Burning Eastern Europe I

A city in northeastern Poland.

Vilnius.

On a raised platform in the city-center square, "Archbishop Marlow," clad in a black robe, held aloft a crucifix and proclaimed passionately to the several thousand people gathered around him:

"We shall follow God's Guidance, wielding our souls and steadfast faith as weapons, and cleanse every heretic who dares set foot here!

"His Holiness the Pope has received a divine oracle from God and has commanded me to convey this revelation to every one of you.

"People of this land, regardless of age or sex, from this moment onward, anyone who wishes may become a holy Crusader warrior!

"Whether he holds a sword, a musket, or a hoe, he shall bathe in God's holy light and march eastward upon a Holy War!"

The square instantly erupted in a tidal roar:

"Holy War! Holy War!"

"Drive out the heretics!"

Every pair of eyes overflowed with fanaticism and piety. As they listened to "Archbishop Marlow" relay the Pope's decree, the flames of Holy War blazed in their hearts.

Archbishop Feliks Turski and several high-ranking Polish Clerics stood behind "Archbishop Marlow," the Pope's envoy, their hands crossed over their chests in prayer.

Before this, they had accompanied the Pope's envoy across more than half of Poland, calling upon the people to join the New Crusade against the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Inspired by "Archbishop Marlow," Poles eagerly donated to the army. In nearly every town, civilians spontaneously formed so-called Crusader Legions.

Meanwhile, the Royal Armory in Warsaw continuously shipped brand-new Flintlock Guns across the country, placing them in the hands of these civilian militias.

Yes, ever since 5 months ago, this Ordnance Factory, built with French assistance, had been producing imitation Tula M1753 Flintlock Muskets at a rate of 2,300 per month.

The reason they did not produce