Rise of Rurik

In the Novgorod Palace, two kings, one old and one young, sat face to face.

Old Otto suppressed his inner anxiety and even unspeakable regret under the peaceful and leisurely expression, and there was a trace of jealousy in the dark.

"You can really solve the war in a year if you go this time? Now, your purpose of entering Frank...what is it for?"

"Father." Rurik collected himself and explained bluntly: "I'm afraid it will be impossible to solve the problem this year. The expeditionary force will spend the winter in Frank. As for whether the problem can be solved next year. I... I'm not fully sure."

"So? What are you after? Land? Wealth?"

"It's an honor!"

"Glory? Tch." Otto smiled wryly and shook his head, thinking that this kid equated robbery with glory, and he was indeed his own son. "Unfortunately, my body no longer allows me to share this glory."

"But father, you are a great king. When we win, you will share in the glory as if you were sitting in Novgorod."

Otto shook his head and stared at his son's face with a smile: "I am not qualified to take the honor of charity. Besides, the veterans have all retired, and I am a descendant of the old world. I have the longevity I have now thanks to the blessings of the gods." .And you decided to take a whole new batch of Russ to the battlefield."

"Father. Without your decision back then, these warriors would not have been born."

"So I can also get part of the glory? Forget it. This is your era, and I can still take care of the rear foundation for you at the end of my life. Could it be that the war will be resolved next year? It's still the same problem, what do you want to do?" Is it just glory?"

This is the most critical question, any

All military operations have a purpose.

Regarding this expedition, as time went by, Ross's reasons for intervening in the Frankish Civil War became more and more far-fetched.

"According to the treaty I signed with Ludwig three years ago, if that person gets into a war, the entire Northern Alliance has a reason to join the war. I lead troops to fight and abide by the covenant. However... it is my original wish to make huge wealth on the battlefield .”

Hearing that, Otto laughed, and the old guy laughed wildly: "Boy! Admit it! Your purpose is to make a fortune, to make money for a long time, so as to get more wine from the local area."

"Indeed." Rurik readily agreed.

"But, you don't want to claim some land as our territory?"

"It... depends on the conditions. I can't manage it. But if Ludwig is defeated by his elder brother, all my deployments will come to naught. If Lothar is defeated, I don't want the road after the war. It is in our best interest for Dewig to become big. A big and weak Frank, where the great nobles have their own ideas, will muddy the muddy pond, so we can fish in troubled waters."

As far as this is concerned, Otto's cognition has been surpassed. The old guy felt that there was no need to talk anymore, and he couldn't help looking at the beams on the roof with his old face: "Frank, who is said to be strong in legend, has become a weak man in your eyes. Patient? Perhaps it is so. What a pity! I am so weak that I do not know if I will see you triumphant."

Rurik's heart tightened, he locked his head and asserted: "The gods will give father a longer life! Because your mission has not been completed yet."

"Ross has become powerful, and you have become the king. And I...

..."

"No." Rurik said with a sullen face, "before I become Augustus, my father's mission is not finished. Please take good care of the Eastern World and wait for my triumphant return."

"Okay." There was no need to talk any more. Otto waved his hands and said kindly, "My child, crawl over here, just like when I was a child. Let me hug you again and hold you in my arms..."

A baby in swaddling has already become a little giant of the North, and the former giant is now an old man with a crooked figure. Just like when he was a child, Rurik was hugged by his father. At the same time, he could also notice that Otto's once thick arms had shrunk badly. If it weren't for the beard to cover up, the shriveled appearance of his face would be even more terrifying.

Rurik knew that Otto had been taking adventures all over the world when he was young. Of course, those experiences were not as legendary as his own. He was all overstretching his body. How long can the seventy-year-old man really last?

Some elderly people can realize that their time is approaching at the end of their lives. Could it be that...

"You, at least have to live until my triumphant return." Rurik kept the words in his heart, unable to bear the atmosphere becoming sad.

Shipping in Novgorod has fully resumed, and now spring plowing is coming to an end.

Due to the deployment of more war preparation materials, it is necessary to march with so much equipment that the pier has become a mess.

Today is the day when the army is launched!

Before the operation, most of the supplies, especially heavy equipment such as torsion slingshots, bundled arrow javelins, and the most critical military rations, had already been shipped to all armed cargo ships and Kirk ships waiting for orders.

