Sergey Zagraevsky
Åunuch of Sultan's harem
(deathbed
confession of Prince
Svyatoslav Olgovich,
recorded
in
Published in Russian: Ñåðãåé Çàãðàåâñêèé. Åâíóõ ñóëòàíñêîãî ãàðåìà (ïðåäñìåðòíàÿ
èñïîâåäü êíÿçÿ Ñâÿòîñëàâà Îëüãîâè÷à, çàïèñàííàÿ â ðèæñêîì àááàòñòâå ñâÿòîãî
Èîàííà â 1238 ãîäó îò Ðîæäåñòâà Õðèñòîâà). Ì., 2014. ISBN 978-5-94282-713-7
Annotation to the set of historical
novels "Mysteries of
The historical novels of Professor, Dr. Sergey Zagraevsky are written on
the basis of real chronicle, architectural and archaeological data, and are dedicated
for a wide range of readers interested in history and architecture of Ancient
Rus and Medieval Europe.
The plot of all novels of the set "Mysteries of Vienna
library" are the documents, allegedly found the by author in this library
and translated into Russian. Genres of the novels are different – from a
detective to a romantic poem. All the novels of this set have a common
storyline – unsuccessful attempts of Catholic Church to establish its power in
Annotation to the novel
The confession of the Russian Prince Svyatoslav Olgovich, dying in the
city of
The historical novel of Professor, Dr. Sergey Zagraevsky is written on
the basis of real chronicle, architectural and archaeological data and is dedicated
for a wide range of readers interested in the history of Ancient Russia and the
Crusades. The book contents the historical reconstruction of Russian campaign against
the Polovtsians (including the famous "Igor’s campaign"), of the main
battles of the Third Crusade, of Lipitsa battle, of a number of episodes of
conquest of
Attention!
The following text
was translated from the Russian original by the computer program
and has not yet been
edited.
So it can be used
only for general introduction.
From filing of the
The name of the unit storage: a message to Christian background of
Flamberge, the Abbot of the Abbey of St. John in
Document type: the message with the application.
Storage: XIII-23, acts of the XIII century.
The document number for the library's inventory: XIII-166-693/B.
The source and date of receipt of the document to the library: the
diocesan archive of the city of
Dating document: may 29, 1238.
The volume of the document: the message of 3 sheets of parchment average
quality app in 7 parts on the 379 pages of the same parchment.
The preservation of the document: good.
Application: deathbed confession of the Russian Prince Svyatoslav
Olgovich, who died may 14,
MESSAGE
Abbot Christian background of Flamberge Riga Bishop Nicholas background
to Nauen
His grace Nicholas background to Nauen, Bishop of the city of
It was written in the city of
Glory To Jesus Christ! Humbly Christians applaud Your Excellency!
Dare to bring to Your information that early in the morning of the
fourteenth day of the month of may this year, the gatekeeper my Abbey had been
found sitting near the gate a fat old man, clothed in crumpled and dirty, but
rich clothing. The elder said to the porter, that is the Russian Prince
Svyatoslav and asks to help him get to the nearest temple the Byzantine faith,
as he was exhausted and could not go, watches his life considered, and he would
not want to leave this world without a deathbed confession. Porter, faithful to
the precepts of our Lord Jesus Christ, was going to callmonks, so they took or
carried the dying man to the
I thought that since we fought for the establishment in
I told them to carry him in the cell, put on a comfortable bed and feed.
However, he was already so bad that food is refused, only asked for water.
Meanwhile, I sent one of his monks to the Greek Nicephorus, priest of the
Nicephorus came soon, and I asked him to take a deathbed confession of
the Russian Prince, listen carefully not to interrupt and not interrupt, as is
often done by some of the Byzantine the priests. However, it must be confessed,
and ours too. It seemed to me that cunning Greek had guessed my intention to
hear the story of the old man, but pretended that he has not violate the
secrecy of confession.
And in the next cell, where through the outlet heard every word, I put
brother Stefan. Origin he is Russian, and could record what was said to the dying
Prince. Confession quite long, so when brother Stefan was tired, I sent in the
Abbey of St. Catherine for help. From there came the brother of Peter, too,
knowing the Russian language, and in later he and his brother Stefan followed
each other. Then I let go brothers sin is violation of the secrecy of
confession, and also ask Your Eminence to let me this sin is as perfect for the
sake of our Holy Church.
In the evening of the fourteenth day of may this year, Prince
Svyatoslav, in baptism Boris, graduated from the confession, took the sacrament
was performed over him lovadina, and he went to the Lord. He was buried in the
Byzantine rite in the
As I predicted in his deathbed confession of the Russian Prince told a
lot of important and interesting – e.g. death of a famous infidel Sultan
Saladin, on the vicissitudes of the struggle for power in Russia, about the
recent conquest of this ungodly country the pagan Mongols, on charitable
missions noble lady Matilda von Immendorf, and many other things. So I told
brother Stefan to translate this the confession in Latin, and humbly submit it
to Your Excellency.
May the grace Of God with Your Eminence and all our brothers in Christ,
may Your days will be full of success and joy, may God keep You blessed virgin
Mary countless years. Amen.
Sincerely yours, soul devoted to Your Christians, the slave grace of God
Christians background The flamberge.
SUICIDE CONFESSION
Russian Prince Svyatoslav recorded in Riga Abbey of St. John
in the fourteenth day of may 1238 from BC
Translator's note. Russian original confession of Prince Svyatoslav
could not be found: apparently, he stayed in Riga Abbey of St. John, and
disappeared during numerous wars. In The Vienna library is only done in may
1238 translation Latin. Therefore, when "reverse translation" I
didn't play the old Russian language, as it would only stylization, and turned
his confession in modern Russian.
For clarity shows a map of the principalities of Ancient Rus.
Part I,
recorded Stefan, a monk of the Abbey of St. John in
Hello, father Nicephorus. Thank you for coming. Do you speak Russian?
That's good. I could confess in Greek, but I speak your language with errors
and slowly. I'm afraid then the confession will take too long, and I will die
before he could finish it. Watch my life is numbered, and I have to say much.
Despite its gravest sins, hope for their Christian remission, as already
punished for them, and in this life – the many disasters that fell to my share.
And for that I all this? I do not know. Maybe it was payment for a happy and
cloudlesschildhood? But childhood is a happy one in many, and not all people
are so unhappy then? Yes, you're right, not for us to judge how happy or
unhappy others.
But my childhood was really happy. I am not deceived: I am a Russian
Prince. I was born in the city of Novgorod-Seversky seventy-one years ago, that
is six hundred seventy fifth year (hereafter Prince Svyatoslav leads the date
in the calendar "from the creation of the world", adopted in
But I'll tell order, yet my head is light and I am unable to speak
coherently. You're not hurry, father Nicephorus? No? Thank you for the
fulfillment of the Christian debt.
My father, Oleg Svyatoslavich, vanailla in Novgorod-Seversky three years
before I was born. He was about thirty years old when I was born, and I was his
only son. And he was the eldest son of Prince Svyatoslav of Chernigov Olgovich.
In our family, father Nicephorus, this alternation of names and patronymic
names from the grandson to the grandfather was considered a very honorary.
Moreover, this alternation can be extended further, so as Oleg was the name of
the father, Svyatoslav II of
So, I'm straight a descendant of Yaroslav the Wise. In General, our clan
originates from the Varangian Rurik, which
Yes, father Nicephorus, I have in view of the Mongols. Of course, you
know about the troubles that had befallen
Are you familiar with the city Chernihiv? Yes, the one where reigned my
grandfather Svyatoslav Olgovich. During Yaroslav the Wise, it was the second
city in
Yaroslav died nearly two hundred years ago (in the year 1054 – approx.
transl.) and he left a few sons, divided Rus among themselves. Started endless
strife, which
I not only belong to The ol'govichi, but my middle name is ol, which in
our family is also very honorable. And the alternation of names and patronymic
names "Sviatoslav II of
My grandfather Svyatoslav Ol almost all his life was a Prince of
This war ended with the death of Izyaslav mstislavovitch (1154 – approx.
transl).George Dolgoruky became Grand Prince of
No, father Nicephorus, clear hierarchy of the Russian principalities do
not exist, small principalities were independent and non larger. In
Before the death of Dolgoruky in Novgorod-Seversky Prince Svjatoslav
Olgovich, and when he rose to
Ladder, father Nicephorus, is the hierarchy of the Russian princes, the
relationship of seniority. Like a stairway. You have to
My father reigned first in Putivl (up 1159 – approx. transl.), then in
As far as I know to Seversky reign father was not easy, as it was
claimed, and younger brother Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich of Yaroslav. These are
eternal questions in the ladder: over – the eldest son of the younger brother
or the second son of the elder brother? Junior son or eldest grandson? In such
disputable cases, it is the age, and my father was older than Jaroslav. In the
end, thank God there were no civil war and the tables were divided peacefully.
Yaroslav, however, generally no sustenance do not get it, he ruled in
So
So don't I will be distracted and will continue. As you know, even if
there was strife, all of each redistribution tables caused terrible confusion
with the management of the principalities and collection of taxes. Can you
imagine that every few years the princes moved from town to town with their
families, nobles, officials and squads, and trying to get along in a
But let me tell you about myself still, this is my confession that I'm
all about
So, three years before my birth father was Novgorod-Seversky and moved
there from
My mother Svetozar, daughter of George Dolgorukiy, I have not been able
to get pregnant, and I was born when she was already a lot of years, under
thirty. And she died in childbirth. Soon his father married the second time,
but Agatha, the daughter of the Smolensk Prince Rostislav Mstislavich, too not
live long and died when I was a baby. I don't remember. So not drove my
father's wives.
Then the father by a special resolution of the Kyiv Metropolitan entered
into a third marriage, and his wife became The Agrippina, the daughter of
Andrei Vladimirovich Good, younger brother Dolgoruky.
Agraphena not that very loved me, but treated me well and never hurt.
Their she was not, father, I was an only child. So I was surrounded by all the
attention, care and affection. And the father was only me. Generally speaking,
an only child – a rarity for the Russian princes, usually in the princely
families of five, seven, or more. George Dolgoruky, for example, was almost
fourteen.
A happier time my life was not. Because I think that my tribulations
have a bitter reckoning for the happiness that I experienced in childhood. Do
you not think, father Nicephorus? Yes, of course, all in the hand of God, and
God works in mysterious ways. You're probably right. And it was strange on his
deathbed to argue with the priest.
I took vows in five years. Not one in which cut in the monks, and one in
which future warrior for the first time put on a horse and cut his hair. You
call this the rite is a relic of paganism, but it is not when I started and not
when I'm the end (Russian the princes abolished this ritual only under Ivan
Kalita – approx. transl.). When I took the tonsure, the horse was his father's,
but after a couple of years when I learned nice to stay in the saddle, I was
given the foal. It was a full-blooded the Arab horse, and called it ordenom in
honour of the then ruler of
Handsome Nuradin was with me everywhere to the terrible end of my happy
life young Russian Prince – and in
My childhood was all the more happy that I almost never encountered a
princely strife. Not to say in
A couple of years after my birth father took his squad to
First intestine war, I remember that happened when I was seven years old
(1174 – approx. transl.). My uncle Svyatoslav then fought for With one of Kiev
Monomakh, Yaroslav II of
Try to take
I remember how ominously fires were burning soldiers Svyatoslav
Vsevolodovich around our city, and as my father came out from the city gate to
parley with his cousin. They seem to even discuss anything not immediately
entered into the world, kissed the cross and went to their cities. So, parrot
each other and all. Sly Svyatoslav decided to wait.
Imagine, father Nicephorus: such relations between the princes, who
called each other brothers, was considered quite normal, and to lay siege to
the city brother, to plunder his village or even fight him on the battlefield,
nothing wrong was not. Of course, now I realize that the brotherhood of the
Russian princes was no more than hypocrisy, and in fact any of them could be
like that king of
Immediately after the departure Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich's troops, my
father sent me to reign in
So this time I grew up in
Teen dreams I saw himself as a Prince and Novgorod-Seversky,
I was to be fulfilled fourteen... No, thirteen. It was the six hundred
and eighty-eight (1180 – approx. transl.) – the first but not the last tragic
year in my life. In the winter of that year, at the Baptism, went to the Lord
my father Oleg Svyatoslavich. He was only a little over forty.
Then I still didn't understand. why this has happened. Now I understand.
I think that you will understand, father Nicephorus, if I will briefly tell you
the story. Although why you want to know why almost sixty years ago, in the
distant Novgorod-Seversky died Prince Oleg? Really interesting? Well, then
tell.
Another year over a four to my father's death, the Russian troops headed
by Rurik and Davyd, Jr. brothers of the Kievan Grand Prince Roman Rostislavich,
was defeated Polovtsy. You know, father Nicephorus, who are the sheep? Don't
know how they are called in Greek, but I'll explain, and you will certainly
understand who we are. Cumans is steppe nomads, pagans, constantly disturbing
their raids South Rus, that is, the lands of
And now Rurik and David went in Polotsk and were defeated. The culprit
lesion was considered Davyd, and Chernihiv Prince Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich
demanded the Roman Rostislavich trial Junior brother. And threatened war. On
the side of Svyatoslav stood the
Roman has done a decent act: did not want to give a brother to court and
have preferred to leave
The idea is that Svyatoslav Gromov would have gone to
The army my father was ready to go to
Why died Prince? Shortly before his death from
However, I then was not the time to ponder over the reason for her
father's death. at first I ran from Kursk to Novgorod-Seversky, to be in time
for the funeral and the Wake, then went to Chernigov at the invitation of
Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, and then and in Kyiv – at the invitation of Svyatoslav.
By The Way, Roman Rostislavich died in the summer of that year, and also
went black before his death, as my father. This also suggests some suspicions,
right?
After the death of Novel Svyatoslav firmly vanailla in
Next the ladder kind of the ol'govichi was the younger brother of my
father, Igor. The man I consider to be the main culprit of my troubles and
misfortunes. I confess, many times I cursed him and wished him to burn in hell
forever. Yes, I know it a sin to desire another is evil, but I'm not a Saint,
and my Christian forgiveness is not unlimited. Think, father Nicephorus that
you heard my story, realize that I could not treat this man differently.
You asking why I have not taken his father's Novgorod-Seversky table?
Yes, all because of the same ladder: the city was supposed to depart no direct
heir to the defunct Prince Oleg, Prince, the next in seniority. This, of
course, was Igor Svyatoslavich, and to challenge it was impossible, he was much
older than me, years fifteen or sixteen, I always called him uncle.
The funeral service his older brother Oleg and Igor did not, but he soon
was found in In Chernihiv, in the Palace of Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, he hugged
me and promised that will be now like a father to me. I admit, I broke down and
cried on his chest.
While my father was alive, Igor Svyatoslavich, Prince of Putivl, the
city is about the same size and significance, as
I gave in the reign quite a small town, less and
And at the end the same year I entered Rylsk together with the boyars
and retinue. However, the boyars were only a few people, and men hardly couple
of hundred. My stepmother Agrippina preferred to stay in Novgorod-Seversky and
soon became a nun, more I have not seen her.
Rylsk – the town, standing almost halfway between
And strangely, this town I loved. Now, dying in a distant land, I'm from
the times his childhood and adolescence often remembered not Novgorod-Seversky
and not
Since the town was quiet and calm, I thank God, never had nor quell the
uprising, nor to arrange a penalty. Just once or twice I according to the
"Russian truth", the code of Yaroslav the Wise, was sentenced to
death citizens who killed their wives. And then pardoned, because they
sincerely repented and swore that it never will not happen again.
I also lucky that during my reign there was not one large city fire: for
example, in those same years, Putivl burned twice, Novgorod-Seversky and
And the place which stood Rylsk, it was very beautiful. Ancient walls,
crowned with wooden walls were erected on the hill on the right Bank of the
Seven, between flowing into it by rivers Snout and Dublyany. Now this hill is
called the hill St. John Of Rila. Yes, father Nicephorus, the Bulgarian the
monk-ascetic, who lived three hundred years ago. Wow, you've been in Rilsky the
monastery? I've never been in
But my Rylsk, of course, was named not in honor of the Bulgarian monk,
and he arose, probably sooner than John lived. Just a coincidence of names. And
the city apparently received its name in honor of the river Snout, and even
from where he got the name of the river – God knows. It was even said that some
fairy-tale giant pig in ancient times dug the channel of the river with his
snout, and laughed that this legend is quite worthy of the "Capitoline wolf",
only in Russian way: not heroic
Rylsky Prince's Palace was a wooden, one-story, and more like a big hut.
Nearby stood wooden city
But Baty then it was still very, very far away. And I wonder, I
mockingly respond about my little Rylsk. The same towns, only a little larger,
and were
Much stood out among our cities only
But, when I rules in Rylsk and heard from the Byzantine merchants of the
match of names, ordered to build the Church of venerable St. John of Rila. Of
course, not stone, and wood, but for Rylsk and to this event. Then began our
mountain also called in honour of the monk. Although this memory on my Affairs
remained in this city. If it is not destroyed by the Mongols, there needs to
still to reign my youngest son Mstislav. Bless him, Lord. (Rila Prince Mstislav
of
Merchants using my city swam a bit, although it was a convenient river
trade route from the South To the North of Russia in the
So I reigned in Rylsk, my uncle Igor was me "instead of the
father" – so says the contract, which I received this city. Loved Igor me
or not – I don't know. If not, then his dislike it does not show. And I acted
with him with respect, he often went to him in Novgorod-Seversky to consult on
the Affairs of their city, and have to admit, uncle helped me with his advice,
he himself in my Affairs did not intervene. However, he or in whose cases did
not intervene. He perfectly knew how – so it is with everyone to get along,
find common ground and to win.
And with senior princes it came to outright podnikania. I remember when
after my father's death Svyatoslav gathered all princes subject to him in
Good the relationship I had with another uncle, Vsevolod, the youngest
of three brothers of Svjatoslavich. He would often come to me in Rylsk, and I
often went to him in
And the second year of the reign of Rylsk I got married. I was invited
to himself in Novgorod-Seversky my uncle Igor and said enough of me to go out
with street girls. Who is he told about my relationship with a Palace maid
Kupava – I don't know, but he was able to say it so much that I did not take
offence. We both laughed, and he offered me in bride Evdokia, the youngest
daughter of the late Prince Gleb Rostislavich Of Ryazan. Five years before my
conversation with Igor Gleb went to Vsevolod Georgievich, just vojnarovskaja in
Vladimir, son of Dolgoruky,burned and looted several cities, but was defeated,
along with his sons taken captured, taken to Vladimir and put in prison.
Vsevolod Georgievich offered the princes of
So Eudoxia G. was left an orphan, and Igor Svyatoslavich worried about
its fate and considered that it will be for me a good wife. Indeed, the
character she was excellent: we are in the few years that we spent together,
never about what is not argued. Maybe I could wait and find a better bride from
the point of view of the princely unions, but I was young, full of ideals of
love, honor, and family, and not even the thought that in marriage you can
search any benefit. It was better to regret the orphaned daughter of the Prince
of Ryazan, which many, including I, believed hero.
Igor was rights and that I really had by that time an ongoing
relationship with maid Kupava, and should, father Nicephorus, to repent. But I
always knew, that marriage is another matter. And smart Kupava understood. If
it were children, would be difficulty, and so all went properly and safely. She
stayed in the Palace, and soon married one of my men. I gave her a a good
dowry, and all praised my generosity.
My uncle Igor sent to
Eudocia was a couple of years older than me. Perhaps, stout: from the
Palace maids I always preferred the more lean. But the big value for me and I
quickly got used. Especially since, according to my uncle Vsevolod, the
fullness of the bride – a sign of the health of future children. And really,
then my sons were born large and healthy.
Wedding played, as expected. Came Igor and Vsevolod Svyatoslavich, and
managed at the same time to reach Rylsk on both sides – from Novgorod-Seversky
and
Our Evdokia the wedding night was great, and exactly nine months later,
in early six hundred ninety-one (1183 – approx. transl.), I have a son was
born. Called him, according to family tradition, Oleg. How beautiful it is
looks: he is Oleg Svyatoslavich, I – Sviatoslav II of
Now my son Oleg reign in
And in the same the ninety-first year, I first took his squad to the
campaign. Kornelu Ioannovich I am going on war, specifically asked to stay home
under the pretext that he my absence should rule Rilsky. In fact, I just didn't
want feel in the campaigns under his care, I completely missed the care of
Vsevolod and Igor.
I don't know happiness or unhappiness, but all my campaigns were not for
the Russian princes and the Polovtsy. Maybe fortunately, because God spared me
from participating in the disastrous for the country strife. May,
unfortunately, because to be captured by his was not as scary as to others. No
matter how fierce feuds, but to sell co-religionists in the Muslim slave
markets – it never reached. Could demand a ransom, could hold in prison,
someone could even to pay in slaves – but at home, as we say, and straw
But to my captivity, and all the subsequent misfortunes was still far
away. However, not so far only two years. But if I could go back in time, I
would appreciate every minute, how long these two years would be!
Yes, father Nicephorus, you're right that there is no need to talk about
what will never be. Better I will continue my confession. I seem to be saying
that our relationship with Cumans was complicated, as these nomads participated
in princely strife at the invitation of a Prince? Yes, I did. So, a couple of
years before my first campaign Svyatoslav, Igor and the Polovtsian khans
Konchak and Kobyak fought with Smolensk by Rostislavich of Kiev. That is,
Konchak at that time was our ally. In the near future itKhan also had a role to
play in my sad fate.
And my first March on Polovtsy ended, we can say nothing. When the
summer of ninety-one these nomads led by Konchak and some Khan attacked
So me and my team was immediately sent Igor home, Rylsk, to defend the
city if attacked Vladimir Glebovich. Himself Igor with his brother Vsevolod was
still a little forward towards the steppe, slightly intimidated Polovtsy, but
was also forced to draw back to defend your lands from Vladimir. However, the
grandson Dolgoruky on the city not attack: robbed of the village and went to
his Pereyaslavl.
Such were the relations of the Russian princes. And the worst part is
that it was all would like to order: next year, Vladimir Glebovich like nothing
happened again went to Polovtsy, this time with Sviatoslav Vsevolodovich.
But for me, the trip was a great science management team. After all it
was a real military campaign as part of a large army. Remember what the sense
of pride I felt when rode at the head of his regiment on white The nuradin,
clothed in shining armor, the Prince in scarlet cloak, with a sword, who never
trusted the squire wore himself. Of course, my sword was the honorary name as
the swords of all the rulers in the world, but I can't remember. Seem began
blacking out. So it is bettergoing to tell you more. What, in essence, the
difference, what was the name of the sword a brave young warrior, whose years
and tribulations turned into a dying crippled old man?
The first battle with the Polovtsi had happened in the following year
(1184 – approx. transl.). Actually, it wasn't even a fight, and chase.
Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich and Ryurik Rostislavich gathered many princes
of
And returned Svyatoslav and Rurik from a trip with glory and great
honour, as we said at the time.
At the same time hit on the Polovtsy and we Siverskiy princes: Igor
Sviatoslavich, to his brother Vsevolod, the son of Vladimir I. I. Our hike was
oriented to the South-East, we sort of went on the Polovtsy in the rear,
although the rear of the these nomads are in constant motion, hard to say.
We crossed the river Merle (Merle is now approx. transl.), met a
detachment from the tribe of Khan Konchak, hundreds four horsemen, and defeated
him. We were in a lot of times: only my Rilska squad, the smallest in the army,
there were three hundred and ninety people.
However, to fight me then didn't Polovtsy faced our best squad, who led
Chordata, boyar Vsevolod Svyatoslavich. The enemy immediately fled, and we
began pursuit. Yes, father Nicephorus, all the army, because of foot soldiers
was not with us. Over the past decade Cumans are so brazen that no fortified
cities, as in the days Monomakh – Suhriv and Sharukan, they were gone. Only
unfortified camp, which was a smash and cavalry. And Pesci slowed the movement
of troops.
Wow, father Nicephorus, didn't think you'd be interested in details the
device of our troops. Well, if you're in his youth was a warrior, then I
understand. And if so you're wondering, I would say that our cavalry were
divided into light, without armor, similar to the Polovtsian, and heavy,
similar to the knight, here in
To pursue Polovtsian could only lightly armed horsemen, as far away from
the major powers they feared. So we managed to catch up and take in captured
only a few straggler soldiers. My retainers are not captured at all nor one,
all the prisoners went Gogate, that is, Vsevolod Svyatoslavich.
Not got us and no production. The fact that Igor did not dare to go over
Polovtsy far to their encampments, and we have not even reached the
We did not know and that, despite the huge success Svyatoslav and Rurik,
the complete defeat Polovtsian they did not work, was destroyed only the tribe
Kabaka. And then destroyed is too strong: many managed to flee to Konchak,
camps of which was North of the camp Kabaka, just there, where it was directed
kick Igor. But, as I said, to camps Konchak, we have not reached. The Khan then
was much weaker than next year, and if Igor were not afraid, we could destroy
Konchak and to rid Russia of Polovtsian for many years, ifnot forever. But
what's the use of talking about it, the more than half a century later?
I the squad returned to Rylsk. At the end of the same year I was born
the second son Mstislav.
Came ninety-third (1185 – approx. transl.) – the year of my shame, pain
and sorrow. I was only eighteen years old. You, father Nicephorus, I gonna take
a break, drink water, get your act together? I never in my life so didn't say
much as of now.
Part II,
recorded Peter, a monk of the Abbey of St. Catherine in
Well, father Nicephorus, I am ready to continue. Maybe you've heard of
the "Word about Igor's regiment"? (In the original Latin – "the
Story about Igor's campaign", but we for clarity we will use in the
translation of the well – known name - "the Word of Igor's regiment".
Approx. transl.). It was widely known in
Right after our unsuccessful exit to the steppe in the ninety and second
year (1184 – approx. transl.) Igor went to
Plan a new attack Polovtsian repeated last year: the brunt of Svyatoslav
in the South, the impact Igor from behind in the North. This time I decided in
that whatever was to go forward, to defeat Konchak and walk to the don. Of
course, to this great river than in the lower, and in the upper reaches, but
don is don. I really wanted Svyatoslav and Igor to drink helmet from the don,
as it once did Vladimir Monomakh, lucky they father Oleg Svyatoslavich in the
struggle for the great reign. However, it was not only prestige: the defeat
Konchak would mean that the Cumans for many years will leave Rus alone.
Decided not to go in the summer, as before, and early spring, as soon as
the thaw. This time invented Monomah: to him the princes also went on the
Polovtsy in summer, and Vladimir Gromov went in the spring, in February –
March, when the horses of the nomads were emaciated after the winter
starvation. And our horses in cities and villages, on the contrary, during the
winter eating, food supplies we have always done in excess.
It is strange that the great Prince Svyatoslav in previous years had no
idea to follow example of Monomakh and go to the Polovtsian not in summer and
spring. Then, perhaps, he could destroy not only the Kabaka, but Konchak. And
Igor could catch met squad Polovtsy, and even, perhaps, walk to their camps.
But in the end guessed Svyatoslav to go Hiking in the spring – and well.
Worse was different: the other Russian princes were not ready for such an early
exit in the steppe. And even worse was the fact that the Grand Duke did not
keep their plans secret: the fact that spring is preparing a big campaign,
almost all of
And this Khan in February launched a preemptive strike, what finally
upset all the plans of the Russian princes. How he managed not to give their
horses over the winter to lose weight – don't know. Apparently, managed to make
their camps need supplies. Moreover, he prepared for war so seriously that even
found some Turk, who made the device, shooting something like your "Greek
fire". Only "Greek fire" is usually used on ships Konchak,
however, dragged the huge crater and tanks of flammable liquid on the ground,
on the big sleigh. He had catapults.
And here in southern
Yaroslav Vsevolodovich to war was not ready, he had warned my brother
Svyatoslav that will be able to exhibit their shelves God by March. However,
from Khorol to Chernihiv was still far away, and not much afraid of the
Russians Polovtsian "Greek fire": he acted in a too small distance,
the Russian archers from its large bows shot much further. And catapults also
were not afraid: knew Konchak very few of them.
And yet this attack Konchak was unexpected. Yaroslav began the peaceful
talks with Khan, but then to the Chernigov Prince came a messenger from
Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich with the command of the negotiations to stop, shut the
cities and coming: the people of
And indeed, Sviatoslav came very quickly, as his army had already been
made for the campaign. And did not come alone: with him was and
But as it turned out, Konchak moved Khorol only a small part of his
troops. Its main strength remained in the plains, fatten horses and waited
nomination of Russian troops that suddenly hit him. Polovtsian forces were
great, so as to help the Konchak from the depths of the steppes came several
khans, including one of the strongest – GSAC.
But Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich lure deep into the steppes failed. Whether
it is something learned from its informants about the plans of the Khan,
whether he was scared preemptive output Konchak, whether he just felt
something, but after a hike on the Khorol immediately returned to
This infinitely ambitious man and incompetent commander not only himself
caught in the trap, but got into it four thousand persons. Who do I mean? Of
Course, Igor. Neither the great Prince Svyatoslav, nor the Roman Governor or
Khan Konchak in such a trap is not caught.
Error Of Igor Svyatoslavich was that he was late with the output. Why, I
never realized that his army was ready even in winter, shelves other princes of
Seversk, in including mine, too. Maybe he was waiting for, when you are a
senior Prince Yaroslav of
But okay, it's all right, but then why is generally performed,
especially not agreed its a late withdrawal with Sviatoslav Vsevolodovich,
knowing that Svyatoslav did not go to the steppe? Could wait until next year.
Apparently it is hoped that the Cumans constrained by the war in the South, and
he will be able to take good catch, and to safely escape and return home with
honor. Not exactly you know, then I'm your uncle did not ask about it, and then
there was no such opportunities. Ask him a question, if you see him in hell. I
understand, fatherNicephorus, that it is wrong to say, especially on his deathbed.
Accidentally broke. I still never Christian humility did not differ, this is my
sin.
