First step

The morning began differently for everyone. Kyiv buzzed with the hustle and bustle of preparations for the upcoming coronation. It seemed as though every stone in the city knew that an important event was approaching.

However, for the narrow circle of princely advisors, the morning began with an unexpected summons. Stanislav, the head of the prince's guard, had ordered the assembly of the Princely Council. This meant there would be no merchants, minor boyars, or casual observers - only those who truly influenced state policy.

Some arrived irritated. Many considered such meetings a waste of time given the ongoing coronation preparations. Some speculated the gathering was about supplies or security, but most expected trivial matters that could have been resolved without such formality.

The massive doors swung open, and the council chamber filled with silence. All eyes turned to Prince Alexander, seated at the head of the table. Recent rumors about his weakness following the attack dissipated in that moment.

This was no longer a young man clinging to life. Before them stood a man. Steel burned in his eyes, his posture exuded strength, and his restrained smile promised that today would bring something remarkable.

A heavy silence filled the chamber, as if the air had thickened. The advisors exchanged glances, hesitant to speak. Finally, Metropolitan Illarion, whose expression reflected a mix of reverence and caution, broke the silence:

- My prince… are you ready to participate in affairs of state?

Alexander met his gaze with unwavering resolve, his voice steady but firm:

- I am. Please, take your seats. We have matters to discuss

The advisors hesitated before approaching the table and taking their places, exchanging cautious glances. The tension in the room grew palpable. Before Alexander, on the table, lay an object hidden beneath a heavy cloth. None of those present knew what to expect, and the mystery only heightened the atmosphere.

Stanislav, closing the doors behind everyone, remained standing behind the prince. His arms were crossed over his chest, and his silent presence lent an air of impending importance.

Alexander rose from his seat, his sharp gaze meeting each advisor's in turn. His movements were unhurried, yet imbued with confidence, bordering on challenge. When the silence in the chamber became almost tangible, he began to speak:

- Today's council is not about ceremonies or formal speeches. We have more pressing matters. We are here to discuss the future - mine, yours, and that of all Kievan Rus

The advisors sat silently, occasionally exchanging glances. Their expressions revealed a mix of tension and curiosity.

- I know, - Alexander continued, leaning slightly forward, - that many of you doubt me. You think I'm too young, too inexperienced. You believe I'm unworthy of ruling as my brothers did. But today, I intend to dispel your doubts

His hand touched the cloth covering the mysterious object. With a single decisive motion, he removed it, revealing a map spread across the table. The advisors, barely containing their surprise, leaned forward. The parchment was covered in lines and marks, forming a remarkably detailed and strategically significant representation of the lands of Kievan Rus and its neighbors.

Oleh, the head of administration, was the first to break the silence. His voice was dry, yet tinged with interest:

- My prince, what is this map? Where did it come from?

Alexander ran his hand over the parchment, a faint smile playing on his lips:

- I found it in my father's library. And this is not just a map - it's our weapon

The advisors' gazes froze on the parchment. No one spoke, but the air seemed to grow denser. Alexander's voice, firm yet calm, broke the silence:

- Each of you knows that times have changed. Old approaches no longer work. We must see Kievan Rus differently and act more decisively. This map is our weapon for a new era. And I am here to show you that I know the path forward

Stanislav, who had remained silent until now, nodded approvingly. His respectful gaze rested on Alexander. The advisors, seeing such support from the head of the guard, began to lean toward giving the young prince a chance.

Alexander, observing the advisors, understood that he needed their support. The members of the Princely Council were undoubtedly among the most influential and powerful figures in all of Kievan Rus.

If they recognized him, everything would proceed smoothly. However, only half the council was present: Illarion, Ignat, Stanislav, Oleh, and Dobrynia. The head of diplomacy, Myroslav, and the head of intelligence were absent. Alexander decided he would inquire about them later with Stanislav.

