The huge sled team rushed forward in the cold wind, passing through the twists and turns of the Neva River, and an icy lake with no visible boundary was in front of them and under their feet.
There is extremely thick ice attached to Lake Ladoga, and the wind sweeps across the ice surface and blows away all the snow. At first glance, it is completely black under the ice, and the nameless fear is also disturbing people's hearts.
The team moved along the lake shoreline and went ashore to camp at night.
The stars twinkled in the sky, and the green auroras shone like ribbons.
A large number of bonfires were lit on the shore of ice and snow, and more than ten people gathered at each fire, grilling frozen fish and eating cooked wheat.
More than twenty large iron pots were placed on the snow, and some specially brought stones were quickly assembled into a stove.
Bjorn was amazed just by the iron pot alone, not to mention that there were many Russians. The dark iron pot was used to cook the wheat. When it boiled, someone picked up a big wooden spoon, scooped the oats into his own earthenware bowl, and then sprinkled some
Eat the salty shit in big mouthfuls.
Eating hot meals in the cold and snow is the most heart-warming thing. Those cold wheat cakes are now skewered on wooden sticks by the owner and placed on the flame to heat them again.
Bjorn and other Swedish nobles were of high status, and Rurik rewarded these guests with a unique meal.
Braised noodles, although very bizarre, are indeed braised noodles.
The venison is infinitely cut into minced meat, then minced onions and yellow carrots are added, mixed with salt and chopped thyme, and filled with seal oil and deer oil, and it becomes a sauce that will inevitably condense into a lump at low temperatures. Premade
Good wheat noodles are frozen as hard as iron wire. After they are cooked, you can top them with sauce and enjoy them.
It doesn't matter how those nobles eat this delicious meal. They have their own spoons and forks, and it doesn't matter if they use their hands to stuff the sticky noodles into their mouths.
"This is also a special delicacy of the Russian people. You have to try it. The delicacies in this place cool down too quickly, so you should all eat them while they are still hot." Old Angreev grinned from ear to ear, leaning on a temporary fork he whittled with a wooden branch.
Stuttered.
The braised noodles were overly salty and extremely greasy, which everyone thought was just right for the taste.
The colder the weather, the more delicious food heavy in oil and salt is needed. Bjorn ate it in big gulps, not forgetting to drink some Russian strong wine and even stuffed a small lump of frozen semi-solid honey into his mouth.
The nobles did not hesitate to talk about Rurik, his queen, and the prince around the campfire after eating and drinking.
It was really terrifying and brave for a newborn baby to brave the extremely cold journey. They understood it tacitly, but the evil thoughts in their hearts were still pressing in their hearts.
Just like Bjorn, how could he not be jealous when he saw the strength of the Rus? He was even more aware of the terrifying crisis. The Melalen people were indeed facing the pressure of the Rus. The Melalen people, who had been strong since ancient times, were rapidly declining.
He even hoped that the god-blessed baby Osborne Slav would suddenly freeze to death.
He wanted to see Rurik himself crying, thus venting his displeasure as the leader of Mellaren and the current king of Sweden.
However, Rurik’s “Prince’s Sleigh” is a perfect warm nest!
Rather than calling it a sled, it would be more appropriate to call it a "moving wood carving".
The big sled is covered with a wooden house, which contains an iron carbon furnace. Iron pipes rolled from wrought iron sheets are heat-welded and nested together to connect to the outside.
It was as warm as summer inside, but Svetlana was still curled up in the huge polar bear skin. The delicate Osborne was even more tightly wrapped.
She was well taken care of by many women, and several of Rurik's wives and concubines also talked happily with her as the queen.
Rurik pushed open the thick leather curtain with a bowl of delicious food and committed himself to his beloved wife.
"It's time to eat, I'll feed you."
"Well, this is not good. Others...are watching."
"It doesn't matter."
Countess Nolen of Narvik Port is here. According to her seniority, she is indeed Osborne's aunt. In terms of age, she is only a little younger than Svetlana.