As whatever it was, only at the beginning of April to me in Rylsk came a
messenger from Igor command to collect your horse regiment and be ready to
March. Rylsk was just on the way from Novgorod-Seversky to the
"Violent bull" Vsevolod had to walk along the river Oskol and
meet us at the empty ancient settlement. Once there was a big city, but the
constant attacks Polovtsian led to the fact that the population left there (the
meeting place of Igor and Vsevolod is unknown, there is a version that was
close to modern the city Kupyansk – approx. transl.).
In the middle of the month in Rylsk arrived and Igor, and Olstin. Igor
was his senior son Vladimir of Putivl regiment, and very young second son,
Oleg, ten years old, and even younger. Why father took him on a trip is
unclear. However, I I heard that Igor is going to give Oleg some table, and in
order to son respected, decided to give him the opportunity to Excel in the
campaign. Very typical of the cunning and ambitious Igor.
Rylsk filled with troops, place them anywhere, the town was too small
and could not to accommodate such a large number of soldiers, so we hurried to
speak.
I heard father Nicephorus, that our Orthodox Church believes that to
believe in omens sinful. Is this true? And in omens? Depends on what? Yes,
Sight, let me tell you, it was quite ominous. The troops began
murmuring, some of the soldiers demanded to turn back. And I swear to God, they
were right. Sorry the oath accidentally blurted out: I know what you have to
say "Yes, Yes, no, no", and that moreover, from the evil one. But
what Igor as if nothing had happened continued on his way, perhaps also from
the evil one. However, he appealed to the army and became to calm him down,
saying that God works in mysterious ways, and it might a sign, not to bad but
to good, will see soon. In this he was right, nottaken away. But still it would
be better to turn back, and none of it is condemned . Therefore, I believe that
he continued on his way.
At the end of April the troops crossed the
In our army was about four thousand warriors, slightly more than in the
past year. My regiment numbered four hundred and twenty. All horse, about half
– man, half – light cavalry.
More one error of Igor Svyatoslavich was that we didn't bring in such a
dangerous trek Pesci. Hurry still had no way, and the army has doubled. Besides
Pesci much better riders held against the superior forces of the Polovtsians,
showed more trips of Vladimir Monomakh.
If I decided to count the mistakes Igor, the fourth mistake was that he
in the hope extraction took a great trek. The carts drove those whom we, the
rulers, called "black people". But production was still far away,
still exist it is unknown whether or not it, and yet the train only hampers the
movement of troops. Certainly would have found something to take the prey, a
prey.
Remember, when the old ramparts were already far away, Igor turned back
and said: "O Russian land! You're over the hill". He always loved to
speak nicely, but then it turned out as something ominous. The phrase spread
through the troops, all too began look back. Indeed, everyone was worried,
including me: we were walking down a strange land. Even my trusty steed Nuradin
feel restless shook her head, especially when we heard the howl of a wolf: in
those places was very high. And maybe it just seemed excitement.
High above the army flew big bird and plaintively singing. The name of
this bird nobody he couldn't remember, all said that wondrous some unseen. All
it also did not improve the mood. In the end, the archers let her a few arrows
did not hit, but she bounced to the side, sat on the top of the tree and
continued to sing until he was out of sight.
We walked a short time, just one day. The evening rushed sent forth
scouts reported that he had reached the first Polovtsian camps, and there are
already stir, Cumans are preparing to meet our troops. Our scouts pursued
Polovtsian horsemen, but we sent forward only the lungs riders on the fastest
horses, so they are not caught up.
We must pay tribute to Igor: in military Affairs, he was allowed to
dispose his younger brother Vsevolod, who was at it like Supreme commander. And
Vsevolod was a talented commander and a brave warrior, no wonder he was called
"Wild ox". And he insisted not to stay overnight, and go further, to
meet the enemy. Otherwise it would be a risk that the light of our fires will
come Cumans and suddenly attack us.
We walked slowly and carefully, so that in the darkness of night, the
horses did not break his legs in the gullies. Guided by the stars. As soon as
he began to enjoy the sunrise, Vsevolod began to build troops for battle,
knowing that the Cumans somewhere close. And when on the horizon Polovtsian
cavalry, we were already in full readiness.
It was, as I remember, on Friday. Vsevolod came up with a very
difficult, but it is a reasonable construction of six regiments. Two regiments
of heavy cavalry, which was headed themselves Igor and Vsevolod, stood in the
middle, ready to take the brunt. Before them the enemy was waiting for
composite regiment of horse archers, which was to meet the enemy with arrows
and disperse in different directions, freeing the battlefield for heavy
cavalry. On the sides of two lightly armed shelf: one of them was commanded by
the son of Igor and Vladimir, the second Lord Olstin The oleksich.
And one regiment of light cavalry, who was standing behind, left hand,
he commanded me. Do not think, father Nicephorus that I stayed behind, because
avoiding battles: on the contrary, my regiment was supposed to appear in the
most difficult the time of the battle and suddenly hit the enemy. You can tell
the regiment was ambush.
Entrusting me with this regiment, Vsevolod knew that I, despite his
young age, not coward, do not disappoint and will hit the enemy in time. So I
gladly left in the train a large and heavy shield, and wearing light armor, was
replaced by an iron helmet on the leather, and returned to his regiment.
Ahead flowed a little stream, even a stream. It was called, I think,
Sourly (his whereabouts are still uncertain – approx. transl.). This stream has
played us a good service: forwards the Cumans were forced, moving him to stop,
and their impact on our army was weakened. And when Sourly moved about half of
the Polovtsy, our heavy cavalry hit meet them, and the light started to walk
around to the right and to the left. And finally, a loud battle cry on the
battlefield was my ambush regiment.
Seeing that they bypass, Cumans, turned and fled. And all of our light
cavalry chased.
My Nuradin was racing so fast that I had it slightly to hold not to
break away from the soldiers. We flew, as if driven by some whirlwind. Began to
catch up and cut behind the Polovtsians, and I confess, I have experienced this
pleasure, not comparable with anything, even with known activity with women.
The frantic thrill of the chase, approaching the back is cowardly the enemy,
his recent head turning in my direction, a fruitless attempt to Dodge a sword
blow, the crack cuts through armor and bones drop severed heads, and even the
entire upper body, fountains of blood from under myfaithful sword, all of it is
forever etched in my memory, and even now I feel excitement. Sin is sin, father
Nicephorus, I understand, and repent. But since you once was a warrior, you
have to understand.
So, following the sheep, cutting and taking into captivity behind, we
arrived to their camp at the foot of a low hill near the river Kayala. (That it
was for river still not precisely determined, the variants of the rivers
Putovani, Kalitva, Fast, Chira, etc.). Cumans, without stopping, rushed on, the
river, only some managed to put to his horses, wives and children. But many not
yet. We pursued them for some time, but Kalu for them to move.
Soon arrived, and our heavy cavalry. Igor and Vsevolod congratulated me
with the first victory, which was very honorable: it turned out that we drew in
flight has long been known in
Went over our carts, began to divide and ship production. Then the
evening came. Tired but happy, we gathered in the tent of Igor Svyatoslavich on
military Council. All apprehension vanished like smoke.
And here Igor made his fifth mistake. I've lost count? Yes, fifth. We
had to make a choice: either to go on to don, either to return home. And Igor
made this choice – you know what time it is? An hour? Night? No, father
Nicephorus, three days. Could not decide where to go.
On the one hand, he wanted to go further, to reach the don and to return
home with the glory of not just the winner of the Polovtsy, – such a glory with
last year was already Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich and Prince, those who drink
helmet Dawn could only Monomakh.
On the other hand, to go deep into the steppes was not that risky, and
insanely risky. We are not defeated completely even
Now I realize that the worst thing we could do is to stay in place. If we
already starred with the dawn of the next day and went deep into the steppes to
the don, would have a chance in these steppes to get lost and escape key forces
Konchak. And so the sheep knew exactly where we were.
Despite the fatigue, I rushed forward, that is forgivable
eighteen-year-old youngster. Rushed forward and children of Igor. Vsevolod
advised to return home, but advised uncertainly, and it was obvious that he is
struggling the mind and desires. No doubt the same was felt by Igor. But how
could you not to take a decision within three days – it's even hard to imagine.
However, these three days, Igor spent with a beautiful captive and not
neither was in a hurry to go to don or to return home to his young wife
Euphrosyne Yaroslavna. Chose a Polovtsian girl and Vsevolod, and me. I admit
Nicephorus, in the sin of adultery, but I think that this sin is forgivable: I
don't wanted to keep up with uncle. And our boyars, and many of the guards also
went polovchanka.
Vsevolod also did not want to sit in a dusty saddle. But he rush Igor.
He pleaded that we should give food and rest to the weary horses, especially
light cavalry, who bore the brunt of the pursuit of the Polovtsy, and during
this time, to think carefully and weigh. So we stood on the spot.
Only then it became clear to us that Syuurliy Cumans lured us in the
trap only Konchak used as bait, not any individual units, and the whole tribe
Khan's
In fairness I will say that Vsevolod Svyatoslavich took care to victory
day on Syuurliy in all directions were sent on patrol case Atopic'll be back
and willing to catch us by surprise. But Atopic back not one. With him were the
main forces Konchak, GSCA, and many small khans. All of the soldiers, perhaps
twenty thousand, maybe more. With such a vast preponderance of power of the
surprise attack already did not matter.
On the morning of the fourth day standing on Kale from all sides rushed
our patrol and announced the approach of large Polovtsian forces. Yes, that's
all sides, not only from the South or the East, where we waited for the attack.
So when Igor and Vsevolod began to build the shelf, it was unclear what the way
to turn. Decided to raise all the troops on the hill, where stood princely
tents, to put the same train, to circle the wagons and then see which side fit
main forces of the Polovtsians.
I think it was the sixth error of Igor Svyatoslavich, the responsibility
for which, however, he shares with his younger brother. We had to stand down at
Kayala: she could shield our troops from the rear, and most importantly – we do
not suffer from thirst. But the desire to see further, and thought that would
be easier to defend themselves, were stronger, and we stood on the hill. As it
turned out, no in this sense I was not there and the hill was steep enough to
complicate attack, and huge Polovtsian forces were advancing from all sides,
look not see.
On the hill we took a defensive stance. Put the cart in the circle. All
riders went down with the horses. Immediately behind the carts located
dismounted cavalry in heavy weapons, bristling with spears and hide behind
shields. Behind them lightly armed soldiers, including archers. In the middle –
horses and "black people."
Cumans didn't even try to attack us, prevented the carts and none of the
nasty not I wanted to rush onto the spears and long swords of Russian arms.
They did otherwise: started running around, showering us with arrows. The young
Prince Vladimir I., whose memory was still fresh military science, remember
that ancient times something similar happened at the battle of Carrhae, where
the Roman General Marcus Crassus took up the same defense on the hill, and the
Parthians similarly, not attacked on the Roman legions, and only fired them.
So we stood there for the whole day. Dead in our ranks almost was not,
but many were injured, mostly lightly armed soldiers and "black
people". Heavy armor short Polovtsian arrows did not break. In example, I
got two arrows, but the armor was saved, I felt nothing. Was really easy
wounded Igor Svyatoslavich: arrow grazed his hand. Fortunately, these poisoned
arrows were not.
To the evening we realized that we survived. Cumans almost stopped
firing,apparently exhausted reserves of arrows. Thirst we also had, as they
say, if you want to live tolerated. The soldiers had the sense to use the
wounded horses: dropped to their wounds and drank blood. My Nuradin was safely
protected by armor, and no his arrow was not impressed, but my boyars brought
me a Cup of the blood of a another horse, and I refused.
The main thing – do not break ranks, and that day we didn't cut. The
night began slowly to move our camp towards the river, pushing Polovtsy, and in
the morning already was the water. Drunk themselves, watered the horses. And
the river is securely closed our rear. In short, our position is strengthened.
Although the hill Polovtsy accustomed we throw the arrows, but the distance was
great, and their arrows struck us even less damage than before.
Come one more night. Igor and Vsevolod decided that I need to break, not
always the same stand Kayala.
For night troops lined up square on all sides – heavily armed soldiers
with spears and long swords, covered with large shields, the inside archers,
and in the middle – horses and carts. Decided to go on foot: it was easier to
keep the system and to fend off enemies. Captured prey first, they wanted to
quit, but then I think maybe the sheep have gone, and we could to negotiate
favorable terms that give the convoy, and they go back. A reasonable solution.
And Igor came up with a clever, though, in my opinion, and dishonest
trick: put among heavily armed soldiers prisoners and use them as a human
shield to Cumans did not fire.
But the sheep, seeing the morning our construction is not to shoot. They
came on our square in front, knocked, and fingered the swords of shields and
swords advanced warriors and took to their heels.
Oh, if Vladimir Igorevich in this moment reminded of his father as the
Parthians won when Carr Marcus Crassus! Don't you remember, father Nicephorus?
They used the false retreat, and the chief of cavalry Publius, son Mark, rushed
to pursue them, broke the ranks of the Legionnaires, and it killed him and
Crassus, and all of the Roman army. The same happened many centuries later on
the banks of the Kayala river. Only a fatal mistake made first Prince Vsevolod
Svyatoslavich, and then his older brother Igor.
What this account error Igor? Seventh, is it? Yes, my head still thinks.
Vsevolod, seeing the flight of the Polovtsy, jumped on his horse, waved
his sword and shouted: "beat nasty!". We all thought he was going to
rush in pursuit. And Igor instead of having to keep my brother from the
destructive act, too, sat in the saddle and shouted: "Forward!".
Maybe Vsevolod just wanted to cheer soldiers, and Igor had in mind only
what is necessary to continue to move forward, that is home? But then why have
they sat on their horses? Not surprisingly, all the soldiers took these
commands as a signal for persecution, upset their ranks, ran to their horses,
jumped in the saddle and rushed in pursuit Polovtsy. And that was the end.
The enemies are turned on us, because of the surrounding hills appeared
shelves and started beating him. Cumans easily wedged in our ranks, and one
Russian was their five, and then ten. A few minutes later each of us saw around
him only opponents in the fur-trimmed hats.
My heavy armor knocked Polovtsian sabers, although, fortunately, was not
hurt. Thank you Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich: the armor was his gift for my
wedding. In my opinion magnificent horse Cumans was not beaten: apparently,
wanted to capture and cherished. I tried to fight, repulsed the enemy attacks,
but knew that a long time I don't to survive: sooner or later the sword will
hit one of the joints of my armor, and that's all. However, I was willing to
take the heroic death, and God, I wish I then took it. As my distant ancestor,
grandfather Yaroslav the Wise, who boresame name as I, Svyatoslav, only a
patronymic not a Prince, and
Nuradin, like most of our horses, was larger than the Kipchak steppe
horses, that is I could in the battle to see far. And here I saw staggered and
fell a huge the banner that was carried Igor. I would think that my uncle was
killed, but I noticed that he still sat on the horse, but not fought. His hands
were raised, and it was a sword.
I I never thought that someday have to surrender to the enemy, and not
even imagine how do it. But seeing the fallen banner of Igor, I did same: he
threw the sword, raised his hands and shouted to the standard-bearer, so he
pulled down my banner. So I think that the sin of surrender was forced: I just
followed the example of his uncle, who preferred delivery of imminent death.
Well, father Nicephorus, that you agree with that, but unfortunately, it was
not the last from my sins. And not the most serious.
Me immediately removed from his horse, tore the armor and clothing,
leaving only underwear. Then dragged him somewhere. Behind me I heard a snicker:
it Nuradin tried to run after me, and it upsets a few nasty, grasping the
reins, brutally beaten. I rushed to my faithful horse, attempted to drop
holding me Polovtsy, but immediately received a blow on the head with the hilt
of the sword and fell into oblivion.
Woke up I'm lying on the ground among their rylskij soldiers. All
Russian prisoners were driven in large crowds and divorced on Hiking camps that
Cumans during this time, managed to place near the battlefield. I, along with
my soldiers was captured by Khan Eldesouky, Vsevolod – to Czecho, and Igor – to
Chibuku. Well, there were several khans, whose names I have forgotten, but that
it doesn't matter. All these khans are big crowd went from camp to camp and
lively discussion as we share and one of us was going to get themthe main
leader of the Konchak. Nearby lay the mountain of loot, khans, too said
something.
In the crowds of prisoners gloom prevailed. Who stood, who sat, who was
lying. There was a lot wounded, no one was bandaged their wounds, and had
nothing. As I later learned, about half of our troops were killed, fled just
people fifteen others were captured.
Through a few hours when the sun was setting, khans, finally, about
something agreed. First, we began to count, then to move us from place to
place, to separate the princes, nobles, warriors, militias and "black
people" – obodnikov. I was in a small crowd of boyars and princes. There
we met with his uncles – Igor and Vsevolod. They too were in their underwear,
and it's underwear them lost their soldiers, and they were actually stripped
naked. Children Igor was also with him.
However, long to sit in the same underwear we did not have. All the
princes, almost all the boyars and approximately half of the remaining
prisoners eventually went to the mighty Konchak, and this was the best solution
for us. Konchak, we knew very well, he's not participated in a princely strife,
including with Igor Svyatoslavich: I think I already talked about this. So we
do not doubt, the attitude towards us will be, if not good, then at least
respectful, and sooner or later we will be redeemed.
And indeed, soon we approached Konchak, fell from his horse, warmly
greeted with Igor, even hugged him, nodded to the rest of the princes and the
boyars. Then Igor and his children – Vladimir and Oleg, you brought good
clothes, summed up the horses, and they went away together with Konchak.
Soon brought clothes for me and Vsevolod, and the boyars. Us uncle went
to new old boyars, someone a whole, and someone bloody, taken from the dead.
But such clothing is really helped as it was getting dark, the air became cold,
and all chilly. Shoes, however, there was no, were all barefoot. Just me and
Vsevolod gave boots.
Simple soldiers received clothes for the next day, and some of the wounded
cold spring night froze to death.
Already the next day Konchak and GSAC with his troops went on a trip to
But the hike Konchak and Gzak we found out later. Then just saw that a
large part of the Polovtsian troops went somewhere. We were taken to the main
camp, the rate Konchak, hundred miles South-East from the site of the battle of
Kale (location unknown bet Konchak, Prince Svyatoslav, of course, also not able
to determine exactly – approx. transl.).
Went we slowly surrounded Polovtsian guards, led by centurion Hinnom.
See, father Nicephorus, even the name is remembered, so much grief I caused
this Gentile. But then, on the way to the main camp Konchak, the Polovtsian
treated to us it is justifiable. Prisoners do not hurry, not customized, even
severely wounded drove back on carts. The cart could relax and anyone who is
tired. Fed all well – inventory of our own baggage.
Rate Konchak was situated among woods and pastures, between two rivers,
that is the horses were comfortable and graze, and water, and the rate was
protected by rivers from sudden attacks. When we were brought to this camp,
Igor and sons were already there. In one tent he lived Igor himself, in another
– Vladimir and Oleg I.. For us with Vsevolod put another tent. The boyars were
put in large tents for ten people. Allowed to keep servants. Guards stood
around, but inside dwellings not included. We could walk from the tents, guard
us not let.
The rest prisoners placed close to the open air, but for the sick and
wounded put tents. The food was all quite bearable, and we, the princes,
generally ate not much worse than at home.
With Vsevolod we are well settled: we always got along with him and your
life together in Polovtsian tent only strengthened our good relations. Although
he was my uncle, and the age difference we had more than ten years, but he
never kept me down. In the end, I still belonged to the senior branch Seversky
princes.
Igor Svyatoslavich lived alone, his tent had stood outside of the ring
of protection. He's the one servants was more than all the other princes
combined. He even returned to his horse, and he often went on falconry. When he
went out with him went Polovtsian guards, but rather, they fulfilled the role
of falconers. To him and he often went to Novgorod-Siverskiy messengers. It was
even said that soon it will arrive Orthodox priest, – and this despite the fact
that at this time Konchak and GSAC robbed
When Igor returned the horse, I asked
But about Nouradine I never heard, as soon Igor Svyatoslavich added to
their mistakes are dishonest and low thing: in June, he escaped from captivity,
breaking the this Konchak word and leaving in the lurch not only all the
princes, boyars and other prisoners, but also their sons.
For many years I wondering why Igor did. And found the answer only when
many later I read the "tale" about what you will tell if there will
be forces. And I am not sure if my answer is correct. So if you see my uncle in
hell then I will ask him this question.
Yes, father Nicephorus, I already said that it is wrong to think, as our
posthumous being in God's hands. But do I have any hope to go to
And hell began when Igor escaped from captivity. However, ran is too
strong a word: just he sat on his horse and rode away. With him went one of the
Polovtsian officials, dissatisfied with Konchak. Did my uncle, what fate awaits
the remaining prisoner?
Said Konchak as just back from a trip to
We learned about escape Igor next day. Everything is ominously quiet.
The guards forbade us to enter the tents, we stopped to let the servants of the
Polovtsian warriors brought we eat something like soup, and all. Vsevolod
Svyatoslavich was so shocked by the act of his brother, refused to discuss it with
me.
Another a few days came Konchak. Princes and boyars expelled from the
tents and mixed with the rest of the prisoners. To our crowd approached the
Khan with his entourage, and his the order of the Cumans began to tear off our
clothes, leaving only underwear – so the same as it was after the battle of
Kale.
To Konchak came Ilya Mikhalkovich, the oldest and worthiest of the
Seversky boyars, uncle-pestun
But Konchak drew his sword, shouted: "Redemption will not
be!", and with one blow demolished Ilya's head.
We have all become to offer a dying prayer to the Lord, waiting for the
massacre. Indeed, Cumans bared swords, and at their punches landed several
people. But Konchak stopped the carnage and ordered us to undress, but not to
kill. Then another thought and called the sons of Igor, and they were taken
away. Many years later I found out that cunning and calculating Konchak profit
motive prevailed over rabies violations of Igor's words: Vladimir and Oleg held
in captivity for a couple years, all this time was a hostage, and in the end,
Igor is not only never morefought against Konchak, but made him a strong
Alliance, sealed by marriage Vladimir with Khan's daughter.
And with all the other prisoners Konchak still did not miss her. He
decided to get our money not as a ransom, and income from the sale in the slave
market.
We were out of the Khan rate and led to the East. Drove not as princes,
boyars and combatants, and as slaves. Neither eat nor drink, nor sleep, almost
did not give. Constantly beat whips: on my back since then left two scar, and I
take them to the grave. Weak and lagging killed the guard, commanded by the
same Gainan now he behaved quite differently. Some of the wounded to that time
had not yet recovered, and they died first.
Has arrived the summer night was warm, so we have no clothes, not cold.
But hot the day-star mercilessly scorching the skin, we are all covered with
scabs from sunburn, and for some the burns proved fatal. Some fell dead on the
go: heart.
Sad the procession of thousands of half-naked exhausted people walked
and walked towards the rising the sun. The Russian land was removed with each
step, and hope for a speedy return was gone.
Don't know how far we've come. Miles, perhaps four hundred or more. We
went for two weeks, I can't say: I lost count of the days. Woods and streams
came to an end, started dry steppe, and we began to suffer not only from hunger
and scorching the sun, but also from thirst.
You heard father Nicephorus, this city of
When we drove in Sarkel, thousands of people remained no more than eight
hundred, and they were more like living skeletons. Including Vsevolod. Seeing
don, my uncle said sadly: "That drank don helmets".
Drove in a huge, scary dirty caravanserai. Fed is even worse than in the
way, but we at least not to waste power on a walk and just lay there. And
water, fortunately, was enough: Don was near. But to unbearable heat added
heat, a caravanserai for the day turned into a red-hot furnace, and people
continued to die. The bodies are not was carried out to obtain food and to the
dead. So the smell of sweat and dirt was mixed with the smell of decomposing
bodies, we piled in the far corners. Spiders, lice, lice, bugs, flies – all
these vile creatures, too, wehaunted. Sometimes even a snake crawled and stung
the helpless sufferers, blame the majority just because they are born into the
light. Yes, father Nicephorus, I'm talking about original sin. We washed our
baptism? But what then it was all us, honest Russian soldiers who defended
their homeland from the Gentiles? Yes, I agree that we should not even ask such
questions. Too scary to hear the answer.
Vsevolod Svyatoslavich, chief among us, decided to protest. I tried to
dissuade him, reminded of the sad experience of the late boyar Ilya
Mihalkovich, but "wild ox" I didn't listen. He asked the guards to
call
In this the caravan we stayed another three weeks, if not months.
This terrible life ended when the Turks arrived Farhad – as I later
learned, not just a slave, and the slave trader noble blood. He had a permanent
trade relations with the Polovtsian khans, and he bought the noble captives not
one by one, and all who were brought in Sarkel.
Logging in caravanserai and looking at us, he shook his head and walked
out. Soon ran Gainan: apparently, because of our status to miss a lot money,
and Konchak will be unhappy. So we are well fed, allowed go for a walk, and
once again began to split, only this time separated the noble from the simple
warriors and "black".
A few days came again Farhad and this time, apparently, was more than
happy with our health. All carefully examined, demanded to open his mouth,
checking teeth. Who refused to be subjected to the humiliating procedure, more
suitable for people as for horses, those beaten. In the end, all examined, and
almost all Farhad come: in the princely retinues people strong.
All the nobles the prisoners were herded into the hold of a ship, and we
sailed down the don. Us had a hundred people. The fate of the others unknown to
me.
The hold was very crowded, but the guards already made not of the
Polovtsy, and from the Turks, let us on the deck for a walk. Outdoors, in the
cool water, we felt much better. Fed is very good – in any case, compared to
the caravanserai. Who wanted, could pull, and many the number of Vsevolod, they
took advantage of little to strengthen feeble hands. Rowing was voluntary, as
there is no there was no need: first we went down stream of the don river and
then into the sea the wind was favorable.
In September, we arrived in Zonguldak – the city of the Seljuk Sultanate
on the Anatolian coast Russian sea. There was a huge slave market – as I
thought, still more than in the Sarkel.
Again separated the princes of the boyars, nobles from other nobles. Us
with Vsevolod was put in a large a room in one of the monotonous stone buildings
around the slave market. In this room there were already several noble slaves
from different countries. Was there your countrymen, father Nicephorus, the
nomarch with the military title of Stratelates and another senior official in
the rank of master. There were Latins – several German and French barons and
one French-count. And even the Polovtsian Han, which people sold into slavery
during some strife. Iwanted to beat him, but Vsevolod Svyatoslavich I kept: we
were all in trouble, and it was no time for strife.
Came Hamid – also Turks and also a slave owner. With him was a Mullah,
who spoke and Telecom from Turkish language into Latin and Greek: Turkish none
of us knew. Hamid announced that he is now our master, we Farhad passed on to
him. I don't know how, it doesn't matter.
We all in eager rivalry began to offer Hamidu the ransom, but he said
that it is not just cheated and he doesn't believe anybody, besides for each of
us to contact homeland – it is long, and the broker will pay them at best a few
months, and all this time will have us to feed and protect. So he said that
will make us a wonderful proposal that we should be happy to take.
We alleged lucky we were not to the Gentiles, and to the Muslims who
revere the noble birth, and ready for the treatment of highborn people in the
true faith to sacrifice profit. So he invites us to accept Mahometanism. Those
who do, will be granted freedom, and we will be able to have jobs and earn
their way home. Or find ways to contact to us money sent.
We asked Hamid, then what is its benefit. He explained that for every
new convert allegedly receives from the Sultan a lot of money, and performs a
sacred duty Muslim to convert noble people.
In the confirmation of the words Hamid Mullah read a Surah of the Koran,
which I then, when I learned Arabic, had memorized. It says: "the Pious
one who believe in Allah, the Last day, the angels, the Quran, the prophets,
who handing out possessions to relatives, orphans, poor, wayfarers and the
needy, spend it on freeing the slaves". So, to free the slaves – Mohammed,
a truly noble thing, and I thought then that the Seljuk the Sultan could they
do.
And this Mullah told that two hundred years ago, some Caliph – whether
Abu Ali Mansur, or al-Hakim (apparently, we are talking about the Ismaili
Caliph, Abu Ali al-Mansur, surnamed al-Hakim bi-Amri-Alla, who ruled in Egypt
in 996-1021 years – approx. transl.) – banned all slavery.
We asked about circumcision. The Mullah explained that circumcision is
desirable but not mandatory for Muslims. Faith cannot suffer for that man is
not clipped, and for this, Allah will demand his report about his past life.
Convert can be circumcised according to their wish, or don't do it at all. And
the fact that in General, the circumcision of Muslims accepted, so it is not
more than tradition.
By the way, everything in the story of the Mullah were true, but, as
they say in the East, from scraps of this truth Hamid made his veil of lies.
And about this lie Mullah must have known, not could not know, that is, both
participated in the fraud. I wish this insidious Mullah forever burn in hell
along with false by Hamid, and I hope that you, father Nicephorus, not going to
argue against such wishes. We don't have even on his deathbed to extend to the
infidels our Christian forgiveness, right? The more on such a cunning and
deceitful.
Hamid said what we have to decide quickly, and then a couple of days
there is a boat in
Such kindness slaver many seemed suspicious. We deliberated, tried
together to decide something and to take a common position. But it did not:
some were for the adoption of Islam, some against, and some demanded that we
not fettered the freedom of faith of each other. So I decided that everyone
should to decide for themselves.
And more half of us agreed. I've already repented in confession of this
sin, but was then under a false name, and then my repentance, I fear, is
invalid. So I confess again, now as a Russian Prince Svyatoslav ol'govich, in
the baptism of Boris: and I agreed. I beg you, father Nicephorus, cleanse me of
this sin apostasy. I've got a terrible punishment in this life, and be even
more terrible punishment in the hereafter – I think it would be too cruel. Yes,
of course I understand that it is not for us to try to predict the decision The
Lord of our lives.
Needs to say that my uncle Vsevolod not only refused to accept
Mahometanism, but also persuaded me not to agree. He rightly argued, that
apostasy is the gravest sin. I objected that this sin – forced, but I'll get
freedom and return home, but otherwise I waiting for slavery in
Vsevolod wisely said that Hamid and the Mullah don't look foolish, and
certainly something conceived: they can not understand that we are at the first
opportunity repent and return to Orthodoxy.
I still don't listen to Vsevolod and agreed to accept Mahometanism. As
soon as I am about this bitterly regretted, but it was too late!
