A large area of water appears ahead, like a brand new sea? Ragnar, who arrived in the far east for the first time, quickly learned that this was a lake as vast as the sea.
The fleet passed through the town of Ladoga and met the men captured in autumn. Arik was standing at the bow of the boat, and his heroic appearance was seen by many fishermen.
Most of the fishermen were soldiers of the First Flag Team. They had just finished the autumn harvest and took their families on a boat to catch bass on Lake Ladoga. They then baked the fish directly on the shore to make hard dried fish. Prepare for winter consumption. As a result, a small lakeside fishing village became prosperous in a short period of time, and the caught bass, pike, and cod were all hung on the hemp ropes on the shore.
“These are also your people.” Ragnar was surprised for a moment when he heard about Arik.
"Of course they are all Russians, and they are all my brothers."
"I saw them cheering for you, obviously your prestige is very high."
>"That's natural, because I am the flag captain!"
Arik attracted much attention, and many fishermen came over in rowing boats, raising their heads to hear about the expedition. The fishermen also noticed that there were a large number of strange people in those long fleets. They couldn't be new immigrants from Lake Malaren, right?
The majority of the people saw the migration of a down-and-out Danish tribe, but did not know their true identity.
If Ragnar did not take the initiative to reveal his identity, many people would indeed think that a new group of Swedish immigrants would join Ross. After all, Ross has been digging into Sweden in the prosperous Lake Mälaren region over the years. corner.
The weather is already in late autumn, and the first snow may fall at any time. There is often an autumn rain that lasts for a week before the snowfall.
The weather has been pretty good since today, and the most obvious manifestation is that the north wind is getting stronger. This is not a good sign, I'm afraid a terrible cold wave is brewing.
The north wind has a big advantage. The fleet entering the Volkhov River no longer needs to paddle. It only needs to control the sails and use the wind to quickly run south.
The almost pure north-south direction of the Volkhov River is really conducive to autumn fishing. The ships go to Lake Ladoga to furl their sails and drift, and then set sail to take advantage of the wind and go south against the current when they return.
The two sides of the river are already in a state of silence. The deciduous forest has lost its leaves in large areas. Only the Korean pine and spruce still maintain the dark green of their branches.
This river is quite busy, precisely because of the large-scale production of hemp rope nets as fishing tools. Whether it is various Viking immigrants or local Slavs, fishing in Lake Ladoga has become a popular activity. Something profitable. The targets of these fishermen are mainly pike and cod. These two fish are rare in Lake Ilmen but are widely abundant in Lake Ladoga. Their fat fish oil has great charm.
The environment ahead becomes open, and the forest suddenly disappears, replaced by a large area of bare farmland.
They are indeed farmland, Ragnar himself can easily confirm this, because the raised farmland divides the farmland into very regular blocks. Farmland demarcation area guideLand justice, otherwise how can two men judge each other's fields? These are actually the masterpieces of the Russians. The ridges establish the land into squares of equal size. They must have a meaning in doing so.
What Ragnar hopes more is to meet the supreme ruler of the Rus as soon as possible.
Ahead is another large-area wall, as well as a dock with a large number of boats moored.
"Is that your Novgorod?" he asked.
Aric answered simply: "Exactly. It's time for you to get ready. I will personally notify you of your arrival. The prince will definitely be very willing to see you. Please stay at the dock with your people for now." Waiting everywhere."
"Okay! I hope I won't wait too long."
Only in terms of the level of urban development, the entire Zinovgorod is warm. The large-scale construction work turned the city into a large construction site for a while. The initial chaos has been greatly improved, and the city has become more three-dimensional. After the food harvest, prosperity has come to the world.
Rurik could finally take a break for himself, and he stayed in the palace with his important wives and concubines.
The eldest daughter Velika has gradually grown, and the eldest son Reglav has been weaned at one year old and learned to walk.
The substantial second son, Carl, born to Carlotta, is also thriving.
Rurik had not been to New Roseburg for several months. When High Priest Rumia confirmed her pregnancy again and her belly was obviously growing, the messenger also completed the report.
There is no conservative etiquette restricting Rurik from creating more members of the royal family. On the contrary, it is time for the legal queen of the principality to become a mother.
This body of Rurik is currently fifteen years old, but according to the traditional calculation of the Russian people, after the Hanukkah on the winter solstice, it will be sixteen years old. Even so, his appearance is not much different from that of an adult Nordic man. Because he eats and drinks well in life, although his height does not seem to reach the level of two meters, it is obvious that he will reach the equivalent of 1.9 meters.
