A new day has arrived!
Not a single deer farmer froze to death this past cold night.
In fact, there were more people in their group. Five men had already frozen to death in the middle of the night because they were mining for the Kovin people. The women were "properly protected", but they also paid a price. In extreme circumstances, these deer herder women had no choice but to make do.
Now, after receiving the good news that all the violent Kovin people had been eradicated, the new master acted like a saint. All deer farmers are relieved to learn this news.
When early in the morning, each of them got a small piece of wheat cake and a small amount of dried meat. Everyone felt that the Rus boy named Rurik was the shaman they could trust.
Originally, Otto thought it would be difficult for his son to tame a group of deer herders, but as a result, those guys have become a persistent presence! He felt that his son must have performed some kind of miracle to force their submission.
If there is a miracle, it is.
From the perspective of the deer herder, a blond boy who seemed to emerge from the snow and spoke the language of the deer herder, led a group of strong men, killed all the Kewen people and rescued everyone. Isn't this a miracle? What is it?
Rurik ate some wheat cakes as usual and drank some heated snow water.
He asked his father: "What do we do next? Go home?"
"No!" Otto flatly denied, and with a wink, Kawei hurried over.
Kawei said bluntly: "Rurik, the big leader and I have decided. This hill is a geomantic treasure, and it is a big mine. I feel that the whole mountain is iron ore, and we should explore its value!"
"Build a stronghold?" Rurik asked.
"Of course. I can tell you for sure that this is the best iron ore I have ever seen. It's not even ordinary iron ore."
"Really? The best ore?"
"Absolutely true."
Rurik was a little suspicious, but what Kawei said was the truth. Because the hill occupied by the Russians is unique in Europe.
Because it is an open-pit chromite mine, the only chromite mine in Europe. Don't look at it. It is really a small mountain with a height of less than 100 meters. Its entire body is a chromite vein node that was raised due to the folds of the earth's crust.
Kawei, who is highly sensitive to minerals, discovered this situation.
In the past night, Kawei's thoughts were all about occupying and developing the entire mine. At dawn, he took the hammer and the captured iron chisel and climbed to the top of the hill to dig out some ore carefully.
Taking advantage of the conversation, he deliberately took out his carefully selected mineral specimens from his linen pocket.
He showed Rurik a densely packed silver-gray rock that reflected light.
"I know, this is a piece of iron ore. It seems quite special."
"This is the most special thing." Kawei shrugged, "You know what? It is very hard. The chisels of those Kovin people were badly worn, and it took me a lot of effort to carve out such a rock. In my opinion, this stone is After polishing it, it can be used as a spearhead, an arrowhead, or even a knife for cutting meat."
"Huh? Is it such an exaggeration?!" Rurik was a little surprised.
"Otherwise? Why do you think those Covin people came here to mine?"
"Of course it's mining and smelting!"
Rurik's taken-for-granted answer aroused Kawei's strong suspicion: "Rurik, you think too highly of them. They did smelt some iron, and the quality is really terrible. In my opinion, they will definitely polish the ore directly into weapons." .Believe me, these ores can definitely be used to make stone axes."
Kawei's words aroused Rurik's thoughts, and perhaps this was actually the case.
Not to mention this unnamed mine, the iron ore vein in the hills near Fort Ross, Rurik believes that its iron content is absolutely high, so much so that if you knock two pieces of ore, you will get a strong metal. Voice. Even when the ore is polished, you can see the metallic luster.
But the Russians have mastered the art of turning ore into mild steel.
Otto allowed the two of them to chat for a while, and after they were quiet, he pointed to the top of the mountain with his big finger: "This is an unexpected surprise given to us by God. It is the second mine discovered by us Rus. Rurik, I have decided that we must establish a new stronghold here in the future."
"Huh? So sudden?" Rurik was subconsciously surprised.
"Isn't it appropriate?"
"No...I...I support it."
Otto saw that his son was a little hesitant. He did not understand the current Rurik and felt that the Russians were suddenly building a stronghold in the north. This expansion step was a bit too big. After all, they are occupying a rare iron mine. Perhaps the Russians will gain huge benefits from this Shangqiu in the future.
To build it, the Russians must first make some investment. After all, building a settlement is by no means as simple as moving a few people.
Besides, the current situation is that people who are willing to immigrate prefer to go south, such as New Roseburg on the Neva River, where they can completely cultivate land and grow wheat.
