Rurik and Carlotta stayed outside the curtain. They watched the Melalen army slaughter sheep, cut their skins and roast them for barbecue, watched them burn the wooden houses, and even piled the corpses together one after another, and then piled firewood to burn them.
As well as the captives, the ones left alive at the moment are all women from the Gotlanders, and their screams of grief and anger can be heard endlessly.
At this situation, Rurik's mind was filled with helplessness. He hoped that these guys could calm down and not cause further damage even if they were cleaning the battlefield.
However, the belated friendly forces are all landing on the beach. They missed the battle. Will they set fire more wantonly to vent their dissatisfaction?
Rurik noticed Carlotta’s numb expression from the corner of his eye, he was really at a loss.
"You...this is war, this is the revenge you want..."
The girl was indifferent to this inquiry.
"Let me ask you something!"
"Hmm...huh?"
"How is it? Your revenge? Are you satisfied?"
p>
"I..."
"You have nothing to say?"
Carlotta still had a dull face, pointing at the women who were being abused, Just because she subconsciously realized that this matter was history repeating itself.
Although Rurik was not in a good mood, his face was even hotter from the flames burning not far away. "Those are the trophies of the Malaren Army. Do you think they are pitiful?"
"I...yes."
Carlotta no longer wants to hide her emotions, although The battle was won, and she was on the edge of the fire, unable to feel the joy of victory at all. Is the victor’s carnival joyful? What she felt was clearly fear, fear.
"But they are enemies." Rurik replied calmly: "This is the price the Gotlanders have to pay. Don't care anymore. You saw Origen and asked him for you. The most important thing is the sheep."
Carlotta nodded.
She and Rurik have been closely protected by elite mercenaries headed by Yevro. As more and more friendly troops landed, among them were noble-dressed people who could be identified as tribal leaders at a glance. With the guy's appearance, Yevro also subconsciously became more vigilant.
Carlotta did not get the pleasure she imagined from her revenge, but most men, when they saw the fire rising into the sky, their spirits were as high as a rabid bull.
Undoubtedly, the craziest one is Duke Oak of the Gran people. This guy can be called a coward and fled with his people in an emergency. This ensured that the people of the tribe were in name, but he also betrayed the two of Aosta. Agreement between persons for mutual protection.
"Haha! I, the Oak, are back!" He held a huge broad-bladed forest ax, pointed at the burning house, and screamed: "Brothers! The Mellaren people have taken advantage. We can't do nothing! Burn down these maggot houses for revenge!"
The Glan tribe sent out only fifty warriors, they were armed herdsmen.It's just that there is a natural disadvantage in combat effectiveness.
If they were to fight those Danish armored warriors, it would be inevitable that they would all be killed. The most dangerous enemy is already dead. The Gran people are angry and angry at the empty enemy house. Is this called bravery?
The noise outdoors is getting worse.
It happened that Olegin made a request, and Otto opened the curtain and suddenly let the two children Rurik and Carlotta enter to discuss the matter.
At this moment, Rurik subconsciously looked into Olegin's eyes, and their eyes even stayed for five seconds!
"This kid doesn't avoid my eyes? He actually has a face as calm as water? Oh, this kid is indeed very beautiful, but it's a pity that he is not my descendant."
Oligen After thinking about it, he didn't care about it. In fact, he was willing to take a look at Rurik's face.
After all, Rurik is about to turn ten. Any Nordic boy with a good quality of life will show a bit of masculine temperament at this age. Rurik hasn't grown a beard yet, but the hair on his lips is really thick. His face was still fair and smooth, but it was inevitably a little rough. His figure was much taller than when we first met, his face was more three-dimensional, and his eyes began to become deeper and deeper like his biological father's.
Oligen waved his hand and said: "Sit down."
Rurik then sat cross-legged and took the somewhat dull Carlotta to sit down.
Oligen still wore his crown and arrogantly recounted his victory: "Rurik, you see, our Melalen army is invincible, and a mere Gotlander is easily defeated by me. "Destroy."
"King, you asked me to come in just to promote your great martial arts? I saw that your army is like a hero fighting with fire." Rurik even said beautiful words. , his face remained calm.
These words really appealed to Origen, and he chuckled: "Let's talk about business. Your father asked you to decide a matter, and the thing is like this..."
Oligen then handed over the matter of "using prisoners to pay debts" to Rurik for judgment. After hearing Origen's intention, Rurik's calm face also changed.
