The sun rises lazily and seems to sink into the horizon in no time.
Every day, night occupies almost all of people's time. Even so, the Russians can still continue their winter work at night.
The bravest men sharpen their spearheads, axes and sword blades.
There is also a group of hunters who do not leave the fjords and enter the frozen sea to catch seals. Instead, they go deep inland and set traps to catch ferrets.
Mink hunters always get something. They peel off the mink skins, bring them back to Rossburg and sell them to the stranded merchants immediately, earning a considerable amount of money. The price of ferret skins remains the same, with a
A piece of skin cost six silver coins. As for the merchants processing it and taking it to Melalen to sell it for more than fifteen silver coins, the Ross hunters didn't bother to do anything about it.
It was the eve of Hanukkah, and in the Russian Speaker's House, Otto gathered his cronies together to discuss the great actions of the tribe after Hanukkah.
More than twenty oil lamps were hung on the wooden walls made of logs, and the flickering flames gave light to the house, which was reinforced with earth and kept very warm.
Indoors, more than thirty very prestigious men from the Ross tribe were sitting cross-legged.
They wore leather coats made of deerskin or cowhide, with layers of linen or sweaters hand-knitted with wool.
Everyone still wore hats, and many of them even wore wolf skins on their heads. The furry wolf tail became a good decoration.
Of course, he is a very particular guy, so he just put an arctic fox on his head.
The most luxuriously dressed among all the people was undoubtedly the great businessman Gould. Now, Gould, who was accepted as a member of the Ross tribe, because of his strong financial resources and appeal in the business world, even to Ross
Due to the surrender gesture of the chief family, he was not only allowed to participate in key meetings of the Ross tribe, but also became a key player.
Otto rewarded his cronies with some spirits filled with water. Even so, the spicy wine made everyone feel refreshed and the air in the room was filled with the intoxicating aroma of wine.
The meeting also kicked off with this bowl of wine.
"Brothers, we have achieved great success throughout the past summer. We will not continue to recall the past glory for the time being. I just want to talk about the next arrangements."
In fact, everyone is quite happy to reminisce about the past. After all, the great strength shown by the Ross people after ending their hibernation has given the tribe's insightful people the idea of replacing the Melalen Tribe and making the Ross Tribe the new leader of the alliance.
Harold Zuosen asked urgently: "What's the next arrangement? We basically know everything. Or should we go find the deer farmers and seize their deer like we did last winter."
Otto looked at the guys in front of him, stared into their eager eyes, and said calmly: "The plan is indeed true. I think you have made full preparations. Listen, our purpose is to go to distant places where we lack exploration.
field, and seize all those people’s deer. We will definitely succeed, and for this we will all make a fortune.”
"Make a fortune?" Haro Zuosen smiled and joked: "Deerskin is indeed valuable, but it is not valuable. It is good if one skin can be sold for two silver coins. I dare say those businessmen dare to lower the price. They can make the price
It was pressed until there was less than one silver coin."
When Harold Johnson said this, he obviously did not notice the presence of businessman Gould.
Gould deliberately coughed twice, raised his plump chest, and expressed his attitude in public with a simple and honest voice: "Great leader, and my friends. I am willing to buy unprocessed deer skin at the price of two silver coins.
, I want as much as you provide. I guarantee my commitment with my personality."
As soon as this statement came out, everyone was impressed by his bold words.
Harold Zuosen showed a little timidity: "My friend, please forgive me, I am not targeting you. I just want to say that instead of capturing the deer herders' herds, I think it is better to loot the Gotlanders to really make a fortune.
.You know, we had great success, and the young boys were eager to go to war again and reap the great benefits."
Everyone whispered to each other, but soon everyone's opinions became unified.
The so-called necessity of war is that the war against the Gotlanders is essentially a kind of revenge. Now, the soldiers have a reason to expand the war to avenge the Ostara allies.
Otto coughed twice to signal everyone to be quiet.
"War is necessary. I know that many young people long to be heroes. Now, we should give young people more opportunities to experience."
"Just going to the north for hunting? Maybe..." Haro Zuosen was a little unimpressed.
"No! This time the situation is going to be very special. Not only is it another collective act for us, I'm going to take my son with me."
