The huge Ross fleet raised their sails, and the sails were more prosperous than in previous years.
Two large ships with triangular sails became the core of the fleet, with as many as forty cargo ships guarding them, followed by a large number of traditional long ships.
Compared with previous years, there are far fewer other merchant ships following the Ross commercial fleet. Not only have those who intend to go north have set off a month ago, but also because Tombstone Island has become a real trading point. , a group of merchants simply traded on the island.
However, the merchants noticed the Ross trading company that was built on the ruins of the Birka market. I am afraid that in the future, everyone will no longer have to risk going north to Rossburg, and everyone will trade with the Ross people in Birka. As for whether to go north or do business locally, it depends on the tax status of the two places.
The fleet sailed with the wind. They left the mouth of the lake with dense islands, and everything suddenly became clear.
Going home, although the autumn sea breeze is desolate, Rurik is enveloped in the joy of returning home and just wants to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible.
The Avora rides the wind and waves, and although the Gurdot is very young, its seaworthiness is no less than that of its sister.
The wind blew against Rurik's face, and he stood on the bow deck of the ship in high spirits. Everyone in the fleet could see their leader, just like they saw the old leader Otto.
It’s just that Otto’s ship was an ordinary battle longship, but Rurik’s ship was already a giant ship.
No! Now Otto's ship has also undergone tremendous changes.
"Let's go to Tombstone Island first and unload some supplies." Rurik casually informed Gould, who was also blowing the wind.
"Is this very necessary? We can leave Tombstone Island and go back in just three or four days."
"Unload some more supplies and sell them to the brothers who stayed behind at a fair price. Arriving at Tombstone Island, we will come again next year when the ice melts."
"That's good, you are indeed a benevolent monarch."
Rurik shrugged. It feels good.
Two imitation Caravel ships and all traditional Kirk-turned-cargo ships, all with identical jibs.
When the accompanying longships all furled their sails and moved forward in a more traditional rowing mode, all the big ships were moving in reverse direction, which made the speed even faster!
Just as Rurik hoped, Eskil, a missionary from Frankland Cathedral, accepted Rurik's invitation without hesitation and sailed north on a huge Russian ship.
It was also in the cabin of the Avrola that Esquier and the accompanying young priest he had raised unexpectedly met another believer.
After asking again and again, both parties were surprised that their respective languages were interoperable.
"You! Are you from Britain? Are you not a priest, but someone who was kidnapped by them?" Esquier asked the grain officer Paul.
Paul has always been in awe of priests. Even if he is a Frank missionary, he always explains everything.
Speaking Saxon to each other, Esquier was shocked: "That young man Rurik?I know your island of Lindisfarne, that monastery is very famous. He led the barbarian army to destroy the monastery and killed at least a thousand kingdom warriors? It's really terrible. "
Eskir made the sign of the cross vigorously, cursing Rurik and Ross as devils in his heart, but when he thought about it, the boy obviously understood his beliefs very well.
Perhaps it is because of their understanding that they become more barbaric?
Esquier was shocked and asked, "Could there be a stolen sacred object hidden in this cabin? ”
Paul neither admitted nor denied. He was silent for a moment and then said helplessly, “I am their slave now, and I will continue to maintain my faith.” They are indeed barbaric, but they have no intention of denying our faith. "
Hearing this, Esquier breathed a sigh of relief.
"That's good! If they don't object, I'll have a chance. The Swedes in Mälaren already have a new lamb, and I can also make a breakthrough with the Russians. ”
Paul was just a grain officer. He introduced these things because of the boredom of sailing and the fact that Eskil and others shared his beliefs.
Because the various countries conquered by Frank There are still a large number of people in Saxony who do not accept the Lord's faith.
Eskil is a Saxon who has believed in the Lord. He has been working in this cause for twenty years.
In Reims, Bremen, and Hamburg, no one knows Denmark better than him. Now he boasts that he will lay the first stake of his career in Ross in the far north, at least to increase his knowledge for subsequent missionary work.
Rurik predicted Eskil's thoughts and suddenly felt that the two boys dressed as priests following him were his **. >
He even judged that this guy hopes to establish a monastery in Ross. This is actually possible, but not now. After learning more about the money of the Frankish Kingdom through Esquier, it is better not to open his mouth. .
The fleet set off in the morning, and the shadow of the Åland Islands did not appear in the north until evening.
Eventually, there was nothing to worry about.
Although sailing at night is extremely risky, just aim at the fire on the shore and dive in.
Tombstone Island does not deliberately set up a flame lighthouse, but every night on the island, the people on the island light bonfires and grill fish. Food.
