Those traders who were waiting for the opportunity seized the opportunity. No, on the second day after Otto arrived, the dock of Gould Island turned into a noisy floating market.
The island is so small that it is impossible for it to form a trading market on the shore. The trade between each other is all ships meeting each other, and then one hand takes money and the other takes goods.
Those merchants happily purchased important commodities from the Rus, especially all kinds of leather, which is always a hard currency in trade. The merchants got a lot of squirrel skins, snow rabbit skins and mink skins, and a lot of silver coins were clanging.
It fell into the Russian pocket with a clang.
They were really in awe. For the first time in their lives, they stood under a huge sailing boat. They could row a small boat close to touch the thick planks of the big ship, but there was no way to board it directly.
Even though the Avora has a standard displacement of only fifty tons, its sides are so high that no one can climb it with bare hands. The transportation of materials and personnel relies on wooden planks extending from the deck, and even rope ladders are thrown down for people to climb.
Such a structure naturally means that after she enters the battlefield, she hardly has to worry about any form of gang-hopping. The enemy cannot climb this floating fortress. This is her current tactical advantage, and no one except Rurik is aware of it.
Otto was awakened by the noise. He came here yesterday and fell asleep after taking a comfortable hot bath. Now he stood on the wooden fence full of energy and saw the lively scene clearly.
"Very good, the money is being recovered quickly..."
So far, Gould's work is satisfactory, and the boat has sailed to the not-so-distant Mälaren Pier.
There are a large number of houses on the lakeside in the north. Standing at a high place, Otto can see the general outline and roughly estimate their huge size. The settlement is immersed in the smoke, and he cannot see the details. Even so, Otto
It can also be estimated that Melalenburg is indeed much larger than Rossburg.
"If they are big, they may look bloated and not very strong. No! They have many people, and more people are a guarantee of strength."
In most cases, the bigger the body, the more obvious the advantage.
Otto envied Mellaren's population, and he couldn't help but feel fear and awe in his heart.
The messenger had already set off, and Otto only sent a little-known warrior who could be said to be brave enough to fight. This man carried a wooden board with words engraved on it, which was his personal letter.
His plan was that he would not land at the Mellaren Market unless necessary. He would only land with Rurik when he received a formal invitation from the leader of the alliance and was asked to enter the alliance site.
What is this called? This is called card face.
But the development of some things always exceeds each other's expectations.
The Russian envoy successfully delivered Otto's letter to Origen. Who would have thought that the envoy's ship would actually pass by Origen's envoy.
A thin man wearing a velvet hat and beautiful feathers. This man looks like a businessman, but in fact he carries a letter written by Olegin.
Gould Island was still bustling with activity. Within the wooden walls of the island, in a secluded wooden house, Otto, Rurik, Carlotta and others were sitting quietly on leather cushions. The messenger didn't waste any words and offered himself immediately.
of letters.
Otto glanced at the letter, which contained not much but was very important. The leader of the alliance, Olegin, did not use any honorific words. He simply asked the three important people in a commanding tone to arrive at the lake tomorrow morning.
A deserted island, and discuss some things secretly.
Things got very good.
Otto frowned, as did Rurik. Even Carlotta noticed the conspiracy.
"What's going on? Are we going to have a secret conversation?"
The messenger's face remained calm, and this person's rigorous attitude really made Otto think that this person was a warrior. "Chief Ross, my master has issued this order. According to the covenant, you must attend the meeting."
"Really? Since it's his order, of course I will go. It's just..."
"What are you worried about?"
Otto felt that there was something wrong with this matter, and Rurik suddenly felt like a Hongmen Banquet. No, the situation could not be so bad.
Otto did not dare to express his worries about the most extreme situation suddenly. He asked: "Where are the other leaders? Can they arrive?"
The messenger shook his head, as if giving a negative answer, but in fact it was not the case. "Chief Ross, this is not my responsibility. I don't know, and even if I know, I have no right to answer."
