Rise of Rurik

Harald Clark expected that he would be defeated. Due to many reasons, he decided to rush forward despite knowing that he would have a narrow escape.

So ushered in the destined failure.

However, for a sixty-year-old man like him, even if he is not crazy like today, what hope does he have in the future?

Even if the chaos in the north is resolved, and I am granted the title of baron for my meritorious service, should I live alone in an unknown small village in East Francia? He doesn't even have any heirs.

Although he converted to God, today he is running toward death like a Viking warrior.

He is already an old man. What has he gained from being a mercenary for more than ten years? It was a shame and a shame that even an earl was furious at the former king of Denmark.

If he died in this battle, it would be a glorious end to the embarrassing second half of his life.

But at the moment when he was truly on the verge of death, his desire to survive trumped everything else.

He was hidden in the most conscientious way, like "a harpooned cod" being pulled out from under the pontoon.

Fortunately, he did not die in the battle, but he was very cold.

In the city of Hamburg, Sigurd's son Ragnar was actually standing here, and behind him stood a group of soldiers. Look at their free and easy clothes, they are all Danish troops! In an instant, he burst into tears.

"Are you Harald Clark?" Rurik asked, looking at the white-bearded old guy huddled silently at his feet.

"I just said it. I am Harald Clark, and I was the King of Denmark more than ten years ago."

"Indeed." Ragna sighed and looked up at the sky again. He thought of a lot in that moment. "I met you back then, when I had just become famous, but the next year you were expelled by everyone for betraying Odin. I really didn't expect that you didn't die. And you actually became the dog of the Franks."

"What else can I do?" Harald Clark asked in frustration.

"Who knows. Maybe I should kill you. Not only are you a traitor to Odin, but you are actively attacking us. You deserve to die. And the rest of your subordinates deserve to die."

As he spoke, Ragnar drew out his sword, and when he was about to stab, Rurik grabbed him.

"Wait a minute! Brother! This person cannot be killed."

"Why? Do you pity him?"

"No."

"I heard that when you killed Hafgen, you stood on the bow of the ship and shouted, "Go to hell."

Rurik shrugged, thinking that his yelling back then had led to widespread miscarriage? It must be one of his subordinates who was bragging in private and this guy heard about it.

"However, this man cannot be killed. It is not because he was once the leader of Denmark. By the way... you will never feel that an old guy with a white beard threatens your status. I have inquired a long time ago, and this man does not even have any heirs."

"You have no heirs?!" Ragnar felt extremely ridiculous and lowered his head again: "It seems that even if you fled to Frank, the nobles there would not arrange a wife or concubine for you. You are so pitiful. However, a traitor ended up like this. , everyone is happy.”

Suffering one round of humiliation after another, Harald Clark felt extremely regretful at this moment. Why did you grab the pontoon just now? It would be better to just sink into the Elbe River.

Rurik asked his Ragnar brothers to stay calm, and said: "I am the commander of the entire army. This is what we have agreed upon. Including the defeat of her army, it was all done by our Ross army. This person I know a lot of information and I want to interrogate him. Besides, he was once the king of Denmark, so why not..."

Suddenly, Rurik put his mouth to Ragnar's ear and whispered: "You can perform a ceremony. Let this man announce that you are the real king of Denmark. Then make him worship Odin again, and then give him Arrange a small house to support him, since he doesn’t have many years to live anyway.”

Ragnar suddenly realized, he leaned over and muttered: "It's okay to let him admit that I am the King of Denmark, but if I support him, other nobles will say that I am a fool."

"You don't like him? No problem, just give it to me. This man's army was defeated by the Russian army. He is my prisoner of war. I will deal with him."

"That's fine." Ragna nodded.

After killing a defeated old man with his own hands, Rurik was still tired of his blood staining his sword.

Rurik is not like killing Harald Clark, it is not that killing prisoners is not enough for a man, but this man represents Denmark's past. Harald Clark was a contemporary of Otto and escorted him to Ross. Rurik thought it would be a great good thing to put him on public display.

How will the people of Ross understand this?

His own king personally killed the former Danish king Hafgen, beheaded the new Danish king's hands and feet and made him a human pig, and finally captured the earlier Danish king Harald Clark. How glorious was it that the three Danish kings were either dead or captured? But even so, Rurik was still determined to show mercy to the old man.

…

Harald Clark's sudden defeat deterred the remaining two thousand Frankish cavalry.

