The sun is shining and the wind is bright, and the ships are swaying with the waves in the refreshing south wind.
The beach at Fort Ross was crowded with people, and the trestle near the shore was filled with soldiers wearing white uniforms. They carried their own shields, linen sacks filled with various personal belongings, swords, handaxes, and daggers hung from their belts, and leather waterskins filled with fresh water.
Many people even brought their own short wooden bows and a batch of arrows privately. After all, this was an expedition, and it was always a good idea to bring as many weapons as possible.
The helmet protected by iron or bronze leather has been polished, and the reflection in the sun is blinding.
This is the first flag team of the Russian warriors. They gather under the military flag with great momentum, and their combat effectiveness is the highest in Europe at this era.
At least every man feels that he is the strongest warrior in the known world. Everyone is brave and fearless, fighting for glory and wealth, and being a warrior is a great honor.
Looking at the patchwork flag-shooting teams, their attitude becomes quite complicated.
Although it was very abrupt, the one hundred Suomi men who were servants learned that they were about to go to an extremely remote and huge island to fight, and fear affected every soul.
The Suomi people were afraid. Even if Yevro gave some lectures, such as "fight hard and prove that you can improve the status of the Suomi people", the Russians who followed the fierce Varyag Go fight, are you going to fight a monster in the sea?
At least this group of Suomi men changed into uniform gray and white linen clothes. They were all issued with hand axes for self-defense and a short spear that could be thrown.
Their positions in the army are the same as in their hometown. One and two are short archers. Even their weapons are their own, but they use mass-produced arrows with cast arrow clusters from the Rus. arrow.
They can also see that compared to the chaos of the people in their hometown, the Russians are obviously more organized, and I am afraid this is also their method of victory.
The only thing that makes them happy is that they don't have to rush to the front line of the battle to fight with the enemy. There won't be much danger if you shoot arrows in the rear.
When they saw another group of men carrying crossbows, they suddenly felt that the weapons in their hands were nothing. That thing lying across the wood is actually a bow? It was clearly a piece of iron bar.
Two-wheeled trolleys have been loaded onto the cargo ship one after another by cables, and enough strategic reserves of oats to feed a thousand people for two months have been stuffed into the hold. There is also a large amount of hard-roasted fish jerky that can be eaten immediately, which is stuffed into the soldier's backpack in large quantities.
There are many miscellaneous goods on the ship, such as pottery, ironware, glassware and a batch of tools to be sold to the Balmok people.
Food and fresh water, even a large number of pine needles to prevent scurvy, and even dried seal livers with a peculiar taste, were piled in piles.
A batch of spare spearheads, as many as 50,000 arrows and 50 torsion slingshots per seat.The launch of mass-produced cast-iron bullets really made the entire Ross fleet the overlord of naval battles in this era.
It’s just that the fleet did not bring any women, not even the Tavastian female prisoners who were supposed to be handed over to the Balmoks.
This is by no means an unlucky thing for a woman to board the ship. It is entirely because this trip is purely a war between men. Rurik even refused Nolen’s request to return home to visit relatives. How can others ask for it? .
Eight thousand people brought their families to see off the expeditionary soldiers, and there were also a large number of fishing boats floating on the sea. They were willing to offer the herring and cod caught this morning to encourage the fighting spirit of the army. .
Such a wonderful event naturally requires a great sacrifice.
Rumia, wearing an antlered helmet and accompanied by many of Rurik's wives and concubines who served as priests, sacrificed five reindeer to all the gods believed in by the Rus.
Finally, a fire lit up on the beach!
Deer blood flows into the sea, and sacrifices are made to the sea god to pray for a smooth journey on the expedition. The deer carcass was thrown into a small fire tower that burned violently, and gradually turned into ashes to worship the great god Odin.
All this happened under the gazes of John Ingvar and the grain officer Paul. They gritted their teeth and showed embarrassment, and kept crossing themselves on their chests.
Because of this battle, the huge Ross fleet will attack Britain again. God knows how many devout lambs will be turned into powder in this battle.
But they did not want the Russians to be defeated, and they also hoped that the voyage would be uneventful.
Selfishly speaking, the two of them were just lowly serfs in their hometown, or even toys of the noble. We are all the lambs of the Lord, but we ourselves are despicable beings, living like dung. At least they can still be used by the Russians, such as grain officer Paul. This poor serf has been married by the Russians. There is also a small monastery in Rossburg, and his soul has a destination, and his life is full of joy.
Of course Paul did not want to get involved in this battlefield, but he knew Saxon and was a native of Northumbria, so he was destined to work as a translator and guide.
The great sacrifice was over. Rurik raised his arms and began to board the ship amidst the beautiful music played by Nolen and other girls.
They played "Farewell to the Women of Ross" on flutes and leather drums.
This is Rurik's bad taste. Although he is on an expedition to another country, in such a scene, it seems that such a melody is really suitable for the occasion.
The music exaggerated a sense of tragedy, and the soldiers who heard the melody suddenly felt a strong sense of mission. Rurik only regretted that there were no loudspeakers in this era, so that all kinds of majestic melodies could not be carried through the entire fjord.