"Huh?" Otto suddenly made a tactical retreat: "Then what else is there to say? You can go back and tell the leader of the alliance and let him hold the meeting openly. Leader Ostara and I will attend the meeting openly, no need.
So mysterious.”
"Are you worried that the alliance leader has a secret agreement with other leaders? This is impossible!"
The messenger didn't seem to laugh or be surprised. It seemed that even if he was punched, he could still put on such a serious face. People who lie are guilty, and Otto didn't think that this person was lying.
"So it really is a secret agreement?"
The messenger immediately looked left and right vigilantly to make sure he was not eavesdropping before he laughed and said: "Yes, my master said that the Russians are his most respected allies. This time we meet, the friendship will deepen. We will conclude a
A deeper alliance, certain things should not be known to other tribes."
The atmosphere became more tense. Otto stretched out his hand to put away the wooden board and murmured: "Food, weapons and silver coins. You can go back. You can tell your master in advance that we Russians have brought all the weapons. Tomorrow
We'll go to that deserted island, and hopefully he'll make sure no idle person notices it."
The messenger stood up, neatly knelt down on one knee and raised his head, completely proving that this man was actually a seasoned warrior.
Well, now, before the formal alliance, the Russians will conspire with the Melalen people on something. Is it just a deeper official bilateral cooperation? Things must not be that simple.
After Gould pointed out the so-called desert island, both Rurik and Otto knew its name - Leg of Lamb Island.
What a strange and funny name. Of course, it has such a name because there are no shepherds on the island. On the contrary, the island is full of white sand and small trees. Its overall shape is like a baked piece.
Legs of sheep and nothing more.
Is there anything special about this island?
It was Gould, who knew the hydrology and climate of this place well, who gave him guidance.
It is indeed somewhat special. The so-called special thing is that it is far away from the main trade channel of the lake. The island is deep in the west of Lake Mälaren, and it is also a half-day boating trip from Mälarenborg.
Look, in the letter, Olegin asked the Russians to keep a low profile, and he himself would also keep a low profile. The letter did not mention any restrictions on carrying guards. The biggest restriction was that ships on both sides were not allowed to display obvious flags.
Going to the meeting?
The messenger left, and at night, several people still gathered together to communicate quietly.
Otto and Rurik immediately agreed, and they undoubtedly regarded this matter as an opportunity.
Rurik gave his father a reminder: "I think that man just can't save face. He hopes to get glory, but he is old. His son Karl is not a smart man. I always feel that this secret conversation, Olegin hopes to get
Our public support.\u001e”
"What are you supporting?" Otto felt that his son had realized something.
"Just to support him and even his son to do something..."
"As what?"
"The new alliance leader, or the king. He hopes that Karl can inherit all the power, even though I think that man lacks the qualifications."
"So you need to find us quietly for support? Why? Oh! I understand..." Otto chuckled, and he deliberately asked Rurik: "So, are you willing to surrender to that fool?"
"Pooh!"
Rurik’s answer was decisive, but Otto estimated that the matter would not be that simple due to his son’s temperament. He deliberately smiled and said: “We can support it publicly, as long as we can get benefits, there is no problem in supporting them as the leader of the alliance.
It seems to me that you are not that enthusiastic about the entire alliance anymore. Tell you, do you think so?"
When it came to this person, Rurik had no intention of deceiving his relatives. He raised his head and said: "I am a fish in the sea, not in the lake. We Russians are now the actual leaders of Novgorod, the Kovin people."
The actual leader of the Svian Union. When we become stronger, there is no harm in breaking away. Dad, those wooden documents record it very clearly. It was the ancestors of these people who expelled us seventy years ago, especially Uppsa.
There is no need to be angry about these things now, because after seventy years since we conquered the East, these guys are still fishing in this lake area."
"Okay, you are good at talking. Let us prepare. If there is any big event tomorrow, I will authorize you to speak for me. Haha!" Otto rubbed his son's head affectionately, quite a bit; "Just act as the leader."
As for his identity, it would be best to render Olegin speechless."
If the Russians no longer value the Svia Tribe Alliance so much, as long as the alliance's resolutions will not harm the Russian economy, conditional support for those things that are available or not will obviously be beneficial to the Russians.
