The core area of Tombstone Island has been completely transformed into a well-defended wooden fort. The main body of the fort has been fortified, and the tall wooden walls provide an excellent barrier for the construction facilities inside the fort.
Even as night fell, Nolen opened her eyes wide, and she could clearly feel that this mere wooden castle was actually large and orderly.
She doesn’t want to belittle her hometown, but the Rus’ fortress of “Ocean Branch” is really a very nice place.
The duke's "palace" is located on the island. It is the place for discussions and the residence of the nobles tonight.
The woodcut ridge made of pure wood not only has a thick wooden floor, but its walls also have interlayers filled with fluffy dry moss.
It is originally a traditional herringbone house. From the perspective of insiders, the large beam in the center is a bit eye-catching when you look up.
It was constructed with a wooden floor, creating a small roof compartment with a wooden ladder leading up to it.
Lamp panels are hung from the ceiling, and a large number of bronze lamp holders light up with faint flames. Coupled with the flames of the bronze lamp holders installed on the wall, the entire room is warm and brightly lit.
That’s right, it’s a little too warm.
Noren took off her leather hood and wore only a plain off-white linen gown in the warm room. The stained glass and lapis lazuli pendant on her chest made her pure and beautiful even better.
But true beauty does not require too many jewelry embellishments.
Under the light, Rurik’s eyes inevitably glanced at Svetlana.
This Slavic girl is the daughter of the leader of the White Tree Manor. The power behind her is the most reliable supporter of the Russians in the huge Novgorod region.
Her face is the most delicate among all his wives and concubines. Although she has become a woman, she will only become more beautiful when she really grows up to be eighteen.
She was delicate and delicate. Based on his general understanding of women, Rurik felt that the sense of obedience she showed when she met him was not just a show.
This is the best! Which monarch would tolerate his queen being a tigress (except for special lovers). The queen must be completely obedient to the king, and so must all his concubines.
Rurik, he had no objection to his father choosing a Slavic wife for him from the beginning. From purely political considerations, in the world under the rule of Ross, the Slavic population has an overwhelming numerical advantage. For Ross, who is desperately expanding, direct control of the Slavic people will become increasingly important.
Rather than believing in the unbreakable alliance, I am afraid they believe in the bond of blood more.
This Svetlana is sitting quietly on the leather cushion. She is wearing a traditional colorful linen dress and her braided hair is placed on her chest. Look at this profile, it’s really attractive! The temperament he showed when he calmed down seemed to be described as gentle and elegant.
But wait, she is a Slavic woman.
Otto has a cheerful and carefree image. This old guy's hair and beard are almost gray, and there are obvious age spots on his face. His complexion was originally pale and rough, but after drinking some ale, his complexion became rosy again.
"You don't look like a duke, you are still a chief!" Rurik naturally held back his inner words.
The great businessman Gould is here, and the loyal mercenary guard Jevro is also here.
The people in the room were all close friends and relatives, except for the two girls who had just arrived and lacked an intuitive understanding of Rose.
Otto was indifferent to the latter. They could put their beautiful clothes aside, lie down calmly, and their sons would tell them everything.
Now, he just wants to hear about his son Rurik's expedition and what great achievements he has achieved.
He yelled casually: "I'll ask about the rest later. Rurik, tell me everything you've been through."
"Ah... Dad, do you just want to hear it?" About the battle?" Rurik looked a little embarrassed.
"What? Is there anything about fighting? Come on! Let me see if you are a real man."
"So, where should we start?"
"Let's talk about your expedition with the Balmok army." Noron Wei deliberately interjected.
"You?" Otto glanced at the girl with excited eyes, and hurriedly ordered Rurik: "Let's start with this!"
"Okay! Okay! Well..." Rurik shrugged, coughed twice more, and with an extremely calm expression, he started to list with his fingers.
“First, when I arrived in Balmok, I married Nolen, and she is now my wife who agrees with the rules there, even though she has not reached the age of Ross’s rules.
Second, the Balmok leader recognized our alliance, but a war was needed to prove the bloody alliance between our two tribes. I led a thousand Balmok warriors on an expedition to the island of the Briton slaves, and I returned the favor halfway. Recruited a hundred Shetland warriors, oh, they were actually Norwegians from Bergen, the same guys who sold slaves at Birka Market in Mälaren.
