The large ships were in a wedge-shaped array in front, guarding the longships in the rear. When they passed the Bornholm Sea, they all ran towards the due north.
Just to the west, a large coastline looms, and people who are extremely sensitive to navigation are full of curiosity about it.
At this time, Ragnar stayed on the current flagship Gray Squirrel, chatting and laughing with his comrade Aric.
No doubt the western coastline attracted his attention.
The cool north wind blew his beard and hair around. The wind on the bow deck was very strong, and his ears were full of rumbling sounds, so much so that he had to roar when he spoke.
"That's Scandinavia over there?!" he yelled.
"It's Gotland! A big island."
"Is it Gotland? Is it the Gotland that you killed?"
"Exactly!" Arik held on to the wooden railing, looking extremely proud. As long as he was given time, he would be able to talk about his record of the Gotland War for three days and three nights.
Aric had already said a lot, which aroused Ragnar's curiosity and even envy.
He clearly understood the crazy armament of the Ross army. The Frank cavalry became sacrifices to Odin under the shocking arrow fire, but the close combat capabilities of the Ross people should not be underestimated.
Ragnar was with the Ross army this time, and was able to observe their weapons at close range, and even personally operated the torsion slingshot. He also noticed the two swords of Aric, the general, and a bow made of iron. The sword of the Ross was
They will not bend or deform. They are very elastic. The only problem is that they may chip, but they will never curl.
"As long as you are willing to spend one pound of silver coins, you can order a good sword inlaid with gems. When you get to Ross, you can find the blacksmith alliance and come up with the order and deposit. The result will be there within ten days." He described Arik's description.
Keeping it in mind, while full of yearning for Ross, I am also full of interest in Gotland.
Because, even if the Stonewall Tribe was so destitute that there were only 300 men who dared to fight, they were not so depraved that they needed to obey others. If the tribe was really cowardly, and they themselves were really cowardly, they would not angrily fight back against the lackeys of the Frankish Kingdom.
and the Frankish kingdom itself.
Even the Principality of Rus cannot become the suzerain of the tribe.
However, there is no problem in calling the Russians brothers.
"Now, have you occupied this island?" Ragna on the deck asked another soul question.
Arik thought for a moment, and it was really hard to answer this question: "Occupied, but not fully occupied. Some Swedes occupied Visby, and there seemed to be no settlements in other parts of the island. Perhaps our fishermen would visit here,
The settlements are not being built."
When talking about this matter, Arik felt a little ashamed. Originally, according to the principality's plan, Ross was to develop the fishing village of Slitomo on the eastern coastline of the island into a stronghold. However, the matter was directly eliminated due to subsequent developments. None
He, Gotland is far away from Saaremaa and Tombstone Island in the Åland Islands, and the entire Gotland is at the forefront of Danish influence. The Russians are now vigorously developing the island, economically
There is not much bargain to be gained, and the stronghold may still be a burden on the military.
Hearing such a description, Ragna couldn't help but sigh: "What a pity, you don't want this good thing."
Arik shrugged helplessly: "At least I can't have it now."
"Oh? Since you don't want it, how about I take someone to get it?" Ragna said clearly with a straight face, and the desire in his heart was evident.
"It's not possible, but..."
"How? Aren't we brothers? I'm in trouble, you help me, and we will continue to fight side by side in the future, wouldn't it be beautiful?"
After all, Arik does not have the highest power, and his current status is just the governor of Mstisk. According to his simple idea, the newly adopted group of brothers all moved to Mstisk, and everyone lived together, so that in the future
Not only are there more troops to fight, they are also easier to coordinate.
But judging from Ragnar's attitude, this group of lonely Danes just want to develop freely, and they just want to guard a fishing village and continue to live a happy life on the sea.
"So, you're serious. You want to finally settle down in Gotland?"
"What's wrong?"
"This matter still has to be decided by the prince."
"Your brother? You can't decide?" Ragnar was still surprised, and then said with a dull face: "Since Gotland is to the west, and since it is an unclaimed land, I will disembark now and take my brothers with me.
Drift over. You can't stop me from doing this. But we are still allies who have fought together."
"That won't work." Arik's attitude also changed drastically, and his calm face showed a fierce look, and he threatened: "Gotland is not a land without one. Remember, you are Danes! You killed the Swedish people
The old king, and the current residents on the island are the old king's old tribe. Without the authorization of our Prince of Rus, you are provoking a war by waiting to settle down! You can't even think of leaving now."
How could the nature of the matter be so serious? Ragnar, who had become a lost dog, quickly softened his mind and explained casually that he had no intention of offending, but there was still a sense of disdain in his heart.
Ragnar did not want to cause a dispute. What he really needed was a safe enough living space. The nearby area was safe enough, adjacent to the ocean and rich in seafood. He also needed an ally like the Principality of Ross as a backer.
He needed to establish an alliance with the young King of Rus, but it was only an alliance.
The triumphal fleet successfully arrived at Tombstone Island, and their return immediately caused a sensation throughout the island.
Except for Spuyut who took his people to Britain to collect tribute, all the ships that returned had a lot of gains!