Otto put his big hand on his son's head and said loudly: "I have decided that we must control this mine. I want to build a settlement. From now on, this will be our starting point to the north."
It sounds like his father's intention is not just to plunder ore. Rurik feels that if this place becomes a more prosperous stronghold, the Russians can pass through this place and control all the northern land in the Gulf of Bothnia.
Even Murmansk can be intimidated.
"Give it a name. Although there are only temporary tents we set up here for the time being." Rurik said.
"Haha, let's call it Ironburg. Now, we Russians occupy this place. When spring comes, I will send a fleet to land on the river here and start building a settlement." After telling his son, Otto then told Kawei: "After the settlement is built, I want you to use the ores here to make me a steel sword. Since you said that there is the most magical ore here, you must make me the best sword."
Kawei didn't have any guilty conscience at this moment, he was confident.
Seeing the young man's confident face, Otto sighed with satisfaction: "It's time for a greater action."
The so-called "Eron Castle" originally meant "Iron City". Knowing the true meaning of the name, Rurik suddenly wanted to laugh.
Even the current Volga River Basin seems to be the territory of the Khazar Khanate or other nomadic countries. It does not belong to the Slavs or the Vikings.
Rurik didn't know what new ideas his father had for a while. He instinctively decided that this winter hunting operation was over.
Shouldn't it end?
A small-scale war ended. The Russians did not suffer any casualties, but they plundered a large amount of furs, even a group of slaves, a mine, and the opportunity to rule the north from a tiger in the mine.
The development of events has exceeded predictions, and the Russians have won a great victory.
Rurik thought so, and quite a few tribesmen also felt that everyone could go back home.
However, Otto felt that the matter should not end there.
Once he learned about the opportunity to gain greater wealth and honor, Otto was older, and he could say that he no longer had to risk pursuing these things.
But his son was in the team during this trip. This eight-year-old boy was destined to inherit his position and rule a tribe with a large population.
Children need to continue taking risks, see the world, and conquer the unknown!
A boy without this spirit cannot become a qualified leader.
Quite a few tribesmen had finished their meal and were waiting in the snow for the order to retreat.
Otto sent people to escort the prisoner who had been tied up with ropes all night. After giving Woima Kashad some wheat cakes, the man's mental condition recovered.
Otto looked at the kneeling guy with his sword arrogantly. Rurik also held a dagger in his hand and followed closely beside his father.
Seeing this, Voyma Kashad, who had been up almost all night, thought that this group of Varangians was going to kill him.
The prisoner realized something was wrong and quickly begged for mercy.
"My master, didn't you agree to keep me alive? I am willing to do anything for you."
anything?
After listening to Jevro's translation, Otto asked with satisfaction: "Since you are willing to do anything, bring us to your tribe. Listen, I want to occupy your tribe."
Before Jevro completed the translation, the first person to be shocked was Rurik.
"Dad? Are you serious?!"
"What's wrong? My son?"
"Dad, this was not part of our plan," Rurik snapped.
"No longer planned? My child, is the prophecy over? I don't think so. Your battle is not over yet, and we should expand the results."
Expand the results? Rurik felt that this matter was not reliable: "We don't know the enemy's position, distance from us, and we don't know the enemy's strength. If we continue to advance rashly with the so-called Russian military strength, we are likely to face A lot of trouble, even...putting everyone in danger."
Otto ignored his son's concerns, and instead deliberately provoked: "Don't you have confidence in your crossbow? I didn't even see your weapon kill a large number of enemies. At least let me see it with my own eyes."
"But killing is not the purpose. We should rule them, not take their lives."
"Okay!" Otto waited here with words: "We will launch an attack and we will do what you say and rule them."
Rurik felt that his father's attitude would not change. It seemed that the Russians were going to take the initiative to attack the real "unknown enemy" with the 300 men at hand.
Soon, Voyma Kashad understood what Javlo relayed in shock.
Rurik could see that the tied guy was shaking all over and there was indescribable horror in his eyes.
Although he couldn't understand what the other party was saying, Otto could tell that this guy's attitude was uncooperative.
Otto didn't say much. He picked up the steel sword and put the blade directly against the prisoner's neck.
"Tell us the location of your hometown and take us there yourself. Otherwise, we will kill you now."
After Jevro finished translating, the prisoner was still very uncooperative. He hesitated and said some random words.
