At first it was quite tough, but an absolutely huge number of Crypts helped me out.
On 121 1246 in the Citadel, I immediately upgraded the horses, then got rolling, cleared a Pandora's Box with 25 Knights, picked up a Mace +4 and a Shield +3+3, and things started going my way.
Took a Naga Bank, upgraded the Crusaders, took out the 3rd-level Griffin Conservatory, then another Naga Bank.
Valeska is leveling up like a little goddess. I go to look for the opponent, but he writes—GG.
Thanks for the game!