The child was sleeping soundly in the cradle on one side, and Rurik also made the noise quieter. He held the chopsticks and put the noodles into his beloved wife's mouth. She enjoyed it more than the soft, glutinous and salty texture of the delicious meal.
Husband's close care.
Is this love? It's as sweet as honey. Nolen watched quietly from the side, turning into a light bulb.
"Rurik..." Nolen was so envious that he couldn't help it.
"Um?"
"I want to be like her. It's time for me to be a mother too. Quick! I want a child."
She said these words without any shame. If the baby hadn't been here, her voice would have been louder.
Looking at her and then at Lanna, Rurik didn't know what to say.
However, Lanna cheered up and said, "It's time for Nolen to become a mother. Rurik, those women of yours... have all reached the age of becoming mothers. Especially the girls who came from the same manor as me, they are already old girls."
.”
"Oh? As a queen, you actually urge me to have sex with other concubines?"
"Poor, I can't serve you now. All I have to do now is raise the child well..."
Svetlana didn't say any more, and Rurik didn't know what to say. It seemed that she had thought of many things, and she seemed as simple as a glass of water.
There were too many wives and concubines in the harem. Thanks to the previously established hierarchy, Rurik was glad that his wives and concubines did not become jealous and create a Shura field.
But is Lanna such a generous person? Does she really want her mother to honor the world? I'm afraid this matter is not simple.
Rurik didn't think much about it for the time being, but he also didn't have an intimate relationship with Nolen or other wives and concubines on the current occasion. There was no other reason, just because the huge team was going through an expedition. It was necessary to ensure the stable arrival of a large amount of goods.
Novgorod, and then complete the deal with the old Pecheneg-Kiev business group.
Noren and the other wives and concubines all had their own tented sleigh, and Rurik's big sleigh served as the residence of the prince and his wife when they were traveling.
Late at night, the baby Osborne suddenly cried. Rurik just smelled the bad sour smell and his baby started to choke. The couple woke up from the torment, but thanks to Rurik's preparation, he
Befitting his noble status, he threw away the diaper directly, washed his baby and put on a new diaper immediately.
Along the way, Rurik has been personally taking care of his eldest son. He really likes this son, and such a caring attitude also declares to the whole team the prince's meticulous love for the prince.
But the fact that he changed his son's diapers was shocking to other nobles. Not to mention those Swedish nobles, even his cousin Arik never changed diapers for his own children. Shouldn't those things be done by the mother of the child? What's more, as a
Great noble, it won't be long before you leave this kind of thing to your servants.
My brother really likes Osborne!
But Rurik was still worried about Queen Svetlana's remarks that she ignored the Shura field and was called the mother of the world. Although the queen was sleeping next to him, an ordinary night of travel, a wonderful dream
It caused him to suddenly wake up.
"Emperor Zhou...I am Emperor Zhou now. How could I have such a strange dream? Yes! It's about enfeoffment." Rurik muttered in his mind in a daze.
A glimmer of light showed through the cracks of the iron stove, and the sleigh shed wrapped in leather and wood was not completely dark. Looking at his sleeping wife and son, Rurik guessed that he had the hope of his beloved wife.
"When they all have children, they can take some people out of the core area. Noren takes his children back to Narvik, and the others go to further areas to establish villages, communities and cities. The sooner they give birth to boys, the sooner they can
Go to the new world to open up settlements, and no one will threaten your and Osborne's status. Right..." Rurik's thoughts were buried in his heart. If this is the case, Svetlana's hope is understandable.
Because, he thought so too.
However, Rurik is even more looking forward to seeing his father see the happy appearance of his eldest grandson, and the old man Ligus, seeing his heir grandson, might be able to die happily.
The sled team always maintains a dense formation, and each sled is erected with a flagpole to make the Ross flag flutter. The sleds all have temporary numbers, and several sleds form a group, and statistics are collected during each night's rest. According to the plan, if any
If anyone falls behind, there are motorized sleds that can be turned back immediately to look for them.