At the dock, Old Gould happily welcomed his second son. Now it seems that the second son, Blue Fox, is the bravest among all his children.
It was a rare occasion for the entire fleet to resupply on Tombstone Island. Under the gaze of the islanders and merchants, a large group of men in somewhat shabby clothing disembarked from the ship.
News spread instantly—the foreigners who landed on the island were all Danes!
Whether in Russia or Sweden, ordinary people are highly wary of Danes unless they can prove that they are friendly.
After hearing the news, a group of Danes landed on the island with their families in tow. All the towers of the Tombstone Island fortress and their torsion slingshots were aimed at the dock to guard them. Men with weapons spontaneously surrounded this group of uninvited guests, making the scene extremely embarrassing for a while.
Ragnar had long been frightened out of his ptsd by the war. When others threatened him with force, he led his troops to confront him with swords. Until Aric personally stepped forward to mediate, and then the people of the entire Tombstone Island immediately held a meeting in Ross Duma on the island, and the prominent figures unified
Attitude: This group of Danes can trade, but they are not allowed to possess any weapons, including daggers.
What else could Ragnar do? With Arik's recommendation, he entered the Rus Duma in the inner castle of the island alone, and explained his situation to the Rus people and allied merchants who were on high alert in this huge parliamentary court.
The misunderstanding was not completely resolved, but things became more complicated. The two parties hurriedly negotiated and negotiated, and finally the Danes allowed to camp on the small island next to Tombstone Island, so that they could open up a market to sell the spoils taken from the war with the Franks.
At this moment, Ragnar fully understood what kind of existence the Russian Tombstone Island was. She was the base for the Russians to intimidate the southern seas, a central port for trade in the North Baltic Sea, and a place for the Swedes, Russians and
It was a place where Finns lived together. Everyone was wary of Denmark like no other. Ragnar was naturally in a bad mood, but the development of the situation soon made him happy.
In business, as long as you can make money steadily, it doesn't matter who you trade with.
The greatest wealth owned by Merlaren merchants is wheat, and it happens that the powerful Rus Principality recognizes that wheat has monetary properties.
Ragnar is selling the excess metal tools he looted. He is exchanging them for the wealth of his tribe for the winter. The captured metals are actually being sold at low prices. This is the key to attracting merchants.
The two sides hit it off immediately.
The entire fleet will stay on Tombstone Island for many days, and Ragnar's troops, who have been displaced for more than several months, finally settle down temporarily. They fish on the spot and set up the pottery urns they brought to boil salt on the spot.
It seems that the Danes are plundering the resources of the Principality of Rus? At present, their behavior is not excessive. Although the islanders are unhappy about it, considering that they will leave soon, they simply tolerate it.
Ragnar just wanted to rest peacefully for a few days. He had no idea how much real Rus people enjoyed on Tombstone Island. Until his family was brought back to Tombstone Island by Aric.
As brothers who have killed people on the battlefield together, we use soap to bathe together, go to saunas together, drink high-alcohol spirits and low-alcohol kvass together, and bite into wheat sesame pancakes that are burnt on the outside and tender on the inside.
Incomparable pleasure. After drinking, Aric spoke the truth and talked about the comradeship he had experienced on the battlefield. He really regarded Ragnar as his half-brother.
A slovenly man with a sour fishy smell completely changed his appearance. Ragnar had never enjoyed it so much and truly fell in love with the life here.
It was an eye-opener for him, and he was most willing to soak in a big wooden barrel after taking a sauna.
He enjoyed all this at the Gould family's Tombstone Island mansion. As a big businessman with a lot of wealth, it was only appropriate for him to enjoy some extreme enjoyment.
He, Arik, and Lan Hu enjoyed the bathing days, and not only did they enjoy the female slaves provided by the big businessmen, but there was more good news afterward. The so-called ownership rights of the female slaves had been handed over to him, and he did not even have to pay a price.
why is that?
The clever Gould knew that his fate was over soon. He himself had no hatred for the Danish Alliance, but was angry at the foolish methods of expelling foreign merchants by those in power in the past. Since this group of down-and-out Danes wanted to fight with the prince of Rus
Aric formed an alliance, and his second son fought side by side with him. So for the sake of family business activities, wooing this young and down-and-out Danish lord now would help the family continue to gain business interests in Denmark in the future.
The comfortable days felt like a dream for a few days, and Ragnar even fell in love with the island, imagining that the good days could last.
But this is just a small island after all. In Arik's description, New Rossburg in the east is a big city, and Novgorod in the east is full of Russians.
On the island, Ragnar bought a small jar of honey, some dried raspberries, and sweet snacks to please his two sons and his wife. He also took his new slave girl with him. His family needed a
Servants, now the problem has been solved. There is still a big problem for the entire tribe - the absolute shortage of women.
All because of the war, the Stonewall tribe lost a large number of women and children. The men failed to protect their wives and children. The subsequent revenge against Frank, especially the burning of Bremen, can be considered violent revenge, but the population is still absolutely insufficient.