- Esteemed advisors, I would first like to hear your assessment of the current state of Kievan Rus. What issues do you see at present? And do not hold back. I want the truth, not sycophantic speeches

The advisors exchanged glances. The prince's tone surprised many, especially Ignat and Oleh, who had expected timid and formulaic statements. Their expressions grew more animated, and tension filled the room. Seeing no one willing to speak first, Alexander decided to choose himself.

- Metropolitan Illarion, let us begin with you, - Alexander said, his voice steady but firm.

Illarion straightened up, clasping his fingers together.

- Prince, I will begin with spiritual matters. This year, the schism of the Christian Church has changed the world. Byzantium and Rome are no longer united, and their confrontation may affect us. Kyiv has always followed Constantinople, but perhaps it is time to consider spiritual independence

Ignat and Stanislav frowned at Illarion's words, while Oleg and Dobrynya exchanged worried glances.

- Illarion, are you suggesting we break with Byzantium? You see glory in independence, but I see rising taxes behind these lofty words. The common folk are already struggling to pay the tithe, and you want to weaken trade? Who will pay for these grand ideas of yours? - Oleg snapped harshly.

Illarion remained calm, but his voice was firm:

- I understand the risks. But how long will we remain dependent on foreign decisions? Byzantium is weakening, while Kyivan Rus' is growing stronger. The time has come for us to become a bastion of faith for all Slavs, not just a shadow of Constantinople

Alexander remembered from history that Illarion was the first Slavic metropolitan, appointed against the long-standing tradition of metropolitans being sent from Constantinople. This was not just an act of self-governance but a symbol of Kyivan Rus' struggle for independence in spiritual and political matters.

- It's dangerous. As long as Constantinople stands, we need them. They could turn the Pechenegs or Polovtsians against us to force us back under their rule, - Ignat said darkly, shaking his head.

- I'm not talking about breaking ties, - Illarion replied after a pause. - I'm talking about Kyivan Rus' becoming a bastion of faith on its own, no longer dependent on decisions made across the sea

Stanislav, who had been silent until then, spoke quietly but confidently:

- Any attempt at independence will be seen as a threat. They won't tolerate it and will find ways to weaken us

- And don't forget the common folk. They won't even understand why we're doing this. As long as they have food, they don't care who grants the blessing, - Oleg added, staring intently at Illarion.

Illarion held his ground, answering calmly:

- The common folk will follow the prince if he shows them the way. Byzantium has weakened. We must become the support for the Slavs, not just the shadow of Constantinople

- You speak of faith, Illarion, but we need more than words - we need protection! The swords of the Polovtsians don't pray; they kill and burn! How will your ideas save the people in the steppe? - Ignat countered sharply, clenching his fist.

- Faith is beautiful, Illarion. But how do we measure it? Faith won't grow crops or protect trade routes. The common folk want peace, not grand speeches, - Oleg added, echoing Ignat.

The advisors began speaking over one another, but Alexander raised his hand. His gesture immediately restored silence in the hall. All eyes turned to the prince, awaiting his response.

Alexander understood that a stronghold of faith was a good idea, but Kyivan Rus' was still weak, and Byzantium was still useful for his plans to eliminate the Pechenegs. It was too early to strain relations with them.

- Illarion, your idea is clear. But independence requires strength, and strength requires patience. We will move forward gradually. Let us postpone this matter

- A wise decision, - Ignat said with a nod.

Illarion, holding his gaze steady, bowed:

- When the time comes, I hope Kyivan Rus' will take this step

Alexander nodded, changing the topic:

- It will come, no doubt. Now, to the next question. You mentioned education. What do you envision?

Illarion folded his hands before him, straightened up, and spoke calmly but with conviction:

- Yes. I propose establishing schools at monasteries so that not only future priests but all those who serve you may gain knowledge. This step will elevate education, bring people closer to truth, and strengthen faith. But for this, we need your support, prince, and resources: funds, people, and materials

Oleg, head of administration, frowned:

- Prince, we can't afford to scatter money around. The common folk are already at their limit, and now you want to burden them further? Churches and monasteries are enough; now schools too? Who will pay for these dreams, Illarion?

