Rise of Rurik

"King! Arik is here!"

"Huh? Who's coming?"

"Aric!" The guard who sent the message had to raise his voice.

"It's him. Great." A smile quickly filled the old man's face, and the guard even pointed out that a huge army had arrived outside the city.

"Army? Who are they? Who is mobilizing the army? Could it be that my son is back?"

"It's the Duke of Ostara, the people from the steppes, the horsemen from Kiev, and Arik's army." The guard took the trouble to name those people like telling the names of dishes.

The guards even emphasized, "They are here to meet the king."

Otto, who was greedy for some wine, cheered up his aging heart. He cleared his throat in a low voice and spit out a mouthful of old phlegm. "Someone! Help me up! Yes, bring me my armor and stomach. I have to receive these boys in a graceful manner."

Outside the city, Governor Medved, who was startled, dared to pick up a group of guards and held flags to greet him at the city gate, drove away the people watching the excitement, and then met up with the old man who was a little out of breath after walking all the way.

At this time, Fisk had arranged for his men to go to the cavalry barracks outside the city, reunite with the remaining brothers and immediately begin to rest. He gave a holiday to the men who had gone through the southern campaign. The group of people who got the holiday immediately handed over their war horses to their remaining companions as gifts, unloaded the spoils and put them into the barracks. They couldn't wait to show off their achievements to their colleagues and talk about it. Interesting and exciting story.

Fisk stayed outside the city by himself. He wanted to meet the old king Otto in person, and also had a chat with the governor who would inevitably go out of the city to greet him.

Look at the scene now! A huge herd of horses and sleds carrying goods created a "big traffic jam" in the open space outside the city. The trophies include food, utensils, characteristic prairie leather, and strange small items such as eagle feathers and wolf fangs. The largest quantity is still grain, which is the hard currency of market transactions and can be used directly as currency.

The grain owners intended to sell the excess grain at a price slightly lower than the market price, and they were waiting to get permission from the governor to enter the city.

Of course, it doesn't matter if they are not allowed to enter the city. When the onlookers learned that these special grain transporters wanted to sell grain at low prices, they would rather bring the containers and buy directly without going outside the city.

Outside the city, Medved met several new friends. Out of the principle of maintaining public security and being wary of bad guys, it was impossible for him to put a large number of people into the city. Large numbers of horses cannot enter the city, otherwise cleaning up horse manure will be an extremely troublesome winter job.

Wladyslav, a native of Kiev, was humble, young and knew his identity. He carried his luggage to Medved, first praising King Rus, and then praising the Lord Governor in front of him.

He did not dare to offend his big client in the slightest. There were not many horses on hand for sale, and Medved was the only agent who bought in bulk on behalf of the king.

Quetzal's attitude was the same. In the hierarchical society of the steppe, as a collateral nephew of the old Khan, he was only qualified to be the commander of a small force during war. The decision to send him to Ross permanently this time was not out of trust, but rather meant to exclude him.

Quetzal was not resentful, but felt that since the Kingdom of Rus was prospering, it would not be a problem for him to work for them in Rus and reap a lot of benefits.

He held his heart and bowed his luggage to Medved. He also planned that when the old king of Rus showed up, he would kneel down on one knee and perform a warrior salute to the venerable man.

The impression of the first meeting is very important. No, the first time Medved met Quetzal, Wladislav and Stekander were all at least respectful, and he was in a good mood.

Aric brought his son Askard, and Carlotta brought her son Carl. The children were all related by blood to the old king, and they came here to meet and visit relatives.

"The great King Otto is old. Winter is dangerous, and his body should rest. Now that the army is here, he should come and take a look. If he is willing..."

Medved was worried about Otto's death, as was his father Rigus. This has only taken more than ten years. Even those who were once strong cannot resist the erosion of aging in fate.

He believed that the heart of the old king was always young. Even when he was old, he would still come to see the mixed-blood New Rus warriors standing outside the city.

