Chapitre 6: Concept on the parchment
Flipping through the pages of a book, Alexander reflected on how the customs of this time differed from those he knew. Here, even a ruler's meal turned into a discussion of affairs, but he understood that now was not the time for ceremonies. His body needed rest, and his attendants were busy preparing for the coronation.
After a morning check-up by the healer and herbalist, who once again marveled at the incredible speed of his recovery, Alexander, feeling nearly restored, decided to return to the library of Saint Sophia.
Outside, the fresh, cool morning greeted him. A light breeze filled the air with the scent of damp earth and incense from the cathedral. The pain in his body no longer hindered his resolve. Alexander felt how this air revitalized him, as if the city itself was preparing for change.
His mood was calm yet focused. Alexander already understood many aspects of the current situation, but he needed more precise information about the geography of the lands, borders, and trade routes.
Behind him followed Mstislav and Mirnomir, who had replaced their comrades after the night watch. They carried carefully packed scrolls and books that Alexander had finished studying the previous day. The prince already knew that knowledge was his greatest strength in this era. It provided him not only with an understanding of the world but also with power.
When they entered the library of Saint Sophia Cathedral, Alexander once again felt the reverent awe he had experienced the day before. The high arches, the scent of ancient parchments mingled with the aroma of incense, and the soft light of oil lamps created an atmosphere worthy of the greatest temple of knowledge.
The senior librarian, already familiar to Alexander from his previous visit, approached them immediately. His gaze still reflected the same attentiveness and devotion to his craft. Noticing the books in the hands of the guards, he bowed his head in a slight nod.
- Good morning, my prince, - he said quietly but confidently. - You've returned more than I expected. This proves your diligence and respect for our works
- Good morning, - Alexander replied briefly. - I've returned what I've studied. But today I'm looking for something else. I need maps. Any that you have
At these words, the librarian noticeably hesitated. His eyes lowered slightly, and his lips trembled, as if he was searching for the best way to deliver bad news.
- Forgive me, my prince... - he began cautiously. - All the maps we had were taken by your brothers. Some were carried to their lands, others... vanished in the chaos of recent years. We... don't know where they are now
Alexander narrowed his eyes but quickly regained his composure. His face remained calm, but cold determination flared in his gaze.
- If there are no maps, we'll have to create something, - he said firmly. - Bring me a large piece of parchment, ink, quills, and any records about our lands and neighbors
The librarian immediately bowed and hurried to fulfill the order. Alexander moved to a table by the window, which offered a view of the city. Sitting down, he folded his hands in front of him and paused for a moment of thought. He faced a challenging task that would require full concentration.
When the librarian returned with a tray holding parchment, ink, and old scrolls, Alexander felt a familiar thrill. He quickly skimmed through the provided records - fragmentary data on the borders of principalities, trade routes, and natural features. Everything seemed disjointed, but it was better than nothing.
He began with the most important feature - the Dnipro River. He drew its course on the parchment, adding the main tributaries. Then he marked key cities: Kyiv, Chernihiv, Pereiaslav. The northern city of Novgorod was represented only schematically. The southern lands of the Cumans remained a vague boundary, while the border with Byzantium was based on old records.
- The main thing is for the map to look convincing, - he muttered.
The rivers were drawn with thin lines, the forests with light shading. Every element appeared rough but functional. Alexander deliberately avoided excessive precision, ensuring the map looked like the product of collective knowledge.
The work progressed slowly. Occasionally, he paused to reread the scrolls or recall what he knew of the terrain. By noon, a map had emerged on the parchment - not perfect, but sufficient for the first steps. It was merely a foundation that required further refinement.
Alexander set down the quill and surveyed the result. The map was simple enough to avoid suspicion but accurate enough to be useful. Now he felt he had a tool for implementing his plans.
The senior librarian, who had been observing Alexander's work from a respectful distance, finally mustered the courage to approach. His gaze, full of cautious interest, scanned the lines on the parchment. His expression reflected a mix of wonder and doubt.
