The planned evacuation period is getting closer and closer, and the spirits of the soldiers guarding the Ross Shop Fortress inevitably begin to relax.
The underground alleyways have been surveyed, and some unnecessary debris has been cleared away. Blue Fox is confident that his escape will be quite smooth.
The exit of the alley is actually not far from the fortress, but the exit is in a sheep pen, which has been abandoned and has become a virtual ruin, similar to an abandoned old wooden house in Haize. There are a few more than that, and their existence is no surprise. The traditional wealthy people of Hedeby would not have thought of digging an escape tunnel. If Gould hadn't asked Blue Fox to do this, he wouldn't have done it.
The forced action actually came in handy!
The atmosphere of the battle became more and more intense, and Hedebe was murderous. At this moment, Blue Fox once again felt his father's scheming, and the terror of Hedebe's business atmosphere.
I don’t know which day started, but the whole city seemed more intentional. It fell into an indescribable silence.
Many residents had already run away when they realized that the war was coming, and even the noisy cries of children were of course gone. Only a large group of dark ravens anticipated that opportunities began to appear frequently, and their desolate cries foreshadowed the war. caught Odin's gaze!
Real warriors consider them to be auspicious birds, while ordinary people should avoid them.
It is said that Odin will observe the battlefield through the eyes of this bird. Once they appear in large numbers, there will be a big war soon.
The old mercenaries were still wiping their weapons, counting and preparing arrows.
The newly joined Wadi and his gang were playing with their rocks, and made simple breastplates and back armors out of wooden boards and connected them with hemp ropes to put them on their bodies to prevent them from leaning out to throw stones. Hit by enemy arrows.
Some wooden scaffolding has been built around the wooden wall, and pottery pots with long flames are mostly placed in the corners. The weather has been very good in recent days. Although there was haze, the rain did not fall.
The temperature at night is a bit low, and the braziers are used to keep those standing guard warm. They can even be used as a weapon.
Some arrows were tied with cloth strips and soaked in seal oil and rosin. They were inserted into the brazier and pulled out. The arrow clusters would burn. It became a good arson weapon. The mercenaries prepared them in case of emergencies. needs.
The Russians have been preparing for war, guarding against sudden and large-scale attacks by their opponents during the day, and guarding against sneak attacks at night.
The brothers have been on alert for a long time. Since the agreed time to retreat is approaching, many people say nothing, but in fact they are worried, and their words and deeds are becoming more and more impetuous.
Until there was a long sound of horns, the mercenaries who had become lax felt as if their flesh had been blasted by thousands of steel needles. Their soft muscles tightened instantly, and dents appeared on their soothing foreheads. .
This was not the first time they encountered a similar situation. Old mercenaries who had participated in Gotland Island many years ago immediately remembered what happened back then.
The old mercenary drew his sword and hit the wooden shield fiercely, and his face was covered with stubble.With a bloody mouth, he shouted desperately: "Don't take a nap! The enemy is attacking, prepare to fight!"
After all, it is a life-threatening career, those "berserker" who try to kill the enemy desperately to get their souls to go to Valhalla Be the first to jump up and run towards the wooden wall with your own weapons.
The warriors holding bows began to climb to the commanding heights, and those warriors who had been ambushing on the temporary platform on the roof also began to yell at the people in the yard, announcing that a group of armed men had suddenly appeared.
The blue fox's fat fish-like head once again put on the iron helmet, and he didn't forget to beat it to cheer himself up.
"Finally we have to fight!" He faced the people around him with a solemn attitude: "I don't want you to die fighting bravely for the courage of the soldiers. I want you to stay alive and fight the enemy with all your strength. After that, we will walk along the alley with our bodies And retreat."
The mercenaries yelled at each other first, and then roared.
"Okay." Blue Fox pulled out the steel sword: "Let's go!"
The Russians gave up all illusions and prepared to fight. The arrows were already placed in the arrow troughs, sitting on The crossbowmen on the scaffolding had their feet spread wide, so they could peek sideways at the situation outside, and upon receiving combat orders, they could immediately cock the crossbow and go into battle.
The Russians were like this, and the armed men who gathered in a huge crowd also gave up all illusions.
Those farmers who were gathered believed in the legend of "Mountains of Gold and Silver" and how to defend Denmark's honor. Only some people would insist on these statements, and most of the farmers were waiting to finish this job. After defeating the Russians, they harvested wheat happily.
No Danish lords participated in this battle, and the large and small Danish tribes did not even know what was about to happen in Hedeby.
It was the local gangs who actively participated in this fight. In order to grab some good things after the war, gangs of all sizes joined in, which resulted in the strength of the "army" nominally under the command of Stad. Close to two thousand.
