Rise of Rurik

Latest website: Blackbird was extremely envious. How she fantasized that she could be like Verica, with a father who could tolerate her acting like a spoiled child.

King Rus, at least here, is a nice and nice guy.

The blackbirds can easily figure out the matters about the king of Rus commanding his army to fight in various places through those publications.

Those "War Chronicles" were all in Latin. The standard version of the publication was once beyond her comprehension. However, the national printing agency was in the capital, and the people there were directly responsible to the king. How they worked, Blackbird already knew a little bit. One or two.

She cares more about the content of those printed materials.

In the Great Temple, she must study the first classic of Rus, the Saga of Rus, which has a church Latin version, which records the "Genesis" compiled by Rurik for Rus, as well as various stories.

Compared with the stories learned from those parchment manuscripts "Gospels" during Frank's career, the "Rossaga" also seems to be very reasonable. It describes a sacred world that has passed away. Gods, elves, goblins, dwarves, heroes... Maybe they all really existed, and it was precisely because of their existence that the current northern world was created.

Today, new heroes are writing new stories.

Several "Chronicles of War" record key battles during the rise of Rus. The King of Rus has been commanding armies in battles since he was a child. If those records are true, it would explain everything the Rus army did in Aachen.

Before Blackbird actually saw King Rus commanding an army to directly kill, at least now, she already had some admiration for the king in front of her.

The meal was almost eaten, and there was something on the glass plate.

There are some leftovers of cold meat left in the soup, and the vegetable soup in the pottery vat is also bottomed out.

Rurik has not yet issued an order to summon some noble people for a small meeting that night, except for Blue Fox - that guy is still dawdling?

"He is too slow." Rurik sat calmly on the wooden chair, holding a small wooden branch between his teeth. After removing the minced meat residue, I couldn't help but complain a few more words: "Now that the blue fox is here, I have to ask him what he is dawdling with."

"Maybe it was something silly, or maybe he was drunk."

After muttering a few words, Rumia stood up and started to clear away the tableware on the table with her own hands.

Rurik stopped her: "Leave it here, don't put away the bowls and chopsticks. When the blue fox comes, he will think that we are still eating, so that there will be no embarrassment."

"Hehe." Lumia smiled sideways: "Is it necessary to care about him?"

"Let's talk about yours. Rumia! And, Gisla."

Blackbird remained cautious because she didn't know what else to do after dinner. Besides, she was already a little embarrassed and was not in a good mental state after the hard work today.

She never thought that the high priest and the king could talk and act so peacefully. The high priest, who was usually aloof, was just a docile servant in front of the king.

Blackbird suddenly raised his head: "Do you have anything else to do with me?"

"Of course. You... all do well." Rurik faced the three women at the dining table. She asked specifically about Rumia: "This time I am going on an expedition to Frank. The focus is to unite with Ludwig to defeat Lotai. Er. I have been preparing for this battle for a long time, how is your situation?"

Rumia understood everything and nodded: "I will prepare a grand sacrificial ceremony for the king. I wish you the best."

The king was victorious. I will also organize some priests to go out with the army, so that the souls of those who died gloriously in battle will immediately return to Valhalla. "

"Very good. So, who will participate? You are the high priest and have the obligation to stay in the capital to preside over the plans. Have you prepared the candidates for the expedition?"

"Yes." Rumia gently twisted her round little head: "Velika is the deputy priest, and she can set off as the leader this time. The other one is the Frankish princess, Blackbird!"

Even if Rumia didn't say anything, Rurik still wanted to take his daughter with him on the expedition. This was not an act to compensate the father for his daughter, but because Verica had given her a mission three years ago. With her qualifications and abilities, it was very suitable to become the chief priest accompanying the army.

As for this blackbird... he can actually participate in the operation as a priest?

When talking about the blackbird, Rumia's lips actually trembled a little because she also felt that her opinion was risky.

"Gisla!" Rurik suddenly shouted and called Blackbird by his real name, which frightened the girl into thinking.

"Ross...King Ross?!"

"Do you dare to go to Frank as a priest? Maybe you will meet your biological father and those high-ranking priests. Do you... dare to go?"