- My prince, - he began with a respectful nod, avoiding direct eye contact, - the map looks commendable. But some details... - He pointed to the bend of one of the rivers. - Might be inaccurate. Waters are ever-changing, as are the lands around them. You may need the help of elders or scouts to verify this
Alexander nodded, rolling the map into a scroll.
- True. This is only a draft. We will refine the details later. For now, let it remain between us, - his voice was firm, his gaze direct, as if testing whether the librarian grasped the gravity of his words.
The senior librarian bowed low, nearly touching his chin to his chest.
- So be it, my prince. Everything I've seen will stay within these walls. I swear before the Lord that no detail will leave the library, - his voice was steady, though it carried a slight tremor, perhaps born of both respect and fear.
Satisfied, Alexander nodded as he rose. The map, rolled tightly in his hands, was now more than just a collection of lines and markings. It was his first step toward leadership, a symbol of his readiness to make decisions and pursue their realization.
Before leaving, Alexander cast a final glance at the senior librarian and spoke in a quiet yet steely tone:
- Guard your knowledge and continue your work. And this map... You never saw it. Do you understand?
The monk bowed even lower, not daring to meet the prince's gaze.
- Understood, my prince. Everything will remain here
Lowering his head in absolute submission, the librarian stood in reverent silence. His respect, mingled with a faint fear, seemed to fill the air itself.
Alexander left the library with determination in every step. A gust of wind tugged at his dark cloak, and the map, carefully rolled under his arm, felt like more than a tool - it was a key that could unlock the doors to a new future. The daylight, barely breaking through the leaden clouds, reflected on the darkened parchment, symbolizing its significance.
Reaching his chambers, Alexander unrolled the map on a massive oak table, carefully smoothing its edges. Stone presses held down the corners securely, while a golden ray of sunlight breaking through the window bathed the parchment in a soft glow. The prince ran his hand over the aged lines depicting the Dnipro River, hills, and settlements, focusing intently as he began his work.
The first thing he addressed was the defensive lines. His mind recalled the knowledge that in this era, the Cumans and Pechenegs posed the greatest threats, while Kievan Rus's neighbors, constrained by its power, were unlikely to disturb the peace.
Alexander remembered how his father, Yaroslav the Wise, had laid the foundation for Kievan Rus's defense: the Zmiiv Walls, border fortresses, and the powerful center in Kyiv. However, the defense remained fragmented. The fortresses were not interconnected, roads were vulnerable, and garrison supplies depended on local resources.
Drawing on the knowledge from his book and the military logic of the young prince, Alexander quickly identified weaknesses and ways to address them. He leaned over the map as if it were a complex chessboard, where each piece - a city, fortress, or river - had its own significance.
- We'll start with the defense, - he said, running through potential scenarios in his mind. - If we don't protect Kievan Rus, no swords will save us
His gaze fell on the southern borders, particularly the Ros River. Alexander recalled how, in his previous life, he had read about strategic defensive lines and how nomads attacked the most vulnerable points. This area had always been a weak spot for Kievan Rus.
- A fortress is needed here, - he said confidently. - But not a large one. The size isn't as important as its location. A garrison of forty spearmen and twenty archers, plus watchtowers. Let it be more than just a wall - a stronghold to monitor enemy movements
He traced a line upward to a ford across the Dnipro, a critical point that could become either a deadly vulnerability or an insurmountable barrier.
- The ford… It's a weak point, - Alexander mused. - If we lose it, the Cumans will be at our gates. A second fortress is needed here, more for holding the enemy at bay. Archers, a signal tower, an observation post. Let this place serve as the first line of defense, but not the final one
He considered the people who would defend these borders and how to organize their supplies. Alexander understood that in the 11th century, any defensive line required constant support - both manpower and materials.
