he heard the reasons, Viryay began to understand how he had gotten a rival. Chief Orunza had once held Kashin as well as Pereysalavl Zalessky, but Viryay had usurped and stolen his lands in Kashin over 10 years ago when he had attacked the rebels in Krivichia. The negotiations to surrender the land had been entirely with the leader of the revolt, and Viryay had never met Chief Orunza. So when the rebels had finally won their war for independence, Orunza had not been happy with the results, instead of being a powerful regional Chieftain with two tribes to call upon, he was a weak chief of one tribe surrounded by enemies.

What's more, when Viryay had captured Kashin, he had taken Orunza's wife, Sernyava, and his young sister, Sanal'ka, as prisoners. Sernyava had been taken as a concubine by Viryay, until Viryay had found out she was cheating on him when she gave birth to another man's child. Sanal'ka had remained in Merya, serving as a cook's helper until quite recently when she had come of age and caught Viryay's eye. He had taken her as one of his concubines for a brief time and then had married her to his bastard son Kezhevat when he had come of age. Viryay hadn't even realized the two woman were related to Chief Orunza.

​

So to forestall any further kidnap attempts or other unpleasantness, Viryay decided to duel his newly discovered rival and put an end to the rivalry for good.

But there was a further complication. The sequence of events had led Viryay to spend a lot of time with his daughter-in-law and former concubine, Sanal'ka, trying to get any information she might have on Chief Orunza. This closeness led to a reawakening of Viryay's attraction to the girl and he ended up bedding her and falling in love. Now his lover and newly pregnant daughter-in-law was begging him to spare her brother's life and dropping strong hints that if he didn't, she would let Kezhevat know who the father of his first child really was. That ended the love affair, but the blackmail still worked.

Viryay needed to try and neutralize Chief Orunza without killing him for the sake of peace in his own family. So he went to war to make Orunza his vassal. If he couldn't kill him, he could at least try to control him.

Viryay calls his vassals to war, Vechkas and Moksha, and the regents of Bezichy and Belo Ozero all answer the call. His brother-in-law, High Chief Parush also joins the war on Viryay's side. Chief Orunza only has his brother, Chief Nuyaksha of Mochkava.

Late in the spring, the only battle of the war was fought outside of Pereysalavl Zalessky. Chief Orunza did not lead his army, instead he sent his wife, Chieftess Aime of Pereysalavl Zalessky. She was met on the battlefield and defeated in personal combat by Putyayka, the Shieldmaiden of Merya.

Putyayka defeated her and took her prisoner and the rest of the tribesmen of Pereysalavl Zalessky lost heart and broke. But Putyayka didn't not escape the fight unharmed and was wounded.

She spent the rest of the campaign laid up in her tent as the Meryan army lay siege to the tribal village of Pereysalavl Zalessky. Moksha took advantage of her injury, starting rumours she was much more seriously hurt than she was, and convinced the other Chiefs to make him Viryay's heir.

The siege did not last long and the village, including Chief Orunza's two sons and his daughter, were soon captured. Orunza was forced to surrender to his rival and swear allegiance as his vassal. Viryay released his two sons, but kept his wife and daughter as hostages.

As soon as Viryay and Putyayka returned to Merya, the other Chiefs saw that Putyayka's wounds were minor and restored her as Viryay's heir.

But Viryay hoped in the long run that his son Kubrat would someday take his place. He was a brillaint strategist, but was lacking in physical skills, so Viryay invited him to join the Followers of Otso to try and toughen him up. Putyayka had misgivings, remembering how their father died, but Viryay was adamant, citing how well he and his brother-in-law Parush had propsered as members of the society. Kubrat wins his initiation duel, and returns home grinning despite a prominent black eye.

About the same time Nyayka announces that she is once again with child. Viryay was confused by the timing, as Nyayka's pregancy seems further along than it should be based on his return from Pereysalavl Zalessky, but did not make a fuss about it.

