Chapter 591 Coalition Forces and Main Attack Direction

Leader Magnut never dreamed that not only did the Russians come, they also came with a fleet of unprecedented size.

They are not just one big ship, but as many as twenty!

The towering masts and triangular sails make each ship look huge. In fact, any ship is much larger than the fishing boats cruising on the sea, making the proud leading warship also bigger. It became a sampan.

Deep in the Port of Narvik, the core settlement of the Balmoks, tens of thousands of people gathered on the shore. Men and women talked and laughed while pointing at the approaching Ross fleet, which was guarded by numerous fishing boats. They believed that one of the large ships would become the property of the entire Balmok this year.

The Ross fleet selected a near-shore anchorage, but the Balmok people's trestle was not very good, and the best pier could only accommodate two large ships.

Without it, the Avrora and Balmok approached the dock directly, and other ships immediately anchored at the selected anchorage...

Rurik and others stepped on the wooden planks After getting off the ship, the Magnut family and most of the Balmok families now warmly welcomed the guests from afar.

Magnut opened his arms. He was an old father, and he came to welcome his three sons and the three hundred warriors who had returned from a long journey.

In the eyes of the Magnute family, Rurik became their son when he married their daughter.

The concepts of son-in-law and son do not seem to be very different, and they have no taboos.

Magnut kissed Rurik’s forehead, followed by Yingbjorg’s kiss, as if he was holding his own son.

Their real sons also returned, Biyoni and Floki, who stood in front of their parents.

“Look at you, you are a man.” Magnut slapped his eldest son on the shoulder hard, “You have the same beard as me. It’s time to find you another woman.”

“ Woman? Yes. But now I am eager for a great expedition. "Huh? You just came back and talked about war?"

Listen, Rurik. He said with a straight face, "Father, this time I brought Ross's strongest fleet, how could it be that I was just here for trade?"

"You..." Magnut was shocked, but This old guy is not opposed to war, and the noble people standing around all believe that waging war is a shortcut to becoming rich and powerful.

"Who are you... going to attack again?"

"It's still the target we attacked last year." Biyongni patted his chest and said: "Our era of dormant in the fjords should end. Let’s go on an expedition to Britain to force the king to fulfill his contract and occupy their land to grow our wheat and graze our sheep." As soon as he finished speaking, several noble family leaders came over with a pair of eyes. A fierce flame ignited inside.

Magnut looked at the brothers on the left and right and sighed slightly, "You guys are talking about the war just after you came back. It's really so urgent.? ”

“Very urgent. "Rurik said coldly.

"Okay then. Magnute forced out another smile, "At least you have to have a full meal first." You brought so many soldiers here, at least let me treat you to food. ”

“That’s not necessary. Rurik waved his hand casually and said, "Let the fishermen sell their catch." Everyone in the army I brought has copper coins and silver coins in their bags. Soon, I will also set up the market. Let's start trading now. ”

The uniformly dressed Russian soldiers who are landing one after another are really eye-catching. Looking at the reflective helmets under the sun, they are all wearing white shirts and have swords hanging from their waists.

These people are not just the Ross army, they are capable mercenaries under Rurik. Fifty of them are local people who work hard for the Duke of Ross. When the elders in the hometown see this group of young people, they are shocked. They have made a fortune.

Yes, these fifty people are deliberately showing off their small linen bags, and there is a crisp clanking sound of metal inside. Could it be that they are all silver coins? At least the swords on their waists are bright. White and flexible, it is really an expensive magic weapon.

Not only this group of old mercenaries, but also the nearly three hundred Balmok warriors led by Returning Biyongni. Not to mention that the guys at hand have been upgraded, their temperament is far superior to that of their peers.

The eyes have murderous intent. After landing, they naturally return to their homes first and pay homage to their elders and brothers. Introducing their own story of the Eastern War.

They bluntly stated that they formed an alliance with the Russians and fought a decisive battle with 10,000 terrible and brave local warriors almost at the end of the Eastern world.

The news of launching a new war first spread from the dock, and then this group of Balmok travelers returned to their hometown after an absence of more than half a year, and told the villagers in earnest, An expedition against Britain in the autumn is like an arrow already on the bow.

The goods that will be sold to the Balmoks are being moved one after another. They are a batch of iron tools, and the price is at least higher than the price. The Bergen market in the south is cheap.

For example, a hammer made of direct pig iron weighs four pounds, and the price is only one silver coin.

