World of Iron and Blood

On the third day, Alexander once again headed to the library of St. Sophia Cathedral to return the books he had already read. The morning was fresh, and the air was filled with the scent of damp earth mixed with the aroma of incense wafting from the church.

Alexander was in a good mood. With the new information he had acquired, he now understood the answers to many of his questions. All that remained was to learn the approximate geography of his own lands and those of his neighbors during this era.

Following behind him were Mstyslav and Myrnomyr, who had replaced Sviatomyr and Volodymyr to allow them to rest after their night shift. They carefully carried the scrolls and books Alexander had finished reading.

When they entered the library, Alexander once again felt the same reverent awe he had experienced before. The spacious room with its high vaulted ceilings, lined with shelves, resembled a temple of knowledge.

The senior librarian, a wiry man with a wrinkled face and piercing eyes, approached them immediately. Noticing the books in the hands of the guards, he gave a slight bow.

- Good morning, Your Grace, - he said in a low but resonant voice. - You've returned more than I expected. This speaks to your diligence and faithfulness to your word

- Good morning, - Alexander replied with a nod. - I've returned what I've studied, but today I'm not here for books. This time, I need maps, any that you have

Hearing the request for maps, the senior librarian hesitated. His gaze dropped slightly.

- Forgive me, Your Grace… - he spoke cautiously, as though fearing to say too much. - All the maps we once had were taken by your brothers. Some were carried off to their lands; others were lost. We… we don't know where they are now

Alexander frowned but quickly composed himself. He thought for a moment before speaking with firm resolve:

- Then let's do this. Bring me the materials: a large piece of parchment, ink, and a quill. And find everything you have on records about our lands and our neighbors

The senior librarian nodded quickly and hurried to fulfill the request, while Alexander walked to a small wooden table near a window. Sitting down with his hands folded, he gazed thoughtfully at the view beyond the cathedral.

Soon, the librarian brought all the necessary materials. Alexander wasted no time and got to work. In front of him lay parchment, ink, and a quill. The absence of maps was not a problem for him. If there was no map, he would create one himself.

Images of modern maps floated through his memory, like fragments of the past. Although he was not a professional cartographer, he had a sharp mind, dexterous hands, and a vivid imagination. That was enough for a basic map, which he could refine later.

He knew that an overly detailed and complex map could raise suspicions. So Alexander approached the task cautiously. The map needed to look like the result of stories, observations, and common sense, not some miraculous sorcery.

He began by sketching the main features of the terrain. The Dnipro River became the central artery, followed by its tributaries, drawn as thin lines. He marked cities with simple symbols - circles for Kyiv, Novgorod, Chernihiv, and Pereiaslav.

He roughly outlined the Polovtsian steppes, marking them as dangerous lands. The border with Byzantium looked realistic but not overly detailed.

Gradually, the map came to life. Forests were marked with green ink, rivers with blue lines. On the parchment, features began to emerge that could be valuable for both military strategy and land management. Alexander worked with intense focus, occasionally consulting the records the librarian had provided.

When he finished, sunlight streaming through the window illuminated the parchment, highlighting the carefully drawn lines. Though the map was far from perfect, it was already a useful tool.

The librarian approached, cautiously peering over Alexander's shoulder. His eyes widened in astonishment.

- This is incredible, Your Grace… - he murmured. - How were you able to depict our lands so accurately?

Alexander calmly responded as he rolled up the map:

- It's simple, - he said with a slight smirk. - Those who possess knowledge also possess power. I just used my skills and the information from the books and scrolls you brought me. I also trust that everything happening here remains here, correct?

The librarian immediately understood and bowed his head respectfully.

- Of course, Your Grace. Everything I've seen will remain within these walls

Alexander smiled faintly as he stood. Holding his map, he headed toward the exit, throwing a parting remark to the librarian:

- Guard your knowledge and fulfill your duty. And this map - you never saw it

The librarian bowed even lower. His respect and slight fear were evident.

Alexander left the library with a determined stride. The wind lightly tugged at his cloak, and the map tucked under his arm felt like something more than just a depiction of land. It was a vital element for precise planning and a source of quick information.

Upon reaching his chambers, he spread the map across a large table, smoothing its edges and securing them with weights. Sunlight streaming through the window illuminated the parchment's surface, and Alexander began working again.

The first thing he decided to mark was the defensive lines. From history, he knew that during these years, the main problem came from the Polovtsians and Pechenegs, while other neighbors were less inclined to wage war against a strong Kievan Rus'.

His sharp gaze ran over the southern borders, where the main threat lurked - the nomads who raided Kyivan lands. They had killed his brothers and nearly killed him. He had to strengthen the borders to ensure such a tragedy would never happen again.

Alexander bent over the map, carefully studying the southern edges of his domain. He knew that in the coming years, large hordes were unlikely to launch major attacks - history suggested that during this period, nomads limited themselves to smaller raids.