- Wooden walls, simple but reliable. Towers every three to four versts along the Zmiiv Walls, - he muttered, marking them on the map. - Palisades, a moat filled with water if the terrain allows. It won't protect us from a major offensive, but it will buy us time. And time is everything
The knowledge Alexander inherited from the memories of his predecessor - a prince raised on battlefields and among wise advisors - was invaluable. This knowledge was enhanced by his own experience, logic, and strategic thinking, merging like two rivers into one.
He knew that even simple but well-organized defenses could play a decisive role in slowing the enemy and protecting key points. To him, it was as obvious as two plus two equals four. His gaze swept across the key roads connecting Kyiv with the other cities of Kievan Rus.
- If the roads aren't protected, no fortress will hold. Supply caravans will become easy prey, - he said. - Here, here, and here, signal towers are needed. They won't stop the enemy, but they'll warn of their approach. Each should have a team of five men. The task is simple - to alert us
He marked points along the roads and then returned to the key cities - Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Pereiaslav.
- Chernihiv will serve as a reserve for spearmen, - Alexander decided, making a note on the map. - Pereiaslav will be for archers. The Kyiv militia will remain in the center, ready to quickly assist any of the cities. If all three nodes are protected, we will create a triangle that will form the foundation of the defense
Next, he took a second quill and began drawing symbols to designate supply depots.
- The depots must be secure, - Alexander said quietly. - Not at the border, but not too far away either. If the enemy captures them, we'll lose not only supplies but also the ability to wage war. Kyiv, Chernihiv, Pereiaslav - these cities will be our logistical hubs. From there, supplies can quickly reach the front
He straightened up, momentarily setting the quill aside, and looked over the map.
- We have a few years before the Cumans regroup, - he said. - Their internal strife gives us time, but not much. If we delay, they will unite, and all of this will be useless
Alexander pondered how to present his plans to the council. He understood that not all boyars would appreciate his ideas. For many of them, construction was an expenditure of resources that could otherwise be spent on feasts or personal needs. However, the recent past provided him with a strong argument.
The attack on the princely heirs, his brothers, had shaken all of Kievan Rus. It was a tragedy that called into question not only the safety of the princely family but also the strength of the state itself. If even the sons of Yaroslav the Wise, the defenders and heirs of the land of Kyiv, were vulnerable, what could be said of ordinary boyars or peasants? News of this tragedy, like a dark cloud, loomed over Kievan Rus, awakening fear of the nomads.
Alexander knew that this fear could be key to persuasion. He did not intend to use it for manipulation, but the truth was clear: if the borders remained weak, nothing would protect the land, lives, or even those who lived in their wealthy towers.
- I must explain that these are not just fortifications, - he said to himself. - This is the protection of their lands, their people, their homes. If the borders fall, the enemy will come to their doorsteps, and no amount of gold will save them from fire and sword
His thoughts turned to the people who would defend Kievan Rus.
- The militia is good, - he said, - but it's not enough. We'll have to mobilize the peasants. Not for war, but for construction. If they see that their labor is protecting their homes, they will understand that it is not just for the prince
He made a final note in the corner of the map: "Timelines: fortifications - 2 years, depots - 3 years, towers - as needed."
Alexander clasped his hands behind his back and surveyed his draft. It was not a perfect plan, but he knew that perfection was the enemy of the good. He exhaled, feeling the weight of responsibility.
- This is only the beginning, - he said to himself. - The council will refine the details. After that… we'll see
His voice sounded confident, but deep down, he knew that any plan was only the first step on a long journey.
He straightened and looked at the map again, but now his thoughts traveled beyond the fortifications and towers. He understood that defensive measures alone would not be enough. The true strength of a country lay not only in its walls and swords.
Alexander shifted his gaze to the central part of the map, where the main routes connecting the cities intersected. Roads, like blood vessels, sustained the life and movement of Kievan Rus, but their protection remained a weak link.
His father, Yaroslav the Wise, had laid the foundations of this system by developing trade routes and fortifying key nodes. But Alexander saw that the times demanded more - perfection and systematization that could turn scattered elements into a unified whole.
