The sun rises lazily and seems to sink into the horizon in no time.
Every day, darkness occupies almost all of people’s time. Even so, the Russians continued their winter work at night.
The bravest men sharpen their spearheads, axes, and sword blades.
There is also a group of hunters who do not leave the fjord and enter the frozen sea to catch seals. Instead, they go deep inland and lay traps to catch ferrets.
Mink hunters always get something. They peel off the mink skins, bring them back to Rossburg and sell them to stranded merchants immediately, earning a considerable sum of money. The price of ferret skins is still the same, six silver coins per skin. As for the merchants processing it and taking it to Melalen to sell it for more than fifteen silver coins, that's what the Ross hunters didn't care about.
It was the eve of Hanukkah, and in the Russian speaker’s house, Otto gathered his cronies together to discuss the great actions of the tribe after Hanukkah.
More than twenty oil lamps were hung on the wooden walls made of logs, and the flickering flames gave light to this house that was reinforced with earth and kept very warm.
Indoors, more than thirty very prestigious men from the Ross tribe were sitting cross-legged.
They wore leather coats made of deerskin or cowhide, with layers of linen or sweaters hand-knitted with wool.
Everyone still wore a hat, and many of them simply wore a wolf skin on their head. The furry wolf tail became a good decoration.
Of course, he is a very particular guy, and he simply has an arctic fox on his head.
The most luxuriously dressed of all the people was undoubtedly the great businessman Gould. Now, Gould was accepted as a member of the Ross tribe. Because of his strong financial resources, his appeal in the business world, and his surrender to the Ross chief family, he was not only allowed to participate in key meetings of the Ross tribe. , also became a key role.
Otto rewarded his cronies with some spirits that had been filled with water. Even so, the spicy wine made everyone feel refreshed and the air in the room was filled with the intoxicating aroma of wine. .
The meeting also kicked off with this bowl of wine.
"Brothers, we have achieved great success throughout the past summer. We will not continue to recall the past glory for the time being. I just want to talk about the next arrangements."
Actually. Everyone is happy to reminisce about the past. After all, the great strength shown by the Ross people after ending their hibernation has given rise to the idea of replacing the Melalen Tribe and making the Ross Tribe the new leader of the alliance.
Hallo Zuosen asked urgently: "What's the next arrangement? We basically know everything. Or should we go find the deer farmers and seize their deer like we did last winter."
Otto looked at the guys in front of him, stared into their eager eyes, and said calmly: "The plan is indeed true. I think you have made full preparations. Listen, our goal is to go to a distant place and reach the destination." We lack the ability to exploreTerritory, seize all those people's deer. We will be very successful, and we will all make a fortune from it. ”
“Make a fortune? "Hallo Zuosen smiled and said jokingly: "Deerskin is indeed valuable, but it is not valuable. It would be good if a piece of skin could be sold for two silver coins. I dare say those merchants dare to lower the price. The price can be reduced to less than one silver coin. "
When Harold Johnson said this, he obviously did not notice the presence of the businessman Gould.
Gould deliberately coughed twice, raised his plump chest, and said with a simple and honest His voice expressed his position in public: "Great leader, and my friends. I am willing to buy unprocessed deer skin at the price of two silver coins. I will take as much as you provide. I guarantee my commitment with my personality. "
As soon as this statement came out, everyone looked at his bold words with admiration.
Haro Zuosen showed a little timidity: "My friend, please forgive me, I did not target you. I just want to say that instead of capturing the herds of deer herders, I think the real way to make a fortune is to loot the people of Gotland. You know, we had great success, and the young boys were eager to go to war again and reap the great benefits. ”
Everyone whispered to each other, but soon everyone’s opinions became unified.
The so-called necessity of war, the essence of the war against the Gotlanders is a kind of revenge. Now, The soldiers now have a reason to expand the war to avenge the Ostara allies.
Otto coughed twice to signal everyone to be quiet.
“War is necessary, I know many young people. People long to be heroes. Now, we should give young people more opportunities to experience. "
" Just go hunting in the north? Maybe..." Haro Zuosen was a little unimpressed.
"No! This time the situation will be very special. Not only was it another collective act for us, I would have brought my son with me. "
"What? ! "Hallo Zuosen pressed his ears hard to make sure he heard correctly, and the others also widened their eyes.