The next day, those of us who agreed, brought a poor, but nice, clean
and almost new Eastern clothes. Then began one by one to output to the mosque,
adjacent to the slave market. Before the Mullah and a large number of people
each of us had raise your hand three timesto say the word so-called "main
Muslim evidence" – Shahada. The Mullah explained that these words it must
come with faith in your heart and with the firm intention to accept the true
faith, and that accepting Islam is obliged to give up all beliefs, contrary to
this belief. Since we don't know Arabic, but I have to recite the Shahadah
consciously, he was allowed to speak at our choice on Greek or Latin.
I chose Greek, because since the childhood she knew him better than
Latin. Mulla, perfectly speaking both languages, dictated to me in Greek, I
repeated after him. Even memorized the lyrics since then many times remembered
him: "I know, believe with all your heart and acknowledge in words that
there is no God but one Creator is Allah, and know, believe with all your heart
and acknowledge in words that Mohammed the last messenger of Allah."
It turns out that nothing more was required. The Mullah solemnly
declared that now I was a Muslim, and I need to perform all the duties
prescribed By The Almighty Creator.
Sorry I did not hear the question. What have I done that? Your cross?
No, father Nicephorus, no one in the adoption of Islam did not force me to spit
on him or perform other improper conduct. It just needed to be removed before
the ceremony, but I even do not have: a cross with me broke Cumans another on
the way from bet Konchak in Sarkel, as it was gold and cost a lot, and nothing
is sacred, of course, for the godless, filthy no. None of the cross has not
survived and my other companions in misfortune, who converted to Islam in
mosques Zonguldak: allwas a noble and once rich people, and all crosses was a
great value.
So I became a Mohammedan. Xcalving to immediately leave the mosque,
naively believing that immediately got freedom. But the guards grabbed me by
the hand and led them through another door. Held in the yard and pushed him
into a room where I had not previously visited. Remember his regret about the
fact that I don't have time to say goodbye with Vsevolod. More I'm your uncle
never seen.
New the room was also a guard. There were five of them – those who
embraced Islam: I, the Polovtsian Khan, two German Baron and former nomarch.
They brought us to eat, and the food was much more delicious and abundant than
in the room where we had sat before, although there were fed well.
Soon came Hamid. We rushed to him and began to recall that we are
promised freedom. But the slaver explained in broken Latin, you first need to
prepare all the necessary security credentials, and he asks us to wait another
day or so. We calmed down and even began to remember known Islamic rituals like
creations from prayer, because they knew that some time will have to comply
with them. Decided that we would go to the mosque and to consult with the
Mullah.
The next day, the guards began to drag us one by one. We decided that to
obtain security certificates, and left quietly.
That happened further, it is hard for me to say. Give me some time to
think how best to tell about it.
Part III,
recorded Stefan, a monk of the Abbey of St. John in
Don't know if you father Nicephorus, to hear about the horrors that I
was subjected to. Will I offend the story about them your Christian love for
mankind. But you still once were a warrior all I saw, and the confessions you
had a lot to listen to, so will tell it as it was.
I brought in some the basement. There were a few people in the
blood-splattered clothes. In the middle stood a table, also bloody. There was
blood on the floor. I don't realized what was happening and where I was jerked,
but was tightly grabbed.
I was stripped naked and knocked on the table. Tightly tied. Tightly
bandaged a stomach and hips, from top to pulled the harness – as I learned
later, in order to reduce bleeding. In his mouth stuck a thick piece of wood
that I didn't bite off his tongue. Quickly shaved off the hair in the groin,
then I felt a terrible pain: all the tender and sensitive spots soaked with
tincture of burning pepper. Later I found out why had this infusion to reduce
the risk of infection.
My shameful parts too tightly pulled strap. Then one of the infidels
took a big knife, curved in the form of a sickle. I have flashed the hope that
it is only circumcision, but I heard that circumcision makes the Mullah, the
same man for the Mullah didn't look and no prayers uttered. And I know what I
want to do to me. Started wildly kicking and screaming, but was tied firmly,
and my head is also kept, so I smashed it on the table.
Twice he waved knife and completely cut off everything that made me a
man. Yes, absolutely. Pain was terrible, with nothing comparable, I still
managed to see and spatter from lost consciousness.
I woke up in another room: apparently I brought while I was unconscious.
I was lying on the Mat, side by side on the same mats has suffered all five of
my mates unfortunately, believing the promises of the infidel liar Hamid and
accepted Mahometanism. All of us is shameful parts were inserted silver tube.
So we spent a couple of days. All had a severe fever, a gaping wound
inflamed. Often came doctor, smeared our injury some ointments. The Greeks
inflammation was too strong, and there is a tumor. Soon, despite the efforts of
the physician, unhappy former nomarch died. Remember, his name was
Semistriatus, and Mr. was somewhere on the border with the Seljuk Sultanate.
Pray, father Nicephorus, for the repose of the soul of the deceased servant of
God Semistriatus when you pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased
servant of God Sviatoslav, in the baptism of Boris.
As I later learned, one of the five who died – it was quite a bit. After
all, we were noble people and cost a lot of money, and we were well treated.
When emasculation commoners sometimes died before the half. They even do not
use any ointments, but simply burned wounds, and instead of the silver tube was
inserted lead.
In a few weeks survivor was able to slowly move about the room. The
doctor gave us silver cork in the shape of a nail, which we had to plug the
known the hole in the body in the intervals between urinating natural small
needs. Tube he pulled us and also gave us saying that if we want to celebrate
small need while standing, like men, need to insert a tube, and if you are
willing to do it as women and you can up to throw it away. Of course, we all
kept our tube and subsequently used them. I always woretucked behind the lapel
of a turban, and when I lived in
That's so cruel, a monstrously cruel to punish me for apostasy, the Lord
in this life. As will punish in the future, not even can imagine.
And the worst thing that the adoption of Islam in any case it was in
vain: no one after that freedom no one else did. Soon explained to me that
Mohammed was talking about the abolition of slavery how about some bright
future, and in all Muslim countries slaves, the at least, they were. Well, it
seems like the Kingdom of God which is promised to us by Jesus Christ, but
which will be who knows when, and yet people kill each other, pain and Rob, and
when struck on one cheek do not substitute another. You see, father Nicephorus,
the comparison of our Lord Jesus Christ with the godless false prophet
Mohammedinappropriate: I just wanted to clear the crux of the deception. And
look how cleverly false Moslems circumvent the law, given to them by their
prophet: for the purchase of slaves the phrase: "If there is in this case
a sin, he will fall on his head slaver", and the transaction is considered
valid. A slaver goes to the Mullah and receives a bribe absolution.
Grief and remorse my has increased even more than when I many years later
learned that my other noble the fellow who came to Hamid and refused to accept
Islam, did not get in any
So those who don't listen to Hamid, and not changed their faith,
remained with him, wrote letters home for them was sent to ransom, and they all
returned safely to home. Vsevolod Svyatoslavich, for example, was at home in
Us, crippled apostates, no one to celebrate with honor was not going to,
and our grief was inescapable.
Thank you, father Nicephorus, for words of comfort. Yeah, I heard that
in the
But all this a common word, and what it was like for me and my
companions in misfortune to experience it all ? How could a young, noble,
strong and brave warriors to accept the idea that they are no longer men?
One night, one of barons of grief I wanted to hang, but there was no
place, the walls were bare. Then he began to beat his head against the wall.
Ran into a guard, tied him up and whipped with whips. He never tried to kill
himself, only crying quietly. However, he is not alone: I confess, I too often
cried bitter tears of grief. I was only eighteen years old, and what kind of
life was waiting for me ahead?
What kind of life was waiting for me it has become clear shortly. Came
Hamid and told me that I should be happy: I as the most noble and the young
eunuchs from new, bought for the harem the Sultan Salah-ad-DIN. And a week
later I was sent to
You, father Nicephorus, younger me, and the times of Salah ad-DIN, if
caught, the child. Although probably about it heard in the Christian world, his
name is usually pronounced as Saladin. Yes, it is the Sultan, who took away the
crusaders in
In fact, he was though wrong Mohammedan, but a very worthy man. I still
don't know how to treat it. On the one hand, it was the worst enemy of
Christianity and some sense, the culprit of my troubles, as poor slaves,
including me castrated for harem amusements. Of course, the harems and the
eunuchs were all rulers of the East, but the guilt of Salah ad-DIN is still not
removed. On the other hand, it was a brave and honest soldier, but for me
personally it did just good. As far as possible.
Yeah, I guess I really muddled and unclear it all laid out. Come on
then, better tell in order. Full name Salah-ad-DIN I do not remember now, although
at one time it is often said. Like this: al-Malik an-Nasir Salah ad-Dunya, then
something else and then the actual name and patronymic – Yusuf Ibn Ayyub. But
we have it is known as Salah ad-DIN or Saladin, though it's not even a name,
and honourable nickname, meaning "Holy faith." When at the beginning
of ninety-four years (1186 – approx. transl.), in the winter, I arrived in
In days of youth Salah ad-DIN in
The father of Salah ad-DIN was the ruler of one of the Syrian cities,
and the uncle, the vizier of
And when Nur ad-DIN died, Salah ad-DIN proclaimed himself Sultan of
Egypt: this title it was called the rest of my life, even when its capital was
Sons Nur ad-DIN began to internecine warfare, Salah ad-DIN took
advantage of it, for several years subdued them and became the Emir of
Damascus, the Caliph of Baghdad and the ruler of all other holdings of Nur
ad-DIN, that is, United under his the power of all infidels of Syria,
Palestine, Mesopotamia, Arabia and Egypt. And crusaders in the
This the Sultan of Damascus in his Palace and I was lucky on the big
wagon. The way I don't remember, as the winter had already come, in Palestine,
the rains, the dampness and shaking my wound festered, and the fever. But Hamid
prudently sent me doctor: apparently was supposed to get for me from the Sultan
large money and therefore feared for my life. It turns out that Salah ad-DIN
still intended died from inflammation of Celestials, slaver lost half of the
proceeds and didn't want to lose the rest.
At the same time the healer had to watch that I don't kill myself.
However, he was not very attentive, and if you want I could strangle at least
at the reins of the mules, which driver, to separate, put in the cart next to
me. But I almost fell in a daze, only ate, drank and slept like a dumb animal.
And constant severe the pain of the wounds fettered thoughts and feelings.
And here the carriage drove up to
Somewhere I heard that when the prisoner closed the gates of the prison
from which he will not leave, he touches in the past. But I wouldn't thought of
that. Besides, soon realized that the Imperial harem was not a prison.
Many who were not on East, I think that this is the prison where
languish the unfortunate women, persecuted and humiliated. No, nothing like
that. Of course, there are there the persecution and humiliation – but are they
any other places where the lives of many people, and some harems because the
size of a small city. In the harem Salah ad-DIN, for example, only concubines
were about five hundred, more than all my Rylsky regiment, with whom I went
Hiking. And many slaves and eunuchs.
Yes, father Nicephorus, I see you're talking about harems don't know
anything, if you ask, how could the Sultan at the same time a man commits
adultery with five hundred women. If you want to tell. I felt much better, my
head is clear, though understand that it just a suicide rush.
Let me repeat: the Imperial harem is not a prison. Yes, some women were
forcibly taken away, but most of those who were in captivity and slavery, wants
to get there – if not a concubine, so at least the slave. Yes, and some loose
women prefer harem share of poverty. Eunuchs especially nowhere to go: cut off
both will not return, the other way like in a harem in the East the eunuch no,
so it is better to get into the harem of the Sultan, than to any a rich
merchant or a senior official.
For a harem reserved the best part of the Palace, a few hundred spaces.
The main task of architects and other organizers were create possible and
sometimes impossible for the ordinary concepts include, creating a special
mood, promote pleasure life and joys of carnal love. This wonderful world
includes a luxuriously removed chambers mother sultans, Sultan's wives,
concubines, school princes and princesses, the home of the eunuchs and
servants, rooms for recreation and entertainment, baths, gardens, ponds with
exotic fish, swimming pools, fountains, menagerie, hospital and much more. Even
the mosque.
Remember when I recovered, came to himself and looked around, it was
literally blinded the surrounding splendor. The walls and vaults were covered
with fanciful ornament red, green, blue and Golden tones, lined with amazing
mosaic tiles. Arches gracefully rested on marble columns. All the walls, doors
and Windows were inscriptions in elegant Arabic script, interspersed with
flowers, leaves and swirls.
Wow, father Nicephorus, like flowery, Oriental, I described all of this.
It happens: remember harem and starts talking to himself in Arabic. The
language I learned in perfectly, still held in
All this harem splendor in a sense, distracted me from thinking about
her the sad fate. My humble wooden Rylsk away forever as far as dreams about
family life and about my dear wife Eudoxia, and even in my dreams I have seen
less and less.
Do you think that prison is still a prison, even if it is magnificently
decorated? Will not be with you to argue, but still think that the harem is not
a prison. Maybe you can convince the story of how the Sultan's harem life
women.
There there is a strict hierarchy, which at least partially maintains
the discipline in simmering passions Sorority. All relationships, privileges,
rights and duties in the harem clearly established. The cornerstone of this
building is the favor of the Sultan. Again I flowery expressed.
Main a woman of the harem hierarchy is called a "crown covered with
burqa". This is usually the mother of the Sultan. When it dies, as died
shortly before my arrival in the harem and the mother of Salah ad-DIN –
"the crown" is either the chief Treasurer, or senior wife. The
"crown" their own set of maids and eunuchs. Without her knowledge in
the harem does not occur any significant events, without her consent no one can
be accepted in the harem, be it a concubine or a slave-cook. In some harems
responsibility of the "crown" was even blessed with the construction ofattention
of the Sultan, chosen on a bed controller. But Salah ad-DIN did eunuch.
Yes, father Nicephorus, I turn to wives and concubines. When they say
Salah-ad-DIN had five hundred wives, you are mistaken. As a Moslem, the Sultan
had only entitled to four wives, with whom he played weddings with all
appropriate ceremonies. All the rest were concubines. Generally speaking, the
existence of concubines often is a violation of the Mohammedan law, because
they can to admit only women who were captured during the Jihad – war for the
faith. But those of Salah ad-DIN was a little. Most concubines comes inharems
with the same cunning ways, as slaves to the owners, as I told you already
told.
The wife of the Sultan have their private Affairs and their own
household. They have even their visiting days. They accept visitors, intrigue
and gossip. Their visit of a noble lady and cousin. Sometimes, of course,
accompanied by eunuchs – for them from the outside world can be allowed
doctors, teachers, merchants jewels and other necessary people.
Among concubines are highlighted so-called "happy" – those
with whom the Sultan in for a few months at least once entered into carnal
relations. "Happy" live in more affluent apartment, dress better,
have more servants, enjoy a certain honor and respect. Of course, for
"happy" there is a fierce, though hidden to the public eye the
struggle. This fight is and place wife in case one of the four dies. And place
main kaznachei, and place of the chiefs of the servants, kitchens, baths and other
things.
In Sultan the harem there are hundreds of simple slaves, performing
menial work. They cook food, clean the rooms, wash the dishes, sew, wash. They
pay decently and time is often released. Wives and concubines almost never
leave harem, slaves, accompanied by eunuchs can go to the city for shopping and
to perform different tasks.
Well, father Nicephorus, I answered your question, as the Sultan can at
the same time to commit adultery with hundreds of women? Yes, if you take into
account only a few dozen "happy" still too much work. But he was with
them at a time not adultery, no "svalny sin" in the harem does not
happen. One night one woman, Mohammedan law and Salah al-DIN respected
strictly. Moreover, of the seven parishes in the harem four times Lord obliged
to spend the night with their wives, and the "lucky" he onlythree.
However, wives have the right to give up their night to other women, and
usually I use this to present to the Sultan "happy" in his choice.
General ward the Sultan in a harem and the woman with whom he was
spending the night, – a whole ceremony. On its arrival is usually known in
advance. The eunuch standing at the doors, unlocks them the required ceremonial
and enters the Sultan in the "abode of bliss". Inside the harem the
Lord greets chief eunuch, to whom belongs the honor of leading the Sultan in
interior of the room. The Sultan immediately says what kind of woman he would
like to see beside him that night, or heading to the great hall, where
important drinks coffee, and smokes, and concubines swirling around him,
singing, dancing and tryingto draw attention to themselves. Of course, all
faces are open, and dressed all more than lightly.
The Sultan nothing not interfere with "happiness" for its
location a new concubine to immediately forget about its predecessors. Hence
the huge number of concubines: they accumulated over many years. The
ever-increasing number of women in harem forced to keep detailed records, the
date and hour of each stay with Lord, monthly cycles every woman and first signs
of pregnancy. Yes, every "happy" wants to become pregnant and give
birth to the Prince or Princess. In addition to the joy of motherhood, it
raises it to a new level harem hierarchy.
That's all happens to the harem. Who only there does not deliver concubines!
Many subjects of the Sultan wants to give there daughter a lot of slave – to
sell there slaves. There are even customs by which the conquered peoples
presented as a gift to the Sultan of beautiful girls.
Among all this female excellence a man may be only one – the Sultan
himself. The rest eunuchs. Some of the rich Mohammedans admit in their harems
the dirty work and noscoping men followed the eunuchs only have eyes. Indeed,
someone needs to build, repair, decorate, deliver products, to cultivate gardens,
to care for the horses. But the Sultan everything should be at the highest
level, and doing it all only eunuchs.
Each of "small harem of households" – mother of the Sultan,
the Sultan naznachali and wives has from ten to fifteen eunuchs, led by the
chief eunuch appropriate court. To "happy" and the rest of the
concubines also assigned the eunuchs, though in smaller numbers. The connection
of the harem from the outside world the support of the eunuchs.
At the head of all eunuchs of the harem is the Sultan's chief eunuch. It
is one of the most important state dignitaries in importance nearly as high as
the Grand vizier. His title is "chief gatekeeper of the doors of
happiness." He's got a huge chamber, its "small yard", their
estates, courtiers, servants, horses and everything else relying one of the
first men of the state.
The eunuchs are different. Those who have removed all of the shameful
parts, are called "sandals". One not all "filibe". I –
"sandals". From Salah ad-DIN in the harem ", filibe" does
not was.
Externally, the eunuchs also look different, but it depends not on
"filibe" eunuch or "sandals," and from when he was
castrated. Who in childhood – the high thin, with violations of the body
proportions, with elongated limbs. Who in adulthood, like me – those usually
grow fat, lose almost all the hair on the face, the body becomes flabby, the
voice is shrill, the gait is staggering. All eunuchs distinguished by a wax
yellow of face and skin similar to parchment.
Eunuchs love to eat, I love sweets. Many have a hunger for art, and I
for example, could listen for hours to endless Arabian tales.
Justice sake I will say that many of the Sultan's eunuchs, not sit
around getting stuffed with sweets and exercise and thereby maintain their body
in good condition, although it still shows that it's the eunuchs. And some
eunuchs, freed from carnal desires, use all their strength to to prove that the
physical benefits are nothing before the power of the mind. And many of them
achieve a high position.
But I never was not a philosopher nor wise nor clever court intriguer,
nor resourceful and shrewd trader, I was attracted to his military business.
And the heights of power in the harem Salah-ad-DIN I soon lifted it.
In General speaking, father Nicephorus, I can not complain about his
harem luck, though I started my service there, despite the high princely title
from the bottom.
I purchased the Sultan's harem at the behest Guzun, senior wife of Salah
al-DIN, who the harem of a dominant position after the death of the mother of
the Sultan. Guzun was quiet and colorless, but intelligent and powerful woman
about the same age Sultan, and this "crown covered with burqa" loved,
that her eunuchs were the noble origin.
Cured me quickly: great care, wonderful food. And I became a servant of
Guzun. But since I was subordinate to its chief eunuch, then, basically, we
were not "crown covered with burqa", and this eunuch. He Guzun
generally did not admit anyone, it was even said that they have some special
relationship, that is, they are a kind of perverse means to satisfy the lust of
each other. Was the name of the eunuch Malik, by origin he was an Indian, the
son of a Raja. Like me, he was taken prisoner, sold into slavery and castrated
for harem.
Malignancy and deceit Malik was truly immense. About him told me that
one of the concubines he is something he is not pleased, and he wanted to take
revenge on her, threw her the room a vial of poison, and then, bypassing the
chambers of the women, together with the chief eunuch the harem, the old
Abdelkarim, accidentally discovered the bubble and made the assumption that the
poison was meant for the Sultan. "The main gatekeeper of the doors of
happiness," believed to Malik and told me all about Salah ad-DIN, he
became angry and ordered to torture the unfortunate. Under torture she
confessed and was executed.
A penalty in the harem was terrible. Women were hanged, crucified,
boiled in boiling water, impaled. No, father Nicephorus, this is only a legend
that the harem could painfully executed for sidelong glance. Everything was in
accordance with Muslim laws: repeated theft, which in the harem was often for
murder or attempted murder, as scenes of wild jealousy flared and then, for
blasphemy, for witchcraft, often on dubious denunciations by jealous rivals.
Death punished the adultery of women. On godless pervertedrelationship of women
to each other or with eunuchs looked, as they say, through fingers only
"happy" is strictly prohibited. Attempt to escape from the harem also
punishable by death, as was equal to adultery.
Before sentencing women were tortured and during the torture, they
usually confessed all that I done and not did. So then they were executed,
like, right.
A favorite torture of Malika was sticking needles under fingernails: it
leaves almost no trace, and if the Sultan suddenly decided to forgive the poor,
then the product would not be damaged, and not Indian it would be claims. A
favorite punishment was to give Malik a woman at the mercy of her jealous
rivals: before the horrors of ingenuity Oriental women even pales planted on a
stake. Too tricky: Sam Malik like there were nothing to do with it.
In the chambers this angry Indian always stood ready stick to beat the
guilty servants at his heels. Usually these sticks to frighten the beat eunuchs
newcomers immediately after entering the harem, regardless of whether they were
anything guilty or not, were princes or commoners. The unfortunate laid on the
floor with bound hands and legs and beaten on the soles of his feet as long as
they do not were fainting from the pain. I was not beaten up just because I was
in the harem is very weak, the wounds could open up.
Then however, I have three times punished for minor infractions, once
for dropped my coffee, which was served to Malik, one time – when not low bowed
to this Indian once – when not fast enough took it note Guzun. The pain from
the blows with a stick on the soles of the feet seems to be not very strong, it
is not compared with pain during castration, but it is given in the mind like
the burn, and even the person with the strongest will begins to scream and
squirm like a snake. Yes, father Nicephorus, and I screamed and writhed,
despite the fact that he was a Prince.
And it hurts it was my soul! And not only in times of punishment: how
humiliating it was for me proud of Rurikovich of all be in the service! Repent,
sinful thoughts about to kill herself, during the service at the infamous Malik
visited a lot more of me than in Zonguldak after castration.
Then gradually began to get used to. But then my harem fate magically
changed.
However, why magic? I will say without false modesty has changed thanks
to my valor. Will tell you how it was. Like a warrior warrior. Or as former
soldier the former soldier, whatever.
By the time when I was in the harem, Salah ad-DIN has United the
Mohammedans against the crusaders. And among the Palestinian rulers of
Christian kingdoms and counties, on the contrary, unity was not. Flourished
intrigue, ambitious thoughts, promiscuity mores. A sad example is the Patriarch
of Jerusalem Heraclius, who not only like the most depraved popes, but
surpassed in their depravity, openly lived with their mistresses and lavished
on them the Church's means. However, Earls, barons, knights, and bishops were
no better.
Do you think, father Nicephorus, that this can not be? But all this we
say in the Sultan's the harem, and there was rarely wrong. We in any case was
not isolated from the world, even the Sultan and his dignitaries little
concealed from eunuchs: we were able to keep secrets.
We are well knew that during the life of the Jerusalem of king Baldwin
IV, who died leprosy in the same year, when I was in the harem, the heir to the
throne was his seven-year-old nephew Baldwin V, and Regent, count Raymond
Tripoli, which, by the way, I soon had to face on the battlefield. This graph
signed with the Salah ad-DIN a truce for four years. But after a year the young
king suddenly died, and the heir to the throne had to choose among two sisters
Baldwin IV: Sibylla and Isabella.
In Accra (Accra, now the acre is approx. transl.) noble Jerusalem the
nobles decided that the right of electing a new ruler will be given to Pope
Rome and the monarchs of the Holy Roman Empire, England and France. But soon,
not waiting for a higher solution, the nobles were divided into two the warring
parties: for Sibylla and her husband guy de Lusignan, and Isabella and her
husband, Onfroy. The first party consisted of Grand master of the order of the
Recently in
And just to break the truce the Sultan could not: he needed a reason.
And found a reason. It there was an old brigand Renaud de Chatillon. Yes, other
than rogue, this Frankish the Baron can not be named. He was over sixty, he
fought all his life for the different States, and at one time was the ruler of
the city of
All the claims of the king, guy de Lusignan, Renaud replied, that the
king might, and the world with unbelievers, but he, Mrs. Krak, such a world is
not and can not be. The same thing he told the messengers of the Sultan, and
recalled that he was "a master in his earth as king in his". And
everyone knew inhuman treatment de Chatillon captives from the Mohammedans, which
in anticipation of redemption, kept in a close pit, and those who could not be
redeemed, dropping from a high the walls of the castle Krak.
And that's when Renaud de Chatillon struck Salah al-DIN insult of honor
and family feeling, the Sultan declared Jihad on Christians. In what year was
it? In the second year of my stay in the harem means, in the ninety-fifth (1187
– approx. transl.).
In the spring the Sultan's army marched from
This time Salah-al-DIN took a few "happy". Senior wife Guzun –
"crown hidden veil" – also decided to go Hiking not to leave the
harem and the Sultan himself without supervision. She told me to go with you
Malik, who – I several eunuchs Guzun. Went and the eunuchs who served
"happy", chosen for the campaign.
We moved behind the troops, with baggage. Women on the wagons, under the
canopies of the eunuchs – next, on camels. Around in the beautiful Arabic
horses pranced armed to the teeth, the eunuchs, the guards under the leadership
of Iksan, a chief guard of the harem. Abdelkarim, the Sultan's chief eunuch, to
a campaign did not go: was this already too old.
In the army Salah ad-DIN was more than thirty thousand men – infantry,
and cavalry. In
Sultan the army came to the sea of Galilee (also lake of Gennesaret,
lake Kinneret – approx. transl.) and besieged the coastal city of Tiberias
(Tiberias also – approx. transl.). The siege also took place slowly and,
moreover, Salah ad-DIN, referring to the knightly code of honor, are allowed to
send from the fortress messengers for help.
Me taught by bitter experience of the struggle against the Polovtsy,
once thought that the Sultan such a leisurely hike and literal adherence to the
chivalric code has the goal is to lure the Crusader army into a trap. It just
happened. As at this time in acre Royal Council discussed a new crusade, and
when from Tiberias came a messenger with a request for help, the Franks
immediately decided to go to the rescue. The decision was hasty, poorly thought
through.
Soon the Christian army marched, it had two thousand mounted knights,
eighteen thousand infantry and a few thousand light archers, – so, soldiers in
Salah ad-DIN if there was more then slightly. To encourage the crusaders, The
Patriarch of Jerusalem sent the Holy Cross, accompanied by two bishops. Yes,
the very cross on which was crucified our Savior.
Coming in early July in
And in the morning the crusaders made to Tiberias. By noon, their army
was thinning: July heat in
Soon the crusaders began to feel light cavalry Salah-ad-DIN. In these
clashes lost many Christian Pesci.
Miles five from Tiberias, the crusaders stopped in a small village near
who was the source is too small, so that the army could drink, the more water
the horses. However, Christians camped for the night about this source. I'm
guessing this was a mistake: if they'd attacked the Sultan on the move, they
would have at least some chance of success.
Close the camp of the crusaders was located the
By the middle of the following day the troops converged at Lobii. More
precisely, they agreed only the vanguard. The main forces into battle never
came, as the day was even hotter than before and exhausted crusaders barely
begun to fight, chose to withdraw in the hope that the Sultan will not pursue
them. But the hope proved futile.
Retreated Christians to the
Per night Salah al-DIN surrounded the crusaders on Chastinskom hill. A
Christian soldiers and Pesci, and even knights, – suffering from thirst and
realizing the hopelessness his position, went to the Sultan, which gave them
quite a warm welcome.
At dawn the Sultan's soldiers set fire to the bushes around the
positions of Christians and the suffering from thirst increased choking from
the acrid smoke. Under cover of this smoke the Mohammedans started to attack
from all sides.
At the same time with this, the desperate crusaders went on break. But
to break only managed to count Raymond Tripoli, who was lucky to hook into the
gap between the advancing troops of Salah ad-DIN. At that time to happen: the
breakthrough came just in the direction of the train of the Sultan's troops. And
when the train was the harem.
In the unit Raymond was three hundred mounted knights, and even more. If
they all hit the baggage train and harem, it would be the end. But,
fortunately, stood near the high and a lavishly decorated tent of Salah ad-DIN.
The tent was empty: the Sultan was in front of the army. But count Raymond did
not know, and with most of his knights rushed to the tent. The convoy popped
up, probably about fifty equestrians. Realizing that the prey they take no
time, they rushed to the Sultan's harem, deciding if you do not win and not
rich, then at least to shame the Sultan, capturing or killing his wives and
concubines.
Salah ad-DIN saw from the hill what danger threatens his harem, and
started to unwrap one from his mounted regiments. But he had not time. The
guards and servants of the harem were alone against fifty knights Raymond.
We, the eunuchs, could immediately to rebuff those knights, since we
were much, much more than all of them. Forty people mounted armed guards and
about the same servants in carts and on camels. But when the chief guard of the
harem Iksan saw us, kicking up dust, carried mounted knights in heavy weapons,
he coward, spurred his horse and galloped away, dragging the guard. A servants,
including Malik, also ran after him on their camels. About carts with screaming
women remained twenty unarmed servants. In fact me.
Although I had already pretty fat and flabby, but not even thought of
ignominious flight. Well, just did not occur: after all, I was raised as a
warrior, and it gave about you know. I shouted at the servants, the harem, to
put the cart in a circle, and were loosing shafts and fought them. Women, I was
told to stand in the middle circle. I as rylstim Prince used to command the
troops, and my voice was still strong, it just started to appear shrill
Scorcese notes. So my team heard and began to perform.