"Now it's your turn. If you agree, the prisoners will be yours in exchange for one hundred and fifty pounds of silver coins. If you don't, they will all be killed."
Rurik Knowing that what Origen said was not a joke, he was really conflicted in his heart. Ask yourself, Rurik's humanity does not want prisoners of war to be executed indiscriminately. However, the ultimate goal of the contract signed between the Rus and the Melalen people is to obtain an astonishing amount of wheat! The purpose of obtaining wheat is to feed the growing population of the Rus' Principality. Now that we have taken in a group of prisoners of war, it means that the money to buy wheat has been severely reduced.
Wait a minute! This matter is not simple!
Rurik neither agreed nor objected. He raised his head and asked seriously: "King! The war you lead will achieve great victory, but the eight hundred pounds of silver coins you owe us will not be used if we use them all." More and more prisonersCompensation from the captives is not what we Russians want. "
"You! Good boy! "Oligen wanted to angrily complain that his plan was exposed, but after thinking that he had underestimated Rurik's brains, he giggled again.
After the atmosphere calmed down, Origen Asked again: "So you really don't want any of those prisoners?" ”
“Yes. It's better to leave them to your warriors. I see that your warriors are very happy now. I'm afraid that the slaves who have been ruined by your men will be more willing to commit suicide in the sea than to be the future wives and concubines of our Russian people. I don’t want this kind of woman. ”
Oligen is desperate, and it is difficult to announce the murder for a while.
Rurik certainly requires a lot of labor, especially the collection of women. In ancient times, The number of women determines the rate of population growth of a nation and a country, and a huge population is equal to the strength of an ancient country. Rurik knows this, but he also understands that he cannot want all women.
Rurik hopes to conquer sane people as a savior and benefactor. Obviously, those poor people who are still being abused will still be sane afterwards? Is it possible that all of them will be schizophrenic?
Origin gently dragged his chin and asked hurriedly: "If the body is innocent, do you need such a slave? ”
“Exactly. I don’t want Ross’s warriors to marry crazy women, and I don’t want their future children to be little lunatics too. "
Origin is not stupid. He estimated that Rurik knew that he could not refuse completely. This kid's conditions were logical.
From the beginning, Origen was We don't want to expand the war with a large number of prisoners. Although female prisoners can appease the soldiers, they will also be the source of the military's lack of morale in the long run. As for the male prisoners, it is even more impossible to keep them, because they may wait for an opportunity to rebel or backstab the prisoners. Sell it, or kill it directly to avoid future troubles.
After thinking about it, Origen immediately sent someone to issue an order, and the messenger hurriedly organized the actions of the soldiers, which ensured that some prisoners were not insulted. < /p>
As soon as the messenger left the tent, Origen breathed a sigh of relief: "The order will be implemented, and you can still get a group of innocent prisoners. Are you satisfied now? "
"This is the only kind of prisoner I accept, but this is the last time. king! You must have grabbed gold and silver. We Russians will not openly ask for it, but you will need to come up with silver coins afterwards, or food in the autumn. Hope you keep it in mind. "
"Of course I will keep it in mind. "
"However, according to the contract. "Rurik added: "You need to distribute the spoils they deserve to the Ostara army. ”
“Ostara? "Seeing Carlotta's face, Origen suddenly realized: "Is this... really necessary? Oh, I can give Carlotta some silver coins, after all, this place is her hometown. ”
Rurik and Otto suddenly felt a sense of hatred. Obviously, this guy didn’t take the Ostara tribe to heart., although the banner of this battle is to avenge them.
Carlotta has been holding back her emotions, and now she explodes!
"Give it back to me! My sheep! Give it back to me!"
"Sheep? Your sheep?" Olegin asked in surprise.
"They are all my sheep in Ostara! The Gotlanders robbed our sheep, and your people robbed the sheep again. All the sheep are mine! But you... ..." As she spoke, Carlotta's mood finally collapsed.
Yes, the burning Linkoping and the burning Ostara, the battlefields are exactly the same no matter how you look at them. The sufferings of the past were still vivid in his mind. Those burned corpses made Carlotta hallucinate. He felt that his long-dead grandfather was waving to him in the fire.
She fell into a mental breakdown and threw herself on Rurik's lap, her clothes soaked with tears.