- Education is not a luxury but a necessity. If we do not teach the people, Kyivan Rus' will weaken. An illiterate person is like a blind sword - weak against enemies and their own vices. Oleg, greed does not strengthen a people; it enslaves them, - Illarion said calmly but firmly.

Oleg flared up, about to respond, but Alexander raised his hand, and his voice rang out with authority:

- Oleg, remember that knowledge is a long-term investment. An educated people will be the foundation of the state. I will support the Church in this endeavor, but on one condition. The schools must not only be places of prayer. They must teach skills, sciences, and the art of living

- So be it, prince. But I hope the spiritual foundation of education will remain paramount. Without faith, knowledge is lifeless, - Illarion said with a slight bow, his gaze still focused.

Stanislav, standing near the prince, frowned at Illarion:

- Forgive me, prince, but do you truly believe that priests will teach anything beyond psalms? They don't know how to plow fields or forge swords. If we entrust this to them, they'll only fill people's heads with fear of God

- Stanislav is right. Schools in monasteries are just new churches with a different name. Better to invest in swords and spears. Knowledge is worthless if a person doesn't live long enough to use it, - Ignat added, frowning even more.

Oleg crossed his arms and smirked at Illarion:

- That's exactly what I'm saying. While enemies are at the gates, the people need bread, not books and scrolls

Alexander's head was beginning to ache from their arguments. How difficult it was to make decisions quickly and easily. He looked carefully at the disputants, sweeping his gaze over them, and spoke calmly:

- Enough. Education is not a dream but a path to strength. If we teach the people not only to pray but also to think, build, and fight, we will create a Kyivan Rus' that no one will dare to touch. But I agree that schools under the Church may not fulfill all their responsibilities

- Therefore, I will appoint my own people to oversee the educational process, its program, and its results. The schools will be under the authority and leadership of the prince

The advisors exchanged tense glances. Illarion narrowed his eyes but spoke conciliatorily:

- So be it, prince. If it strengthens our land, I will accept your decision

- Prince, it seems you've found the golden mean. If the schools truly prove useful, they can provide us with strong and educated people, - Stanislav, who had been frowning, nodded in agreement.

Ignat merely shrugged, not fully agreeing but acknowledging that the argument was over. Oleg sighed, hoping these schools would pay off with skilled craftsmen and scholars.

Alexander nodded, turning his gaze to the metropolitan:

- It's settled, then. Now, to the next matter. Illarion, you spoke of protecting the churches and faith. What did you mean by that?

The metropolitan folded his hands before him, his voice calm but tinged with noticeable concern:

- Prince, after your father's death, the Polovtsians and Pechenegs have grown bolder. They've begun swift and small raids on our churches and villages. Each time they strike, we lose not only property but also the faith of the people. Churches burn, priests perish, books are lost. I propose fortifying the churches so that they may become strongholds of both spiritual and physical protection

Ignat squinted, his voice laced with mockery:

- Turn churches into fortresses? Is that a joke, Illarion? Churches are not walls, and walls won't save anyone if the nomads breach the defenses

- Churches should be more than places of prayer; they should be refuges. We will fortify them so they can protect people until reinforcements arrive. But for this, I need resources and time, - Illarion met the commander's gaze and replied firmly.

Oleg, arms crossed over his chest, spoke cautiously, though his tone carried a note of skepticism:

- Illarion, the idea is clear, but let's look at the root of the matter. Churches are not fortresses, and the villagers aren't prepared for defense. We won't waste resources on fortifying buildings that won't withstand a serious attack

- If we don't fortify the borders, your markets will be the first to burn, Oleg. Money is nothing but ash if there's no one left to defend it, - Ignat shot him a sharp look.