Why is it so amazing? Low price? In fact, Rurik is still willing to sell his allies a favor. It doesn't matter if he loses a little in this regard. The Balmoks must have prepared a lot of good salt waiting for the transaction, which is extremely valuable in the eyes of the Russians! . The supplies were already being promoted as they were being prepared for sale, so-called all Ross goods were being sold at low prices for the sake of friendship.

Winning over the most ordinary Balmok and establishing an image of a good person in the local area is Rurik's conspiracy for the future.

At night, the news of the arrival of the Ross fleet and a powerful expeditionary force further shocked the entire harbor. Although the big shots had not issued orders for the expedition to Britain, in fact, the young people in Balmok felt that it was nothing. Don't worry, war will inevitably start. On the eve of this expedition, everyone should prepare weapons and dry food early, and even check their ships.

The night is very short, but even so, there are still tinkling sounds from every house.

The blacksmiths in Balmok hurriedly repaired and made new spearheads and axes, and many women and children were also making arrow shafts and wooden sticks to hold the spearheads.

Still in the evening, an urgent and extremely important military meeting was held urgently in Balmok's chamber.

Of course Magnute wanted to welcome his son-in-law back, and then asked about his son-in-law and his two sons’ experiences in Ross, and how his lovely little daughter Nolen was living in Ross.

He at least knew that his daughter's life was very good. She had meat and wheat every day, and the tableware she used was made of crystal clear glass.

But he is an alliance leader and the commander-in-chief of the entire Balmok. The marriage with Duke Ross is equivalent to further strengthening the power of his family. Now the big ship belonging to Balmok has returned. Although the big ship is shared, it is obvious that he, Magnut, now enjoys the unshakable right to use the big ship.

In the public forum, all the prominent figures in Balmok came in the evening.

Rurik easily recognized many familiar faces, simply because they had all organized manpower and personally led an expedition to Britain.

The whole bodies of these family leaders were trembling unconsciously, and their faces showed extremely strong pleasure. They are already discussing how much success the brothers will achieve in the so-called new war.

A combination of oil lamps on the wall makes the whole room warm and bright.

Magnut thought that since Rurik himself landed, there would be no greetings but straight to the point and he would go straight to the goal, and he had no intention of saying anything else.

He spoke bluntly: "Rurik, my son. You are determined to attack Britain, and my two sons are also very supportive. After an afternoon, now the entire Balmok is inspired by you. Look around you, these brave people are all looking forward to war."

Rurik looked around and stood up from the leather cushion. He punched his chest with his right fist to strengthen himself. momentum.

He said sternly: "This war is our destiny. Odin gave us the opportunity to go on an expedition, and Odin also encouraged us to go on an expedition. It's not just me who plans to attack Britain, but you too!"

As he spoke, Rurik pointed directly at Osten of Vashobi and his son Geiger who were present: "You hope to occupy the warm land in the south and open up new farms. Now the opportunity has come."

A strongThe strong young man stood up angrily. Geiger rolled up the sleeves of his leather jacket, showing off his muscles and posing for a fight. "I have long wanted this. In my opinion, this year I can take a group of people to spend the winter in the new British territory. I remember we had an appointment with that king last year, and a territory was in our hands."

"Yes," Rurik followed the words and deliberately narrowed his eyes to make up a story. , "But I learned some bad news. The king went back on his word. They were expanding their army to prepare for war. They didn't want to give us tribute or cede the land."

"What?! That won't work!" Geiger suddenly became furious. , and stamped his feet angrily.

The atmosphere in the entire chamber was like a bursting powder keg. No one questioned where Rurik got the news. However, if the British decided to resist, everyone would understand the motives of that group of people. .

Magnut opened his hands and struggled to suppress the anger of his brothers.

After the council was quiet for a while, he said: "The land in the fjord is limited, and we really have to go out. Since the British are unwilling to fulfill their agreement last year, they must be punished. I decided to launch a war , we must seize their territory, as New Balmok, what do you think?"

Hearing this, everyone raised their fists and let out Viking war roars, and the violent sound could overturn the entire room. Liang.

Since everyone agrees and expects an expedition that will determine the future, the arrangement of war objectives and details naturally falls on Rurik's shoulders.

Let a teenage boy handle this? No one felt inappropriate. After all, the Russian army has a thousand people. Their navy is invincible and they are a powerful force anywhere.

So, how many troops should the Balmoks send? When will the coalition troops go out? How many ships and logistics should be organized? Where is the first battle and main target of the attack?

Rurik already had a plan for many problems, but due to the current situation, he also knew that he could not make too detailed a plan.

The army needs a very clear goal, at least a main direction of attack, so that all forces can be twisted into a hemp rope.

Attack York!

This is the ultimate strategic goal given by Rurik.