I also untied the shafts from one of the wagons, grabbed her at the
ready like a spear and rushed on his camel to meet the enemy. Yes, father
Nicephorus, I understand that the crusaders were Christians, although the Latin
persuasion. But still at that moment for me they were just enemies, since I was
forced to fight them. You were a warrior, and needs to understand me.
It was important to me at least few minutes to hold the Latins, until
the wagon stood in a circle. Me rushed some more servants with the shafts.
Camel – not a horse, to manage it in battle is difficult, it is less fast and
less agile. But in the battle head-on our biggest and heavy camels proved to be
an advantage over the tired steeds of the knights. To fortunately for us, none
of the crusaders were not copies, only swords.
I rested my shaft in the saddle and sent it like a javelin in front of
the knight. Strike and Crusader fell from his horse. By the way, later I found
out that it was the count, brother of Raymond Tripoli. Since the knights had
built the line, I immediately flew his camel to him in the rear. The same thing
you tried to do racing for me eunuchs. Those who could not immediately dislodge
the knights of the seats were knights in the time convergence killed them with
swords. But more than half of us still broke in the rear enemy.
However, I turned the camel and attacked the knights from behind. Same
for me and others eunuchs. We started to beat the enemies shafts and to knock
off the horses, one I even he broke his shaft. The Latins turned to deal with
us, but we let our camels at a gallop along their system, and they are on their
tired horses could not follow us to keep up. During this time carriages already
stood in the circle. And here Salah-ad-DIN arrived with his regiment of horse,
and the knights took to flight, and Sam Raymond, and others.
And so it happened that I saved the Sultan's harem from defeat, and
Salah-ad-DIN – the shame.
Then, in the heat of battle, the Sultan said nothing to me. Seeing that
the harem was safe, he just waved me by the hand again, turned his horse
regiment and went to finish the main force the crusaders still fought on
Chastinskom hill.
Soon came fleeing security. Iksan drove to the harem, and as if nothing
had happened began to lead rebuilding carts, placement in the place of the
women of the shafts, scattered things.
Returned and Malik. First, he long explained Guzun furious that his
running takes him camel, and he was not able to deploy a crazed animal. Then an
Indian came up to I said I would be careful to operate the shaft, and it broke,
and he now does not know how to replace it. So I deserve punishment but he will
think and maybe will forgive me, as I am still a good job showed.
Here is a tricky and dishonest man he was. And the most unpleasant and
shameful – that I have so subdued that I instead accuse him of cowardice, low
bowed and humbly asked forgiveness for the broken shaft.
Meanwhile the battle on the hill had ended, the crusaders were totally
defeated. Laid about half of them, three thousand managed to break through and
disperse to surrounding castles and cities, the rest were captured. The fate of
the prisoners was different: Renaud de Chatillon, the Sultan himself was
beheaded with his sword, the other noble knights, and king guy de Lusignan, the
Grand master of the knights Templar, Gerard de Redfor, was taken to Damascus,
where they were to wait until their redemption. Crusaders of humble origin sold
into slavery. What was the fate Of The Holy Cross? I do not know.
Evening the harem came to the messenger and ordered the security chief
to arrive at the Sultan's tent. Iksan, uneasily, went there. I adjusted the
canopy on the wagon Guzun, and Malik shouted at me and threatened still to
punish the broken shaft.
Through some time the messenger came again and said that the Sultan
requires a a eunuch who was saved from the harem of the knights of Raymond.
Malik whispered that if I someone will say that it was me, then I'm screwed.
Proudly puffed out his chest and walked away with messenger. This crafty person
did not think that Salah ad-DIN saw me in the time of the battle, and I, I
confess, I told this to Indian. However, he never asked.
Maybe if Malik was to me a little similar but the Sultan did not
disclose his fraud, as he saw me only in passing. But the Indian did not look
like a Russian, and his hair was black and I have light. So I was not surprised
when again the messenger came and loudly proclaimed that the Sultan is looking
for a hero and not fleeing from the battlefield cowards. Then I came forward.
Dusty, simple clothes of a servant, I went to Salah ad-DIN. I confess,
my heart trembled.
I was introduced to the tent. I fell to the ground, as it should be for
a slave before the Sultan, but he told me to stand up and hugged me that in the
East is one of the highest honors. Salah ad-DIN asked who I was and got the
answer that the Russian Prince Boris: in the harem I was called at the
baptismal name, how to pronounce "Svyatoslav" was too difficult for
Arabs.
Sultan surprised that the Prince fulfills the duties of a servant,
granted me the freedom and made in AGI – in the East it is a high title, like
Baron. Write me honorary nickname – Battal-Rus, which means "Russian
hero." And put me on place of Iksan – the chief of the security of the
harem, first assistant chief eunuch.
Since before that, he gave me freedom and made Agha, Salah ad-DIN has
not commanded, and asked me to stay in the harem, and to lead his guards to the
end of the campaign, and then if I want to go. I could only bow his head.
Then the Sultan ordered lead Malik and Iksan. He was already known that
they fled, leaving the harem in the lurch. And even more pissed that Malik
tried his cheat.
These eunuchs tried to say something in his defense, but Salah ad-DIN
did not even bother to listen and told to execute them "through the place
that they showed the enemy." The meaning of the words of the Sultan was
clear: cowards waited planted on a stake. However, in the desert, the stakes
had to take nowhere, therefore, the Sultan's executioners just brought Iksan
and Malik outside camp, stuck them in these same places a spear and left to
die.
I, according to knight rules, led horses, and brought the armor knocked
me from the saddle of the crusaders, and later I also got for them a
considerable ransom, is among them had a brother Raymond Tripoli.
I remember when I came out of the Sultan's tent, I repeated myself
accidentally this phrase: "was the servant began Agha".
That's how much has changed in my life after the battle of Hattin. As
for the Latin States in the
In for several weeks the Moslems took control of
To fall in the hands of the crusaders remained only in
All this time I traveled with a harem for the Sultan's army. From Iksan
I got a big the wagon and as many servants, how many have I had in the
campaigns, even when I was a Russian Prince. Well, with the duties of the chief
of the harem for me to handle it was not difficult: the experience of the reign
of the Rylsk gift was missing.
And here it was a rainy day for all Christians: Salah-al-DIN took
Before proceed to the siege of the city, the Sultan offered it to the
defenders to surrender on honorable terms, inviting the Christians to freely be
removed from the
A few the attempted attack failed. Then the Sultan commanded to begin to
dig under towers, and cleverly arranged so that excavation works learned defenders
city. Those, and so was in fear and desperation, and when he learned that the
towers them the fortress is about to collapse, decided to surrender. As far as
I know, this the decision was influenced by the outbreak in the city of strife
between the Latins and Orthodox.
Baleen Belinsky came to Salah ad-DIN. The Sultan received him
graciously, but tightened conditions of delivery: Christians, before leaving
the city, had to pay a considerable ransom. I had nowhere to go, the crusaders
agreed.
Already next day from the city pulled the mournful procession of several
dozen thousands of people led by the Patriarch and Queen Sibylla. Dispersed
Christians who where many died along the way, many became the prey of robbers,
and the city Tripoli, for example, generally closed gate in front of them,
accusing that they betrayed the Holy Sepulchre.
Curious what is most fortunate for those who went to
To know if it hurts to look at the end of the
And I decided that it is not necessary. And it was not only and not so
much that I would be ashamed to appear a eunuch in front of his wife Eudoxia.
To cripple, especially the eunuchs, we have in
In any case my future in
Of course, my powerful patron, Salah-al-DIN sooner or later would have
died. But I already he was free, noble and rich man. Could even if you want to
get married – well, at least for such a relationship, what were Guzun with
Malik. To be honest, many young women believe that wealth can easily make up
for the lack of family happiness. Yes, I agree with you that in our time this
happens more and more often, and also see this as a dangerous corruption of manners.
But so is this the sinful world in which rich is good and poor is bad.
But even the poorest of the Sultan's eunuchs, even eunuchs-the slaves
after the death of the Lord is not go to work in the quarries, and pass by
inheritance to the new the Sultan and serve at new harems, and in old age get a
worthy content. The same applies to harem slaves.
Wives and concubines? Yes, in the event of the death of the Sultan it is
worse than we, the eunuchs. All of them, except mothers of princes and
princesses, are obliged to resettle in so-called "old harem", which
is really like a prison. The women there don't use such benefits, during life
of his master, the life around them dies, they useless and not interesting.
However, the conclusion is not life: with age, usually in fifty years, they
have the freedom and right to live in one many of the Sultan's estates outside
the capital. And some even manageto get to the harem of the new Sultan was to
educate the younger generation of concubines.
So me as a noble a rich eunuch and possible death of the Sultan was
worried not more than, for example, during the reign of the Rylsk – death in
I received huge salary, he lived in splendid quarters that had been
occupied by Iksan. The servants had almost more than in Rylsk. My name was so
yeah Al-Battal-Rus Boris Ibn Oleg. However, I usually call short – Battal-yeah.
Taken prisoner by the knights have been redeemed, and I good-bye
graciously returned them, and horses, and armor. However, in a deathbed
confession it is a sin to embellish their dignity. Returned I not generous, but
because knight's horses seemed to me too heavy and slow, and the armor didn't
fit: I was too fat. Yes and not for free, I returned, and for a good ransom.
And yet, when the knights brought them the horses, and they embraced them and
wept, I too was deeply moved: he recalled his faithful and forever lost
Nouradine. I would have paid anymoney to return it. But alas.
The horse I picked and bought himself – Arab, white, something similar
to Nouradine, only larger, but I also since then became much larger. Called the
horse Hattin – in honor of the battle, changed my destiny. To Gattino never
treated like Nuradin, but still, when he sat, the soul was lighter. I went to
the desert the outskirts of
I didn't hear father Nicephorus, whom I should have been afraid when he
went around the town? Robbers? No, not afraid: I took a few men to guard them,
and they humbly followed me in the distance, so as not to disturb my thoughts.
And when our the cavalcade was flowing on the streets of Damascus, in front
rode one of my assistants, eunuchs, shrilly demanded to disperse and give way,
and passers-by bowed – I confess that I flattered his pride, what also needs to
repent. After all in the East, by rulers and their entourage quite a different
attitude than in Russia.Me in Rylsk, where I was the absolute arbiter of the
destinies, so bowed, as in Damascus.
The chief eunuch of the Sultan's harem Abdelkarim was an old man, much
older than Salah-al-DIN, and were good to me not even fathers and grandfathers.
He treated me very well and is also valued my military valor. Gradually he
ceased to meddle in my business and me completely trust, I am often helped him
in all his Affairs.
Guzun first looked at me askance, because I was indirectly responsible
for the death of her beloved Malika, but then got the same strange relationship
with another an Indian eunuch and calmed down. In the end, I was also grateful
for salvation at Hattin. So the "crown covered with burqa," I did not
harm, on the contrary, often recalled that she used to have a servant himself,
Battal Aga, and now that's how he moved, well done.
Of course, the life of the chief of the harem was not a total holiday.
For example, on the debt service had to be punished, tortured, even executed.
No, I didn't do it himself, but the executioner of the harem was at my
disposal. And I confess, I even experienced a strange excitement, looking at
the suffering of poor women, especially in boiling water or Cola, or much
thieving slaves by order Guzun did "man-pig": his eyes gouged out,
tongue cut out, hands chopped off the elbow, legs at the knees and left for
dead in the barn.
Another excitement – just from the contemplation of female beauty – I've
not experienced. Perhaps, castration was given itself felt more and more.
Whenever I look at a beautiful woman, I recalled his injury, and I felt hurt at
heart. What here love the excitement! Yes, father Nicephorus, thanks, I
remembered the words of our Lord Jesus Christ about eunuchs. As there:
"There are eunuchs who from the womb of obscene born so, and there are
eunuchs who were made eunuchs of men and there are eunuchs who made themselves
eunuchs for the
Yes, if I remembered true love, I must confess, I kind of love ruined.
It was during the siege of
You're not tired, dad Nicephorus? Get some rest, you're just a model of
Christian patience, I never even thought that I at the end of life will be sent
by the Lord so nice the Confessor. And I'm also a little take rest, drink
water, gather his thoughts.
Part IV,
recorded Peter, a monk of the Abbey of St. Catherine in
What is was year? The beginning of the so-called Third crusade? Yeah,
ninety seventh (1189 – approx. transl.). In
Commanded crusaders still the same guy de Lusignan, whom the Sultan
after the capture when Hattin released for a large ransom. Ki was able to cut
the acre from coast. But the approaching army of Salah ad-DIN, in turn,
surrounded the besiegers. And so it happened that Christians and Muslims formed
around the Acres the two rings.
A big battle occurred only in the beginning of the siege, then the only
opponents stood opposite other, trying to beat into submission. However, the
battle was also more like attrition: all the shelves several times on each
other, attacked, retreated, returned, and in the end remained in their places.
Of the approximately fifteen thousand Christians and twenty thousand
Mohammedans who participated in the battle, killed thousands of four. The most
serious losses suffered by the Templars, first attacked the enemy. Even killed
their Grand master, Gerard de Ridefor – the same which were captured when
Hattin and then was redeemed.
In that battle the Mohammedans captured a few dozen knights, and in
anticipation of redemption, put them in the train. These knights were given
relative freedom, they only it was forbidden to marry outside ring of a guard
at the camp. Marching a harem the Sultan, as usual, was in camp.
Salah ad-DIN often left the army and went to
Why am I not took an assistant of someone from the Russian? Yes, was in
the harem and some Russian eunuchs: they are all the same as me, at different
times captured nomads. But first, I didn't want to cause the unwanted harem
rumors that I promote countrymen: at me and so many looked askance as a young
upstart. Secondly, I'm not eager to chat with Russian: all of them was in
origin and status in the harem, far below me, and too much has cut to the heart
memories of home.
And once I came down with the Sultan and his followers from
All the guards was in place, everyone was awake. Outwardly, everything
was normal. Then I decided go inside the harem, among the tents of the women.
And suddenly, in the silence of the night heard the thin cloth of one of the
tents for men and women whisper. It was a tent Nina the youngest of
"happy" that the Sultan took with him to the campaign.
I stopped and began to listen. They spoke in Latin: Nina was from a
noble Georgian family, and before it was captured by Turks and sold to the
harem received good education and knew a bit of the language.
God, what the words spoke to her man! I did not think that it is
possible to declare his love. I after all, before the castration was the case
with street girls or shy and quiet wife Eudoxia, or captives. Any of them no
talking about love not required, you can immediately proceed to the well-known
case.
Here everything it was not so. I even remember some of the words of
knight: he was preparing for its cute a new life, in which countless kisses, it
is forever forget the grief and sadness it will be for her a passionate
prophet, they will look into each other's eyes and singing about love, and time
will stop, so as not dare to stop their embrace. I can't tell you it had to
hear.
She told him reciprocated. Interspersing the Latin, Arabic and Georgian
words, whispered that Salah ad-DIN – a soulless tyrant, thinking only about the
war, it divides it with dozens of other women who have never heard words of
love, and dared not even to dream that to her, like in novels, comes a knight,
although without the white horse.
He she said he at the family estate of a herd of horses, many of them,
and and white, and they will ride them almost every day.
And they we agreed to run the next night. He already knew how to get
past security harem and camps, how to get into the army of Christians, and
where he was going with cute heart Nina to get on a ship and sent to his native
I could to save these sweethearts. Of course, if they fled then, when I
was in marching a harem, then I would be punished by the Sultan. However, this
punishment is unlikely it would be very strict: for example, if the deceased
Iksan concubine once fled of the harem with a young warrior, and the security
chief escaped a month in prison on the bread and water that even went in his
favor, as he could barely walk from obesity. But I could generally avoid
punishment: it was enough in the morning under some pretext to go to
At first I and wanted to do. "Whoever saves one person, saves the
world": childhood heard it before, but forgot where it came from. I do not
remember, father Nicephorus? Yes, exactly some Jewish sacred books. And because
I was able to save and to make happy not one person, but two!
But overpowered – what do you think? The sense of duty of the chief of
the harem guard? Feeling thanks to put me in my place of Salah ad-DIN? No,
nothing like that. If it was, to me and to repent would not be worth that I
have given these unfortunates. No, overpowered the feeling of envy to the
knight who had all the shameful part on the place was truly love, in any case,
left to go home after receiving ransom, and then was going to run even without
ransom, and with handsome young a Georgian.
And I made the act, which is still a bitter regret: called security. In
a minute my the eunuchs dragged the lovers out of the tent. Apparently knight
didn't want to touch Nina to escape and wedding and they were not naked. But
her face was open, and East, if a married woman showed the face of the other
man, it is considered the same adultery, as if she was with him, has sinned.
The more "happy" concubine of the Sultan.
By dawn I already learned, no torture required. Nina was bored in his
tent, and one day she decided that wearing the veil one of his slaves to walk
around the camp to go to the water source. Guard of the harem missed it, as
thought dress that it is a slave. And she met this prisoner knight: he is also
walking through the camp. He spoke to her, and since he was young, tall, slim
and beautiful, liked. Actually not expected the man to start talking strange
woman, but he helped her carry the water, and with it,the Sultan's soldiers did
not have the suspicion may be that the noble prisoner was so punished to help
the slaves. So they Nina met. She showed him where her tent, and he overnight
snuck in there past the harem guards. The same happened the next night, and the
next. That last night I caught them.
In the morning I went into the tent to Salah ad-DIN and told me. He took
everything calmly – at least externally. Thanked me for my vigilance and did
not Express any claims, as on those nights when the knight began to visit the
tent of Nina, I was in
Nina fell to the Sultan in the legs and begged to let her go with her
lover, promising forever bless mercy master. Hugo also bowed, though not at his
feet, and with dignity, and said, that as his Majesty has hundreds of
concubines, and he asks to give him one of them not to destroy love, sacred to
any true knight. After all, the rumor about chivalry of Saladin goes around the
world of God.
The Sultan listened in silence, then he asked for a good Latin if Hugh
de of Antenli to live with Nina, yet death will not separate them: such
questions are usually asked by the priests at the wedding. Hugo confirmed. Then
Salah ad-DIN said let it be, blood is not shed, he gives Nina the knight Hugo,
and they will be together until death do will separate them.
Those brightened and their smiles I will never forget. In the novels
usually ends with the Prince imbued with respect to the high and pure love,
forgives and releases the lovers, they marry and live happily ever after. And
chivalrous appearance of Salah al-DIN, sung Mohammedan, and Christian novelists
quite let it go.
But novels are one thing, but life – is quite another. When the lovers
are warmly thanked Sultan and out of tent, tenderly holding each other's hands,
the Lord told me that I should know what they do to adulterous women. I asked
whether understand this same fate and the knight of Hugo. Salah-ad-DIN replied,
"You heard what they should be together until death. But I promised not to
shed blood."
And unfaithful wives and concubines the harem was usually waiting for
such a fate: to be either impaled or alive buried in the ground. Because the
Sultan commanded not to shed blood, I ordered to dig a deep hole. Hugo and
Nina, who had not managed to go far from the Sultan's tent, grabbed, tied up,
put in the pit and buried. When they realized that waiting for them, met their
fate with dignity. Lying on the bottom of the pit, they asked to untie their
hands, embraced, and stony Palestinian land, which they fell asleep, never
stirred.
I beg you, father Nicephorus, as a servant of the Lord, to forgive this
sin to me, a miserable angry the apostate.
And the war, meanwhile, went on as course. Two years later, the
crusaders brought new reinforcements headed the English king Richard, nicknamed
the Lion Heart, and the AKP still fell: Salah-ad-DIN, fearing encirclement,
retreated. Four troops of half-rings each around the other – the defenders of
Acre, guy de Lusignan, the Sultan, and even Richard, that was would be too
much, such military science is not yet known.
Richard Lionheart did not go to
It was in the summer, and Richard, remembering the lesson of the battle
of Hattin, he understood that his army more all will suffer from heat and
thirst. So moved it slowly, only in the morning hours, making frequent stops
near the sources. A strong Navy the crusaders followed in the same direction,
playing the role of a troop convoy.
Have you ever been to The Holy Land, father Nicephorus? No chance? Well,
then, maybe you will it is interesting to know that Palestine is not all
desert, between Work and Ascalon are marshy forests, which, although quite
similar to local, but still provide cover for the troops. (The idea of these
woods gives reserve "Haberski forest" in
Then the Sultan decided to give a great battle. It happened in September
near the old fortress Arsuf, near
Sultan prudent told me to stay with the harem in the woods. I sat on my
white horse Hattin have both the wagon and watched from afar the battle.
Richard The Lionheart stood on the defensive, and it was the most
sensible decision on his part, as Salah ad-DIN could not go to him in the rear
and surround: prevented sea. All new and the new Sultan's regiments, like the
waves rolled heavily in the build knights, but then retreated, suffering heavy
losses.
Then Salah ad-DIN used a favorite Oriental method – feigned retreat. It
helped: the monastic orders of knights rushed forward, followed by the other
crusaders. The Sultan immediately deployed troops, and the battle turned into a
counter. Success he not brought any of the parties, and Salah-ad-DIN, finally
realizing that Richard him not to break it, ordered blow retreat. The shelves
turned and went into the forest.
Forces in pursuit from the Latins were gone. But we can assume that the
victory was for them. Their loss was only about a thousand people vs several
thousand of our, Yes, exactly, I was in the army of the Sultan. The legend
about the invincibility of Salah ad-DIN was dispelled, moreover, it has since
hesitated to impose Richard the decisive battle.
I for the whole of the battle of Arsuf gave none of the women and
eunuchs to go with carts and camels, and thus was able to quickly deploy a
harem and leave behind Salah ad-DIN. At that moment I noticed one of the
"happy". Horses, harnessed to her carriage, stubborn, and the driver
saw the approaching army the crusaders were confused. Then she leaned out from
under the canopy, pushed the driver of the wagon, bade him take the horses by
the bridle, and she grabbed the reins. Together they quickly apply their horses
and followed by all. I hadn'tknew who she was: all women were in burqas, the
wagon was also similar, and once I was interested in. Just said to myself that
it is well done.
In the same September Richard the Lionheart took surrendered without
resistance
The winter passed. In the summer seven hundredth year (1192 – approx.
transl.) Richard was forced to return to the coast, as Salah ad-DIN began to
reconquer the coastal town. The king tried to prevent him, captured Askalon,
lifted the siege
So the war was over. Richard was soon forced to sail back to
And then appeared in my life the woman. Yes, the German Mathilde von
Ammendorf. In the Imperial harem, she got back in the ninety-eighth (1190 –
approx. transl.), and how I accidentally found out this was the same
"happy" which is so a good rule of horses, when we were retreating
after the battle of Arsuf.
But without the veil I saw her only at the beginning of the first seven
hundred (in the autumn of 1192 approx. transl.), when we all peacefully lived
in the
Yes, father Nicephorus, of course, inside the harem women could walk in
any form, and without the veil, and with bare head. From us, the eunuchs, they
do not concealed, we often could see many of them naked even when they swam in
the large pool, and then didn't take the trouble to get dressed to walk to his
chambers.
The second time I drew attention to Matilda, when concubines, a quarrel
broke out. Due what these women had an argument, I do not remember, but that
didn't matter: in the harem of such a quarrel constantly arose because of a
trifle. It was in a big hall where going probably women ten to fifteen. I
walked through the security posts, and suddenly I heard the screams from the
audience. Ran there. Two concubines grabbed each other in hair, a few women
beat them and each other. The rest clung to the walls.
I fear punishment demanded to stop the fight, but everyone was screaming
so loud that I was one not heard. Then Matilda stood at the wall and looked at
all of this mess, I grabbed a big tub with water and poured over the fighters.
I have to say, the bucket was heavy, not every man could easily raise it and so
far out.
Having a cold shower, women scattered in the corners, hissing like cats.
Matilda came to me, bowed and said, "My Lord, now things will settle down
and not need to punish anyone". Indeed, the women calmed down and a few
minutes have already discussed a completely different subject.
I noticed she turned to me "my Lord", "happy" so I
rarely called mainly – "Battal Aga", or simply "eunuch". I
must admit, this the treatment of the Germans flattered me.
And then this the woman more than once, as if by chance met me in the
hallway, bowed and said: "Hello, my Lord." Until very recently, I
didn't realize it immediately, as they say, has his eye on me, as the security
chief of the harem is perfectly suited for the execution of its plans.
And then there was a story with diamond Guzun. It was a huge stone that
"crown covered with burqa" liked to wear on his forehead, although he
has finally eclipsed her gray appearance. And now he was gone. The day I
interviewed two other wives, slaves, concubines, and eunuchs, but no one knew
anything and didn't see who snuck in to the room of the "crown". Was
going to question further, though, and realized that it was useless.
And then to me Matilda came in and said that on the day of the
disappearance of a diamond saw in my the room went and then came a woman in a
red veil with white fringe. I remembered that this veil was only Zainab, one of
the concubines, who were once "happy", but then the Sultan to it
cooled. Then Matilda warned me that I need to look for the diamond in their
chambers, and Zeinab allegedly said that something evil keeps on Battal-AGU,
and maybe she gave me this diamond to him I found and thought it I stole.
I went through room and found under his bed diamond "crown".
And remember that Zainab was a reason to be mad at me: a year ago she told me
some rude, I complained Guzun, and she commanded to beat her with sticks on the
soles of his feet. No, father Nicephorus, I had no right to appoint Zainab
punishment: along with the "main the gatekeeper of the doors of
happiness" by Abdelkarim I had the right to punish slaves and eunuchs
Sultan's wives – a common concubines and the wives and happy – only yourself
Sultan.
Then I don't thought that Zainab could not wait two days to tell Guzun,
I stole the diamond, and to destroy me. I immediately called the guard and
asked, came to me in my absence, a woman in a red veil with white fringe. One
of the guards saw what came. And I decided that Matilda told the truth.
The diamond was returned Guzun. Zainab was tortured, she first denied
everything, but when it became massage into the delicate feminine places a
solution of hot pepper – the same that used in my castration, – she confessed.
She was executed – however, not very fiercely. Tied up, put on the neck with a
wet leather belt and put it in the sun. Strap dried, tightened and strangled
the unfortunate.
A lot decades, I was sure that Matilda really saved me then. And just
yesterday I realized that Zainab was innocent, that the wily intriguer have to
wear the same veil as Zainab, or slowly her this the veil was borrowed and
handed me the diamond, then to get to my confidence with the loss of innocent
souls. Don't know, father Nicephorus, I am Lee sin the deaths of Zainab, or a
full on Matilda? Or is it generally not considered a sin, because the deceased
was not a Christian? Yes, you're right, not worth it now to go into difficult
theological questions.
Anyway, that moment began a friendship with Matilda. She often visited
me, we drank coffee and talked. This friendship was normal for many of the
eunuchs and concubines and anybody did not raise suspicions, since all the
eunuchs in the Sultan's harem was fully castrated. I was told it's called
"sandals", unlike "filibe". All wore turbans of the same
tube as me. Some of these the tube was even gold, with patterns. I too would
get to make himself a the gold tube instead of silver, but it was frustrating
once again this to think.
I soon then seemed to know all about Matilda. She was born and lived in
But a short road – not always the safest. The mournful procession
stretched for many miles, guard almost there was no, and there was a prowling
band of robbers, and at every opportunity the fact they snatched away their
belongings, then took them into the wilderness. Dragged and Matilda mother.
Mother Matilda long raped in front of daughter and lustful villains were
so many that the poor Baroness von Immendorf broke and gave to God a soul.
Remember I sympathized with such misery, firmly believed in all these stories,
and listened to open-mouthed, as a twelve year old Matilda also wanted to rape
her, but the leader the robbers said that since she is young, beautiful and
virginal, the better profitable to sell her to the harem.
So she was in
Sixteen years – not earlier, in the harems were much younger, but Salah
ad-DIN was a penchant for smart and educated women. He even had long
conversations with his wives and concubines, devoted them – of course, in the
most General terms – in the Affairs of state, and told them stories. We, the
eunuchs, even joked, what is the ideal Sultan was Tawaddud of the famous Arabian
tale (now this the tale is included in "1000 nights" – approx.
transl.). There the Caliph asked a great a concubine named Tawaddud, what
science she knew, and she replied, "sir, I know grammar, poetry, laws,
interpretation of the Qur'an, are familiar with the music, and account and
division, and surveying business, and history. I know the great Quran and read
it according to the seven, ten or fourteen readings, and know the number of his
sur and poetry and its parts, and the number drops down. I know the number of
letters in the Qur'an, and the Meccan verses and
I seem to have become ramble. Why do I remember this? Where is this
coming from? I have not read or not listening to these stories for many
decades. That not only POPs up in memory before death! And even, you see, I
gave words Tawaddud in Russian, although in fact, these tales in Arabic.
Matilda was deserve to be talked about as "Tawaddud Sultan Salah
ad-DIN". It knew Arabic, the language we in
This woman first called me "my Lord", but then I offered to my
name, and she liked the name "Joe" that I, again, was a pleasure. And
when I told her explained that the Russian title of Prince roughly corresponds
to the German Dukes or the electors, she called me "the Duke Svyatoslav",
pronouncing the name softly and gently "Swiatoslaw". However, she
never tried to flirt with me, and the more to seduce: I understand that this
only infuriated me, like many other eunuchs. Some, however, things liked, and
sooner or later theyengage in some kind of perverse relations with women of the
harem, as once Malik with Guzun.
I was it's nice that Matilda has always been smooth, helpful, calm.
She's got nothing asked for, never used our friendship to gain her the
influence of the harem or some other things.
And I became her to trust, and soon paid for that trust, my position is
senior eunuch of the Sultan's harem suddenly changed to the position of the
fugitive and exile. Life had to start again almost anew. I have to tell you,
father Nicephorus, as it were.
I think you know that Sultan Salah ad-DIN was guarded very carefully,
especially in the harem, where he was relaxed and not thinking about
protection. Around the harem were two rings of protection – internal,
consisting of eunuchs, and external – the Sultan's guard. Inside harem armed
eunuchs stood to each corridor. About the fact that all the dishes served the
Lord, repeatedly auditioned, and I do not say auditioned in General, all food
entering the harem, even if it had there is no Sultan, and slave women.