It is a permanent settlement with a population of thousands!
Rurik’s fleet does not take the inner waterway of the archipelago, which requires more vigilance, but along the archipelago. Outside, after seeing a lot of fire, I dived in.
"What is going on? Are there a lot of merchants from Merlaren here?" "Rurik didn't believe his eyes very much.
Gould was also surprised and said: "Shouldn't it be? There are traders here, but they don't have so many boats. "
"Then..." Suddenly, Rurik thought of something, and then trembled with surprise, "It's Otto. SorgonThe fleet came back, and they actually anchored here to rest. ”
Everything was as Rurik expected.
The north wind blew the world cold, and the clouds in the sky almost disappeared. It was the crisp autumn air, the stars were bright, and the new moon was in the sky overnight.< /p>
The world is not too dark yet. Rurik gradually sees that there are rows of ships parked around Tombstone Island. Judging from their thick bodies, they are undoubtedly cargo ships.
Among them, A huge ship-shaped phantom, she became increasingly clear
“It’s the Speros. Okay, now the three sisters of Avora have gathered together. "
Gould hurriedly reminded: "Sir, there must be no berth in the small bay on the island, so we must anchor on the spot. "
"Okay, we are going to take the boat ashore. Everyone was told to stay on board while a few of us went ashore. "
Due to the possible crowds and troubles, Rurik did not want to let his men run around. He only arranged for a cargo ship carrying daily necessities to unload some cheap pots and pans made of clay ashore.
He took Nolen on the boat and waited for the shore again. This time, he took his new woman to meet his parents.
Nolen was cautious and careful, and she knew Liuli. Crosby is not the leader of Rus in all senses, his father is still the de jure Duke of Rus.
Rurik is so young, and his father seems to be very strong. It's also a strange thing.
Ross's Otto may have some secrets. How does Otto feel about his own existence and be particularly fond of him because of the alliance between the two tribes?
< p>The news of Rurik's arrival was a big surprise to Otto, who had also just arrived. By chance, he also had something good for his son to see.No, Otto was leading a girl. Accompanied by the accompanying soldiers, he hurried towards the small bay dock on the island.
He saw his son landing in the dim light.
"Huh? This guy really brought a woman back? ! "
The girl next to him immediately said in a very broken Norse language and with a nasal voice, "Dad, that is Rurik, is he a sister? "
"No, Lanna, that's her other wife and concubine. "
"Oh. "
"What? disappointment? "
"Well..."
Seeing the girl's calmness, Otto patted her back casually: "You are my appointed one, you are Rurik's official wife, you Only boys born will inherit the Ross. Go talk to Rurik. ”
This is Svetlana. Just as Otto said at the beginning of the year, he decided to bring back this ten-year-old Slavic girl this year. Although she is not old enough to get married, she will bring her back first. Living with Rurik.
Otto was indeed too hasty, but he had something to hide.
Vilia was dead, the old priest who was like a mother and the most important person in tribal politics. The steady ally died. Otto was serious on the surface, but also shed tears behind his back.
He even felt that he was getting old too. Rurik would be twelve years old next year, and it would be time for him to officially come of age and get married. And he himself, the old leader of Ross, is basically sixty years old.
This time on the Sorgon voyage, he felt tired. His blond hair had turned gray at an unprecedented rate this year.
Looking at Rurik's achievements in the past few years, Ross is no longer the Ross he once was, everything has changed! The old era is gradually ending with the departure of the old guy. Now Otto has only one last obsession, which is to see Svetlana he brought back give birth to a boy before the end of his life.
Hearing the cry of the real successor of Ross, I will have no regrets in this life.
Svetlana was not afraid of Otto from the beginning. Her delicate face and lively temperament were the biggest reasons why she was chosen. Otto took her close to him and even regarded her as a daughter.
Although there is a consideration in this to better rule the Eastern world, Otto still likes to have this delicate little cat-like thing by his side.
Who hates cute little things?
What's more, this girl is only ten years old and is already very beautiful. She is different from the more obvious pointed chin of ordinary Nordic girls, making her more refined.
Rurik saw his father’s old face weathered by the flames, and Nolen saw that his second father was so old?
Who is that girl?
Could it be her?
Rurik froze on the spot and let go of Nolen's hand.
"Is that girl with disheveled hair the real wife you mentioned?" When Nolen said this, his heart couldn't help but tremble.
Obviously it was me first...Obviously I was the first woman to hold a wedding with him. Why does it have to be like this...