Carrying heavy luggage, they either walked through wooden planks or climbed rope ladders to board the ship. Then, Avora took the lead in releasing the cable, lowered the jib, and gradually left the port...< /p>
One ship after another, accompanied by the shouts and cheers of the people, they left the port, and then all the cargo ships also left.
Hundreds of two hundred fishing boats were rowing or raising sails.To defend them is actually to see off the great fleet.
The ships built and modified for war make full use of the wind that flows into the fjord to move against the wind. The huge blue stripes sewn gorgeously are so dazzling.
The ships quickly reached extremely fast speeds. Even those modified cargo ships, which were naturally a bit clumsy in nature, gained powerful strength after installing huge masts, spinnakers and wave-riding wooden bulbous bows. power.
Every ship seemed to be flying on the sea, and everyone was impressed by the speed.
Entering the wide waters of the Gulf of Bothnia, the strong and refreshing southeast wind in summer immediately gave the entire fleet, which was heading sideways and against the wind, an average speed of seven knots.
The strong wind lasted throughout the day, and today, the night time in the Nordic world has been reduced to only three or four hours.
Completely due to time constraints, the Russian army did not set off after the summer solstice ceremony.
People have to spend the summer solstice on boats, and they are destined not to experience the "night without darkness" this year.
The wind gradually weakened during the night, and the fleet was still charging southward at a speed of three knots.
Rurik decided not to wait for disembarkation without any accident. Fortunately, this time the boat was all men, so there were no worries about seeing each other.
On the morning of the third day of the voyage, the Ross fleet arrived at Tombstone Island.
Even so, the fleet only receives marine supplies in the waters here, and various supplies are pulled up from the approaching longships through cable hoisting.
At the critical moment, the Gurdot appeared with its sails raised.
Rurik, who was standing on the bow of the Aurora, took a closer look and saw a fat man standing on the opposite ship!
"Gould, you are here."
After some pleasantries at sea, Gould gave his best wishes. He wished the Ross army a great victory and promised to purchase a large amount of food in the Lake Malaren region this year.
The Ross fleet did not stop at all, which surprised those who intended to go ashore for a rest.
However, the Duke’s order was absolute, and everyone was short on time and had heavy tasks. After replenishing fresh water and food (a batch of fresh onions) that afternoon, they started to run day and night to Visby on Gotland Island. .
The continuous southerly wind also ensured that the Russian army maintained a high speed. On the fifth day of departure, the fleet rushed to Visby.
This city that was once destroyed by the Ross army is now the new territory of the Melalen immigrants. However, these hundreds of Melalen people, at least now, are unable to recreate Visby's former glory.
At least the people of Mellaren can clearly see the blue-patterned sail and the Ross flag flying on the mast.
The fishermen here came very smartly. They were shocked by this scene and guessed that these guys must be attacking some powerful place. It is unrealistic to follow them desperately and I dare not go there, but everyone is very happy to sell a batch of newly caught herring.
RurikbenIt's a good thing to just pass by here and get a batch of fresh fish supplies on the way. After all, everyone fully accepts the lifestyle of eating raw herring.
After experiencing this place, on the seventh day, the fleet had arrived at the Oland Island, which was as long as a cucumber. They entered the Kalma Strait, and Rurik also issued a war alert for this trip for the first time.
Sure enough, when the fishing boats here saw the familiar and terrifying flag appear, of course everyone hurried to the shore and fled for their lives.
Even the last handful of Saxon immigrants in Borgholm Fortress, when they saw the Ross fleet that suddenly broke in, they subconsciously felt that these guys were here to crusade against their betrayal.
Stein Saxon, who was still the leader, could no longer care so much and hurriedly called on everyone to leave the fortress with the necessary supplies and escape to the distant woods of the island to hide.
A pair of sneaky eyes stared at this huge fleet.
Rurik did take a sideways glance at this familiar fortress.
Cousin Arik is also staying on the flagship this time, and he can’t help but clench his fists as he recalls the glory of the past.
"Brother, maybe we can go ashore and ask the guys here for tribute."
"Ashore? No need. These guys were beaten too badly by us, it's really We can’t get any oil or water. I said, if this trip is not necessary, we will not go ashore.”
The Ross fleet is still on alert, but there is really no intention to launch it along the way. The attacking other.
Four sail cruisers are in the front, four sail destroyers are in the rear, and all armed cargo ships are in the middle.
Rurik wanted to put the most powerful ship at the head of the team, just like using a wild beast with its bloody mouth and terrifying fangs open.
Which Danish fishing boat dares to approach such a powerful fleet?
Karmacheng, which had been ravaged by the war, had degenerated into a small settlement, and the Russian army just looked at it and walked away.
The fleet, which traveled day and night, passed the Kalmar Strait near dusk on the eighth day of the voyage. As for the southern waters, many people in the team were already quite unfamiliar.
At least Rurik knew the landforms and hydrology here very well. He decided not to continue south to Burgundy Island, but to continue to follow the coastline and head towards Silver Castle.