Thirdly, I attacked the British island country called the Kingdom of Northumbria. I destroyed two of their cities, and the army I led killed at least three thousand of their warriors! I captured their king, Ai! Enred, I broke his arm myself. Finally I freed him, and in order to survive, he handed over five hundred women and the entire cabin of the Avrola.
Because of this victory, I was fully accepted by the Balmok people, and I gained great prestige. From then on, they will cross the mountains and enter our northern territory every year to trade with us for the best salt. Alliance, our northern land is no longer just snow, wood and prey."
Otto heard it as if he was dreaming. He at least understood one thing. His son was naturally an excellent leader. , this kid used his victory to stabilize HebaErmok's alliance also gained prestige among the Norwegians beyond the mountains.
As the saying goes, a son is better than his father, Otto directly addresses a very core issue in his joy.
He gently put down the rough oak wine glass, and said bluntly with seriousness and emotion: "You kid, you calmly talked about your own achievements. You didn't lie, and you didn't do it for victory. Complacency. No! They are wrong! You...you are crazy!" Otto pointed his finger at Rurik's nose. It is not an alliance with Balmok, you want it to be under your direct rule."
A single arrow hit the bullseye!
Even if Nolen is here, Rurik sees that his father understands his new ideas, so there is no need to hide anything.
Hypocritically using a pretense to cover up your ambitions? No need to.
What kind of momentum do the Russians and their leaders show? Once you understand it, you will understand it all.
Rurik said boldly, "Yes! I just want to rule Balmok directly! The never-frozen port in the north will always become part of the Principality of Rus. Me! Or me and Nolen His son will serve as the ruler of Balmok."
My husband is so boastful? ! Nolen tried her best to play the role of a wife on this occasion, but when she heard these words, she simply stood up suddenly.
Under the strange gazes of everyone, he sat down very speechlessly, then lowered his head and said nothing.
What else can she mean?
Rurik reached out his right hand at will and pinched her neck gently: "Are you worried about Ross's invasion? How is that possible! I was once the greatest war chief of your hometown, and I led them We achieved an unprecedented victory and got five hundred women and a lot of silver coins at once. If I became the leader of Balmok, all the Balmok people would be strong."
"Them? No matter. Where is my family?"
"You!" Rurik suddenly realized, "Are you worried about this? Your son is the new leader of Balmok. , Think about yourself. You are a Balmok, and you are a woman from Ross. Our son is the true successor to your biological father's power. In the future, the Balmok people should not hold any election for their leader. Descendants will always be the leader of Balmok."
Rurik said something normal, and Nolen nodded in understanding.
Otto really appreciated his son's words. The boy showed a little bit of his fangs and said ferocious words with a calm face. It was really good.
But to tell Nolen’s ambition now, to be honest, Rurik suddenly realized that it was a bit too early.
That’s it! That’s it! As the monarch of Rus, it doesn't matter if he spills the beans. A king keeps his word. Since he lets go of his bold words, there is no need to be afraid of conspirators.
But I’m afraid that this girl Nolen doesn’t keep her mouth shut.
Rurik was still holding her neck, and his strength suddenly increased, making the girl gasp in shock.
"Nolen, you are my woman, and you gave birth to my son. Our son will rule the people of the entire Narvik port area, and our son will be more noble than your father and brother. . So, keep our secret."
"I! I...I dare not say it."
That's it. Svetlana saw everything in her eyes. Although both of them spoke in Norse, from the few words she could only understand, it seemed that it had nothing to do with her. She didn't care about these things at all. After all, she came to Ross with an important mission.
She was originally an innocent and naughty girl, but after her sister married Ross, she was forced to become calm. Over the past few years, her temperament has changed greatly. She was instilled in her by her parents and brothers a very pure truth, that is, "you must support Rurik at any time, and you must never disobey Rurik."
Unexpectedly, Rurik, this handsome young man’s right hand directly grabbed his neck.