He heard some rumors that the so-called Finland in the East is the territory of Gevlo, where the price of women is very cheap. The people of Gevlo are stationed on the side of Tombstone Island. After some communication with them, Gevlo
He put forward the conditions straightforwardly: "It's not impossible for you to get our women. You must give money to their parents, and you must swear to treat them well. They don't have to be wives, but they must not be slaves. If I learn of the bad behavior,
situation, I will take revenge."
The two parties quickly reached a deal, that is, Suomi's woman would marry out through normal channels, and "betrothal wealth" would naturally be indispensable. Jevro didn't need a lot of supplies. When he personally started to manage the earldom, the trouble started.
Know that his power comes from the official appointment of the Prince of Rus, and that he can be fully recognized by the Suomi people. It also lies in his personal Suomi bloodline and the fact that he gave birth to a son with the daughter of the leader of the alliance.
There is a saying that one should not hang oneself from a tree. A group of down-and-out Danes can be won over to Ragnar through out-marriage. Firstly, they can make a lot of money through out-marriage. Secondly, those women who are out-married will give birth to children.
It is impossible for these children not to have feelings for Finland.
To marry a young Finnish woman, you must spend one pound of silver coins, not even one less!
Jevlo set the conditions very strictly.
Although this price was a bit extreme, Ragna simply gritted his teeth and accepted it. As for when the transaction would begin, at least it was not now.
The mixed fleet continues eastward, and the real big city, the nominal capital of a country, is right in front of you!
Ragnar was holding his eldest son Ivar with weak legs, his wife was holding her second son Bjorn who was only one year old, and the new slave girl behind him who was laughing or crying was all facing the new ones.
The walls of Rossburg are sighing.
A large number of small boats were parked near Kotlin Island, and some ships that were obviously transporting sand and gravel drifted past the fleet. The crew first looked at the fleet, and then glanced at the city.
Since entering the Gulf of Finland, the fleet has always encountered ships, some transporting wood, some carrying rocks and sand, and some materials wrapped in cloth. Standard cargo ships shuttle faster than the fleet.
When the fleet arrived at the dock, in fact, Fort New Ross noticed the flag flying on the mast as early as when it broke into Kotlin Island.
Governor Cornuson learned of the situation and immediately concluded that this was the triumphant return of the punitive force sent by the prince.
Large ships docked one after another, and just like what happened on Tombstone Island, a large number of Danes spent money to buy new clothes on Tombstone Island. Their hairstyles and clothing habits were obviously different from those of the Russians, which once again aroused vigilance.
The Danes were once again forced to stay at the dock waiting for permission to enter the city, while Ragnar walked towards the elderly governor with open arms.
The two sides hugged and greeted each other, and their laughter instantly turned into nervousness after hearing the news.
The governor was on high alert and asked: "When you left, there were five hundred people, but it seems to me that your manpower has become a thousand? Those men are not from our clan at all, where did they come from?"
"He's Danish."
"Ah?!" The governor was shocked and took three steps back.
"What's so scary?"
"You! Good boy! Arik...you brought a group of Danish men back?"
"Haha! It's me."
"That's a light answer. Does the prince agree?"
Arik shrugged: "I know what everyone is afraid of. Don't worry, I won't let them enter the city, and the weapons are temporarily under our custody. Uncle Cornuson, this is a group of desolate Danes, but they attacked with me.
Frank, we have gained huge profits from this battle, and I am very worried that our prince will be so happy that he will roll on the ground."
The wording is quite humorous, and the awkward and tense atmosphere suddenly eases a lot.
Konusong's face was stupefied: "It's good that you know. Since you are the guarantee, you will be held responsible if something goes wrong."
"Where is the prince now? New Roseburg is the capital, and he should be here."
"Not here. The prince is in Novgorod. Depending on the situation, the prince will spend the winter there again."
Hearing this situation, Arik, who was eager to report his glorious victory to his brother Rurik, was really sorry. Even so, he had to seize the time to unload a large amount of supplies. After all, he had an appointment with his brother first, and the seized supplies were certainly five
According to the five-cent account, the wool, wheat, etc. that belong to the princes as national property will be placed in the warehouse in Novorosberg. Without it, the warehouses in Novgorod will definitely be full because of the wheat harvest, and the remaining large granaries will only be in the new warehouse.
Roseburg's granary district is gone unless new ones are built.
Since unloading is involved, a large number of urban laborers gathered at the port, and men and women lined up to sign up as porters, just to get a generous reward.
In this way, Ragnar's tribe had been ordered to move to the right bank of the Neva River, that is, to camp in the wasteland across the Neva River from the Rabbit Island Fortress opposite the Winter Palace. Men and women all admired this huge
The city and the busy docks.
The strength of Rus can be explained by the prosperity and solidity of this city, but it is a pity that everyone is still not allowed to enter the city.
Ragnar understands all this. Although the brothers fought side by side with Arik's troops and reached mutual trust, the people of the huge Principality of Rus obeyed the Prince of Rus. Our Danish identity can be said to be the source of exclusion. We must get Rus.
The prince's immunity and even signing an alliance treaty. According to Ragnar's wish, it would be best if the Stonewall tribe became mercenaries of the Principality of Ross. It is said that many of the prince's own guards are Danes. They can do whatever they want.