Rurik hummed softly. He is really confused, but as a man, especially as a monarch, having many women is not only a privilege, but also a political necessity!
Rurik pursed his lips and walked forward calmly.
What’s so difficult about dealing with a girl? They are all children, just coax them a bit.
Although Rurik is only eleven years old, he is pampered and good at sports. His figure and physique are already far better than those of his peers.
Looking at the girl in front of me, she is indeed tall, with her forehead reaching her chin.
"Are you Svetlana?" Rurik said calmly in Slavic.
"Yes. You are my Rurik, the man in my life."
"Exactly. Let me take a good look at you."
< p>In the past, it might have been a bit shy to keep Rick, but now it is completely impossible. He reached out and lifted the girl's chin, staring at her face, making the girl smile knowingly."How old are you?" Rurik asked again.
"Ten years old."
"Indeed, very similar to Lilia. "
"Of course, she is my sister. The girl pouted mischievously again, "Can you stop pinching my chin?" The Duke said that he will marry you when I am twelve years old. I will give you children, many, many children, the eldest son will inherit the title of duke, and the other children will be the leaders of various places. "
"You are just a child, how can you have such an awareness? " Rurik was shocked. Then he thought about it. It was Otto who pointed out the trajectory of her life, and she obviously accepted it frankly.
It's not bad, this Slavic girl will become more and more beautiful, that is …
“Show me your arm. "
"Huh? The girl rolled up her beautiful linen sleeves in confusion, "See if I can do housework?" No problem. After my sister left, I have been studying hard and I will be a good woman."
"No. Just look at your arms. ”
Rurik was no longer vague, grabbed the girl’s delicate arm and stroked it.
As expected, her face was indeed exquisite, but the down was a bit dense.
Rumia is different. She has very little body hair, but she lacks a very delicate face.
Rurik endured the embarrassment that most of his women were of all kinds. Such "hairy girls".
Perhaps they should be taught the authentic "violent hair removal technique", which is to smear alcohol all over the body and then burn off the thick hair.
< p>Rurik patted the girl's neck again, "You will be my first wife, you are a good woman. Svetlana, from now on I will call you Lana. You should know something about my family, I have many women. You must do your best, you must become sisters with others, and you must not be jealous. You must obey my orders. You must not be arrogant because of the status you have been given, and do your part. ”Rurik spoke with a commanding tone, as if he was imposing a command. Svetlana, who was smiling at first, immediately fell silent.
She lowered her head, as well. Seriously, "I swear to God, I am your woman and I will obey all your commands." ”
“Okay, that’s enough. "
Rurik touched her forehead again. After all, what he wanted was a real wife, not a slave.
But what Svetlana said was true, and what she accepted Family education is to be a woman who is loyal to her husband and good at housekeeping.
Since she was designated as the successor's wife by the leader of the Russian conquerors, her parents did not just pay attention to her.
Svetlana, she was forced to learn to be a good woman. She learned to tailor, learn to sing, and learn to do housework.
Under the education of her biological mother, she also learned how to please men. The mystery of childbirth.
Her little head is filled with "women's things", but due to her extreme lack of cultural knowledge, she is now a little illiterate
As for wives and concubines. The cultural education of course is RurikWhat I like to see is what I decided to do deliberately this winter.
He continued to hold Svetlana’s hand and called Nolen over again.
He held two beautiful girls with long hair and stood proudly in front of his father Otto.
"I'm back and I like Svetlana very much. Please look at this girl again." He introduced Nolen, "This is Nolen, the daughter of Magnut, the leader of the Balmok people. . I'm sorry, I already had a wedding with her in Balmok."
"Huh?" Otto was really surprised and happy when he heard this, "You! You are obviously not twelve years old. You...you are in Balmok..."
"Yes, we have made a blood alliance with Balmok, the marriage has been concluded, and we even went on an expedition together, so I just came back now."
p>"Oh! That's right! Tell me the details, I can't wait." The old guy Otto was happy for a while, and then casually summoned Nolen.
He asked casually, "Are you Nolen? Nolen, has Rurik touched you?"
"Not yet. Father, if he is willing, I... Me too."
"Haha, you called me father? That's great!" Otto rubbed Nolen's forehead hard. He could see that this child looked like Sweet. As young as Lanna, and as rational as her son Rurik, she would naturally not be stupid enough to take action now.
That boy would only do it for the sake of stability and safety until his woman reaches an "old age" like Rumia.
Otto said no more and looked at the smiling Gould again, "Come on, big businessman. Everyone enter the house. I have received many great gifts today. Come and tell me your experiences." ”