******************************

The next year passed peacefully.

Viryay's third son, Tul came of age, a brave, hard-working soldier, though a bit shy. Kunegunda doted on her oldest surviving son as well as her other two much younger babies.

After much discussion, Viryay made a decision to move his family and council to Yaroslavl village permanently, to be nearer the river trade along the Volga and the larger population along the river. Merya had grown too small to support his expanding strength as he came to control more of the taiga.

His seventh son, Viryas, was born in their new home to Nyayka,

as well as his eighth. His son Kezhevat's wife Sanal'ka also gave birth to a son whom they named Viryay, but Sanal'ka kept her promise, and Kezhevat has no idea that the baby is his brother, not his son.

Chief Orunza's daughter, Tatka Inzhayid, Viryay's hostage, comes of age. Viryay can't help himself and further antagonizes his rival and newest vassal and takes the girl as his latest concubine over Putyayka's protests and Nyayka's displeasure.

But Viryay scoffs at their concerns and is determined to enjoy this time of peace. He even tries to make peace with his little brother by sending more time with him.

​

edit: fixed screenshots.

 

[stnylan]

I do believe trying to kill Virjay has turned out to be a bad idea.

 

[Dunaden]

I do believe trying to kill Virjay has turned out to be a bad idea.

Viryay first thought was just duel him and end the rivalry, but then decided to do something crueler, make him kneel and steal his wife and daughter as hostages.

 

[Dunaden]

798 - The Three Sorrows of Viryay Stone Fist

The first sorrow arrived in the fall of 797, Tundava Tundavid, the Kardazid matriarch died from a sudden illness at the age of 62. Her second husband, the German court physician, Dietrich, fails to cure her, only Viryay's knowledge of his mother's affection for the Christian keeps him from killing the man.

The three surviving children of Kardaz came together to bury their mother, but even their shared grief doesn't alleviate Moksha's resentment that he has been passed over as heir and he soon returned to Borovichi to brood.

Viryay had lost not only his mother, but also his spymaster and strong support in the tribal council. He couldn't replace his mother but did have to find a new spymaster. The elder Kichay who had served as Court Diviner and commander in the past was called out of retirement and given the position of spymaster.

Soon after, Tul Kardaz, Viryay's oldest son with Kunegunda, wanted to join his father and brother, Kubrat, in the Followers of Otso. Viryay agreed and sponsored the boy. They traveled to the Lodge and Tul handily won his initiation bout, becoming a Fledging warrior in the Followers of Otso.

While watching his son duel, Viryay meets a Khanty Hero in the society named Aymort the Hunter, the Chief of Tara, and they become friends. His new friend tells him that the tribe of Mochkava is ripe , ready for a raid. The tribe is held by Chief Nuyaksha, the brother of Viryay's newest vassal and rival Chief Orunza of Pereysalavl Zalessky.

Viryay has Putyayka organize a raid and allows his son Tul, now a Fledging Warrior, to join him along with his Commander, Terho Virtanien the Finn, known as "Dry-throat" for his constantly having a drink at hand.

The village is sacked and Viryay captures the Chief's wife and daughter. Deciding not to make the same mistakes he made with Chief Orunza, Viryay ransoms back Nuyaksha's 4-year old daughter, Pokshava, and his wife, but keeps the rest of the loot taken in the raid.

On the way back to Merya the raiders are caught in a late winter storm and by the time they reach home, Tul comes down with pneumonia.

Three weeks later, Viryay and Kunegunda's son is dead.

Kunegunda once again blames Viryay for a second son's death, for taking the boy on the raid. She would become even more protective of her remaining children, Sangasa and Varaka, spewing hate for their father into their young ears at every opportunity.

But even as Viryay mourned the loss of his son, more family troubles were coming.

