Chapter 909 General Bald Fisker squatted on the north of Helga Lake and pointed to the Vaxjo settlement
Those merchants were singing songs and walking struttingly on the northward trade road, when they suddenly encountered "horse bandits".
The merchants were guarded by mercenaries and temporary servants. They carried weapons to guard against being attacked by wild beasts, but they never expected that they would encounter an unprecedented attack from another group of people.
The road is not wide, with an average width of only about five or six meters. Some narrow places even make it difficult for oxcarts to walk together. If the trees collapse again, the merchants and armed forces will have to use their axes to chop down the big trees blocking the road.
Clear the road.
Such a tight road also forced Fisk's Ross cavalry to be unable to take advantage of the cavalry charge. He tried his best to beat the armored elite in front, drew his sword and took the lead, launching the first round of attack with more than 20 of the most sturdy cavalry.
More cavalry followed, either with swords in hand or lances in hand, or holding flags to show their identity.
After all, it is a cramped place, but riding and shooting can actually demonstrate strong combat power.
The ground was shaking, and strange noises came from the road covered by woods not far away.
They just encountered a strange "big beast", which looked like a beast and a human being mixed together. The businessmen rubbed their eyes vigorously and exclaimed that it was incredible.
Thanks to the fact that there are mercenaries from Denmark in the merchant team.
"Don't wonder! Don't be afraid! That's a horse! We've seen the Franks ride on it."
The mercenary explained this to his sponsor, which only deepened the misunderstanding: "Ah? Are there still legendary Franks here?"
It's impossible no matter how you think about it.
The mercenary shook his head helplessly and said deliberately: "Who knows? Maybe. But if they are Franks, we brothers should be cautious."
Thanks to the group of Danish businessmen who fled to Växjö inland with their private soldiers and their families, Danish businessmen who lost their wealth and status are no longer the favored objects of mercenaries. Not only can the local merchants and nobles of Växjö afford high prices,
He is also willing to hand over some women as bargaining chips, just to keep these old mercenaries who have been working hard in the south for a long time and win them over to work for him.
After all, for mercenaries, they should think about their future when they get older. It is satisfying to fight and die in battle, but if you can enjoy a stable life, you should seize the opportunity.
Most of these Danish mercenaries are the second or third sons of their families. Based on tradition, they have no inheritance rights. They are forced by their families and tribes to start their own businesses. If they had not been able to find a stable job in their hometown, they would not have considered being mercenaries as a way of survival.
Business.
There were very few Danish mercenaries in the merchant team, only a dozen of the more than a hundred armed men. It was they who took precautions when they saw the sudden appearance of the cavalry.
The merchants got off the bullock carts and hid behind the team to avoid them. The remaining Växjö armed men were close to the Danish mercenaries. Their actions were considered fast, and a basic defensive array had been formed.
The round shield formed an arc of defense in front, and more armed men protected the vehicle, with pairs of eyes staring ahead and staring at the woods.
However, when the Russian army was about to do this, Fisk led his troops to rush forward quickly. When they suddenly saw armed men with shields appearing in front of them, they were on guard. He, who had experienced many battles in every sense, did not hesitate at all.
"They are enemies! Follow me and kill!"
"Vanguard! Divide into two columns and attack, go around behind them and surround them!"
Therefore, the vanguard force led by Fisk rushed forward as fast as possible.
It was a half-ton behemoth with a man and a horse, and the horses' chests were specially hung with deerskin armor riveted with iron plates, which was most suitable for collision tactics.
The impact of the cavalry was something that even the well-informed Danish mercenaries had never seen before. They pressed their shields against their bodies, put their heads under their round shields, and prayed to the gods to protect them from the impact. But there were more armed men.
My mind is still blank, but the battle has already broken out.
Fisk directly slashed many people with his sword, and some warriors directly pierced the enemies with spears, just like in training.
There are even mounted archers here, and they can shoot arrows close to the face with extremely accurate accuracy.
The armed men of the Växjö caravan had no time to counterattack, and the cavalry rushed over like a bolt of lightning. And that was just one more wave of attacks, because more cavalry swarmed in.
It was like a wolf in front and a tiger in the back. The Ross cavalry attacked from both sides, forcing some armed men to flee into the woods.
However, the Russian infantry entered the battle and joined the pursuit, just like hunting, shooting with short wooden bows, recurve bows and crossbows, and the battle ended quickly.
