Capítulo 9: Exploring the Archives
Alexander finished his business in the treasury and headed to lunch to regain his strength. Stanislav, after bidding him farewell, immediately set to work on the prince's assignments: organizing security for the scribes, protecting the archives, and forming a squad to inspect trade posts.
During lunch, Alexander reflected on the day's events. The meal was simple but hearty - roasted meat, stewed vegetables, and a cup of kvass. However, his mind was occupied not with the meal but with his plans. With each step forward, he realized the vastness and complexity of the task of transforming the state.
After lunch, Alexander made his way to his chambers. He understood well that not everything could be resolved in a matter of days. Each task required attention, a detailed approach, and careful planning.
At the treasury, he had gained an understanding of the state of the finances and the available funds, but the next step was just as crucial - setting priorities. Attempting to tackle everything at once risked leaving nothing completed.
Settling into a chair by the window, Alexander picked up a book that had proven useful on more than one occasion. Its advice helped him focus on details that were of great importance in this era but could easily be overlooked. Yet, the deeper he delved into its pages, the clearer it became that the road ahead would be long and arduous.
Opening the book to a section on economics, Alexander began rereading its lines, focusing on every word. His mind raced, filling with new questions he would need to answer.
- Where on the lands of Kyivan Rus' are deposits of iron, salt, and silver? Which areas are best suited for crops, and which for pastures? Which resources can be utilized immediately, and which will take years to develop?
His fingers absently fidgeted with the corner of the page as his gaze drifted out the window, where the sun was setting, casting the city in a soft glow. Alexander sighed heavily.
- How difficult this is... - he muttered. It seemed as though he would have to run across the entire principality for every new piece of information.
Thoughts of what he had learned in the treasury kept returning. Now he knew how much money was at his disposal, but it wasn't enough. A state's economic strength is built not only on its treasury but also on its resources. To achieve progress, he needed a clear understanding of the riches Kyivan Rus' possessed and how best to utilize them.
Alexander's gaze returned to the book.
It offered universal recommendations, suggested directions, and possible solutions, but it couldn't provide answers specific to his lands. He realized that creating a precise and thoughtful economic development plan would require detailed information that couldn't be obtained quickly. Traveling across all the lands of Kyivan Rus' in person would take months, if not years.
This thought led him to an obvious decision: to begin his search for answers in the library of St. Sophia Cathedral. There, chronicles, reports, and records on natural resources, agriculture, and trade might be stored. If the library didn't provide all the information he needed, the chief librarian would surely guide him on where to look next or recommend people who could help.
Today, Alexander decided to focus on preparation. He carefully made notes in the book, wrote down key questions to ask the librarian, and compiled a list of information to gather first. His notes grew increasingly structured, and his thoughts became clearer.
When the work was finished, he set the book aside and gazed out the window. The city below was sinking into a gentle twilight, illuminated by the gold of the setting sun. The rooftops, the distant chime of bells, and the first flickers of candlelight created an aura of majesty and peace, something Kyiv had been deprived of in recent years.
Alexander allowed himself a brief moment of reflection. Recalling the day's events - the council discussions, treasury reforms, defense plans - he realized he had laid an important foundation for the future. Each step brought him closer to building a strong and prosperous state.
- Tomorrow is a new day. My journey continues, - he said to himself, gripping the quill in his hand. His voice was firm, like a promise made not only to himself but to all those who believed in him and looked to him with hope.
The next morning, after breakfast, Alexander decided not to waste time and headed to the library of St. Sophia Cathedral. He was accompanied by Mstislav and Mirnomir. Upon entering, the prince was greeted by the familiar scent of old scrolls, resin, and candle wax. In the tall hall, bathed in soft light, silence reigned, broken only by the rustling of parchment and quiet voices.
One of the monks, noticing the prince, hurriedly bowed in greeting.
- Prince, welcome. Shall I show you the way to the chief keeper?
- Yes, lead the way - Alexander replied curtly.
The chief keeper, sitting at a massive wooden table, was engrossed in studying yellowed scrolls stacked neatly. Hearing footsteps, he looked up, and upon noticing the prince, he quickly rose, bowing respectfully.