For years, Viryay had tried to befriend and support his little brother, but the thread of envy that reached into his soul would not allow Moksha to be content with what he had. He resented the closeness between Viryay and Putyayka. Putyayka had been his guardian and teacher, yet she liked Viryay more. The two older siblings had always been best friends and trusted confidantes, yet wouldn’t be the same with him. And Viryay still kept Putyayka as his chosen heir, even though Moksha was now a man grown. Moksha felt he should have been named the heir as soon as he had come of age, but Viryay had refused to change his vote. All the rest of the people of Merya understood that Viryay was just waiting for his oldest son, Kubrat to prove himself before changing the status quo, rather than give Moksha any false hope that he would be next High Chief by temporarily making him heir, but Moksha only saw himself being denied his birthright.

But Moksha’s envy and resent continued to grow. When Kubrat came of age, a brilliant strategist, who was now seen as Putyayka’s prize student, surpassing even Moksha, the young Chief of Borovichi brooded. When Kubrat joined the Followers of Otso, Moksha asked why he had not been invited. And then when Tul came of age and was also invited into the Followers of Otso, Moksha's envy became too much to ignore.

During the harvest festival, in front of the gathered tribes, he came armed and armored and stood before Viryay, who presided over the festival even though he was still mourning Tul.

“Brother, I have come for what is mine by right. I am the true High Chief of the Merya and I demand you step aside or I will take it from you by strength of arms.”

Viryay was shocked and speechless.

Putyayka was furious, ”What are you doing, Moksha? Have you lost your mind?”

Moksha stubbornly stood his ground, “No, sister, as the son of the great High Chief Kardaz of Merya, I have the right to challenge for the leadership of all the tribes of Merya.”

Putyayka moved forward, ”You’re being a fool, you don’t have the right to threaten your brother and your Chief. Now put down your axe and forget this nonsense or I’ll take it from you and shove it up…”

Viryay interrupted, having gathered his wits, “Putyayka…He has the right.”

Putyayka turned to Viryay “This is madness, I love him, but he is not worthy of leading the tribes.”

Viryay replied, “Nevertheless, he has the right by law and tradition to make the challenge.”

He turned to his brother, “But I beg you, Moksha, withdraw your challenge. I don’t want to fight you. I love you too, but what Putyayka says is true, you are not the right person to lead the tribes of the Merya.”

Moksha spat, “But you and Putyayka and Kubrat. You are all worthy to lead! Only I am not?!”

“Please Moksha, forget this idea.”

“No! Fight me, or yield the High Chiefdom to me. There are no other options.”

Viryay sighed and then said sorrowfully, “Then we shall fight, it is my duty to my people. We will meet in the sacred grove tomorrow morning. Go and sleep on this, brother. I hope you will reconsider this plan of yours and withdraw the challenge.”

“Never.” Moksha said scornfully, and turned and stalked from the silent gathering.

Viryay’s blow had torn Moksha’s axe from his grip and driven him to his knees on the pine needles covering the floor of the grove. Viryay stood over him, holding his own axe. Putyayka had trained Moksha well, but she and Viryay had had the same teacher and they still sparred with each other regularly, so Viryay knew all she might have taught Moksha. Plus, Viryay had trained further with the Followers of Otso as well as having 15 more years of experience in duels, raids, and battles to draw on than his younger brother. Moksha had not had a chance of defeating him.

“Please, Moksha, let us end this. You are beaten, but I have no desire to kill you. You are my brother. Renounce any claim to the High Chiefdom of Merya and you can go home to Borovichi, home to your daughter, and to your wife. This all will be forgiven and forgotten.”

“Please. Go home and have sons, have more daughters, watch your children play and grow old. Forget this ambition.”

As he spoke he watched emotions play across Moksha’s face, anger, frustration, despair, and then maybe, hope.

Moksha tried to speak, his voice choked with emotion, “I.. I..”

Viryay looked at his axe for a second then cast it aside. “Please, brother, let us have peace.”

Moksha, began shaking his head, and then he suddenly sprang up from the ground, pulling his dagger from his belt and driving it toward Viryay’s heart, screaming “I can’t!!”

