Rebel Princess Jaleka

Jaleka in 146 AW

**Rebel Princess Jaleka**, also known as **Princess Jaleka of Toscov**, was a Toscovish princess who joined the Rebel Princes during the War of the Fifteen Princes. A talented archer, yet inexperienced as a Warlady, she was defeated by Ludimik II and became the first royal casualty of the war.

## Biography

Princess Jaleka was born as the younger twin of Prince Gradimr in 129 AW. She was much fierier than her brother ever was. Whereas Gradimr grew into a calm bureaucrat, Jaleka became a rowdy and rogue-like warrior and was quick to pick up the bow.

Jaleka became an experienced archer in her early teenage years, yet her father, Emperor Budimiv I, forbade her from leaving the walls of Toscov due to the ongoing Sixth Plague of Ihyll. While she would have loved to hunt, perhaps even in the Blue Forest, the Krighal Taresh roaming the countryside made it impossible to do so.

In 145 AW, after being banished for becoming a Krighal Vitna, Prince Woldar lured Emperor Budimiv I into a battle and killed him, leading to the rise of Ludimik II. Jaleka never had a good relationship with Ludimik, though they weren't outright enemies either. Soon after his ascension, she left Ludimik's court for Vozhirishia, where the vast open grasslands would serve as great hunting grounds.

In 146 AW, Jaleka learnt of the failed coup in Toscov which marked the start of the War of the Fifteen Princes. She was summoned by Ludimik II to return to Toscov and pledge loyalty to him, though Jaleka reportedly burned the letter. Soon after, she received another letter from Prince Zelumir, who had joined the Rebel Princes. While Jaleka equally disliked Zelumir, she did eventually join the Rebel Princes mostly because of her love for her brother Durkrin, who had often assisted her in her marksmanship training.

While a talented archer, Jaleka lacked military experience. However, she was a charismatic figure, and eventually became a Warlady when she raised her own Warband. Soon after, she began a spree of conquests in the Principality of Toscov itself, capturing numerous villages close to the capital. She also captured the large town of Takunmaj, which served as her base of operations henceforth.

Jaleka was told to stay put and await reinforcements by Prince Durkrin, whose orders she obeyed to the letter. She used this time to fortify Takunmaj, train her Warband, and recruit more soldiers to her cause. However, before Jaleka received her promised reinforcements, someone else took notice of her: Ludimik II.

Enraged that Jaleka had not only betrayed him but also boldly flew her banner this close to the capital, Ludimik gathered the Golden Army and marched on Takunmaj in late 146 AW. In the resulting Battle of Takunmaj, Jaleka was swift to abandon the town when faced with the overwhelming numbers of the Golden Army. She initiated a fighting retreat southwards, though her escape would ultimately be cut off by Imperial cavalry. Choosing death over surrender, the bold Jaleka made her final stand. Her Warband was overrun and Jaleka was killed in the clash, making her the first royal casualty of the War of the Fifteen Princes.

## Personality

How one would describe Jaleka varies between people. Some have been quick to label her as foolish and reckless, while others paint her as brave, proactive, and energetic. Whatever one's stance may be, none can deny that Jaleka was a warrior at heart and had a talent for raising morale and gathering allies.

## Military Career

* War of the Fifteen Princes
	+ Battle of Takunmaj - Defeat †