The core area of Tombstone Island has completely become a well-defended wooden fort. The main body of the fort has been fortified, and the tall wooden walls provide an excellent barrier for the construction facilities inside the fort.
Even as night fell, Nolen opened her eyes wide, and she could clearly feel that this mere wooden castle was actually large and orderly.
She didn't want to belittle her hometown, but the Russian fortress of "Ocean Branch" was really a very nice place.
Located on the island is the Duke's "palace", which is where the meetings are held and where the nobles live tonight.
The wooden ridge made of pure wood not only has thick wooden floors, but its walls also have interlayers filled with fluffy dry moss.
It is originally a traditional herringbone house. From the perspective of insiders, the large beam in the center is a bit eye-catching when you look up.
It was constructed with a wooden floor, creating a small roof compartment, accessed by a wooden ladder.
Lamp panels were hung from the ceiling, and a large number of bronze lamp holders glowed with faint flames. Coupled with the flames of the bronze lamp holders installed on the walls, the entire room was warm and brightly lit.
It's just that it's a little too warm.
Nolen took off her leather hood and wore only a plain off-white linen gown in the warm room. The stained glass and lapis lazuli pendant on her chest made her pure and beautiful even more perfect.
But true beauty doesn’t require too much jewelry.
Under the light, Rurik's eyes inevitably glanced at Svetlana.
This Slavic girl is the daughter of the leader of the White Tree Manor, and the power behind her is the most reliable supporter of the Russians in the huge Novgorod region.
Her face is the most delicate among all his wives and concubines. Although she has become a girl, she will only become more beautiful when she really grows up to be eighteen.
She was delicate and delicate, and based on his general understanding of women, Rurik felt that the sense of obedience she showed when she met him was not an act.
This is the best! Which monarch would tolerate his queen being a tigress (except for special lovers). The queen must be completely obedient to the king, and so must all his concubines.
Rurik, he had no objection from the beginning to his father choosing a Slavic wife for him. From purely political considerations, in the world under the rule of Ross, the Slavic people have an overwhelming numerical advantage. For Ross, who is desperately expanding, direct control of the Slavic people will become more and more important.
Rather than believing in the unbreakable alliance, I'm afraid they believe in the bond of blood more.
This Svetlana sat quietly on the leather cushion. She was wearing a traditional colorful linen dress and her braided hair was placed on her chest. Look at this profile, it’s really attractive! The temperament he showed when he calmed down seemed to be described as gentle and elegant.
But wait, she is a Slavic woman.
Otto has a cheerful and carefree image. This old guy's hair and beard are almost gray, and there are obvious age spots on his face. His complexion was originally pale and rough, but after drinking some ale, his complexion became rosy again.
"You don't look like a duke, you are still a chief!" Rurik naturally held back his inner words.
The great businessman Gould is here, and the loyal mercenary guard Jevro is also here.
The people in the room were all close friends and relatives, but the two girls who had just arrived lacked an intuitive understanding of Ross.
Otto didn't care about the latter. They could put their beautiful clothes aside and lie down quietly, and their son would tell them everything.
Now, he just wanted to hear about his son Rurik's expedition and what great achievements he had achieved.
He shouted casually: "I'll ask about the rest later. Rurik, tell me everything you've been through."
"Ah...Dad, do you only want to hear about the battle?" Rurik looked a little embarrassed.
"What? Is there anything about fighting? Come on! Let me see if you are a real man."
"So, where to start?"
"Let's talk about your expedition with the Balmok army." Nolenwei deliberately interjected.
"You?" Otto glanced at the girl with excited eyes, and hurriedly ordered Rurik: "Let's start with this!"
"Okay! Okay..." Rurik shrugged, coughed twice more, and with an extremely calm expression, he started to list with his fingers.
“First, I arrived in Balmok, and I married Nolen, and she is now my wife who adheres to the rules there, even though she has not reached the age of Rose’s rules.
Second, the Balmok leader recognized our alliance, but a war was needed to prove the bloody alliance between our two races. I led a thousand Balmok warriors on an expedition to the island of Briton slaves. During the journey, I also recruited a hundred warriors from Shetland. Oh, they were actually Norwegians from Bergen, which was in Mela. The guys selling slaves at the Birka Market in London.
