The three large ships raised their sails and drifted towards the Western Baltic Sea. There was no need for any camouflage. The flags of the three ships were very clear, all with white background and blue stripes.
Ragnar finally got a big ship at his disposal, so the ships of the Russians were no longer mysterious, just because he was now standing in the position of the Russians. No, even his own clothes are Ross-style.
He named the two ships "Stonewall" and "Ring" respectively, one after his tribe and the other after his father.
The wooden strips are coated with chalk powder and then a layer of pine gum is applied. As long as it takes a little time, the white color will become stable and a solid film will be formed on the surface of the wooden strips.
On the bows of the two ships, white wooden strips were used to spell out the names of the ships and their specific hull numbers. They are not Ragnar's ships, and these exiles only have permission to use them.
However, with this treasure, Ragnar did not want to become a murderous pirate. Even if he attacked the King of Denmark, he had to pay attention to targeted attacks.
The three ships passed Tombstone Island and after some supplies, the next stop was Saaremaa Island.
To the west is the Western Baltic Sea and to the south is the Gulf of Riga.
The surrounding tribes of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have already learned about the fact that the Rus Principality planted a flag on the island to declare its rule.
Russians? Not another Vikings team?
The poor alliance of three tribes did not have the ability to make ocean-going paddle boats. At most, they only had a few brave men who floated to the island holding sampans.
Especially among the Estonian tribes, as many as twenty tribes formed a loose alliance. They were not aligned with each other. They were self-contained groups with limited knowledge of the outside world.
At least they figured out one thing. Regarding the outsiders who occupied Saaremaa, they were Rus. About the oarsmen who attacked the tribes on the Killing Sea Coast many years ago, they were also Rus.
Time has smoothed many things out, and the attack appears to have happened ten years ago. Those Estonians who recently drifted to Saaremaa learned about Ross from the locals, but it looked different.
For the various tribes in Estonia, the Rus are still a mysterious existence, and they have no intention of sending official envoys who can represent everyone to break the alliance.
A small group of Estonians have long since left their own tribe and become fishermen and pirates on Saaremaa Island. Now the brothers have returned to Russia, and everyone is looking forward to carrying out robberies at sea in the new year.
A deep bay on Saaremaa Island was designated as an anchorage, and three ships anchored there.
This island welcomes their Earl—Lord Siputu!
"Dad!" A toddler greeted his little hand with a smile on his face.
That was the one-year-old son of Si Puyou District. He took over his cub and kissed and gnawed it.
The people welcomed their count to land, and as soon as he landed on the island, everyone asked when the fleet would set out for robbery.
Another group of people disembarking also attracted everyone's attention. Ragnar, the leader, was a Danish nobleman, which surprised everyone.
Danish noble? He and his guys were obviously wearing Ross-style uniforms! He was also holding a Russian crossbow.
Others speculated that these Danes were mercenaries of the Prince of Rus.
It was Spyot and Tralan's explanations, and Ragnar's appearance that caused the misunderstanding to strangle him to death in the cradle.
They were ordered to join forces to rob. No matter where the brothers came from, they were all royal pirates of the Principality of Ross.
Now is indeed a good time to open the sea for robbery.
Saaremaa Island has become a fortress. The fortress is as solid as a turtle shell, giving the pirates an absolute sense of security and making them willing to do things extremely well.
The three ships unloaded a large amount of supplies, and a group of ragged guys quickly changed into uniforms, the so-called white robes sewn with blue patterns, and shirts made of a mixture of white and blue linen threads worn inside.
The latter is the so-called sea soul shirt.
Why are they Royal Pirates? Their essence is still the Navy of the Principality of Ross, so at least their attire must be standardized.
Everyone's mental outlook has changed dramatically due to this, and their ambitions have further expanded.
They ate and drank in the fortress, and then gathered together to discuss plans.
Someone shouted loudly: "We will seize the Danes' ship, and we will also seize Bernholm. Let's focus on seizing Bernholm!"
As soon as this person said this, everyone started to cheer. Seeing this grand occasion, Spuyote raised his glass and shouted a victory slogan.
Ragnar laughed, but that was not his intention.
Siput is the master of the island, and he has the right to decide who to kill first this year.
He slapped his thighs vigorously: "Quiet, everyone, listen to me now. Seeing how enthusiastic you are, we will chase after the Bernholm people's fishing boats. Anyway, they are servants of the Danes, so we will continue to attack them." !”
At least there is no risk in the crusade against Bornholm Island. We have attacked it many times in the past. If we continue to do it this time, if we can lure the main Danish force out, with the combat power of three large ships, wouldn't it be a random killing?
Spyot nudged Ragnar: "Now, listen to what our Danish lord has to say."