"I dare!" The girl answered very decisively, but after her simple words, her trembling eyes seemed to still be hesitant.

"It feels like your will is not strong enough. How can I believe that you have really joined us?"

"I. I have betrayed my father Lothair!"

"This is not enough. Even if you really marry the blue fox, this is still not enough. Unless..." Rurik pinched his beard

Something comes to mind: "Do you have any runes on you?"

"What is that? Do you have strange patterns tattooed on your body?" The smart blackbirds subconsciously folded their arms and curled up.

"It seems that you don't have runes." Rurik shrugged and glanced at his wife and daughter: "I did not force the priestesses to tattoo runes, even for warriors, only recognized warriors Only then are you qualified to get tattoos. How do you feel? The high priest seems to value you very much!"

"I……"

Rurik slammed the table: "This will be the best proof! It proves that you have been separated from the Gisla in the past. Even if you meet your biological father Lothair, showing the runes on your body is to tell her that you My heart is already in the north. Do you...do it?!"

"This..." Blackbird hesitated for a while, his eyes trembling, and suddenly asked: "Will it hurt to tattoo the runes?"

Rurik, who ran towards the girl and threatened the girl severely, smiled with satisfaction: "It doesn't hurt. Don't worry, the runes are on your back and not on your face. Gisla, you are an outsider after all. , can you really convince the locals of Gothenburg if you want to be the Countess of Gothenburg? Unless you can show the runes on your body, they will be able to recognize your identity..."

Conversations between smart people who know current affairs often don't need to explain the problem clearly. Rurik seems to be playing a riddle, but in fact the blackbird has already understood.

Regarding the fact that she will become the Countess of Gothenburg, King Ross has already acquiesced and is waiting for the blue fox to confirm this.

The only compromise he had to make was to have one more tattoo rune on his skin.

On this issue, Ruri

Ke boasts that his handling method can be described as a sharp plot.

In the current era, even if the Catholic Church has not yet carried out the reforms of the tenth century, it is okay if a senior priest insists on putting on armor and becoming a warrior who charges into battle.

In Frankia, most of the senior clergy participated in government affairs directly as advisors to the emperor. These clergy exercised the authority of the princes in their own parishes, just like a small kingdom that combined politics and religion.

It was not until after that reform that the priests abided by the rules and regulations and gave up a lot of secular power, especially military power. In this way, although senior priests could be ordered to lead troops to fight, they could no longer go into battle to kill the enemy in person.

Even if some of the priests of this era were cruder, they would never have had any tattoos on themselves.

Rurik, the northern bishop who spreads the gospel in the northern world, Eskil, learned from this old guy the so-called Archbishop of Reims' attitude towards "tattoos".

"True devout people, no one should let their skin be covered with tattoos like pagan believers (referring to those who believe in the Nordic gods). Those who are bewitched by the apostles of Satan will definitely encounter disaster if they get tattoos. True devout people , don’t associate with those who use stinging needles to make runes, lest you get too close to them and your soul will be corrupted..."

The system pursued by the Archbishop of Reims profoundly affected the church in the north.

Utrecht, Bremen, Hamburg, and even the domain of Mrs. Oberlidy Tesla. The Saxons and some West Slavs who converted to Christianity believed the priests and abandoned the tradition of tattoos.

Of course, there is also the most pragmatic reason——

Under Charlemagne, the presence of tattoos became an important indicator of distinguishing between friend and foe.

The rebellious Saxon chieftain Widukind and his troops revived tattoos as a wise move, while the Danes further north had intricate runic tattoos.

As the king of Rus, Rurik is not exempt from this issue. He has a rune called Aegisjimr on his arm.

Tattoos are not a matter of personal preference in this day and age.

Believers of the Lord are not allowed to have tattoos, otherwise it is treason. If a woman does this, she is a witch and a heretic!

Some believers may be traitors, but the Frankish-Danish War has ended. After the war, the Danish nobility placed more emphasis on their northern runes.

It becomes a symbol of binary opposition. Friend or foe? Showing the runes tattooed on their arms at least proved that both of them believed in the Northern God.

Blackbird understands this deeply. She knows that as long as she really gets a tattoo, there will be no turning back.