"What?!" Harold Zuosen pressed his ears hard to make sure he heard correctly. Others also widened their eyes.
Otto glanced slightly at the corner of his mouth, and he could predict the surprise of the guys: "I have made up my mind. Rurik must grow, he must undergo training."
"But he is too young." Harold Johnson questioned.
"You are too young to explore? He is destined to be my successor, and he will be your new leader. Can you accept a leader who lacks merit?"
At this time, someone raised his fist and signaled: "Then let him participate in the action and let Rurik receive training! We need this Rurik to lead the future Ross."
Immediately afterwards, everyone expressed the same opinion.
In this state, everyone's words did not taboo the fact that Otto was present. Rurik taking over the position of leader meant that the current leader Otto was dead.
Otto's smile was hidden under his thick beard. He was not afraid of death at all, but he was eager to teach his life experience to his son before he reached the end of his life.
It can be said that no one questioned the key core of Otto's decision, and everyone only expressed their opinions on the details.
In the Speaker's room, Otto formulated a complete set of action procedures.
Regarding the geographical environment of Roseburg and its surroundings, Roseburg is naturally located in the Gulf of Bothnia, in a fjord at about 65° north latitude. It is surrounded by rocky hills and a pure river originating from the foothills of Norway.
Water flows into Rossberg Fjord.
During the warm season, there are a number of small islands off the coast of the fjord. Not only do these islands have no fresh water, they seriously lack economic value.
The Ross fishermen are even more aware that if they want to catch more fish, they must enter the southern waters. The waters north of Rossburg are still very unfamiliar, and there is obviously a serious lack of fishing there, as is the nearby land.
, those areas that lack exploration should be able to catch many ferrets and foxes.
This time, Otto's purpose was to lead his people northward along the frozen coastline. The planned route was different from last winter.
It is best to be able to find deer farmers and a large number of deer. If he cannot find it, he will not worry about the team not harvesting. The unknown forest is equivalent to the unexplored Feng Shui treasure land, because all hunters know that they want to get the best.
If you want fur, you have to head north, even to the legendary sea at the end of the world, to the edge of the human world, and even to peek into the unknown beyond the World Tree.
To put it bluntly, it is best to catch a large number of deer. If you cannot catch deer, you can definitely catch some ferrets. Generally speaking, everyone believes that you will make a sure profit.
This is what winter hunting is like. Once upon a time, the hunters of the Ross tribe were willing to risk freezing to death by pulling sleds to hunt in winter.
Although it is obviously more profitable to wage war and grab the spoils of war, everyone is still interested in winter hunting.
Otto determined the time of the action, which was January 1st of the Julian calendar, which was the fourth day after the so-called Hanukkah and the first day of the year 830 of the Julian calendar.
After the grand festival, those who are determined to set out have the last three days to prepare.
The meeting ended quickly, and he returned to his warm home. Sitting on a leather mat spread on wooden boards, Otto sipped a bottle of strong wine, thinking about the meeting, and waiting for the return of his son and his maid.
Nowadays, the daylight hours fly by almost in a flash, and Rurik has to suspend all children's military training. Instead, he has more time to teach cultural knowledge to his girls.
Although there is no clock, Rurik learned the trick of judging time through the Big Dipper through the high priest Vilia.
Naturally, the Russians do not have the cultural phenomenon of the "Big Dipper" here. The priests call those stars the members of the Valkyrie, or some gods. Although the opinions are different, they are the most reliable way for the Russians to judge the time at night.
Tool of.
Rurik came back, accompanied by three girls.
Rumia was in a good mood. She was very happy that she could serve as the key priest of the Ross tribe's winter solstice ceremony, and she was also excited about Rurik's important role.
The group of people came back, intending to have some more food and then rest. When they got home, they obviously realized that something was wrong.
Rurik just pushed open the wooden door and saw his father sitting quietly.
"You're back, come to me quickly." Otto waved his hand.
"You three go back to your house and rest first, I..."
Before Rurik finished speaking, he heard Otto point his hand: "Rumia, come here too."
"Me?" The girl was a little surprised, wondering what the old leader's instructions were.
Rurik and Rumia sat obediently in front of Otto, listening attentively to many things about this winter's hunting.