"Lanna, I will lead the Russian army to directly rule the entire Novgorod. I... will also fight to Pskov and Smolensk, as you know in my hometown The name of this place will eventually be my territory. The children you give birth to will rule the vastest land."
These words were all in Slavic, and the girl understood them half-heartedly, and then said them almost instinctively. : "I will, I fully support you"
Rurik shook his head: "Really, both girls gave me a sullen face..."
He let go Two hands immediately scratched the armpits of the two women, shaking them, and they both laughed while dodging.
"That's right. You are all my women, and I want to see you smile."
At this moment, Otto laughed out loud while holding up his empty wine glass. He knew that his son never boasted. Ever since this boy could speak, he had been clamoring to conquer the known world and expand his power into the unknown world. Rurik just looks young, but the wisdom in his mind is a gift from Odin.
This guy has always kept his word. As for starting from Novgorod and conquering Smolensk in the south. If he accomplished this feat, the ancestral spirits drinking in Valhalla would also be inspired by it.
The two girls were still amused by Rurik, and Otto watched it, enjoying the moment as a family. He stroked his gray beard, then threw it to the soldier guarding the door: "Go! Have another drink."
That's all, Otto coughed twice deeply, ending Rurik's trigger. of laughter.
"Is this the whole battle? How wonderful! You killed three thousand of the enemy with only one thousand men. It's a pity that you didn't bring back those five hundred slaves."
"Slaves? There are indeed five hundred. It's just that they were given to me by the Malaren people, and they are all local serfs."
"Huh? Is there such a good thing?" Otto Just drank wine,The movement of the probe seemed very violent, and the whole person became very good at performing body movements due to the excitement after drinking.
He danced happily: "Oh, five hundred slaves! They are all our people, throw them all to New Roseburg to open up wasteland for me."
"Dad, that's exactly what I thought. ”
“Wonderful! He is indeed my son. I know that a lot of things happened in Melalen. It’s great that Carl and his father are dead. A great thing. The new man, the man named Bjorn, I can tell at a glance that this man is a mediocre man. But Rurik, you should also think about it, we will destroy it. Without Gotland's power, the Danes will seek revenge." Otto reminded him kindly, but his son looked very strange and looked like he wanted to be beaten.
"What's your expression? Are you very confident? I advise you not to be too inflated. We lost a lot of elites in last year's battle. Don't think that you can defeat the Danish army if you have the chance to recruit Balmok's bravery. ”
“But Dad, everything has changed!” Rurik showed an evil smile, clearly holding back a major good event.
"You! You?" Suddenly, Otto understood again, "You led the Balmok army and attacked Denmark by the way? And you still won?!"
"Yes." Rurik did not avoid it, because it was indeed the case.
"This..." Otto didn't ask his son any more questions for the moment, then raised his finger and pointed at Jevro: "You! My most trusted Finn! Tell me! You fight with your master, will you? Attacked Denmark?"
Jevro, who was able to enter this room only with great trust, knew his identity and sat cross-legged solemnly, and immediately knelt down to pay Otto the courtesy of a warrior.
"Your Majesty, the fact is indeed the case. However, it may be somewhat different from what you thought."
"Oh? What's the difference?"
See you Flo glanced at him with hesitation, and Rurik waved his hand: "Just say it directly."
"Yes! Fifty capable Balmok men worshiped Lord Rurik, and they became New mercenaries. We, a group of nearly eighty people, took the Avora to attack the maritime checkpoint guarded by the Danes. We met the flagship of the Danish alliance, a large ship said to be called the Red Dragon."
"Is there such a thing?! What's the result?" Otto asked hurriedly.
"As you can see, we are victorious." As he spoke, Rurik finally showed the smile that a winner should have.
When Gould heard this, he was completely uneasy. The fat seal stood up, and the situation suddenly changed for this guy.
"Rurik, you...you said that the Aurora defeated the Danish Red Dragon?"
"Exactly!" Rurik waved his hand and said Deputy Shengli said naturally, "It's just a very long long ship with many rowers. However, our Aurora is the God of War on the sea. What's the use of the blood-red bow? It's like... After all, the big red snake in Menggard is just a decoration made of wood.decoration. God favors us Russians! I sank the ship, and I deliberately killed all the people who fell into the water..."