- Welcome, Prince. How may I be of service? - his voice was even, but there was a note of anxious respect.
- I need information about our lands - Alexander got straight to the point, his voice firm and his gaze demanding. - Salt deposits, iron, silver, mines. Which lands are fertile, and where are the pastures? I need books or scrolls with such information
The chief keeper stepped away from the table, gesturing for the prince to take his seat. For a moment, he pondered, mentally sifting through possible sources.
- Our library, Prince, contains mostly books on theology, law, medicine, and history. We have few precise records or geographic collections, but chronicles might contain mentions of estates or mines
- So, there's no comprehensive collection of records here? - Alexander frowned, realizing that in this era, few would have maintained such documentation.
- There isn't a complete one, Prince, - the keeper shook his head slightly with a touch of regret. - For such information, people usually refer to princely chronicles and reports. Those are typically stored in your archives
Alexander nodded slightly, processing the information. However, those archives were likely outdated and potentially useless, whereas he needed current data. He realized he would likely have to gather information directly from people.
- Who among the people can provide me with accurate information? - Alexander decided to ask, comparing his thoughts with those of the chief keeper.
- Village elders and district chiefs know their lands best - the keeper began, noticing Alexander's assessing gaze. - Miners and craftsmen can provide details about the mines. The treasury keeps records of income from mines, fields, and pastures. And I believe the monks also know much - he added with a faint smile
Alexander nodded - everything aligned with his assumptions. However, he hadn't considered the monks. Village elders, district chiefs, and miners could provide data, but it would take too long for them to reach him. He needed information now.
Go to the treasury again? No, he had already burdened them enough. That left the monks, whom he had always assumed only performed religious duties. With mild interest mixed with skepticism, Alexander decided to clarify.
- Monks? Why them?
- Prince, monks are educated people. They often keep chronicles and gather information about lands. They document histories, collect knowledge, and are privy to many secrets of the land, especially those living in monasteries near local districts - the keeper explained.
- Very well. Which monk can you recommend to me? Above all, he must be trustworthy - Alexander asked, fixing the keeper with a serious look.
The keeper thought for a moment before confidently replying.
- Senior monk Boris of the St. Iryna Monastery. A wise and honest man, deserving of trust. Your father personally appointed him as the monastery's abbot, which I believe speaks volumes. He has long been involved in chronicling and is familiar with the principality's domains. Furthermore, the monastery is nearby
Alexander pondered. If his father, Yaroslav the Wise, had personally appointed Boris as abbot, it meant he was one of his confidants, a man both useful and truly wise. Reassured by his thoughts, Alexander nodded and addressed the keeper.
- Can you summon him?
- Certainly, Prince - the keeper replied cheerfully. - While I send for him, we can look through the archives. There are chronicles and records that might prove useful
Alexander nodded.
- Very well. Lead the way
The keeper sent a junior monk to fetch Boris, then invited Alexander to follow him to the archive room. Here, among tall wooden shelves lined with scrolls and manuscripts, a dim light from candles pierced the shadows. The air was thick with the scent of wax, old paper, and resin, and each step echoed softly on the creaking floor.
Alexander's gaze swept over the dusty scrolls, many of which were centuries old. This corner of knowledge seemed to hold answers to questions that could shape the future of the principality.
Senior Monk Boris sat at his desk, immersed in reports at the St. Iryna Monastery. In the adjacent room, three dozen children, sheltered within the monastery walls, quietly repeated texts under the supervision of a junior monk. This was the largest number of orphans the monastery had ever cared for.
Typically, monasteries provided refuge for no more than a dozen children, but Boris, having been an orphan himself, could not turn a blind eye to the suffering of those abandoned to their fate. He raised the children with both love and firm discipline, giving them what he had been deprived of in his own childhood.
The monastery, granted to him by Yaroslav the Wise, became not only a place of service to God but also an instrument for realizing his dream: that every orphan in Kyivan Rus' would have a chance for a dignified life.
However, his dedication to this mission had turned into a heavy burden for the monastery. The funds left by Yaroslav were gradually depleting, and the occasional donations were insufficient to cover all the needs.