Large caution was taken and at the entrance "happy" in the
bedroom of the Sultan. The chosen female had the right to enter to Salah ad-DIN
himself or "main the gatekeeper of the doors of happiness"
Abdelkarim, or I, and only in rare cases when we were both away, it was allowed
to do Ahmad.
Our duty was at the entrance to the bedroom to search "happy",
if she had of a weapon or vial of poison. Women are not even allowed to enter
the Sultan with hairpins in her hair, because these studs could put out eyes, and
kill, sticking in the ear. If we the woman's behavior seemed suspicious, we
could even to demand that she strip naked, and explore it fully, including the
most hidden places. Were so "happy" that so did not cause we trust
that we immediately asked them to undress, lie down and pushfeet. These
measures were justified because we had a case where years a hundred ago, the
concubine of the Emir of Baghdad was placed inside a shoemaker's awl tip out.
The Emir, engaging with her in intimacy, was wounded in the most vulnerable and
sensitive spot, from the terrible pain became defenseless, and she thrust the
same awl his heart. And then she had to Zabolotna, while the guards, aroused
the cries of the Emir, was running.
You surprised, father Nicephorus, why am I so easily tell these
unsightly details? Of course, the sin is mine, but I had to know all this and
consider this was my job. Where the gospel says: "Every worker is worthy
of his wages"? Yes, St. Luke. Work in the harem were, of course, so-so, but
the rewards after all, no I did not get, in addition to life of the humiliated
exile.
That night as I remember, in early March, seven hundred and one (1193 –
approx. transl.) Salah-ad-DIN came to the harem and wished to spend the night
with German Mathilde. I brought her to the Sultan's bedchamber. Search it, the
more stripped naked, not was uncomfortable it was to Express disbelief after
the friendly conversations we had. Besides, she was already considered last
checked: Sultan invited her quite often, just before it turned out that she was
brought to him that Abdelkarim, Ahmad.
By entering Matilda to Salah ad-DIN, I retired to the neighbouring
bedchamber, the room where spent the night, if the Sultan was in the harem: in
such cases, my duty was to be close to the Lord. Near the door of the bedroom
left guard.
Soon my walked Matilda. I was surprised: this has never happened. Why
Sultan it immediately released? Why the guard didn't tell me about it? But it
is so calmly asked him to listen to her and think well before something to do
that I sat down and began to listen.
She told me that mortally hated Salah al-DIN ever since, when he caused
the deaths of her parents: father – at the battle of Hattin, the mother –
during the Exodus from
"And here godless Mohammedan finally got what he deserved: I
stabbed him like black sheep. Revenge not only for himself, but for outraged
the Holy Cross, and for many thousands of Christians affected by this monster.
Including for you, Duke Svyatoslav, godless harem eunuchs for the sake of
entertainment. And if you call the guard and turn me in, then we'll execute it
together: you're me missed in the Sultan's bedroom with a dagger, and not with
someone else's, and with yours: remember you had a dagger with a Golden snake
on the arm? Here he was, stained with the blood ofvillain. So come along with
me to the shooting range, where my uncle lived, and we shall be saved. You a
good Christian, what God had cursed Islam converts were, like me, against will,
so why would you sacrifice your life for a sent to hell wrong?" – so told
me Matilda.
Indeed, I remembered that I was a small dagger from its rich gun
collection, to which I was entitled as the security chief of the harem. Me
enraged that a German stole it from me, but on the other hand, I feel obligated
to this woman after the story of Zainab. No particular attachment to godless
Salah ad-DIN, especially to his harem, I have not experienced: Sultan me
although elevated, but this elevation was still to do with my terrible injury,
which I did not forget even for a minute. So, I confess, in my heart I evenit
was great to hear about the death of the Sultan. And most importantly – to go I
really I had no choice. So I said Yes. It is a sin or not – I don't know. Yes,
let this is judged by the Lord.
I looked at the Sultan's bedroom. I'm a warrior, and what he saw there
though is etched in my memory, but I confess, special thrill in me did not
cause, although the sight was very unsightly. Everything was spattered with
blood, like a slaughterhouse, and in the middle lay the body of Salah ad-DIN
unnaturally upturned head: Matilda slit his throat, contriving itself to avoid
stepping in the blood. When I then asked why she just didn't hit the Sultan
with a dagger in the heart, she explained when this strike happens, that person
is still some time remains alive. Itis the Sultan could scream and call security.
And when you cut the throat it could only to wheeze, choking on his own blood
and listening to the last curse the Germans.
Nearby face down lay the guard: Matilda after the murder of the Sultan
looked out into the corridor, called him up, stabbed and dragged inside the
bedroom. In the morning had to change the guard, the disappearance of a
security guard would show up, and soon would we know about the murder of Salah
ad-DIN. Perhaps, earlier dawn. But two hours three we had.
We went to my chambers. The guards, as expected, stood in all the
corridors, but no one I have nothing dared to ask, all just bowed: you never
know where it leads the security chief of one of the concubines? On the way we
stopped by her, and she took with two burqa – a simple, low-key colors without
any decorations. And a long rope, woven from scraps of curtains. It turns out
that all she have prepared in advance.
She said already devised a plan of escape, and nothing more is not
necessary to take, only asked I grab all the gold and diamonds that I have. I
must say, the purse we have very weighty. No weapons except the dagger with a a
gold snake, we did not take.
I explained German, that in the harem we will go anywhere, but stand
outside the Sultan's posts guard, and leave us not succeed. But she said that
we need to get on the back the yard, and there we're gonna go under the Palace
wall. I said that the towers are the soldiers, and all the walls are, we'll
notice. But it turns out, and here already thought of it.
We went to back yard, she took off her clothes, not to interfere, took
in the teeth of the dagger tied around his waist the rope and climbed not on
the wall, and directly into the tower, where he stood guard. I could not
imagine that it is possible to climb up high a steep wall, clinging to almost
invisible joints in the masonry. Even in the dark sky shined only a thin month.
And still she climbed. Then on top of to me fell the rope by which I climbed to
the top. I must say, for my of obesity this was given to me, especially since I
was loaded down with clothesand the Treasury. Somewhere in the middle I felt
that to continue to climb can't. It understood and began to pull the rope. And
where did this fragile young woman turned out to be so hard? She pulled me to
the tower as big fish out of water!
At the top of the tower lay the murdered security guard. With other
towers did not notice anything, everything was quiet. It he throws the rope to
the other side, and I went down on a dark desert the street behind the Sultan's
Palace. For me she descended. To my surprised the question is, where did she
learn to climb, she didn't answer.
We put the burqa and walked away from the Palace. It turned out that
Matilda knows
On the streets people began to appear. She approached the stranger and
told him that we a pilgrim from
And Matilda, and I realized though after the death of Salah ad-DIN and a
normal start for the Eastern despotism strife among the heirs, but the Grand
vizier, and the chief the Sultan's guard, and old but clever the chief eunuch
of the harem Abdelkarim throw all forces to find the killers. And the heirs
will surely be United in the desire to avenge the death of the Sultan.
Therefore, we do not surprised that already in the morning at all city
gates were double guards, among which were women. Why women? In order to look
under the burqa anyone who wants to leave
The guards at the city the walls have also reinforced the guards now
stood at two, and Matilda could not to arrange a flight from
The following day the heralds announced the death of Salah ad-DIN is
supposedly from a fever. Colorful painted the details of his death, told how
the Sultan slowly went out, said goodbye to the dignitaries, with their wives,
gave final instructions children. With Matilda we would laugh, hearing these
stories are fictional some court poets, but it was no laughing matter: greater
protection from city gates and walls remained.
We had to figure out how to get out of
A few days I went to the mosque and said that I lost a friend. Of
course, come under a view of women. My voice after castration became shrill,
body shape it is quite feminine. So even the most attentive Mullah would not
know me a man under the burqa.
I hired a funeral procession, a well paid to the dead are not simply
buried in the ground, and put in the cell – tomb in the cave, the entrance to
which is pushed a great stone. Something like a crypt. From the mosque brought
tobut – stretchers with sliding cover. Portraying inconsolable friend, I'll put
her in a burial shroud and put it in tobut to no one when you tap it didn't
feel the heat body and breath of life.
Tobut with crying made outside of the city – in a large cemetery. The
guards at the gate did not to see a funeral procession.
Put tobut, as expected, head in the direction of the Kaaba, the main
Shrine of the Mohammedans. I lowered his imaginary dead in the tomb, women in
the funeral procession held over her the veil that the men did not look at her
shroud. Everyone threw in a handful of the crypt of the earth with the words:
"we All belong to Allah and return to him." Mullah said a prayer,
then the entrance to the crypt slid shut with a rock. All gone, I'm the only
one under the guise of a grieving friend left to read so-called "talkin
lies" – words, which, as infidels, Mohammedans, should facilitate the dead
questioning by angels in Munkara and nakira.
The evening the cemetery was deserted. I rolled back the stone, Matilda
got out. I was afraid she hadn't suffocated, but, thank God, nothing happened.
The stone we returned to place.
I have in the morning going to the funeral, wearing one veil over the
other, then one to take off his German: in the same burial shroud she had to
go. The Treasury was also in front of me.
Matilda somehow knew where in the
About the way we had a violent altercation. We had to go to the shooting
range, where lived her uncle – knight of the
My companion offered to go through the mountains. This path was
difficult and dangerous in itself, but we just do not catch the Sultan's
guards. I thought that it was better to risk and to go along the mountains to
the coast, and if we go by night we might be able to slip past the patrols and
guard posts.
Matilda objected to this way. The fact that South of the mountain chain
in the deep the basin is the sea of Galilee, between him and the mountains the
distance is small, only twenty miles, and this narrow gap guards for sure
especially alert. This woman offered, if it's hard for me to go through the
mountains, go bypassing the sea of Galilee from the South. But I refused, as
this lengthened the path, moreover, would have had to cross the
So I insisted on a direct path to the beach through the passage between
the sea of Galilee, and off. And very soon regretted it. The fact that infidels
have guessed that we would sneak at night and sent to a narrow dvadtsatiletnej
period of not only day, but night patrols. And the nights were, as luck would
have it, the moon.
And that's when left in the bright light of the moon flashed silver
surface of
What is it was the guards, not bandits, we immediately understood what
they gave chase directly, and began to cut us from the mountains: so guessed
who we are and where we are heading. We had two choices: either to rush back to
The German threw my shoulder, which now because of my stupidity the only
hope for a miracle, and that she listened to me for the last time in life. And
drove his camel to the South down to the water. I'm for it.
In General speaking, the horse on short distances much faster the camel.
But cool the slopes around the sea of Galilee the soil is rough and rocky, lots
of scree, bushes everywhere are large boulders, and because of this the
pursuers were approaching slowly. But he just kept coming. Even arrows began to
whistle around, but for target shooting, especially at full gallop, still, it
was too far.
Our the camels managed not to break his legs on the slopes, we safely
descended to The sea of Galilee, and Matilda drove his camel into the water. I
followed it though and realized that our inevitable death: to the other shore,
which was owned by the crusaders, was more than ten miles. None of the camel
sailed that much and the skilled swimmer is too much, the more so in this time
of year the water was still cool. I swam bad, is it some time could stay on the
water. Bathed once with their peersin the
I even I thought that the German decided to commit suicide: after all,
it was an easier death than any of the ones that were waiting for us in the
case return to
Camel swims very strangely: he lies down in the water to one side and
rowing legs like on the side, obliquely pulling the neck. I was floating
around, holding on to the saddle. The burqa and I, and Matilda threw another on
the shore, not to interfere. Already in the water, I was forced to get rid from
the purse with the Treasury: he was too heavy and pulled me down.
The pursuers stopped on the shore and even arrows are no longer allowed,
as we understand that far we'll sail and either go back, or drown.
But it turns out Matilda, when we raced down the slopes, spotted in the
middle The sea of Galilee a few fishing boats, it was a night fishing, and
fishermen quietly dozing over their networks. We sailed these boats.
Camels already I was tired, and fishermen was still far away. Then the
German said that once animals will start to struggle, then turned back, and we
won't get them to keep: they are not horses and will not go forward until the
last breath, in obedience the will of the rider. So she told me to let go of the
neck of the camel as soon as he turn, and as long as possible to stay on the
water itself. Otherwise the animal will carry off me back, into the hands of
enemies.
It pushed from his camel and with powerful strokes swam forward, keeping
in the teeth of the dagger. Soon, in the light of the moon I saw its silhouette
of the boat, and then the boat moved quickly towards me.
My camel to that time turned back, and I have great difficulty to be
holding his own by himself. Already choked, when the German grabbed me by the
hair and dragged into the boat, which nobody else had: I didn't ask what
happened to the fisherman, and so was clear. Only told Matilda that drowned all
our Treasury. She angrily said that I had to obey her, and ride through the
mountains, and then the money was would a whole. I had nothing to say in my
defense, I felt terrible guilty, and now I understand that from that moment
began my fall: moreI'm in a relationship with the woman is never able to insist
on.
We sent the boat to the Western shore of the sea of Galilee, the city
Tiberias. There we were inaccessible to persecutors: Tiveriada belonged to the
crusaders.
And here we approached to the pier. Both were almost naked, but she
threw on some a rag was found in the boat, imperious voice called over the
guard and said something French. This I do not know the language, but in common
with the Latin words realized that she asked him to call someone from the
Templars. After some time sleepy knight. She does for him said something, he
was astonished, bowed and gave team protection. Soon they brought us clothes,
well-fed, summed up the horses, allocated a guide, someone from the Junior
ranks of the order, and we went to the shooting range.On the way Matilda was
talking with escort in German, and I do not understand word.
In between I asked her why we receive such honor. She explained that her
uncle Joachim von der Hirsch takes in the order of the
Arriving at the shooting range we entered the rich house on the block of
the Templars. Baron von der Hirsch, slim knight middle-aged, happily hugged
her, and they about something talked, then she introduced me as a "Russian
Duke Svyatoslav", the German friendly, but dry greeted me, and he called
the servants and told them to provide me a room.
In that room I spent two weeks. Nothing needed, I was put in charge of
two servants, but they not only served me, but guarding me in all my attempts
at least go outside and walk around the city I politely said Baron von der
Hirsch has forbidden to do it, as I can detect Muslim infiltrators. Matilda,
too, for all this time never to me not came.
Finally she appeared. Calmly listened to my accusations about prison in
the house of the von der Hirsch. He explained that he went with his uncle to
the commander of the Palestinian brotherhood of the knights Templar, and he
said that after the informant at the courtyard of the Sultan it is already
known that all the sons of Salah ad-DIN, despite the announcement of the death
Sultan from fever, swore revenge on the murderers of his father and hired to
hunt for us assassins. Have you heard about the assassins, father Nicephorus?
Yes, those infidels which is somewhere in the
And commander invited us with her to go to
I said that I am ashamed to go back to Ryl'sk eunuch, and expressed
their long-standing concerns that castrated Prince in Rus ' would be equivalent
to blinded.
Matilda said that in Rylsk to go back and do not, we will go under the
guise of merchants in Suzdal land, where reign of Vsevolod Georgievich, named
Big Jack because of the many children. I had to pretend that I am a merchant
from Tmutarakan: this was once a Russian town ceased to belong to
She said I will have to change my name as Svyatoslav and Boris – Prince
the names, and she knows that in
I questioned, I can tell you about Tmutarakan in the case that me in
Matilda said one of the servants of her uncle – a native of Tmutarakan,
and he told us all about it city tell in detail.
Another one of my the question was, what if Matilda will pretend to be
my niece, why doesn't she know Russian language? But it turns out to be
provided: was going to pretend to be the daughter of my eldest sister, who
married a German. And I had had constantly to deal with the Russian.
Remember, I surprised that she has already managed to learn and think.
And asked where we take the money for the trip. It turned out that the money
she gave von der Hirsch, and she already bought a product, to drive to Suzdal.
A ship loaded Indian spices and fabrics. My surprise increased – not every
uncle will give niece so much money, but I said nothing. In the end, it was not
my business.
I told her that all the time spent in the house of her uncle, pondered
his future and would like to go to monastery. And in the Latin countries, and
As you can see, father Nicephorus, I never went to the monastery.
Sincerely repent of it, and not just because I could want to do, but did not do
God's work. God, making me monasticism would have been better for me and for my
country. Without my help Matilda would not have done so much harm. I probably
would have found another assistant. But at least I would die with a clean
conscience.
However, how could I not agree with the suggestion of Matilda, being in
a strange city to me Dash, without money on the prisoner in the house of the
Templar von der Hirsch? The second time, after the assassination of Salah
al-DIN, she had to refuse, I could not. Already then I got dependent on that
woman. But did not know that this dependency every year is harder and harder.
Matilda was dressed as a widow – all black, without ornaments. By the
way, the rest of his life and went. I was surprised told her that she still
maybe get married, give birth to children, why to wear eternal mourning, and to
whom? Wrong Sultan, whom she was even not the wife, but a concubine, one of
five hundred? And she deservedly so sent to hell? But the German said that I
don't tempt her maiden soul was rudely trampled by the godless Mohammedan, and
she is now forever taken a vow of celibacy. I remember being very serious about
it through false words, imbued withher with pity, and then endured a lot and
forgave because of this eternal widow clothing.
However, I must say, that this dress was her pretty face, though I, a
poor eunuch, and tried not to think that women had to face, no. But still
sometimes about it thought, I confess.
The servants of Baron von der Hirsch brought me merchant's clothing. One
of them told me about Tmutarakan. It turned out, this reminds of Sarkel, that
is, a likeness a huge shopping of the camp, consisting of old buildings, built
in of the rule of the Russian princes, and many nomadic Yurt. Well, of course,
and auction and slave market and artisan workshops, and a large harbour –
everything as it should be. He explained to me and from what urban area I
alleged happen, who were my neighbors, my family background, how were my
childhoodand youth, and so on. In a word, created for me the whole story. I
remember I even was surprised that the servant is so clever and sensible.
However, the senior knight of the Temple von der Hirsch servants were also the
knights Templar, just more low rank.
The servant called my new name: Falaley Karpovich. Why is this? Because
he lived in Tmutarakan Russian merchant named Carp, however, he had many
children, all of them sooner he left his hometown and it was handy to call one
of them.
By the way, then this German woman has stopped calling me as much as I
liked the Duke Svyatoslav. Always called Thalaleas, even in private. Ostensibly
in order to accident not to mention not to mix with outsiders. But in fact it
is there was another step of my fall, even in the eyes of the woman I am from
the Duke became a merchant.
And so in April we sailed from tyre with a large merchant caravan. The
whole ship was loaded with goods Matilda, that is, as if she. Captain (in the
original Latin – "the main master"; here and hereinafter will use the
word "captain" – approx. transl.), an elderly Venetian, thought I was
mostly all the time bow to me. Matilda, I think, quietly laughed, looking at
it.
Looking Palestinian receding shore, I remembered
Read more to tell you the heirs of Salah ad-DIN I can't, because then,
when I lived in Suzdal, to the news from
The path was
Yes, father Nicephorus, these ordinances were invalid because the
Matilda story was invented and, therefore, the confession is false. Now I
understand and repent of it. About it then either did not think or did not want
to think.
For a small additional cost of
Swam on. In a way I taught this woman the Russian language, and I have
to say that she grasped the language amazingly fast. When we arrived to
But I ran far forward. Even when we sailed through the Russian sea, an
event that barely brought me to the same slave market in Zonguldak, where I
already had the misfortune to visit. And then their salvation, I certainly owe
Matilda. Will tell you about it, father Nicephorus, so how was I then not the
best by the way, I have a confession.
We were approaching Olesu, the Russian city at the mouth of the
The pirate ship was our faster and soon caught up with us. We could have
resistance: our team consisted of twenty people, pirates was a little more
about thirty. The weapons we had. But when their ship approached, and there
rang out a chilling whistle of flying arrows, our captain chickened out, threw
the wheel and ordered the crew to pull the sail and surrender. Matilda ran to
him, trying to get me to fight, but the captain did not pay any attention to
her. Maybe he would obey me, because I thoughtI'm in charge, but I have no
commands are not allowed. I confess, though, fell into some the stupor.
Probably, because always insecure feel on the water, the more than once nearly
drowned in the sea of Galilee. And maybe, just raznezhilas from the full, rich
and peaceful life in the harem. In short, could not repeat your halinski feat.
The pirates scored to us ropes and hooks, clasped his ships and jumped
on our deck. We tied up and dragged on a pirate ship. Their captain, a Turk of
middle age with a huge black beard, looked at us, saw her and waved. It took to
him in the cabin. He went there, quite stroking his beard in anticipation known
pleasures.
The rest fiends surrounded us. They whistled, hooted, laughed, waved
weapons in our faces, shouted some insults, which I however, I do not
understand because they spoke Turkish. Then one of the villains pointed at me
and something began to speak to others. And gestures commanded me to undress
naked. Was it in my appearance I realized that I was a eunuch, and decided to
show others what happens to the body after castration.
All the pirates interest came and examined me. My God, how embarrassed I
was! This the humiliation I have not experienced ever in my life. To stand in
full view of dozens of people, demonstrating the most secret corners of mangled
bodies – can you imagine this submit?
And it was not one of the pirates, disgusting dirty Arab, suddenly
caught fire desire. Yes, thus. Apparently, he decided that since his share is
not got women, then come down and castrated male.
The villain knocked me to the deck and roughed me up. It was followed by
several more villains. I've never had to be so icky role, and the pain was
terrible. When godless sodomites finally sated, I was barely alive.
Then me and the team captured the ship were herded into the hold. I couldn't
go, and I carried on hands. The captain was a Venetian, who knew the Turkish
language, said that the pirates going to take us in Zonguldak to the slave
market and sell there.
The hold was dark and damp, I lay on the wooden floor and moaned softly.
The move could not: every movement caused pain. Gradually fell into oblivion. I
was all same – Zonguldak or any other Turkish city, slavery in the new harem or
painful death at the hands of the Avengers of the Salah-ad-DIN.
Out of oblivion I brought the creak of the hatch covering the hold, the
light of the torch, the clank of iron and the voice Matilda. She brought a
whole bunch of swords and daggers, told our team to stand on the wheel and
hoist the sails, and a few of us to arm and protect surviving pirates.
It turns out that she applied to the captain of the pirate ship all the
skills of adultery, I learned in the harem, and he, exhausted, at midnight,
slept like the dead. That is the dead: while he slept, she found in his cabin a
dagger, and the villain is not woke up. Then she came on deck and stood in the
darkness of night to destroy one by one were there pirates. Finally, the only
survivor of those fiends, who slept in the great cabin. Then she closed the
cabin door, pinned her outside and went to open the hold where we were.
Seeing that I lying motionless, she approached me and asked what was the
matter. I explained. It said if no blood, then do not worry, the pain will
pass. And went upstairs. Soon they brought me clothes, gave water. After
spending a couple of hours, I really, feel better and carefully, making no
sudden movements, went on deck.
Doing dawn. Pirate ship with lowered sails bobbed on the light wave. The
ship on which we sailed from tyre, swung around. As I told our the captain of
the Venetian, the villains put on this ship a few people out of their team, and
they too swam in Zonguldak near us. When Matilda captured a pirate ship, we
caught up with them. The villains didn't even try resist: we had many times. So
we because of this woman and returned to the ship with our Indian goods, and
took greatpirate ship, which was also a lot of good. Even gold was found.
When I out on deck, the dead bodies were cast overboard, only puddles of
blood celebrated night journey of Matilda from the stern cabins of a Horny
pirate the captain, on the nose, crew cabin. Half a dozen remaining alive
villains tied up and kicked out of the cabins upstairs. Join them and those
captured on our ship.
We had to decide what to do with these people. More precisely, with
these nonhumans. Matilda he looked at me and said that because I suffered more
than she, and for me to decide.
I have to repent, father Nicephorus. I could just tell you to throw them
into the sea, and it was would be fair, right? After all these villains in any
case deserved punishment, and drowning would be for them to more and easy. You
can say they were lucky. I and wanted to instruct, but then my eyes fell on the
Arab-sodomite: unfortunately for him and for the rest of the villains, he was
still alive.
And I experienced such a fit of wild anger, I never in my life
experienced. Told me to bind the pirates legs, pulling them back to the hands,
so villains turned out to be quite helpless. Then he took a knife and castrated
them all, starting with the vile Arabs. Yes, father Nicephorus, I am ashamed to
say this, but I did it. With his own hands. Fountains of blood, terrible cries,
struggling in convulsions of the body, – all this delivered me ineffable
pleasure. Here's to my sin. He was not the first and not the last in my life,
and probably not even the most serious – after all it wasnot innocent victims,
incorrigible villains, but the sense of evil overwhelmed the bloody revenge, I
think, is not befitting a Christian.
Some our team members became ill from the sight, and they rushed to the
sides ship: their stomach turns inside out. The rest in terror, turned away.
The captain of the Venetian pretended that delved into the definition of the
course in Oleshye. Matilda only looked upon the proceedings with a calm and as
I am now understand a sneer. One of the pirates, despite bound hands and legs,
managed to crawl to her, begging – no, not for mercy, but only that he was
drowned, not ecoplaya. But she just pushed it with his foot.
Covered with blood from head to toe, I ordered the team to throw the
writhing of the mutilated the villains in the boat, which was on a pirate ship,
and blow it to the wind and waves. Then I went to the captain's cabin and fell
exhausted on the very bed where on the eve of the lustful Turk was having fun
with German. The bed was also blood, but I already was all the same.
I came in until we got to the mouth of the
In Oleshye we overloaded our products on riverboat: this is the lower
don, no thresholds, and the ships of the sea reach of Sarkel, and the
We Matilda sold pirate ship, to gain good money. All the gold jewels,
weapons and goods seized from pirates, also remained with us: Matilda had every
right to them, and didn't even think to share with the captain of a Venetian
nobleman, a coward during the appearance of the pirates. He tried to give a
hint that it would be nice to get at least a small part of the production, but
the German just looked at him, he bowed and fell silent.
And it Mathilde von Immendorf then was only eighteen! I admit it he
genuinely admired. I was still young, I may have aged suffering and
tribulations. How old was I? Twenty-six years.
Like you said, father Nicephorus? No thanks, I do not want, let me only
bring more water. And you singing, if my confession turned out to be so long.
Part V,
recorded Stefan, a monk of the Abbey of St. John in
As I was pleased to return home and hear around yourself Russian speech!
Was in was in my life and encouraging moments. Just a pity that few of them
were. Yes, and to
While we were sailing in the lower reaches of the
Have you ever been to
Passing through The Dnieper river
In
And here we Profit the Klyazma in
In the city many gates in wooden towers, but there are two in white-Gold
– from the West, the Silver from the East. These gates are large, with high
travel arches and churches from above. It all looks very festive. Between these
the gate through the city from West to East is main street, paved tree.
Over the city dominated by the enormous Cathedral dedicated to the
virgin. (We don't know, accidentally if Svyatoslav did not specify the
consecration of the Vladimir Cathedral of the Dormition of the virgin,
Is in In Vladimir and other temples of white stone. One – the former
court of George Dolgorukiy, dedicated to St. George. It was built Dolgoruky.
The second – nearby, high hill between
I'm not just so told you about Vladimir white-stone buildings that were
built and Dolgoruky and Andrey Bogolyubsky, who was murdered twenty years
before my arrival in Vladimir, and then, in my memory, – when Vsevolod Big Nest
and his the heirs. Do you know what the white stone? It seems, in
Suburban quarries were developed at Dolgoruky. At first, upon learning
that stone imported from
And so it turned out that my whole life in Suzdal was associated with
white stone. Who do you think the second hundred years (1194 – approx. transl.)
until the Mongol invasion was the main contractor for the transport of the
stone from
Worthless a deathbed confession to brag, especially unnecessarily. To
brag me nothing: in fact, the contractor was Matilda, she was just more
convenient to the owner cases were considered to be I – still in some sense a
man. Women like you you know, less respected, less considered them, and so when
Matilda received in succession for the transportation of stone, it was easier
to hide behind the name of his a loyal slave. Yes, a slave. Otherwise, I can
not say: forty-five years I was a slave this woman. Forty-five years! And only
yesterday a slave rebelled, but it was too late, andits dirty, mean and dirty
business she sang.
Honestly this the woman didn't do anything. And contract for
transportation of white stone received a low and dishonest way. Have to tell
you this, while there is still power.
Having arrived in Vladimir, we are with Matilda settled on the hem in
the riverine part of the city far from bargaining as it is usually make rather
poor merchants. Hem still with Andrew Bogolyubsky was surrounded by walls,
inside the walls lived the merchants richer outside is poorer. We settled under
the protection of the walls, in one of the best houses on the standards of
Podol: we have enough. Soon sold our Indian goods and become even richer. I say
"we", "our", but actually all belonged to German.
She decided starting any new business. Trade after adventures on a
pirate ship didn't appeal to her: she said that she's had enough of travel, it
is necessary to live will she likes, although the climate in it and so so.
Even when we on the way to
And here Maria Feodorovna of Tmutarakan, aka Matilda von Immendorf, intent
to in a row on the carriage of stone. Yes, become the one and only contractor.
Case it was the largest and best princely Treasury paid regularly.
Honestly to buy the case from the then contractor, an elderly merchant
named Vlas Anikievich was impossible: you would need to pay many times more
money than us was. And she came up with another way – through the Grand-Ducal
architect. Say straighter and rougher, but more precisely, through the bed of
the Grand architect.
Architect was Bartholomew, monk of the monastery of the Holy virgin in
Bogolyubovo, the city ten versts from
But still Bartholomew as a monk was obligated to at least occasionally
come to your Bogolyubovo monastery and spend the divine services and the
sacraments. At the construction site, where he was chief, to meet him and talk
privately was difficult, and the monastery is much simpler: it was enough to
come to him for confession. That and decided to make Mathilda. Servants we are
not yet there, but it is specially sent me on the auction, so I hired a trusted
messenger through the merchants, known to us by the selling of Indian goods.
The messenger went to Bogolyubov,it was presented by the servant of a rich
merchant Thalaleas Karpovich of Tmutarakan, learned when the monastery is
father Bartholomew, pay for the confession of the servant of God Thalaleas and
donated on my behalf a lot of money to the monastery.