Turn back? Why look back?

She thought about it again, Nunuzui spread her hands on the table, and then faced Rurik with the back of her hands. "Right here, I have runes tattooed on my upper hand and runes tattooed on my back."

"Oh?" Rurik's eyes lit up.

"And!" Suddenly, Blackbird lifted up the bangs on his forehead and showed his forehead: "Tattoo a text here so that I will never regret it!"

In this era, there is almost only one way to remove tattoos - destroying the skin with a soldering iron. This is the most effective method, but it may lead to death from bacterial infection or scurvy.

Rurik had to be shocked by this girl's decision.

"Are you crazy? Why should it be so extreme if it's just a tattoo?!"

Verica was shocked. She grabbed her best friend's arm to prevent Blackbird from being so crazy.

"I do." Blackbird stared into Rurik's eyes: "If this can make you really trust me."

Having said this, Rurik asserted: "This is the only way I feel most at ease."

In Rus, or the entire northern world, there is a kind of rune tattoo that is described as the most magical. Rurik understands it and makes people tattoo it on their upper arms.

Pronounced "Aegisjimr" in the Norse dialect of Rus, it is actually the spelling of two words, Aegisjimr, the name of Aegis, and Ymir, the creation giant of the northern world. It has a central point with stripes radiating in eight directions, forming a trident-like pattern at the end.

This cultural concept is indeed influenced by ancient Greek culture, just like the traditional rune script in the north is also an alienated ancient Greek alphabet.

This rune means "protecting life", and it seems that if you get it tattooed, you will receive blessings from the gods.

So as a servant of God, it would be perfect for a priest to have this rune tattooed on him.

…

Finally, the blue fox arrived late. He took off his shoes and was allowed to enter the third floor of the palace. He couldn't help but be a little surprised. After all, that was where the king slept. How could he be better than other ministers to be so close to the king.

He took off all his weapons and even changed his clothes to prevent his smoky smell from irritating the king.

He climbed to the third floor barefoot and saw Wang, who seemed to be still eating, and even the girl...

The blue fox couldn't help but look at the blackbird, and then half-knelt in front of Rurik: "Your Majesty, I'm late, please

You atone for your sins. "

"You are indeed late." Rurik was still sitting on the wooden chair, deliberately teasing: "If you come earlier, we can have dinner together. Now there is no food and drink! Tell me, the messenger has been looking for you a long time ago, What are you doing?"

"I...I was with the new soldiers. As you know, I thought you were in the military camp in the city. I never thought that I would be detained by the officers when I entered the military camp. They were all going to the battlefield. , want to get more detailed information about Frank from my mouth, I am really unable to get away from them..."

Rurik hurriedly interrupted this guy's nonsense: "So, you had dinner with them?"

"Yes."

"Okay, that's a clumsy answer but it makes sense. Come on! Bring a stool and let's have a good chat." Rurik emphasized his tone: "You must be with your woman and let's have a good chat."

Hearing this, Blue Fox was startled. He and Blackbird haven't seen each other for a few days. This girl is sitting here, obviously having dinner with the king. I am sitting here. Could it be that the king already knows everything or approves everything?

When the blue fox behaved himself, Rurik started talking very relaxedly: "You are such an old fox. Some people say that you don't like women. In my opinion, it is nonsense. But I never thought that you like girls. of."

Just because he was aware of the king's attitude, the blue fox stopped trying: "Because too many things have happened, I really like Blackbird now. She will be my wife. In a few years, she will become my true wife." When I grow up, I will have a wedding. If the king is willing."

"Of course I do

! I remember that it was fourteen years ago, you started working for Ross, and time has proven your absolute loyalty. You are my friend, but I miss you because you haven’t gotten married and have no children. So, do you still call her blackbird now? This is not her real name. "

Blue Fox lowered his head slightly and smiled: "The king knows everything. Yes, she is Gisla, the princess I kidnapped from Aachen. So many things have happened! Except for my mother, this She is the woman I miss most."

"Oh? If your mother went to Asgard, then this Gisla would be the one you miss the most?"

"Yes. Since the king is aware of my request, I ask for your permission."