Oleg nodded but retorted coolly:

- Ignat, you're right. But if we pour everything into defense as you suggest, we risk depleting the treasury and leaving people hungry. I'm not denying the need for protection, but the solution must be balanced

- Forgive me, but aren't we forgetting the spiritual side of this? The people must be strong in spirit, or no walls will save them. We need to invest some funds into churches and schools to strengthen faith and knowledge, - Illarion raised his hand, attempting to halt the argument.

Ignat retorted sharply, slamming his fist on the table:

- Your churches won't save anyone if the Polovtsians reach Kyiv! We need swords, not your prayers

The voices grew louder, and the advisors began arguing more fervently. Alexander raised his hand, calling for silence, but this time his gesture went unnoticed. Stanislav, standing behind the prince, frowned and his voice echoed across the hall:

- Quiet!

The advisors fell silent immediately. Their eyes turned to Alexander, who, maintaining his composure, rose from his seat.

- Thank you, Stanislav, - he said without raising his voice, but with clear firmness, he continued: - Now listen to me. We will build proper fortifications to block the nomads' paths into our lands. This will protect the people, trade, and churches

Alexander stood and pointed to two key locations on the map.

- Here, by the Ros River, we will build a wooden fortress. It will serve as a stronghold to defend against steppe raids. And here, by the ford across the Dnipro, we will construct a stone fortress. These two fortresses will block the main routes of the nomads and strengthen our borders

- This is more effective than turning churches into fortresses, - Stanislav nodded in agreement.

Ignat studied the map closely, his eyes narrowing, but his tone carried approval:

- A smart move, Prince. These fortresses can be quickly supplied and defended. But two fortresses won't be enough to stop the nomads entirely. I think six or eight would be sufficient

- How many? And who will pay for them? You? - Oleg shook his head, his voice laced with thinly veiled sarcasm.

- Money is just a tool, Oleg, not an end in itself. If we don't build defenses, we'll lose far more than we could ever earn, - Ignat countered, his voice calm but resolute.

- I'll agree to two, but six... no, - Oleg remained steadfast.

Dobrynya, who had been silent until then, spoke up:

- Fortresses are good, but the Polovtsians and Pechenegs are too fast. By the time we muster the troops, they'll have plundered the villages and vanished

Alexander, anticipating such a comment, responded calmly:

- Correct. That's why we need to create mobile units - light cavalry trained in maneuverability and steppe tactics. They will patrol the borders and intercept enemies before they reach our lands. Additionally, peasant watch groups will monitor the surroundings and warn of any threats

Ignat squinted approvingly but couldn't resist a remark:

- That's a sound idea, Prince. Small detachments could be useful. But what if the enemy breaks through the patrols? Watch groups alone may not be enough

- Alongside patrols, we will establish a network of signal towers, - Alexander continued. - They will be positioned on elevated areas or along roads to quickly relay warnings of approaching enemies. Simple fires or smoke will serve as signals for the garrison and nearby settlements

He confidently traced key points on the map with his finger. Illarion frowned, his voice filled with concern:

- Prince, even with scouts and towers, it's impossible to stop everything. What will happen to the peasants if the enemy still finds a gap? They'll be left defenseless

Alexander raised his gaze to the metropolitan:

- Then we will prepare them for self-defense. Every settlement must have a militia, basic fortifications, and a means to shelter women, children, and the elderly. If we cannot be everywhere at once, they must be ready to defend themselves until help arrives

Hearing this, Ignat smirked slightly and remarked:

- Weapons for peasants? And what if they turn them against us instead of the enemy?

Alexander replied coldly:

- If you believe that, Ignat, perhaps we should disarm the garrison as well? Without peasants, we will have no food, no warriors, and no Kyivan Rus' itself. Or do you propose leaving them defenseless and hoping for a miracle?