- In any case, the borders must be fortified.

- Here, near the Ros River, we'll start, - Alexander marked a small spot on the map with a bold circle. - A fortress must be built here. It will become a key defense point at the steppe passage

He looked at a point slightly above, where an ancient ford crossed the Dnipro.

- And here, at the ford, we'll build a second fortress. We'll fortify the crossing and block the nomads' path

Alexander thoughtfully traced the Snake Walls with his quill.

- These walls are a good defense, but they're likely outdated. Then we'll build new wooden towers and add palisades. They must be reinforced to once again become an impregnable barrier

He drew lines along the roads connecting key cities with the fortresses.

- These routes are too important to leave unattended. Hmm, here and here, - he marked two points along the roads, - we can build signal towers. If the enemy approaches, fire and smoke will quickly relay the news to the garrisons

Then his gaze rested on the major cities: Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Pereiaslav.

- In the cities, we'll concentrate reserves. They must be ready to send reinforcements if the border is breached. We'll station more spearmen in Chernihiv and archers in Pereiaslav. The Kyiv retinue will remain the last line of defense.

He picked up another quill and marked points where to place supply depots.

- Hmm, we'll also need reserves for the garrisons, - he noted beside the new fortresses. - Grain, weapons, supplies. To defend for a long time, we need to prepare in advance

Stopping his gaze on the southwestern lands, he marked several small settlements.

- Hmm, here we'll need to build new walls. They'll serve as a second line of defense if something goes wrong on the first

When the map was filled with markings, Alexander set down his quill and stood. He surveyed the map as if checking whether he had missed anything.

- So, the defense plan seems ready. Now it just needs to be implemented. Next, we need to strengthen the economy and the army, and then we can think about taking good lands from our neighbors

Alexander's gaze rested on Poland. He remembered that the Cherven Towns could be taken from them, as these lands had fertile soils for growing grain and vast forests for woodworking.

And Krakow, as an economic center with craftsmen and merchants, as well as access to the salt mines of Wieliczka.

On their locations, he drew a sword as a symbol of future conquests. The rest of the lands weren't as advantageous to capture as these. Then he looked further south toward Hungary.

In their territories were the excellent lands of Transcarpathia and the Carpathians. He remembered that they had deposits of gold, silver, and salt, as well as good forests and pastures. He could also take Northern Hungary, which had fertile lands along the Tisza River, suitable for agriculture and livestock breeding.

Marking the Hungarian lands, Alexander turned his attention to the territories of the Pechenegs. His plan was ruthless: to burn their lands to the ground, annihilating all who refused to submit.

- We can involve Byzantium in this, too, - Alexander murmured as he looked at the map and marked how they could encircle the Pechenegs. He would press from the north while Byzantium attacked from the south.

After their destruction, the northeastern territories (up to the Dnipro) would be annexed by Kievan Rus', while the southwestern lands (up to the Danube) would be handed over to Byzantium.

Alexander's gaze shifted further, landing on the major threat: the Cumans.

- Their steppes are vast; we won't be able to exterminate them all, - Alexander frowned and decided to focus on seizing the steppes leading to Crimea and Crimea itself. This would grant him access to the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, as well as control over trade routes to Byzantium and the East. That would suffice for the Cumans.

The lands further to the north concerned him far less. His focus remained on those closer to Kyiv. He understood that to consolidate power, he first needed to eliminate immediate threats before turning to distant territories.

- So, with the plan for future conquests complete, it's time to mark the resources, - Alexander muttered, keeping his eyes on the map.

The work on the strategic map completely absorbed him. He lost track of time, engrossed in calculations and notes. If not for Mstyslav's suggestion to take a break for lunch, Alexander might not have realized that it was already well past midday and evening was approaching.

Sitting at the table, he kept the map before him, making notes between bites of bread and sips of kvass. Suddenly, a knock broke the silence.

- Your Grace, Commander Stanislav is here, - Mstyslav announced, peeking into the room through the slightly open door.

- Let him in, - Alexander replied curtly, not lifting his gaze from the map. His hand, holding the quill, froze mid-word as if his thoughts were still unfolding on the parchment.

The door opened, and Stanislav entered the chambers. His massive frame, accentuated by broad shoulders and a resolute gaze, filled the room with an atmosphere of strength and confidence. He gave a slight bow - respectful but without excessive ceremony.

- How are you feeling, Your Grace? I heard you left the library rather quickly. Did something happen?

- Everything's fine; don't worry. As for the library… I only needed the map. Once I had it, I returned immediately to outline our future plans, - Alexander replied, casting a glance of mild interest at Stanislav. He then picked up his map and unrolled it on the table, smoothing the edges.

- Stanislav, take a look at this. What do you see?

Stanislav stepped closer, then leaned over the table, carefully examining the map. Rivers, fortifications, trade routes, and resources were all meticulously marked on the parchment. His attention was particularly drawn to the thoughtful annotations.