Horses are not the case, nearly a thousand war horses will be driven on the day of the expedition

Walking through the seesaw and entering the Kirk boat, ten horses in a boat is the safety limit, otherwise the horses are too crowded and get sick, that is a tragedy.

Based on the reality, most of the horses still have to be driven to the traditional rowing longboats. A boat can accommodate up to four horses, and then advance under the supervision of thirty warriors.

At the pier and the nearby waters, there are all kinds of crouching dragons and phoenixes gathered here today, which really turned into the strength award of the "Inland River Fleet" of the Ross Kingdom.

In addition to common boats, human-powered water steamers and catamarans, local shipyards have developed boats that are more suitable for lake operations based on the needs of fishermen. They pursue stability and flexible maneuvers that can be achieved with a small number of people, and there are such as water steamers. .

The catamaran is the splicing of two long boats. The wooden beams in the middle are laid with planks, making it a barge, and the movement basically depends on paddling and manpower stepping on curved boards to drive water wheels.

Compared with ordinary long boats, this kind of boat can easily hold fifty people, and can also pile up a lot of cargo. The seaworthiness of this kind of ship is poor, only in rivers and lakes everything is normal.

There are many such catamarans, and even a small number of such freaks as trimarans.

There are always some strange boats floating on the surface of Ilmen Lake. This is really a local characteristic. People who live and grow up here have seen it all these years, but those foreign businessmen must exclaim at the genius and wisdom of the Ross people.

The catamaran is like a large and stable raft, and the larger ones are equivalent to barges. Most of the goods on it are the wartime daily necessities of the soldiers, especially a large number of linen and leather blankets, as well as the personal belongings of the crew members. Backpacks and in person

a large number of personal items.

The sudden winter war provided Ross with another valuable experience. Prior to this, Ross had not fought on land for a long time. The war lasted for half a year. The problems encountered in the inland expedition should be resolved before the new expedition.

Accommodation is a big problem, and it can even be fatal if done poorly.

Moisture-proof leather mats are standard equipment for soldiers, and the material for tents is light linen, and the linen is also oiled, making the tent light and waterproof at the same time.

Now, tens of thousands of people gathered on the embankment of the river. Women hugged their children to bid farewell to the expeditionary army. Some mothers found their sons who were eager to go out, and they were still forcing freshly made dry food into their hands.

Many people from distant manors gathered in Novgorod, and the city's population soared to 50,000 in a short period of time!

Governor Medved had to organize the garrison. The soldiers laid their spears flat and grabbed each other's wooden poles. The soldiers built a long and narrow wall to control the increasingly agitated crowd. The spears were like railings. Keep restless people from crossing the line.

It's an expedition after all! Especially in White Tree Manor, a large number of mixed-race boys marched with the king in the name of Ross. The children are Ross people, and their Slavic mothers are proud.

The flags were flying on the shore, and the soldiers who were eager to board the ships lined up. At the same time, Volkhov was also covered with ships of all sizes.

The boarding operation has already begun. In order to avoid causing "big traffic jams", the people who boarded at the head of the team will use a flag team as a unit, and the flag captain will set off first after confirming that his subordinates are assembled.

At this moment, the horn sounds, and the expeditionary force has begun to move

!

And there are still many soldiers in the rear who are still boarding the ship.

Rurik was still standing on the shore, and in front of him were members of the royal family, as well as the most honorable old king Otto.

Today Otto is still wearing that golden armor, still standing with the help of his guards.

The sword of "Destroyer", it is still in Rurik's hand. It seemed like a lucky charm for Ross to win, and Rurik never expected to use it to kill the enemy.

Enough with the female relatives, and the last love words to Queen Svetlana.

The queen held her infant daughter in her arms. Even though the world was full of noise, the child calmly waited with round blue eyes, looking at the long line of ships, at the soldiers boarding one after another, and at his father. king. The little baby didn't cry, and all her older brothers stood here. The boys were not nervous or afraid at all, but hated themselves for being too young for this great expedition.

Suddenly, there was a commotion in the crowd, and the armored warriors beat and beat violently with sticks in the messy crowd, and only then did they open a way to the river bank.

"Get out of the way! It will ruin the king's great affairs, and killing you will not help!"

"Get out of the way! Otherwise, we won't be responsible for the stick breaking your arm."