Because most of these twelve or thirteen-year-old boys have half the blood of White Tree Manor! Even if there is no one in this generation, the boy's wife will definitely be chosen from the girls in White Tree Manor first, and the next generation will have blood.

"These children are all my relatives!" Medved said nothing, feeling secretly happy in his heart.

Accompanied by the distant sound of horns, Otto, wearing a gold-plated chainmail and a gold-plated helmet over a sheepskin coat, sat on a sleigh and was pulled by many people outside the city.

His Damascus Pattern Sword named "Destroyer" still hangs on his waist. Only when he dies will this sword be truly handed over to his son. He also kept a gold-plated and gem-encrusted cane beside him, just to walk with it.

"The King has arrived!" a guard with a loud voice shouted, and then under the coordination of the captain of the guard Grund, the guards lined up in two lines to welcome Old Otto to meet his ministers.

This is the Supreme King of Rus, an old man with a withered face.

Some people say that Odin also looks like an old man, with a long flowing beard and a strong figure. He holds a long sword but sacrificed an eye in order to gain wisdom.

King Rurik of Rus also received wisdom, and he seemed to have sacrificed nothing. It’s not right if you think about it carefully!

Bored people like to stay at home in winter and ponder. Rurik bestowed wisdom on all people, and now everyone's life is getting better and better. Of course he sacrificed something - the life of his enemy.

Blood sacrifice to Odin is the price of wisdom. The price was actually very high, as hundreds of thousands of enemies of all colors sacrificed their lives to the gods on the battlefield.

In Novgorod, the local Slavs all knew Otto's name, and they later learned that he had an only son named Rurik.

The history of being oppressed in the past is gradually being looked back on by the Slavs. They are all pragmatic people, and now food production has exploded as never before. No one will rob them anymore, but they will attack others and make a fortune.

The onlookers chanted Otto's name, and a large number of people followed suit.

When Quetzal and others heard this, they concluded that this old man had a strong appeal.

Otto stood up with his own strength. He could not stand for long. When he noticed a large number of New Rus boys standing in order, his old heart regained his youth. He decided to review his people.

Essentially, a large number of children are related to Otto.

At the beginning, the Ross tribe was also a group of fishermen families. They took the name of "Oar" and continuously married each other to become one.

Relying on his willpower, the old king, wearing a golden chainmail, walked around the infantry phalanx arranged in a matrix, closely accompanied by many guards.

His rough and obviously withered hands touched this and that, and asked specifically about the boy's father.

He knew the names of some people. When he learned that some boys' fathers died in battle in 840, he couldn't help but sigh and try to say a few more words.

He approached the most important boy.

The brown-haired Askard's face had already opened up. Seeing this boy, the old man couldn't help but think of his brother Ogier, who had died early in the battle.

"Grandpa." The boy looked at Old Otto almost levelly.

"I know you very well. Askard, you are named after the sanctuary. You have participated in many wars at a young age. Are you... a real warrior?"

"I am!" the boy answered decisively.

"Very good. Look around you. These people are all your brothers. You are all true Rus, and you are even more noble. Do you know what this means?"

"..." The boy was a little confused and didn't dare to speak nonsense for a while.

"You have a responsibility! You have to be brave! Your biological grandfather died fighting for Ross, and your uncle Fisk fought side by side with your grandfather and died at the same time. You are destined to be a warrior of Ross and lead everyone to victory. Ah... really I envy you, you are so young. It will be your time from now on." At this point, Otto couldn't help but patted Asgard's face hard, and even got a little stronger and patted his little face until it turned red. "Remember what I said. .”

"I...I remember."

"Oh? The voice was too low, I didn't hear it."

"I remember!" Askard shouted at the top of his lungs.

The boy was obviously moved by Otto's spiritual encouragement. He turned around and waved his right hand at his brother and roared.

"Russian! Russian!"

The young cubs responded to their old king with neat Viking war cries.

