The sun was shining, the wind was bright, and the ships were swaying with the waves in the refreshing south wind.
The beach at Fort Ross was crowded, and the trestle near the shore was filled with warriors in white uniforms. They carried their own shields, linen bags filled with various personal belongings, swords, hand axes and daggers hung on their belts, and
A leather water bag filled with fresh water.
Many people also privately brought their own short wooden bows and a batch of arrows. After all, this was an expedition, and it was always a good idea to bring as many weapons as possible.
The helmet protected by iron or bronze leather was polished, and the reflection in the sun simply blinded people's eyes.
This is the first flag team of Russian warriors. They gathered under the military flag with great momentum and their combat effectiveness was the highest in Europe at this era.
At least every man feels that he is the strongest warrior in the known world. Everyone is brave and fearless, fighting for glory and wealth, and being a warrior is a great honor.
Looking at the patchwork flag-shooting teams, their attitudes become quite complicated.
Although it was very abrupt, the one hundred Suomi men who were servants learned that they were about to go to an extremely remote and huge island to fight, and fear affected every soul.
The Suomi people were afraid. Even if Yevro gave some lectures, such as "fight hard to prove that you can improve the status of the Suomi people" and so on, but following the fierce Varyag's Rus people to fight, this is to fight with
Fighting sea monsters?
At least this group of Suomi men wore uniform gray and white linen clothes. They were all issued with hand axes for self-defense and a short spear that could be thrown.
Their positions in the army are the same as in their hometown. Each and every one of them is a short archer. Even their weapons are their own, but they use the mass-produced arrows made by the Russians.
They can also see that compared to the chaos of the people in their hometown, the Russians are obviously more organized, and I am afraid this is also their method of victory.
The only thing that makes them happy is that they don't have to rush to the front line of the battle to fight with the enemy. There won't be too much danger if they shoot arrows from behind.
When they saw another group of men carrying crossbows, they suddenly felt that the weapons in their hands were nothing. That thing lying across the wood was actually a bow? It was clearly a piece of iron bar.
Two-wheeled trolleys have been loaded onto the cargo ship one after another by cables, and enough strategic reserves of oats for a thousand people to eat for two months have been stuffed into the cabin. There are also a large number of baked hard fish jerky that can be eaten immediately.
Then stuff a lot of them into the warrior's own backpack.
There are many miscellaneous goods on the ship, such as pottery, ironware, glassware and a batch of tools to be sold to the Balmoq people.
Food and fresh water, even a large number of pine needles to prevent scurvy, and even dried seal livers with a peculiar taste were piled in piles.
A batch of spare spearheads, as many as 50,000 arrows, and fifty rounds of mass-produced cast-iron bullets for each torsion slingshot really made the entire Russian fleet the overlord of naval battles in this era.
It's just that the fleet did not bring any women, not even the Tavastian female prisoners who were supposed to be handed over to the Balmoks.
This is by no means an unlucky thing for a woman to board the ship, it is entirely because this trip is purely a war between men. Rurik even refused Nolen's request to return home to visit relatives, so how can others ask for it.
Eight thousand people brought their families with them to see off the expeditionary soldiers, and there were also a large number of fishing boats floating on the sea. They were willing to offer the herring and cod caught this morning to encourage the fighting spirit of the army.
Such a wonderful event naturally requires a great sacrifice.
Lumia, wearing a deer-antlered helmet and accompanied by many of Rurik's wives and concubines who served as priests, sacrificed five reindeer to all the gods believed in by the Rus.
Finally, a fire lit up on the beach!
The blood of the deer flowed into the sea, and was sacrificed to the sea god to pray for a smooth journey. The deer carcass was thrown into a small fire tower that burned violently, and gradually turned into ashes to worship the great god Odin.
All this happened under the gazes of John Ingvar and the grain officer Paul. They gritted their teeth and showed embarrassment, and kept crossing themselves on their chests.
Because of this battle, the huge Ross fleet will attack Britain again. God knows how many devout lambs will be turned into powder in this battle.
But they did not want the Russians to be defeated, and they also hoped that the voyage would be uneventful.
Selfishly speaking, the two of them were just lowly serfs in their hometown, or even the toys of the nobles. Everyone was the lamb of the Lord, but they themselves were despicable beings, living like dung. At least they could still be tricked here by the Russians.
For example, take the grain official Paul. This poor serf has been married to the Russians, and there is also a small monastery in Rossburg. His soul has a destination, and his life is full of joy.
Of course Paul didn't want to get involved in this battlefield, but since he knew Saxon and was a native of Northumbria, he was destined for the job of translator and guide.
The great sacrifice was over, Rurik raised his arms and began to board the ship amidst the beautiful music played by Noren and other girls.
They played "Farewell to the Women of Ross" on flutes and leather drums.
This is Rurik's bad taste. Although he is on an expedition to another country, in such a scene, it seems that this kind of melody is really suitable for the occasion.
The music exaggerated a sense of solemnity, and the soldiers who heard the melody suddenly felt a strong sense of mission. Rurik only regretted that there were no amplified speakers in this era, so that various majestic melodies could not be carried throughout the fjord.
