Rise of Rurik

A new day has arrived!

None of the deer keepers froze to death on a cold night in the past.

In fact, there are more of them, because five men froze to death in the middle of the night because of mining for the Kewen people. The women were "properly protected", but they also paid a price. Under extreme conditions, these deer-raiser women had to compromise.

Now, having learned the good news that all the violent Kewen people have been eradicated, the new master has the attitude of a saint instead. All the deer breeders were very relieved to hear this news.

In the early morning, each of them got a small piece of wheat cake and a small amount of jerky, and everyone felt that the Ross boy named Rurik was a shaman they could trust.

Originally, Otto thought it would be difficult for his son to tame a group of deer breeders, but as a result, those guys had become a persistent existence! He felt that his son must have performed some kind of miracle to force them to surrender.

If there is a miracle, it does.

From the perspective of a deer breeder, a blond boy who seemed to emerge from the snow and spoke the language of a deer breeder, led a group of strong men, killed all the Kewen people and rescued everyone. This is not a miracle again. what is it?

Rurik ate some wheat cakes as usual, and drank some heated snow water.

He asked his father, "What are we going to do next? Go home?"

"No!" Otto categorically denied, and then with a wink, Kawi hurried over.

Kawei said bluntly: "Rurik, I have decided with the big leader. This hill is a treasure land of geomantic feng shui, it is a big mine, I feel that the whole mountain is iron ore, and we should explore its value!"

"Establish a stronghold?" Rurik asked.

"Of course. I can tell you with certainty that this is the best iron ore I've ever seen, and it's not even ordinary iron ore."

"Really? The best ore?"

"Exactly."

Rurik was suspicious, but Kawhi's words were the truth. Because the hill occupied by the Rus is also unique in the whole of Europe.

Because it is an open pit chromite mine, the only chromite mine in Europe. Not to mention that it is really a small hill with a height of less than 100 meters.

Kawai, who is highly sensitive to ore, discovered this condition.

For the past night, Kawei's mind was full of occupying and developing the entire mine. At dawn, he took the hammer he carried and the iron chisel that he captured, and climbed up the top of the hill to dig some ore finely.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to talk, he deliberately took out his carefully selected ore specimens from the burlap pocket.

He showed Rurik a dense, reflective, silver-grey rock.

"I know, it's an iron ore. It still seems special."

"It's the most special one." Kawhi shrugged. "You know what? It's very hard. The chisels of the Corvins were so worn, it took me a lot of work to chisel such a rock. In my opinion, this rock After polishing it, it can be directly used as a spearhead or arrow, or even a knife for cutting meat."

"Ah? Is it such an exaggeration?!" Rurik was a little surprised.

"Otherwise? What do you think those Kewen people came to dig here for?"

"Of course it's mining and smelting!"

Rurik's answer of course aroused strong suspicion from Kawi: "Rurik, you think too highly of them. They did smelt some iron, and the quality is really terrible. In my opinion, they will definitely grind the ore directly into weapons. .Trust me, these ore can definitely make a stone axe."

Kawhi's words aroused some associations in Rurik, which may be the case.

Not to mention this unnamed mine, the iron ore vein in the hills near Roseburg, Rurik believes that its iron content is absolutely high, so that when two pieces of ore are struck, there is a strong metal Voice. Even grinding the ore, you can see the metallic luster.

But the Russ have mastered the ability to turn ore into mild steel.

Otto let the two chat for a while, and after they were quiet, he pointed at the top of the mountain: "This is an unexpected surprise given to us by God, it is the second mine discovered by the Rus people. Rurik, I have decided that we must build a new stronghold here in the future."

"Ah? So suddenly?" Rurik said subconsciously in surprise.

"Is it inappropriate?"

"No...I...I support it."

Otto saw that his son was a little hesitant. He didn't understand the current Rurik. He felt that the Russ suddenly built a stronghold in the north, and this expansion was a bit big. After all, it is to occupy a rare iron mine. Perhaps in the future, the Rus will get huge benefits from this Shangqiu.

To build it, the Russ must first make an investment. After all, building a settlement is by no means as simple as migrating a few people.

Besides, the current situation is that the tribes who are willing to emigrate prefer to run to the south, such as Novolaosburg, which is located on the Neva River, which can be completely cultivated and cultivated for wheat.