Third, I attacked the British island country called the Kingdom of Northumbria. I destroyed two of their cities, and the army I led killed at least three thousand of their warriors! Three thousand soldiers! I captured their king, Eynred, and broke his arm myself. Finally I released him, and in order to survive, he handed over five hundred women and the wheat that filled the entire cabin of the Avrola.
Because of this victory, I was fully accepted by the Balmok people and I gained great prestige. From then on, they will cross the mountains every year and enter our northern territory to trade with us for the best salt. Because of this alliance, our northern lands are no longer just snow, wood, and game. "
Otto heard it as if he was dreaming. He at least figured out one thing. His son was naturally an excellent leader. This boy used his victory to consolidate the alliance with Balmok and also gained victory from the Norwegians on the other side of the mountain. prestige.
As the saying goes, a son is better than his father. Otto directly addresses a very core issue in his joy.
He gently put down the rough oak wine glass, and said bluntly with seriousness and emotion: "You kid, you calmly talked about your own achievements. You didn't lie, nor were you complacent about your victory. Some people will think you are calm. ?No! They are wrong! You...you are crazy. You!"
Otto suddenly stretched out his finger and pointed directly at Rurik's nose: "What you want is not an alliance with Balmok, you want it to be under your direct rule."
A stray arrow hits the bullseye!
Even if Nolen is here, Rurik sees that his father understands his new ideas, so there is no need to hide anything.
Hypocritically using a pretense to cover up his ambitions? No need to.
What kind of momentum did the Russians and their leaders show? Once you understand it, you will understand it all.
Rurik said boldly, "Yes! I want to directly rule Balmok! The never-frozen port in the north will always become a part of the Principality of Rus. Me! Or my son and Nolen, will serve as Balmok The ruler of Gram.”
My husband actually talks so boldly? ! Nolen was trying her best to play the role of a wife on such occasions, but when she heard these words, she simply stood up suddenly.
Under the strange gazes of everyone, he sat down very speechlessly, then lowered his head and said nothing.
What else could she mean?
Rurik reached out his right hand at will and pinched her neck gently: "Are you worried about Ross's invasion? How is that possible! I was once the greatest war chief of your hometown, and I led them to an unprecedented victory. I also got five hundred women and a lot of silver coins. If I become the leader of Balmok, all Balmok people will be strong."
"Them? I don't care. Where is my family?"
"You!" Rurik suddenly realized, "Are you worried about this? Your son is the new leader of Balmok. Don't worry about your two brothers, think about yourself. You are a Balmok, and even more... Ross’s woman. Our son is the true successor to your biological father’s power. From now on, the Balmoks should not engage in any leader election. Our son and his descendants will always be the Balmok leaders.”
Rurik spoke normally, and Nolen nodded in understanding.
Otto really appreciated his son's words. The boy showed a little fangs and said ferocious words with a calm face. It was really good.
But telling Nolen's ambition now, to be honest, Rurik suddenly felt that it was a bit premature.
That’s it! That’s it! As the monarch of Rus, it doesn't matter if he spills the beans. A king keeps his word. Since he lets go of his bold words, there is no need to be afraid of conspirators.
But I'm afraid that this girl Nolen doesn't keep her mouth shut.
Rurik still strangled her neck, and his strength suddenly increased, making the girl gasp in surprise.
"Noren, you are my woman, and you gave birth to my son. Our son will rule the people of the entire Narvik port area, and our son will be more noble than your father and brother. Therefore, keep our son secret."
"Me! I...I dare not say."
"That's good."
Svetlana saw all this scene, even though both of them spoke in Norse, from the few words she could only understand, it seemed that it had nothing to do with her at all. She didn't care about these things at all. After all, she came to Ross with an important mission.
She was originally an innocent and naughty girl, but after her sister married Ross, she was forced to become calm. Over the past few years, her temperament has changed greatly. She was instilled in her by her parents and brothers a very pure truth, that is, "You must support Rurik at any time, and you must never disobey Rurik."
Unexpectedly, Rurik, this handsome young man's right hand directly pinched his neck.