Then we Matilda went there. She needed to spend the first conversation
that were of interest to Bartholomew. Further in the case going to enter it.
Bogolyubov made me just a stunning impression, I did not know that in
In the middle Bogolyubov, over the cliff to the Klyazma – a great
castle, also of white stone. When Andrew G. he was the Prince, now a monastery
there. For twenty years with the murder of Prince Andrew, the castle turned
black with soot from the furnaces and had grown hardwood extensions, but the
sight was still magnificent.
Among the buildings the monastery rises the Cathedral dedicated to the
virgin. Also, of course, white-stone. Matilda's waiting outside, I went inside.
Office time was not, and the Church was almost empty. There already was waiting
for Bartholomew: money for confessions were paid a lot, and he treated me with
respect. Matilda got it figured out.
Grand the architect, perhaps, was not yet sixty, but he seemed deep old.
Hunched, leaned on the crutch, constantly coughed, covered with long partly
gray beard. On the face were very lively and cunning eyes. As it soon became
clear, everything in his appearance, except the eyes, was deceptive.
In the confessional I briefly told him about the same as that of
This woman suggested that Bartholomew peck either for money or for a
story about a harem the adulteries. She was a bit mistaken: he swallowed and
then, on the other. Already half an hour later I brought Matilda in his huge
cell: Bartholomew took part in the former princely chambers.
German, greeting Bartholomew, immediately nodded me: it meant that I got
to go to leave. I referred to the urgent business in Vladimir and left.
Heart me was hard. First, I have committed another sin: in the mercenary
purposes lied in confession. Secondly, I knew that Matilda would to entice
Bartholomew, and it turns out that I contributed to the sin of violation a
monk, his monastic vows. Thirdly, I first experienced something akin to
jealousy.
Don't know, father Nicephorus, why I was jealous of the German woman to
Bartholomew. I was in fact in damask harem not worried that she is the
concubine of Salah ad-DIN. And didn't care what did the captain of a pirate
ship. And then I don't know what came over me. Fell in love with her? Maybe so,
because a woman she really was outstanding, not take away. But if it was love,
the love of a faithful dog who is jealous of the owner to others. I never got
to know what true love: I will always remember that you are an unhappy eunuch.
Jamal-al-Galil the Sultan's harem doctor, with whom I was on good terms
at the time told me that if the eunuch would not convince himself that he wants
woman, so he doesn't want to, because person a man doing some substances
produced shameful parts of the body.
And castration I and love really do not have time about the girls to the
yard weddings in General are not talking, and his wife Evdokia I had lived a
little, Yes, honestly speaking, not for love I married her and joined in a
dynastic marriage. It it is quite another, although my wife and I treated very
well, after all she was the mother of my children. I probably could find itself
in family life, love of children. But with the children I was forever separated
when he was a young man, and they are babies. And so it happened that I never
in my life never loved anyone. I understand that this is doesn't sound like a
Christian, and repent of it.
Yes, father Nicephorus, love deprived and many ordinary people who are
not crippled. But I was not deprived of only love, but honor, and it was much
worse. Listen to how I helped dishonest Matilda ruin contractor Vlas of
Anikievich and keep it in a row.
This woman back in
She had learned what secular name Bartholomew – ULEB Hotovec. He came
from the merchant bar, and in his youth became a disciple and close associate
of the architect, who came to Andrew Bogoliubsky of the Emperor Frederick
Barbarossa. The the Imperial architect built the large city Cathedral, Golden
and Silver gate in Vladimir, two churches in the city of Bogolyubovo, and next
to him on the Strelka of the rivers The Nerl and the Klyazma river, and another
began to build in the hierarchy of the princely castle and the white stone
walls.(Building by architect Friedrich Barbarossa Vladimir assumption Cathedral
of 1158-1160 and the Golden gate confirmed by the message of the largest
Russian historian of the XVIII century V. N. Tatishchev; churches Of the
Nativity of the virgin in the hierarchy and of the Intercession on the Nerl –
the latest research messages of Russian Chronicles. Approx. transl.)
As a reward for the building of the Vladimirskiy Cathedral ULEB Kotowicz
received a knighthood. Then, when the Imperial architect left
Then, when Andrey Bogolyubsky almost stopped stone construction, ULEB
became the Bogolyubov monastery under the name of the monk Bartholomew. Why
hair cut – unknown. Matilda expressed the suspicion that he was covering his
tracks some abuse, and it looks like she was right: soon we realized that
embezzlers Bartholomew was, God forgive me, rare.
In the monastery ULEB-Bartholomew held for twenty years. Monastic
superiors they were pretty, and he even ordained to the priesthood, that is,
become a monk. Cunning was man, all could fit in. Just like my uncle Igor.
Incidentally, I do not just remember my uncle: in the ninety-third year
(1185 – approx. transl.) when we went to the ill-fated campaign in Vladimir
there was a severe fire that burned much of the city, and built the Imperial
architect, the Cathedral was badly damaged, its vaults moved, cracked and threatened
to fall. Grand Duke Vsevolod commanded urgently strengthen its main temple. It
turned out that the architect is able to work with large stone buildings, in
Bartholomew guessed to build up the city's Cathedral high galleries that
strengthened the building. (Here further, for simplicity, we use modern
architectural terms – approx. transl.). However, for twenty years of
interruption, he lost a skills, and the rigging turned out at it not very good:
for example, the walls of the galleries have different thickness, their
divisions unequally, the bases are arranged differently at different walls. But
in General, his task the architect has done: crack it ceased to expand, and
patched. The Cathedral was five-domed, and remain, but the small heads had to
dismantle and build a new one – on galleries. After work Bartholomew the lost
temple towering, but most importantly, survived, grew in size and still stands
proudly above the city.
Construction took years two and three, and not only because of the
ineptitude Bartholomew: stone with times Bogolyubsky were extracted, with only
a small old stock, and simultaneously with the construction had to improve
production in quarries. Then the merchant Vlas, Anikievich and received from
the Grand Duke in a row on the carriage stone: as they say, at the right time
in the right place. No special support of Vsevolod Georgievich, nor any of the
boyars Vlas are not used just have owned boats and carriages, and when he heard
that the Prince is looking for a contractorfor transportation, came to the
Palace and offered his services.
Else Mathilde told that when the Grand Duke two years before our arrival
in Vladimir was going to build a Palace, a temple dedicated to its patron Saint
Dmitry Solunskogo, then wanted to send for the masters in the Holy Roman
Empire, because he was afraid that Bartholomew can't handle. But the old
cunning managed to convince Prince that the way was his older brother Andrew,
an invitation Imperial architect – can be disastrous.
Bartholomew believed that only the pious flirtation with the Latin
Church to explain this unfortunate fact: when Andrew was killed, regardless of
the specific reasons for the conspiracy of the nobles, and townspeople, and the
squad reacted to the death of Duke quietly, perhaps even happily. Because his
body two days spent in the vestibule of the Church, and no one even thought to
read the burial service and buried in the Orthodox rite, while it did not
happened to be passing by the Abbot monastery.
Don't know correctly or not Bartholomew explained the dislike of the
people to Andrew, it is possible, and more simple reasons, such as high taxes,
by which the Prince could to conduct such a large white stone building. But on
the retinue, and the nobility taxes could hardly tell, right? Yes and didn't
Andrew the last twenty years life is almost nothing. So, it seems, the infamous
lusty monk was right.
Another proof of the correctness of Bartholomew was that of the great
Prince Vsevolod refused make in
Whatever it was, monk won the right to build and the princely Cathedral
of St. Demetrius, and the Cathedral is located near the Palace of the monastery
of the virgin (Nativity – approx. transl.). And with this, he coped well. The
Palace Cathedral was richly decorated with white-stone statues of the Imperial
architect in his time came not one, but a Carver of stone, who taught this
matter Russian masters. For twenty years these masters who have gone far, but
gradually Bartholomew tracked down almost everyone.
The same statues can be saved in a row of Vlas Anikievich for the
transportation of stone. It turns out that Vsevolod Georgievich was thinking to
go with white stone much cheaper, easy to manufacture and reliable plinthite,
but Bartholomew said then not be able to decorate the temple with statues: a
brick is impossible the trim is just as beautiful as the white stone. That
churches can build from bricks and decorate with white-stone reliefs, the Grand
Duke did not have guessed, and no he, apparently, had told. So the stone near
By the way, to flatter Vsevolod, Bartholomew told the carvers to depict
the Cathedral is not only a set of reigning symbols of lions, griffins,
centaurs and all that, but sculptural portrait of the Grand Duke, with
children. Tricky, isn't it?
That's how much managed to read Matilda, teaching an old adulterer harem
science. And in the end Bartholomew was not against to take in a row at the
She bought bargain good German parchment and sat me down to write, as
she knew Russian language is not enough. And I wrote: "Vlas, everything is
going well, keep it up the same spirit, you know what to do." Then she to
the letter reproduced it in their handwriting, and it happened just like I
wrote the foreigner.
Then she discovered hanging around her neck amulet with the image of the
virgin. Inside was printing with two riders on one horse, and she put it on
parchment.
I saw the exact the same sign of tyre in the house of her uncle von der
Hirsch, and knew that this print the order of the poor knights of Christ and of
the
But one the fake message was not enough. And this dishonest woman got
Bartholomew some report written by Vlas Anikievich again sat me down for table,
and I wrote handwriting Vlas, just on a different parchment, worse: "The
Grand master of the order of Christ and of the temple of Solomon. Start with
carriers and soldiers, during the year, we will be ready to revolt. Please
advise when the Ryazan Prince Roman Glebovich will be ready to support our
rebellion. Vlas Anikievich".
Roman Glebovich the son of Gleb Rostislavich and the brother of my wife
Eudocia, was one of the worst enemies of Vsevolod the Big Nest, so insidious
wiles looked quite most likely.
Night German planted the first forgery in the house of Vlas Anikievich
and the second in the house of the Supreme the Governor, who was engaged in
investigative cases. It turned out, though the messenger Vlas of Anikievich
repented and decided not to carry the message to the Templars, and to transfer
the Governor.
After reading this forgery, the Governor ordered the search of a
building contractor. During a search they found a parchment with the seal of
the order of the
Maligned the merchant was tortured and, under torture, he confessed
everything. He was executed via quartered, his property was confiscated.
So I together with Matilda killed an innocent man. In order to get it in
a row, that is, for the money. Don't know, the most serious of my sins the
point of view of Orthodoxy, but for sure – the black stain on my conscience,
because the devotees Work under Salah ad-DIN knight and the Sultan's concubine,
at least was Eastern concepts guilty of adultery. The pirates, which I
painfully executed in the Russian sea, was generally incorrigible rascals. And
the fact that it was made with Anikievich Vlas, there are no excuses.
And in fact, the father Nicephorus, it was the last moment when I could
refuse to write dishonest anonymous letters and to leave the monastery! And my
conscience would be clean, and Matilda I wouldn't have to worry: she's already
settled down in
Poor Vlas are still waiting for execution, when Falaley Karpovich from
Tmutarakani to view architect Bartholomew received the Grand Duke in a row to
transport stone. I even received a reception in the Palace. I confess, I was
difficult to force myself on-kupecheski to worship Vsevolod in the zone, after
all, actually he was my brother Rurik. Of course, Salah ad-DIN I bowed even
lower, but the still, there were "other" and "their". But
nothing, bowed.
Prince slid at me look, said a few General words about what I have to
work well and honestly, and with a nod he let go of me. Didn't even say
goodbye. However, I deserve this attitude: a mean person – he is vile. And
literally and figuratively. Because originally, the word "vile" comes
from Podol usually inhabited by rich merchants and craftsmen. And Vladimir, I,
too, lived on Hem. Here is a sad coincidence. A despicable man with hem. It was
me.
However, soon Matilda by contract for the transportation of the stone
became much richer than you were, and moved from the hem to a much more
prestigious place Vladimir, the walls of the citadel, the inner fortress of the
city, where lived the great the Prince and his entourage. But at least sneaky
person I am, unfortunately, not became.
The whole seven hundred second year (1194 – approx. transl.) had a lot
of work, and we German literally broke. However, as Bartholomew, and Ananias.
In
You say father Nicephorus that ramosmania – charitable work? Yes, only
if you do it honestly, not to steal in such quantities as stolen we.
A steal we, mostly, in the preparation of reports. Ananias inflated the
number of extracted stone two times, in the carriage of we with her almost a
quarter stone blamed on losses from allegedly overturned boat and fell through
the ice sled and in the construction of the Bartholomew staged a large
write-off to waste when you treatment. As you can see, initially overestimated
the quantity of stone reduced by inflated the loss, and eventually to buildings
reached about the same stone how many were produced. Only it turned out that
the Treasury pay for it twicemore expensive than it actually cost. And this
difference lay in our bags.
Retaliation we was not afraid in the Vladimir Grand Principality of
nobody but us, the costs of the production, transportation, and the hewing of
the stone did not understand. Sometimes our reports were checked treasurers,
but nothing wrong with them. And not eager to find, as with the reports
received from Bartholomew a hefty bribe. So great the Prince was sure that
everything goes perfectly.
Here such my sin of deception. Yes, no need to reassure themselves: no
cheating, and theft. Sin violations of the Eighth Holy commandments. Forgive
me, Lord.
Construction the white-stone citadel continued for another three years,
the gate was built white stone Church (Joachim and Anna, 1196 year – approx.
transl.), and over the years we with her have become very rich. Perhaps,
Falaley of Tmutarakan was one of the most prosperous Vladimirtsev. Richer than
me several merchants in
No remorse from rampant theft, I confess, I have not experienced, and
thoughts about leaving the monastery, I wasn't being visited. And that I don't
Tmutarakan merchant Falaley Karpovich, and Prince Svyatoslav ol'govich, I
remembered less and less. Our new
I always remember that all this wealth I got, thanks Matilda. Yes and I
often reminded about it. In General, we lived peacefully with her, as she was
obeyed. As has become a tradition ever since the escape from
How far I already seemed to
For example, in the time when we were building Vladimir Detinets, was a
large strife between The Monomakh and Olegovichy. In the same year, when
construction began (1194 – approx. transl.) died Grand Prince of Kiev
Svyatoslav. My great-uncle.
In General speaking, these endless internecine wars for Kiev between
Chernigov, Smolensk, Galich and other southern Russian principalities became so
commonplace, that they are in Vladimir, remembered only when they participated
Vsevolod the Big Nest. And then not always. By Vsevolod Squad where-that left,
came back, and the city lived their lives. Only merchants on the marketplace
discussed the rise in price or reduction in price of certain goods associated
with looting one or another southern Russian city. In the Suzdal land to for
the time being all was quiet.
I was not indifferent left only "the Word about Igor's
regiment", and it was around the same during the construction of the
citadel. Remember, father Nicephorus, I promised to tell you about it The
"word", if forces remain? Thank God, remained.
One day, passing through
First of all, what about this unfortunate and shameful campaign, it
turns out, it was possible to tell so nice and to turn Igor into a hero. And
directly never to lie. For
A written "Word" really beautiful. Whoever wrote it was
clearly in the campaign and remembered a lot of detail. And the words of Igor:
"O Russian land, you're over the hill," and marvelous bird and a wolf
howling, and more. Maybe even in captivity visited, and he drove past
Tmutarakan: not by chance he mentioned "Tmutarakan idol." Were even
on the same ship Farhad, I did.
I liked that "The word" laments the princely feuds and the
fragmentation of the Russian land. True, can't argue.
But we in
The secret was simple: it was enough to not mention shameful events and
leave some feats describing their exalted language. Of all the many mistakes,
Igor – you and I I counted seven, I think? – I "Word" met only two.
First, a long delay Kale, and that says nothing about the fact that it was a
mistake. Second, casually referred to as Igor fell for a feigned retreat of the
Polovtsian on the last day of the battle. But those like the first enemy rushed
Vsevolod, and Igor did not want to leave his brother and turned to the shelves
behind him.(Apparently we are talking about the words: "Igor philka
navorotami, gall Bo him to a lovable brother Vsevolod" – approx. transl.).
In fact, as I already told you, both Prince jumped on their horses nearly at the
same time. So Vsevolod, of course, to blame, but Igor – not less, and even
more: the chief captain had to behave more responsibly.
And the main thing that angered me the silence that Igor just escaped
captivity, and fled, in violation of this word and leaving in the lurch all the
others, including even his sons. And through this silence shameful and
disgraceful flight was the look like a heroic feat!
Bringing the manuscript "The word" home, I read it to Matilda.
She listened, smiled and said in Latin countries, the novelists write any
nonsense on which it is not you should pay attention. For example, the famous
"Song of Roland". Like the hero is seen Roland? Hero. But then how to
explain the fact that the "hero" in the attack of the Moors at first,
stubbornly refuses to trumpet the horn and summon the king to help, considering
it cowardice, and then suddenly begins to blow so hard, that effort he burst
the blood vessels on the temples, and he's bleeding?It turns out that Roland
does not die from the superior forces of the enemy and from their own cowardice
and inconsistency.
Continuing to smile, Matilda asked, why "lay of Igor" Igor's
wife crying about it in Putivl, if he reign in Novgorod-Seversky. Here, I
admit, was funny to me. But it was, as we say in
How sad crying my husband Euphrosyne Yaroslavna – I don't know, but
really, why she did in Putivl, and not in Novgorod-Seversky? And Igor, who
shortly before the trip was widowed and married a second time, told us that the
young wife is waiting for it home.
It Turns Out, Yaroslavna voluntarily went to Putivl, when Igor
Svyatoslavich was in the campaign. It is could cause the Prince's suspicions.
And then I remembered that when we three the day was celebrated in the desert
victory over the Khan of America, we were talking about the faithfulness of
wives, and Igor told me that he didn't like the looks of Kiev were thrown into
one of his generals, the brave young nobleman Grigory, and he sin had sent
Gregory in Putivl. And when the Prince of Putivl Vladimir Igorevich went for a
walk, we left Gregory Governor.
So, apparently, Igor bet Konchak received news that his young wife is in
Putivl, and sped there, who is jealous of his wife and Gregory to the extent
that broke the floor, and left to the mercy of fate and the army, and sons.
True to my guess, invented whether Yaroslavna some plausible pretext to
visit in Putivl was there something in her Putivl with this Gregory did Igor to
catch them off guard – I don't know. But I hope that she has revenge on her
husband for that three days after her hath committed adultery with polovchanka
and framed under attack Konchak. That is revenge for all of us, captured by the
fault of Igor. Yes, I understand that revenge is a sinful feeling, and repent.
When I shared with Matilda your thoughts about Igor and his wife, the
girl nodded and said if the sin of adultery can be forgiven, Yaroslavna and
Gregory – as a case in point. Then she paused and asked me whether Igor
beautifully to speak and write. I confirmed. Then she expressed the view that
it is "the Word" wrote either the Igor or someone from his entourage
at his command. And if so, it is necessary to expect from this Prince any
actions: it is surely no coincidence trying ten years after his ill-fated
campaign to convince all the Rushe is a great warrior, but not dishonest a fugitive.
And the German was again law.
Soon, in seven hundred the fourth (1196 – approx. transl.) suddenly
died, the younger brother of Igor – Vsevolod Svyatoslavich. Went to
Before the death of Vsevolod redistribution of tables in
Novgorod-Seversky Principality has never been, and Rylsk stayed for my son
Oleg. More precisely, for me, because I was alive as it should be missing.
After how many years, father Nicephorus, I would read the burial service in
absentia? Eighty after the birth? You see, you're even earlier will the burial
service: I am dying at seventy-one. Too much. Eunuchs rarely live so long, so I
was lucky. Wanted to ask you to notify relatives in Rylsk on my death, but I do
not need to do this once and so after nine years, Iwill read the burial
service. If only there went nasty Batu and then to bury you no one will.
I think that Vsevolod Svyatoslavich did not give his older brother to
mess with my kids: he knew that the culprit of my misfortunes was Igor. And
when Vsevolod died, Igor decided to ignore the fact that I can be alive, and
gave all the tables to your children depriving not only my sons, but sons of
his younger brother.
My Vsevolodovich sons Igor took him to Novgorod-Seversky: like as they
ever get future I will get the tables, and have him learn and grow. But in fact
it meant our with Vsevolod children are likely to become outcasts and will
never get any tables. In the best case would be Governor in the worst – they
will szhivaetsya with light. It is very kind of Rurik multiplied, tables was
not enough.
To protect my children was no one, elderly uncle-pestun Kornily
Ivanovich was powerless here. Themselves the sons were still very young: Oleg,
thirteen, and Mstislav was not of the twelve.
I must say that I upset. Even thought himself to go to Novgorod-Seversky
and present their princely rights. But as soon as I surfaced that I was
castrated, my uncle Igor Svyatoslavich and Yaroslav Vsevolodovich certainly
would have found ways to put me in a monastery and my kids definitely would be
left defenseless.
And then I I must say thank you to Matilda. You know what she came up
with? So I sent Igor letter! On her advice I wrote that with God's help alive
and well are far away, but closely watching what is happening at home. Know
what death of Vsevolod Sviatoslavich not all clean. Can testify that the
heroism of Igor, sung in "lay of Igor" – not true. And most
importantly – remember that after the death of Vsevolod standing on the ladder
Seversky Prince of the ol'govichi from after Igor. But ready to abandon his
reign in favor of hiskids and if my sons will have the tables of justice pledge
never to return home and not to assert their rights. And need to return the
table at least the older his son Vsevolod, Svyatoslav. Juvenile Vsevolodovich
let it be with big brother.
And signed: Prince Svyatoslav II of
We sent it a letter to Igor tricky way: one of our most faithful
servants went to
Their younger sons – Oleg, Svyatoslav and Roman – Igor again took to his
Novgorod-Seversky. But for a long time without tables, they were not, as in a
couple of years died Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, Igor as next on the ladder was
Chernihiv Prince in the Chernigov land there were tables for all his sons. And
Novgorod-Seversky Igor gave to his eldest son Vladimir.
So it turned out that I thanks Matilda gave the fate of their children.
Let, father Nicephorus, at the last judgment will be counted for this any of
its innumerable sins. Yes, of course I understand that this is not for you to
decide. I said it in vain. I confess that.
And
And then an event occurred, very unpleasant for us with Matilda: died
Grand architect Bartholomew. Feasted with the Abbot of his monastery, ate too
much and died. We were sure that it is stuffed: the Abbot made no sense to
poison an influential monk, who was always ready to put in the Grand Duke word
for the Bogolyubov monastery.
If you heard blasphemed Matilda on the death of Bartholomew! What she
was saying! From her mouth out a single word of Christian regrets – only a wild
rage about the fact that lascivious old goat dared to die, leaving them to the
mercy the fate of the common cause, brought a large income. I'm sorry, father
Nicephorus, I just I repeat her words. Although, I confess, too, was frustrated
by the death of the architect. It annoyed, but not upset: in Russian language
the difference between these words quite significant.
Bartholomew change yourself not prepared, and it turned out that the
architect Vsevolod was not. But after six months in
Shortly before that, on the North-Western outskirts of the city, was
founded a new monastery. Dedicated he was Mother of God, but he was immediately
nicknamed "Knyaginin" as the main the donator was the Grand Duchess
Maria Shvarnovna, the wife of Vsevolod. And Antipas built a Cathedral. The
white stone he didn't need to: the Church was plinthite as those that were
erected in his native
Of course, this Antipy Matilda quickly would survive. For example, I
would hire hobos to beat him and told go to
Stopped and work in quarries. Their chief Hananiah Simunovich tried to
influence the Grand Duke through her friends boyars, we with her – through her,
but all was in vain. Vsevolod decided that rather built, has fulfilled all its
when the enthronement of the vows, and now you can finally reduce the taxes
from his people been waiting for this for a long time.
At the same time, year in seven hundred and tenth (1202 – approx.
transl.), before I heard about the death of Igor Svyatoslavich, Prince of
Chernigov. Why my uncle died I do not know. He was about fifty, a little. I
confess, I didn't go to Church to enjoy it the prayer for the dead. Even a
candle for the repose is not set.
And I might after him to become the Chernigov Prince! Well, maybe not
immediately, after replaced Igor on the table Chernigov Vsevolod the red (Red –
approx. transl.), son Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich. We red were almost the same
age, he just older. He died soon, in one year Vsevolod the Big Nest (1212 –
approx. transl.). I then, in the year of death of both Vsevolodov, was only
forty-five! Maybe then
However, what I was
Something dreaming I death looking. It's a joke, father Nicephorus, and
in order to understand it very well know Russian. In
But you have to tell further, while it may not have time to finish the
confession. And you, father Nicephorus, don't let I digress.
So, about the eleventh year (1203 – approx. transl.) we are with Matilda
finally realized that the stone construction in the coming years will not, and
so, contract for the transportation of white stone, we are still lost.
And this woman decided to go to the
First, she was going to see his uncle, a Templar, who shortly before he
was transferred to
Second, we have had a lot of free money, and she decided to put them in
the order of the
I argue, unfortunately, could not do anything.
She left me in
She warned me, he was going away for a long time, a year or more. She
was gone for almost three years.
I must repent: for this time happened to me that, unfortunately, happens
with many Russian: I turned into a binge drinker. As we say in
When I was rylstim Duke, almost not carousing, considering the disease
of drunkenness is unworthy of a brave soldier. Can walk on the pier and in the
morning Wake up with a heavy head, but it happened rare. Then, in the harem of
Salah ad-DIN, I had forgotten what a Mead, beer and wine: from the Mohammedans
this strictly, it is prohibited by Allah. However, some the eunuchs slowly
managed to drink, but I'm on my high post of the head guard of the harem was
too visible and you can afford could not.
When we with her already lived in
I was drinking with my a carabao that due to the termination of the
contract was no longer in business. Drank with their servants: most we
disbanded before the departure of Matilda, but some remain. Drink with the
merchants to trade. Drank with some artisans and peasants. Even drinking with
one of the lower nobleman, turned into the same drunken drunk, as I carried out
time in the pubs with a bowl of mash. His name is not remember, and generally
don't remember much from those years of endless drunken stupor.
Remember that one of my new friends-Brazhnikov has found a woman for me.
Yes, despite the fact that I eunuch: it was fun to try something new, and how
it I explained, among the many men who knew her, there was not a eunuch. No, it
was not even a harlot, just a slutty woman. Depraved and descended as I am, and
then my friends. However, the money she loved and took them with me at every
opportunity and an awkward case. Do you think, father Nicephorus, that it can
still be considered a whore? Well, so be it.Her name was Anisia, years she was
over thirty, a little less than I was then.
My relationship with her me reminded of what was once the harem of
sultans Guzun with the eunuch Malik. Can't say that I'm Anisia, experienced
anything like the pleasure of carnal love. Yes, I am for years after a
separation with his wife Eudoxia and forgot what it is. But something certainly
felt. I don't even know what to compare the feelings of a eunuch, indulging in
perverse pleasures with experienced depraved woman, even after a considerable
number of drunk
Gradually I drank and walk with Anisia all the money that left me
Matilda. He became a little to sell boats and horses. Light propyl. Can you
imagine, father Nicephorus, that the Prince drank his horse? However, I have
long do not sit down at him: so fat that he could hardly hold the saddle, when
riding all the time slipped on one and on the other side. Also a shame for a
person who was once a warrior. Old age is another matter, but I then it was
still very far from old age.
Because binge drinking I didn't even pay any attention to the fact that
in the twelfth year (1204 – approx. transl.) Rurik Rostislavich in
Yes, father Nicephorus, the capture by the crusaders in the same year,
That Mathilda may back, I almost forgot. Or maybe thought she might
never come back again. But fourteenth (1206 – approx. transl.), when I turned
forty, she back.
It was, as it is now I remember a summer afternoon. I was lying in bed
with a heavy head after drinking on the eve of. Anisa, too, with a heavy head,
in the form of indecent roamed bedroom. In the next room and downstairs snored
some of my friends of the revelers. Looked like a house, can imagine.
Especially if compare with what it was before the departure of the Germans, who
have followed very closely cleanliness and order: I heard that all Germans are
like that.
When the bottom came the voice of Matilda, I decided that I was
dreaming. But it was not a dream. She rose on the second floor, walked into the
bedroom and told Anisya to get dressed and go. The tried to make a scene in the
spirit of Russian women: cried to "Mashka" itself failed from home
"Balalayki", and tried to grab the "Maschke" in the hair. I
don't managed to warn Anisya, and in a moment she was lying on the floor,
frantically gasping for air: German struck her agile and quick kick in the
stomach.
The cries ran one of the my friends and tried to grab her hands. But
immediately got a heavy blow to the ear and not with a flourish as the beat on
our fist fights, and short, accurate, not side, and bottom. The huge man fell
stunned.
Matilda came up to me, called a dirty Russian pig and slapped. For the
first time in my life, once proud Rurikovich, insulted, and hit by the woman.
And I stand guilty and bowed his head.
Then the German threw out home and Anisya, and all my friends-hawk
moths. Got to give her credit: drunken my money is not spared as well, as when
due to my lack of foresight in the sea of Galilee and drowned all our Treasury.
Said she left a bit money in the stash, for the first time will suffice. But if
I ever get drunk, I don't be good.
Immediately after arrival she hired a healer who used herbs and I did
the adjustment, and then drunkenness led to the fact that I began to look like
a very old man. Don't forget father Nicephorus, that I was a eunuch and had to
constantly maintain their health, otherwise I was waiting for imminent death.
And my death Matilda still wanted: it was still convenient to hide behind the
name of the merchant Thalaleas Karpovich from Tmutarakan.
She began to force me to exercise what I have never done before. Not
gave me to overeat. Imagine, I lost some weight and became better feel. And
quit drinking. At all. Was so afraid of this woman. We in
Gradually recovered. Asked Matilda if she found with the help of his
uncle, the Templar the ability to affect great Prince Vsevolod Georgievich to
he again began construction of the stone. She said that she was not found, my
uncle was not the right connections in
I went to the auction and his many friends found out everything I could.
