Rise of Rurik - Chapter 1287

[Chapter 1286 Reinforcements in the Gulf of Riga during the storm]

Latest website: From the Novopolotsk fortress to the Gulf of Riga, even if the ship drifts on the unfrozen West Dvina River, it must take six to seven days to finally drift to Riga.

The time has come to November, and the continuous snowfall makes people living in a large area lazy and boring.

In the Danish community in the city of Riga, people began to live in hibernation after stocking up all kinds of food for the winter, just like in their hometown.

Because from mid-to-late November, the ice at the mouth of the West Dvina River will become available for people to walk on foot, and the bay will freeze quickly, and people may be able to move freely on the ice after a snowstorm.

Production and life are almost suspended at this point, and the local Latvian tribal people and Danish immigrants are willing to stay at home and wait for the spring.

With the end of the Great River Ling, life can go on.

Therefore, the Danish businessmen who escaped from the Vitebsk fortress did not dare to stay in the Novopolotsk fortress. After informing the garrison of the war alarm, they were already benevolent.

The merchants who escaped the war admired the courage of the defenders. After some consideration, everyone had to re-determine their positions.

“Fighting the leader of Smolensk? We are businessmen, and we have to live to earn money. We will go back to Riga even if the river freezes, and tell the leader the news, and everything will be decided by him… As for participating in the war, let’s see It depends.” The fugitive businessman was not sure that his leader, Stekander, would organize his brothers to send troops.

I’m afraid the real situation is that he will take the initiative to send troops because of his friendship with King Ross, but he can’t persuade the general public to follow him.

As for those Latvians, you can’t count on it.

Those guys outsourced their defense to the diaspora Danes most of the time, and they didn’t even want to fight for their homeland, thinking that providing property and women could buy everything, let alone fighting for the suffering Russ.

Unless… the earl of the Ross who masters the navy can know the news and organize their Ross to march.

A long boat continued to drift through the wind and snow, most of the oars retracted, and only two oars acted as rudders.

People wrapped up and curled up into a ball, the leather caps covered the entire head, basically only the eyes were exposed.

They were motionless, covered in a layer of snow.

It seems that the dead ship broke through the broken ice, and gradually arrived at their starting point-Riga in the snow-capped world and the black river.

At this time, a large number of boats are neatly lined up on the gentle riverside, and even Latvian fishermen push their boats ashore to prevent the frozen

sea level from hurting their livelihood tools.

The boats will not retreat until the West Dvina River is really cleared after the river flows.

Fishing work has been completely suspended, and trade in gemstones and hides has been terminated prematurely.

Merchants of all stripes in Riga are now hoarding large quantities of amber, beeswax, and other gemstones.

Even stained glass, which is enough to confuse fish with genuine ones, has the largest number. Since the local people already know the

reason for these “Rose gems” which are difficult to be called gems, the selling price is naturally not high.

Unless people who don’t know how to sell colored and transparent glass beads to Bulgaria and Rome in the south make a fortune, they can only make small profits and sell more.

The one who transported these glass beads was none other than Spuet, known as the great explorer.

It is also his

“Baltic Sea Law Enforcement Fleet” that can serve as the energy supply for the transport ship, take a group of brothers to leave Saaremaa Island, and spend the winter in Riga nearby.

This winter, he and his son drifted to the port on an armed cargo ship. They didn’t care about the wind and snow. When the ship reached the shore, they threw down their iron spears. Everyone took the cargo and released the small boats to land.

Some people may question, wouldn’t the frozen sea ice destroy the big ship by hanging it in the sea?

No way!

More than 200 people from Spuute who landed arrived at the Ross shop which had already been built.

At any rate, Spuut is the earl conferred by the king. Compared with the environment of Saaremaa Island, everything in the city of Riga is superior.

So from the standpoint of the local Latvians, the Ross people are no different from those Danes, they are a new batch of Varyags who came to settle here.

Different from Denmark’s emphasis on business, the Ross people not only focus on businessmen but also are more warlike.

They are the overlords of the entire sea, and Spuet is the earl of this sea area, and was given the right to kill first and play later by King Ross.

Don’t provoke this kind of character, it’s just working with him, everyone can drink and eat meat freely.

The Ross shop in Riga, or the new residence of the earl of Sarema, was completed in 842, that is, this summer, and a new Ross immigrant community came into being.

The crouching dragon and phoenix chicks who had been exiled by various tribes changed their identity as pirates, but their fierce and cunning temperament remained unchanged. If there were not the managers of the Spuet father and son, there would definitely be some troubles.

In Riga, basic customary laws are still practiced.

Thieves cut off their fingers, those who insulted their own clan were punished and then exiled, vicious rioters beheaded… In terms of law, the city of Riga was included in the Kingdom of Ross, and Spueut himself acted as the lord of the city.

He was incapable of controlling everything in the city, and the reality was that it was business as usual, the big merchants in the city, the mercenary chiefs of the Danish community, the chiefs of the nearby villages, they still held power.