At the same time, Rurik called the main ships to approach the leader and flagship Avlora. He relied on verbal shouting to declare the war order.
Are we going to attack Silver Castle under the rule of the Danes?
Of course! After sailing for so many days, the morale of the brothers was rapidly being depleted.
The next step is for the fleet to pass through the core area of the Danes and enter the vast Atlantic Ocean through the General Denmark Strait with its tortuous waterways.
This section of the voyage can be said to be the most dangerous. Rurik had to be cautious. The so-called Danes would go crazy and seize the opportunity to counterattack in order to kill their king. Even though there were rumors that the Danes died violently because of the king, various lords and even powerful people overseas intervened in the civil strife. MaybeWill they sit back and watch the Ross fleet pass?
Maybe, but war preparations must be made, and any other ships that stand in front of the fleet must be sunk or driven away.
Then we first attacked the ships near Silver Castle!
Let’s talk about the bank. This place was once attacked by the Swedish army. However, after the main Danish army arrived, the old Swedish King Olegkin died directly here. At least 1,500 people were killed and captured. A new life. Sweden also lost its strong hope for an expedition because of this battle, but it also made the Principality of Rus great.
Silver Castle must be attacked, and the fleet will directly enter the harbor area.
The Russian people’s long-suffering bloody rage broke out! The army still hasn't landed, but Yuryrik doesn't want to fight or waste time in this bay area.
Five Danish cargo ships were damaged and subsequently captured. Everyone on the ship was executed, which can be regarded as a blood sacrifice.
This is piracy in the Baltic Sea. Today, Rurik no longer feels guilty. Russia and Sweden, both of which are still at war with Denmark, attack Silver Castle as a matter of course.
They captured a batch of wool, as well as a batch of onions and rough linen produced in the Wenshe Village Alliance in the Götaland Highlands north of Silver Castle. These are all economic materials and raw materials for textiles. The only interesting onion lacks energy, and its spicy taste stimulates the boredom of the soldiers. Vitamins also provide the Russian army with necessary protection.
It’s already the eleventh day! The Oresund Strait is right in front of you!
Will the Danes choose to intercept? Maybe, maybe not.
The fleet broke in cautiously. Unexpectedly and unsurprisingly, the Danes did choose to avoid it.
The Robard tribe, which once controlled the tax collection power of the Oresund Strait, was no longer able to elect a strong man after losing King Hafgen. The Danish lords are already killing each other, and the Earl Horik, who is canonized by the Franks in the name of Flanders, has his envoys traveling among the Danish islands, promoting Horik as the former leader of the alliance. Clark's eldest nephew denied the expulsion order given to him by his father in his hometown and threatened to bring the heroes from the south to fight back. The so-called smart people must admit that Horik is the new king.
Rurik only has a superficial understanding of all this, but what does this have to do with the Russians?
Seeing this fleet, the Danish fishing boats circled around one after another. The Russians did not encounter any obstruction, and it was even God's blessing!
The road was not sunny and windy every day. It was cloudy and hazy for many days. Except for the sudden change in the wind direction, no storms occurred.
In fact, it is raining in the Pomerania region to the south. It is raining continuously in Hamburg and Bremen. Fortunately, it is only cloudy here in Denmark.
When the rainfall in the southern European continent ends, the weather suddenly warms up, which means that the strong southerly wind is coming again!
The Ross fleet passed through the entire Jutland Peninsula at the fastest speed. On the morning of the thirteenth day of departure, the Atlantic Ocean was revealed in front of everyone!
It suddenly became clear. Shocking sceneThere are people, and naturally the most excited people are all the Balmok people.
This group of Balmoks who arrived in Roseburg last year, their experience this year has shocked everyone, as if the past time is not as meaningful and valuable as this year.
Fighting with the Ross people, everyone enjoyed good food and won honors together, and a group of captured female warriors from the East were still in Rossburg. When the new conquest is over, those women will all be transported to Balmok on sleds on the "Ice and Snow Road", and the winter overland trade between Balmok and Rus will become more and more prosperous.
If the fleet is here, if it continues westward, it can directly reach the Shetland Islands, and then directly attack Scotland and Northumbria.
At that time, the fleet's strength was still too small.
The fleet headed north in unison, taking advantage of the fierce summer trade winds of the Atlantic Ocean to rush through Bergen at extremely fast speeds, shocking all the locals!
Because, that one The big ships were all flying the same flag! The Bergen Norwegians who were trading with Denmark now all understood that the visitors were Rus.
Are they in contact with the guys in the northern port of Narvik? Or start a war? We will never attack Bergen.
Finally, the fjord is in sight, and the long voyage is about to end.
Biyongni stood on the bow of the Balmok sailing cruiser and called all the fishing boats in his hometown not to worry, and further shouted that this ship was proof of the Russian contract.
When all misunderstandings were resolved, Narvik's fishing boat became the best guide for the fleet.
The brothers who traveled to the East are back with Ross friends! The Russians fulfilled their agreement! This time everyone can trade happily.
So far, Rurik has gone through seventeen days of sailing, circumnavigating most of Scandinavia at a crazy speed, completing the fastest voyage in history.