Nothing bad happened. For example, no one was left behind during the ten-day journey, and the weather was dry and cold as always.
Even in February, warmth seems to have nothing to do with Northern Europe.
When the team entered the frozen Volkhov River running north to south, the team happened to encounter a large number of sporadic hunting team sleds, and began the final rush.
Bear hunting is an extremely dangerous job, and a simple sled carrying a torsion slingshot cannot allow everyone to sit back and relax. Often, about ten people gather together, recommend a boss, and bring weapons such as wooden-arm crossbows, short wooden bows, and short spears.
Enter the forest area to hunt bears.
The bear hunting team has a lot of hunts, because most of this area is no man's land, and there are too many polar bears that are not hibernating.
The main force of the hunters are almost all veterans of the First Flag Team. Young people who used to be in their twenties are now in their thirties. They decisively brought their newly grown sons with them. As the saying goes, since the prince’s school does not open in winter, then he and his family can
We go hunting bears and wolves together to grow into men.
Even some Ragnar tribesmen who were living as guests also participated.
A group of hunters quickly gathered around Rurik, and they all came to hunt bears. The reason behind this was heartwarming.
Someone explained: "It is the Pecheneg people in the grassland who have huge demand for leather. Those grassland people are actually involved. They hunt in the southern forest and want to hunt a large amount of precious furs. All their achievements, but
Their appetites are too big..."
The hunters explained a series of important matters. Before meeting Kagan, Rurik was already sure that this transaction would have a successful outcome.
The huge sled team was connected with flags. At first glance, it was clear that it was a huge army roaring towards the city of Novgorod.
Thanks to the extremely cold weather, the Volkhov River was frozen solid enough. If the ice were thinner, the sled team would have to fall into the ice cave on a large scale.
Those who endured the severe cold to cut trees noticed the sleigh army, and as soon as they saw the flying flags clearly, they knew that the prince was back.
The prince must come back to participate in the spring plowing work. This is a rule he personally set, not to mention that this year involves large-scale trade with the Pecheneg people.
Although Prince Rurik did not rush back, Novgorod had spontaneously started trading with visitors from far away.
In the area around Lake Ilmen in Novgorod, most of the military forces of the Rus' Principality are located here. With nearly 300 foreign troops stationed here, Governor Medved was worried at first, but the old man
Duke Otto slapped his thigh and designated Kagan as an honored guest.
Even so, Medved must be on guard. Although the prairie people came here to sell horses, they actually gathered 200 armored cavalry and traveled for three months to reach the north intact. What else can this be if it is not a strong army? Even if it is stuck
Gan drank blood wine with Prince Rurik and became brothers. This was a custom in the grasslands. The Slavs of Lake Ilmen did not have this rule.
Especially there are some businessmen from Kiev...
Maksakye, this guy is here again. He is a native of Kiev. According to blood, he is indeed no different from a Smolensk native. They are both Krivich. This is what makes Medvet most wary.
of.
Perhaps the old Duke was addicted to the family happiness of being with his children, or perhaps he was satisfied with this life. When Medved was still a child, he first saw Otto rowing a long boat to gain full power. At that time, he was extremely frightened.
. But now, Otto is as honest as his own father Rigus. A warrior has lost his strength and vigilance.
The total of 600 horses planned to be sold by the people of the steppes and Kiev, although the delivery of the products has not yet been completed, is now under Medved's custody. Messengers have already been sent to New Roseburg, and Medved has already known about the prince's "armed attack"
"Fishing" turned into a crusade against the King of Denmark and achieved a great victory. He also knew that the prince would never let go of any opportunity to buy horses. Therefore, although the transaction was not completed legally, the Principality of Rus had actually transferred the six hundred horses.
A strong horse capable of trekking for three months in autumn and winter was obtained.