A large group of "soldiers" who brought their own weapons and food moved towards Ross's shop from multiple directions. They had already entrenched themselves in the city, scaring women and their children to leave the city one after another. A group of people who did not dare to fight The men also evacuated. As for those big businessmen who were scheming to gain access to the new King of Denmark, they were the first to use tricks to get Stad and the Ross merchants to fight, but they knew the stakes, and it was more painful than constipation to get them to participate.
The big businessmen retreated to the countryside with their most important money and manpower. The mansions and shops left in the city were of limited value. A few mercenaries hung up crude raven flags to guard the houses. As for the outcome of the battle, any outcome has become unimportant.
A large number of ragged armed men exuded an indescribable odor. Their weapons were of all kinds, and many of the bare-backed men had horrific tattoos on their bodies. Stade doesn't like these people, but he appreciates that they can be used by him because of their strength in numbers. You must know that this general under King Horik has never had the opportunity to manage an army of this size. If there were more people, wouldn't he be equal to the king in terms of commanding troops?
How could Stade, who was riding in front of the team with his cavalry in such a grand manner, feel uncomfortable? He couldn't help but sigh: "Horik, you were worried that I would overstep my bounds, so you detained some of my brothers. Didn't you see that I brought a hundred people to Hedebe, and now I have drawn a team of two thousand people. You'd better give me some more time so that I can take my place."
It's not like Stad was born to be Horik's dog, "the grandson of Godfrey, the former Grand Alliance Leader." This kind of identity that cannot be verified can only be deceived by fools. In this era, whoever has a stronger fist and more troops will be the king of Denmark.
Fortunately, Stad is very self-aware and will not show his fangs when his own strength is weak. Besides, of these new subordinates with ulterior motives, perhaps only God knows their strength before the war begins. .
Just in time, this is an opportunity to try out the new subordinates and test the Russians.
Stad did not want to negotiate. He had stayed in the Frankish territory for many years, and it seemed impossible to talk to the opponent's generals before the war.
He simply did not believe that the Russians would surrender, and the situation at least had to go according to procedure.
As a result, the peasant soldiers armed with spears and shields began to walk out of the winding streets, and more and more people gathered, causing the defensive Russians to sweat.
This was the first time that Blue Fox came to the battlefield in person. Even though he was outside the wooden wall, he was so frightened by the enemy's killing force that he hid behind the wall and did not dare to poke his head around.
An old mercenary yelled maliciously: "Sir, are you afraid?"
"I'm not afraid!"
The old mercenary smiled , the mercenaries in nearby positions were also laughing. The blue fox was scared to death, which was understandable. The mercenaries would not laugh at their masters.
They laugh at their enemies and cheer themselves up.
Your old mercenary laughed for a while and continued: "Don't be alarmed, sir. It seems that our brothers must kill the enemy according to your request. You can rest assured that this fortified fortress is very strong. We stand You can easily kill all the enemies with your spear from a high place."
"Okay...Okay! Kill the enemies as I ask..." With that said, Blue Fox couldn't even speak clearly. A pair of feet were also shaking uncontrollably.
Any heroic words before were meaningless. When faced with a real battle, this new generation of big businessman inevitably gave up.
However, giving in will only accelerate their demise. The mercenaries whose job is to protect their master and kill the enemy, in order to avenge the great vengeance, Wadi Zdarovic and his gang have overcome their fear, and they began to explore. When he came out to observe the enemy, he also silently loaded the crossbow.
The crossbowman on the roof shouted down again: "It's a horseman!"
At this time, the blue fox reluctantly and cautiously poked out a pair of eyes, suppressing his breathing to observe the enemy. The array has an approaching horseman.
Is that the other party’s messenger?
Long-term battlefield experience has made Stade very good at concealing himself. He is in the rear and has dismounted, and behind him are the private soldiers.There are also a group of gang leaders standing beside him.
Already standing here, Gray Wolf Karl became more and more excited. He became angry when he looked at the Ross flags on the wooden wall, and he was very anxious to hope that Stade would immediately announce an attack from the front.
“Are you teaching me how to fight?” Stade, who was wearing heavy armor, glanced at this bald guy with a gangly tattoo all over his body with disdain.
The always domineering gray wolf Carl turned into a tail-wagging husky.
"Sir, I also hope to eradicate this group of scourges as soon as possible."
"That is natural. I also want to see what the attitude of the Russian people is. They... are the best Yes, they are determined to fight us."
"They will definitely do it." Karl said with determination, "Maybe the envoy you sent will be in danger."
"It doesn't matter. If they attack my messenger, we will take action. Karl, take this opportunity to reorganize your wolf cubs. You have more people, so you attack first."