Otto glanced slightly at the corner of his mouth, and he could guess the surprise of the guys: "I have made up my mind. Rurik must grow, he must undergo training. ”
“But he is too young. "Hallo Zuosen questioned.
"You are too young to explore? He is destined to be my successor, and he will be your new leader. Can you accept a leader who lacks merit? "
At this time, someone raised his fist and signaled: "Then let him participate in the action and let Rurik receive training! We need this Rurik to lead the future Ross. ”
Immediately afterwards, everyone said the same opinion.
In this state, everyone’s words did not taboo the fact that Otto was present. Rurik took over the position of leader , which means that the current leader Otto is dead.
Otto’s smile is hidden under his thick beard. He is not afraid of death at all, but is eager to save himself before he reaches the end of his life. Life experience, devoted to teachingson.
It can be said that no one questions the key core of Otto’s decision, and everyone only expresses their opinions on the details.
In the Speaker's room, Otto formulated a complete set of action procedures.
As for the geographical environment of Roseburg and its surroundings, Roseburg is naturally located in the Gulf of Bothnia, in a fjord at about 65° north latitude. It is surrounded by rocky hills and a river originating from the Rivers in the Norwegian foothills pour pure water into the Rossberg Fjord.
In the warm season, there are a number of small islands off the coast of the fjord. Not only do these islands have no fresh water, they seriously lack economic value.
Russian fishermen are even more aware that if they want to catch more fish, they must enter the southern waters. The waters north of Roseburg are still very unfamiliar, and there is obviously a serious lack of fishing there. Even the nearby land, those areas that lack exploration, should be able to catch many ferrets and foxes.
This time, Otto’s purpose is to lead the tribe north along the frozen coastline. The planned route is different from last winter.
It would be best if he could find a deer farmer and a large number of deer. If he couldn't find one, he wouldn't worry about the team not getting a harvest. The unknown forest is equivalent to an unexplored Feng Shui treasure land, because all hunters know that if you want to get the best fur, you have to go north, even to the legendary sea at the end of the world, to the edge of the human world. You can even peek into the unknown beyond the World Tree.
To put it bluntly, it is best to catch a large number of deer. If you cannot catch deer, you can definitely catch some ferrets. Generally speaking, everyone believes that they will make a profit without losing money.
Winter hunting is like this. Once upon a time, the hunters of the Ross tribe were willing to risk freezing to death by pulling sleds to hunt in winter.
Although it is obviously more profitable to wage war and grab the spoils, everyone is still interested in winter fishing.
Otto determined the time of the action, which was January 1st of the Julian calendar, which was the fourth day after the so-called Hanukkah and the first day of the year 830 of the Julian calendar.
After the grand festival, those who are determined to set off have the last three days to prepare.
The meeting ended quickly. He returned to his warm home and sat on a leather mat on the wooden board. Otto sipped a bottle of strong wine, reminiscing about the meeting, and waiting for his son and The return of his maid.
Nowadays, the daylight hours almost fly by, and Rurik has to suspend all children’s military training. Instead, he has more time to teach cultural knowledge to his girls.
Although there is no clock, Rurik learned the trick of judging time through the Big Dipper from the high priest Vilia.
The Russians naturally do not have the cultural phenomenon of the "Big Dipper" here. The priests call those stars members of the Valkyries or some gods. Although the opinions are different, the Russians think that those stars are Valkyrie members or some gods. The most reliable tool to tell the time at night.
LiuliKe came back, accompanied by three girls.
Rumia was in a good mood. She was very happy that she could serve as the key priest of the Ross tribe's winter solstice ceremony, and she was also excited about Rurik's reuse.
When the group came back, they planned to have some food and then rest. When they got home, they obviously realized that something was wrong.
As soon as Rurik opened the wooden door, he saw his father sitting quietly.
"You're back, come to me." Otto waved his hand.
"You three go back to the house to rest first, I..."
Before Rurik finished speaking, he heard Otto point his hand: "Rumia, You come here too."
"Me?" The girl was a little surprised, wondering what the old leader had ordered.
Rurik and Rumia sat obediently in front of Otto, listening attentively to many things about this winter's hunting.