Upon hearing "Lord of Denmark", all the enthusiastic people shut up. It is true that they have been shouting about killing the Danes, and a real Dane is sitting here, and it is obviously inappropriate to say those words.
"What can I say?" Ragnar said with a bitter smile: "I thought you pirates would really go after the King of Denmark, but unexpectedly you would attack the weak instead."
"Are you mocking us?" a drunk guy muttered.
Of course Ragnar refused: "I just look down on you! Do you think killing the Danes is considered powerful? If you really fight against the Danish king's army, what chance do you pirates have of winning? If you don't use crossbows and big ships, look at you A bunch of skinny guys can only be defeated."
These irritating words made everyone uncomfortable, but if the smart people thought about it carefully, I am afraid that what Chief Ragnar said had some truth to it.
There are still brave people who do not believe in evil: "You are Danes, why don't we show signs?"
"You? You are so thin." Ragnar would not even look at this person, and this was a huge provocation.
The islanders are also lacking in fun, especially after waiting all winter. Apart from being busy giving birth, what else can they do to express their power?
Under the influence of alcohol, a group of islanders wanted to compete with Ragnar's men, a so-called group fight with bare hands, to see who could surrender first.
Things have become like this, and Spyot is unwilling to stop it. He needs to let the islanders truly understand the ferocity of real Danish warriors.
The two sides really started fighting under the influence of alcohol, and the result was obvious. The islanders who took the lead in booing were all knocked down with fists, and they announced their surrender one after another.
Thanks to this group fight, Ragnar proved the strength of a true Dane with his fists. So what was the reason for the Danes’ previous failures? Just because the Ross ships are powerful? This is partly due to the fact that the real old Russians are stronger than the Danish warriors.
The islanders were convinced, and then they were willing to calm down and listen to Ragnar's attitude again.
"I have a close relationship with the Prince of Rus, and I have broken away from any relationship with the King of Denmark! Brothers, find out your enemies. You must rob in a planned way, don't rob randomly. For example, the people of Bernholm obviously It’s someone you can win over…”
When Ragnar said these words, Spyot couldn't sit still anymore: "Wait a minute, you are saying good things to the guys on that island."
"Not a good word."
"that is."
Ragnar frowned and shook his head: "As far as I know, the people of Bernholm are not loyal to that Horik. Horik is the dog raised by the Frankish Kingdom. The Denmark under this man's rule is to be given to the Franks." A slave. I opposed him and I was attacked and many people were killed. I think the people of Bernholm also rejected that man's rule. I also know that at least five lords left with their own people. "
"You mean Bernholm has broken away from Denmark?" asked Spyot.
"Maybe. I don't know, but I don't want to see you robbing them. They are the ones you can win over. I think the prince is here and he will agree with me."
What Ragnar said was not convincing. Since he said it could be pulled, why not let him try?
The first big target that the pirate fleet encountered heading west must be Bernholm. The locals were indeed not Danish. At this time, Count Spyot has the highest decision-making power, and Ragnar also has discretion.
Rurik appointed two royal pirate gangs. Whether they move freely or work together as a joint venture depends on their own free will.
After all, Spyot is a famous explorer who can drink spirits with the prince. If he really becomes a pirate with the people of this island, wouldn't it be too cheap?
He knew that the kingdom liked the submission of ethnic groups outside the territory, and he used this method to expand its sphere of influence. If the people of Bernholm dedicated their island, wouldn't they have done a great job?
"Ragnar," he said.
"I am here."
"You can try it."
"Trying to do what? Get Bernholm to ally with us? Let us sail further west without worries?"
Spyot shook his head: "No. I want you to try to persuade them to surrender. Aren't you very confident? You should handle this matter yourself. I..." He deliberately looked into Ragnar's eyes again: "I believe it. You are a real man."
Ragnar hated people saying that he was not a man the most in his life. His fists were still aching, but when faced with doubts, this was something that could not be solved with fists.
"Okay! Let's rush to that sea area, and I'll try to land on the island and talk to the locals."
Ragnar's appearance today has accomplished one thing, which is to point out the differences between the Danes and the Danes, as well as the tangled attitude of the Prince of Rus towards the Kingdom of Denmark. The so-called kingdom originally wanted to end the endless hostility, but Some foolish Danish lords are looking for trouble in the north.
Now that we have a target, the fleet sets off.
Ragnar's previous assertion that "Russ's advantage is based on ships and crossbows", first of all, he firmly believed in this. Because he is now a mercenary of Prince Rus, and the fact that he is dressed and operates the ship proves everything.
The three ships formed a column and rushed toward the target sea area with great swagger.