Otto is a hero of the old era, and Askard is the first representative of the new generation of Rus to come of age.

The new generation must inherit the glory of their predecessors and continue to expand their glory. Otto can't wait to be fifty years younger and greet the world with a young attitude.

How can fate be violated? I can only numb my mind with strong alcohol and imagine that I am young in my dreams.

Horses that were in urgent need of sale were quickly received by the governor and sent to the vacant stables pre-arranged.

It is not possible to sell grain at low prices. One of Medved's responsibilities is to release official grain regularly. He will not interfere with ordinary people bringing their own surplus grain to the market for sale, but he cannot allow large grain transporters to dump it at low prices. The extra spoils of food were bought by the governor and immediately sent to the large granary in the city.

Food sellers are not at a loss either. After all, they have silver coins of good quality and can quickly buy high-quality ironware and other necessary tools from the market.

The people of Kiev and the steppe needed these, and now they had a lot of silver coins in their hands. They first camped outside the city, and some of them paid a sum of money to rent an empty barn. The next day, they formed a group and entered the market in Novgorod city.

The "rich men" who came from afar were welcomed by people from all walks of life, and the winter market suddenly became prosperous.

Just as the market was booming, Otto's energy suddenly improved.

He has a large number of grandchildren hanging around, but unfortunately most of them are not high enough.

Not surprisingly, the high priest's son Oleg became Otto's new favorite. After all, the mother of this child was the little slave he captured with his own hands fourteen years ago. The girl was forgiven by the gods so that she did not freeze to death. Now she became the high priest in accordance with the wishes of the gods. He, like many old Russians, firmly believed in this.

He felt that this brat had at least received some favor from God. Oleg likes to crawl and run around and is really energetic. Such a powerful experience will allow him to start teaching fighting skills when he gets older. This boy will be a good warrior and a good helper to the king.

Oleg is like this, and Karl, brought by his adopted daughter Carlotta, is also spiritual.

In the palace, the little boy took off his boots and ran towards his grandfather without taking off the foot wrap.

Otto smiled happily and hugged Karl, letting him act coquettishly.

He also wanted to hear a key report from the Duchess of Ostara and his adopted daughter Carlotta.

The daughter in front of her was dressed like a male warrior, standing with the hilt of her sword, like a Valkyrie standing tall in the world.

"You are like Valkyrie." He did not hesitate to praise this noble woman. Then he asked, "Now tell me about your career in the South."

Carlotta was well prepared. Considering her adoptive father's physical and mental condition, she focused on the important things to say, but she also said a lot. Otto was very happy, and his aging face was obviously flushed. This was definitely not because he drank too much, but because he was really happy.

Vitebsk? A new place name, where is it? When he heard that it would take ten days to get to Novgorod from there on horseback, he had an idea.

The most important thing is that that place is already close to the border of the enemy's Smolensk-controlled area.

Based on the information obtained from the mouths of the captured slaves, the Otto people were enjoying their old age. It was a pity that the boy named Vadim was not killed by him.

"You are approaching Smolensk. If they attack, your stronghold will be the first to be hit. My daughter, are you confident in defeating them?"

Carlotta smiled, her eyes scornful and a little conceited. "They? A bunch of fools. My Ostara cavalry immediately and continuously defeated them without any help from the powerful Ross cavalry. We will continue to expand our territory. I am Rurik." woman, this is my responsibility."

"That's a beautiful thing to say. Unfortunately, I'm guilty of this." The old man couldn't help but pat his thigh.

"Why does father blame himself?"

"I should have killed that Vadim back then. It was because I was too merciful, and I thought that boy was just a reckless man and no threat. Unexpectedly, this boy became the boss of Smolensk. The Slavs who surrendered to Rus will His whole family was eradicated, and our Mstisk was built on the ruins of their village. That boy will definitely avenge this kind of blood feud. Rather than being attacked by him, it is better for us to take the initiative. We must use troops against Smolensk!"

