Rise of Rurik - Chapter 786

[Chapter 787 To New Roseburg]

According to the experience of previous years, it takes up to a week to arrive at Novosburg on the Neva River by walking the frozen Volkhov River in winter.

Maybe horses are not suitable for advancing on the glaciers in cold winter, just like Batu Khan gave up his plan to attack the Novgorod Republic because of the cold weather.

But whether it is Batu or Subotai, the important means of attacking Eastern Europe is to advance quickly along the frozen rivers. They even deliberately chose the glacier because it is the smoothest passage for horses in the forest area.

Although the times are different, is there any essential difference between Rurik’s determined march and Batu and Subotai?

The latter’s abandonment is wise. It is necessary to fight from the southern forest and grassland to Novgorod in winter. Unless the total force of 20,000 cavalry can plunder a large amount of food along the way, the horses of the large army will inevitably die on a large scale. !

The pressure Rurik has to face is much less, although he himself is now in the city of Novgorod on the shore of Lake Ilmen, and the surrounding environment is such that the snow-covered pastures under the snow that can be eaten by reindeer can be ignored. A large number of wheat resources can be directly fed to reindeer and horses with high-energy oats, not to mention the small number of large animals to be served.

Rurik’s principality cavalry and Pecheneg’s cavalry were all assembled. Including nobles such as Rurik, Kagan, and Arik, there were just over 130 horsemen.

Generally speaking, even though frozen lakes and rivers provide convenient roads for mail delivery, the extremely cold weather forces ordinary people to be reluctant to run around.

Even the group of crazy people hunting in winter, they sweep small animals in their own designated hunting area, let alone place themselves on the traffic road meaninglessly.

Maharajas are heading to New Roseburg to participate in the Hanukkah offerings!

The news was released early.

Ordinary people in Novgorod naturally hope that the prince himself can spend the festive season in Novgorod. Obviously, the prince’s heart is for the real royal city.

It was rare for the prince to organize a postal team, and a small group of local Slavic businessmen also planned to take this opportunity to transport the purchased linen and honey to New Roseburg, hoping to sell them at a high price.

The people of Ostara also organized tiny caravans of reindeer under Carlotta’s instruction, just to make a profit by selling a batch of the latest hard cheese and blocks of butter.

Even the boyars of those traditional farms, when they found a business opportunity, they spontaneously organized a micro mission when they got the news, and transported a batch of honey to earn excellent iron tools for production and life.

They didn’t have to go forward in a group with great fanfare, because this road is full of challenges, and only hundreds of people walking together can eliminate the risk.

Many people poured into the city of Novgorod, and the noise became more and more intense.

Before departure, Rurik had a chat with the assembled Ragnar’s troops in person, and he also noticed the gathered local businessmen dressed like brown bears, and even Boyar’s envoys.

“You guys, borrow reindeer from the people of White Tree Manor? You pay your own travel expenses, and I don’t care about it.”

Tucao return to Tucao, it happens that Rurik himself will organize a huge sled team.

This winter, the desolate Danish Stonewall tribe engaged in all kinds of labor, the men and women who survived the war have earned a fortune through labor, and their enthusiastic expressions clearly indicate that they want to continue to do it.

They are also ordinary people. Once they get used to living a stable life, maybe they won’t be too obsessed with bloody revenge?

It would be nice for Rurik to chat with Ragnar at this opportunity.

The Danes of the Stonewall tribe now quite welcome the prince of Ross, Ragnar as the headman, and now also regard Rurik as a close relative.

The idlers in the warm house avoided, and Rurik and Ragnar talked face to face.

“Brother, I know that you are going to the north to participate in the Light Saving Society. Of course I will go about this matter. This time, I plan to bring all the men there, and give me any physical work…”

Ragnar’s words were very tricky, there was no conspiracy in his eyes, and his purpose was clear – to make more money during the festive season.

Rurik smiled frankly: “Why bring everyone? Your men are working all the time, and if they don’t have to, they spend the holidays in Novgorod. You don’t mind, the local Slavs are on the same side as our Vikings.” It’s a holiday.”

“Well, I still want to help you do more.”