"As you can see." Rurik said calmly: "At least give her some sheep, which can be regarded as an explanation to the people of Ostara."
Listen Origen clearly showed displeasure at Rurik's words.
Rurik quickly followed up: "King! Only by doing this, everyone will praise you for regaining the property for your allies, and you are the guardian of the kingdom. Compared with the great honor, a group of A sheep is nothing.”
In fact, Rurik didn’t even know that his theatrical flattery was just poking Origen’s skin. At this age, Origen only cares about honor, because great honor in the human world is equivalent to the absolute qualification to enter Valhalla, and he just believes in this.
Oligen waved his hand: "One hundred, that's all I will provide."
As soon as he gave it to the sheep, a dramatic scene happened! Carlotta sat upright like a spring and hurriedly said thank you with tears in her eyes.
She did not make any kneeling gestures, just because she knew that she could never let Rurik and Otto down again, and she could not pay tribute to Olegin without their permission.
Although Origen's promise moved her.
In addition to getting a group of sheep, Carlotta really has no other aspirations. The rest of Ostara consisted of only women and children, although some men were added, all of whom were Rus. The tribe's revival hoped for the favor of the Russians. As the Duchess of Ostara, she could only ask for help from the Russians.
Night fell on the burning battlefield, and before the sun set, the Mellaren ships that pursued the Gotland escapees returned one after another. They killed the men and took no prisoners, but brought back the empty ships.
The fire in Norrkoping showed no sign of stopping. The entire beach was filled with boats and people. Nearly 4,000 people gathered on the beach in a huge manner. They set up their own camps in tribal units. Light your own bonfire and enjoy the winner's supper - plenty of grilled meat.
Most of the captured sheep were killed, and Origen kept his promise and "gifted" one hundred sheep to Carlotta. He also showed a side of chicken thieves. The so-called "gifts" were mixed with a lot of inferior old sheep and lack of meat and hair.The lambs were given to her. The really good ones were either kept for themselves or slaughtered.
The sheep had been delivered, and Carlotta was suffocating and helpless.
What is the use of the old sheep? The lambs are at least a full year away from being ready for shearing.
With no other choice, the Russians got Carlotta's permission and all the old sheep were slaughtered, and the mutton was used as the best supplies for the soldiers.
The entire beach has become a dining extravaganza, which is also mixed with discordant things.
The Russians took in those prisoners, and in the end Rurik was shocked to find out that it was said that they had captured more than a hundred prisoners, and only more than 30 were delivered to him. Their characteristic is that they are all young. As for the other women, they are now...
They are young girls who were extremely frightened by the sudden war, but Rurik estimates that they have immigrated since From the moment you start, you should know the risks involved. There are no truly good men and women in this world. If you snatch the living space from another tribe, you should think that the other tribe will take revenge.
Rurik estimated that what he could do at the moment was to bring these prisoners whose spirits were not broken back to the ship, let them stay in the cabin, and be comforted by his group of Slavic maids. . As long as they are not allowed to see their still alive tribesmen continue to be ruined by the Swedish army that landed, and they are given some food, Rurik estimates that they will quickly accept their fate, at least they will not resolutely resist or wait for an opportunity to commit suicide.
Just like the current situation, Rurik estimated that the more than thirty slaves he "purchased" were probably the only surviving Gotlanders in the entire Norrköping settlement. He had already planned to send all these girls to New Roseburg. If they were given to the young people who immigrated to Novgorod, wouldn't it be a good story of national integration? Rurik was very realistic and felt that this move would indeed become a good story - outstanding Slavic men did not need a bride price and had the opportunity to get a young woman rewarded by the leader of Rus.
Anyway, Rurik was determined not to use any of the Gotland prisoners obtained in normal wars for his own use.
The beach is still filled with the aroma of food, and around a huge bonfire, all the dukes gather together.
Oligen can actually say that this battle was won by the Malaren army. The other troops arrived late and missed too much, and they have no right to ask for any silver coins. spoils of war.
If Kal was the king at this moment, this guy would most likely make such an announcement, that is, the people of Melalen have the right to eat alone.
But Origen has to consider the stability of the coalition. Everyone gathered here is not maintained by friendship. The only thing that can connect each other is economic interests! If I had to eat alone, I don't know how many troops in the coalition would have to go back home.
If they all run away, it would be wishful thinking to simply expect the Melalen Army to expand the war!