"Follow your orders."
This is what the gray wolf Carl asked for. He already knew that the people who split wood were making long ladders. The five hundred men he gathered of different ages had the right to launch the first A round of strong attacks. If this was a direct attack, wouldn't most of the wealth be captured by himself? Maybe this will cost a lot, but compared with the wealth you can get, everything is worth it.
The raucous crowd became even louder as Carl marshalled his men.
Look at the envoy on horseback. He is holding the reins nervously, and the horse is approaching at a leisurely pace.
What is there to negotiate with the enemy?
Blue Fox Shilling's subordinates who were about to pull the trigger of the crossbow calmed down for a moment, but in a moment they heard the ultimatum shouted by the messenger.
It is nonsense to say that life can be spared by giving up resistance and handing over property and weapons.
Although he was afraid of sudden death in battle, he ordered a big businessman to hand over all his money and beg for peace. This was more painful than having his parents killed!
Blue Fox gave his subordinates a fierce look.
For a moment, a few whooshing sounds were followed by the painful neighing of the horses. The horses kicked up high, and then both the man and the horse fell heavily. What is the significance of having iron plate armor hanging on the chest of a horse? Five arrows hit the upper part of the horse's breastplate. The arrows swollen all the key blood vessels. The fallen horse convulsed and vomited blood. The envoy who had suffered internal injuries staggered up, clutching a painful leg. He moved awkwardly towards the military formation.
At this time, the guarding Russians gained the upper hand. Knowing that the battle was about to begin, they all shouted: "Danish cowards! Your escape is so wonderful!"
One of his own subordinates Injured like this? Even the precious war horse died? !
Stade saw all this. Although he expected that his men would be attacked, he never expected to encounter the Russians' killing move at the beginning.
He was furious and shouted at Karl, who was forming a team not far away: "Let your wolves attack! Show no mercy to all living creatures."Kill them all! ”
The gray wolf Karl got the order. He and his group of close brothers gave orders to the farmers ahead who were eager to develop a war and completely change their miserable lives.
Hidden The wooden ladder was suddenly lifted up. Even though the Russians had expected this, they were surprised when it actually happened.
The battlefield atmosphere was so overwhelming that Blue Fox was almost suffocated, and the enemy was already advancing howling. , he also screamed with all his strength: “Kill! ”
The more than 300 people in the first wave of attacks were all tool men. Stade, who did not know the details of his opponent, deliberately placed his important siege weapons and elite soldiers at the back. He wanted to see Let’s see what tricks the Russians have.
As poor tool people, these three hundred people have no idea.
They are now pure Viking warriors, just for the dream of getting rich. The collective went berserk.
The Russians, who had been well prepared, decisively began to block the attack, and arrows were thrown at the chargers. Some people started to fall down after being hit by the arrows.
Simply hitting an arrow often does not work quickly. Death, violent warriors often ignore pain, and will die of excessive blood loss or being directly pierced through the heart and chopped off their heads in chaotic battles.
Some old mercenaries saw those who were hit by arrows. The people continued to rush despite the bleeding, and the enemy began to use wooden shields to protect themselves.
There were also some people who fell down and were trampled by their companions after being hit by arrows. However, the resistance of these arrows was really weak.
Wadi and his gang desperately fired stone projectiles with slings. The powerful and heavy blows were difficult to penetrate the wooden shields, and it was enough to disrupt the opponent's rhythm.
The arrow attacks were completely completed. It didn't reach what Blue Fox had hoped for, which made him tremble and doubt in his heart: "Is it Rurik that your archery skills on Gotland Island were exaggerated? Or is my Ross Arrow Array not counting? "
Blue Fox still knows very little about it. They are also long-range weapons. All Rurik uses are powerful and heavy heavy equipment. The only equipment in his hands is light equipment.
Even though the crossbows were accurately sniping, some enemies were hit in the neck and bleeding profusely. The enemies with the superior numbers still rushed under the wooden wall.
The axe-wielding men began to chop down the wooden piles. Ladders began to build up the wall, and people began to climb.
“Is it true that I can’t even withstand the first round of attacks? If I die, wouldn't it be a shameful death? "
Sad and angry, Blue Fox found a courage he didn't know where to come from. He suddenly stood up and looked down angrily at the enemy under the wall.
Suddenly, a ladder was placed directly on his head. The sudden situation in front of him scared him and he sat down suddenly.
A red-backed man with a hand ax in his mouth was about to complete the climb. The sitting blue fox saw the danger and took it out completely instinctively. His steel sword inlaid with gems stabbed the man in the neck without being tight enough. He suddenly spurted a mouthful of blood on the blue fox's face, which frightened the blue fox and subconsciously let him go. Chi fell down with the sword stuck in his neck.