“Just take your brothers from the logging team with you. You send twenty or thirty brothers. When you arrive at New Roseburg, I will arrange for you to visit the shipyard.”

“What do you mean?” Ragnar’s keen nerves were provoked.

Rurik calmed down, staring at him with vigilant eyes: “Don’t you want revenge? Isn’t it like attacking the villain King of Denmark? I can give you a chance.”

“Ah! Can I say a few words about myself?”

“Speaking.”

“I still think of Gotland, where I set up a stronghold, which is an easy way to attack my Danish enemies.”

“Yes.” Rurik answered simply.

“so……”

Ragnar could feel that the person in front of him was holding back a lot of words.

“I’ve made up my mind.” Rurik said, “Just like my Spuet, you can help you organize a powerful fleet. I authorize you to plunder in the name of Ross, and the looted supplies will be distributed to I can do half of it.”

“Huh? Can I use your big ship?”

“Yes! No. The shipbuilding factory in New Roseburg is already building large ships, and I am the owner of the ship. You take your brothers to fight with the Saaremaeans under Spuyut after the war. You The women and children of the tribe, all those who were wounded in the battle are here in Novgorod. Me! I will help you take care of them.”

Ragnar’s nerves were deeply touched, isn’t this a hostage?

According to his plan, he would stay here in Ross for the entire winter, and then evacuate next spring to find a new settlement and build a village. This plan seems to be ruined?

Rurik had anticipated this wise man’s hesitation. This man didn’t seem to be caught, and he didn’t want to be restrained.

But safe havens come at a price.

The development of things has been out of control of this man.

Rurik deliberately showed a smile, and whispered seductively: “Don’t you want to be the new king of Denmark? A new Denmark that lives in peace with the Principality of Ross and made a fortune in trade, a new king named Ragnar.”

Ragnar has ambitions, but his ambition to become king has not yet been firmed up.

Rurik took the initiative to mention this matter, and he was really moved.

An exiled nobleman has finally made his choice.

“Okay. It seems that there is no better solution than this. I can continue to work for you, but you must help me overthrow Horik’s rule in Denmark. I want to pay with blood! And the Franks behind it, I want Further revenge.”

“Can.”

In this way, Ragnar’s participation in the festival is to vote for Rurikner. The so-called Hanukkah in New Roseburg is naturally political. An opportunity for local nobles to perform Hajj.

Of course, it is very realistic to say that because Hanukkah will make the winter market in New Roseburg more lively, everyone needs a trading base to exchange for daily necessities, but New Roseburg is a material distribution center and an expanding production city. People who are extremely scarce in supplies can sell the big animals, small animals, leather, etc. they raise in exchange for iron tools that are beneficial to production.

Ragnar went in person, which was a form of surrender.

Therefore, the Pechenegs also rode there, which also reflected their respect for the Principality.

Who doesn’t want to talk about pomp?

As a prince, if he doesn’t intentionally show his flamboyant side, the public will find it inappropriate.

Rurik knew that he had to lead by example and interpret a way of life that a nobleman should have, such as wearing fine clothes, paying attention to hygiene, speaking calmly and behaving properly, and especially having a wise mind.

A not-so-small reindeer sled team has been formed, except for the ones that sit on people, the most sleds are full of oats and a small amount of hay.

Old Otto was older, he was dying.

Niya’s situation is better, and the countless grooves caused by aging are also engraved on her face.

As the prince, Rurik participated in the grand event, and Queen Svetlana, Duchess Carlotta of Ostara, and Countess Noren of Narvik must also go.

They are all Rurik’s wives and concubines, and they are obliged to participate in the grand event.

They were beautifully dressed, wrapped in white polar bear skins and showing a hint of domineering.

Svetlana hugged the three-and-a-half-year-old princess Velika, and Carlota hugged her half-year-old son Karl, even though she could have done otherwise.

The two children were born noble, and it was their duty to participate in the event. Even though Karl was only half a year old, participating in the event was a huge risk.

Only the poor two-year-old Reglav continued to stay in Novgorod, staying with his grandparents, and guarding the tomb of his biological mother, spending the third Hanukkah he experienced, and he was also two years old. Birthday and the anniversary of the death of the birth mother Queen Mary.