Although those Danish mercenaries were brave and professional, they fought to the end, but their shield array was knocked down by the cavalry, and they were stabbed to death by lances one after another.
Relying on his tactical advantage and overwhelming force, Fisk finished the battle cleanly, but then a problem suddenly appeared in front of him - they were not enemies.
None of the merchants died, except for those who resisted and some who escaped were killed. The captured people all threw down their weapons and surrendered under the cold light of swords and spears.
The five businessmen were not injured, but they were covered in mud from hiding under the bullock cart. They were dragged out and shouted to pay for their lives, but they suddenly saw an incredibly familiar face among the attackers.
It's Hege Haraldsson.
"It's you?! What's going on? You're obviously in Jönköping, and even if you come to the south to do business, you still...don't need to use the army to attack us." A Växjö businessman's panic disappeared because he saw an acquaintance.
.
Hagrid was also very speechless about this conflict, but now he had a new stance and immediately acted as a mediator to deal with the conflicts and misunderstandings.
The Ross army will never apologize for its indiscriminate killings. After all, the caravan took resistance measures, not to mention the purpose of the Ross army is to conquer the entire Växjö.
The five businessmen were merely controlled. Fisk, who dismounted, was a head taller than the five of them. He arrogantly revealed his identity, "I am the general of the Kingdom of Rus, and I am now conquering Växjer under the order of the King of Rus."
.You people can only survive if you submit to the kingdom, otherwise you will die!"
Being manipulated by the strong men on horseback, the merchants naturally nodded frequently and immediately expressed their surrender, and even flatteringly promised to hand over some supplies to reward the Ross warriors.
Because the businessmen knew about Russia, and they knew about Sweden even more. But they never thought that Växjö, which seemed to have remained indifferent to the world for countless years, would be remembered by others. The Danish nobles never tried to conquer, that crazy man
Schonkar never planned to annex Växjö, but instead the Swedes and the Rus who were born in Sweden came to kill him.
Fisk was very satisfied with the merchants' obedient behavior, so their goods were temporarily detained. Because the merchants said they were willing to hand over some supplies in exchange for preferential treatment, including food and drink items, especially salt, they were naturally confiscated by the Russian army for military supplies.
The remaining leather goods were not moved.
Fisk was quite polite. He did not loot everything. After all, his goal was to conquer and not to actively kill in Växjö. After all, the locals in Växjö would be integrated into the Kingdom of Rus, and the locals would all be friends in the future.
It’s not good to be too precise about the truth.
Since Haig, the governor of Jönköping who was appointed by the king, was here, Fisk took this person to point out the purpose of the Rus Kingdom to the merchants and the new tasks of these merchants.
"Don't go to the north anymore. That side has just been pacified by our Russian army. If you know about Karl the Wild Bear, that man has been chopped down by us, and thousands of people who resisted have been killed. If you don't want to suffer in Växjö,
Because of this bad luck, I sent all the leaders to negotiate with me. You are my messengers."
Actually ordering Växjö to surrender? This is even more difficult to accept than the Danish refugees' request for a piece of survival land a few years ago.
The merchants were all in trouble. Although they did not think that these mounted Russian troops could completely defeat the assembled Växjian armed men, the Russians were well-equipped and well-trained, and the caravans were defeated in an instant without even putting up a decent resistance.
of.
What's even more terrifying is that this group of people actually went south from Jönköping! Businessmen who dared to travel far in this era were not fools or cowards. They immediately realized that what this bald Russian warrior who called himself a noble man was true. Because
Wild Bear Karl will not let an army walk arrogantly on the shores of Lake Wettern. In addition, there are genuine Jönköping people in this team. All kinds of evidence show that there is another army behind this cavalry.
Able to annihilate "Crazy Bear" Carl's army.
The businessmen had to make excuses, especially a businessman named Harflesh. Because he was familiar with Hagrid, Fisk did not hesitate to focus on this middle-aged man.
Hafless was persuaded by Hagrid again, and Hagrid patted his chest and pointed out that the Russians would not lie, so he was willing to serve as the messenger of the Russian army and return with the news and the rest of the people.
When I first heard that the Russian army would release the captives, they would also be allowed to take back some belongings, which the captives had never imagined.
They don't think these "gangsters" are good people, at least they are different from real gangsters.
As a result, the bodies of those who had been killed were pulled to the side of the road, and the living people were ordered to dig holes and bury them.
The merchants lost half of their people, and the remaining people felt that they were either killed or made slaves. Unexpectedly, the Russians on horseback wanted to free everyone. Hope immediately came to them in despair, and some people even looked at these murderous cavalry without thinking.