Speaking of being excited, the old man couldn't help but cough hard and spit out some old phlegm.

He didn't feel uncomfortable at all, he just found the feeling of scolding Fang Qiu again. The boys in front of him were all generals that he could easily mobilize. There were also the soldiers of New Rus who were clamoring for meritorious service. Now they needed a wise leader to help them. They guide the direction of new expansions.

Anyway, my son is still in the capital, and it seems that he won’t be able to come back before Hanukkah.

My identity is also the King of Ross. Although my influence has declined due to real aging, how can I give up the opportunity that I get?

"My dear daughter, you did well! You took Polotsk. And Riga, and what tribes. I don't even know their names. You were successful and you got new subordinates."

Otto's eyes glanced directly at the Danish man Stekander. This guy did not submit to the new Kingdom of Denmark, but to Ross. This is really a smart middle-aged man.

Stekander surrendered to the old King of Rus on behalf of the Danish community in Riga, which meant that although Rus lacked the ability to collect tribute from this distant force, if there was a war, it would be no problem to recruit a group of local warriors who wanted to make a fortune. Everyone spoke Norse and had similar fighting habits. Most importantly, they all believed in the same gods. They had too much in common with each other, which was helpful for war.

Otto knew the Gulf of Riga and the inner port city of Riga. He had never been there in his life, and he didn't expect that it was a good thing that the local Danish leader took the initiative to join him now that he was old.

There are also warrior ceremonies from the Kiev nobleman Wladyslav and the Pecheneg nobleman Quetzal. They have replaced their fathers and brothers in the affairs of Russia and are in urgent need of recognition from the people in power in Russia.

As long as he lives for a day, Otto will be the king. The Supreme King then took care of his old age, and Rurik was away, so some important matters still needed to be decided by him. Everything that is innocuous will not change once it is decided by him.

Ross had sufficient cash to purchase various goods from Kiev and Pecheneg, and even directly exchanged them for ironware of equal value.

Quetzal wanted to build a prairie shop outside the city, and Old Otto approved this request. He admired these black-haired prairie people who liked to squint their eyes. Quetzal also had a wonderful round head. They were neither tall nor fat. He just liked how naive they looked when standing. This person has an entourage under his command and can serve as mercenaries to participate in battles when necessary. But the other fifty elites have been classified as the armed forces of the Kingdom of Ross in terms of attributes.

The son of the steppe princess Beyashil lives in this city of Novgorod. She has a very good relationship with Carlotta, and being taken by Rurik now proves her favor.

She is a Valkyrie from a foreign land and is fully qualified to be a cavalry captain. The fifty new grassland elites can make the Ross cavalry even more powerful.

The cavalry force continued to expand, and when Rus owned vast land, the cavalry replaced the fleet. One of the reasons why Otto was able to quickly accept the new situation was that Ross's naval strength was also rapidly expanding.

He would not go out unless something important happened in the city, and his subordinates would report some situations to him every day, so that Otto still knew a lot about things outside.

The production capacity of Novgorod's shipyard continues to expand. New types of propellers are installed and driven by two feet instead of rowing, which saves manpower and makes navigation more efficient. He was even more pleased that the beauty of the new longship was the oars. Ross's original intention was the oars, and those people carried forward Ross's glorious tradition.

Of course, he was more concerned about the construction of the largest ship ever built called the Sea Monarch.

Those who believed in Frankish Catholicism mentioned a huge ship called the Ark, which was so big that it could carry everything in the world without fear of any wind and waves. Obviously, even the violent Jörmungandr could not harm the ship at all.

Maybe Rurik built this kind of giant ship. He learned that if there were no unforeseen circumstances, the giant ship would be launched next spring.

Will he become a true "Monarch of the Sea"? The old man came up with the idea that he wanted to be a witness. Run a boat all your life, stand on a giant ship and sail, and you will have no regrets in this life.

This matter must be explained clearly to his son.

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