Count Robert of the Rheingau looked at the wide Elbe River and the city of Hamburg, which was protected by a large number of large ships, and felt that approaching the river was asking for death. The cavalry could not cross the bridge safely and would be hit by arrows as they approached the river. He had already suffered a big loss on the Weser River, and he did not dare to squander himself and Ludwig's elite cavalry.

But he felt that he didn't have no chance at all.

The situation is now very clear. Hamburg and the surrounding areas are firmly occupied by the Normans. There is a high probability that the local Saxons will join forces with the Normans. As for the Franks living locally? His army had discovered that some people had gone to empty Frankish villages, and an ominous omen suddenly appeared in his mind.

"If you really kill us Franks, His Highness Ludwig will definitely send a large army to conquer you! He will kill you in revenge." He muttered.

The Frankish cavalry's iron cavalry had a huge tactical advantage. As long as the Normans dared to reach the south bank of the Elbe River and challenge them in depth, they would be seeking death. The cavalry's iron cavalry would trample them into pulp.

Knowing his advantage, Robert deliberately set up camp in an open area further south of the river. There are endless reeds and rushes swaying in the autumn wind. They are all good fodder for war horses.

His army concentrated on an abandoned village further south, and it was here that they found the body.

The body of the deceased was black and pus was flowing out, and the stench made people feel strong discomfort.

These people are not enemies, but Franks who immigrated here!

The soldiers hurriedly dug a hole to bury the found bodies. After this glance, the soldiers felt even more hatred towards the Normans.

That night, the soldiers stationed in this village used the captured cooking utensils to cook wheat. They discussed the day's war and had a serious lack of confidence in the future battle.

The grassroots soldiers had no hope of victory in the crusade, because the tragedy of Harald Clark's three hundred cavalry being wiped out in an instant was clearly seen by everyone. No matter how arrogant these elite warriors were, they did not want to be hit by arrows at that time. The one who got hit was himself. They were unwilling to attack, let alone retreat. Although they had expected the murderous behavior of the Normans, they were still shocked when they saw the tragic corpses of the Frank immigrants.

Anger, fear, frustration, fatigue, and bewilderment were all combined into one body. The soldiers were like this, and the pressure on the leading nobles only increased.

There were several people sitting by the campfire. Supreme Commander Robert himself was here, as well as three cavalry flag captains, and Baron Henry of Nassau, a minor vassal in Robert's territory.

The strange situation in Boyun puts Robert in a dilemma. In fact, until now, he still doesn't know who his enemy is. Just knowing the fact that Hamburg was entirely occupied by Normans and that a large number of Frank immigrants were killed, there was a high probability that the Saxons would rebel.

Robert talked a lot. The three cavalry flag captains were too lazy to speak and did not bother to say that they were all Ludwig's soldiers. In principle, they were obeying Robert's orders this time. At this critical moment, they also had to act. On the run.

Robert could not fully mobilize these three already damaged elite cavalry flag units, so he made an agreement with the three officers here.

"I won't let you take the risk of attacking, but you don't want to evacuate on your own initiative. We will stay here, like a spear that can be stabbed at any time, forcing the enemy to stay on guard. As for figuring out the current situation, it is my responsibility. "

Is it really Robert's responsibility? His eyes immediately turned to Baron Nassau.

"Henry, we have always been neighbors. This time we have encountered a big crisis, and we don't know the enemy's situation. Now I ask you to do something."

work? It's definitely up to no good. It's a pity, who allows himself to be just a lower-level noble living in a tiny village?

Robert's Earl of Rheingau also has multiple baronies, and these barons are the village chiefs of a village.

A river called the Forest River has a long origin and eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean in what is now Amsterdam. Today's Amsterdam does not yet exist, and the port town of Duriste coincides geographically with it.

The fiefdom of Baron Nassau is on the banks of the Lan River, a tributary of the Lin River. It is a wetland with rich water and grass adjacent to the two rivers. It is really suitable for farming. That is why the economic situation of Baron Nassau is relatively good. It is precisely because of this that he Only then could he be able to raise a small cavalry and join Earl Robert's army to serve him at critical moments.

After all, a baron is just a baron, because the next action still carries huge risks, and Robert is worried that his own soldiers will suffer losses.

The Baron of Nassau was forced to listen. The so-called task was for the Count to order himself as a negotiator to have a good talk with the Normans.

"This...doesn't this mean I'm going to die?"

"How could they be sent to death?! Could they kill the envoy?!"

"They will. Because they are Normans, like apostles of Satan..."