No matter how scary it is, I really think it's all a damn misunderstanding.
Only the merchants understand the true horror, especially Haverus. Based on his past trading experience with Jönköping, he asked Hagrid to reveal as many secrets to him as possible.
Following the general trend, Hagrid revealed the noble status he had been given, and also coldly talked about the horrific killings that broke out on Weisinger Island, as well as an even more terrifying secret - the Russian army united with the Swedish army, and the unnamed
There are ten thousand troops in the far east. They are attacking the Göta River in the west. Gothenburg will inevitably fall.
So the Ross army that actually attacked Växjö was actually a partial division with only more than 400 people?
Merchant Harvleth was frightened and confused. On the one hand, the main force of Ross was 10,000 people, and on the other hand, this partial force was only 400 people.
Can't you afford to sleep? Do you expect four hundred people to order Växjö to surrender?
But the general on horseback made it very clear: "If you don't surrender, I won't force you. If you don't give a reply within a time limit, you are choosing war. I will take the initiative to take action."
What will happen in the future? Haveless neither dares nor wants to think about it. He can guess what the big families in Växjö and the Danish immigrants will feel. After all, they attacked Silver Castle, massacred Gotland, and traveled along the Eurasian coast.
The army that was burning and killing all the way across the Strait was the coalition of Swedes and Russians. Now they are making a comeback by land!
He was afraid that for spreading the word, he would be regarded as a surrendering fool and be dragged out by his own people to sacrifice to heaven.
Based on the principle of extra insurance, Havers asked Hagrid to go with him.
The Ross cavalry continued on their way, and a group of prisoners who were in urgent need of release were added to the team. They were now the guides to help Fisk reach Växjö.
The ensuing journey went very smoothly, and the cavalry even captured some scattered merchants. Since they did not resist, they were promised to be released after confiscating useful supplies.
The whereabouts of the cavalry were still exposed. Some people who were cutting firewood and hunting witnessed the merchants who were heading north returning the same way they came. There was also a large group of armed men riding monsters. The hunters instinctively sensed the danger and ran towards the residential areas in a hurry. This point
He was unexpectedly ignored by the cavalry.
As a result, the residents of Växjö, whose settlements were mainly concentrated in the south of Lake Helga, learned of this strange transaction.
The merchants turned back, and the army riding monsters was too bizarre to think about.
The people of Växjö did not take any precautions, and even wealthy businessmen and other prominent people did not bother to convene a parliament to discuss the news.
Until, a group of refugees rowed boats on the lake desperately heading south. They cried to the fishermen working in the lake and told them that they were being attacked. The fishermen were suddenly frightened and joined the fleeing team.
Panic broke out on Lake Helga, and when the refugees arrived in Växjö, those who had dismissed Orion's reports as words of insanity realized for the first time that something was wrong.
Enemy! Already on the north shore of the lake!
What happened was that when the Ross army finally passed through the forest area, what appeared in front of them was a lake area with quite beautiful scenery.
What kind of lake is this? Both Hagrid and Haverless called it Lake Helga.
There were a large number of low mounds around the lakeside, and dense forests covered the land. Fisk glanced around and directly saw a small village.
"What village is that?" Fisk asked, raising his hand.
Harvus didn't want to say anything. When General Ross asked the question, he already estimated what would happen.
"Say quickly! What kind of village is that!"
"Ah! It's just a small fishing village."
"Really? What's the population there and who are the locals?"
Hearing this, Havers hesitated.
Fisk shook his head and immediately ordered the army to take action. After some training, the cavalry launched a strong attack on the fishing village.
Finally, there was an open space, and the cavalry lined up and ran wildly on the oat field. The cavalry appeared very suddenly, thanks to the fact that many fishermen were actually staying on the shore to dry and repair their fishing nets. When they saw a group of monsters charging towards them, they subconsciously thought of escaping.
.
Although they didn't know who was coming, they jumped on the boat regardless of their tenderness. At most, they tried their best to pick up the children and threw them into the fishing boat, and then paddled as hard as they could to escape.
Fisk had no intention of taking care of the escaped fishermen. He now needed an action to give the Växjö people some power, and he wanted to take action on this village, which must have a large population!
Those who resisted were killed one after another, and all the women were controlled by the Ross cavalry.
Now, the survivors of the previously captured Växjer caravan no longer dare to doubt the methods the Russians will adopt. Their cavalry can come and go with ease, not to mention their ruthless methods!