Finally, Otto opened his mouth and talked about Rurik himself.
"What? I want to leave Roseburg and join the hunting team?!"
Rurik was very surprised. He did not expect that he would leave Rosberg for the first time and participate in official operations.
"Dad, are you serious?"
"I am serious." Otto urged with a solemn expression; "There is no room for compromise in this matter. You are my son, and you must establish new prestige among the tribe through this action."
"I really... really didn't expect that I would have to leave Roseburg so early."
"What are you muttering about?" Otto asked.
At this time, Rurik raised his chest and showed an intriguing smile on his face. Through this smile, Otto could realize his son's attitude - he had no resistance and was even full of expectations.
"Dad, I have known your determination for a long time. During this time, I noticed that many warriors were touching it. Even Arik was preparing food for hunting. Do you think I am old enough to participate in your adults' actions?
That’s great! I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
Otto was completely relieved, and he actually discussed it with his wife Nia.
Since his son's attitude was very firm, Otto said comfortably: "I originally thought you would refuse. If you refuse, I won't force you. You are only eight years old after all."
The feeling of being underestimated is unpleasant. "Ha! Does being young mean that you are weak? I am not afraid of walking on the snow, and I do need some trials. Dad, those who participated in the operation are all the elites of our tribe, right?"
"Exactly."
"Great. This way I can show off my strength."
"Your strength? You are still a child." Niya, who was sitting on the side, giggled.
"Niya, don't worry about your son." After appeasing his wife, Otto continued to look directly into Rurik's eyes: "Listen, we are very likely to encounter a group of deer farmers again. We will plunder their herds.
, we will fight, Rurik, this will probably be your first battle."
"Fight?" Rurik was a little nervous when he mentioned this word, but he felt that he had lost his previous innocence and integrated into the environment of the Russians. He had become as bloody as them.
"Yes! It's fighting. Rurik, you're training those children just to prepare for future wars, but you never know what fighting is. Deer herders are very weak, you can try your hand at them first."
My father's words were so simple and concise, as if those deer herders were naturally the prey of the Russians, and they were fat sheep that could be slaughtered by others.
However, through the consequences of the Ostara disaster, Rurik fully realized through the Carlotta sisters the cruel truth of surviving in this world.
The truth is so simple, even a bit like a dark forest.
The so-called can be kind, but don’t be too kind. You don’t have to attack others, but you must believe that others will definitely try to attack you. So when you find weak others, you should take the initiative to conquer them and become your slaves to prevent them from becoming your enemies one day.
.
Although he still had some grudges in his heart, Rurik hesitated for a while and said solemnly: "I will become a military commander sooner or later. Then let's take action and launch a war against those in the north."
Rurik's declaration pleased Otto, but this bold statement frightened Rumia.
Because Rumia was a deer herder. She really didn't expect that her kind master would actually attack the deer herder like her father did.
For a moment, Rumia felt that her master was a little disgusting. He was obviously such a cute boy, just like her own relative, but it was him...
Rumia was in a daze, as if a huge boulder was pressing on her chest, making her unable to breathe. She recalled the winter last year, and her tears couldn't stop flowing.
The girl's dramatic mood changes caught Otto's attention.
"Rumia, don't cry." Otto ordered loudly.
As a result, this order made Rumia burst into tears.
She lay on the ground, crawled towards Otto, and told her long-cherished wish while crying: "Chief, I have only one request. If you can, don't kill those deer herders... We just want to live quietly, what?
No one wants to mess with... ugh."
Otto dragged his chin and said impatiently: "You are different from those people. You are Ross's servant, no longer a deer herder. Those people are not your tribe, so why bother crying for them."
"Chief, I just ask you to go around them, don't... don't... I beg you not to kill them."
Rumia burst into tears, and the look of her lying on the wooden floor was even more pitiful.
After all, she was his first servant, and Rurik couldn't help but think of what happened last year. For a moment, Rurik realized that the bold statement he just made might be a bit too much.
Rurik paid attention to his father's attitude. It was obvious that the rough old guy had no reaction to Rumia's crying.
After understanding the girl's cry, Rurik felt that this matter needed to be compromised.