Sure enough, a fishing boat appeared in front, and the boat was running for its life.
All three ships communicated in flag language, and Ragnar's men used some of the knowledge they learned at Fort New Rose.
After discovering the target, the big ship Salmon Chief was running wildly, but Ragnar's Stonewall flashed its semaphore.
"Boss, the Danes asked us not to attack," the boatswain shouted.
Siputu's hands were itching to take action, and he could only bar his teeth when he saw this: "Just do what he wants. Let's rush over and intercept the fishing boat!"
If you want to attack, the side torque slingshot fires a volley, and the fishing boat will leak and sink.
The Salmon Chief passed by, and a high maneuver crossed in front of the fishing boat. A slight collision occurred, and the shivering fishermen found themselves unable to retreat.
After this, two boats also surrounded him, and the fishing boat had no chance to escape.
The fishermen had no choice but to surrender and demanded the herring they caught in exchange for their lives.
"Change your life? Be lucky, Bornholm people, you won't die today." Spuyot said this with disdain in his heart.
The three ships approached each other, and Ragnar lowered the planks and boarded the largest ship, where he also saw three prisoners.
He opened his mouth and said: "Are you islanders? What is your attitude towards the Danes?"
The captives were busy begging for mercy, and were deeply puzzled to hear such words from a Russian.
"Do you islanders submit to the King of Denmark?"
He asked this, and the prisoner's mouth trembled, claiming that he had nothing to do with Denmark.
Ragnar shrugged and looked at Spyot again: "Look, I just said that they have nothing to do with the King of Denmark."
"Are you kidding? They were all frightened, so they naturally followed your words."
"Maybe."
After that, Ragnar revealed his identity: "Fisherman! You don't know me. Let me tell you, I am Ragnar, the famous woolen pants of the Danish Stonewall tribe. My father is Sigurd the Ring. When I was fifteen years old, I Even when I chopped off the heads of the two lords, it was I who chopped off the head of the leader Svealan.”
Then a fisherman suddenly realized: "Ah! You! The beheaded Ragnar? Is that you? It was you who beheaded King Svealan?!"
"Yes, it's me."
"Then you... you are obviously a Dane and a noble. We all heard from people who fled to the island that your Stonewall tribe was killed by Horik. You are still alive?"
"Ridiculous! Look around me, we are clearly alive. We have formed an alliance with Ross to counterattack Horik. Wait! Are there any escapees on the island?"
The fishermen who felt that they had found a life-saving straw knew that their value lay in the information they had. They were smart people, so they volunteered: "We are very useful. If you want to have some exchanges with the island's leaders, we can serve as guides." "
"Very good!" Ragnar slapped his thigh: "What I'm waiting for is your words. I want to see the nobles on the island in person, especially the exiles."
From Ragnar's standpoint, he has always had his own opinions. Although he is now a pirate for the Prince of Rus, Rurik has already made it clear that he will support him in competing to be the new king of Denmark.
Become the new king of Denmark, change the anxious situation in the north, and unite everyone's strength to fight back against the Franks!
Ragnar had a deep exchange with Rurik, and believed that Rurik was busy conquering the East and only had a strong desire for trade with Denmark, which was full of martial virtue.
He didn't really want to rob, but he wanted to use the might of the Russians to recruit soldiers and horses. He wanted to build an anti-King Horik army, intending to wipe out the Frankish forces in Jutland and surrounding islands, including their lackeys. .
Then there are a lot of people on Bernholm Island, so they are the ones who should be attracted the most.
Three ships towed the captured fishing boats and approached the island. This move frightened the islanders into thinking that the Russians were about to land and fight.
Are the Russians already so arrogant? Is it finally time to log in and kill?
What happened now is that the island, which originally had more than 10,000 people, was mainly due to the endless harassment by the Russians. The angry fishermen who made a living were forced to immigrate to the north or enter Denmark. They rushed in large numbers to large settlements such as Silvercastle at the southern tip of Scandinavia, or directly to Oslo and Bergen.
Even though a group of Danish exiles have arrived, the population has plummeted to more than 6,000 people.
This number is not small in this era, but the reappearance of the Russian pirate ship really made the fishermen furious.
Various families, societies, and exiled tribes spontaneously organized manpower, and a thousand warriors were gathered and rushed to the beach.
Ragnar only had two of his subordinates accompanying him. Three boats anchored offshore, and the three of them floated to the island in fishermen's boats.
Before setting off, Ragnar also said that if he did not return for three days, it meant that the islanders had already taken action. Then, as a complete commander, Spyot would directly attack the local ports and frantically destroy their livelihoods. paddle boats and further blockade.
He was gambling with his life, even though he saw a shield wall of bucklers appearing on the coast.