“I...actually killed someone? !”
Killing an enemy for the first time in his life, the businessman Blue Fox accidentally accepted the baptism of blood.
Some mercenaries were shocked by the bloated face and locks of the financial owner. The nails were dyed red: "Sir! Are you injured? ”
“It’s the enemy’s blood! Leave me alone and keep spearing them! Don't let anyone in! "
The financial owner is so fearless? Maybe after tasting the enemy's blood, those who are afraid of war will become violent.
Although the Russians are at a numerical disadvantage, However, the area of the shop fortress is not large, and they do not need to set up defenses everywhere, but it is really difficult for the enemy to chop down the wooden walls.
At this point, the Russians began to use all their tricks, and they were experienced in it. The veteran mercenaries who fought kept stabbing the enemy with spears and arrows, and they kept killing people. They tried their best to block the defense line. In the end, the enemy was unable to complete the climb despite their desperate efforts, and those who cut down the wooden wall were the first to be attacked.
Those armed men who thought they could break through walls or split wooden walls and doors in one breath eventually began to suffer massive casualties from the Russian arrows, spears and even some clay. The brazier was thrown directly from a high place, and the splashing slow-burning charcoal caused some burns, which only exacerbated the chaos under the wooden wall.
The armed men who came to rob and make money finally began to retreat and stay alive. The people didn't care about the squirming wounded and the group of dead people under the wall.
Isn't it surprising that the first round of attack failed? Ben didn't think that this group of hastily armed homeless people and farmers could win easily. He saw the determination of the Russians to resist desperately, and lamented that they had indeed encountered a strong enemy.
But the Russians were defeated in this battle. It must have consumed too much energy, and the problem can be solved today as long as the remaining troops rush forward.
At this moment, some shiny arrows streaked across the dark tracks.
What is that?
This is Burning Arrow
Because the old mercenary of Ross is not a fool, everyone needs time to rest, if the enemy takes advantage of it. When I was exhausted and the whole army attacked my brothers, I had no choice but to escape along the tunnel. Fortunately, the exit of the tunnel was not in the same direction as the enemy's array.
The burning arrows flew towards the wooden shed grass behind the enemy's formation. The roofs of common houses in Denmark are made of flammable hay. The rainless weather for more than half a month ensures that the hay is flammable.
There are more than one ignition points, and they are burning quickly! Spread!
This completely disrupted Stad's plan, because it was impossible for him to spread out his army in the current battlefield environment. This battlefield was not wide at all, and there was a group of gangs. As well as a group of his own soldiers and the siege truck behind him,
The rapidly expanding fire caused chaos in an instant. Since setting fire can cause disaster, the blue fox, who loved to see it, immediately became energetic and started. There are more burning arrows thrown away, especially the shooters at the commanding heights.The most harmful party.
The rear army could not see the situation of the front army. They only saw the fire starting around them, but there was not even water to extinguish the fire. Are they going to turn into roast ducks by staying in the winding alley? The fighting will of the hastily gathered gangster soldiers was not trustworthy at all. This group of gangsters who sought advantages and avoided disadvantages began to avoid them. The bandit's retreat led another group of farmers who had hurriedly recruited to retreat. When Stade realized that if he continued like this, he would lose the opportunity to attack by force. He began to issue orders for a full-scale attack regardless of priority. Some houses behind him had already It was a red fire soaring into the sky, and there were shouts and shouts everywhere. A large number of armed men were already evacuated from the area one after another. No matter how Stad appealed, it was of no avail.
He looked left and right to find the gray wolf Karl, but the guy he saw had already taken his close brother to avoid him.
"Damn! They are all a bunch of disloyal idiots!"
However, the gray wolf Karl just wants to use Stud to gain huge benefits in the future. If he dies or is injured Is it already bad?
The warrior on horseback approached Stad: "Sir, many people have escaped. Now the fire in this area cannot be controlled, we may..."
"Damn it! Poor! I'll win today!" The battle came to an end in this ridiculous form. Stad looked at the Russian fortress and cursed: "I hope you don't escape, let's set the burning house on fire first. Get out!"
After saying that, he took the initiative to evade.
Of course, the curse is impossible, and the burning will only affect an area. Rather than digging tunnels, Blue Fox considers setting fire more. Only densely populated shanty towns can ignite continuous fires. How will this affect the scattered houses and shops of merchants?
But the fire was indeed going to burn for a while, and the tired Russian soldiers laughed out loud as they looked at the intensifying flames, further scorning the so-called fighting will of the Danes.