Finally, Otto opened his mouth and talked about Rurik himself.
"What? I want to leave Roseburg and join the hunting team?!"
Rurik was very surprised. He did not expect that he would leave Roseburg for the first time and participate in a formal operation.
"Dad, are you serious?"
"I am serious." Otto urged with a solemn expression; "There is no room for compromise in this matter, you are my Son, you must establish new prestige among the tribe through this action."
"I really...can't believe that I have to leave Roseburg so early."
"You. What are you muttering about?" Otto asked.
At this time, Rurik raised his chest with an intriguing smile on his face. Through this smile, Otto could realize his son's attitude - he had no resistance and was even full of expectations.
"Dad, I have known your determination for a long time. During this time, I noticed that many warriors were touching. Even Arik was preparing food for the hunt. Do you think I am old enough to participate? Are you old enough to take action? That's great! I'm very happy to be involved." Otto was completely relieved and he actually discussed it with his wife Niya.
Since his son's attitude was very firm, Otto said comfortably: "I originally thought you would refuse. If you refuse, I won't force you. You are only eight years old after all."
Been The feeling of being looked down upon is unpleasant. "Ha! Does being young mean that we are weak? I'm not afraid of walking on the snow, and I do need some trials. Dad, those who participated in the operation are all the elites of our tribe, right?"
"Exactly."
"Great. This way I can show off my own strength."
"Your strength? You are still a child." Niya, who was sitting on the side, giggled. stand up.
"Niya, don't worry about your son." After comforting his wife, Otto continued to look directly into Rurik's eyes: "Listen, we are very likely to encounter the deer herders' group again. We will plunder their herds, we will fight, Rurik, this will probably be your first battle. "
"Fight? "Rurik was a little nervous when he mentioned this word, but he felt that he had lost his previous innocence and integrated into the Russian environment. He had become as bloody as them.
"Yes ! Just fight. Rurik, you are training those children to prepare for future wars, but you never know what fighting is. Deermen are very weak, you can try them first. ”
My father’s words were so simple and straightforward, as if those deer herders were naturally the prey of the Russians, fat sheep to be slaughtered.
However, through Os As a result of the Tara people's disaster, Rurik fully realized through the Carlotta sisters the cruel truth of surviving in this world.
The truth is so simple, it even feels like a dark forest. .
You can be kind, but don’t be too kind. You don’t have to attack others, but you must believe that others will try to attack you, so when you find others who are weak, you should take the initiative to conquer them and become your slaves. , to prevent them from becoming your enemies one day.
Although he still felt a little grudge in his heart, Rurik hesitated for a while and said solemnly: "I will become a military commander sooner or later. Then go ahead and wage war against those in the north. ”
Rurik’s declaration pleased Otto, but these bold words frightened Rumia.
Because Rumia is a deer farmer. Human. She really didn't expect that her kind master would attack the deer herder like his father.
For a moment, Rumia felt that her master was also a bit disgusting. Such a cute boy is like a relative of hers, but it’s him...
Rumia’s spirit was a little dazed, as if a huge stone was pressing on her chest, and she was so depressed that she couldn’t breathe. She recalled last winter, The tears couldn't stop flowing.
The girl's dramatic change of mood attracted Otto's attention.
"Rumia, don't cry. "Otto ordered loudly.
As a result of this order, Rumia burst into tears.
She lay on the ground, crawled towards Otto, and cried Telling his long-cherished wish: "Chief, I have only one request. If you can, don't kill those deer farmers... We just want to live a quiet life and don't want to provoke anyone... Woo hoo. "
Otto dragged his chin and said impatiently: "You are different from those people. You are Ross's servant, no longer a deer herder. Those people are not your tribe, why bother crying for them. "
"Chief, I just ask you to go around them, don't... don't... I beg you not to kill them. "
Rumia burst into tears, and she looked even more pitiful lying on the wooden floor.
After all, she was her first servant, Rurik. Rurik couldn't help but think of what happened last year. For a moment, Rurik realized what he had just done.The bold words may be a bit too much.
Rurik paid attention to his father's attitude. It was obvious that the rough old guy had no reaction to Rumia's crying.
After understanding the girl’s cry, Rurik felt that the matter needed to be compromised.