His thoughts were interrupted by Epithrope Simeon, who entered the cell with a faint smile but an underlying note of concern in his eyes.
- Senior Monk Boris, good news - he began as he approached. - This morning, we received new donations. A bag of silver coins and several crates of grain and honey from one of the boyarynias
Boris lifted his gaze from the scroll and looked at Simeon. His face remained calm, but a flicker of relief crossed his eyes.
- That's good - he said, though his voice remained restrained. - How long will this sustain us?
Simeon hesitated, then lowered his gaze, as though expecting his words to disappoint Boris.
- It's enough to cover basic needs for a few months - he admitted. - But the problem is, this is a one-time donation. If new contributions don't come more frequently, our supplies will start running out again
Boris frowned and turned to the window, crossing his hands behind his back. The thought of children being left without shelter once more burned in his soul.
- Anything else? - he finally asked, without taking his eyes off the branches of an old apple tree outside the window.
- Yes - Simeon replied after a brief pause. - We've managed to reduce food expenses thanks to the recent donations, but it's still not enough. Supporting so many orphans is becoming increasingly difficult. Even with their help, we barely manage to buy food and clothing. And the issues with the building itself remain: the roof in one of the living quarters leaks, and the southern wall requires urgent repairs
Boris nodded slowly, his expression heavy. He understood that these minor issues, like cracks in an old wall, were gradually eroding the foundation of their work. The monastery was held together only by his persistence and the rare kindness of those willing to donate for the orphans. But how much longer could this continue?
- Food, clothing, books for teaching - all of this is important, but resources are finite. If donations cease or diminish, what then? - Simeon continued, cautiously watching Boris.
- We will manage - Boris said firmly, though he wasn't entirely convinced himself. - As long as there's even one opportunity, I will do everything to support these children
His gaze once again drifted to the window. How much more effort would it take to ensure the monastery remained a home for these children?
Appealing to the boyars was out of the question. He knew that if they learned of the monastery's ties to the late prince, it would raise dangerous suspicions. Concealing his identity was a matter of survival for Boris.
After the death of Grand Prince Yaroslav, he had lost much of his power and influence. His past as the head of intelligence and a secret advisor remained hidden, but he understood that if he began using the authority and resources he once wielded to solve his current problems, it could draw unwanted attention.
Many boyars, suspicious and ambitious, might start questioning why a simple senior monk was so adept at solving complex problems and seemed to conjure money out of thin air. If they suspected Boris of connections to shadowy structures or ties to the late prince, it could spell disaster - not only for him but also for the orphans under his care.
- Use my savings, - he said decisively. - As long as I can help even one child, I will.
- Your savings won't last long, Senior Monk. In two or three years, we'll be in debt. We need more serious sources of income, - Simeon replied, shaking his head.
Boris frowned as he bent over a scroll containing new information. It described how the Polovtsians and Pechenegs had resumed joint movements. But he had no time to worry about them; his thoughts were consumed by more immediate concerns.
He bowed his head in prayer, his fingers touching the cross on his chest as his lips whispered:
- Lord, what are we to do?
His prayer and thoughts were interrupted by hurried footsteps. Junior Monk Ssava burst into the cell, breathless from running.
- Senior Monk Boris, Prince Alexander is summoning you to the library of St. Sophia, - he said, struggling to catch his breath.
Boris turned sharply, his face lighting up and his eyes glimmering with hope. He saw an opportunity.
- What does he want? - he asked, keeping his composure.
- The senior librarian said the prince is looking for information about the principality's resources: mines, fertile lands, and pastures, - Ssava reported.
Boris pondered for a moment before turning to Simeon.
- Bring the scrolls containing that information
Simeon hesitated, his face reflecting surprise and concern:
- But those are secrets entrusted to us by Grand Prince Yaroslav…
- I know, - Boris interrupted, - but if he is the son of the Grand Prince, he is worthy of knowing these secrets. We will let him read them, but we will not hand them over. This is our chance to save the children
Simeon hesitated for a moment longer but then nodded and hurried to the monastery's archives. These scrolls, containing detailed records of Kievan Rus' lands and wealth, had always been kept in strict confidence to prevent them from falling into the hands of unscrupulous boyars. Boris knew he was taking a risk, but he felt he had no other choice.