Konstantin Vsevolodovich was almost twenty years younger than me. Shortly
before he became interested in Matilda, the father sent him to reign in
Already the tenth year of life the father had married
I immediately understand the emotional pain that she was going to seduce
I was wrong to such an extent that even wanted to help Matilda to seduce
the young Prince, and suggested she hire some tramps so they like attacked her
in the the moment when there will pass to Constantine, who, like a true knight,
banish vagrants, and so they met. But she said that this vintage reception
Dating with the right person is no good here, because
So she have done differently. Sat in a little cart, drawn by two horses,
and horses she knew how to manage perfectly, that I realized a long time ago,
during the battle at Arsuf. Got out on the street, where they often went to
Then everything went as it should. Constantine was thin, had a sickly
appearance, but it was Prince had a complete military training, and it was a
very straightforward spur your gorgeous horse and suffered to grab the horses
by the bridle, the more they raced at him: the German had calculated everything
very well. She became to thank the Prince and asked me to walk her home because
she was allegedly afraid, that horses again will suffer. So they met. She, by
the way, since called "my brave knight", and he is, of course, very
much.
Soon Mathilde became his mistress, and for the next two years I saw her
rarely. Since he was married, they could not meet in his Palace. To come to the
house merchant Thalaleas Prince, too, was uncomfortable. So they rented a home,
German settled there, and he secretly visited.
Then he went to
But I won't like the prophet Jeremiah, and ardently denounce the Prince
and the boyars. He was a sinner. Not only that helped Matilda in her
far-reaching insidious plans. And that I then re-emerged a woman. When the
German left
And to me was deputed the old warrior Kondrat Klimovich of team
Constantine Vsevolodovich. Duty Kondrat was to ensure that I did not drink, was
moderate in eating, exercising – in short, behaved correctly. All the money was
his, and he gave me what I thought was right. This reason I just remembered his
uncle-pestun kornelu Ioannovich and bitterness I thought that Mathilde treats
me like a small child. However, I knew that to blame for this, and not even
offended.
Now rest for a few minutes and it will continue. Just don't let me sleep
or I'll fall asleep and won't Wake up, and I still it is necessary to say much.
Part VI,
recorded Peter, a monk of the Abbey of St. Catherine in
Than I years was engaged? Yes, nothing special. Walked around
Again became contemplated retiring to a monastery, but did not dare.
Probably not enough the depth of faith in God. I'm in fervent parishioner
turned not from a sudden deep belief, and, frankly, nothing better to do. Sorry
me for this candor, but even worse would be to lie on a deathbed confession.
During this time Matilda went with
Apparently, the Grand Duke Vsevolod was pleased with the son because
back in
And that's
After a couple of months after the departure of
When I arrived in
And shocked I was city, and the fact that this city was a harem. Yes, it
is a harem. In the Palace Prince Constantine.
It turns out that even during March on Ryazan Matilda felt that the
young Prince started to her to cool off, and recovered quickly started to put
on his bed young women, after teaching them both the Sciences. Hence has been
one step for the creation of a real harem, where the German played the role of
either mother sultans, whether the eldest wife, or kaznachey, or all of them
together.
Vladimir Constantine afraid to make a harem, but in
Yes, I misspoke: immediately on arrival in
Last thing I needed was again become a harem eunuch, and I told Matilda
about it. But she said, I few years doing nothing, just nothing ate her bread,
and now more and received the nobility, and all this should work. And as
always, I had nothing to object to it. My sin: I agreed to be in
Apparently, the German is strongly inspired
In short, becoming a gentleman, I have not found any happiness and peace
of mind, on the contrary, was doomed to shame. Even now, lying on his deathbed,
I am ashamed not only about this to tell, and even remember! In
Yes, father Nicephorus, to our Church – ask the question. In
Came as it is now remember, the nineteenth year (1211 – approx.
transl.). A late summer evening Matilda came to my residence. I was going to
sleep, and not one to me for known goals went to one of the concubines, which
once was "happy", but since then,
And I'm under her dictation wrote a letter to the Grand Prince Vsevolod.
Or rather, accusation. Without the signature. In this the denunciation has been
described in detail everything that happens in the harem of
In fact,
But the whole accusation seemed plausible, as the very existence of the
harem of Mohammedan the sample was Orthodox Russia out of the ordinary event,
and details already was not so important.
Remember, I still I wondered why a German would want to make such a
denunciation, even with the many exaggeration. "She undermines their
power", I thought. Asked her question, but she said no time to explain,
someday. Never explained.
I wrote the entire night. He wrote slowly, as she told to do it not in
their handwriting. Then rewrote it four more times, with the appeal not to the
great Prince Vsevolod G., and to his four younger sons – George, Yaroslav,
Vladimir and Svyatoslav.
When I'm under morning all finished, she told me to sleep and relax, as
the next night should be heavy, and the next few days even harder.
And the next evening in
But earlier in the morning when the fire was only just extinguished, she
told me to go to
But I wasn't supposed to say anything to
And four such same letter I had to deliver to the homes of young
princes, and to transmit the gatekeepers. So I did not know I had to be dressed
on-kupecheski, wear on the face of the armband, supposedly a toothache,
presented the Palestinian merchant and say only Arabic. Do not understand – do
not worry, the letters are written in Russian, whom they are intended.
And I got in the wagon, drawn by two of our best horses and gone. Rule
itself: Matilda couldn't entrust such a secret deed of any one of our servants.
Attacks robbers I did not fear: a path between
Now I understand that coincidences were too many.
Here's scary story. Matilda has become like the godless pagan Emperor
Nero. Although the arson of
When I arrived in
Apparently, to Vsevolod Vsevolodovich and younger and heard rumors
before about what Konstantin of Rostov, so they believed the accusation fully
and unconditionally. Scandal in the Royal family has turned out great. One day,
when I Prince of Rylsk, in the basement of my house stood a large barrel of
wine. Wine turned out to be bad, ferment, bung was fitting too tightly, this
barrel broke with such force that the entire wooden Palace shook, dishes fell
from the shelves, from iconic povyletali glass. About the same happenedin
Then Matilda told me that among the princes chief troublemaker was the
third son of Vsevolod – Jaroslav. Immediately after receiving the letter he
appeared to the father and demanded the inheritance for himself and the other
brothers to say: why the depraved and the apostate Constantine the lot there,
and a decent Prince no? Other brothers who also wanted the inheritance,
supported Yaroslav. Vsevolod who was terribly upset because of the behaviour of
his eldest son, not couldn't refuse and agreed to give the inheritance.
Great the Prince was nearly sixty, and he of grief fell deathly ill. No
wonder: ruined everything he did all his life. And not only he, but his elder
brother Andrey Bogolyubsky and the father of George Dolgorukiy. After all, and
George, and Andrew, and to the time Vsevolod piously observed the unity of his
Suzdal and nobody gave principalities. And apparently, Vsevolod realized what a
terrible mistake he have done, giving the lot of Constantine, and what is
bitter for it to be paid for.
And
And Vsevolod G. started giving sons. The case is not always easy to any
great Prince, and for a seriously ill, bedridden Vsevolod, and even more so.
After a long disputes Yaroslav got Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, Svyatoslav –
Georgiev-opolskie Vladimir – Pereslavl-South. George the great Prince was going
to give
The idea Vsevolod was clear. Since after his death Constantine was the
eldest son – was to be Grand Prince of Vladimir, he wanted to prepare a son to
the Vladimir Principality, but at the same time and cut him off from Rostov
harem pleasures and return to his wife Radislav that and lived with the
children in Vladimir.
But when
Vsevolod couple of times had sent messengers to eldest son, but was
again refused. And finally, the great Prince broke down and decided whether Konstantin
of Rostov – let remains in its
Did the dying the Grand Duke, and thus violate not only established by
his father Indivisibility Dolgoruky of Suzdal, but also secular princes ladder,
prevailing in Russia since the times of Yaroslav the Wise? Again remember
exploding in my
Brothers Vsevolodovich, not looking into each other's eyes, the funeral
of the father in
As always happens in such cases, from one great Prince to another and
began to move nobles and dignitaries. And here occurred a significant event:
Georgieva-Opole to
I not immediately understood why Svyatoslav moved to
But in Georgieva, he had the same difficulty as Konstantin in
Constantine and German has welcomed Svyatoslav, and in the mansion,
where he settled, was arranged a small harem of ten concubines. I concurrently
was "the main the gatekeeper of the doors of happiness" there. That's
how low I've sunk, here are difficult my sins.
You not paying attention, father Nicephorus that the arts are often inclined
that is depraved and unstable nature? And that's how unfair obtained: from
these unworthy Libertines, which, in theory, would have to sink into Oblivion,
be beautiful buildings, statues and many other things that we called the word
"art". No wonder, perhaps, the Church believes that the word
descended from "temptation". Right, father Nicephorus? Never my soul
did not lie to art, although I could not admire them: after all, I once got a
good education and something of an expert in beauty.
To what I said? Forgot. I told you not to give me distraction. Oh Yes,
here's the point: Constantine and Svyatoslav between sinful harem pleasures
took up architecture. Also an art, though pleasing to God.
Already a year after Vsevolod's death, Konstantin laid in
Yet dismantled the ruins of the Rostov Cathedral, Antipas began to build
in Rostov and Yaroslavl churches of the small plinths, which were made of local
clay, obzhigovaja right there on the site. Within two years (1214-1215 years
approx. transl.) was built a small
Us Mathilde construction contracts was not interested in princely harems
brought us much more money than you could bring the manufacture of bricks, and
extraction and transportation of white stone – incomparable sources of income –
has not yet been conducted. For making statues for temples plinthite was enough
stone from the ruins of the Rostov Cathedral.
The Antipas began to build another Church in Yaroslavl, dedicated to the
Transfiguration of the Saviour (construction it was completed in 1224 – approx.
transl.), Rostov almost finished dismantling the ruins of the city Cathedral
(the new Cathedral was built only to 1231 – approx. transl.), but then began
the most internecine war, Constantine with Svyatoslav was not up to the
building, and Smolensk the architect went home.
I need to tell you about this war, as it lies almost entirely on
conscience Matilda, and hence my. In fact, after the story of anonymous and
Testament of the late Vsevolod war could not begin, and the question was only
that before it starts or later. Wanted war
Justice I say, father Nicephorus that the brothers tried to coexist
peacefully. George even achieved the Kiev Metropolitan institutions for the
In the twenty-third year (1215 – approx. transl.) Constantine and George
twice went out with their armies toward each other, but each time went without
battle. No one dared to attack first. Even Jaroslav, on the side George, not
trying to induce Grand Duke Vladimir to start a fratricidal war. Both sides
sought allies to achieve a decisive superiority and force the enemy to
surrender, without bringing the matter to a lot of blood.
Allies George were all his younger brothers, it was enough. Yes, father
Nicephorus, I misspoke: all. When the strife, Sviatoslav moved from
It seemed would the older Vsevolodovich could only surrender. He was
terribly worried, of his harem almost did not go – was looking for oblivion in
adulterous pleasures. It already had not that painful, just become a shadow.
But the Prince forgot that his side was Matilda. Probably, the
destructive power of this tricky, treacherous and heartless intriguer cost of
several teams and militias.
It turned out so I was witness to an important conversation the Germans
with the Prince. Once in the evening I and Matilda was sitting in the great
hall of the harem, and suddenly became
German replied
Constantine said he would be happy to invite Mstislav from Novgorod a
team, but does not know how to do it: peace between Novgorod and Suzdal the
ground is still not concluded, the military action that commenced at the time
Vsevolod the Big Nest, continues Yaroslav Vsevolodovich and he recently took
Novgorod Novy Torg (Torzhok now – approx. transl.), not conceded in Novgorod
bread and is literally strangling the Novgorodians to death.
"So what could be better? – exclaimed the German. – Even choking,
the more likely
I wouldn't even to warn me to in her absence did not drink: I was always
led to
And here in the winter, at the beginning twenty-fourth year (1216 –
approx. transl.),
Yes, Matilda all it turned out perfectly. Thanks to her efforts, the
order of the sword went
However, the enthusiasm Rostovtsev eased somewhat when a squad of
Mstislav entered the city: they are all together numbered only a few hundred
people. But Udatny immediately after arrival in
And in April, as just ran out to thaw, Mstislav led the army to March,
he decided not to wait while attack George. Army was Konstantin: it had to be
done, without him the
Yes, imagine that, a father Nicephorus, I went camping, despite the fact
that I was nearly half a century. This is it was the duty of a nobleman, and I
didn't want her to wriggle out. I will not to say that I decided to atone for
their sins heroic death it would be true. Just leaped to something in the
shower. Probably wanted himself again to feel worthy warrior.
Exercise I'm still a little involved, and it might be fine to ride.
Though was still fat, and the horse I had to plant. However, all the way I did
in the wagon and on the horse sat only in the day of battle. And the hike was
Russian standards minded: from
George and his younger brothers were ready for action, but hesitated
because I was waiting for a messenger from
Numerical the advantage of the regiments George was huge. In his army
went in squads and militia the largest and richest cities of Suzdal – Vladimir
Georgiev, Suzdal, Pereslavl and
Our the advantage was the strategic talent Mstislav. The enemy only
experienced and talented military leader was Jaroslav, but big brother George
command did not give him – and not because he wanted to solve everything, but
because tried to maintain a balance between their younger brothers, and they
would have quarreled on the way to the field of battle. In the end, thanks to
the efforts of George the army came to Georgieva-Opole intact, there joined the
regiment Svyatoslav.
The next morning George was in no hurry to build shelves in order of
battle, infantry and cavalry stood mixed. Apparently, he was fully confident in
his abilities and waited for
If I was next to George, told him about the battle with Kali, where the
army of Igor Svyatoslavich similarly stood on the hill and eventually lost his
freedom of movement. But I was close to
I have something understand military Affairs, and sincerely admire
Mstislav. He truly did a miracle.
He got off horse, he headed on foot militia and slowly went forward
against the enemy. The soldiers were moving after the Prince orderly, in order,
to run no one passed. Even swords no one was exposed, the spears were lowered
down, the archers abandoned their arms behind his back. All banners were
deployed, and loud music was playing.
The enemy was taken aback. Maybe even at first thought that Udatny is
going to give up. Because the enemy archers did not shoot.
And here with the two sides came the battle cry. It turns out that
Mstislav the evening sent our the few cavalry in the bypass position George –
the two sides, through the the woods, who approached the hill. As the riders
managed night to get forests and not get lost – God knows. Fortunately for us,
the night was moon, and, apparently, they were guided by the light of the moon.
And one of these regiments still had to Wade Lipica, which in April deep and
cold. Well done, one word.
All thought what Mstislav ordered to go with loud music, whether out of
molodechestva. But this the music was the signal for standing in forests
cavalry, Udatny had calculated everything very well.
In his foremost, the cry of our cavalry was the signal for Svyatoslav
Vsevolodovich. All his regiment George-Opole shouted, "Surround!",
turned and amicably left the field of battle. Apparently, everything was
already prepared, even surrounded by the warriors of Svyatoslav cried
suspiciously orderly.
Panic which began in the ranks of the rest of George's regiments, it is
difficult to describe. Our cavalry, coming out of the woods and up the hill,
hit the army, and the fleeing crowds. And run it themselves, and nowhere in the
front was advancing Mstislav, right and on the left the cavalry. Trying to
escape was only possible in the field, through which shortly before the latter
left the regiment Svyatoslav. In this field, and began massacre. The Vladimir,
Suzdal, Pereyaslavets and Muscovites fell under the blows of the swords,
trampled each other, screaming for help.
There was a time to sound a retreat and take prisoners. Give the command
on the end could either Mstislav, or Constantine himself. But Udatny was still
walking up the hill and could not to see that the enemy is utterly defeated.
Here Matilda rushed to him and said, "O great Prince! If you now
tell to play release, your enemies will soon recover and again rise up against
you."
Prince second thought and uttered a cry: "take no Prisoners!".
And he jumped forward, ahead Pesci Mstislav, is hack running. Behind him rushed
his whole entourage, including and I.
And I confess, hacked I many. Here's what happened: went to battle to
feel a worthy warrior, and felt the brutal killer. I'm on Lipica mercilessly
exterminated not filthy Polovtsy, once in the campaigns of Igor Svyatoslavich,
and their Orthodox compatriots.
A little eases my sin only that the red mist came upon all without
exception. Of beating up the unfortunate warriors George even made
"happy" video after sitting on horseback in full military garb. I
didn't expect that my Dunyasha, Glasha and Architects will be with the evil
screeching and distorted faces to bring down the sword on the heads of
defenseless people. Moreover – to do it with obvious pleasure. However, since
the days of the harem Salah-ad-DIN I knew that women are generally more cruel
than men, no wonder one of the worst harem of the executions wasto give the
guilty at the mercy of her companions. I seem about it already told. But there
was still cunning and evil of an Oriental woman, and then – a simple Russian
peasant woman and Amateur girls.
Only Matilda left behind: I was not the first time noticed that she
needs blood does not shed. And why she was to kill someone: her fault now
killed thousands of young, healthy, strong Russian people. You can tell the
color Suzdal land.
Yes, father Nicephorus, thousands. After Lipetskoy of the battle of
Such bloody internecine battles, as Lipitskaya, in Suzdal has never was.
The hussars then sang the squares: "scary and wondrous miracle, brothers!
Went sons to fathers and fathers to children, brothers to brothers, slaves to
masters, and Lord on slaves." Repent to you, father Nicephorus, I didn't
care about that: I still, the Prince, and our family always loved Monomakh and
happy met the news of their strife. But the fact that this battle will not lead
to next redistribution of the tables, and to the weakening and, eventually,
death of the entire country – I even imagine I could.
Now I'm fine understand what the consequences of the strife, the more
bloody. Even if reign becomes peaceful start moving the boyars and officials,
and while they when you get settled in a new place, Principality generally no
controls. But if strife? The nobles defeated the Prince flee, pursue new
officials old owning to redraw, written endless denunciations. And this is in
addition to the direct damage from the war – killed people, etched crops,
looted and burned of towns and villages.
Yeah, I already told you about this, simply very much I care, despite
the fact that I was standing on the edge the grave. Still, I Rurikovich, and
the fate of the country I indifferent not left, no matter what the wily
Matilda! Yes, I was weak, came under its effect. But I didn't know much, and
just yesterday my eyes finally opened. Or is it already yesterday? I seem to
lose track of time. Thank you, father Nicephorus, what took you so long and
patiently hear my confession. Not so much priests so well perform her duty as a
Christian. Another, maybenot even hearing me, said, "my Son, in the name
of the Father and of the Son and the Holy spirit I absolve you of your sins, go
in peace," and go, Orthodox, Boris, at the light. No, I understand that
this is also a remission of sins, and would be grateful for it, but my
conscience, it did not facilitate.
But again, I digress. Three days after the battle Lipetskoy Constantine
triumphantly entered into
So I the third time became a noble, a wealthy and influential man. Was
Prince Svyatoslav Olgovich, then became Agha al-Battal-Rus Boris Ibn Oleg,
later, boyar Thalaleas by Karpovich. Only the first honorary title I received
birth, the second – due to its military exploits, and third – price shame and
dishonor.
Speaking of dishonor: Mstislav Udatnogo that
And my German moved after Konstantin in
Svyatoslav arrived in
Yes, the twenty-sixth year was the last year of life of Konstantin
Vsevolodovich. He had already during Lipetskoy the battle looked like a living
skeleton – apparently turned out to be weak for the ongoing harem of pleasures.
And when he fell still a huge number of princely duties, he could not resist.
Transient consumption and the grave. He was only thirty-two years old.
And shortly before Matilda convinced the terminally ill Konstantin
translate younger brother George close to Vladimir – Suzdal. It seems like in
order to strengthen unity state: say, worthless second on the ladder Prince to
rule somewhere in the distance, better to have the honorary and was eyes.
Soon
Can't say that Grand Duke Georgy Vsevolodovich we went wrong
relationship. I guess I must say otherwise: the relationship with him did not
go well for anybody. It was worthless and softie, but he was confident that he
was sent by the God for the salvation of
In fairness I should note that depravity to him in any way was not
peculiar, he was an example of an exemplary family man and loved his wife
Agafia, daughter of Chernigov Prince Vsevolod chermnyy. Yes, the same, after
whose death I could get
But the question now is not about me and Georgy Vsevolodovich. I want to
tell you of this Prince and what happened with him in
Lipitskaya battle blew in
Georgy Vsevolodovich even won from the Bulgars advantageous location at
the confluence of the Oka and
But anyway, year in the twenty-ninth – thirtieth (1221-1222 – approx.
transl.)George founded on the arrow at the confluence of the Oka and Volga
rivers, the city and named it
As usually happens when weak-willed and incompetent ruler, at the court
flourished debauchery, drunkenness, bribery, embezzlement, bureaucratic
arbitrariness, and even idolatry. People only lived for today and not thinking
about the future. Many of the nobles and the rich merchants following the
example of Constantine and Svyatoslav even got himself a harem. In short, the
glorious city of
Ancient
How many people like warehouse, George did not trust anyone. Including
Matilda, especially knowing about her role in the defeat of his troops in the
battle Lipetskoy. But, on the other hand, he was her I appreciate the help,
when
So all anything, Matilda is such a great Prince, perhaps, would suit, we
could easily to stay and live in one of
He kept your destiny – Pereslavl-Zalessky – and under Constantine, and
Georgia. Last offered him a more prestigious fiefdoms –
When shortly before
But the cunning the idea of the Germans went to pieces. Yaroslav took
the boyar Vladimir Thalaleas quite kindly, apparently not immediately
remembered who I was. But as soon as he heard the name Maria Feodorovna and
realized that it was the one that supposedly of Tmutarakan, came to wild rage,
grabbed me by the collar and descended the stairs with the words: "again
see you in Pereyaslavl, fat Latin gelding, they'll hang you!".
Rally flight of stairs it was sad and painful at my age and with my
physique, I thought: why fat – explains why the gelding is also clear why
Latin? But when I returned to
And Matilda decided that need to move to Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich in
Georgiev-opolskie to be next to the Prince, which under any circumstances will
not give Yaroslav to deal with us, even if George anything happens. With Svyatoslav
fact, her attitude was great from the time
And we German settled in Georgieva-Opole. As in
But depravity is depravity, and thing – thing. More than women,
Svyatoslav loved only one thing: architecture. And year to the thirtieth (1222
– approx. transl.) he finally convinced older brother George to start a white
stone building. Yes, from the same, crazy expensive, but prestigious,
"Imperial" white stone. Moscow again earned quarries, chief of which
was re-designated for the elderly Ananias Simunovic, there were master-masons
who built the temples of Vsevolod the The big Nest, we Mathilde received the
contract for carriage, and it went.
Svyatoslav immediately decided to take up a very large building – Suzdal
Cathedral Bogoroditsy (Nativity of the virgin approx. transl.), he started to
build on the site of the dilapidated temple, built by Vladimir Monomakh. George
Prince scored his harem and was gone for months at a construction site, even
"happy" with him did not take: he was not up to carnal pleasures.
Of course, stealing is wrong, how to steal during the late Bartholomew,
we with her could not: honest in business, not in need of money and who were
well versed in everything it was white stone, Prince Svyatoslav quickly lead us
to clean water. But in a row for the transportation of stone brought good money
without stealing, so can repent if not the sin of theft, the sin of avarice. Having
also income from the content of the princely harem and granted by
However, why "them the property"? Our ancestral property, I,
too, Rurik! Just then, in Georgieva-Opole, I almost did not remember that I
actually name is not a Thalaleas Karpovich, Svyatoslav Olgovich. So, ran
sometimes before the eyes of some paintings of childhood and adolescence, and
all. The Sultan's harem, where I was Battal-Agoy, and then remembered more.
In the thirty-first year (1223 – approx. transl.) in southern
To Georgy Vsevolodovich came messengers from the South of Russia, asked
for help, but he hadn't given consent so as against Eastern peoples, Vladimir
and Kiev was a clear assignment duties from the time of Vsevolod the Big Nest
and Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich Kiev: Vladimir at war with the Bulgars, Kiev –
Polovtsy. The fact that the Mongols – not sheep, not seem to understand even
the princes, the vanquished after Kalka. However, with several taken prisoner
by the princes, the Mongols did not not the Polovtsian, that is did not demand
a ransom or sell into slavery, andpainfully and humiliating executed: tied, put
them on boards and on top sat to lunch. And crushed. But we are not alarmed:
you never know how to behave nomads.
And retinue, which, after long delays Georgy Vsevolodovich still sent to
the South, did not have time to fight the Mongols: those immediately after
Kalki went home.
Still probably could be alerted that the defeated on the Kalka princes
was Mstislav Udatny, but again, you never know what the lesions may be even the
best of generals. Have we say in such cases: everyone Hannibal can happen their
own the battle of
Don't know, did George V. before his death, at least mentally repent for
your mistakes and then their ideas about the Mongols. Just in case Christian
repent not only for ourselves but for him. Only I will say in justification and
the Grand Duke, and all the other princes, she then also not pay no attention
to the arrival of the vanguard of the Mongols.
So life in Suzdal went on as usual. Year in the thirty-third (1225 –
approx. transl.) completed construction of the Suzdal Cathedral of the virgin. Huge
with six internal pillars and three heads, richly decorated with white stone
thread. The consecration was attended by princes, nobles and clergy from around
the of the Grand Duchy. Svyatoslav triumphed.
In the same year he began the construction of the city cathedrals in
Georgy Vsevolodovich regularly allocated funds for the construction: was
a peaceful time, and money the Grand Ducal Treasury was. Yes, and he himself
could not like it the land is decorated with such beautiful buildings. I guess
he was pleased with the fact, what the younger brother did not debauchery in
Georgieva-Opole, and is located at a great and good work.
In the thirty-fifth (1227 – approx. transl.) I turned sixty. As we say
in
And I looked at the window and blankly looked outside, as if in a sort
of stupor. In summer, we went in a large wagon to one of his estates and was
sitting by the window there. Even in the Church only went on most major
holidays. In a word, feeble the old man. You could say, fell into the sin of
despondency.
And I remember from last decades of life in Georgieva-Opole is very
small. We as-that with Sultan physician Jamal al-Galilei talked about the main
harem eunuch the Abdelkarim, which in those days was a little less than me now,
Jamal told me that the elders usually well kept in the memory of what was in
their youth, remember the most recent events, and in the middle of them though
failure. Jamal was right. The East is famous for its healers, and this, no
doubt was of the best.
That is important for my confession, remember that Yaroslav
Vsevolodovich shortly before my sixtieth birthday became Prince of Novgorod,
leaving behind a and Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, and led the
Remember what about the same time Matilda happily told me that the Pope
wrote the message of the Russian princes, promising them peace and prosperity
in the bosom of the Latin Church and wanting to see their ambassadors in
Remember the story of Matilda that Georgy Vsevolodovich, having received
this message, gathered brothers on the Board. Svyatoslav believed that right up
to take Latin faith, of course, not necessary, but to send to
Jaroslav V. on hearing the name of Maria Feodorovna, was again furious. He
could not Svyatoslav down the stairs, as once it did with me, but said
everything your suspicion that this woman works for the Templars, and its aim
is the complete subordination of
Svyatoslav screamed that Byzantium quarter of a century ago fell, the
Latins took Constantinople – then the Lord favors them, and only the most
stupid and short-sighted people to ignore the message of the head of the Latin
Church. And that Mary's brother Yaroslav receive only over his dead body.
George called on the brothers to stop a fight, said Boyarynya Maria
Feodorovna – not Homer's Helen of Troy to conceive due to her strife, and that
the question Embassy in Rome – are too complex and need to carefully consider.
And he pondered for several years. I've heard of any other letters,
whether to George from the Pope, whether from George to the Pope. Matilda
hurried Svyatoslav, Svyatoslav hurry George, but nothing shifted. The reasons
for this was either the apathy and indecision of the Grand Duke, or his fear of
Yaroslav, your unwillingness to accept the Latin faith, whether it all
together. Gradually it became clear that the Suzdal Embassy to the Pope will
not go.
I remember Matilda all the time something really bothered is when she
realized that there is no Embassy in
God, I don't had guessed what was going on and what she has in mind. Yes,
if I guessed that could change to save their country? Nothing. All inexorably
rolled in the abyss.
Remember that Yaroslav the time still convinced of the
Matilda could breathe calm: while Yaroslav was engaged in
Remember that Svyatoslav Gromov, graduating from cathedrals in
Here, father Nikandr, it was until last winter. Yes, I called you in
Fact. And how actually your name? Nicephorus? Sorry, sorry. Was forgotten. A
bit to catch my breath. No thanks, they even do not want to drink.
Part VII,
recorded Stefan, a monk of the Abbey of St. John in
My sorrowful confession comes to an end, and I have to tell you about
what I unwittingly contributed to his grave and numerous sins. About the death
of my country.
Stepped current, forty sixth year (1238, but according to the Byzantine
chronology, the year begins on 1 Sep, so, here we are talking about the autumn
of 1237 – a comment perev.). I had turned seventy, and every autumn I thought
bitterly that he would not live to spring. But somehow he lived. For me was
good care, to me was deputed the doctor, I can't complain.
Sitting by the window, I often imagine how I'm going to die in a nice
bed of his St. George home and as they bury me in the place of honour in the
cemetery of the
Winter came, the invaders. And not from the West, where, as I understand
now, waited and called Matilda, and East. Not the Latins, and the Mongols.
In that year the Lord truly turned from my country: the winter was snowy
and cold, it would be warm and more snow – enemies got stuck.
On a frosty January day I, as usual, was sitting by the window and saw
that Svyatoslav builds in the courtyard of his army, and Pesci, and
equestrians. Asked Matilda if she knows, what's the matter. She said to the
Prince rushed a messenger from George Vsevolodovich: Svyatoslav with their
whole army needs to quickly go somewhere on the river Sit between Tver and
And she was gone. Back aged years, probably twenty. I even got up from
his seat – so scared for her. She fell in a chair and could not say anything. I
gave her water and was about to call the doctor to let her blood, but she
gradually she came to herself in a weak voice, told what happened.