Viryay reacted instinctively, he caught his brother’s wrist in his left hand and pushed the blade away as his right fist struck a backhanded blow to the side of Moksha’s head. An audible crunch was heard in the cool morning air as Viryay’s fist connected with Moksha’s temple and Moksha’s struggling body went limp and collapsed to the ground, the sudden weight pulling his knife hand free of Viryay’s grip, leaving Virjay’s hand reaching toward his fallen brother.

Viryay’s stood motionless over the body, breathing hard, then called, ”Moksha?” He fell to his knees and pulled Moksha’s body over and saw the sightless staring eyes. He rocked back in shock letting out a wail of anguish.

He looked out at the silent tribesmen ringing the grove, “I’ve killed him. I have killed my brother.” A whisper ran through the crowd, “Stone Fist”.

Suddenly Putyayka was kneeling in front of him, taking his shoulders in her iron grip and shaking him. “No, no you didn’t, it was his own folly, his envy and lust for power that killed him.”

Viryay looked down at his hands and spoke with dawning horror, “I’m a kinslayer, I’ve killed my own brother, I’ll be cursed by the gods.”

Putyayka shook him harder, tears running down her furious face, “No, he killed himself, with his blindness and stupidity.”

Then Chinzaya, his love and his Diviner spoke, her clear voice carrying across the grove. “Putyayka is right. No man or god can call you a kinslayer. You did everything you could, more than most would, to spare his life. We all saw you drop your axe and offer him peace. We all saw him reject your mercy and choose death.”

The surrounding spectators all voiced their agreement. One voice called out, “We all saw him leap to his death; he just bounced off of you on his way to the ground.” Another voice rang out, ”We all saw you try to save him.”

Viryay Kardazid, the High Chief of Merya, just pulled his little brother’s body close and began to weep.

 

[mike the knight]

That was bloodily sad affair ...

 

[stnylan]

Virjay has really bitter fortune

 

[Dunaden]

That was bloodily sad affair ...

Virjay has really bitter fortune

Yes, it really built up to a truly horrible year. His mother died first, that was sad, but she had had a full life. Then his son dies of pneumonia, a tragedy to lose one so young and full of promise, but Viryay has a pile of kids. But then to be forced to kill your only brother. When I got the option to spare Moksha I was relieved, glad to avoid getting kinslayer, but then the game forced Viryay to kill him anyway which was just brutal.

 

[Dunaden]

799-800 Ilmenian Issues

Moksha had only one child, his daughter Upurga, so the tribesmen of Borovichi chose Viryay's eldest son, Kubrat, as their new Chief. With his new role, Viryay and the other Chief's of Merya decided it is time that the new Chief Kubrat become heir to the High Chieftain of Merya, Putyayka offers no protest and graciously steps aside, proud of her nephew.

It is also time for Kubrat to take a wife, despite his lack of interest in women. Viryay offered him one of his many hostages, Tyyne Tsuudit, the neice to his vassal Chief Aimo of Belo Ozero and to High Chief Urho of Veps. She had grown up in Merya and embraced Mordvin culture, was well groomed, honest and hard-working, with the skills to help manage the people of Borovichi. As with most young women to who had grown up around Viryay, she was for a time one of his concubines, but had borne no children. Kubrat accepted Tyyne as his wife and took his young cousin Upurga under his protection.

Viryay took a new concubine soon after, Talvi Ingieri, the 16-year old daughter of the Chief of Ladoga. He spent much time with his women to try and drown the sorrows of the past year and forget for a time the losses of a mother, a son, and a brother.

But he was not allowed to wallow in his grief for long. To the south, High Chief Svetozar the Evil of Krivichia had launched a war of conquest against Chief Nuyaksha of Mochkava.

