The Great Realm Chronicle & Monastic Annals

Perjury in Kiev: Byzantines (Xenonic) Stabbeth Vikings (Сефирой) in the Back

Outrage resounds through the halls of state following the treachery at Kiev, where Byzantines (Xenonic) struck Vikings (Сефирой) without challenge or warning. Retainers of Vikings believed they were welcoming friendly reinforcements until the lances lowered. 'In war, the princes gamble with kingdoms while the husbandman prayeth only for his harvest,' noted a village priest. A pall of dread hung over the bailiwicks of Vikings, where frightened cottagers shuttered their doors.

The Royal Vanguard: Byzantines (Xenonic) Setteth the Pace

At the close of another arduous campaigning season, Byzantines (Xenonic) standeth foremost among all contending realms with 13 strongholds under its allegiance. While 42 keeps still divide the crown from the 55 keeps required for absolute mastery, its preeminence is undisputed. Troubadours in the court of Byzantines composed fresh chansons in praise of the victorious knights. 'Such deeds of chivalry will be chanted at tournaments for forty years,' vowed a traveling troubadour.

Muster of Arms: Byzantines (Xenonic) Raiseth New Companies

The muster-rolls of Byzantines (Xenonic) have grown by 4 military detachments, outfitting both cross-bowmen and mounted men-at-arms. Officers boast that the host hath never appeared more formidable. Knights in the tiltyards of Byzantines raised their drinking-horns high, hailing the triumph of their liege. 'Courage and discipline have settled the matter where endless embassy failed,' noted a chancellor of Byzantines.

Fortunes Wax: Byzantines (Xenonic) Gains 4 Strongholds

A magnificent campaigning season hath propelled Byzantines (Xenonic) into renown, expanding its holdings by 4 strongholds across the realm. Marshals report that every objective was attained with exemplary valor. The chancery of Byzantines hastened to dispatch couriers bearing gilded parchment rolls of triumph. 'The border is pushed back and our sheep may graze in safety,' remarked a contented yeoman.

Triumphant Season: Tang China (Эльф ушастый) Expands by 4 Castles

Scribes attached to the baggage train note in their rolls that the realm of Tang China (Эльф ушастый) expanded its feudal rolls by 4 castles this year. The influx of new tribute has invigorated the court and heartened the populace. 'Let the scribes make room in the chronicle; Tang China hath won a great name,' declared a visiting scholar. The lineage genealogists labor through the night to discover ancestral claims as intricate as they are thoroughly fabricated.

The Keep Stands: Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) Beats Off Supported Attack of Saffarids (бургундий) in Salamanca

A textbook feat of defensive warfare was achieved at Salamanca, where Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) resisted the full weight of a supported assault directed by Saffarids (бургундий). Chroniclers praise the castellan's calm disposition during the height of the crisis. 'We have carved our rights into the very turf,' said a proud banneret of Umayyad Cordoba. Pilgrims at wayside hostels debated the rights and wrongs of the war until the tallow candles sputtered out.

Ancient Hatreds: Abbasid Caliphate and Saffarids (бургундий) Trade Blows Across the Marches

For 2 bitter years, the feud between Abbasid Caliphate and Saffarids (бургундий) hath consumed the young men of both houses without respite or resolution. The struggle raged across Basra in an unbroken chain of skirmishes. Neither court will bend its pride to sue for an accord. Abbots in quiet valley monasteries gave thanks that their abbey stood far from the disputed marches. 'The crow careth not whose banner flieth over the furrow,' observed a ditch-digger leaning on his spade.

A Feud Without End: Byzantines (Xenonic) and Vikings (Сефирой) Lock Horns

With 2 years of active warfare behind them, Byzantines (Xenonic) and Vikings (Сефирой) continue to trade lance-thrusts with unflagging animosity. An entire generation has grown to manhood knowing only the alarm bell and the burning roof-beam. Monastic annalists recorded the events in quiet seclusion, wondering what tribulations heaven would send next. 'No fortress is so strong that an ass laden with gold cannot enter,' quoted a foreign scholar from the classics.

Solitary Fortress: Abbasid Caliphate Left with Naught but Jerusalem

Couriers riding hard with lathered horses confirm that Abbasid Caliphate now commands only Jerusalem, having been stripped of every other territory across the realm. The royal banners flutter over a lonely garrison that prepares for a final stand against encroaching enemies. 'Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,' murmured a mendicant friar. Townsfolk cheered the victory proclamation with great fervor, having prudently stitched banners of both colors beforehand.

The dominion of Abbasid Caliphate waneth upon the frontier, stripped of 1 castle and holding now but 1 castle. Tithe rolls for Byzantines (Xenonic) expand by 4 new fiefs, bringing the crown's ledger to 13 strongholds. Royal charters of Saffarids (бургундий) confirm the acquisition of 1 domain, mounting to 11 domains. The chancery of Tang China (Эльф ушастый) recordeth 4 fresh holdings on the rolls, totaling 9 holdings. Vikings (Сефирой) loseth 1 stronghold to the foe, retaining a reduced domain of 6 strongholds.

Minstrels singing in wayside taverns claim that lords of Vikings and captains of Carolingian Franks agreed upon a secret truce over dice.

Persistent autumn drizzle dampens the spirits of men-at-arms upon the march; dry kindling for fires fetcheth a lordly price.

LOST: One stout gray donkey belonging to the miller of St. Jude's. Answers to 'Barnaby.' Reward of two silver pennies upon its return.