…

The words were very rude, and the soldiers' methods were also rough, because everyone underestimated the excitement of today, so that the reindeer and cattle as sacrifices were brought in a little later, and they had to face the crowded crowd.

Ten deer, ten cows, and twenty large animals were finally led to the river.

Rurik turned his head in surprise: "Sacrifice? My plan is to do a big sacrifice in the capital."

"this

is my decision. "Governor Medved stepped forward, and after giving a standard Ross military salute, he said: "This is the expectation of the people. Although it is necessary to perform a great sacrifice in the capital, people here cannot see the grand occasion of the capital. And please... Your Majesty, pull out your sword and kill all these sacrifices to sacrifice to the gods of the river, the lake, and the Slavic gods. "

"Is this a temporary idea? You should have told me earlier." Rurik deliberately frowned and pretended to be harsh.

"Sorry. It's really the people's request."

"Just do it." Old Otto spoke in a hoarse voice, emphasizing again: "Just use my sword and help me perform this sacrifice."

Seeing his father's determined eyes and hearing the cheers of the crowd, Rurik lowered his head deeply, and suddenly pulled out the "Destroyer" and held it high, the buzzing wind of the sword was endless.

Rurik's movements are very skillful, but he still can't avoid being splashed with blood, and isn't this what everyone is crazy about?

Considering the actual needs, the traditional Slavic priests in Novgorod were "rehired" one after another after they were disbanded. Most of them were retained, but these women had to convert to the seven gods respected by the Kingdom of Rus. In other words, the seven most noble gods must be believed. Those strange little Slavic gods are defined as "too low in godhood", and they can still be believed by the local people.

Only Peron, the Slavic **** of fire and thunder, was absorbed into the **** system of the Kingdom of Rus.

So they lit a bonfire by the river, and beside the bonfire, Rurik bled the sacrificial animals one by one.

His face was sprayed red with cow blood, and even the golden laurel wreath on his head

Also stained with blood.

The Ross priests stationed in Novgorod, just like those in the capital, have absorbed some young girls to serve as lower-level priests, and then work under the command of the local old priests (some old women).

The priestesses of different ages clearly made an agreement, and they shouted loudly: "The sword is bloody! The expedition must be victorious! Glory belongs to Rose! Glory be with us!"

They have been shouting a word: sva.

The blood of ox and deer turned into a stream and flowed into the quietly flowing Volkhov River. Rurik wiped a sword, and then wiped the sword clean. Only, the blood stains on the front armor and the laurel crown have not been wiped off. It is interpreted as "the meaning of blood sacrifice", which is really a good omen.

"It's time to get on board!"

Rurik made a gesture, and the drummer standing by on a long ship began to play "Farewell to the Slavic Women".

Like its name, how appropriate is this scene? !

The soldiers of this Russian expeditionary force bid farewell to almost all their respective Slavic mothers, but this tune is a bit sad, but full of tragedy and hope.

When the drums played, those flag soldiers who had not yet been ordered to set off felt inspired and sang its lyrics along with the music.

"Maybe it's time to fly some red flags. It's okay, as far as the eye can see, there are all Andre's navy flags. Troops! It's my Ross oar flag..." Rurik shook his head slightly in thought.

He raised his head sharply again, and slowly backed away facing the elders in his hometown.

All of a sudden, the noble king, who was full of blood, knelt down in fear in public, and bid farewell to the whole of Novgorod and the whole of Lake Ilmen in name with a big gift as a king.

he

Stand up and pat the dirt on your body.

"Go out! Our army will win!"

After saying that, he turned his head, resolutely boarded the long boat waiting for orders, and then stood on the bow of the boat, holding the Drike dragon's head with one hand as if performing art.

Seeing his son's move, old Otto's spirit was deeply touched. "This kid is literally me forty years ago!"

Finally, a voyage planned for five days and nights began.

The channel of the Volkhov River has always maintained a width of more than 200 meters, and now it is flowing downstream, everything is extremely beautiful for the expeditionary force. Soldiers do not need to paddle to propel, all they need is to control the rudder to avoid collisions with ships sailing side by side.

If there was a land route, people walking on the avenue would have to walk a road equivalent to 200 kilometers to reach Lake Ladoga.