The map clearly highlighted key resources, fortifications, and targets for future conquests. Forests, rivers, borders, and even potential troop movement routes were carefully noted.

- This is impressive, Your Grace, - Stanislav finally said, slowly lifting his gaze from the map.

- I take it these markings are your work?

- Correct. These are my plans for the future. The first thing we'll do is strengthen our defenses against the Pechenegs and Cumans, - Alexander nodded, pointing to the fortifications on the map.

- A wise move. After the attack on you and your brothers, all of Kievan Rus' is concerned that our borders are vulnerable and open to invasion by the Pechenegs and Cumans, - Stanislav immediately agreed, as he had been thinking along the same lines, though not as thoroughly as Alexander.

Alexander nodded silently, satisfied with Stanislav's response. However, questions began to form in the seasoned warrior's mind. Where had the young prince acquired such a detailed map? It clearly surpassed any map he had seen before. Stanislav had checked with the library and was told that no maps remained, as they had been taken by the princes long ago.

Yet the map appeared in Alexander's possession after his visit to the library. This meant that either the senior librarian had withheld information or had deliberately lied, claiming that no maps were left.

Stanislav crossed his arms but refrained from voicing his suspicions. After all, the outcome was favorable. The map was now in the hands of a young prince who, judging by his actions, could use it far better than anyone else.

- Sometimes deception can be for the greater good, - Stanislav thought, watching as Alexander once again immersed himself in his notes.

- Tomorrow morning, assemble the council, - Alexander said firmly, looking at Stanislav. - We'll discuss strengthening our defenses and other pressing matters. But don't tell them I'm the one calling the meeting. Let it be a surprise.

Stanislav paused for a moment, considering the prince's words, then nodded.

- Yes, my prince. By tomorrow morning, everyone will be gathered, - he replied, his expression focused once more. - Then I'll take my leave. Good evening, Your Grace

- And to you as well

Stanislav bowed, then turned and left the chambers, leaving Alexander alone with his map.

The young prince increasingly reminds me of his father, - Stanislav thought as he walked away. Even now, he could see the future Grand Prince, equal to Yaroslav the Wise. The hardest part, however, lay ahead - proving it in action, not just in theory.

Alexander turned back to the map, running his fingers along the lines connecting cities and lands. He knew the struggles awaiting him, but they were battles he eagerly anticipated.

The next morning, on the fourth day, Stanislav convened the Prince's Council, excluding merchants and boyars who were not advisors or administrators. Many arrived confused and irritated. The timing of the council was inconvenient, as preparations for the ceremony were in full swing, and everyone was busy.

Some assumed the meeting would address supply issues or security arrangements, while most believed it would focus on minor details that could have been resolved without a formal gathering. No one expected what was to come.

When the doors to the council hall swung open, the scene before them was one they could never have predicted. Seated at the center table was Alexander - the young prince. His sudden appearance stunned everyone.

The last they had heard, the prince was still recovering from his wounds. Few knew he could already walk, let alone that he had visited the library. But now, before them, stood not a weakened youth but a strong and composed man radiating an aura of authority.

The councilors froze, exchanging glances. Silence hung in the air until Metropolitan Illarion dared to break it:

- Your Grace… you… are you ready to take part in affairs?

Alexander raised his gaze. His face showed no emotion, but his eyes held a cold determination. He paused, surveying those gathered:

- That's correct. Please, take your seats. We have much to discuss

The councilors hesitantly approached the table and took their seats. Only now did they notice something lying under a heavy cloth in front of Alexander. The atmosphere grew tense. No one knew what to expect.

Stanislav closed the doors behind them and remained standing behind Alexander, arms crossed over his chest. His silent presence added to the gravity of the moment.

When everyone was seated, Alexander stood. His movements were fluid but carried a sense of power. He looked at each of the assembled councilors, then spoke firmly:

- I did not summon you to discuss my ceremony. We have more pressing matters than speeches and rituals. Today, we speak of the future - mine and yours.

These words made many tense. Some councilors exchanged glances, but none dared to interrupt the prince.

- Many of you think I'm too young or too weak to rule like my elder brothers. But today, I will prove to you that I am no less worthy a son of my father

He pulled the cloth away, revealing the map. Spanning the parchment was a detailed depiction of Kievan Rus' and its surroundings. Forests, rivers, borders, trade routes, and fortifications were marked with striking precision. The councilors leaned in, some with curiosity, others with unease, and still others with suspicion.

- What is this map? - Oleg, the head of administration, was the first to break the silence. - Your Grace, I didn't know we possessed such maps

Alexander smirked faintly, but his eyes held steel:

- You're right, Oleg. We didn't have such a map. Now we do. I found it in my father's library. As to how - irrelevant. I've enhanced it, and now it is not just a map of our lands. It is a strategic map