On a new day, when the sky had just turned blue, two longships quietly left Gould Island.
The phantom of the Aurora is just a dark shadow in the lake and mountains. She stands in the port more like a symbol of the leader of Ross, proving to the merchants that the mysterious Otto has not left.
Actually? Otto was wearing chainmail and leather armor, sitting on the boat like an old warrior. He wrapped his whole body in a burlap robe. At first glance, he looked as unprepossessing as a fisherman returning from fishing that night.
people.
Rurik and Carlotta were also named. They were wrapped in thick deerskins and resisted the cold lake breeze at dawn.
On this trip, the fat Gould actually worked as the navigator. He sat on the bow of the boat, and relying on his seal-like figure, he did not participate in paddling.
There were nearly fifty people in the two ships. In addition to the important people attending the appointment and the handymen sent by Gould, there were as many as forty armed personnel who had participated in many wars, especially Jevlo, a Finn.
The mercenary captain is the commander of the guards used on this trip.
Their numbers are small, and there is no doubt that they have extremely strong combat effectiveness.
Thinking of what happened yesterday, Otto and Rurik did not feel that there was any risk in this trip, so the significance of bringing a large number of guards was probably to show the other side that the strength of the Russian people should not be underestimated.
Sheep Leg Island, the name is indeed a bit funny.
There are many islands in Lake Mälaren, most of which are small sandbars. The larger islands actually have strange names. These islands are only inhabited by a few people. For safety reasons, the residents of the lakeside spontaneously
The Melalen tribe is composed of large and small tribes, and the Melalen tribe has the best geographical location. It naturally absorbs the largest population. Therefore, except for the main settlements, other areas are essentially no-man's land.
"Ahead is Lamb's Leg Island." Gould's big, stubby hand reached forward.
Otto squinted his eyes and took a closer look. He noticed that there were indeed some people wandering on the sandy beach of the distant island. When he took a closer look, there were more than ten people there, all carrying a spear or a wooden stick.
There are some white cloth strips tied on it as some kind of signal.
As a veteran soldier, Otto was instinctively wary of any sharp objects. He turned around and ordered the people who had been rowing for a long time to cheer up: "Brothers, be prepared! Check your weapons to make sure they are safe."
Ability to deal with any emergencies. Speed up and row now!"
At this moment, Olegin led his guard of one hundred people and landed on the island while it was still dark.
He attached great importance to this secret meeting, because the Russian messengers had always conveyed the goodwill of the Russians, which relieved his nervous heart a lot. Olegin indeed wanted something from the Russians, as you can see from this.
, Olegin attaches great importance to some honorable things, for example, he braved the cold and darkness in the early morning to arrive at the Island of Mutton Legs, in order to "greet guests as a host."
Finally, the guests are here!
Olegin was a little embarrassed. He took a sip of Russian strong wine. Not to mention, it is said that the name of the wine was printed on this precious glass bottle, which made it much nobler than ordinary ale. After taking a sip,
The feeling of depression was gone.
Olegin was dressed as a warrior, but his gold-inlaid belt, more than ten pieces of amber and sapphire chainmail, and even the gold crown on his head that looked like a ring, fully proved his nobility.
More and more Malaren warriors came out of the woods, which made Otto, who was about to rush to the beach, instinctively vigilant.
Otto understood the importance of being on guard against others. Although he didn't know what was going on, he immediately gave Gevro an order: "Get off the boat and set up your formation, just like you drilled."
"Dad?" Rurik asked in confusion.
"Rurik, look, Origen has brought many armed men. What do they want to do?"
Rurik squinted and saw that those people were mainly dressed in black: "They seem to be Olegin's private soldiers."
"The enemies?"
"Probably not. At least not now."
Otto gritted his teeth and decided not to change the order.
The two ships washed up on the beach. At this moment, the armed men were standing behind Olegin. They stood in a dense formation, but the team seemed a bit scattered. Their battle axes and swords were still hanging on the belts around their waists, and some carried
As a warrior with a spear, his style is even more casual.
