Polish Lithuanian invasion of Muscovy and Novgorod
Mikhail's misadventure
In 847 (1443), the situation in Rus principalities was tense. With Tatars not clearly in favour of any faction controlling Novgorod it boiled down to bitter negotiations between Vasily II and Dmitry. The former was finally satisfied after an agreement concluding an exchange of Novgorod revenues for 4 years each with descendants of Vasily promised preference as the future grand prince of Novgorod. Wladislaw II, king of Poland wanted to drive a wedge in this agreement as he wanted Novgorod for himself. He was further emboldened by the new holy Roman emperor Albert one eye's support for his brother Casimir's position as duke of Transylvania. This was the price the Hapsburg King had to pay for supporting his claim to Hungarian throne whilst he also had to pledge support to Burgundian monarch Phillip's plan for an anti-Ottoman crusade under Pope's influence to preserve his position as holy Roman emperor. This meant in a hostile Hungary, Albert had no real ally except Wladislaw II, resulting in an increasing influence of the Polish nobility in Hungary.
Meanwhile things were not satisfying in Lithuania. After death of Sigismund Kestutaitis, his son Mikhail Zygimantaitis assumed the role of Grand duke and wanted to steer Lithuania away from Poland, much like his ill fated relative Svitrigaila. But the the Lithuanian state was not ready for an all out war with any of its neighbors, let alone Poland. So to placate the growing desire of the nobility, Mikhail chose a softer target, Novgorod. But be it intelligence failure or his own assumption, the recent developments concerning the rival Rus principalities over the status of Novgorod were totally missed by the grand duke. He attempted an invasion of 'a divided realm', in his own words. Nevertheless, the preparations he took and the forces arrayed for the invasion were impressive. Lithuanian regular army, moderate faction of Hussites, Teutonic order 'mercenaries' and some Polish irregulars and a small Rus contingent from Kiev, a total of 27,000. In Shawwal 846 (February 1443), the Lithuanian army of 'many banners' started their eastward push. But once in Ryzhev, the invading forces were surprised to find a well defended garrison with Muscovite navy guarding the Volga river. Mikhail was not dented in his quest and invigorated troops about 'crushing the treacherous vassals of Mongols' and liberating the good Christians from their yoke.
Image: Muscovite 'navy' during the battle of Ryzhev.
The siege lingered for a week with the allied army making little in way of progress. Now the dangers of leading a multi-polity army became clear to Mikhail Zygimantaitis. Poor coordination between assaults and defenders bade low for morale. The early spring rains also made the supply situation desperate with disease running rampant in besieger's camp. But Mikhail was adamant and devised a final plan to break the siege. But everyone in his camp knew Mikhail was not trying to conquer new territories, rather he was trying to save his face. So he divided his troops into a larger and a smaller half. The larger half would continue the siege from their positions whilst the smaller half would wait near a drawbridge in hiding for a Muscovite sortie to extend. In 13 Shawwal, 846 (22 February 1443), one such opportunity arose for the beleaguered Lithuanian troops and they successfully stormed the Ryzhev castle for the first time. The defenders were also on their last leg and it seemed that Ryzhev would fall anytime now. However it was not to be.
Image: Rus soldiers in Lithuanian army.
As sounds of hooves thundered near Ryzhev, Mikhail knew he had to retreat for reinforcements have arrived. He just didn't expect the reinforcements to be light Tatar cavalry. Now realizing his danger the Grand duke quickly ordered a retreat. His rearguard was massacred by Tatars whilst the rest of his troops fled in disarray. For all the pomp and grandeur of this campaign, the mountain of Mikhail Zygimantaitis gave way to a molehill. But unlike previous times, this force was not a reinforcement but a fugitive one, escaping the purge by Qizil Hatun who appointed her son Temur Khwaja as the new Khan replacing Jalaluddin. Supporters of the previous Khan who were involved in a plot against her increasing meddling in the affairs of the horde were being hunted down, Beg of Qimir Olej Muxammat being one of them. Though giving shelter to his overlord's prisoner would be suicide at such a time, Vasily agreed to let them pass through his territory to safety, wisely choosing not to support them directly. Meanwhile news of the failed assault of Mikhail reached Vilnius as Wladislaw II began preparations for a long campaign into Novgorod and Rus proper much like his father before him. As the spies spoke of unrest in Golden horde over succession, he knew the Tatars won't be able to distract him from his goals now. He was soon in contact with the runaway Tatars of Olej , who in spite of their initial reluctance agreed to serve in his army as they knew no other option was open for them. Soon lands of Rus would be rocked by another war of conquest.
