Rise of Rurik

Fisk has no hatred towards the Semigalians, but has a strong interest in plundering.

In the early morning, the river surrounded by forests was soaked in thick fog. The soldiers sleeping on blankets on the grass, when the bonfire gradually extinguished, their clothes gradually became damp.

There are more mosquitoes, and these annoying guys know that the exposed skin of the soldiers has become more itchy, red, and swollen.

They got up one after another, added more firewood to the smoldering fire, and dried their wet clothes as quickly as possible.

"Hurry up and get things done as quickly as possible. Prepare all your weapons and launch a surprise attack on the first village you encounter."

Fisk walked back and forth in the camp giving orders. Knowing that there was a battle today, the soldiers became excited and all the sleepiness was gone.

After they finished handling their personal matters, packed and folded all their bedding and put it back on their saddles, they began to assemble on the spot.

Fisk did not hesitate any longer. He rode on his horse and raised his hands to the brothers who had already boarded the boat one after another and shouted: "We are one step ahead. We will meet in that village!"

When he shouted this, Stekander felt somewhat uncomfortable and shouted in response at the top of his lungs: "Are you going to get rid of us?"

"I don't want to wait. The cavalry will rush in as quickly as possible. By the time you arrive at the village, I will have finished my work."

Fisk didn't talk nonsense anymore. He clamped his horse uniform with his legs, and the horse rushed forward. The three cavalry teams started to charge, and soon disappeared under the cover of the forest, leaving only the green grass covered by the horse's hooves. A lot of black mud was turned over.

"Hey, you're so crazy." Stekander shook his head, and then he calmly said hello and was ready.

The brothers continued rowing upstream.

The cavalry's collective raid was so eye-catching that Ostein, who was standing on the boat, couldn't help but sweat. "They couldn't really destroy that village."

"Oh?" Stekander rolled his eyes at the guy: "Are you so kind and pitiful about those guys who accept your tribute?"

"People in Gawa Village have never done this. I have been running this route for many years and have even stayed there. I have a good impression of those people."

"Could it be that your old friend is in the village? You should have told this secret earlier. It's too late, unless you get on your horse and tell the villagers to surrender immediately to avoid death." Stekander finally shook his head: "It's still too late! That bald guy can be a villain sometimes.”

If Rurik sometimes behaves kindly, Fisk is basically ruthless in matters related to combat.

This raid on Fisk did not require the cavalry to kill all the villagers. All actions were done independently by the soldiers.

In this way, whether the cavalry is fierce or restrained is only related to the warrior's personal wishes.

As for these cavalrymen, who are mainly teenagers...

They consider themselves to be the guards of King Rus who have been blessed by Odin's divine power, and they are Odin's warriors. The act of killing is a kind of blood sacrifice. They can be merciful for the purpose of catching slaves, but the warriors compare with each other by killing enemies on the battlefield. If you don't have the ability to kill indiscriminately, you will be ruthless.

As a result, a devastating disaster hit the unknown village of Gawa like a flood.

The location of the village is obviously closer to Riga, and the locals know that the Latvians there are hostile to each other.

However, because the other party never took the initiative to invade, the village's military preparedness has been lax for a long time.

In the Lielupe River section of Gava Village, the water here is shallow enough for people to swim directly across the river. The river water can flood one's chest, and it is not very difficult to cross the river by stepping on the mud at the bottom.

The river is relatively wide and the water flow is very slow, making the environment here very suitable for fish survival. There are a large number of streams nearby that feed into the river, so fishermen don't have to worry about running out of water to catch fish.

But they still have some risks to consider.

If there is a sudden heavy rain in the upstream area, the rising water level of the Lielupe River will not only cause floods to destroy village buildings, but also cause many creeks to directly change their courses.

Therefore, although the settlement of Mezotne is still close to the river, as long as the buildings are still standing on the mounds. Flood waters can destroy people's docks, but are never strong enough to reach mounds.

In this era, no one had stepped forward to organize a large number of people to build water conservancy projects and build embankments to dredge the channels of major rivers to ensure that the river channels were stable and would not change their channels for no reason. No one had deliberately built dams and reservoirs at key parts of small rivers for urban water needs.

To put it mildly, the living environment of the Semigalian people is full of vitality. To put it crudely, it means that because the people here live in a much lower-lying environment than the Latvians in the north, they cannot give up the advantage of settling along the river, so they have to face Flood risk.

As they call themselves and outsiders call them - Lowlanders.

Compared with the "lowlands", the environment of Gawa Village is a "lowland". When the river passes through it, it enters the most low-lying area in the region.

This can be seen in the macro-geography, after passing the village of Gawa (Ye

The Lielupe River in Elgava has not only dense forests on the left and right banks, but also large swamps. In the current era when there is no land reclamation, it is a coastal mud pond full of woods that is hopeless and worthless.

It is the so-called Kemeri National Park. It is now even larger in scale. A similar environment is enough to trap the Sword Knights who accidentally entered it and cause the entire army to be annihilated.