Chief Vechkas and Putyayka came to Viryay and told him of Krivichia trying to sieze Mochkava, "We can't let Svetozar the Evil and the Ilmenians regain a foot hold on the north bank of the Moskva River, we need to stop him. We must join our fellow Suomenusko in his fight and drive the Ilmenians back across the river."

But Viryay's son, Kubrat, countered with a better idea, "If we help Nuyaksha drive back Krivichia this time, we will just have to help him again when it happens next time. A better idea is to steal Svetozar's prize and take Mochkava ourselves as a vassal and bring them permanently under our protection. But we would need to act fast, our raids last year against Mochkava have left them weakened and they will not hold out long against the Ilmenians."

Viryay and the Council adopted Kubrat's plan and the Meryans were called to war. Even Chief Orunza, Viryay's rival answered the call, seeing the need to protect his brother from the Slavs.

A small Krivichian scouting party had reached Mochkava first, but they were taken by surprise by the sudden appearance of 1,400 Meryan tribesman and slaughtered.

Their leader, Zaur, was captured, and Viryay and his men were surprised to learn he was an Alan warrior and did not follow the Slavic gods, but worshipped the Everlasting Sky, a Tengri warrior. He was an exile who had fled the coming of the Khazar nomads and taken service with Svetozar.

As expected the fortifications at the Mochkava tribal village and the temple at Mytishchi were still damaged from Merya's earlier raids and fell easily to Viryay's new attack. Chief Nuyaksha quickly accepted the protection of Merya as his new liege, though his hatred of Viryay almost matched his brother's. High Chief Svetozar the Evil was denied a foot hold on the north bank of the Moskva River.

The Meryan warriors were released to return home and Viryay returned to Yaroslavl.

In the spring of 799, Viryay had another scare when his daughter Sangasa took ill. No longer trusting Viryay's good will, the Christian Dietrich, Viryay's old court physician, had fled after failing to save Tundava or Tul from illness, so Viryay turned to a woman some called a witch, Gorislava Pleskov. The young woman knew much of herb craft and tending wounds and soon saw Sangasa well. Gorislava became the new court physician at Yaroslavl.

Along with that good news, Viryay's daughter with Nyayka, Anava was blossoming into a beautiful child. Only 10 years old, but all saw her promise and she became known as Anava the Heavenly. Most attributed this blessing to Nyayka's role of Akkka in the harvest festival when she was pregnant with Anava.

His new court physician soon informs him that two of his concubines are pregnant, Tatka, the daughter of his rival Chief Orunza, and Talvi, the daughter of the Chief of Ladoga. Viryay is pleased, but with two more legitimate children on the way he begins to think about his illegitimate children.

Sorcha can be married to some worthy Chief, but what of his son Kezhevat. He didn't hold enough land to give some to an illegimate son when he already had five legitimate sons to provide for, and possibly two more on the way. After some discussion with Vechkas, he decided to outfit a mercenary company and send Kezhevat out into the world to earn his keep. So the Yaroslavl Band was assembled and put under the command of Kezhevat.

Soon Viryay's two concubines give birth, Tatka gives birth to Virya's eightth (acknowledged) son, Parush, and Talvi gives birth to Viryay's fourth daughter, Asrava. Other families are also growing. His commander Terho "Dry-Throat" has a son, Rieti Virtanen and Kezhevat has a daughter, Slyugan'ka Kezhevatid, (his actual child).

But Viryay and Terho are not there at the births of their children, they are in Borovichi leading an army to drive out Ilmenian raiders from Novgorod. The raiders are driven from the field after Viryay duels the leader of the Ilmenian raiders named Sviatopolk and kills him, claiming his head as a trophy to mount in his longhouse.

More Ilmenian troubles appear in Rzheva where some peasants rise up against the Meryans led by a man named Lev, but the rebellion is swiftly crushed.

Viryay's newest vassal gains infamy during the battle as he sacrifices his own men to the rebels in order to save his own life. He is known ever after as Nuyaksha the Betrayer.

Viryay returns home after the rebellion and awaits to see what the new century will bring.