(piece from
'From Vikings to Tsars: Early Russian history' by Vasily Simkus)
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Shawwal 846 (February 1443)
Konstantiniyye
The court of the sultan was awfully less noisy for time near Zuhr prayer. The realisation left a pit the size of Kara sea in Aslan's stomach as he realised all the courtiers were waiting for something or someone. It could be anything, a messenger from a hostile kingdom. The Nazarenes have been eyeing Dar Al Islam hungrily since Muhammad's ascension to the throne. Who knows when they go and declare war upon the faithful? And knowing those Franks and Magyars, they would also bring death and destruction to their Nazarene brothers under Ottoman protection.
Everyone quit their murmuring as the young Sultan straightened himself a bit and looked over the hallway. Aslan followed his friend's gaze and saw Zaganos Pasha with a man in Mercantile republic attire.
"Andrea Florenton Martini, Genoese condottieri of Kefe, state your business." Candarli Halil Pasha's voice boomed over the now quiet gathering.
After a bow of courtesy, the Italian began to speak:
"My sultan, it is with a heavy heart that I have arrived on the doorsteps of your grandiose empire. These rags you see my wearing are the only available clothes I have left from kefe. The law and order in Crimea has broken down as Qizil Hatun, may God spite that crazy woman has finally sealed the deal and took the prestigious throne of Sarai for her family by replacing and executing Khan Jalaluddin."
At this sudden revelation, the atmosphere within the courtroom grew ever more tense as not even a whisper was heard, nor any birds made song from balcony. It was deathly calm, something which deeply unsettled Aslan as he looked back and forth between Muhammad and the Italian man.
"In this situation, I request the sultan to give us some subsidiary in all his exceptional humility so that we may relocate our business from Kefe to somewhere more safe in his great empire." he added to the intrigue of the courtiers.
"Grand vizier, see to that the Genoese in Tatary have a trading hub in Candarli elayet, you discuss the suitable location....with Kuban Pasha."
Whether it was his eyes or not but Aslan thought he saw a glint of annoyance in Grand vizier's eye when the Sultan mention his father's name. It was well known how his family has alienated the influential Candarli family after his father was made it's Pasha. Oh well, it's not like anyone can refuse the Sultan's decree.
"A last advice as a friend and a well wisher of your empire. Strengthen your navy. The situation in Kara sea would be volatile as the last semblance of law and order fade away in face of chaos and instability. Pirates would run rampant. whilst those Mongols were never good at seas, their presence at least kept the Pirates from decking ships near ports. But now all would be fair game. I shall take my leave now. May you have long and fruitful reign, Sultan of Ottomans."
Muhammad simply nodded as the envoy left and soon the courtroom returned to life. It seemed to Aslan if an unholy aura came with the Italian which left upon his departure. His chain of thoughts were interrupted as the court was dismissed for Salah.
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Aslan walked into Hagia Sophia Cami, his mind running laps around not any particular thing. This was really bad as the Jochid needed peace of mind or lese his prayer would not suffice. He was surprised to see sultan Muhammad in the yard of the Masjid. He was further perplexed as Muhammad called him. Hurrying on his feet the flustered man speed walked to his liege.
"Never expected you to be so quick, anyways here's a letter for your father Kuban Pasha. You promise me not to look at it unless he opens it." the Sultan spoke softly.
"Yes, my Sultan." Aslan replied looking at the floor.
"No, I want further confirmation."
"Sure, Muhammad. If you say so." Aslan looked at his friend and saw an uncharacteristic happy smile on his lips.
"Anyways, the Prophet warned us for good. It seems that if woman want to take the reigns of ruling, things break down quickly. Who can give me credible information about this Qizil? Your father?"
