The Sword Brothers

by Peter Darman

  The grand duke led his horsemen south the next morning, the Lithuanians breaking camp in the pre-dawn light and heading south to retrace the route they had taken to reach Pskov. They moved fast, covering twenty miles the first day and a similar distance the day after to keep any pursuers at a safe distance. It was only when the horses of his warriors were drinking from the cool waters of Lake Lubans, forty miles north of the Dvina, did the pace slacken. The surface of the lake was covered in migratory waterfowl.

  The grand duke established his camp on the southern shore of the lake while his warlords led a dozen raiding parties west into Livonia. Whereas before they were intent on murder and destruction, this time they were resolved to capture slaves. They did this by creating diversions: half of a party would make themselves very visible on the outskirts of a village and make a lot of noise. The menfolk would arm themselves and march out to do battle with the raiders, the latter retreating in the face of the village elder and his men, leading them ever further away from their homes. The other half of the raiders, having hidden themselves among trees on the other side of the settlement, would ride into the village and capture as many women and children as time allowed before fleeing. So speedy was their assault and retreat that there was no time for rape or killing the elderly. Though the villages were filled with goats and pigs and cows and sheep grazed in the fields, the raiders did not bother with livestock. But they reaped a rich harvest of slaves.

  Grand Duke Daugerutis had taken eight thousand horsemen across the Dvina to raid Novgorodian territory. When he recrossed the river he had with him five thousand, four hundred warriors. Six hundred had died during the expedition, most during the battle before Pskov, but the other two thousand were with Prince Stecse as they headed directly south into the Principality of Gerzika. The prince had sent prior warning to Vsevolod that he was entering his territory with a large party of his father-in-law’s soldiers. But the ruler of Gerzika was far from amused when he met the Lithuanians at a spot on the Dvina five miles north of his city.

  The Lithuanian tents filled the riverbank for hundreds of yards, extending inland for a quarter of a mile. As Vsevolod rode among them with his escort he also noticed groups of women and children, tied together with guards watching over them. The sullen and apprehensive mood among these captives contrasted sharply with the relaxed atmosphere in the camp.

  Vsevolod was escorted to the tent of Prince Stecse located in the centre of the camp. Warriors were grooming their horses, others cleaning their armour, sharpening their swords or engaging in wrestling matches. The ruler of Gerzika sneered at their love for the base things in life but was fuming that they had wandered into his territory uninvited.

  ‘The grand duke thought it better to cross the river here, away from the prying eyes of the garrison of Kokenhusen,’ explained Stecse who ordered Mindaugas to bring a stool for Vsevolod to sit on.

  ‘Taking Livs as slaves will place me in a very difficult position with the bishop,’ complained Vsevolod.

  ‘Livs?’ said Stecse incredulously.

  ‘Do you take me for a fool?’ snapped Vsevolod.

  Stecse did, and more. ‘Of course not, my lord.’

  ‘Your captives are Livs. You have violated the terms of the agreement I brokered with the bishop.’

  Fifty paces away a great cheer erupted as a wrestling match between two fat monsters stripped to the waist ended when one slammed the other on his back and then fell on top of him to pin him to the ground. Vsevolod was disgusted as the rank smell of warriors who had not bathed in weeks reached his nostrils.

  ‘The agreement allowed the grand duke to cross the river and make war upon the Novgorodians,’ said Stecse casually. ‘Slaves are taken in war. The crusaders should know that.’

  ‘When Riga learns of what you have done….’

  ‘What the grand duke has done,’ Stecse corrected him.

  ‘The bishop will be very angry and will most likely send his soldiers against the grand duke.’

  Stecse nodded. ‘Most likely.’

  ‘You seemed unconcerned by such a prospect,’ said Vsevolod.

  ‘Perhaps the grand duke will cross the river and make war against the crusaders himself.’

  Vsevolod knew that Stecse did not have the brains to think of such a thing himself.

  ‘The grand duke has told you this?’

  ‘Perhaps you should speak to your father-in-law yourself,’ answered Stecse evasively.

  ‘That would violate the peace treaty,’ said Vsevolod.