"What did he say?" Otto asked.
"Big leader, I... don't understand." Jevro turned around and slapped the prisoner suddenly, and ordered: "Tell me the location of your hometown, otherwise you will die. If you tell me, you can live."
Woimakshad, who had a slap mark on his face, slowly twisted his body and sat up again. He hesitated and spoke again. In addition to praying, his eyes clearly showed that he did not want to reveal his hometown and settlement. point location.
The more he didn't say anything, the more Jevlo started to hit people at Otto's signal.
Seeing this sadistic scene, Rurik was really worried.
Yes, if the Ross army kills them, it will definitely lead to barbaric looting and many people will die.
Although Rurik had already seen battles and saw the corpses of a large number of war dead, after this shock to his soul, his mental resistance to stress was also greatly improved.
However, he still has some "psychological mysophobia" in his heart, or he still retains a bottom line.
That is, the purpose of the Russians' war should not be for war, but for better control and expansion of their own strength. He also doesn't want his men to become complete beasts. His men need to maintain a bottom line. Otherwise, if all the other party’s tribesmen are killed, who will be the new subjects?
Rurik estimated that this guy didn't want to bring trouble to his own people, so he was right to speak harshly.
"Stop it! Jevlo, ask him if he will cooperate!" Otto ordered.
After hearing the news, Jevro stood up and looked at Otto and shook his head.
"Damn, this person is absolutely useless." Otto gritted his teeth and asked his son: "Give you a chance, how do you think you should deal with this Covin man who refuses to cooperate."
Rurik had a dull face and replied coldly: "Give him a sword and let him die. I believe we will be able to find this person's hometown in the future, and I will rule all the Kovin people."
So the implication here is that Rurik felt that the sudden in-depth exploration to find enemies to fight was too abrupt and unreliable.
Otto didn't think much about it: "That won't work. There are still opponents so stubborn. I have to use some means."
What methods does Otto have? He ordered four of his men to restrain the prisoner Woima Kashad, and then pulled off his fur boots, deliberately exposing his two ankles.
Javro relayed Otto's words: "It's too late to announce cooperation now. Otherwise, you will regret it after cutting your hamstring. Just become food for the snow wolves here."
For a moment, Voyma Kashad hurriedly tried to kick his legs, but his body was firmly held down by the strong Russian.
Otto held the steel sword in his hand and gently made small wounds on the captive's ankles. He even did not forget to sprinkle some salt to increase the pain.
The pain and intense fear forced Woimakshad's nervous heart to burst.
Jevro put his face on the ground and stared into the prisoner's eyes: "Say! Do you want to cooperate?! It's not too late now."
"..."
"Say it!"
"Ah!..." Woima Kashad gritted his teeth again.
"Speak quickly, otherwise, I will cut off your ears first!" After saying that, Yevluo had already taken out the meat-cutting dagger, and he had already grabbed the prisoner's ear with his other hand.
Rurik watched from the side, feeling that his father would never let this prisoner have an easy time.
On the other hand, Rumia is also watching all this. As a deer herder, she felt secretly happy. After all, a group of his distant relatives were humiliated by a group of Kewen people, and the leader was this prisoner. She wished that the Russians would use corporal punishment further.
Finally, the physical pain overwhelmed the prisoner's will.
Voima Kashad cooperated in anguish.
"If I had known this, why would I be so harsh?"
Otto sheathed his sword, and Woima Kashad sat on the snow with tears on his face and began to talk about his hometown.
This person mentioned a place name: Gray Squirrel Hill Fort.
Javlo transformed this Old Finnish noun phrase into vocabulary that the Russians could understand.
Otto held his chin and continued to listen to Jevro's explanation.
Rurik also pinched his beardless chin and made his own analysis and judgment.
"Okay, let's attack this Gray Squirrel Hill Fort! We want to occupy this place!" After muttering to himself, Otto faced all the onlookers. He raised his sword high and shouted: "Brave Ross! The prophecy is not over yet, we are going to attack the Gray Squirrel Hill Castle of the Corvin people! We will achieve greater victory, and each of you can make another fortune!"
Ross's warrior roared loudly, this roar could create an avalanche!
Rurik was even frightened by the momentum of the tribesmen roaring and banging on the wooden shields. From the corner of his eye, he saw the kneeling prisoner Voyma Kashad. The man's face was a little strange, as if he was not that scared.