While Simeon searched for the scrolls, Ssava quietly added:
- They say Prince Alexander is wise and just, despite his youth. He respects and listens to people, regardless of their status
Boris cast a stern glance at him but then nodded:
- Perhaps. But I need to see it for myself
Minutes later, Simeon returned, holding aged scrolls yellowed with time. Boris took them, carefully checked each seal, and placed them in a leather satchel.
- Thank you, Simeon, - he said. - You've done well
Donning a simple monk's robe and slinging the satchel over his shoulder, Boris headed for the exit. His steps were steady and confident, but inside he felt tense. Ssava followed closely, ready to assist.
They quickly made their way to the library of St. Sophia. Boris knew this meeting would be a turning point. The future of his monastery and the lives of the orphans he had vowed to protect hung in the balance.
Meanwhile, as Boris and Ssava traveled to the library, Alexander and the senior librarian continued examining chronicles and scrolls. The librarian tirelessly brought new documents, observing as the young prince grew more resolute with each discovery.
As Alexander had anticipated, the three-field system had begun spreading in some volosts but had not yet been widely adopted. Most lands were still cultivated using the two-field system. At the same time, monasteries were experimenting with composting, adding ash and plant residues to fertilizers.
Peasant tools remained primitive: wooden plows with iron tips were ubiquitous, while fully iron plows or harrows were found only in wealthy communities. Seasonal livestock migration was also practiced to preserve lands for planting.
All of this aligned with his expectations for the period. Agricultural practices were relatively clear, but the situation with resources like salt, iron, silver, and others was far more complex. Most of these resources were controlled by boyars, and Alexander realized that to use them effectively, they needed to be centralized.
He contemplated monopolizing the extraction and processing of resources, imagining a decree announcing that salt, iron, silver, and gold would henceforth become exclusive to the prince's domain. Banning the interference of boyars and merchants in these industries would grant him complete control, bolstering both the economy and his power.
However, he also realized that such a step would provoke fierce resistance. It was a risky path, and for now, it was too early to act in that direction. Yet, Alexander was already strategizing and looking for the right moment to begin.
Another critical task after his coronation, he believed, was centralizing the tax collection system. During his time in the treasury, he had seen its inefficiency firsthand. Tribute collection relied on local boyars, who kept a significant portion of the revenue for themselves, undermining the state's financial stability.
- So much to do... - Alexander sighed tiredly. Thoughts of problems and potential solutions had already begun to exhaust him. He understood that if he sat idly by, his reign might end sooner than it began. But despite the difficulties, he enjoyed what he was doing. Even though it was hard, he knew he was improving not only his own life but also the lives of others.
At the moment, his primary goal was to learn from Boris the actual situation in his lands. Flipping through his modern book, Alexander cross-referenced its advice with the current circumstances and began drafting a plan for developing agriculture on his princely fields.
His musings were interrupted by a sudden question from the senior librarian, who was eyeing the unusual book in the prince's hands with genuine curiosity. In all his years as a librarian, he had never seen anything like it:
- My prince, what kind of book is that in your hands? The binding, the script... I have never seen anything like it
- It's a foreign book brought by a merchant, - Alexander replied calmly, trying not to reveal any nervousness. - It contains valuable knowledge about agriculture and governance from a more advanced empire
The librarian nodded, continuing to examine it from a distance:
- It looks quite intriguing...
Realizing that the librarian's interest could lead to further questions, Alexander decided to steer the conversation in another direction:
- Valuable knowledge is always worth its price. If it can improve our lives, why not use the experience of other lands? For instance, - he opened one of the pages, - this describes the three-field system. Instead of leaving half the land fallow, it's divided into three parts. This increases yields
- Hmm, my prince, I know of the three-field system. In our principality, it's already being introduced in some regions, but boyars and peasants are not always willing to adopt such changes
- Precisely, - Alexander agreed, pointing to a page. - Here it explains that the three-field system not only increases yields but also preserves soil fertility. And if we add another field for fodder crops, it could improve livestock feeding and restore the land even faster
The librarian raised an eyebrow in surprise:
- A four-field system? That sounds unusual, but if such systems are used in the country where books like yours are made, I dare say they've advanced far beyond us, - said the senior librarian, his gaze still fixed on the book.