Otto put his big hand on his son's head and said loudly: "I have decided that we must control this mine. I will build a settlement, and then this is the starting point for our journey to the north."

It sounds like my father didn't mean just looting ore. Rurik felt that if this place became a relatively prosperous stronghold, the Rus people could pass through this place and dominate all the northern land in the Gulf of Bothnia.

Even Murmansk can be deterred.

"Let's give it a name. Although it's just a makeshift tent we've set up for now," Rurik said.

"Haha, let's call it Elrond Castle. Now, we Russ have occupied this place. When spring comes, I will send a fleet to land on the river here and start building settlements." After speaking to his son, Otto instructed Kawi again: "After the settlement is completed, I want you to use the ore here to make me a steel sword. Since you said that there is the most magical ore here, you must make me the best sword."

At this moment, Kawei didn't have any guilty conscience, he was confident.

Seeing the confident face of the young man, Otto sighed in satisfaction: "It's time for greater action."

The so-called "Elronborg" originally meant "Iron City", and Rurik suddenly wanted to laugh when he understood the true meaning of the name.

Even now, the Volga River Basin seems to be the territory of Khazarian Khanate, or some other nomadic country. She is neither Slavs nor Vikings.

Rurik didn't know what new ideas his father had for a while, and he instinctively decided that this winter's hunting operation was over.

Shouldn't it end?

At the end of a small war, the Russ did not suffer a single casualty, but plundered a large number of furs, even a group of slaves, a mine, and a chance to dominate the north.

The development of events has surpassed the predictions, and the Russ have won the victory.

Rurik thinks so, and quite a few clansmen also think that everyone can go home.

However, Otto felt that the matter should not end there.

Once he learned of the opportunity for greater wealth and honor, Otto was old, and he could say that he couldn't take the risk of chasing after these things.

But with his son in the line, this eight-year-old boy was destined to inherit his position and rule over a hugely populated clan.

Children need to continue their adventures, they need to see the world, and they need to conquer the unknown!

A boy without such a spirit cannot become a qualified leader.

Quite a few clansmen had eaten and waited in the snow for the order to retreat.

Otto sent the prisoner to escort the prisoner who had been tied up with ropes overnight. After stuffing this Woima Kashad with some wheat cakes, the man's mental condition recovered.

Otto looked at the kneeling guy with a high-spirited sword. Rurik also held a short sword and followed his father closely.

Seeing this, Woima Kashad, who had been awake almost all night, thought that the Varangians were going to kill him.

The captive realizes that something is wrong and begs for mercy.

"My master, didn't you promise to keep my life? I'm willing to do anything for you."

anything?

After listening to Yevro's translation, Otto asked with satisfaction: "Since you are willing to do anything, bring us to your tribe. Listen, I am going to occupy your tribe."

Before Yevlo finished his translation, Rurik was the first to be shocked.

"Dad? Are you serious?!"

"What's wrong? My son?"

"Dad, it's not in our plan," Rurik snapped.

"No longer in the plan? My child, is the prophecy over? I don't see it. The battle that belongs to you is still not over, and we should expand the results."

Expand the results? Rurik felt that this matter was unreliable: "We don't know the enemy's position, the distance from us, nor the enemy's military strength. If we continue to advance rashly with the so-called Rus' military strength, we are likely to face A lot of trouble, and even... putting everyone at risk."

Otto disapproved of his son's concerns, and instead deliberately provoked: "Don't you lack confidence in your crossbow? I didn't even see your weapon shoot the enemy in large numbers. You at least let me see it with my own eyes."

"But killing is not the end. We should rule over them, not kill them."

"Okay!" Otto waited here with his words: "We launch an attack, do as you say, and rule them."

Rurik felt that his father's attitude would not change. It seemed that the Russ wanted to take the initiative to attack the real "unknown enemy" with the three hundred people at hand.

Soon, Wojma Kashad was shocked to understand what Yevlo had relayed.

Rurik could see that the bound guy was trembling all over on the spot, with indescribable horror in his eyes.

Although he couldn't understand what the other party was fumbling for, Otto could see that the guy's attitude was uncooperative.

Otto didn't say much, he picked up the steel sword, and the edge of the sword stuck directly to the captive's neck.

"Say the location of your hometown, and you will take us there in person, otherwise, I will kill you now."

After Yevro finished translating, the captive still behaved very uncooperatively.