Rurik said loudly: "Dad, maybe we should consider Rumia's words."
"Do you need it? Just a servant."
"She is my servant, and I think her cry makes sense." Rurik's words immediately attracted Rumia's attention, and her crying stopped abruptly. The girl turned her head and looked at her with a strong expression of grievance.
Owner.
Seeing her cry, Rurik's psychology is somewhat uncomfortable. He can't stand a woman crying now, and he can't develop a heart of stone at the moment.
Rurik came up with a satisfactory plan.
"Our plan will not change, but when we encounter deer herders, we should not try to kill them immediately, but order them to surrender. I think that our Ross tribe must conquer the world north of Rossburg, where it must be
In our territory, the deer herders there must be our servants. As long as they are willing to be servants, we should not harm them. Maybe one day, those deer herders can still fight for us Rus."
"We expect them to fight for us?" Otto was refreshed.
"Why not? I still have some Finns on hand, and it doesn't matter if there are others. Maybe we have to use the deer herders we found..." Suddenly you, another beautiful idea comes to Rurik
In his mind, he slapped his thighs and stood up, saying loudly: "Dad, I understand! Our action is not to kill them, but to recruit them. From now on, those deer farmers will only raise deer for us, and they must give us money every year
Donate some deer, and in exchange, we keep them safe. They should become the sheep we raise."
Since the concept of taxation has been implemented in Novorosberg and Novgorod, Otto also stood up with a slap on the thigh: "Good idea! That's what we will do. But..."
"But what?"
Otto asked deliberately: "What if the deer herder resists firmly? Mercy?"
"No!" Rurik flatly refused: "Those who resist must be killed. As for those who choose to surrender, we must ensure their safety in the years to come. Just like...the asylum we gave Rumia. Those who are willing
Anyone who becomes our servant will receive preferential treatment. Dad, can you understand what I mean? But whoever becomes my servant, I will ensure that they will not starve to death and can live in peace under my governance."
Otto grimaced: "You are still kind, but I like this kindness. I hope that those who surrender will be absolutely loyal. If they are traitors, they must be executed." At this point, Otto asked Lumi, who was still kneeling.
Ya: "Lumia, you must follow your master in this operation. Do you know my intention?"
"Oh, great leader, I...I don't know."
Otto frowned: "Are you a fool? I took you with me because I thought you were useful. Rumia, I changed my mind. I can make an agreement with you. When we surround the deer herder's camp, I can
Order not to attack first. You! You go and negotiate with the deer herders and order them to surrender, so that I can pardon everyone. What do you think of my decision?"
Rumia immediately responded with a smile: "That's great. Great leader, you are so kind."
"My kindness?" Otto chuckled: "Maybe I am kind to you. For example, I have regarded you as one of my tribesmen. I didn't expect that you would actually intercede for the deer herder. I am a little disappointed. You go and thank you.
Master. Listen, it was your master's thoughts that made me change my mind."
Rurik responded to Rumia's expression of gratitude with his eyes. Rumia's actions today clearly showed that she had strong feelings for her own people. This made Rurik a little confused. Those deer herders, that is, Lapps,
They are obviously just some scattered clans and tribes, but there is still no trace of them forming a country. Why does Rumia care about those so-called tribesmen?
Little did they know that Rumia felt frightened just thinking about the disaster a year ago, and she didn't want her beloved master to grow into a violent and ruthless character.
However, Rurik finally became the leader of the tribe, and he must lead his tribe to meet the challenge. Peace and stability need to be guarded by swords and shields, and oh, there is also a brand new steel-armed crossbow.
What Rurik can promise Rumia is that he will only pardon the enemies who fight to the death, and not only pardon the servants, but also incorporate them into his own tribe. After all, the Russians are now absorbing Novgorod on a large scale.
Germans, absorbing a large group of deer herders is also a reasonable move.
What’s the use of recruiting deer farmers? Raise deer!
Rather than trying your luck to find and plunder deer herders, why not move the ones you find near Roseburg? What’s more, Roseburg is the hometown of deer herders.
It was only later that Rurik estimated that it was Lumia who understood the "history board" held by Priest Ross and clearly learned about Rossburg's past.
Today's prosperous Roseburg was the home of deer farmers in the past.