Fisk knew nothing about the environment in this area. Based on his experience, he would deliberately advance along the main river. Since the area around Lake Ilmen under the rule of the Russians also had a similar environment, he did not dare to take the risk of causing the cavalry to leave the river and wander around. If the horse's hoof gets stuck in the mud, the horse will have to be roped and a dozen people will work together to pull the unlucky guy out of the mud.

Following the flow of the river, the lake is often covered with reeds, and there must be a meadow area along the river. The intricate root system of the grass is intertwined, like a soft blanket to ensure that the horse will not get trapped.

Although we have gone deep inland, the channel of the Lielupe River is still wide. What is strange is that the surrounding forest has also retreated significantly. The field of vision has gradually become wider, and the horses' hooves have kicked up more grass and mud.

"Has the earth become wet?" He lowered his head and took a look, feeling that the environment here was becoming more and more like the lakeside meadow area at the southernmost end of Lake Ilmen.

"Everyone, pay attention." He turned back and ordered to the soldiers: "Pay attention to your horses! The grass here has become muddy, be careful not to let the horses fall."

The soldiers became cautious one after another. For the sake of safety, the cavalry deliberately stayed away from the river, and the formation became scattered.

They always keep this responsibility in mind

The formation is deployed for the safety of the march and to display its due combat effectiveness in the subsequent battle.

Fisk was ready for battle, but he really ignored a small problem.

Osten only said that there was a village of Gawa, but did not describe the specific location of the village.

This village has a small population and scattered houses. What is special about it is that the villages are distributed on the left and right banks.

Fisk never had too many worries, and now the cavalry he led had touched the right bank of Gawa Village.

There are obvious village buildings in the relatively open area. Its architectural style reminds people of traditional Nordic longhouses. However, based on the geographical characteristics of this river section, the villagers dug wooden piles in the soft soil and laid wooden boards on the piles to build. The herringbone-shaped wooden house isolates moisture, ensures the stability of the house, and avoids erosion by rising rivers.

Those fishing on the river saw the sudden arrival of a large number of horseback riders and noticed the flags they were flying.

Who is coming? Could Gao be a new mercenary hired by the Latvians?

Although the people in this village know nothing about Ross, because the world is not peaceful, the fact that the villagers do not defend their homes does not mean that they are stupid and do not know the danger.

The fishermen rowed their canoes to the right bank and kept yelling at the people on the right bank to get on the boat and evacuate to the left bank. The noise they made was so loud that it immediately alerted the residents on the left bank.

Although they made some response, it was too late.

Fisk narrowed his eyes and took a closer look: "No, those villagers are trying to escape. Everyone split up and attack, follow me towards the river! The trumpeter blows the trumpet immediately! Tell them what to do!"

His personal lieutenant blows a low horn, sounding in a special rhythm.

The low trumpet sound was extremely penetrating and could still be heard by all the soldiers amidst the chaos. The special trumpet rhythm represents the attack, and more importantly, the offensive strategy of each flag team.

In such a situation, the lance stuck in the saddle became superfluous. The brothers are not fighting openly with the enemy. The so-called enemies are clearly a group of villagers running for their lives. The usefulness of the lance is gone, but the Ross flag on the barrel of the gun cannot be tarnished.

The cavalrymen were seen struggling to insert their lances into the soft ground, and then they held the reins and recurve bows with their left hands at the same time, with their right hands against the quivers, and they launched a charge with a slight bow.

The three flag corps actually present nine battle formations.

Each of the nine centurions was divided into three fighting groups.

This time Fisk changed the usual tactics of the Ross cavalry and quickly began to shrink the encirclement after completing the three-way siege of the villages on the right bank.

The warriors began shooting arrows, targeting all moving personnel.

The villagers were shot in the back while screaming. After falling down, they endured the pain and still tried to move away.

The cavalry showed no mercy. They had no urgent need to capture slaves, so they launched an indiscriminate attack.

If Rurik were present, he might have stopped the cavalry from excessive behavior, but in Fisk's view, it was clearly a symbol of strong martial virtue, and there was no need to impose restrictions at all.

The cavalry quickly entered the village on the right bank. They were so skilled that they put away their bows, drew their swords and stabbed the scurrying villagers mercilessly. They also trampled the injured with their horses, and the steel horses' hooves trampled the poor people to death. .

On the other side of the battlefield, the most powerful troops led by Fisk

The elite 1st Cavalry had complete control of the small dock.

The villagers who were preparing to flee with their whole families were all killed. The warriors who had been sharpening their swords for more than several months were eager for a killing or a "blood sacrifice to Odin". When Fisk thought it was time to capture two prisoners for future use, this Only then did I notice that the villages on the right bank under the cavalry were ready to be wiped out.

People on horseback were still shooting arrows at the people who were forcibly crossing the river. Those who were swimming in the river were hit by arrows and died. Even the rowers who were rowing desperately dragged their injured bodies and even rowed while vomiting blood. It seemed that as long as they reached the other side, they would be able to Stay alive.

"They are running for their lives, boss, should we cross the river to chase them?" The meaning of the subordinates standing next to Fisk was obvious.

Fisk calmed down a little and said loudly: "No more pursuit."

"Why bother? If they cross the river through water, our cavalry can also cross."