"What did he say?" Otto asked.

"Big Chief, I... don't understand." Yevlo turned around and slapped the prisoner suddenly, and ordered: "Tell me the location of your hometown, or you will die. If you say it, you can live."

Woima Kashad, who had a slap print on his face, slowly twisted his body and sat up again. He said something hesitantly. In addition to his prayers, his eyes clearly showed that this person did not want to reveal his hometown and settled down. point location.

The more he didn't say anything, the more Yevlo shot at Otto's signal.

This sadistic scene made Rurik feel a little worried.

Yes, if the Rus army kills it, it will definitely lead to savage looting, and many people will die.

Although Rurik had already seen the battle and saw a large number of corpses of the dead, after the shock of his heart, his mental resistance to pressure was greatly improved.

However, he still has some "psychological cleanliness" in his heart, or he still retains a bottom line.

That is, the purpose of the Rus' war should not be for war, but for better control and expansion of their own strength. He also doesn't want his subordinates to become beasts in a complete state, and his subordinates need to maintain a bottom line. Otherwise, the other party's clansmen will be beheaded, who will be the new subjects?

Rurik reckoned that this guy didn't want to bring disaster to his own people, so he should have said this.

"Stop it! Yevro, you ask him if he will cooperate!" Otto ordered.

After hearing the news, Yevlo stood up and looked at Otto and shook his head.

"Damn, this person is useless." Otto gritted his teeth and asked his son, "Give you a chance, how do you feel about dealing with this uncooperative Kewen man."

Rurik sullenly replied, "Give him a sword and let him die. I believe we can find this man's hometown in the future, and I will rule over all Kewen people."

So the implication here is that Rurik felt that it was too abrupt and unreliable about the sudden in-depth exploration to find the enemy to fight.

Otto didn't think too much: "That's not good. There are still opponents so stubborn, I want to use some means."

What does Otto do? He ordered four of his men to reasonably restrain the captive Woima Kashad, and then pulled out his fur boots, deliberately exposing his ankles.

Yevro relayed Otto's words: "It's too late to announce the cooperation. Otherwise, after you cut your hamstrings, you will regret it too much. Just be the food for the snow wolves here."

For a time, Woima Kashad hurriedly tried to kick his legs, but his body was tightly held down by the strong Rus.

Otto personally held the steel sword and gently created small wounds on the captives' ankles. He even did not forget to sprinkle some salt to increase the pain.

Pain and intense fear forced Woima Kashad's nervous heart to burst.

Yevlo put his face on the ground and stared into the captive's eyes: "Speak! Will you cooperate?! It's too late now."

"..."

"Say it!"

"Ah!..." Woima Kashad gritted his teeth again.

"Come on, or else, I'll cut off your ears now!" After that, Yevlo had already pulled out a meat-cutting dagger, and his other hand had already grabbed the captive's ear.

Rurik watched from the sidelines, feeling that his father would never make this prisoner any better.

On the other hand, Rumia is also watching all this. As a deer breeder, she was actually dark inside. After all, one of his distant relatives was actually humiliated by a group of Kewen people, and it was this prisoner who took the lead. She can't wait for the Rus to use corporal punishment further.

Finally, the physical pain overwhelmed the captive's will.

Voima Kashad cooperated in excruciating pain.

"If I knew this earlier, why bother?"

Otto took the sword, and Woima Kashad also sat on the snow with tears on his face, and began to tell about his hometown.

The person mentioned a place name: Castle Grey Squirrel Hill.

Yevlo transformed this Old Finnish noun phrase into a vocabulary that Rus people could understand.

Otto squeezed his chin and continued to listen to Yevlo's explanation.

Rurik also pinched his beardless chin and made his own analysis and judgment.

"Okay, let's attack this Grey Squirrel Hill Fort! We're going to occupy this place!" After talking to himself, Otto faced all the clansmen onlookers, he raised his sword and shouted: "Brave Rus! The prophecy is not over, we are going to attack the Grey Squirrel Hill Fort of the Kewen people! We will achieve even greater victories, and each of you will be able to make another fortune!"

Ross's warriors roared loudly, this roar can create an avalanche!

Rurik was even frightened by the aura of the clan roaring and beating on the wooden shield, but out of the corner of his eyes he saw the kneeling prisoner Woima Kashad, whose expression was a little strange, as if he was not so frightened.