Rurik said loudly: "Dad, maybe we should consider Rumia's words."
"Do you need it? Just a servant."
"She is my servant, and I think her cry makes sense." Rurik's words immediately attracted Rumia's attention, and her crying stopped abruptly. The girl turned her head and looked at her master with a strong expression of grievance.
Watching her cry, Rurik's psychology is somewhat uncomfortable. He can't stand a woman crying now, and he can't develop a heart of stone at the moment.
Rurik thought of a satisfactory plan.
"Our plan will not change, but when we encounter deer herders, we should not try to kill them immediately, but order them to surrender. I think that our Ross tribe must conquer Rossburg in order to The world in the north must be our territory, and the deer herders there must be our servants. As long as they are willing to be servants, we should not hurt them. Maybe one day, those deer herders can still fight for us Rus. ”
“We expect them to fight for us?” Otto felt refreshed.
"Why not? I still have some Finns on hand, and it doesn't matter if there are others. Maybe we have to use the deer farmers we found..." Suddenly you are another absolute The thought of beauty came to Rurik's mind. He stood up with a slap on his thigh and said loudly: "Dad, I understand! Our action is not to kill them, but to collect them. From now on, those deer farmers will only raise deer for us." Deer, they must donate some deer to us every year, in exchange for our keeping them safe. They should become our sheep."
Because of the concept of taxation, New Roseburg and Norfolk are already established. Fugorod did it anyway, and Otto stood up with a slap on the thigh: "Good idea! Let's do it. But..."
"But what?"
Otto Tuo deliberately asked: "What if the deer herders resist resolutely? Mercy?"
"No!" Rurik flatly refused: "Those who resist must be killed. As for those who choose to surrender, we must To ensure their safety in the years to come. Just like the shelter we gave Rumia. Those who are willing to be our servants will receive preferential treatment. Dad, can you understand what I mean? Servants, I will ensure that they do not starve to death and can live safely under my management."
Otto said with a tight mouth: "You are still kind, but I like this kindness. May those who surrender be absolutely loyal. If they are traitors, they must be executed." At this point, Otto asked Rumia, who was still kneeling, "Rumia, you must go with your master in this operation. My intention? ”
"Oh, great leader, I...I don't know."
Otto frowned: "Are you a fool? I took you with me because I thought you were useful. Rumia , I changed my mind, I can make an agreement with you. When we surround the deer herders' camp, I can order you not to attack first! You go and negotiate with the deer herders and order them to surrender, so that I can forgive everyone. Man. What do you think of my decision?"
Rumia immediately responded with a smile: "That's great, great leader."
"I am. Kindness?" Otto chuckled: "Maybe I am kind to you. I have regarded you as one of my tribesmen. I didn't expect you to intercede with the deer farmer. I am a little disappointed. You should go and thank your master. "Listen, it was your master's thoughts that made me change my mind."
Rurik responded to Rumia's expression of gratitude with his eyes. Rumia's actions today clearly showed her respect for her fellow race. Have strong feelings. This made Rurik a little confused. Those deer herders, also known as Lapps, were obviously just some scattered clans and tribes, but there was still no sign of them forming a country. Why does Rumia care about those so-called tribesmen?
As everyone knows, Rumia simply feels scared when she thinks of the disaster a year ago, and she does not want her beloved master to grow into a violent and ruthless character.
However, Rurik finally became the leader of the tribe, and he must lead his tribe to meet the challenge. Peace and stability need to be guarded by swords and shields, oh, and the new steel-armed crossbow.
What Rurik can promise Rumia is that he will only pardon the enemies who fight life and death, and will not only pardon his servants, but also incorporate them into his own tribe. After all, the Russians are now absorbing the Novgorod people on a large scale, and it is also a reasonable move to absorb a large group of deer herders.
What is the use of recruiting deer farmers? Raise deer!
Rather than trying your luck to find and plunder deer herders, why not relocate the ones you find near Roseburg? What's more, the area of Rossburg is the hometown of deer farmers.
Rurik also estimated later that it was Rumia who understood the "history wooden board" held by Priest Ross and clearly learned the past of Fort Ross.
Today's prosperous Roseburg was the home of deer farmers in the past.