Not only him, but all the wives and concubines have had better food and drink since they grew taller, and their heights are also rapidly approaching the genetic limit.
The fact is that Rurik is not in a hurry to let his wife Svetlana become a mother and give birth to a prince or princess of the principality. Her father Rigus and her brother Medved are even more anxious. Without him, this marriage is full of politics and is actually a deal between two ethnic groups to win over each other.
Svetlana is indeed qualified. Rurik has long noticed that when she holds the infant Reglaf in her arms, the maternal nature in her eyes is obvious.
She is only one year younger than Rurik. At her current age, she is still not a mother. The Slavic people have already started gossiping and even making unkind remarks. There are indeed jealous people who claim that the old guy Ligus was speculating many years ago and that his daughter is not as good as his own daughter. The gossips dare not make a big deal about saying that she is a "hen that cannot lay eggs", but the statement does exist.
The prince and the queen were officially married, and the union went straight to the birth of the prince.
While Rurik was indulgently indulgent at his wife’s place, he also did not forget Nolen who played the bone flute.
Even the ten maids appointed by his father for Rurik all received his message, saying it will be your turn next year.
The princely family is expanding the number of family members. As a result, the entire principality has entered the most prosperous period of the year after the autumn harvest, and all families are spontaneously giving birth.
This is not only true for humans, but also for the large livestock raised by the principality.
The reindeer herds scattered in multiple settlements, whose total number has swelled to 30,000, are in the annual mating season. In theory, a large number of fawns will be born next summer.
The principality still needs to expand its strength in a special way. This expansion is no longer about frantically grabbing territory, but spending huge amounts of money on internal construction.
A school for two thousand children is not enough! Novgorod should make use of its unique geographical location to become a safe education center and absorb tens of thousands of children to receive basic education.
To further develop a large number of handicraft industries, based on practical factors, we need to build more state-owned workshops.
Just like this summer, the principality has no need for large-scale expeditions. Similarly, there are no expedition plans for the following winter, or even next year.
More of the wealth created by the people will be invested in construction. In particular, we must further ask for cultivated land and grazing pasture from the forest, and further develop shipping transportation.
So he will not only stay in the palace during the winter to personally teach a small group of tomorrow's elites more advanced knowledge, but will also arrange and dispatch manpower for winter production.
Now, the expeditionary fleet is back!
After receiving the news, Rurik hurriedly led people out of the city to greet them. The old Ross guys, including old Otto, also happily gathered at the dock to comment on the triumph of the younger generation.
The current situation is very delicate. Even Rurik noticed that the men and women sitting on the long boat were not from his tribe.
Rurik frowned and couldn't help asking himself: "You? Who are you?"
A large number of people came out of the city, and the river bank was full of people watching the excitement, with their enthusiastic and smiling faces. It's like attending a wedding together. They spontaneously took off their hats, waved them, shouted, and many other actions were to welcome the returning heroes.
There were two big ships when we went there, but now there are only gray squirrels left?
Rurik squinted and saw that the person standing on the deck of the Gray Squirrel was his cousin Arik? Standing next to him was a young man with a beard and a strange braid. His appearance was extremely unfamiliar.
"Brother! Did you recruit a group of surrendered men for me along the way? If so, it is a good thing."
Rurik murmured to himself, seeing the ship They all came to the shore one after another. He simply shook his neck and called to them.His cronies came forward to take a look. At the same time, Medved's spear-wielding warriors, who were temporarily responsible for location security, were given the opportunity to lay all the short spears flat to form a line of defense to prevent the noisy people from getting too close.
At the same time, Arik had already seen that among the people coming out of the city to greet him was his lovely brother, the real Prince of Rus.
Among the many people, Rurik was wrapped in a white fur coat and a white tiger fur hat, with his golden ponytail hanging behind his head. This look could not be hidden at all.
"That's Prince Rus! He's wearing a polar bear fur coat, so conspicuous!" Arik had already identified him to Ragnar.
"Is that Rurik of Rus? Indeed, like a child. Neatly dressed, like a god from Asgard."
What Ragnar said Some of the polite flattery comes from feeling.
Arik smiled and patted Ragnar on the back: "Brother, Rurik is indeed a god from Asgard, and he has really been blessed by Odin. I am very grateful to you. There is only one big piece of advice."
"Please speak."
"Don't talk to him with contempt because of his youth. There is no one in the whole of Russia. Wisdom."
"I will abide by this."
Rurik of Rus is full of mystery, and it is fair to say that Ragnar's first impression of him was very good. .