It turns out that in mid-December,
The Ryazan Prince George I. and his nephew Roman Ingvarevich sent
messengers to George Vsevolodovich asking for help. Gave
If
Where was I? Yes, that
However, why do I blame all
I think if George Gromov knew that it is this army, as at Batu, he's
nobody were sent to the rescue of Ryazan and gave her her fate, because of the
special friendship Suzdal from Ryazan has never been quite the contrary. Would
gather squads and militias from all your Grand Duchy – he was not less than a
month until Batu dealt with
Then even with the leadership ineptitude of George is not known who
would take. Maybe Batu in General would not dare to attack such a large unified
army.
But why say "if "? All happened as it happened. George, not
bothering to learn how a mighty enemy to fight, sent to the aid of Ryazan
Vladimir only the squad, seven thousand of horsemen, headed by his son Vsevolod
G. and Governor Jeremiah Glebovich.
The Grand Duke Vladimir, as usual, how long did you think before posting
help. Still, probably wondering what the land demand from Ryazantsev in the
award for the help. In the end, the team came into the campaign, when the
To Vsevolod Georgievich joined the army of Prince Roman Igurevich, to
break out of
Georgy Vsevolodovich, understand the cost of losing squads that the
enemy in front of him, sent messengers to cities of Suzdal land, with the
requirement to collect all the troops and go on the river Sit. Obeying the
orders of the eldest brother, went there and Svyatoslav with his regiment.
Telling me all this, Matilda asked my opinion as a former warrior, why
George gathering an army on the distant river city, not in
So I calmed Matilda as I could. But neither I nor George II did not take
into account the fact that the Batu enough soldiers for a simultaneous attack
on the town of
But anyway, Svyatoslav went with the regiment from Georgieva-opolskie to
North. If in its place was
In Georgieva left urban militia under the command of Lord Elisha
Esipovich. Elisha fully prepared to defend the city. Shafts water poured below
the frost was formed, and the enemy could not climb on them. Water poured and
walls and roof closest to them houses below the ice was protected from fire
arrows. On the walls, prepared wood and resin – boil and pouring on the heads
of enemies. In white-the St. George Cathedral, which at the time of the siege
served as a stronghold, all Windows, loopholes staged battle areas archery. Prepared
food for several months. Distributedsections of the walls between citizens,
capable of bearing arms. One was weapons distributed. Burned Posad, so that the
enemy could not use the timber from his houses. In short, all as expected.
In early February Georgiev rode a messenger with the tidings that the
besieged
In Georgieva this message made a great impression. But hope was not
extinguished: hope for fortifications, and George and Svetoslav, who gathered
troops to City, and for a miracle. However, Mathilde had no hoped: hunched as
ancient woman, she walked around the room and muttered something under his
breath. I once I heard: "did Not, I warned, and they did not, now all the
end." Who and what did not – I did not realize then, and most were not up
to
As we say on Russ, there is a silver lining: Matilda in stupor, but it
left the I – like the old warhorse, which has already lead to the knacker's
yard, but he raises his the head and hoof beats heard in the distance the sound
of the trumpet. I even came to Elisha Esipovich and offered his services, but
he asked me to leave, saying that I'm too old and feeble for battle. I said
that can still fight, but he gave me look and offered himself to ascend to the
combat area the wall. Can – it I take. I could not, and in grief went home.
And in mid-February the Mongols came to Georgiev. For the second time in
my life, I was in a besieged city – I guess I spoke about their childhood experiences
in Novgorod-Seversky, when it was besieged by the army of Svyatoslav
Vsevolodovich Kiev. Yes, the ominous fires. Now they burned around Georgieva.
And burned them not my great-uncle, and the unknown enemy who knew no mercy.
The Mongols offered to give up. Elisha Esipovich gathered a Council of
eminent citizens, and we discussed to surrender or not. Decided not to give up,
relying on the fortifications and winter, frost, all drenched with water,
ramparts and walls of ice, will not fit, does not light. If the enemy will not
take the city by storm, then begin the siege, but he's in the field, in the
cold, and we are in the city, in the heat, and we have plenty of supplies. And
there, God willing, will come George with Svyatoslav and help out. And the defenders
of the city were many, five thousand gained: even many women went to the wall.
Flaming arrows our ice strengthening was not light, that's for sure. Even
"Greek fire" is not if it was possible to ignite. But the Mongols
were powerful catapults, and the first the attack was the latest. The enemies
in several places swept from the shaft wall, put to the slopes of the shafts of
the stairs and rushed into the breaches under the protection of their archers
who shot much better than ours. After all, in Georgieva good archers almost
gone, all gone with the army of Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich.
So Batu and took everything our cities. Perhaps it would be better to
give up. But we didn't know that the Mongols so strong. Yes, and shame – where
it go? I guess I have already given the words of my distant ancestor Svyatoslav
Igorevich: "do Not disgrace the Russian land, but lie down bones, the dead
are not ashamed". And none of our town did not surrender. Well, the only
consolation is that my country died heroically.
Died heroically and Georgiev-Opole. Rushed the Mongols not only killed
those who tried to resist, but to all who did not prostrate before them. Enough
all more or less valuable. The city erupted, no one was extinguished. Elisha
and Esipovich the remaining defenders took refuge in
Around the princely Palace for fire protection there was a large vacant
space was not present windy, and the fire, the Palace was spared. Spared him
and the Mongols – imagine thanks to the Prince's harem and wit Matilda.
When the warriors of Batu broke into the Palace, the first thing they
saw was trembling and ready all the Prince's Royal concubine. Old German, came
to themselves in the face mortal danger, was shrewd enough to strip them naked
and push forward.
Can you imagine what began in the Palace Orgy. But, to satisfy his wild
lust, the Mongols forgot about the murder. Used to run all the new warriors,
joined debauchery, and all went well, so to speak. In the end, and I, and
Matilda, and all the concubines, and all his servants survived. Of course, we
got robbed, but life left.
Yes, father Nikolai, you right, there were occasions when the Mongols,
raped women, cut off their Breasts and stabbed. But, thank God, was rare. These
cases could be caused by the resistance of the victims, their loved ones,
cruelty of individual warriors. But for all their hatred of the Mongols have to
say no special atrocities on their part, I did not see: that's about what
happened when the city "took to the skies" and the crusaders, and the
Sultan's troops, and, to be honest, our Orthodox during the princely strife. For
example, when Rurik Rostislavich in the twelfth year(1204 – approx. transl.)
captured
Having been in Georgieva-Opole three days, the Mongols went as
unexpectedly as it came. The city lay in ruins, survived barely a fifth of the
buildings. Among the ashes rose blackened with soot, peeled gilding on the
dome, but still beautiful and the majestic
Began to arrive the messengers from other cities. The news was sad. The
Grand Duchy lay in the dust, and the ash was taken and looted, except for
Vladimir and Georgieva, and even Suzdal Rostov, Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, Moscow,
Tver, Bogolyubov, Kideksha, many others city. And the worst was news of the
death of troops Georgy Vsevolodovich. The death of stupid and ridiculous.
When Batu Khan laid siege to
I don't know exactly how it all occurred in the city, but I was told
that the forces were equal: the princes were collected fifteen thousand
soldiers, about the same number were in the squad
Batu went on, in the the direction of
Here from
Known for sure only that that George was waiting on the city of
What I'm still sure – that Yaroslav convinced of Batu not to go to
No, to convince the Batu not to go to Kiev Yaroslav unlikely. When the
Prince left the capital of South Russia, it was immediately seized Mikhail
Vsevolodovich of
Mind you, father Nikon, Batu trusts Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, even did not
put in Vladimir and his Deputy. Installed with the new great Prince of the
relationship, which the Latins called vassal, held the Ambassador-spy and left.
Matilda knew that under Yaroslav, she'll die as soon as he reach his
hands up to Georgieva-opolskie then burn her at the stake as a witch. To
protect her this time there was no one: Svyatoslav wasn't (he later came to
Got to give her credit, me she didn't, and was given a choice: go with
her or to stay and die at home. I guess I like Russian Prince would to choose
the latter. But I confess, I was afraid of starvation among the ashes and
ruins. Some of my estate survived, but sooner or later they would have
confiscated the great Prince Yaroslav. And how was I supposed to live without
Matilda? Still, I very much attached to this cunning and devious, but an
extraordinary woman for the forty-five years that we were together. Forty-five
years! Few even married so many lives.
So I agreed to go with her, but only expressed a fear that will not
survive a long journey in The Holy Roman Empire. But she said we can go to
On the road we have the money was: it took them some his stash. Horses
in Georgieva after the Mongol destruction left, but we were not needed: the
break-up already was over, and it was possible to sail boats. A boat with us
were many: they preserved from transportation of white stone, and the Mongols
have not touched them, their boat was to anything.
Matilda began to look for the surviving merchants wishing to leave Georgiev-Opole.
There were a lot. Their goods were looted, but the money they had to hide. So
they also paid us for the boat: the wily old German, and then managed to earn. Else
joined us and some wealthy artisans, and even the nobles, – in short, all who were
able to pay. Was with them women, and children. Former concubines and maids of
princely harem we took free. Even many of the poor went: we, too, took them for
free, because we needed rowers.
In early April, we sailed. Our caravan was huge: if I change the failing
memory thirty-five large boats. Or thirty-four? It doesn't matter. We have
strong protection: in Georgieva left many surviving soldiers, decided to try
his luck in exile, and even to get any kind of cost. Led the protection of the
Governor Mikita Negojevic that the capture of the city by the Mongols was
wounded, but almost recovered.
The soldiers hung their shields on the sides, giving our modest cargo
boats menacing look of warships, together with rowers sat on the oars, and away
we went. First down the river Koloksha, and then up the Klyazma.
We are with Matilda sailed on one of the boats in the middle of the
caravan. I was reclining on the pillows and looked around forever saying
goodbye to his home country. The farewell was really sad. In April, when the
leaves on the trees have not yet appeared, and the snow just came down, leaving
impassable mud, Suzdal always looks sad. And then there's on the banks of
blackened ashes of sacked villages.
Lifting Klyazma, we few times saw on the Bank some armed groups – it was
probably the robbers, which after the invasion of Batu was no one to fight, and
they do insolent. But our caravan was so large and so well guarded that they
are not dared to attack. We with her it seemed that we will sail to
From Klyazma leads portage in Yauza. All the buildings on the wires was
burnt: on the way from
Our long caravan already dragged through the dies, the rowers and the
soldiers dragged the boat, all the others helped them as could. We even Matilda
took hold of the edge of one of the boats, although the use of barely moving
fat man and a skinny hunched old woman was not enough.
The woods around portage was summarized: this was done since the time of
"Who goes there?"
Our Governor Mikita Negojevic said nothing, only commanded the soldiers
to take up arms and be ready for battle. And then out of the woods from all
sides flying arrows. Do not short – bows nomads and long – of those big bows
that are usually armed with princely vigilantes. With a hundred fathoms, are
the arrows shot by the skillful hands, hit exactly the target. Mikita and a few
more soldiers fell dead.
I started to panic, people began to disperse, prostrate, beg for mercy. And
then Matilda struggling yelled, pointing at me:
"That's Prince, listen it!"
Me:
"Command, Prince!"
So here I am again turned into a Prince in his old age, looted portage,
among ashes, under fire from the robbers. I can say without exaggeration: it
was the bright moment in my life. And now I am very glad that I managed to tell
you to the moment when I cheered and became a different person. Even so it is
possible to say he became a man.
Began to command. Voice I already was very weak, not to mention
scorcesse and senile wishlist, but the warriors passed my team on.
I ordered everyone to hide in boats and prepare to repel the attack. All
have done so. Arrows ceased to fly, and I already was expecting out of the
woods now will run out by bandits. But instead he heard the same powerful
voice:
"I hear there Prince?"
"Yes!" – I shouted.
"And who are you, Prince?"
"Sviatoslav II Of
"Here Gleb Ingvarevich Kolomna. Come on, brother, we will
talk".
And what do you think, father Nikandr? It really was Hleb, quite a young
man, younger Kolomna Prince. His older brother Roman was killed in battle near
Kolomna.
We went to meet a friend other. The brothers hugged each other as we
passed, Rurik. Rodney and I go way back: Gleb belonged to the family of the
princes of
I briefly told that the Prince of Rylsk, but then was captured by the
Polovtsy, and after captivity by agreement with the late Igor Svyatoslavich
gave way to the reign of the sons of Oleg Mstislav and lived in Suzdal under
the name of the Lord Thalaleas Karpovich. I confess, I did leave out a lot in
his story, but overall almost all it was true, and no doubt Hleb arose. Besides,
he had seen my sons princely congresses Chernihiv land to which gravitated the
earth
About where it went Batu after the massacre of
Gleb Ingvarevich said because I'm his brother Rurik, you are free to go
on with his caravan. He only asked me to collect from the boyars and merchants
of donations for restoration Kolomna, he was robbed for portage in Suzdal in
order to raise hometown out of the ruins. I asked him how much money to collect
it called, it was not so much. Anyway, paid all.
From the forest came the soldiers Gleb mostly, it was a princely
retainers, so they shot so accurately. Began to help drag our boat.
Gleb warned me on the way from
More, as I explained Gleb, the major groups on the way there – I noticed
that he avoids the word "predatory". And from small gangs we
ourselves, if necessary, defend ourselves: he sees that we seem to have
prepared well.
And we swam on – down on the Yauza. By the way, I was surrounded by
respect, in the caravan looked at me like I was Savior, even Matilda had shown
me such respect, I never from her not seen since the death of Salah ad-DIN.
However, I was this honor, when my
When we sailed
I confess that I could not to keep stingy, senile tears. Even German, as
I thought, I was deeply moved and wiped away a tear with sunken, wrinkled
cheeks. However, I immediately realized that was wrong: she's just got eyes
watered from the sudden gust of cold the spring wind.
Our way was up The Moscow river, then across the portage we went to the
river Sister. On the wires, I called
Then began the possession of the bishops of Riga and one of the corners
of the Dvina stood the military post unknown to me the knights – as I later told
my German, it was new, recently created the Livonian order. We called, told
approaching. Matilda said something to the Latins in German, revealed his
amulet and showed the seal of the order of the
"O Russian land, you're over the hill" – I remembered the
words from the distant past.
In
At the
Despite the fact that I was tired from the road, fell asleep at once:
suffered senile and skupchenko insomnia. Only in the morning fell asleep and
slept until noon if not longer. Woke up got dressed, had Breakfast and decided
to go to Mathilde, the benefit of her chambers were located next to mine, and
there it was possible to go directly, bypassing the common room.
Knocked, nobody answered. The door between our chambers were unlocked
and I looked inside. The Germans were not. Across the room was scattered with
her clothes: probably, chose, what to wear. The table was littered with
scribbled pieces of parchment. Apparently, she all night writing, then, not
slept, gone on business and forgot to remove drafts and check whether all doors
are locked.
I confess, I could not resist and decided to inquire what she wrote. It
was drafts of letters addressed to the commander the
And here's what I learned. Listen, Nikolai, and how vile crimes against
my country, I the unwitting accomplice.
Matilda was listed their actions from the time of the reign of Vsevolod
the Big Nest, when the order was clear, voluntarily to draw Russia into the
Latin faith will fail and need to do the full weakening of this country, in
order to then subordinate it to fire and sword. And insidious German has done
much to weaken Suzdal the ground.
First it corrupted heir of the Vladimir Grand-Ducal table of Konstantin
Vsevolodovich.
Then he made a denunciation Vsevolod Georgievich on
Then promoted win Konstantin lipetskoy the battle and the extermination
of many thousands of the best warriors Principality.
Then, realizing that
Then, seeing what's next with George, everything more and more power
becomes a sworn enemy of the Latins Jaroslav, was in opposition to it to
strengthen Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich.
Then she allegedly Sviatoslav was prepared to in case of an attack on
Russia the Imperial order's troops and became Grand Duke, and agreed to pay the
country to the Latin.
Then she complained that all her efforts went out the window. Neither
the Templars, nor the knights of the sword did not heed her numerous requests
to send to
Even German was justified: she did not succeed to eliminate most of
Yaroslav, age is not the same, the forces are not those. And that Batu Khan
came to
Finally, Matilda warned the Latins from the attack on
On one of the sheets parchment I found her signature: the noble lady
Matilda von Immendorf, By the grace of God sister of the order of poor knights
of Christ and of the
Long I sat at the table in the room the Germans, Recalling her words and
deeds in the years that were together with her. I had the new terrible truth.
It Turns Out, Jaroslav Gromov was right that she was working for the Templars,
and its aim was the weakening of
And then came the Matilda. In his best clothes: must have been the
commander of the
I didn't try to hurt her or ruffle. Just got up and asked:
"How could you do that my country where nobody's done anything
evil? I can understand why are you avenged Salah al-DIN: his fault your parents
were killed and you got in a harem. But
It is the first time in all the years I knew her, broke into hysterical
cry:
"Yes, what do I have noble origin! I – unknown orphan, thrown the
baby into the house orphans of the order of the
"But you then took Orthodoxy," I stammered.
"Falsely – as well as in
"But I'm Orthodox, and you were my friend..."
"Yes, what you tell me friend! I'd have relations with any chief
the harem guard to help I run after the elimination of the infidel
Sultan!"
"But you went with me Rus..."
"Got a new job, therefore I went, and I needed you to settle in
"And if you more I got the job – for example, somewhere in
"'d kill you Dash my servant the order of the head of the von der
Hirsch, and that's all!"
"What a disgrace..."
"You look at yourself! I a good Catholic and all his life honestly
served his true faith, fought with her enemies! And you? Helped me to harm
their co-religionists! Rurik called! You, along with the shameful parts of
princely honor cut that
"Damn you!"
"How dare you say me curse the wretch!" – she cried, came up
to me and slapped.
This is her undoing: she forgot I was after the incident at portage from
the Klyazma river in the Yauza ceased to be The Thalaleas By Karpovich. A
Russian Prince Svyatoslav II of
And I hit her in the face. God knows, I didn't mean to kill her, but I
confess, struck hard. It is so not expect me of this shot that didn't have time
to get away or defend themselves. I a feeble old man but still a former
soldier, and besides, I have a lot of weight. So the blow was hard, even though
I was not hit with a fist and an open hand.
She fell. I'm not rushed to raise it: he was too pissed off. A long time
paced the room to recover. When I looked at the German woman, she still lay
motionless, only his ears flowed a trickle of blood: it turns out she fell
backwards and hit his head on the acute angle of the table.
I bent over her, he put his ear to her chest. She was not breathing.
Closed her eyes, whispered that could remember of the prayers for the dead.
Could not stand, then still failed. Out on the street. Until late in the
evening wandered through
The body of Matilda probably already found, and looking for the killer. Or
maybe not looking for: would have thought that the old lady just became ill,
and she fell and hit her head.
I don't care. Once Jamal al-Galil, the physician of the Sultan's harem,
told me that when a man dies, he first goes the eyesight, then hearing and then
consciousness. I already do not see, father Nicephorus, and I hear worse and
worse. Therefore, even not ask you a question, whether venial sin of murder
insidious of luminance Matilda von Immendorf: unlikely to read your response.
So I finish my confession. My country, my
Lord, take my soul.
The END
A list of historical figures mentioned in the book
Agafea Rostislavna – daughter of Rostislav Mstislavich of
Agafea vsevolodivna (CA. 1195–1238) – daughter of Vsevolod Svyatoslavich
chermnyy. Wife Of George Vsevolodovich.
Agatha– the monastic name of the wife of Konstantin Vsevolodovich,
daughter of Smolensk Prince Mstislav Romanovich.
Alexander Yaroslavich, called Nevsky (1221-1263) – son of Yaroslav
Vsevolodovich. Prince Novgorod (1236-1240, 1241-1252 and 1257-1259), Grand
Prince of
Al-Aziz– the son of Salah ad-DIN.
Andrey (Yuryevich), nicknamed Bogolyubsky (C. 1111-1174), the son of
Yuri Dolgoruky. Prince of Vyshgorod (1149 and 1155), Prince of Dorogobuzh
(1150-1151), Prince of
Baldwin IV, nicknamed the Leper (1161-1185) – king of
Baldwin V de Of Montferrat (1178-1186) – king of
Batu,in the Russian tradition Batu (C. 1209-1255/1256) – Mongol military
leader and statesman.
Burunday– the Mongol warlord.
Vladimir II Monomakh (1053-1125), in baptism Basil, the great Prince
Kiev (1113-1125). The son of Prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich, the grandson of
Yaroslav the Wise. Nicknamed the Monomah on the generic name of the family of
his mother, who was allegedly the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine
IX Monomakh.
Vladimir Vsevolodovich (1192-1227), the baptism of Dmitry, the son of
Vsevolod The Big Nest. Prince Of
Vladimir Glebovich (1157-1187) – the grandson of George Dolgorukiy,
Prince of Pereyaslavl (1169-1187).
Vladimir Igorevich (C. 1170–?) the son of Igor Svyatoslavich. Prince of
Putivl (up to 1185-1198), Novgorod-Seversky (1198-1206), Galician (1206-1208,
The 1210-1211).
Vladimir Sviatoslavich, also St. Vladimir, Vladimir the Great,
Vsevolod Georgievich (Yu), nicknamed the Big Nest (1154–1212), the
baptism of Dmitry, the son of Yuri Dolgoruky, the younger brother of Andrew
Bogolyubsky. The Grand Duke Vladimir to 1176.
Vsevolod Yurievich (1212 or 1213-1238), the baptism of Dmitry, the son
of George (Yuri) Vsevolodovich. Prince Of
Vsevolod II of
Vsevolod Svyatoslavich (?-1196) – the son of Svyatoslav Olgovich of
Vsevolod Svyatoslavich, surnamed the red, i.e. Red (mind. 1212),
baptized Daniel, the son Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich Of Kiev. Prince Of Starodub
(1198-1202), Chernihiv (1202-1210), Grand Prince of
George (Iurii) Vladimirovich, nicknamed Dolgoruky (1090-e – 1157) – the
son Vladimir Monomakh. With 1113 years (according to another version, year
1096) the rest of your life rules Suzdal Principality. In 1149-1151 years and
1155 the rest of your life – the great Prince of Kiev.
George (Yuri) Vsevolodovich (1188-1238) – the son of Vsevolod the Big
Nest. Grand Prince of
George (Yuri) I. (d. 1237) was the Grand Prince of
GSACalso , GSA, Xak – the Polovtsian Khan.
Guy (Guido) de Lusignan (d. 1194), king of
Gleb Ingvarevich – Prince of Kolomna. Probably the younger brother of
the Roman Igurevich. Mentioned in "The story of the destruction of Ryazan
Batu".
Gleb Rostislavich (d. 1178) – Prince of Ryazan, the founder of the
Davyd Rostislavich (1140-1197) – Prince of Smolensk, son of Rostislav
mstislavovitch.
Dmitry– the son of Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich of
Eudoxia G. was a daughter of Gleb Rostislavich of
Evdokia Davydovna – the daughter of Prince David Yuryevich of
Yevpaty Kolovrat (approx. 1200-1238) –
Eldeco– the Polovtsian Khan.
Jeremiah (Jeremiah) Glebovich (mind. 1238) – Vladimirsky Voevoda.
Atopic– the Polovtsian Khan.
Euphrosyne Yaroslavna – the daughter of the Galician Prince Yaroslav
Osmomysl. Husband Igor Svyatoslavich.
Gerard de Ridefor (approx. 1141-1189) – Grand master of the order of the
Igor Glebovich (mind. 1195) – Prince of Ryazan. The grandfather of Roman
and Gleb Igurevich, brother Eudoxia Of Glebovna.
Igor Svyatoslavich (1151-1202) – the son of Svyatoslav Olgovich of
Isabella I of
Izyaslav Vladimirovich (d. 1096 ad) – son of Vladimir Monomakh. Prince
of
Izyaslav Davidovich (mind. 1161) – Prince of Chernigov, Grand Prince of
Izyaslav Mstislavich (C. 1097-1154), in baptism Panteleimon, the eldest
of the grandsons of Vladimir Monomakh, Grand Prince of
John Of Ryl'sk, also Rila (C. 876-946) – the founder of the Rila
monastery in
John(d. 1213) – Bishop of
Jehoram is the king The Kingdom of Judah, ruled from 843 at 851 BC the
Son of king Jehoshaphat. After ascension to the throne of
Czech– the Polovtsian Khan, the son of the GSAC.
Kobyak– the Polovtsian Khan, 1170-1180 years repeatedly made raids on
Constantine IX Monomakh, according to another account, X or XI (C.
1000-1055) – Byzantine the Emperor (1042-1055). Gave his daughter or another
close relative for the Russian Prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich.
Konstantin Vsevolodovich (1186-1218) – the son of Vsevolod the Big Nest.
Prince of
Konchak– the Polovtsian Khan (ruled 1170–after 1203). In 1170-1180 years
repeatedly made raids on
Mstislav Mstislavich, called Udachnym, or Swashbuckling (to 1176-1228),
baptism Fedor is the Prince of Tripoli (1193-1203), Toropetskiy (1206-1213),
Novgorod (1210-1215, 1216-1218), Galician (1215-1216, 1219-1226), Torchesk
(1203-1207, 1226-1228).
Mstislav Romanovich, called the Old (mind. 1223), in baptism Boris, the
son of the Novel Rostislavich. Prince of
Mstislav Svyatoslavich (d. 1240) was the son of Svyatoslav Olgovich of
Rylsk. Prince Rylsky (after 1185). Killed by the Mongols.
Nursesalso Nurses, Nerses (478-573) – a commander and an influential
courtier The Eastern Roman Empire under the Emperor Justinian I.
Nicholas of Myra (CA. 270–about 345) was a Bishop of Myra, in
Catholicism and Orthodoxy revered as a Saint, a miracle worker.
Nikolaus von Nauen (also Nikolaus de Magdeburg) – the Bishop of Riga in
1229-1253.
Nur ad-DIN Mahmoud, al-Malik al-Adil Nur ad-DIN Abu al-Qasim Mahmud Ibn
Imad ad-DIN Zangi (1116-1174) – atabeg of
Oleg Igorevich (1175–after 1226) was the son of Igor Svyatoslavich. Details
about it are mixed with information about Oleg Svyatoslavich of
Oleg Svyatoslavich (C. 1053–1115), the baptism of Michael, the son of
Svyatoslav Yaroslavich. Prince Volyn (1073-1078), Tmutarakan (1083),
Oleg Svyatoslavich (1137-1180) was the son of Svyatoslav Olgovich
Chernihiv, senior brother of Igor Svyatoslavich, father Svyatoslav Olgovich of
Rylsk. Prince Of Putivl (1157-1159),
Oleg Svyatoslavich (d. after 1228) was the son of Svyatoslav Olgovich of
Rylsk. Prince Of
The Olstin Oleksich – Chernihiv Governor.
Onfroy IV de Toron (OK 1166-1197) – Lord of Toron, Kerak, and
Raymond III, count of
Renaud de Chatillon (1124-1187) – a French knight, participant of the
Second crusade, Prince of Antioch (1153-1160).
Richard I, nicknamed the Lion Heart (1157-1199) – Duke of Aquitaine
(1189-1199), the Comte de Poitiers (1169-1189), king of
Roman Nesterovich – Kiev Governor.
Roman I.(d. 1211) was the son of Igor Svyatoslavich. Prince Of
Zvenigorod (1206-1208, The 1210-1211), Galician (1208-1210).
Roman Ingvarevich (mind. 1238) – brother Gleb Igurevich. Prince of
Kolomna ( 1217).
Roman Rostislavich (d. 1180) – son of Rostislav mstislavovitch. Duke Of
Rostislav Mstislavich (C. 1108-1167) – the grandson of Vladimir
Monomakh, the younger brother of Izyaslav Mstislavovitch. Prince of
Rurik(d. approx. 879) – the founder of the princely dynasty of Rurik.
Ryurik Rostislavich (d. 1214) was the son of Rostislav mstislavovitch. Prince
Of
Salah-ad-DIN, in Russian and Western traditions – Saladin, al-Malik
an-Nasir Salah ad-Dunya VA-d-DIN Abul-Muzaffar Yusuf Ibn Ayyub (1138-1193) –
Sultan of Egypt, ruler of Damascus, ruler of Egypt, Syria, Iraq, The Hijaz and
Yemen.
Svyatoslav (approx. 1123-1194) – the son of Vsevolod Olgovich. Prince
Novgorod (1140), Turov (1142, 1154-1155), Volyn (1142-1146), Novgorod-Seversky
(1157-1164),
Svyatoslav (1196-1252) – the son of Vsevolod the Big Nest. Prince
Novgorod (1200-1206, 1208-1210), Pereyaslavl (1228-1234), Suzdal (1238-1246),
Yuriev-Polsky (1214-1228, 1248-1252), Grand Prince of
Svyatoslav (d. after 1232) was the son of Vsevolod Svyatoslavich. Prince
Trencevski.
Svyatoslav (942-972) – Prince of Novgorod in 945-969 years, the Grand
Duke of Kiev from 945 to 972 for the year.
Svyatoslav (1177-1211), the baptism of Andrew, son of Igor
Svyatoslavich. Prince Volyn (1206-1208), Przemysl (The 1210-1211).
Sviatoslav II of
Sviatoslav II Of Kiev (1167–?), in baptism Boris, the son of Oleg
Svyatoslavich Novgorod-Seversky, nephew of Igor Svyatoslavich. Prince Rylsky.
In 1185 he was captured by the Polovtsy, his fate is Chronicles can not be
traced.
Svyatoslav Yaroslavich (1027-1076), the baptism of Nicholas, the son of
Yaroslav the Wise. Prince Chernihiv, 1073 Grand Duke of
Sibylla of
Tugtekin – the younger brother of Salah ad-DIN.
Poliquin von Vintershtayn (1209-1236) – second and last Grand master of
the Order of the sword.
Kilbuck– the Polovtsian Khan.
Yaroslav, called the Wise (C. 978-1054), in baptism George, – the great
Prince of Kiev (1016-1018, 1019-1054).
Yaroslav Vsevolodovich (1139-1198) – the son of Vsevolod Olgovich, the
younger brother of Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich. Prince Of
Yaroslav Vsevolodovich (1191-1246), in baptism Feodor, the son of
Vsevolod the Big Nest. Prince Pereyaslavl (1201-1206), Pereslavl-Zalessky
(1212-1238),
Yaroslav II of
S. V. Zagraevsky (C) 2014