Although he was given a difficult task, Rostislav was actually very happy to participate in the war, because it was a timely rain for him.
As a prince without a territory, the funds for his support of the janissaries came from the monthly allocations from the Kiev court, as well as aid from his father's remnant troops in Kiev and Nokia, such as the aid sent by Veshata.
Relying on these, Rostislav was able to pay his subordinates enough wages, but this was not a long-term solution.
He also has a huge amount of money in his hands that his father has saved over the years when he was the prince of Novgorod. Although this money is huge, it cannot be used easily, because if the money is gone, then he will really
The mountains and rivers are exhausted.
The war was different. Rostislav still remembered how much money he made during the war in Estonia, and now the opportunity hit him in the face again.
Of course, it would be better if he was not assigned that dangerous mission.
After entrusting the management of the property in Kiev to his wife and saying goodbye to his wife, Rostislav set out on his journey. Anyway, he didn't know many people in Kiev, so saying goodbye to his wife was enough.
Zoe was very worried about her husband's expedition, but she did not say anything to stop her, because she knew that her husband could not escape from this. If he escaped, the future would be doomed. The Grand Council would give up on him, his followers would desert him, and his subordinates would leave him.
So Zoe didn't try to hold her back, she just sent her blessings and looked forward to her husband's successful return.
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On the main road of Kiev, an army of infantry and cavalry was advancing under the gaze of the citizens.
The leader was naturally Rostislav Vladimirovich, who was wearing the weapons and armor he wore for the Estonian expedition, and beneath him was a sacred red war horse.
Granva also looked armed to the teeth, but his helmet was replaced by the jeweled helmet that Rostislav gave him. With such a large jewel on his head, he was now more conspicuous than Prince Rostis.
Jan Visadzic carried the military flag that the prince chose for himself. The military flag showed Saint George slaying the dragon, but this Saint George was dressed like a Russian warrior, wearing a pointed helmet and armor, and used a gun in his hand.
The spear struck the dragon with its claws and fangs.
After the military flag of St. George slaying the dragon, there is the trident flag symbolizing Rurik's authority and the Orthodox cross flag symbolizing the authority of God.
The prince was followed closely by the cavalry. The young people who came to Kiev from the city of Novo seemed very excited, but their main excitement was about the city of Kiev, not going to the battlefield.
Compared with the nomadic cavalry and Greek horse archers, their faces are plain. War on the prairie is a common occurrence. These prairie wolves have been bathed in war since they were young, and the Greeks have been fighting in southern Italy and Northern Italy.
The Man people are veterans of long-term battles. They either chat casually with the people around them or concentrate on riding forward.
Next came the infantry, not to mention the personal soldiers, the fully armed professional soldiers marched in an orderly formation.
Behind them was a team of Chuds, with battle axes tied to their waists and javelins on their backs. This was an army that Rostislav selected from Chud slaves. He used money and freedom to make these tribal warriors for himself.
And fight.
The military servants and entourage either led the packhorses filled with supplies or drove carts pulled by livestock, following at the back, carrying the supplies for the entire army.
In the eyes of the citizens of Kiev, such an army was sent by the Grand Duke outside the city to attack the Polovets and protect the people. Therefore, they could not help but cheer for this well-disciplined army and send them off to fight with those damned people.
Nomads fight.
This is the only thing that can make Rostislav feel happy. The depression of being forced to say goodbye to his newlywed wife is much less. The citizens of Kiev still have confidence in their Grand Duke's army, and the people's support can be used.
There were even some citizens who just got excited, went home, picked up weapons and equipment, and joined the army. Naturally, Rostislav welcomed such volunteers.
Amid people's praise, Rostislav's team arrived at the Golden Gate.
The Golden Gate is the most important city gate in Kiev. It was built by Grand Duke Yaroslav to imitate the imperial capital in the south. Like the Golden Gate, this city gate also has some reliefs and gold decorations, and is then painted with yellow paint. Under the sun
The entire city gate seemed to be glowing.
There is also the Annunciation Church above the Golden Gate. The dome and cross of the church give the gate a more religious meaning.
Of course, the Golden Gate of Kiev cannot be compared with the Golden Gate of Constantinople in terms of scale or craftsmanship. Although the Grand Duke built it based on the Golden Gate of Constantinople, there are some things that are not what he wants.
of.
And here, the Metropolitan of Rus, Hilarion from the Cave Monastery, is wearing his black cassock, holding the golden pastoral staff, surrounded by the local clergy of Rus, waiting for the arrival of the Prince of Rus under the golden gate.
When Rostislav saw the Metropolitan, he immediately reined in his red horse, walked to Metropolitan Hilarion and knelt down. He understood that the Metropolitan wanted to bless the expedition.
Of course the prince knew the metropolitan, after all, he was the one to preside over his wedding, and he had many discussions with him about the performance of the miracle play. The relationship between the two parties was quite harmonious.
Moreover, the metropolitan was a good friend of his father and his teacher, the Bishop of Novo, and they had written closely together, so it was not surprising that he took the initiative to bless Rostislav.
As Rostislav knelt down, everyone present knelt down. Although many people still remembered the divine power of Perun and Viles, they also respected the authority of the Lord. After all, Kiev is now a city of crosses.
"Rostislav Slav, son of Vladimir, may the Lord bless you on your expedition, may the Lord bless you when you return victorious, may the glory of God abide in you."
The metropolitan performed a standard Orthodox blessing on Rostislav and gave him the blessing from the supreme authority.
"The Lord's will will be carried out."
Rostislav answered simply, and then he stood up. Seeing this, everyone also stood up.
"Thank you very much, Lord Hilarion."
Rostislav once again bowed respectfully to the Metropolitan.
"It's just a courtesy."
Hilarion's expression was very humble.
"May your expedition go well, Rostislav Slav, son of Vladimir."
"Of course, thank you very much for your blessing."
Rostislav returned the greeting again, and then boarded the horse brought by his entourage.
"Before heading to the battlefield, remember to visit the Cave Monastery, where my brothers have prepared an army for you."
When Rostislav rode past the metropolitan, Ilarion suddenly said to Prince Rus. Rostislav turned around suddenly, and what he saw was a gentle smile. Then the metropolitan continued to make the sign of the cross for the advancing army.
bless.
Rostislav nodded. He didn't understand why the metropolitan gave this kindness. If it was just the relationship between teacher and father, it might not be enough, but he couldn't go into details at this time. He needed all the help.
The prince turned the horse's head and continued to lead his small army forward, passing through the Golden Gate of Kiev and setting foot on the land outside the city.