With the participation of the Ross forces in the trade, various commodities from Ross began to be dumped, coupled with the collection of necessary tributes, Spyut has been making a steady profit here.

The Latvian tribe with the largest number did not lose money. What they handed over the tribute was the security protection of a stronger Russian army.

The news spread to the surrounding area. In the warm area in the past 842 years, the Selon and Livonian tribes were nearby, and they sent cargo merchants to Riga one after another. Selling goods was one of the purposes, and inquiring about information was the biggest purpose.

When the two tribes learned that Riga was still prosperous and that the Rus conquerors did not do anything to exploit them, they were relieved and had to consider their position in the new era this winter.

The Ross people who planned to spend the winter in Riga talked and shared the grand occasion with their Danish brothers who lived next door.

Spueut and Stekander drank and talked happily, and their sons called each other brothers.

The flag of Ross is flying high-profile here, which means that Riga has completely become the city of Ross, and it also declares its existence to the Semigallian people across the river.

It is a provocation, but also a threat of war.

Because on this snowy day, the two people who got together, Spueut, Strkander, and even their guys, because they boasted too much, it seemed that they really needed to fight to prove who was the best. real warrior.

There will never be a civil war between the two sides, not even a shirtless wrestling in the snow.

At most, you can play the original version of rugby game “clay pot grabbing”, which is

quite popular in Northern Europe, especially in Denmark .

What both sides are really planning is the possibility that we will take the initiative to attack Semigallian territory.

Actively attack the people on the other side of the river?

The native Latvians were unwilling to take the risk, and had long been on the defensive, counting on the resident Danes to help them balance the threat.

Of course, this would require paying more money and materials to this group of northern mercenaries to prevent them from running away with the Semigallians who were willing to spend a lot of money.

As Riga was completely owned by Ross, such concerns of local residents disappeared.

Because, the Ross army went to war as mercenaries, not a cat or a dog who could spend money to hire them.

Unless the Ross army judges that future operations will be profitable.

Spuet here moved this idea.

They discussed very realistic and explicit war topics in the warm house.

Spueut drank nothing but fine wine.

How he got it finally surprised everyone present—it was genuine Nassau wine.

Without him, the fleet returning from Frank returned with a relatively low-key voyage with strange spoils. The main force of the army was still stationed at the mouth of the Rhine River. The goods then headed towards the capital at full speed.

This fact was a huge shock to Spueut.

From his point of view, an old guy who has dominated the ocean for twenty years, the expeditionary force won a big victory, the Frankish capital must have been looted, and the main force of the army was not willing to come back because it wanted to expand the war and plundered wantonly.

This is easy to understand. After all, all the new and old ruthless people with the blood of the old Ross flowed on the expedition, and simple trophies were no longer enough.

Spueut really itch!

I had to bring a barrel of wine to Riga…

“If we take the initiative to send troops to plunder their grain, leather, and people, wouldn’t we be able to make a fortune? King Ross really needs slaves to add a group of two-legged cows and horses to his mines. “Stekander didn’t think the old man was drunk. He was able to drink the wine freely, indulging in its unique sweetness and wine taste, and told his knowledge of the Semigallians while the wine was strong… Strkander said a lot, but he didn’t know if the brother in front of him listened. Looking at his trembling eyes, he probably moved his mind.

“How many brothers can you muster?” Suddenly, Spueut asked.

“Ah? Is it possible that you plan to do it next spring?”

“It’s absolutely possible. And I…can gather three hundred fierce brothers. What can you Danes do?” ”

This…at most two hundred people. If you come from the local The Latvians have recruited some warriors.”

“Warriors?” Spueut couldn’t help laughing, stroking his beard and talking nonsense: “They are also worthy? They don’t even know how to fight in groups.” ”

That’s right. Let them take out more food Come, help us fight the war. I can see it too…” Spueut paused, looking sincerely into his brother’s eyes: “They are cowards. We Danes are with them, how can we do a good job in the amber trade? Before The Polotsk people on the upper reaches of the river dominate the river and collect benefits from the merchants along the way. Those Latvian merchants intend to sell amber, but they are clearly unjustly exploited and dare not resist. They have to act with our Danish caravan every time. It’s really embarrassing know who is the host and who is the guest.”

“Hey, of course we are the Lord. Now, me!” Spueut thumped his chest hard: “I am the master here! I am the leader you all should respect.” “That’s true.” Drink another glass of

wine , Strkander, who has a gray beard, can’t help but think about the future: “I can still remember my Danish birth. But my sons, grandsons, and even descendants. I’m afraid they will only remember that they are Russians.” “You have

some Are you sorry?”

“It doesn’t matter. King Ross is blessed by the gods, and our entire community is loyal to Ross, so naturally we will also be blessed by the gods.” ”

Yes!” Spueut slapped his thigh: “This requires us to kill some enemies. Odin, prove your courage to the gods.”

“By the way… also to plunder the mining slaves that Rose desperately needs.” The two of them got drunk while pushing the cups, and even brought their son and friends to drink like crazy .

So what is Semigalia’s fault?

guilty.