  ‘And interrupt your profitable trade with Riga, no doubt’ said Stecse casually.

  ‘You dare to suggest that I place profit above my loyalty to the grand duke?’

  ‘I suggest nothing, lord,’ replied Stecse, ‘only observe that the grand duke regards the bishop and his followers as weak. And that next time he will not ask their permission to cross the river.’

  ‘And when will that be?’

  Stecse shrugged. ‘I am not party to the grand duke’s decisions, lord.’

  Vsevolod realised that this upstart knew when the grand duke would cross the Dvina and Stecse knew that Vsevolod knew that he did. Vsevolod stood.

  ‘You and your captives will be gone from my territory tomorrow.’

  Stecse remained seated. ‘As you wish, my lord.’

  Vsevolod waved over the soldier who was holding his horse. He hoisted himself into the saddle.

  ‘You underestimate both the bishop and the crusaders, prince. You think that because they are currently in a weakened state that they will always be so, but you are wrong.’

  ‘Then tell the grand duke, my lord.’

  Vsevolod tugged on his reins. ‘I shall, you can be certain of that. Remember, Prince Stecse, you have one day to leave my kingdom.’

  The Lithuanians crossed the Dvina the next morning, taking their thousand Liv slaves with them.

  *****

  Caupo paced up and down in the withdrawing chamber of the bishop’s palace as Thalibald looked on. The bishop was seated in a plush chair next to Archdeacon Stefan, who looked most uncomfortable. After his return to Riga the bishop had been informed of Grand Duke Daugerutis’ raid into Novgorodian territory and subsequent assault upon Livonia. The elders of the villages that had lost their children and womenfolk had pleaded with their king to be allowed to cross over the Dvina to get their people back.

  ‘I cannot allow that, my friend,’ said the bishop. ‘We must have peace in order to rebuild our strength. There is little merit in creating peace in the north to then make war in the south.’

  ‘My elders cry out for revenge,’ snapped Caupo.

  ‘Revenge is a most unattractive trait,’ remarked Stefan haughtily.

  The bishop held up a hand to his subordinate as Caupo stopped pacing and glared at the archdeacon. ‘If you had not signed a treaty with the Lithuanians, archdeacon, then my warriors would not now be without their wives and children. They and I must have justice, lord bishop.’

  Bishop Albert looked with sad eyes at his friend. ‘What Grand Duke Daugerutis has done is inexcusable and has imperilled his soul, of that I have no doubt. But I cannot sanction the opening of hostilities against the Lithuanians. Our forces are depleted and weakened and require rest and recuperation.’

  ‘Perhaps it is the will of God,’ remarked Stefan.

  The bishop and Caupo looked at him in confusion. Stefan smiled at Caupo.

  ‘Forgive me, lord king, but am I correct in thinking that the villages that were raided by the Lithuanians recently are the same ones that supplied warriors to aid Prince Vetseke in his rebellion against the bishop.’

  Caupo looked at Thalibald and then Stefan. ‘I fail to see that has any bearing on anything.’

  Stefan brought his hands together. ‘I am a poor shepherd of the Lord, majesty, but even I can discern divine retribution at work. Perhaps if the villagers had not raised their hands against the bishop the Lord would not have sent the Lithuanians to punish them.’

&nbs
p; Caupo was outraged. ‘Lord bishop, I must protest.’

  Albert held up his hands to placate the king. ‘We cannot presume to know the mind of God, archdeacon, so it is the height of frivolity to engage in such discussions.’

  ‘My men are clamouring to cross the river,’ said Caupo tersely.

  ‘That I cannot allow,’ said the bishop firmly.

  Caupo’s face reddened with anger. ‘Lord bishop, I cannot stand idly by while my people are abused and I am mocked.’

  There was an awkward silence as the bishop rested his chin on his thumbs, deep in thought as Stefan stared out of the window.

  ‘We could buy them back,’ suggested Thalibald.

  The bishop looked at him. ‘Buy them back?’

  ‘Riga is rich, lord bishop,’ said Thalibald. ‘Its treasury fills with silver and gold from the donations of noble crusaders and the trade on the Dvina.’