No, Olegin pointed to the two boxes of silver coins next to him and said loudly: "This is the most important trophy: two boxes of silver coins. I decided to followThe number of our troops will be distributed fairly, except for the Russians. What do you think? ”
After hearing this, everyone hurriedly whispered to each other and started studying.
At this time, someone still made trouble. Modsen, the leader of Yermalen, questioned Origen’s gift of one hundred to the Ostara girl. Regarding the sheep: "Sheep are also spoils of war, and you should distribute them according to the number of troops. Since many sheep have been eaten, distribute the sheepskins! What you gave Carlotta the sheep was unreasonable. What was your reason? ”
Actually, Carlotta is here, but she feels that she has no role to speak, and the trustworthy Rurik is not suitable to participate in the meeting according to the rules, so she has to rely on Otto.
p>Origin said bluntly: "Actually, all sheep were originally the property of the Ostara people. So..."
Modson is not the Lord of Greed. He stretched out his right hand and understood it himself.
However, Ungreave of Uncras struck again: "What about women? Those are prisoners! I found that you gave the Russians a group of prisoners. Didn't you agree that they would not participate in the battle, but would only be our transport team? How can we still get prisoners?"
Otto's unhurried explanation, and the explanation given by Rurik was strange: "Ungriev, did you know that everything I want is What kind of woman is she? Just some children who will serve as maids, nothing more. ”
“Oh! Hopefully you don't end up giving your Rurik a bunch of brothers. "Ungrieve said maliciously.
This remark made everyone burst into laughter, and some people sneered that Otto was too old and had long since lost that strength.
"Shut up! "The angry Otto suddenly drew his sword, and the sharp point almost cut the throat of Oak, the man from Gran who was laughing the most happily. His eyes widened with anger, and Ungreave was so shocked that he shut up on the spot.
The sudden turn of events frightened everyone into silence, but Origen hurriedly made peace: "Don't hurt the harmony, and don't make too many jokes. "
Otto sheathed his sword, and Oak remained sluggish.
But a new problem did arise - what to do with those women.
"My Opinions are killing! You guys have had enough fun, kill them all tomorrow morning. Listen, we want to expand our results without any burdens. "
Olegin felt that his decision was very beneficial, but he understood that it was unanimously opposed by the dukes.
"Then give it to me! I want slaves, women, alive, nothing else matters. "Modson of Yermalen, he really doesn't care about the situation of women. For the future of his tribe, he just needs fresh blood from outside to supplement it. Even if it is a woman whose spirit has been played crazy, he really doesn't care if she is hungry and not selective about food.
Someone started, and others made similar requests.
Oligen let out a sigh of relief: "Okay! Just as you wish. "
He made a compromise and began to formulate the next battle plan: "In this battle, we only destroyed a small enemy stronghold. I decided, MingAfter a full day's rest on the first day, we will leave here the day after tomorrow and run south along the coastline. As long as we encounter any fishing boat or any settlement, we will immediately launch an attack. We, the Mellaren people, have suffered certain losses in this battle. You will be the vanguard in the next battle. Did any of you say I hid the loot? It doesn't matter, you will be the main attacker in the next battle, and we will distribute the spoils afterwards. I trust you will not take the treasure privately. "
Are the coalition forces united? Their unity is based on the same interests and interests, and they have really begun to divide the spoils, and it is normal for them to start fighting among themselves.
Everyone actually appreciates continuing to move south, especially the attack The legendary Kalmar in Denmark seems to have a silver mountain there. A powerful raid will make all tribes rich overnight. For this reason, everyone's eyes are on fire - in fact, the corneas reflect the flames of the bonfire.
But who would have thought that Otto would "back out"
"No! I have to send a ship back. "
"Why? "Olegin asked in surprise.
Otto pretended to smile bitterly: "As the king said, prisoners are a burden. I will send a ship to transport the prisoners and sheep back. We Russians are a transport team. I don't even need to bring many ships, and I have no intention of competing with you for the spoils of war. ”
No one stood up to object. The fact that the Russians did not land in this battle proved that the meeting and discussion before the war were held. The Russians abided by the agreement. They did not participate in the war. They only wanted to appear symbolically on the ship. As a team, no one complained about the Russians betraying the alliance. Moreover, they did not take the initiative to ask for the spoils. Although this is incredible, it has to be said that since there is no apparent stake, who would hold a grudge?
< p>Of course, what each Duke saw was just the surface.