The crime is that they existed on the fringes of the area controlled by the Ross Kingdom, but did not send their envoys to submit.

Because of his disobedience and the tendency to use force against Ross’s vassals in the future, instead of passively responding to the attack, it is better to subdue them in advance.

However, the Russians and Danes in Riga did not need to train troops in advance. People from all walks of life were sea heroes, and they could quickly assemble a Viking army of hundreds of people with their swords and shields.

The snow covered up the killing intent, and Riga seemed to be still calm.

Until the ship arrived at the pier at the risk of being frozen… The news broke out in the clear sky and disturbed the peace of the Dross shop. The news spread to the Danish community next door, and then even the Latvians living in Riga knew the news more or less The most critical part-the Smolensk army is attacking the Russians in the Polotsk area.

The locals have no time to understand the Vitebsk fortress and Novopolotsk fortress, they only know that it is the stronghold of the Rus, thus controlling the whole of Polotsk.

The powerful forces in the east assembled an army to attack Ross in the snow?

No matter how you think about it, it’s incredible.

Reportable merchants will not inexplicably sound war alarms.

It has not been two days since the last time I drank, and the wind and snow outside continued.

Shocked, Spuyut had to organize heroes from all walks of life to discuss this sudden military event in the Rus Duma Council Court, which was newly established in the Ross shop.

Only God knows how far the war has come.

It was quite cold outside, and the interior was full of people wearing furs. There were not many oil lamps hung on the wooden walls, which made the unfurnished parliamentary court look deserted and shabby. The worst part was the dim light.

Everything started with the businessman who risked his life to report the letter, and now the businessman must explain everything he knows… With some uncontrollable embellishments, the strength of the Smolensk army has further strengthened.

Spueut didn’t dare to slap his thigh and pointed at him and said, “You’re talking nonsense.” Because the businessman mentioned a key name: Vadim.

The nature of the situation has completely changed!

It was not an ordinary attack, it was clearly

“Vadim the Fugitive” raising an army to seek revenge.

“Vadim! Seeking revenge in winter, you really know how to pick the right time! It’s despicable to take advantage of our weak force…” Strkander was a little surprised: “This Vadim? Who is it? Look at your furious look .Brother, do you Ross have a big enmity with him?” ”

Of course. This person is the one who must be killed by King Ross, I really can’t think of it…” Obviously, it is useless to be surprised and complain now. Completely believe what the businessman says.

He also made an insurance policy, threatening: “I am willing to believe you, but if you lie about the situation, your crime is enough and I will punish you as a blood eagle!” Everyone’s faces slapped their chests: “I put my property and a large amount of supplies in Vitebsk. Your Rus’ fortress may not be able to support it. If your Jellinger is defeated, Polotsk must suffer next. It will be a disaster for all of us if they succeed.”

“If the Smolensk people cut off the trade route, the amber we intend to sell to Rome will be unsalable.” Stekander, as the boss of the Danish community, was furious: “Since you have witnessed a lot. Brother, I have you as a guide After that, he looked at his old buddy Spuet, who was restless, and said, “It seems that your plan to attack the Semigallians has to be put back. You will definitely go upstream to rescue your relatives of Ross , and our entire Danish community will gather all the young and strong to help. Even, I will order the assembly immediately.” “Then do it!

We don’t have much time.” So, Count Sarema got up angrily, and suddenly Pulling out his own steel saber, the buzzing wind of the sword is really eye-catching.

Under the dim oil lamp, it pointed its sword to the east: “I don’t care whether the Smolensk people have 5,000 troops or 10,000 troops, we Rus are invincible in winter. That fool Vadim, killing this man is a great achievement, Rus The king will reward him with huge rewards. We attack together, and this year’s Hanukkah will use their blood to sacrifice to the gods.” That’s all, everyone stood up.

The local tribes in Latvia who originally wanted to watch the show stood up reluctantly to show their attitude.

Riga made a decision, and a small but powerful army emerged.

The time point in which Spyut is located is very delicate. He was earlier than Rurik’s assembly order in Novgorod and the departure of the army. UU Reading www.www.SonicMTL.com ordered the battle on the first day he heard the news. Full-scale combat preparations began on the second day, while Riga’s combat preparation time was only one day.

Then on the third day, local horses and reindeer were assembled to pull the sled, barely able to bring 300 warriors into action.

That’s right, just three hundred people, not many, but not many.

Once the northerners lose the speed advantage of inland waterway shipping due to the freezing of rivers and bays in severe winter, the next best thing is to rely on animal power to pull sleds.

However, there are not many domesticated winter livestock here in Riga, and the animal-drawn sleds made of haphazard can barely carry 300 people.

Spueut couldn’t take it anymore, even if there was a possibility of a snowstorm on the way, any risk in this matter had to be taken.

This is not just reinforcements, the morale of the whole army is strong.

Because the categorical way of making money is like killing parents, the actions of the Smolensk army have already made Riga feel the crisis of survival, and the violent counterattack originated from this.

They are more fighting to defend their own wealth.

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[End of This Chapter.]