"Yes, and my foster mother Ana. both of them escaped here during Sufi Sultan Murad's rule."
"Nice, absolutely perfect. and to think all that chaos because she placed her candidate on the throne. Just imagine if she took the throne herself..." Muhammad mused.
"May Allah prevent such a stain upon the house of Jochi, a prestigious line. May such calamity never befall upon my lineage." Aslan spoke as he shuddered. He failed to note that Muhammad had a wider smile upon hearing his last sentence. But the Sultan's face soon returned to normalcy as Aslan diverted his gaze upon him.
"Ameen." he replied as they waited for the prayer call to commence.
(From
'Kaiser I Rum' by Tariq Fakhruddin, translated by Wilhelm Jager)
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23 Ramadan 847 (22 January 1444)
Samrqand, Aqbars Khanate
A chilly wind blew from a corner as Suleiman gritted his teeth. His successful transport of warm food and tea for his master Khaydar tucked away in solitude in Bibi Khanum Masjid bade some relief from him. The last days of the Ramadan were important but no one, not even his wives were sure why the ragtag mercenary would suddenly turn into a pious saint and spend the last 10 days in I'tikaf.
As he made his way towards home, he was welcomed by Gulnaz, Kahydar's elder wife and mother of Alfiya, a little girl of 6 years whom he can call sister.
"There's my white kitten, hope you're not frozen or something because you can easily get lost in this heavy snow, what's worse is that no one can see you!" the woman in early thirties spoke jovially as she fussed with his silver hair.
"Quit scaring him like that Gul, his skin tone and hair is unique and when he matures, he'll be an exotic specimen for girls." spoke Dilara, the younger wife of his master and also mother to a daughter named Gulhan.
At this mention Suleiman's albino skin began flushing different shades of pink and red. Gulnaz jabbed at her counterpart now:
"Look what you did to the poor thing now he will die of heat from embarrassment!"
"Better, good to see his blood isn't all frozen in this weather." Dilara muttered a reply and left the room.
"Is there anything I should take care of Khatun?" Suleiman asked meekly.
"Yes, how many fasts have you completed?"
"Um, 15?" the Albino boy was unsure why she was asking this,
"And that includes today?"
"Uhh, no."
"Then you will not fast anymore until last Ramadan. Make that two because chances are not a soul will be able to see the moon of Shawwal if this weather continues."
"But-"
"No buts Suleiman, the weather is very cold and you need your energy. Or don't tell me you have been infected with the same zeal of your master? Now go to that room and sit with Alfiya. Kasi will appear with some porridge and this time, I want the bowls licked clean."
Suleiman, overwhelmed at such display of authority could only nod and scurried away to his destined room.
Gulnaz sighed as she looked at the retreating boy. Brought from a slave market in Isfahan, this Georgian boy became the apple of her eyes when she had her miscarriage. Taking it to be a sign from Allah, the couple raised him like their son. And the fact that Khaydar was still unable sire a son endeared him to the family more.
This was what Prophet said, to treat slaves and servants like one's own kin. She was confident that even if she had a son now she would still love Suleiman nonetheless. For that she didn't need to listen to preaching of some weird guys blabbering about insaf.
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Salam guys, after a long time. Apologies for my hiatus due to final examination. My exam is finished and I'm home. So hopefully I can start my usual weekly updates from now.
Things are all over the place for everyone, union of PL, the Rus principalities and the Golden horde with Qizil cracking down on the conspirators. The only one to conspire against the Hatun and live to tell the tale will be....Samiu'n. Now let's see how things fare for the Rus are they are between a hammer and an anvil. ottomans are starting to take interest in affairs across the kara sea whilst a shrewd Genoese suggested the Sultan to improve his naval capabilities, to get back at someone? And a glance at the family life of Khaydar. Keep your eyes on Suleiman, he's gonna be an important character in the coming days.
So thoughts and comments?
). Also it is more about powerplay than sex as just before her act Qizil dismissed Samiu'n from his post, effectively reducing him to nothing more than a glorified male consort to the female Chingissid and proceeded to get frisky with him to get her point across. What do you think will happen to Qizil's enemies?