Carrying heavy luggage, they either walked through the wooden saws or climbed the rope ladder to board the ship. Then, Avora took the lead in releasing the cable, lowered the jib, and gradually left the port...
One ship after another, accompanied by the shouts and cheers of the people, the ships left the port, and then all the cargo ships also left.
Hundreds of fishing boats rowed or sailed to guard them, actually seeing off the great fleet.
The ships were built and modified for war, making full use of the wind that poured into the fjord to move against the wind. They were gorgeously sewn with huge blue stripes and were so dazzling.
The ships quickly reached extremely fast speeds, and even those modified cargo ships, which were naturally a bit clumsy in nature, gained strong power after installing huge masts, large triangle sails and wave-riding wooden bulbous bows.
Each ship seemed to be flying on the sea, and everyone was amazed by its speed.
Entering the wide waters of the Gulf of Bothnia, the strong and refreshing southeast wind in summer immediately gave the entire fleet, which was heading sideways against the wind, an average speed of seven knots.
The strong wind lasted throughout the day, and today, the night time in the Nordic world has been reduced to only three or four hours.
It was entirely because of time constraints that the Russian army did not set off after the summer solstice ceremony.
People had to spend the summer solstice on boats and were destined not to experience the "night without darkness" this year.
The wind gradually weakened during the night, and the fleet was still charging southward at a speed of three knots.
Rurik decided not to wait until there was no accident. Fortunately, this time the boats were all men, so there were no worries about seeing each other.
Only on the morning of the third day of the voyage, the Ross fleet arrived at Tombstone Island.
Even so, the fleet only receives marine supplies in the waters here, and various supplies are pulled up from the approaching longships through cable hoisting.
At the critical moment, the Gurdot appeared with its sails raised.
Rurik, who was standing on the bow of the Aurora, took a closer look and saw a fat man standing on the opposite ship!
"Gould, you're actually here."
After some pleasantries at sea, Gould gave his best wishes. He wished the Ross army a great victory and was guaranteed to purchase a large amount of food in the Lake Malaren area this year.
The Ross fleet did not stop at all, which surprised those who intended to go ashore for a rest.
However, the Duke's order was absolute, and everyone was pressed for time and had heavy tasks. After replenishing fresh water and food (a batch of fresh onions) that afternoon, they began to run day and night to Visby on Gotland Island.
The continuous southerly wind also ensured that the Ross Army maintained a high speed. On the fifth day of departure, the fleet rushed to Visby.
This city that was once destroyed by the Ross army is now the new territory of the Mälaren immigrants. However, these hundreds of Mälaren people, at least now, are unable to restore Visby's former glory.
At least the people of Mellaren could clearly see the big sail with blue lines and the Ross flag flying on the mast.
The fishermen here arrived very smartly. They were shocked by this scene and guessed that these guys must be attacking some powerful place. Following them desperately was unrealistic and they didn't dare to go, but selling a batch of new
Everyone is very happy to catch herring.
Rurik was just passing by, so it was a good thing to get a supply of fresh fish on the way. After all, everyone fully accepted the lifestyle of eating raw herring.
After passing through this place, on the seventh day, the fleet had arrived at Oland Island, which is as long as a cucumber. They entered the Kalma Strait, and Rurik also issued a war alert for this trip for the first time.
Sure enough, when the fishing boats here saw the familiar and terrifying flag appear, of course everyone hurried to the shore and fled for their lives.
Even the last handful of Saxon immigrants in Borgholm Fortress, when they saw the Ross fleet that suddenly broke in, they subconsciously felt that these guys were here to crusade against their betrayal.
Steinsaxon, who was still the leader, could no longer care so much and hurriedly called on everyone to leave the fortress with the necessary supplies and escape to the distant woods of the island to hide.
A pair of sneaky eyes stared at this huge fleet.
Rurik did take a sideways glance at this familiar fortress.
Cousin Arik was also staying on the flagship this time, and he couldn't help but clenched his fists as he recalled the glory of the past.
"Brother, maybe we can go ashore and ask the guys here for tribute."
"Ashore? No need. These guys were beaten so badly by us that they really can't get much profit. I told you not to go ashore if this trip is unnecessary. Let's keep going."
The Ross fleet was still on alert, but there was really no one who was willing to launch an attack along the way.
Four sailing cruisers are in the front, four sailing destroyers are in the rear, and all armed cargo ships are in the middle.
Rurik wanted to put the most powerful ship at the head of the team, just like using a beast with its bloody mouth and terrifying fangs.
With such a powerful fleet, which Danish fishing boat dares to approach it?
Karma, which had been ravaged by the war, had been reduced to a small settlement, and the Russian army just looked at it and walked away.
The fleet, which traveled day and night, passed the Kalmar Strait near dusk on the eighth day of the voyage. As for the southern waters, many people in the team were already quite unfamiliar.
At least Rurik knew the landforms and hydrology here very well. He decided not to continue south to Burgundy Island, but continued to follow the coastline and headed straight for Silver Castle.