"Permission! Permission must be given. However, I have made a deal with Gisla."

The blue fox policeman felt like he raised his head: "What?"

"Don't worry, don't be so nervous. Gisla must prove her separation from Frank with practical actions. She will be tattooed with Aegisjimr. In this way, she can only get the blessings of the northern gods. Only in this way will I be willing to let her become a priest. . On this expedition, I will take Gisla, who has completed the rune tattoos, as an accompanying priest to participate in various necessary rituals on the battlefield."

The blue fox heard it clearly, and when he thought about the past thirteen years of Gisla's life, he felt a little worried about the girl's resume.

"You hesitated?" Rurik asked.

"No."

"Gisla has agreed. Attention! My time in the capital is very precious. I will immediately arrange for someone to complete the tattoo on her. You also have tattoos on your body, and so does I. In fact, I was supposed to be with you last year.

I will discuss the expedition with you in detail. I have changed my mind. We will discuss this matter in detail tomorrow. I only have one task for you tonight! "

"Are you supervising those women giving tattoos to the Gisla tribe?" Blue Fox suddenly realized and asked.

"Yes. Listen, I have agreed to your marriage, but when Gisla reaches the age when lower priests must retire, she must leave. By then she will be sixteen, and then you will have a marriage recognized by the king. , that’s when she was truly the Countess of Gothenburg.”

Undoubtedly, this was the good thing that made Blue Fox the most overjoyed, as if he came to the prince just to receive this reward from the king.

He hurriedly knelt down, held his heart in his right hand and thanked her repeatedly.

"Next, you can take her away." Rurik gave Blackbird another look and comforted: "There will be a stinging sensation at the beginning, and the skin at the tattooed location will also be swollen. It will take up to three days for all The swelling will disappear, and there are many indelible runes on your body."

The decision has been made, and this is Blackbird's most thorough declaration of submission.

The cross pendant that was thrown into the Rhine is nothing in itself. If you lose one and get another one to hang around your neck, you can pretend that nothing happened.

The tattoos on the body can only be covered up with clothes. If you really want to remove them, your life may end in the process. Because there is no concept of "tattoo removal" in this era, there is only damage such as knife cutting and soldering iron, each of which is an inhuman torture with huge risks.

Her feet seemed to be tied with lead weights, and at the thought of getting tattooed immediately, Blackbird, who had dinner with King Ross in such an abrupt manner, was no longer sleepy due to the strong mental stimulation. She finally left the palace under the pull of Blue Fox.

, standing outdoors at this moment, the cool breeze is blowing, and if the sky is not full of stars, it is completely dark.

It seemed as if he was about to step into darkness. "Then make friends with darkness! Frank may not be bright either."

Her wrist was gently pulled by Lan Hu, just as she left the palace. The followers of Blue Fox came over one after another.

Everyone remained silent, and the followers did not dare to ask the boss what happened in the palace, or even why the blackbird dressed as a priest could follow the boss and escape the control of the high priest.

Until, the followers were surprised that they were led by the boss to the craftsmen in the capital who specialized in rune tattoos.

Then their jaws dropped.

After all, the followers had been to Aachen to plunder, and they knew the identity of Theresa the Blackbird very well. The daughter of a dignified Roman emperor wants to get tattoos of runes? Not only that, but Blue Fox, who had a clear grasp of the capital, also accurately found an old woman who was good at tattooing, a Malaren native who immigrated to New Roseburg with her skills.

Because the capital has a huge population, the tattoo business here is really a blue ocean market. Those squealing boys admire the glory of their fathers and hope to get some honors before they get real military exploits. Tattooing runes on their bodies is very necessary for Russian culture. Especially tattoos with patterns that symbolize courage and masculinity have divine power that enable young people to perform meritorious service on the battlefield.

Most of the people engaged in this profession are women, and only some older women are proficient in the craft.

They don't care what the customer is like. The old lady accepted Blue Fox's money, so she doesn't care that the customer is just a girl with curly hair. But considering that this was also a woman, he led her into the inner room and drew the curtain

On the bed, he asked the girl to lie down on the bed covered with leather cushions, used an oil lamp as lighting, mixed the blue ink, and started working with a slender steel needle...