Fisk, who was stained with blood, just washed his face, and then Hefless, who was wearing a blood-stained shirt and looked horrified, said: "You have seen it all! Those who do not surrender to us will end up like this."
"Ah! But...but you didn't give them a chance to surrender."
Fisk shrugged: "So, I will give other villages a chance. Especially you! You must take my words to the south of the lake, otherwise!"
"You're going to kill people?!" Haverus asked in horror.
"Yes. Killing."
When Fisk, covered in blood and stained with blood, mentions the word "killing", he gives the impression that he is a monster.
But what this monster did next really surprised Haveless.
As many as three hundred men, women, and children from the village were captured and could have been used as slaves by the conquerors, but Fisk did not do so.
In this war, the king has formulated some principles for the cavalry. Although the cavalry can act on their own, some things can be taken from the spoils and some cannot be taken. Even now, in fact, no one can restrain Fisk. He can definitely make a move.
"I will not accept the king's order," but in the end he carried out the king's order.
Most of the captives in the village were released, except for one type of people - young and unmarried women.
Many captives sat together, their heads helplessly raised, not daring to look at the conquerors at all.
Fisk shouted in front of everyone: "All women over twelve years old! All unmarried women! Stand up."
Who dared to stand up? The mother held her daughter tightly, and no one responded to Fisk's words.
"Damn it! Stand up! Stand up quickly. Why don't you stand up? I'll catch you all out later, and then I'll chop your heads off!" Suddenly thinking that he was too irritable, Fisk quickly called out the businessman Harflesh.
.
When it comes to Harves's words, he was much more tactful and sincere: "Hurry up and take out your daughters! They are Russians. As long as you hand over your daughters, you can leave. I will take you with me personally."
Leave without worrying about any disasters. Don't challenge these Russians. If you offend them, everyone will die."
After some gentle shouting, the villagers finally handed over their daughters semi-voluntarily. For a while, there was a painful separation of flesh and blood. In order to survive, the parents abandoned their adult unmarried daughters and took the other children to seize the time to escape. On the one hand,
The girl cried out in pain and struggled hard against the Ross soldiers who grabbed her body, resisting her unknown and terrifying orders.
On the other hand, the Russian soldiers were very happy, because the king had ordered that in this war the brothers could capture young women and take them back as wives.
Because the ancestors of most warriors are from Sweden, when it comes to the aesthetics of women, their favorite ones are still Viking women who can also speak Norse, and then they choose Slavic women.
Nearly three hundred villagers were let go and allowed to row away.
So when Fisk took away more than twenty young women, he released the army from custody and opened a passage. The villagers rushed to the dock and rowed away, and they were all gone in a short time.
At this point, Haversus really couldn't figure it out.
He was suddenly pointed out by Fisk: "Look, they have all escaped. Next will be you merchants and others. You can leave too! Our Russian army will be stationed in this village, and we will wait for your news."
"I...I will leave immediately. Hagrid must come with us. He must explain the matter of Jönköping to the leaders and merchants."
"That's natural, and Hagrid is willing to do so." Fisk shrugged.
"actually……"
"how?"
Harferus composed himself: "I really don't understand, you actually let them go, and you let me go too."
"You're not happy about it?"
"No." Havers' eyes were blazing: "You are a very young warrior. I really don't know whether you are kind or cruel. I... want to know what you are going to do if you leave these women behind."
"Them? Of course they marry these young warriors. Why, have you wronged them?"
"That's their honor." Harvleth quickly excused himself and said nervously: "I'm just worried that my friends will refuse to surrender. If...I mean if! If they choose to go to war with you, you will
how?"
"How? Why don't you ask what will happen to my king? At worst, I will kill you all. This is how we treat disobedient people. I'm warning you!" Fisk stretched out a cold face: "The Kingdom of Rus already rules Sweden and
In the far east, the entire Götaland will be conquered by us this year. As long as you surrender, we will be brothers. You, a merchant, can freely enter Sweden to do business, and the entire Rus will be open to the surrendered Växjö merchants. You can also refuse
.The result of refusal is death!”
It was as if a stone was pressing on his chest, and Haveless was almost suffocated, so under the great pressure, he suddenly lay on the ground and retched.
Fisk glanced at him again: "Are you frightened when you see the dead body? You go quickly, I will give you three days. When I can't wait for the news, I will personally go to your settlement to ask for an explanation with swords and spears."