At this time, Rurik called the main ships to approach the leader and flagship Avlora, and he declared the war order by shouting orally.
Are we going to attack Silver Castle under the rule of the Danes?
Of course! After sailing for so many days, the morale of the brothers is being rapidly depleted.
The next step is for the fleet to pass through the core area of the Danes and enter the vast Atlantic Ocean through the tortuous General Denmark Strait.
This section of the voyage was the most dangerous, and Rurik had to be cautious. The so-called Danes would go crazy and seize the opportunity to fight back in order to kill their king. Even if there were rumors that the Danes died suddenly because of their king, various
Road lords and even overseas powerful people are involved in this civil strife. Maybe they will sit back and watch the Ross fleet pass?
Maybe, but war preparations must be made, and any other ships that stand in front of the fleet must be sunk or driven away.
So first we attacked the ships near Silver Castle!
Let's talk about the bank. This place was once attacked by the Swedish army. However, after the main force of Denmark arrived, the old Swedish King Olegin died directly here. At least 1,500 people were killed and captured. The newly born Sweden also fought for this.
The great hope of losing the expedition also made the Principality of Rus great.
The Silver Castle must be attacked, and the fleet can directly enter the harbor area.
The Russian people's long-suffering bloody rage broke out! The army still has not landed, but Yuryrik does not want to fight and waste time in this bay area.
Five Danish cargo ships were damaged and then captured. Everyone on board was executed, which can be regarded as a blood sacrifice.
This is piracy in the Baltic Sea. Today, Rurik no longer feels guilty. Rus and Sweden are still at war with Denmark, so it is natural to attack Silver Castle.
They captured a batch of wool, as well as a batch of onions and coarse linen produced in the Wenshe Village Alliance in the Götaland Highlands north of Silver Castle. These are economic materials and raw materials for textiles. The only interesting ones are
Onions lack energy, and their spicy taste stimulates the boredom of the soldiers, while vitamins also provide the Russian army with necessary protection.
It’s already the eleventh day! The Oresund Strait is right in front of us!
Will the Dane choose to intercept? Maybe, maybe not.
The fleet broke in cautiously, but unexpectedly and unsurprisingly, the Danes did choose to avoid it.
The once powerful Robard tribe, which controlled the tax collection rights of the Oresund Strait, was no longer able to elect a strong man after losing King Hafgen. The Danish lords were already killing each other, and in the name of Flanders
Horik, the earl of the Franks, and his envoys have been traveling among the Danish islands, promoting Horik as the eldest nephew of the former leader Harald Clark, denying the expulsion order given to him by his fathers in his hometown, and threatening to prepare
After bringing the heroes from the south to fight back, the so-called smart people must admit that Horik is the new king.
Rurik only has a superficial understanding of all this, but what does this have to do with the Russians?
When the Danish fishing boats saw this fleet, they all circled around. The Russians did not encounter any obstruction, and it was even God's blessing!
The road was not windy and sunny every day. It was cloudy and hazy for many days. Except for sudden changes in the wind direction, no storms occurred.
In fact, it is raining in the Pomerania region to the south. It is raining continuously in Hamburg and Bremen. Fortunately, it is only cloudy here in Denmark.
When the rainfall in the southern European continent ends, the weather suddenly warms up, which means that the strong southerly wind is coming again!
The Ross fleet passed through the entire Jutland Peninsula at the fastest speed. On the early morning of the thirteenth day of departure, the Atlantic Ocean was already in front of everyone!
The scene of sudden enlightenment shocked everyone, and the most excited ones were naturally all the Balmok people.
This group of Balmoks who arrived in Roseburg last year, their experience this year has shocked everyone, as if the past time is not as meaningful and valuable as this year.
Fight together with the Ross people, and everyone will eat well and win honors together, and there are also a group of captured female warriors from the Eastern Land who are still in Rossburg. When the new conquest is over, those women will all be on the "Road of Ice and Snow"
, was transported to Balmok on a sled, and the winter overland trade between Balmok and Rus will become increasingly prosperous.
Once the fleet is here, if it continues westward, it can directly reach the Shetland Islands, and then directly attack Scotland and Northumbria.
At that time, the fleet's strength was still too small.
The fleet headed north in unison, using the fierce summer trade winds of the Atlantic to hit all the way, and rushed through Bergen at an extremely fast speed, shocking all the locals!
Because the big ships were all flying the same flag! The Norwegians in Bergen who were trading with Denmark now understood that the people coming were Russians.
Are they communicating with the guys at Narvik Port in the north? Or are they starting a war? They won't attack Bergen.
Finally, the fjord is in sight and the long voyage is about to end.
Biyoni stood on the bow of the Balmok sailing cruiser and called all the fishing boats in his hometown not to worry, and further shouted that this ship was proof of the Russian contract.
When all misunderstandings were resolved, Narvik's fishing boat became the fleet's best guide.
The brothers who traveled to the East came back with their Russian friends! The Russians fulfilled their agreement! This time everyone can trade happily.
At this point, Rurik experienced a seventeen-day voyage, circumnavigating most of Scandinavia at a crazy speed, completing the fastest voyage in history.