What Jevlo, who had experienced this situation for a long time, clearly saw was a group of lambs waiting to be slaughtered. They had no fighting spirit at all and they did not want to fight at all.
On the other hand, among the Russians, Yevlo reacted with extremely high on-the-spot reaction. He did not ask the soldiers to draw the steel sword (it actually only takes a second or two to draw the sword), but lined up two rows of arc-shaped human walls to benefit the bow of the ship.
Shields painted with various patterns were pointed at the Mellaren people. The nobles, such as Otto and Rurik, were closely guarded by the warriors.
Look at this well-trained formation. It instantly changed Olegin's previous ideas about the Russians. He never thought that the Russian soldiers were actually well-organized! Looking at his own people, they looked loose.
It is said that he is still a brave warrior.
Olegin gritted his teeth. He felt that he had come earlier and brought more people with him, so he was still outnumbered by the Russians in terms of momentum.
"Otto! My brother, are you in the crowd?" Olegin suddenly shouted loudly.
At this moment, Otto would never have dreamed that the so-called "great leader" whom he had not seen for ten years would actually get close to him in such a tone? Otto had never felt a trace of tenderness, and he thought it was ridiculous. Rurik and Carlo
Ta, the two of them were so shocked by these words that they had goosebumps all over their bodies.
Because in this world, except for his brother Ogier, no one else would affectionately call Otto "brother". Unfortunately, it has been almost ten years since Ogier died.
"Jevro, tell the brothers to put down their shields."
No, Otto gave an order, and all the Russian warriors put their shields on their backs and showed the neat chainmail armor on their chests to the opponent. Their shield-folding movements were also neat, and they once again worshiped Olegin.
The Ross warrior stepped aside, and an old guy with blond hair, a tall and strong figure, a huge beard, and extremely deep eyes walked out with proud steps.
He was Otto. Seeing this person, Olegin subconsciously took a step back. After realizing Lu Qie, he hurriedly took a step forward, even though he was still a little nervous.
After all, they hadn't seen each other for more than ten years, and Origen had almost forgotten what Otto looked like. Taking a closer look at this person, his appearance even gave him the feeling of the legendary "Great God Odin".
Isn't it! Next to this old guy is a beautiful boy Rurik who has a calm temperament and is full of wisdom. At least since Rurik was born, a legend has spread wildly throughout the league. Olegin doesn't want to pay attention to that at all
Legend has it that Rurik was such a magical child that Olegin wished he could be his son, thus completely stabilizing the Mellaren people's hegemony. Unfortunately, it backfired...
"You...really Otto?"
"Exactly!" Otto stood like a sculpture.
Olegin, who originally regarded himself as his master, actually put down his body, spread his arms and walked over, smiling even more: "My old friend, my good brother, ten years! We meet again."
He wanted to show etiquette, and Otto shouldn't be rude here either.
The two old men hugged each other and patted each other on the back. Olegin felt Otto's hardness, and Otto felt Olegin's strength on the outside. People are different, Olegin
He was indeed a little older than Otto, but the difference in age could explain very little. Olegin was born to be weaker than Otto, and this was evident when the two were young.
Back then, Olegin of Mellaren used his tactics to become the leader and even the leader of the alliance. Although Otto had wisdom, he actually mainly relied on swords and fists to gain his status.
The hugging ceremony between the two eliminated mutual suspicion to a great extent.
Olegin let go of his hand and looked arrogantly at Rurik and Carlotta, who were also visiting: "It's a good thing that you all attended the meeting. Come on, let the soldiers guard the island. I won't let anything interfere with us.
.And we..." Olegin looked at Gould again. He actually didn't want a businessman to visit, so he said very nervously: "I just want to talk to you in secret, and then it will be just me and you.
A secret conversation between three people.”
Otto looked left and right again, and he pointed to the edge of the beach and woods: "Right there. Lay some fur blankets, and we, as leaders, will discuss the matter. Listen, I need to see that my soldiers are indeed protecting our