Could it be that this guy has already figured it out and decided to sell his clan?

If that's the case, Rurik doesn't have any good feelings for this guy who betrayed his own people.

The warriors of Ross are willing to keep fighting.

Now, Otto gave a solemn warning to Woima Kashad, who was willing to lead the way: "If you deceive us, you will be beheaded immediately. I will cut your back, open your ribs, and cut open your Get your heart out."

Otto's words were terrifying, and his expression was very ferocious. In addition to shocking the prisoners, Rurik was a little scared.

Through Otto's words, Rurik suddenly felt that this so-called punishment had some blood eagle meaning?

and many more! Does this legendary thing really exist? !

Otto gave Woima Kashad the only chance to survive, and that was to bring the Rus army to the so-called "Grey Squirrel Hill Fort" within ten days. If within ten days the Russ finds a quiet mountain, Woima Kashad will surely be punished by the "Blood Eagle" and become food for the Timberwolves.

So, why ten days?

According to Woima Kashad, the Kewen expedition set out from the mountain fort and arrived at the mine, and it took absolutely no more than ten days.

As long as this guy cooperates sincerely, the Russ will definitely find the target.

On the other hand, the Rus had to consider their own sustenance. If you can hunt a large number of small animals along the way to satisfy your hunger, it would be great, but everyone does not hope to rely on hunting for food.

The sleds dragged by everyone still carried a large amount of food. Now a group of rescued deer breeders have joined the team. They have more mouths to eat, but the food can still last for more than 20 days.

It can be said that the ten-day period is an adventure. If it exceeds this period, the food of the Rus people will not be enough to support everyone returning to their hometown.

Within ten days, he will either capture the so-called Grey Squirrel Hill Fort and obtain a large amount of provisions and treasures, or he will execute Woima Kashad and return home.

The Rus people started a new journey. The morale of the soldiers was high, and the rescued deer breeders knew that they had nowhere to go, so they had to follow their new masters and declared war on the Kewen people who had enslaved them for some time. .

A large army suddenly turned south, and the army went south along the frozen river, and then continued south along the frozen coastline.

Rurik knew the geography of the region better than anyone, and the army had officially set foot on the shores of modern Finland.

On the way, Yevlo approached his master.

"Is something wrong?" asked Rurik, who was sitting on the sleigh.

"Master, I'm still worried about the deception of the prisoner who led the way."

Rurik had no other ideas, he knew that he had to follow the team south to expand the victory.

He told Yevro: "With or without cheating, the prisoner knows our tactics. Yevro!"

"exist."

"We have limited food, so it's best to kill animals halfway through. Those deer breeders can't give them too much food for the time being. You send your brothers to watch them closely. If any deer breeders escape, catch them back."

"Master, you can't trust them?"

"At least, I need to be prepared."

Now that the words have arrived, Yevro once again instructed: "Even that prisoner must be prepared."

Rurik smiled slightly: "Don't worry, if you can't find the so-called stronghold within ten days, that person will die. You also prepare, my father will ask you to fight before. Remember, in my philosophy, crossbowmen will always be The brave one who fought first."

Yevluo clenched his fist with his right hand and slammed his leather armor; "Master, please rest assured, my brothers and I will not fail the opportunity you gave us to take the lead."

Rurik sighed: "The momentum is very good. However, I also hope that in future battles, you will be able to catch more lives. Remember, we need more slaves, and I plan to become the leader of the Kowen people now. , in the future we will have to collect taxes from them.”

Since Rurik didn't sit on the same sled as Otto on the way, and now Otto has fought a battle, he feels that the mercenary raised by his son can be called loyal. There are indeed a large number of enemy corpses on the hillside, and the mercenaries have completed their votes and become reliable guys.

Otto didn't know what his son said to Yevlo. He was in a good mood while sitting on the sled, and the soldier pulling the sled in front was even more happy to serve as a "military horse".

Otto's eyes looked at the captive leading the way, and a crossbow was placed beside him for a long time.

This powerful crossbow invented by his son, Otto has expressed a very clear attitude.

In this regard, Woima Kashad is always trembling, but it does not mean that this person has become a complete lackey.

The only survivor of the Corvin expedition, until this moment still has the idea of ​​escape.

He had already thought of a brilliant strategy, one that might kill two birds with one stone.