"Lana, I will lead the Russian army to directly rule the entire Novgorod. I... will also fight to Pskov and Smolensk. The place names you know in your hometown will eventually be mine. territory. The children you bear to me will rule the vastest land."
These words were all in Slavic. The girl could only understand it half-understood, and then said almost instinctively: "I can do it, I fully support you."
Rurik shook his head: "Really, both girls gave me a grimace..."
He let go of his hands, then scratched the armpits of the two women, shaking them so that they both laughed while dodging.
"That's right. You are all my women, and I want to see you smile."
At this moment, Otto held up his empty wine glass and burst into laughter. He knew that his son never boasted. Ever since this boy could speak, he had been clamoring to conquer the known world and expand his power into the unknown world. Rurik just looks young, but the wisdom in his mind is a gift from Odin.
This guy has always kept his word, as for starting from Novgorod and conquering Smolensk in the south. If he accomplished this feat, the ancestral spirits drinking in Valhalla would also be inspired by it.
The two girls were still amused by Rurik, and Otto watched it, enjoying the moment as a family. He stroked his gray beard and threw it to the soldier guarding the door: "Go! Have another drink."
That's all, Otto coughed twice, ending the laughter caused by Rurik.
"Is this the whole battle? How wonderful! You killed three thousand of the enemy with only a thousand men. It's a pity that you didn't bring back those five hundred slaves."
"Slaves? There are indeed five hundred. It's just that they were given to me by the Mellaren people, and they are all local serfs."
"Huh? Is there such a good thing?" Otto was drunk, and the movements of his head were very violent. Due to the excitement after drinking, Otto became very good at performing body movements.
He danced happily: "Oh, five hundred slaves! They are all our people, throw them all to New Roseburg to open up wasteland for me."
"Dad, that's exactly what I thought."
"Wonderful! He is indeed my son. I know a lot of things happened in Mellaren, and Karl is actually dead! It's good that Karl and his father are dead. It's really a good thing. The new guy, The man named Bjorn, I can tell at a glance that this man is a mediocre person. That man does not dare to attack Denmark, but. Rurik, you should also think about it, after we destroyed the power of Gotland, the Danes will Seeking revenge." Otto reminded him kindly, but his son looked very strange and looked like he deserved a beating.
"What's your expression? Are you very confident? I advise you not to be too inflated. We lost a lot of elites in last year's battle. Don't think that you can defeat the Danish army if you have the chance to recruit Balmok's bravery."
"But dad, everything has changed!" Rurik actually showed an evil smile, clearly holding back a major good event.
"You! You?" Suddenly, Otto understood again, "You led the Balmok army and attacked Denmark by the way? And you still won?!"
"Yes." Rurik didn't avoid it, because it was indeed the case.
"This..." Otto didn't ask his son any more questions, then raised his finger and pointed at Javro: "You! My most trusted Finn! Tell me! You followed your master to fight, did you attack Denmark?"
He was able to enter this room only after gaining great trust. Knowing his identity, Gevro sat solemnly and sat cross-legged. He immediately knelt half-kneeling to pay Otto the courtesy of a warrior.
"Your Majesty the Duke, this is indeed the case. However, it may be somewhat different from what you think."
"Oh? What's the difference?"
Seeing Yevro's hesitant look, Rurik waved his hand and said, "Just say it."
"Yes! Fifty capable Balmok men worshiped Lord Rurik and became the new mercenaries. A group of nearly eighty of us took the Avora and attacked the sea checkpoint guarded by the Danes. We and Denmark The alliance leader’s flagship, a large ship said to be called the Red Dragon, met.”
"Is there such a thing?! What's the result?" Otto asked hurriedly.
"As you can see, we are victorious." As he spoke, Rurik finally showed the smile that a winner should have.
Gould was completely uneasy after hearing this. The fat seal stood up, and this guy suddenly became aware of the situation.
"Rurik, you...you said that the Aurora defeated the Danes' red dragon?"
"Exactly!" Rurik waved his hand, as if victory was a given, "It's just a very long ship with many oarsmen, but our Aurora is the god of war on the sea. What's the use of the blood-red bow? Like the big red snake in Jormungandr, it's just a decoration made of wood. God favors us Rus! I sank the ship and deliberately killed all the people. Those who fell into the water..."