The ships docked one after another, and the last people of the ignorant Danish Stonewall tribe landed ignorantly, and immediately stood by on the spot.
The big ships lowered their planks one after another, and Arik got off the ship enthusiastically with the victorious warriors. He was the first to rush to his brother's side, extend his blessings to the family members who welcomed him, and solemnly Announced: "My crusade against Frank has achieved a major victory."
Aric bumped shoulders with his brother very affectionately, his rough face smiling like a rough flower blooming in the snow.
If they had encountered setbacks, they would not be as ecstatic as they were now. Rurik could be sure that Arik's emotions were real, and the victory of the expedition was also real.
So, what price did the expedition pay?
Although it was a bit inappropriate, Rurik still wanted to ask: "Did you pay the price? Did the brothers you brought with you suffer any casualties?"
"No one died. , only a few unlucky men injured themselves during the robbery!"
"How could there be such a perfect victory?"
"Of course!" Arik couldn't do it at all! Suppressing the ecstasy, he beat his chest with both hands and roared like a gorilla, and said arrogantly: "Brother, you will never imagine how great a victory we have achieved. We burned Bremen."
"You?" Rurik's eyes were as wide as bells. "I ordered you to attack Bremen for revenge. I thought you would withdraw after grabbing a large amount of wheat and wool. You actually attacked the city? After breaking the city They also burned the city."
"Even killed five people.A thousand Franks would be enough to avenge Hedeby's brothers. "
"Ah! ”
A huge amount of information came in at once, and Rurik had to announce that these major events should hold a meeting. A debriefing meeting must be held. Since this is a victorious expedition, the principality should also The expedition was written into a "Bremen Chronicle", printed and published to show the people the majesty of the principality and boost morale.
Besides the pleasantries, those ignorant foreign men and women were the most concerned about Rurik.
“You have brought a group of trust, are they all new immigrants from Malaren? "
Arik paused for breath, his joyful face instantly turned into silence, and he said seriously: "They are all Danes. "
"Huh? Danish? You brought hundreds of Danes in here? You...wait. "While Rurik was startled, he noticed from the corner of his eye a man with a strange beard and braids, staring at him with his eyes like an adorable two-year-old child. This made people feel extremely uncomfortable.
Rurik simply turned the company sideways, and the two simply looked at each other, but the man actually started to enjoy himself.
This was a breakthrough to eliminate the embarrassment, and Alik hurriedly took a few steps back. , pulling Ragnar, who didn't know how to open the situation smoothly, to face the Prince of Ross.
In terms of height, Rurik was ten years younger than Ragnar, and he actually had more height. Advantage.
Rurik looked down and said with a slightly arrogant tone: "You? Who are you? A Dane? Are these all your people? "
Ragnar was well prepared. After all, he knew something about Sweden and Ross.
"Yes, we are all Danes. I know you, Rurik of Rus, the young prince of Rus. You were once part of Svealan, but I heard that when those fellows established their own kingdoms, you separated from each other. I tell you frankly that I have fought with you, attacked some tribes in Svealand, and killed many Swedes. ”
What this person said really alarmed the people present. Even old Otto, who was leaning on crutches, could hardly hold back.
Many people felt that this Are the Danes who suddenly appeared provocative and not afraid of being killed?
“Oh? Is that all you have to tell me? Show off your great achievements? Rurik frowned and asked.
“Am I going to hide these achievements? I am a candid person. To be honest, there was a man named Olegin, he was the King of Sweden, and I killed him with my own hands. "
"Huh? ! "
"Don't believe it? At least I believe it was you who killed King Hafgen of Denmark with your ship. "
"It is indeed me who killed Hafgen! Rurik from Rus! " Rurik emphasized. Now that this is said, according to tradition, the man who kills the famous hero must also establish his own name.
When Ragnar was asked about his name, this made no sense. self-identify without hesitationCall: "I am Ragnar, and many people say that I am a man from Langsbroek (hard woolen pants)."
Although this obviously wonderful nickname has attracted many onlookers to cover their mouths and steal. Laughing, Rurik's reaction was completely the other extreme.
"What did you say your name was? Ragnar? Langsbrok?"
"Is it me?"
"So, your father is actually Sigurd Hellinger (Ring)?" Rurik almost blurted out.
“You actually know my father?” While Ragnar was surprised, Rurik was equally surprised.
Did Rurik never expect that the legendary pirate would be standing in front of him? Maybe it's just that the names are similar, but not at all. Or is the legendary Ragnar just a legend after all, and he can have a realistic character basis. After all, is it still related to "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms"?