The length of the Volkhov River is longer than that, and it is early summer in the north, and the daylight hours of the whole day have exceeded fourteen hours.

The river has certain twists and turns, and its actual length is 230 kilometers.

But in the current wet season, the river can easily push the boat forward at a speed equivalent to two knots per hour. This time point is very unfriendly to merchant ships going to Novgorod by traditional waterways. They have to paddle against the current, but it is very good for merchant ships going to the capital.

So smart businessmen have now started to take the newly developed and very quiet waterway of the Luga River, and then take the canal and finally enter Lake Ilmen.

The speed of two knots is equivalent to human walking, which is too slow.

The ships put down their sails, and then coordinated with the oars, and finally marched at an average speed of six knots.

They are active all day, and the next day

In the evening, the long and narrow fleet began to pass through the town of Ladoga at the mouth of the river.

The fishermen living here had known for a long time that the king's army was about to pass through, so they prepared some dried fish and meat to sell to Master Wang. Because everyone knows that the king has always had an attitude of the more the better when it comes to food supplies.

The fishermen achieved their goal, and Ross's army spent the night in the riverside clearings that are ubiquitous around this estuary fishing village.

The army has completely entered Lake Ladoga. With the help of this huge sea-like waters, it is already the morning of the third day of the operation, and the Ross Army is reorganizing its fleet on the lake.

The ships of each flag team formed a group, and the large ships that were fully transporting supplies became an independent group.

If an eagle flies by, it can have a bird's-eye view of a fleet of fleets suddenly appearing on the waters.

They kept a distance from each other, and they drifted on Lake Ladoga until the afternoon of the fourth day, and began to arrive at the mouth of Lake Ladoga on the Neva River. The estuary is like a huge funnel, but also like a black hole. As soon as it entered the mouth of the river, the boat began to drift slowly until it was pushed into the Neva River by the current.

Before evening, the whole army stayed at the Walnut Fort stronghold, the only island in the river mouth under the order of Rurik.

Walnut Fortress, it has the name of a fortress, and it is just an observation post for Ross. Compared with its military value, it is more appropriate to call it an observation station for observing lake hydrology and a seasonal fishing village.

This is the special prison where Catherine II imprisoned her only competitor. The little baby who had the right to inherit the throne of the Tsar finally grew up to the age of twenty without care and education. A normal boy was killed

A living fool.

It is precisely that it is a small island in the estuary area, and its unique geographical location determines that it can be used as a fortress guarding the key points, and it is also the collective berth of the Ross fleet.

There are only a few fishermen stationed on the island, and an even smaller number of sentries with the salary of the governor of New Roseburg.

sentinel? They're all older guys. After all, a young and strong guy is unwilling to stay on a broken island to watch the sunrise and sunset for a salary that is just enough to make ends meet.

The boring island life of the old guys was broken by the sudden arrival of Wang Shiduo. All the people stranded on the island saw the majesty and honor of King Ross, and even wiped their eyes hard before noticing the big beasts standing on the boats It turned out to be a war horse.

War horses also need to sail on a large scale? What an eye-opener.

Rurik still didn't want to wait, and after condolences to the "defenders" of Walnut Fort Island, he was looking forward to tomorrow's sprint.

This night, the whole island is brightly lit. The surface of the lake is also lit up with dots of stars. Soldiers who want to eat some fresh grilled fish rely on this fishing fire fishing technique~www.readwn.com~ They had a good meal on the last night of their arrival in the capital, and they are looking forward to their arrival After the capital, eat a richer meal. After all, after starting the official expedition, it may be necessary to eat and sleep in the open.

After the meal, everyone’s restless mood was hard to calm down, so many people didn’t go to bed until very late. When the morning fog rose on the Great Lake, people got up again in the wet until the morning sun dried the damp all over their bodies.

The Neva River is only seventy kilometers long, and its flow is faster than the Volkhov River.

According to the previous arrangement, after the Ross Army reorganized the fleet at the mouth of the river, the six groups had to move towards

The Neva plunged headlong into it.

They sailed on the Neva, and the horses finally began to restless.

A large number of catamarans began to face challenges on the Neva River, but the difficult time was over in just one day.

Because of the huge capital city of New Ross Fort, the phantom of the tall city wall stretching between the sky and the earth has appeared before the eyes of the expeditionary army.

Please remember the first domain name of this book: . :