"Forget it." Fisk glanced at the brother and said, "Are you going to let your loyal mount get wet? If the war horse gets soaked in water and gets sick, how will it fight in the future?"

"this……"

Fisk gave another order to the trumpeter beside him, and the trumpet sound representing "stop attacking" began to sound throughout the area.

Under the sound of the trumpet, he shouted to the soldiers around him: "Don't waste any more arrows, put away your bow. You are not allowed to cross the river and continue the attack. Let the brothers in the rowing boats handle the rest. We can't be too greedy." "

The cavalry did not have the ability to quickly attack the other side of the river. Even if they could swim across the river, the Lielupe River, which was still 200 meters wide, still posed a huge challenge to the cavalry.

The Ross cavalry are all elite now, and Fisk also knows that the king will definitely go as planned for this expedition.

Mobilize the war horse resources of all Russia. Ross's family is weak when it comes to horses, and Fisk doesn't want to take risks. If he causes undue losses, he will definitely be punished by the king in the future.

The bloody swords were washed clean by the river. The cavalry soldiers dismounted and inspected the corpses. They gave the dying people a happy ending, recovered the arrows, and then entered various houses to plunder...

Some men who were hiding were killed, and soldiers who dismounted during this period were also attacked by surprise.

The soldiers came prepared, their armor protected their bodies from harm, and in their rage, they assassinated all the counterattackers.

Even if Fisk did not issue a clear order, the villages on the right bank were eventually slaughtered. The cavalry even considered that they could use the houses here to spend the night tonight. In order to avoid any bad luck, they dragged all the corpses out of the village. When some soldiers tried to throw the corpses into the quietly flowing Lielupe River, this move was finally Terminated by Fisk's order.

"Give the dead the last dignity, dig a hole and bury them."

Although the soldiers were reluctant, they had no choice but to take out the shovels from their saddles, mount the long wooden poles and start digging a large hole outside the village.

The bloodstains outdoors were quickly covered up by the soil. The pits were quickly dug out of the soft soil, and the corpses were thrown in and quickly buried in a mess.

The soldiers had no extravagant hopes for loot. No one found any silver coins in this village, only a few copper coins, but not many.

Some axes were seized. They were made of wrought iron and were not strong enough and had obvious rust on the surface. The same was true for the short spears and javelins found. The black iron tools were completely different in color from the regular weapons of the Russian army.

Bullying the unprepared

The villagers couldn't say it was glorious, and calling it a "blood sacrifice to Odin" was a bit far-fetched in the eyes of the calmed down warriors.

The two flag captains arrived at the dock one after another and talked to Fisk who was standing here wandering around.

"Mustache" Karl himself is a veteran from the first team. Although his subordinates are all young people, they have become veterans after experiencing the battle against Smolensk. Because his subordinates are young, his third cavalry team is even more brave and fierce.

"Boss." He was still happy to call Fisk by his old title: "Brothers are too ruthless. Even if I wanted to capture prisoners of war, I couldn't."

"My people are just as vicious." The speaker was Pig-nose Sven.

"I don't expect any mercy from you. Have you found any valuable loot? For example, some silver coins."

They both shook their heads.

"It seems that this village is really poor."

"Fortunately, we found some wheat and dried fish. Although the quality is not as good as ours, it can still be regarded as supplies." Sven said frankly.

"Then let's loot them all."

"Yes! But, can we use the captured ship to go to the other side? We can also search the village over there." Swain continued.

"No need. Sell Stekander a favor. Anyway, this village is so poor. Even if you go to the other side, all you can get is some dried fish."

"But." Hukar held back his words: "Would it be detrimental to us to let the villagers over there run away? They will probably go to Mezot to report the news. When we get there, we may face armed forces. The militiamen are up.”

"It doesn't matter." Fisk waved his hand: "Anyway, that is the only way for our army to pass. If we can

A showdown would be perfect so we can take them all out in one battle. I don't mind letting them go, it would be great if those people could prepare the militia before we arrive! The three thousand Latvians organized in this way should also join the fight. "

Spuyut was one of the planners of this operation, but he did not come because of his duties. Riga needed to be guarded by important people, so that when the Russian army arrived, it could have good contact with the King of Rus.

Spjut did not come, but his son Erik Spjutsson was busy rowing on the Lielupe River with his brothers and Stekander's group of Danes.

The battle was over, and when the fleet of boats arrived one after another with large oars swaying on the river, the cavalry was already moving freely in the village. The riverside is dotted with long spears and wooden poles, with a large number of Ross flags flying on them. At first glance, it seems that an extremely large army has occupied the village, which is very intimidating.

"It seems they have succeeded!" Stekander shouted excitedly to Osten.

"I saw it. Damn it, it looks like they killed all the villagers."

"What? Are you unhappy?"

"I don't dare!" Osten roared with anger, then lowered his head and whispered like a hungry wolf: "Now, the blood feud between you and the Semigalians has been concluded."

"Oh? I heard it all. Blood feud? It doesn't matter, anyway, the feud was forged ten years ago." Stekander didn't take it seriously and said: "Friend, you can talk to Fisk on horseback about anything. . Our next step is to attack Mezotne. If you can give some good advice, they will reward you.

"