Stanislav intervened, looking directly at Ignat:

- The prince is right. If we want the people to survive, we must give them a chance. But we should start only with the border villages - those closest to the steppe

Alexander nodded:

- We will provide them not only with weapons but also with knowledge. Near the villages, we will build earthen ramparts, ditches, and simple palisades. In addition, village elders will be tasked with organizing training. Men must know how to defend their homes. And if an attack is inevitable, we will prepare shelters and evacuation routes

Dobrynya studied the map thoughtfully:

- That could work if the peasants act in unison. But what if the enemy breaks through the defenses?

- We will also create caches of supplies and weapons, - Alexander added. - If the village cannot be held, the people can retreat to pre-prepared forest hideouts, while the garrison will pursue the enemy and exact revenge for the destruction. The priority is to save lives and resources

Stanislav nodded, looking approvingly at the map:

- This is a good plan. Everyone will know their role in the defense. Even if the enemy breaks through, they'll face obstacles at every step

Alexander concluded:

- Exactly. We will create a comprehensive defense system - from watch groups and signal towers on the border to fortified villages and mobile units

Alexander understood that underestimating the nomads would be a mistake. But history had taught him that the Pechenegs had been defeated by his father Yaroslav and no longer posed a significant threat. He also recognized that the Polovtsians would become serious adversaries in the future.

Historical accounts suggested that the Polovtsians at this time were preoccupied with internal clan conflicts and active expansion in the steppes, but they had not yet become a major threat to Kyivan Rus'.

- Good. Then this matter is settled, - Alexander nodded and turned to his advisors:

- Oleg and Dobrynya, I ask you to take charge of organizing the construction of fortresses, signal towers, and fortifications for the border villages. Voivode Ignat, I entrust you with arranging garrisons for the new fortifications and staffing the signal towers

- Stanislav, handle the formation of mobile units and the training of scouts. Illarion, you must inform the people that we care for them and assure them that all promises will be fulfilled, - Alexander's voice carried ironclad confidence.

Everyone nodded briefly, understanding their clear tasks. As always, Oleg quickly calculated some of the expenses, pulled out his figures, and laid them out before those gathered.

- Prince, the cost of two fortresses - one wooden and one stone - will amount to 1,200 hryvnias. Building twenty signal towers will require 250 hryvnias. Fortifying twenty border villages will cost between 25 and 40 hryvnias. Forming three mobile junior militia detachments (300 men) will amount to 1,500 hryvnias. Hiring twenty scouts to start with will cost 30 hryvnias. The garrison for the wooden fortress - 70 men - will require 350 hryvnias annually, and for the stone fortress, 150 men will cost 750 hryvnias annually. This excludes the ongoing expenses for the fortresses and other needs

Alexander looked at the figures and could hardly believe his eyes. Everything was so expensive. From history, he remembered that a Kyivan hryvnia was a silver ingot weighing about 200 - 210 grams of pure silver. In modern terms, one hryvnia would be worth around $150 - 300 USD.

This truly was a considerable expense. A single hryvnia was of immense value - enough to buy several cows or a year's supply of grain for a family.

Comparing the costs of these defensive projects, Alexander began to understand why Oleg often complained about the treasury. Such expenses could seriously strain the state's economy. Yet he also knew that military expenses had always been costlier than civilian projects but were more justified in terms of long-term benefits.

His thoughts flickered to historical examples: fortresses, armies, and troop preparations - all demanded colossal investments. However, the results often determined the future of states. Ravaged villages, burned churches, and thousands of deaths always cost more.

Stanislav, noticing the prince's face clouded with doubt, stepped in to assist:

- Prince, we can distribute the costs. Illarion, these fortifications will protect not only the people but also your churches, as you requested. However, the nomad threat is a shared problem. I believe 15% is a fair share for the Church

Illarion squinted, understanding the hint, but quickly regained his usual composure:

- If this helps protect the people and our churches, the Church will contribute its share

- The boyars should also contribute. Their lands are protected by the prince's militia, and fortifications will only increase their revenues, - Dobrynya chimed in, looking at Ignat and Oleg, the two leaders of the boyar alliances.