He walked around in the chamber, accepting the attention of everyone, and explained as he walked: "I married your woman, and now I am also a Balmok. From the standpoint of Balmok We want to conquer all of Northumbria, but we can't do it now

Our army has a guide, and we should go up a river and go straight to their capital.

We want to keep a weak Northumbria. It's like we raise a sheep and we can harvest sheep every year.

We don't have to prepare a countermeasure, that is, prepare for a decisive battle with them.psychological preparation. Northumbria had a large population, and they might be able to recruit ten thousand people. Even if it was a large group of ragged farmers, ten thousand people would be a dangerous existence.

We must prepare for war. "

The heads of each family looked at each other and deeply agreed with Rurik's statement.

Some people stood up and said, "That kingdom does have some means. They made good use of cavalry. In last year's war, many of our brothers were smashed through the shield wall by cavalry, and many of them died. This time, we have to take some precautions. ”

When it comes to such details, the Balmoks first thought of the restraint method of spearmen forming a formation. How difficult is it to prepare a batch of spears?

Rurik The only way to restrain the opponent's cavalry was to form a formation of infantry to hold the line, and then use various long-range units to shoot all approaching cavalry.

He expected that Northumbria simply did not have the financial resources to train, cultivate and keep a constant force. Armored cavalry. This is probably not even possible. They are unable to make plate armor, and they don't have the ability to make piercing armor. At most, they only use chain armor for the Russian army's steel-armed crossbows and armor-piercing crossbows. Does it even make sense to be hit by a torsion slingshot cast iron conical bullet?

No one thinks that this expedition is risky. Victory is inevitable, it just depends on how much it costs and how long it takes.

For a quick victory, how much troops should be sent to secure Balmok? Rurik gave Magnut a hint in his eyes, urging the man with the highest say in Balmok to be as generous as possible for the sake of glory.

The heads of each family are eager to try, thinking about the huge benefits they can gain from fighting here. Will their current power encounter competition? Magnut waved his hand, "We Balmok will send three troops for this expedition." Thousands of people! I will also personally take my brothers on an expedition. I! He is the commander-in-chief of the Balmok army! ”

How could Magnute be so ambitious at such a young age? Rurik was surprised, but after thinking about it, he was relieved.

Rurik then complimented : "Father, we Russians also support you in becoming the commander-in-chief of Balmok. You are the leader of the alliance, and this honor belongs to you. In the future, the glory of establishing New Balmok will also be yours. ”

After being told this, Magnut said happily: “My son, thank you for your praise. When we have a new territory, you are also welcome to visit us. But I want to know now, what do you personally desire in Britain? Don't you yearn for land? "

Rurik was a little surprised and blamed himself for having underestimated the old leader.

This time Biyongni spoke directly: "Dad, brother Rurik Desire for land, of course. The Russians long for the East, and we Balmokh should own the West. ”

“Indeed. Rurik followed suit and said, "What I long for most is the wheat from the West." You will one day occupy Britain, an island rich in wheat, and you are masters at making salt and raising sheep. We Russians are good at building ships, raising deer, and smelting iron. We need each other,Our two races are also brothers. Therefore, when you have a good harvest of food in the future, you must sell it to me. ”

The old guys present love to hear these flattery words.

All fools know that the Russians have a strong military, and then look at how their young and promising Duke treats everyone like this. Respectfully, it's not that Balmok is far superior to Ross, but that this guy Rurik really pays attention to friendship and has made his business behavior clear now.

After all, he is also a brother. After a clear reckoning, one of the major problems plaguing the trade of the Balmoks is that the commodities are too single. Industries such as sheep and horse breeding are trapped in the cramped confines of Narvik Bay and the rugged mountain roads. Even large oak for shipbuilding is scarce here. The only thing in short supply is The only big buyer of salt in the country is Ross.

Smart people have seen through it, and many village leaders have understood that Ross supports Balmok's prosperity for better trade in the future.

Rurik's current words must be true. In the distant future, the two races will avoid competition because of their mutual economic complementarity.

Then let's work together!

Ma! Gnut almost shouted, "It's decided! I want to mobilize my family! My dependents and relatives! We must organize at least 3,000 of the best warriors with the best weapons! Take our large ship and at least two hundred longships brought by my son Rurik to expedition to Britain! Let the women and children get ready, our great migration is about to begin! ”

Finally, the meeting ended in an atmosphere as warm as a boiling soup. The bargaining session that started the next day immediately caused the entire Narvik Port to boil, scrambling to buy the in-demand commodities shipped by the Russians. The action has begun.