  Stefan stopped looking out of the window. ‘Impossible!’

  But the bishop was intrigued. ‘You think Daugerutis would be receptive to such an offer?’

  ‘A Lithuanian would sell his own mother if the price was right,’ sneered Caupo.

  ‘Lord bishop,’ said Stefan with alarm, ‘I really must protest.’

  But Albert stopped his words a second time. ‘I desire peace above all at this time. But I agree with King Caupo that the atrocity committed against his people cannot be allowed to pass without action.’

  ‘But, lord bishop,’ pleaded Stefan, ‘your cathedral.’

  ‘Can wait,’ said the bishop. ‘I will authorise the release of the necessary funds with which to purchase the lives of the innocents so cruelly snatched from their homes.’

  The colour drained from Stefan’s cheeks as Caupo’s returned to its normal complexion. The king laid a hand on his chest and bowed his head to the bishop.

  ‘You are most just and pious, lord.’

  ‘Soon I travel to Germany,’ announced the bishop, ‘and would go with a clear conscience.’ He looked at Stefan. ‘As it was my subordinate who made the treaty with the Lithuanians and thus encouraged Grand Duke Daugerutis to cross the Dvina, it is my responsibility to right the wrongs that have been committed by the Lithuanians. Go and tell your people, lord king, that their women and children will be returned to them soon.’

  Caupo bowed deeply to him, ignored Stefan and then retreated from the room in the company of Thalibald. The door was closed behind them.

  The bishop rose and poured wine into a silver cup, handing it to Stefan.

  ‘I know you do not hold with what has been agreed, Stefan, but in this instance I must override you.’

  Stefan sipped at the wine. ‘As you wish, lord bishop.’

  Albert walked over to the window and gazed at Riga outside.

  ‘Time is on our side, Stefan. When I return from Germany I shall bring with me not only crusaders but also men and women who will make their lives in Livonia. With the passing of every year the castles of the Sword Brothers grow stronger and the population of Riga increases. We may suffer reverses but God’s ultimate victory is assured.’

  Stefan took another sip of his wine.

  ‘It is twenty-five years since Jerusalem fell to the infidels, Stefan. I do not intend Riga to suffer the same fate and if that means making unpalatable decisions in the name of expediency, so be it.’

  ‘What if Grand Duke Daugerutis interprets your generosity as weakness, lord bishop?’ said Stefan.

  ‘Then more fool him.’

  That afternoon Prince Vetseke was brought from the castle to meet with the bishop. Volquin and the rest of the Sword Brother commanders had wanted his public execution as a warning to others but the bishop would have none of it. He ensured that the prince was treated with civility and dignity as befitting his status. He met with the prince in his palace, though Volquin insisted that he be present and also that the number of guards inside the palace’s reception hall was doubled.

  The prince stood before the bishop who sat in a high-backed chair, a banner bearing the cross keys of Riga hanging on the wall behind him. Despite his confinement the prince looked remarkably hale and was allowed to wear his sword for the meeting, though Volquin stood near him, resting his hand on the hilt of his own sword, in case any mischief was attempted. The hall was quiet as the bishop cleared his throat. To one side scribes at desks held their quills ready to record his words.

  ‘Prince Vetseke, having been confined in Riga’s castle these past few weeks for fomenting and leading a rebellion against God’s own city, I have summoned you here so that you may hear the sentence that will be passed on you.’

  Vetseke stood, rock like, staring at the bishop. He already knew the punishment for failed rebellions.

  ‘You are hereby banished from Livonia for the rest of your life upon pain of death. You shall never see Kokenhusen again nor know the fealty of your people. I cast you out, Prince Vetseke, just as our Lord cast out the devils in Galilee. Go where you will. But know that if you set foot in Livonia again you will suffer the sentence of death. And may God have mercy on your soul.’

  The scribes scribbled on their parchment as Volquin beckoned four guards forward to escort Vetseke from the hall. His expression remained impassive as he was ushered from the room and the door was closed behind him.

  ‘I sincerely hope that is the last we see of him, lord bishop,’ said Volquin without conviction.