- Strength starts from within, - he muttered, running his finger along the lines of the roads. - Without a solid foundation, all the fortifications, armies, and even diplomacy will be meaningless
He leaned closer, studying where the trade routes passed. These lines connected the cities like veins in a body, but Alexander already knew that in some places these connections were too weak.
- Merchants fear bandits, - he said, frowning. His hand instinctively reached for the quill, and he made several quick marks at crossroads and places where roads passed through forests. - Security is the first priority. Patrols. Guards. Let the merchants know that their goods will reach their destination
He marked several key points where posts could be established to guard the caravans. His thoughts quickly shifted to Novgorod.
- Novgorod, - he said thoughtfully. - It's the key to trade with the Varangians. Silver, furs, grain - all of it passes through there. But the road to it is too unreliable. The connection with Kyiv must be strong
His quill slid to the Dnipro, marking the rapids and major settlements along the river. Alexander recalled stories of bandits who attacked the ships.
- The Dnipro is the main artery of Kievan Rus, - he said firmly. - If we clear the river of bandits, it will become a safe route. At each rapid, a guard post. But not just guards. We'll levy a toll for safety. Merchants will pay if they see it's worth it
He made several notes on the map, marking locations for new posts and docks.
Alexander's gaze settled on Kyiv, focusing on the city. It was large, bustling, and wealthy, but he knew that was not enough. To make Kyiv the true heart of Kievan Rus, the city had to become not only a political but also an economic center.
- Kyiv is the key, - he said quietly. - But a key not yet fully used
He traced his finger over the city's center, reflecting on its current problems. Alexander knew that Kyiv at this time suffered from overcrowding. People flocked here from all corners of Kievan Rus', and the city's infrastructure was beginning to buckle under the strain. Narrow streets, a lack of public spaces, insufficient marketplaces - all of these issues hindered development.
- Narrow streets, filth, no sewage system, - he muttered, recalling what he had read about medieval cities in his previous life. - This all needs to change. Not immediately, but gradually. I need to find time to walk through the city and examine the problems firsthand
He marked several spots outside the city walls.
- Marketplaces, - Alexander continued. - They shouldn't be held in cramped alleys. Let there be large, open squares. Merchants from all over the city and beyond must gather here. If Kyiv becomes a hub for trade, it will strengthen the treasury and enhance the city's prestige
But Alexander's thoughts didn't stop at trade. His gaze shifted to the suburbs.
- Urbanization, - he said, as if testing the word. - The city is growing, but how is it growing? Haphazardly. If people are allowed to settle outside the walls in an organized way, we can create a new ring around Kyiv. Wider streets, sturdier houses, designated areas for craftsmen
He pondered how to implement this. Alexander understood that such changes would be met with skepticism. People were not accustomed to reforms. But he also knew that any innovation needed to start with an example.
- Start with one district, - he said aloud. - A model. Organized streets, spaces for markets, security posts. If it works, others will follow. Let them see that life in such a district is more convenient and safer
He returned to the city center, marking spots on the map where reservoirs or small canals could be placed.
- Water. Even a primitive sewage system. Water isn't just for drinking, but for washing and cleaning the streets. The filth in Kyiv is one of its main problems. Reduce it, and diseases will follow. This will show people that order brings benefits
Alexander exhaled deeply, setting aside his quill. His gaze lingered on the map, but his thoughts raced ahead, tackling the complex decisions still to come. A dull headache weighed on his temples, reminding him of the price he paid for constant tension.
Everything needed to fit into a coherent picture, but for now, these were just raw drafts. Each direction required detailed planning, and every decision raised dozens of questions needing answers.
- These reforms will take years, - he said softly, as if speaking to himself. - But without them, Kyiv will never become what it must. For the city to thrive, it must grow
He knew that implementing his plans would require not only resources but also the support of boyars and merchants. He would need to convince them that these investments were not a whim but a guarantee of collective prosperity.