It seems that the man in front of him is the real-life prototype of the legendary pirate. At least now his name matches that of his father.
If this is really the case...
Rurik continued to ask tentatively: "You have multiple sons, the eldest is Bjorn, the second is Umber, and One..."
Now, Ragnar has straightened his face: "Please continue."
"You have a poor son who cannot fight. Even so, it doesn't stop him from becoming a warrior. His name is Ivar. "But Ivar is my eldest son, my second son." The third son, you can call him Umber." Ragnar was shocked at first, but his attitude quickly calmed down: "It seems that you have understood everything. Brother Arik said that you have been blessed by Odin? But you actually know my family, and even my poor Ivar."
"Is the boneless Ivar really pitiful? I even want to see this child, I have a hunch, this child. He must be a formidable warrior. So, please continue to talk about your achievements. In addition to killing King Olegin of Sweden, what other feats do you have?"
"There are many more. When I was five years old, I personally chopped off the head of another leader. I was wearing these hard pants and led the elite to participate in the attack on Sweden. I killed the whole family of the leader of the Ostara people! Later, when you attacked Brother! When I was on the island of Tran, I chopped off the head of the King of Sweden at the Silver Castle in the south."
"Wait a minute!" Rurik suddenly realized that there was a major problem in these descriptions. "What did you say? I know that you Danes conquered Sweden, and our Rus' allies, the Ostara tribe, were almost destroyed. You..."
"Does this make you angry? Friend, this is War. It was me! I won the duel with their leader. You can’t call me despicable."
"Say it again, it was you who killed the Ostara leader and his family. ?”
Although I felt a big abnormality, with the pride of a warrior, Ragnar took a long breath: "I did it. I saw the two children running away, and it was me who gave the order not to pursue them. I don't bother to kill anyone who doesn't fight with me openly, at least personally. "
There were two girls standing in the crowd of onlookers. They came to welcome the victorious warriors as the prince's wives and concubines. Unexpectedly, they heard a story about Denmark who "traveled" to Novgorod. The lord's bluster. Because what this man said was enough to arouse the two girls to such rage that they wanted to eat his flesh.
Rurik suddenly turned his back. He noticed the changes in the expressions of Carlotta and Ella. From the standpoint of his two wives, Rurik could say that Ragnar and Ella He does have a grudge.
What’s more, the Danes rashly entered the territory of the Principality of Rus. Their current behavior itself is illegal. Having Arik as a guarantee just shows that Arik is not aware enough.
"Medved!" Rurik suddenly shouted in Slavic.
"Here!"
"Take down Ragnar! Tie him up! Control all the other Danes and imprison them temporarily!"
"Follow your orders!"
Rurik's outburst came out of the blue, and Ragna was under control before he could react. Although the soldiers of the Slavic Flag Army are relatively short, they have fought many fierce battles over the years and their living conditions have greatly improved. They have become extremely strong and their clothes are also Viking-like. More than ten people swarmed him, and Ragna couldn't escape even if he wanted to.
"Why? Prince of Rus, I thought I could form an alliance with you."
"An alliance? Tie you up first and let me vent my anger first. Ragnar, tonight I will talk to you. Soldiers, lock them up and take them away!”
All the Danish men and women of the Stonewall tribe were disarmed, and their leader Ragnar was made a prisoner in confusion. However, Ragnar was not tortured, but was locked in a dark cabin, closely monitored by armed warriors.
Ragnar is a great pirate but not a virtuous man. According to the widely circulated "Icelandic Saga", this man has been killing people and selling goods all his life, and his children are also like the sea of indiscriminate killing. thief.
Even Lian Liankan can’t say that he is not just killing people. When it comes to killing, I’m afraid he is the craziest butcher. But Ross is different from those pirates. Ross is a normal and rapidly developing feudal country. It is creating a better country in Northern and Eastern Europe. All wars have been eliminated in its vast territory, and its economic life has entered the fast lane of development.
It would have been a mercy for the noble prince not to behead the pirate leader immediately, not to mention that he really had a grudge against him.
But looking at the current situation of Ragnar and his gang, no matter how you look at them, they all look like a bunch of miserable wretches.
Of course there is hatred, but the hatred here should be resolved in some way.
Locking Ragnar into a dark room was actually a destructive move to demoralize him. Taking advantage of this time gap, Rurik happened to get an internal emergency consultation.During the window period, there is enough time to calm down the angry mood of Sister Carlotta.