Before Rurik finished speaking, Gould once again grabbed the conversation: "You are in Mälaren I was not told these details when I was there. So, you really killed their leader Hafgen by the way? Are these all true? "
"This...who knows? If I knew that guy's face, I might be able to capture him directly. Seriously, I want to take that guy to Roseburg and have Sister Carlotta kill him with her own hands. ”
This is the second time that Tiliuririk mentioned this encounter, and there must be too many details. Gould heard it again, and his heart beat even more fiercely.
p>Looking at Otto again, this old man was already like a child. His huge and aging body suddenly lay down, and then started dancing with all four limbs, laughing and chanting: "My son killed the leader of Denmark! Odin! Thank you for your gift! "
It wasn't until Otto calmed down that Rurik continued to speak.
"I'm not sure he was actually killed. I heard that the red dragon was dispatched, and its leader Must be on it. I also sank two hundred Danish fishing boats. Our Avora is far more powerful than it looks. Dad, we will build a huge navy, all composed of such big ships. I will also sell one to the Balmoks in accordance with the contract, for which we will earn a lot of money and a stronger alliance. Instead of worrying about the Danes attacking us, we can take the initiative to attack Denmark. The initiative is now in my hands. ”
“I see, you scare the Danes. They are afraid of Russia, so they dare not send troops to interfere with our actions. I am old, and I am completely relieved that you are managing Ross. ah! "
Otto suddenly lay down and burst into laughter. After a while he shouted again: "We will stay here for one day and return tomorrow morning. Return to Roseburg, and I will organize people to publicize your achievements. Really! If we had known that Denmark was so weak, we should have launched an attack. We could have made a fortune this year. "
"Okay! Glory wants everyone to know. "
Otto, who was lying down, raised his head slightly and asked with a smile: "So, is the man named Hafgen dead? He must be dead. "
"This...maybe arranged to infiltrate Snoleva in Denmark. We will know the news when he comes back. ”
“That’s fine. Rurik, you should think about the war with Denmark. Really, it makes me worry about the future in vain. I am afraid that your trip this summer is a provocation and will make Denmark angry. Unexpected! We can actually take the initiative to attack. I'm tired, I'm sleeping. Take your woman to rest. ”
Otto was really tired from the long journey, but Rurik was still very energetic. Otto was finally helped by the guards to a separate room, where he was served to take off his boots and leather jacket and put on his clothes for a while. Wearing delicate and comfortable linen clothes, he lay down on a soft leather wooden bed, covered with blankets and fell asleep.
That's all, Rurik held the hands of the two women.Hands, saying in two languages: "Let's go without restraint. I want you to be close sisters and sleep in the same bed tonight."
This is the monarch's order, Nolen and Sweet Lanna, they both knew their fate, and they naturally wanted to get to know each other. They were both wives and concubines of the monarch, but they didn't expect that their monarch would stubbornly insist on sleeping with her.
In fact, Rurik didn’t mean anything special. He just wanted to have a big bed to himself tonight, and he had no worries about tossing around.
However, when he woke up in the morning and heard the soft breathing of women coming from both sides of him, he understood everything.
"I'm also naive. It would be weird for you two not to be jealous of each other." Thinking of this, Rurik simply sat up and woke up the two women.
As for the two sneaking into his bed last night, Rurik said nothing. He patted the sleepy two people on the back of their heads: "Be awake, we still have to return today. When we get to Rossburg, I will meet your new sisters."
Look at Svetlana, she He casually grabbed Rurik's left arm, pressed his cheek directly against it, and murmured in broken Norse: "You love me the most. This is fate."
And Nolen was not to be outdone, He also grabbed his right arm and greeted her with a small face. His words seemed to deliberately stimulate Svetlana: "I just want to give you a son. I want to be a mother as soon as possible. Our son also has Balmok." The leader is waiting to take over."
Ryurik stopped talking nonsense. He jumped up fiercely, broke away from the two women's traps, and then slipped to the ground, kicking his feet into his leather boots." Get up! Hurry up!"
Hearing these two simple words, the two girls on the bed hurriedly got off the ground and put on their own unique clothes...