Robert laughed awkwardly. He himself could not guarantee that the Normans would not kill the envoys, but he had to find out the enemy's true intentions and summarize them as key information to the monarch Ludwig.

To intimidate the baron? forget it! None of the people in the Nassau villages were Franks. They submitted to the kingdom very smoothly in the early years. Because they were too small, they only granted the title of baron to the leader of the village.

The Robert family was the outsider. After all, he was a branch of the family. Quite a few relatives actually lived in the geographical location of today's Belgium and were Lothair's vassals.

As an earl, Robert did not dare to force Henry to go.

He arranged it this way: "It is certainly a huge risk, but now, only you can take on this important task. You will investigate the intelligence, which will eventually be sent to the monarch. No one will bury your merits, and I will personally report it to the monarch. With your feat, your fiefdom will become larger and the population will increase. Both the monarch and I need you. In fact, I only need you to find out their situation and confirm their identity. If there are real negotiations, I will have to go there in person. .You don’t have to worry anymore.”

"So I'm actually just a connector?" Henry asked cautiously.

"That's probably true. You should also try your best to find out the enemy's intentions. The more detailed the better."

Of course, the three cavalry captains from Regensburg would not go into this muddy water, they would just sit and watch the show.

Henry, Baron of Nassau, was in a dilemma and had to take over the job.

Considering that the risk was too great, he even found a clean wooden board and used a carving knife to scratch a piece of text. This is a will, and he entrusted it to Robert: "If I die, I will give it to my family. My title will be inherited by my eldest son."

The baron behaved like a martyr. He even cut off a lock of hair and sealed it in a box. He said that if there was no body left, this lock of hair would represent his final burial in the monastery in the village of Nassau.

…

Just across the Elbe River, Rurik ordered a huge fireworks display.

So on the north bank of the river, a large number of bonfires were strung together like a chain, making it appear that the other bank was full of troops.

This had a big psychological impact on the Frankish army on the other side. After all, Charlemagne had never engaged in the cunning campfire suspicion tactic when he was still alive. In other words, the traditional Frankish army was very martial in fighting, that is, they showed off their troops and fought head-on against the enemy's formation.

Hamburg was filled with joy after the victory, and everyone was confident of keeping the fruits of victory.

Rurik held discussions with the generals and nobles, especially Ragnar, Liudolf, and Robert. The so-called army cannot hold on here meaninglessly. As for taking the initiative to attack, it is theoretically possible, but the risk is still too great.

Rurik's interrogation of Harald Clark went off without a hitch. This man is not willing to give up his Catholic faith and return to Odin. He claims that he has been abandoned by Odin long ago. If he could choose an end, he would rather put down his weapons and become a monk.

Be a monk? Can. But if you want to return to Frank, you will definitely not have a stable life. It is completely impossible to stay in Denmark, as Ragnar will order him to be beheaded.

This Harald Clark had already met Horik, who was locked in a wooden cage and turned into a human pig, under Rurik's instruction.

Horik and Harald Clark are indeed related by blood, but they have long been strangers.

He saw the blue fox again and was equally surprised.

"When my friend Blue Fox was in trouble, you protected him and helped him complete his journey. Because of this contribution, I will spare you from death. You were once the king of Denmark. Ragnar would kill you, but I don't want to kill you. . I invite you to the far east, where there is a monastery. It doesn’t matter if you don’t give up on God. You can retire there. As long as you honestly report the intentions of your Frankish army and provide this information, I will ensure your happiness in your later years."

Harald Clark surrendered smoothly, and had to sigh: "I was still the King of Denmark when you were born. My people attacked your fleet, I know about it, but it was not my order..." So Another set of excuses.

That was in 821. Uncle Ogier died in a surprise attack by the Danes after the ship had deviated. This incident was indeed a result of the Ross fleet crossing the line first and successfully counterattacking. But this incident undoubtedly aroused the anger of the Russian people and added fuel to the already poor bilateral relations.

It's passed. The former King of Denmark has become a lonely old man with white hair.

Harald Clark would take the opportunity to recognize Ragnar as the true King of Denmark and Rurik as the great King of Rus. This move was the vanity of the Danish aristocrats who had ended their political lives and were greatly satisfied.

The information he provided was quite solid, and at the night meeting, everyone understood the true strength of the enemy, and even determined how many Franks Arik had killed before escaping.

"The enemy only has two thousand riders. In my opinion, there is nothing to be afraid of." Ragnar shouted at the meeting.

Many nobles had the same attitude, even Liu Dofu, who became completely brave and instantly became a staunch militant.