Thousands of people gathered by the frozen Volkhov River, and the team of reindeer sled and mixed horse team was ready to go.

People who lived in remote areas also came to watch the show and appreciate the heroic posture of the riders.

Otto pulled himself together and put on his beloved chain mail, a piece of buckskin on his body, a gold-studded leather helmet on his gray head, and his white beard swaying in the north wind.

His aging was astonishingly fast, and the old soldier who knew he was dying would rather die in battle. Obviously, the gods would not give him such a destination, but spend the last days of his old age in happiness.

He still looks like an old soldier, and he does not allow anyone to help him, so he stands on the snow with his patterned steel sword.

He is like a sculpture, staring at his son who is about to leave, his eyes are filled with thousands of words and needless to say.

Only the old lady Niya caressed her real only son Rurik carefully, kissed his son’s face constantly, and wished him a perfect success in the festival sacrifice he participated in and presided over.

“Mom, there is one more thing you should remember.” Rurik suddenly mentioned.

“What’s the matter?” Niya let go of her hand temporarily.

“It’s Rumia. Her second child is coming.”

“Ah! I remembered. How time flies, Verika also has a new brother or sister.”

Rurik nodded: “I’ll bring her back after the ceremony is finished. At that time, you still have to help me take care of the child.”

“That’s natural, more grandchildren, this is my happiness…”

This old woman had lost two sons in a row, and she gave all her love to her third son, Rurik.

Can the pain of losing a child in the early years really be smoothed by time?

The fact is that there are more and more grandchildren under my knees, and the pain of the past is really smoothed out.

Niya would rather spend all her later years taking care of her grandchildren. She expected that the youngest of all her son’s wives and concubines would also give birth to a child, so she would leave the human world surrounded by as many as twenty grandchildren. Honorable.

The prince has a close relationship with his husband and mother. Kagan, who is riding a horse, looks at him sideways, feeling a sense of envy and suspicion.

Could it be that an old couple is old enough to have children?

This couple is the original “Khan” of the Ross people. My Rurik brother is too young. Is there any hidden secret here?

Could it all be true?

Was it the favor of the god of the Rus, a boy who fell like a meteor and became the new Khan of the Rus?

Kagan didn’t dare to underestimate himself. He covered his face tightly, and even covered his mount with a layer of cloth to keep it warm.

A woolen scarf wraps around his fox fur hat, and wooden-framed sunglasses cover the last exposed eye skin.

The Pecheneg prince has become a “man in a cover” like a man. Not only does his personal protection against the cold reach extremes, but his mount is similar to other dependents.

Naturally, Rurik’s royal sleigh is the most outrageous. It is simply a walking tent, covered with a lot of leather to form a warm nest. Many wives and two children accompany Rurik, the most noble man in the principality. , All the way to avoid the wind and cold.

The final greetings ended here. Amidst the cheers of thousands of people, the sled team headed north along the Volkhov Glacier.

Ragnar and his brothers sat on the sled in thick clothes, talking about the interesting things they had encountered in New Roseburg.

The Pecheneg warriors, who covered their entire bodies to cover up, took the crossbows and other weapons they had just exchanged, and rode on the left and right as the guards of the team.

Rurik’s cavalry is the most ostentatious. While everyone is wearing extremely thick coats, their coats must be Ross shirts, and the principality’s iconic coat of arms must be clearly displayed.

Every principality cavalry carries a riding spear with a hook on the shaft directly attached to the back of the saddle.

The riding spear has a cold-glowing carbon steel spearhead, and the Ross banner hangs below it.

There was even a flag on each sledge, so that the whole procession was covered with Ross’s blue-and-white Peugeot.

This is really a beautiful big scene, which satisfies everyone’s needs for ostentation, and those Slavs who surrendered to the Principality of Ross also felt honored at this moment.

Obviously, the benefits of planting flags everywhere are huge. The team can maintain the stability of the team if they recognize the flags. If they fall behind for hundreds of years, the color of the white-capped world flag is also quite eye-catching, making it easy to return to the team quickly.

There are as many as 400 people of all kinds!

If it weren’t for a group of merchants who wanted to sell the local products of Lake Ilmen, there wouldn’t be such a large team.