Ignat nodded, his expression firm:

- No issue. The boyars will contribute 25%. That's fair. But in return, the prince might reconsider export taxes on grain

- Agreed, - Alexander replied, seeing no other choice. Oleg also agreed and offered his assistance:

- I'll handle the merchants. They'll pay 10%. I'll tell them that fortresses and fortifications will protect their markets, and mobile units will secure their caravans and trade routes

- Excellent. That leaves 50%, which I will cover myself, - Alexander sighed with relief. He didn't know the exact state of the princely treasury but cutting the cost by half was a good solution.

Illarion raised his hand and spoke:

- Prince, if I may… The Church would like to help not only with money but also with people. We have volunteers and parishioners willing to contribute their labor for the benefit of Kyivan Rus'

- Wonderful. That will ease the burden. Help wherever you can. Dobrynya, coordinate with Illarion to determine which villages can be fortified with churches as part of the overall defense strategy, - Alexander smiled, passing the responsibility to Dobrynya.

Dobrynya pondered for a moment and then nodded:

- I'll consider it. Churches are not just spiritual centers; they're natural shelters. They'll help if something goes wrong

- Good. You have two weeks to present construction plans, and then we'll begin fortifying the borders and defenses against the nomads, - Alexander said, standing and looking over his advisors. His voice was confident but carried a note of encouragement:

- That concludes today's meeting. Each of you has important work ahead, as do I. If any issues arise, I'm ready to address them

Illarion nodded, folding his hands before him:

- Your words inspire, Prince. I'm certain the people will see this not only as protection but also as hope

- Hope is good, but let it be accompanied by strong walls and sharp swords. We have a plan, and we will execute it, - Ignat remarked with a faint smirk.

Oleg, arms crossed over his chest, commented calmly:

- The key is for everyone to do their part on time. Delays are unacceptable in such matters. Since your brothers were killed, Prince, the nomads have grown increasingly active

- Two weeks, - Stanislav echoed, surveying everyone with a stern gaze. - It's a short timeframe but realistic. We'll show these nomads that Kyivan Rus' is not their home and that they cannot come and go as they please without consequences

Alexander gave a brief nod and concluded:

- Thank you all for your contributions. Have a good day

The advisors gave short nods and departed, each immersed in thoughts of their upcoming tasks.

The hall emptied, leaving Alexander alone with the map spread across the massive oak table. The soft light of the oil lamps cast shadows on the parchment, accentuating the rivers, borders, and fortifications. His hand glided over the map, adding marks and calculating distances.

In this silence, there were no voices, but his mind was filled with questions: Would they manage to build the fortresses in time? Would everything go as planned? Could he unite the boyars, the Church, and the people toward a common goal?

Alexander leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes wearily. He remembered drafting the plans last night, hoping to discuss them all in one session. Back then, it seemed achievable.

But reality had proven more complex: debates dragged on, and problems he thought simple sparked fierce arguments. He realized he had been overly optimistic.

Yet instead of frustration, he felt determination. Today was not a failure. He had seen his advisors for who they were, heard their weaknesses and fears. And it only strengthened his belief that their arguments stemmed not from stubbornness but from an understanding of the moment's gravity.

Alexander bent over the map, his gaze resting on the Ros River - the site of the first fortress. His fingers tightened slightly, as if already gripping a sword.

- Time is against us, - he whispered, as though addressing the empty hall. - But I'll make it work for us

He pushed the map aside and stood, feeling the day's tension ease from his body. Tomorrow would bring a new day. His people awaited protection, his militia awaited battle, and the enemies beyond the steppe awaited another raid.

As he left the hall, Alexander paused at the threshold, glancing once more at the table, the hall, and the map. His gaze held no doubt or fear - only resolve.

- Forward only, - he said to himself, stepping into the corridors of the princely palace, where even the walls seemed to sense the dawn of a new era.