"I suggest taking the initiative." Liudov declared confidently: "I know Robert, he is my neighbor. I really didn't expect that Ludwig would send him three cavalry banners. Robert also brought his own fiefdom. When the main force comes, he has already suffered too many losses and is still unwilling to retreat. In my opinion, he will not dare to attack rashly again. If we cross the Elbe River to attack them, we will definitely be able to annihilate his cavalry."

Rurik was shocked by these remarks: "When...when did you suddenly become so confident?"

"This is an opportunity! Ludwig only has 5,000 elite cavalry. Our coalition forces can take this opportunity to kill half of his cavalry. If the remaining Robert suffers heavy losses, Ludwig will be in danger in the eastern part of his territory. There are no more soldiers left. Then we can do whatever we want."

Rurik also understood, and he formed a map in his mind.

The so-called King Ludwig of East Francia had his base in Bavaria, and his other territories were actually several major territories.

There are no great vassals in the Alemannic region, of which the Count of Rheingau is the existing great vassal. The rest of the area is mostly under the jurisdiction of bishops and towns directly controlled by Ludwig. To the east are the Counties of Westphalia, Flanders, Bremen and Hamburg. The problem is that local Saxons in areas including Bremen and Hamburg are already happy to hear about the resurrection of the Principality of Saxony.

The earldom of Westphalia had ceased to exist in name only, because the earl was Liudov, who transformed himself into the Duke of Saxe and openly engaged in military confrontation.

The eastern part of Ludwig's territory was either in a political vacuum or rebelling against traitors. Only a weak Count of Flanders fished on the Dutch coast. In other words, the Flemish people in the area are unwilling to take the initiative and just want to remain neutral. They are loyal to whoever wins in the end.

If the entire army is dispatched and bites those Frank cavalry, it is feasible to annihilate them in one fell swoop. But we must also consider that they will use their ultra-high mobility to escape. The main force of the Ross army is the Marine Corps. Once there is no fleet protection, using infantry to fight cavalry will still face great risks. Because the Russian army has suffered a big loss in this regard recently, and the initiator is the current ally, Liudolf, Duke of Saxony.

It was precisely because of this that Rurik became more aware of the risks involved.

Why attack with all your strength? It has entered autumn, and the climate is getting colder quickly. Once it rains, it may happen for ten days. This is the so-called autumn rain season in Northern Europe in September. Such a climate is really not suitable for fighting. Presumably the Frank cavalry is short of supplies and cannot hold on for too long.

Revenge against Frank is necessary, but it is too late this year. The army fought from spring to autumn. Although they won one victory after another, the army was still quite tired. To continue fighting was to face the huge Frank. Even piracy and plunder became inappropriate. The lower limit for the army's stay is the end of October. Otherwise, the eastern and northern Baltic Seas will freeze, and the fleet will have to spend the winter on Tombstone Island in the Åland Islands.

How much more results can be achieved with more than a month left?

It's better to talk to the enemy's commander, Count Robert of Rheingauer.

Who serves as the matchmaker? Eskil, the saint of the north, is a universally recognized figure.

Eskil, who was speechless and distressed about this battle, was brought out. When he learned that a war might be resolved with his own words, he was willing to serve as a mediator in negotiations.

Eskil began to actively prepare, as did the Russian, Danish and Saxon armies.

Is it really possible to negotiate for them to recognize the Duchy of Saxony and keep the peace? Pooh! Only by defeating Ludwig and killing his elite will he be able to relent.

To hell with gentlemen's agreements, find Shuyuan www.zhaoshuyuaｎ.com Everyone only recognizes fists.

So Rurik ordered everyone to actively cut down the trees and make a large number of long wooden poles and sharpen them to serve as wooden spears. Let the entire army, regardless of race, form a spear formation, and let Frank's cavalry charge into the hedgehog formation. In this way, ordinary Saxon farmers can gather together in a group, and at least they will not be easily knocked down.

Rurik ordered both preparations to be made overnight, but only the Frankish army on the other side of the river was still in a state of war.

So early in the morning, Baron Nassau, with ten followers, rode towards the bridgehead on the riverside while holding three flags high.

These three flags are unusual. One is a cross flag with a white background painted blue, and the other is Charlemagne's three lion flag.

The last side is pure white cloth.

This white cloth certainly does not mean surrender, it represents negotiation. Even though Baron Henry of Nassau felt that the Normans did not understand the habits of the Frank army at all, he still rushed to the bridgehead and prepared to face the Norman sentries that appeared there again... …

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