Could it be that this guy has figured it out and decided to betray his own people?
If that were the case, Rurik would not have any good impressions of this guy who betrayed his own people.
Rus' warriors were willing to continue fighting.
Now, Otto gave a stern warning to Woimakshad, who was willing to lead the way: "If you deceive us, you will be killed immediately. I will cut your back, break your ribs, and dismember you." Come out of your heart and lungs.”
Otto's words were terrifying and his expression was very ferocious. In addition to frightening the prisoners, Rurik was a little afraid.
Through Otto's words, Rurik suddenly felt that this so-called punishment had the meaning of a blood eagle?
etc! Does this legendary thing really exist? !
Otto gave Voyma Kashad the only chance to survive, which was to lead the Russian army to the so-called "Grey Squirrel Hill Fortress" within ten days. If the Russians still find a quiet mountain within ten days, Woima Kashad will be punished as a "blood eagle" and become food for the forest wolves.
So, why ten days?
According to Voyma Kashad, the journey required by the Corvin expedition from the mountain fort to the mine was definitely less than ten days.
As long as this guy cooperates sincerely, the Russians will definitely find their target.
On the other hand, the Russians had to consider their own provision. It would be great if they could hunt a large number of small animals to satisfy their hunger along the way, but no one expected to rely solely on hunting to satisfy their hunger.
The sleds they were dragging still carried a large amount of grain. Now a group of rescued deer herders had joined the team, and they had more to eat, but the grain could still last more than twenty days.
It can be said that the ten-day period is a risk. If this time is exceeded, the food of the Russian people will not be enough to support everyone back home.
Within ten days, they could either capture the so-called Gray Squirrel Hill Castle and obtain a large amount of supplies and treasures to make a triumphant return, or they could execute Voyma Kashad and return home.
The Russians started a new journey, and the morale of the soldiers was high. But the rescued deer herders, knowing that they had no way to go now, had no choice but to follow their new masters and declare war on the Kovin people who had enslaved them for some time. .
A huge column suddenly turned south, and the army moved south along the frozen river, and then continued south along the frozen coastline.
Rurik knew the geography of this area better than anyone else, and the army had officially set foot on the coast of modern Finland.
On the way, Jevro approached his master.
"Is something wrong?" Rurik asked sitting on the sled.
"Master, I'm still worried that the prisoner leading the way is cheating."
Rurik had no other ideas. He knew that he had to follow the team south to expand the results.
He told Yevluo: "Whether we are cheating or not, the prisoner knows our methods. Yevluo!"
"exist."
"We have limited food. It's best to hunt animals along the way. Those deer farmers can't give them much food for the time being. Send your brothers to keep an eye on them. If any deer farmers escape, catch them back."
"Master, you can't trust them?"
"At least, I need to be on guard."
When the words arrived, Jevro once again told him: "Even the prisoner must be on guard."
Rurik smiled slightly and said: "Don't worry, if you can't find the so-called stronghold within ten days, that person will die. You should also be prepared, my father will ask you to fight in advance. Remember, in my philosophy, crossbowmen will always He is the brave one who fights first.”
Yevluo clenched his fist with his right hand and hammered his leather armor; "Master, please rest assured that my brothers and I will not let up on the opportunity you gave us to be the first to make meritorious deeds."
Rurik sighed: "The momentum is very good. However, I also hope that in future battles, you can capture more people alive. Remember, we need more slaves, and I also plan to become the leader of the Kovin people. , we will still have to collect taxes from them in the future.”
Since Rurik did not sit in the same sleigh with Otto during the journey, Otto now felt through a battle that the mercenaries raised by his son could be called loyal. There were indeed a large number of enemy corpses on the hillside. The mercenaries completed their pledges and became trustworthy guys.
Otto didn't know what his son said to Jevlo. He was in a good mood while sitting on the sled. The soldier pulling the sled in front was even more happy to serve as a "war horse".
Otto's eyes looked at the prisoner leading the way, and a crossbow was kept beside him for a long time.
This powerful crossbow invented by his son, Otto has expressed a very clear attitude. If the so-called leader intends to escape, he will use this object to accurately shoot.
In this regard, Woima Kashad is always trembling with fear, but it does not mean that this person has become a complete lackey.
The only survivor of the Corvin expedition still had the idea of escape until this moment.
He had thought of a brilliant countermeasure, one that might kill two birds with one stone.
