The riders found Batu in the open ground between the command tent and the horse lines. The camp was easing into its evening rhythm around them, and Kolomna's walls were turning gray in the fading light to the south.
Subutai stood at Batu's shoulder without being asked.
The rider from the north arrived first.
He reported, "Vladimir has fallen, lord. Guyuk Khan's wing breached the city on the third day of operations. The Jin specialists worked against the northern wall. The first breach opened there. The city was entered on the fourth day and burned that same evening."
Batu kept his attention on the rider.
"The Grand Prince?"
The report continued, "Confirmed dead, lord. He remained in the city for the entire operation. When the breach opened and the outcome became unavoidable, the surviving members of the household were moved to the main cathedral in the central square. It was set on fire from inside before the wing's riders could reach it."