Before Rurik finished speaking, Gould once again grabbed the conversation: "You didn't tell me these details when you were in Melalen. So, you really killed their leader Hafgen by the way? These are all real?"
"Who knows? If I knew that guy's face, I might be able to capture him directly. To be honest, I want to take that guy to Roseburg and let Sister Carlotta kill him with her own hands."
This was the second time that Tiliurik mentioned this encounter, and there must be too many details in it. When Gould heard it again, his heart beat even harder.
Looking at Otto again, this old man was already like a child. His huge and aging body suddenly lay down, and then started dancing with all four limbs, laughing and chanting: "My son killed the leader of Denmark! Odin! Thank you for your gift. !”
Rurik continued speaking until Otto calmed down.
"I'm not sure I really killed him. I heard that the red dragon was dispatched, and its leader must be on it. I also sank 200 Danish fishing boats. Our Avora is far more powerful than it looks. Powerful. Dad, we will build a huge navy, all composed of such large ships. I will also sell one to the Balmoks according to the contract, for which we will earn a lot of money and a stronger alliance. . Instead of worrying about the Danes attacking us, we can take the initiative to attack Denmark, and now the initiative is in my hands."
"I understand, you make the Danes fearful. They are afraid of Rus, so they don't dare to send troops to interfere with our actions. I am old, and I am completely relieved that you govern Rus. Ah!"
Otto suddenly lay down and burst into laughter. After a while, he shouted again: "We will stay here for one day and return tomorrow morning. When we return to Rossburg, I will organize people to publicize your achievements. Really! Morning Knowing that Denmark is so weak, we should attack it and we can make a fortune this year."
"Okay! Glory wants everyone to know."
Otto, who was lying down, raised his head slightly and asked with a smile: "So, is the man named Hafgen dead? He should be dead."
"This...maybe arranged to infiltrate Snoleva in Denmark. We will know the news when he comes back."
"That's fine. Rurik, you should think about the war with Denmark. Really, it makes me worry about the future in vain. I'm afraid that your trip this summer is a provocation and will make Denmark angry. Unexpectedly! We can actually take the initiative to attack .I’m tired, I’m sleeping. Take your woman to rest.”
Otto was really tired from the long journey, but Rurik was still very energetic. Otto was finally helped to a separate room by the guards, where he was helped to take off his boots and leather jacket, put on a series of delicate and comfortable linen clothes, lay down on a soft leather wooden bed, and fell asleep covered with a blanket.
That's all. Rurik took the two women's hands and said in two languages: "Let's go, there is no need to be restrained. I want you to be close sisters and sleep in the same bed tonight."
This is the order of the monarch. Noren and Svetlana, they both know their fate, and they naturally want to get to know each other. They are both wives and concubines of the monarch, but they never expected that their monarch would stubbornly insist on sleeping with them.
In fact, Rurik didn't mean anything special. He just wanted to have a big bed to himself tonight, and he had no worries about tossing around.
However, when he woke up in the morning and heard the soft breathing of women coming from both sides of him, he understood everything.
"I'm naive too. It would be weird for you two not to be jealous of each other." Thinking of this, Rurik simply sat up and woke up the two women.
As for the two sneaking into his bed last night, Rurik said nothing. He patted the two sleepy people on the back of their heads: "Be clear, we still have to return today. When we get to Rossburg, I will meet you new sisters."
Look at Svetlana. She casually grabbed Rurik's left arm, pressed her cheek directly against it, and murmured in broken Norse: "You love me most. This is fate."
Not to be outdone, Nolen also grabbed her right arm and greeted her with a small face. His words seemed to deliberately stimulate Svetlana: "I just want to give you a son, and I want to be a mother as soon as possible. Our son still has the leader of Balmok waiting to succeed him."
Rurik stopped talking nonsense. He jumped up and broke away from the two women. Then he slipped to the ground and kicked his feet into his leather boots. "Get up! Hurry up!"
Hearing these two simple words, the two girls on the bed smiled knowingly, then hurriedly got off the ground and put on their own unique clothes...