Thanks to the large number of reindeer captured by the Principality in the past wars, this kind of creature is the only large livestock that can clear the snow and eat grass roots in winter.

At the beginning, the Pechenegs were very confident. However, with the snow all over the world and the cold wind like a knife that can be felt by removing the back clothes, even Kagan felt that this was inappropriate.

Kagan didn’t know that the Volkhov River runs in a strict north-south direction, and there are tall red pine and spruce forests on both sides of the river. This whole constitutes a roadway, and the cold from the Arctic can traverse it.

Thanks to the measures to keep out the cold, the team will not freeze to death or suffer from frostbite.

On the first rest day, the whole team rested close to the woodland, and the bonfire that ignited soon gave the people who were afraid of the cold strong confidence.

This was the first time in history that the Pechenegs went deep into the far north. Kagan was observing carefully and intending to tell his elders in his hometown on the grassland.

Ragnar was also marching on the glacier for the first time. The reindeer sleigh was something new to his people, and now the huge sleigh team of Prince Ross was even more novel, not to mention the team had cavalry guards.

Again they rejoiced to see that Rurik was carrying out his complete plan. It turned out that the brothers had never had to spend the night in the snow;

The horses and reindeer gnawed on the oats, and then gathered them together, relying on the big trees that can be seen everywhere, and made a windproof curtain with linen to shelter the sleeping horses and deer from the wind and cold.

As it was on the first day, so it was on the second day.

Even though the daylight hours are getting shorter and shorter and approaching that extreme value, as long as there is light, the whole team will form a tight formation and move forward.

It was a march at dawn, the team had just moved, and the bonfire of the camp that had just been dismantled was still burning slowly.

Kagan’s eyes were sleepy, and he inadvertently saw a large number of green ribbons appearing in the sky.

He cheered loudly when he saw it, and all the Pechenegs screamed with their heads raised.

Their abnormal behavior caused everyone to look up at the sky. Unlike the Pechenegs who made a fuss, the Russ, Danes, Finns, and Slavs in the team all looked up to appreciate the beautiful scenery.

Surprised, Kagan rode his horse towards the prince’s tented sleigh, and talked to Rurik, who was enjoying the aurora with his wife and concubine.

He pointed his whip at the sky: “Could this be your god’s sign? Is it a good omen? Or a bad omen?”

“You!” Rurik wanted to laugh, “Your culture doesn’t have this?”

Kagan was dumbfounded.

Rurik shrugged: “Of course it’s a good omen. Do you know about Valkyrie’s parade? Odin’s servant Valkyrie will parade in winter, and the streamers you see are the traces they left. They will choose heroes on the ground , when a hero dies in battle, the soul can enter the temple, which is an endless glory. By the way, the lost high priest of our Ross people, her soul went to heaven, and she became a new Valkyrie, her eyes looking at us!”

Kagan half-understood, at least he could realize one thing, the so-called Rus people may also believe that the souls of their dead relatives can go to the sky and merge with Tengger.

On the contrary, he is completely convinced of one thing. The so-called this place is indeed a sanctuary, and the Ross people are truly blessed by their gods. The brilliant ribbons in the sky are the best indication.

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Many visitors from foreign countries will think that the aurora in the sky of the Far North Kingdom is evidence of the gods. Rurik does not want to expose the scientific principles inside. Not only is it unnecessary, but this matter can also be used by the Principality, right?

The country under the aurora is really the Principality of Ross!

It is a testament to the glory of the Principality!

Now a group of warriors have rushed to the boundless frozen Ladoga Lake, and have passed the town of Ladoga where the winter catchers gather.

I met another group of fishermen at the place where Walnut Fort is today.

Without any delay, the team had already entered the frozen channel of the Neva River, and all that was left was the final rush to enter the real royal city of the Ross Principality, New Roseburg.

They have already seen the towering wooden city walls, and even the forest of masts of the entire huge fleet moored on the river channel frozen by ice.

Fortunately, Rurik stood in the cold wind, and he couldn’t help pulling out his sword: “Brothers! We are finally here! Speed up! Back to Roseburg!”

Horses and deer started a rare gallop on the glacier, more than 300 flags fluttered…

[End of this Chapter]