Alexander envisioned himself addressing the council tomorrow, already formulating the arguments he would present, the points he would weave into a coherent chain. But for now, these were just thoughts - the outlines of what needed to become reality.
His gaze returned to the map. Every stroke, every mark on it symbolized more than just lines and symbols. His thoughts turned to the fields and the peasants.
- Harvests, - he murmured thoughtfully. - Much depends on the land. But peasants are used to working the old way. If we want more, we need to show them there are other ways
He understood that reforms had to start with himself, setting a personal example. Memories of the book he had recently studied surfaced - it had given him an understanding of the three-field system, one of the most efficient methods of land cultivation.
- I'll start with what I know, - he said to himself, tracing his finger over fertile areas. - The three-field system. If I show how it works, if yields increase on my lands, all doubts will vanish. Let the peasants see it with their own eyes
His plan was simple: allocate several plots on his princely lands, establish a pilot farm, and appoint observers who would not only monitor the results but also train the peasants. The entire process needed to be clear and easy to replicate.
- We'll begin with crop rotation: grains, legumes, root crops, and fallow land. Let them see how it helps the soil recover, how yields improve, - he said, continuing to make notes on the map.
He knew that words were one thing, but people would only believe facts. The boyars, accustomed to thinking in terms of short-term gains, would resist. But if his lands produced higher yields, he would have the evidence needed to argue for the reforms.
His gaze hardened. He could already envision the result: his lands becoming a model for others, peasants starting to follow his lead, and boyars realizing that reforms could benefit everyone. It was a fight for the future, but he was ready to begin it.
Alexander understood that, for now, these were just plans on paper, and their implementation would demand tremendous effort. An enormous amount of time, resources, and personal endurance would be required for this journey. But he felt he had the strength. He believed that time was on his side - he was young, determined, and ready to take on challenges others avoided.
- There's time, - he said softly, setting the quill down and surveying the map.
Alexander continued to sit at the massive table, his gaze fixed on the map. The quill in his hand traced new lines, while a piece of bread and an almost-empty mug of kvass lay nearby. Suddenly, the silence of the room was interrupted by a knock at the door.
- My prince, Commander Stanislav is here, - came Mstyslav's voice.
- Let him in, - Alexander replied curtly, without lifting his eyes from the map.
The door opened, and Stanislav entered the chamber. His confident posture, emphasized by broad shoulders and a serious gaze, filled the room. He bowed - respectfully, but without unnecessary ceremony. His manner spoke of years of service and battle experience.
- How are you feeling, my prince? - he asked, intently watching Alexander. - I heard you left the library quickly. Did something happen?
- Everything is fine, - Alexander responded calmly. - I needed a map. Once I found what I was looking for, I returned to start drafting plans. Look. What do you see?
Stanislav stepped closer, bent over the table, and began carefully examining the map. His eyes quickly scanned the rivers, fortifications, and trade routes. The annotations were surprisingly precise, but Stanislav couldn't help but notice that the map was simplified - likely drawn from outdated information. However, the structure of the plans themselves impressed him with their thoughtfulness.
- Fortifications in the south, signal towers, supply nodes... - he murmured, tracing a line along the Ros River. - Everything is well thought out. Is this your work?
- Yes, - Alexander confirmed, setting the quill aside. - We need to focus on defending the southern borders. The Cumans and Pechenegs won't wait for us to gather our strength. Their internal conflicts give us an advantage, but it's a temporary one. We must fortify the ford across the Dnipro and establish outposts along the Ros River
Stanislav thoughtfully ran a hand over his stubble as he studied the annotations.
- Outposts... If we reinforce them with observation towers and man them with garrisons of warriors, they could become a true shield for all of Kievan Rus. But what about supplies? That could weaken our center
- The garrisons will be small, - Alexander replied calmly. - Forty spearmen, twenty archers. Supplies will come from Chernihiv and Pereiaslav. Kyiv will be the central hub, from where we can quickly dispatch reinforcements if needed
Stanislav nodded, his gaze lingering on the road connecting the cities.