The Pecheneg warriors in Kagan were actually under surveillance. He felt a little uncomfortable. Considering that he was the owner of the land, he obeyed as the Romans did. However, with the hope of this tribal alliance, he brought the elite of the alliance with him.
The cavalry is coming. For the time being, we cannot deal directly with Rurik, nor can we stay here and stare.
Horses and recurve bows are strategic materials that can only be traded with the Prince of Rus himself, and other prairie specialties carried are already on sale.
The goods were sold cleanly, and Kagan and the Kiev people did not get many supplies in exchange. They wanted to hunt spontaneously, but Governor Medvet issued a ban.
"This is the territory of the Rus' Principality, and the forest is also the principal's wealth. People in Kiev are not allowed to hunt. Anyone who dares to hunt is stealing the property of the Rus' Prince. The Pechenegs can go hunting, but they must form a mixed team with the Rus' people, and only
Able to hunt on the Volkhov River.”
Kagan fully understands this. It is like a grassland. A grassland with rich water and grass can attract the Pechenegs and Khazars to go to war. The hunting grounds of the Russians can only be hunted by the Russians. It is reasonable for Kagan to be with him.
Rurik drank blood wine together in exchange for his subordinates being able to personally hunt the giant red squirrels that did not exist on the grassland and obtain their hides.
The Pechenegs were dispersed, and they even gave up riding horses and cooperated with the locals in hunting, so that Medved felt at ease.
Kagan himself stayed in the city of Novgorod. He was fed good food and drinks, and took baths and saunas. Except for not having a beautiful lady to serve him, everything felt great. The Novgorod of the Russians is still the same
It's very cold, but it's a happy, trouble-free place.
He expected that his Rurik brothers would come to trade with him with the huge amount of supplies they had raised after receiving the message from the messenger.
No, here’s the good news!
The city of Novgorod suddenly became agitated, with drums and horns blaring loudly. People walked out of their homes and dragged their families with them, rushing to the frozen docks and snow-covered rivers.
"My son is back, hehe!"
Otto was leaning on a wooden staff and wearing a bearskin cloak, and he did not forget to buckle his iron helmet on his head. He was closely guarded by his attendants to prevent the old prince from slipping and falling.
Rurik was not surprised that thousands of people gathered outside the city.
The huge team finally stopped, and all kinds of people got off the sled.
Rurik, who walked out of the sleigh with his wife, saw his old father and mother as soon as he stood on the ice. At this moment, he held an indescribable huge thing in his arms and walked straight towards his home under the gaze of thousands of people.
Father.
"You brat, I heard that you almost chopped off the head of the second King of Denmark. You are a real man." As soon as Old Otto finished speaking, his eyes were completely fixed on the thing in his son's arms.
Otto didn't know what it was, but Niya could already guess what her son was holding just by looking at the way Svetlana was walking. She was so excited that she cried and covered her mouth and nose with both hands.
Rurik said nothing until he stood in front of his father.
"What is this? A gift?" Otto asked.
"It's a gift."
After saying that, Rurik gently lifted the thin linen cloth. It was obvious that he had caught a cold. The child closed his eyes and began to twist up and scream.
"Ah!" Otto's hair trembled all over his body, and his full white beard stood straight.
"It's a boy, his name is Osborne Slav. He is your direct grandson."
Overtaken by ecstasy, Otto's legs weakened. Thanks to the attendant's immediate help, he prevented him from falling.
Being supported by his attendants, Otto could no longer stand on his own. He was so excited that he couldn't stop talking happily. He wanted to take a good look at his eldest grandson, and the more he looked at the child's face, the more he liked it.
Although Otto already has several grandchildren who have inherited his bloodline, this child is the most extraordinary.
He boasts that the last concern in his life is the birth of this child. Everything has ended successfully! He has no regrets in this life...
But Otto also knows that his end is not approaching, and every day he lives now is a day earned. He has no regrets anymore. When he leaves, it depends on the wishes of the gods.