As someone accustomed to holding various manuscripts in his hands, the librarian found himself mesmerized by Alexander's book. The prince nodded, attempting to deflect attention from the book:
- Yes, with the four-field system, we could outpace our neighbors. Now it's just a matter of convincing the peasants
- Well, my prince, peasants are used to their old ways. Convincing them will be difficult, especially in places where even the three-field system is not yet common, - the senior librarian remarked, understanding the challenge of introducing innovations to a population steeped in tradition.
Alexander fell silent, but his plan was already forming clearly:
- I'll start with my princely lands. After all, they belong to me, not the boyars. I'll also need educated monks and scribes. I'll teach them the basics, and they, in turn, will teach the peasants
- Wouldn't it be easier to just let them read your book? - The senior librarian seemed puzzled, thinking Alexander might be unwilling to share such vital information.
Alexander smirked and, without a word, handed him the book:
- Go ahead, try to read it. I'm sure you know enough languages to understand
The senior librarian bowed and carefully took the peculiar tome. It was a book entirely unlike the manuscripts he was used to. Its unusual paper, sturdy binding, and clearly printed letters stood out.
But what struck him the most was the language it was written in. He began leafing through the pages but quickly realized he couldn't understand a single word. It wasn't Latin, Greek, Arabic, or even one of the rare dialects he had encountered before.
- My prince, I don't understand. What language is this? And how do you know it? - the librarian asked, looking at Alexander in amazement.
Alexander looked at him with a slight smile, but his eyes held a glimmer of seriousness:
- It's the language of a very advanced country on the other side of the world. And as for how I know it... trust me, it's better if you don't
The librarian, sensing that the conversation had reached a delicate point, bowed and returned the book. He understood that the prince had his secrets, and it was best not to interfere. To smooth over the awkwardness, he decided to share some useful information:
- My prince, you mentioned needing educated monks and scribes. I know a few trustworthy individuals who could be entrusted with this knowledge. They've dedicated their lives to serving the people and would surely help you in your endeavor to improve the fields and feed the populace
- Good, send them to me. I'll find a use for them, - Alexander nodded curtly, already deciding that he would test them and, if possible, bring them under his influence.
- I should also mention that Senior Monk Boris is already conducting experiments with composting and improving the land. Perhaps he should be included in your plans
- Boris, - Alexander repeated thoughtfully. - It seems he's quite talented if he knows so much about the princely lands and engages in such work
Alexander was intrigued. His father, Yaroslav the Wise, had clearly been skilled at surrounding himself with exceptional people. Recruiting Boris to his side would be a strategically sound move.
- Yes, Senior Monk Boris is not only talented but also a man of great character. As the abbot of his monastery, he cares for orphans more than anyone else. His monastery has taken in more than twenty children, and for three years, he has provided them with everything they need and taught them many skills, - the librarian continued to praise Senior Monk Boris, ensuring the prince formed a positive impression before their meeting.
- What's so special about that? He's a good and righteous man. I think anyone in his place would do the same, - Alexander remarked, genuinely not understanding the significance of the deed.
The senior librarian looked at the prince intently, realizing that Alexander might not yet fully grasp the realities of life in the principality. He decided to explain:
- My prince, most monasteries take in no more than ten orphans, and sometimes none at all. They claim that children interfere with their worship and distract monks from their duties. Many only take in orphans for appearances, to seem compassionate and receive more donations. But Senior Monk Boris... he has taken in more than twenty orphans and has cared for them for over three years. He does it not for profit. You'll understand if you visit his monastery
Hearing this explanation, Alexander fell into thought. He realized his mistake. In his time, caring for orphans was seen as a norm, but here in Kievan Rus', such actions were rare exceptions. The concept of orphanages as understood in modern times did not exist, and aid to orphans was often a matter of personal initiative or rare acts of Christian charity.
Now he understood just how extraordinary Boris's actions were. Alexander nodded respectfully, feeling a growing desire to learn more about this man and his work.
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