  ‘If the plan to purchase the Livs from Grand Duke Daugerutis comes to fruition then we have nothing to worry about concerning the machinations of Prince Vetseke, grand master,’ said the bishop. ‘For a vine cannot grow in stony ground and if the Livs get back their women and children then their allegiance to the Holy Church will be guaranteed and there will be no more rebellions.’

  *****

  As Vetseke trudged alone out of Riga’s gates Master Griswold sent a message to Vsevolod requesting his presence at Kokenhusen. When the Russian prince arrived he was informed that the bishop was most displeased with the actions of Grand Duke Daugerutis. However, in order to preserve the peace between the Lithuanians and Livonia the bishop was prepared to buy back the Livonians who had been captured by the grand duke in Livonia.

  ‘The grand duke can name his price,’ Griswold informed Vsevolod.

  The latter’s eyes lit up. Griswold knew that the prince would add his own commission to any sum agreed.

  ‘You can leave the matter with me, Master Griswold,’ Vsevolod assured him. ‘I am most desirous that this matter is brought to a speedy conclusion.’

  Griswold looked at him contemptuously. ‘Of that I have no doubt.’

  Chapter 14

  The harvest in Livonia that year was excellent. The crusader army at Riga may have been devastated by the bloody flux, the Lithuanians may have stolen the women and children from the villages in the path of Grand Duke Daugerutis’ army and some of those villages had a deficiency in menfolk after the crushing of Prince Vetseke’s rebellion, but the rains had watered the earth and the sun had ripened the crops. The bishop and his priests believed that God had smiled upon the land and blessed his peace with the Estonians and the ransom he had paid the Lithuanians for the return of the slaves they had taken.

  The negotiations were conducted through Vsevolod, on account of his ties to Daugerutis, and though Archdeacon Stefan believed that the sum demanded by the grand duke was exorbitant, the bishop was adamant that it should be paid. Grand Master Volquin also grumbled, not least because Master Griswold had informed him that Vsevolod could not be trusted, but mainly because he knew that funds paid to the Lithuanians would result in the slowing of construction work on the order’s castles. But the bishop was no fool and when the Lithuanians sent back the slaves there was great rejoicing among the Livs. And their joy also extinguished any remaining flames of rebelliousness among the natives. With peace secured along the Dvina and a truce agreed with the Estonians Bishop Albert returned to Germany, taking with him those crusaders who had survived the flux and the battle
against Vetseke. A few stayed behind to make their lives in Livonia, adding to the steadily growing population of non-native Christians there.

  At Wenden the sale of the Estonian slaves to the Russians, the absence of any hostilities and destruction on account of the peace with Lembit, plus the release of modest funds from the treasury at Riga, had allowed the work on the fortifications to continue. The first floor of the north tower was now complete, though the great wooden dormitory that provided the quarters for the brother knights and sergeants was still extant. That would be the last to be converted to stone, the order believing that hardship was good for the souls of its fighting men and that luxury was to be avoided at all cost.

  As far as Conrad was concerned that autumn was the happiest since his arrival in Livonia. He and the other novices were now accorded a modicum of respect among the brother knights and sergeants on account of their actions at Riga, not least because the bishop himself had singled them out for praise. A few eyebrows had been raised in the town that he had promised to make them all brother knights but at Wenden this passed without comment. Master Berthold was delighted that his four novices had distinguished themselves in battle and commended Brother Lukas for his diligence in training them. For his part Lukas increased the length and intensity of their daily training sessions lest they became boastful or apt to rest on their laurels. Conrad did not mind and embraced the extra work. He knew that it was harvest time and that meant he and the others would soon be sent to Thalibald’s village to assist with the gathering of the crops. Which meant that he would see Daina.

  He was sixteen and she was seventeen and just as his body was turning from a gangly, awkward youth into an athletic young man so was her girlish frame becoming more womanly. Her breasts were getting larger, her hips were widening and her green eyes were filled not only with warmth but also temptation. She and the other girls and young women brought water to the men working in the fields as before. But this time when she passed a cup of cool liquid to Conrad her fingers brushed his and her eyes lit up as he looked at her.