- And the roads, - he continued. - If they aren't secured, we risk losing more than land. Supply caravans will become easy prey
- That's why there will be signal towers along the roads, - Alexander pointed out. - Teams of five at each post. Their task is to warn of any approaching threats. Merchants need to see that their protection is in our interest
Stanislav grunted approvingly.
- Merchants will appreciate that. And what about Kyiv?
Alexander pointed to the central part of the map.
- Kyiv is our key. But right now, the city is overcrowded. Markets will be moved outside the walls to spacious squares. We will expand the city's boundaries, creating new settlements with designated craft districts. If Kyiv becomes the center of trade, it will also become a symbol of our strength
- Ambitious, my prince, - Stanislav said, his tone carrying respect rather than criticism. - But it will take years and considerable resources
- We have time if we start now, - Alexander replied firmly. - First, fortifications, then roads and trade. This will not only preserve Kievan Rus but also make it stronger
Stanislav straightened up, his serious gaze resting on the young prince. He realized he was not merely facing an ambitious ruler but a man capable of seeing beyond immediate problems.
- My prince, you already think like a ruler, - he said, clearly enunciating each word. - Your plans are impressive. Now comes the hardest part - bringing them to life. You have my support
His words carried the weight of a vow, one that required no further assurances. In his voice was the strength of a warrior who knew that in this world, both planning and action were essential.
- Thank you. I value that, - Alexander replied with a nod. His gaze returned to the map, and he silently traced the lines, mentally charting a course where every decision could prove decisive.
Stanislav bent over the map again, his careful gaze sweeping over the rivers, roads, and fortifications. The map wasn't overly detailed, but every element reflected thoroughly considered intentions. This was the work of someone who understood strategy and could see the bigger picture.
He recalled asking the senior librarian about maps. The man had assured him they had been taken by other princes long ago, and many were lost. But now, before him lay a map that, though simple in appearance, clearly surpassed the meager scraps previously available.
- Where did he get it? - flashed through Stanislav's mind. - Either the librarian withheld something, or he deliberately lied. But why?
He glanced briefly at Alexander. The prince looked focused, his fingers tightly gripping the quill, his gaze fixed on a line on the map as if the fate of all Kievan Rus depended on it. Stanislav felt a flicker of doubt but quickly dismissed it.
- Sometimes, deception can serve the greater good, - he thought, straightening up. What mattered was that the map was in the hands of someone who could truly use it.
- Gather the council tomorrow morning, - Alexander said firmly, interrupting Stanislav's thoughts. His voice was calm but carried an undertone of determination. - We'll discuss strengthening the defenses and other urgent matters. But don't tell them I'm calling it. Let it be a surprise
Stanislav paused for a moment, processing the prince's words, then nodded.
- Yes, my prince. The council will be assembled tomorrow morning, - he replied confidently. - I'll take my leave now. Good night
- And to you, - Alexander replied briefly, his eyes returning to the map.
Stanislav bowed and left the chambers. His steps echoed firmly, but his thoughts remained with the prince. He recalled how Alexander had been not long ago - a man few considered a serious contender for power. Now, before him stood a strategist whose decisions could shape the destiny of Kievan Rus.
- The young prince increasingly resembles his father, - he thought as he exited the palace. - He has the intellect, resolve, and strength. Now, the hardest part remains - turning these plans into reality. We need to rally loyal boyars
Alexander remained alone. His fingers traced the lines on the map, connecting cities and lands, as if weaving them into a single network where every point relied on another. The weight of responsibility pressing upon him was heavy, but he had already accepted it as part of his destiny. This was not merely a struggle for borders - it was a fight for the future.
- Tomorrow, at the council, everything will fall into place, - he said quietly yet firmly, as though making a promise to himself.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone