Chapter 498: Changing the flag at the head of the city
Chapter 498 Changing the Flag at the City Head
The significance of the Golden Gate being opened was clear to everyone on the battlefield.
Precisely for this reason, whether they were the attacker or the defender, they immediately sent all available military forces there. Taking control of Kinmen was the most important thing.
The pressure on Rurik and others immediately increased in a straight line, and all the nearby defenders who could come over were trying their best to come over. Even if they were elites, it was very difficult to face a steady stream of enemies.
At the most critical moment, Rurik's neck protector was cut off with a single blow. Although it saved Rurik's life this time, it would not work the next time. Even Rurik had faced such a dangerous situation.
, then naturally there is no need for others to say anything.
But it is precisely because they are elites that they can withstand this almost continuous offensive, and some attacking soldiers come to join them one after another outside Kinmen. Everyone clings to Kinmen and holds on until reinforcements arrive.
arrival.
The first person to rush in was Emperor Alexios and his guards. The purple flag representing the emperor and a large number of heavy cavalry stepped past Rurik and others, coming with great power. In an instant,
, Rurik, who was already quite dizzy during the fight, seemed to have seen the appearance of the armored holy cavalry in those records.
But he knew that it was just some appearance. This army had long been destroyed in continuous battles. It was impossible to see that army now.
Faced with such a scene, the defenders who besieged Rurik and the others could only retreat in embarrassment. Those who were unable to retreat in time were crushed to death by their horses.
It was the first time for many people to face the impact of a charging horse. The momentum alone made their liver and gallbladder split, and then they ran away frantically.
The situation near the Golden Gate was reversed in an instant. Alexios's men dispersed the besieging defenders. Those people did not even have the courage to fight back, and they were defeated one after another.
And then came the highlight. A large number of Greek or Russian soldiers poured in in groups, establishing the attacker's control of Kinmen, and this cruel battle came to an end.
Different troops behaved differently after entering the city. Most of the Russians continued to rush straight into the city. Only a small number of troops such as city militia or standing army would stop and wait for orders.
Most of the Greeks gathered around their emperor. On the Russian side, even Rostislav's personal entry into the city could not achieve such an effect.
After all, from the perspective of the Russian people who have never seen the market, if they don’t plunder it now, they will have no chance in the future!
"My son, you did well."
However, Rostislav was not in the mood to care about these guys who were eager to die. He found his son who was leaning against the wall of the Golden Gate, panting, and said to him.
"Fortunately, father."
There was not much excitement in Rurik's tone, but mainly the relief after completing his responsibilities. For this Prince of Rus, what was important was that he completed the task and did not disappoint his father.
"You did a good job, now go down and rest."
Rostislav watched as the Greek emperor marshalled his troops, and then the soldiers marched forward shouting slogans.
Rurik glanced at his attendant Kirill. Kirill was pierced by a spear in the left shoulder during the battle. Now the blood was stained on the entire shoulder. The doctor under Rostislav was busy treating him.
Treat wounds.
"Where are Volorida and Vasiliko?"
Rurik did not retreat immediately, but asked about his brothers. He was more concerned about the situation of these two brothers now, and when he mentioned these two, Rostislav had a playful look on his face.
"That kid Volorida didn't know what was going on. He found an unclosed small door on the city wall on the Golden Horn side. He led his men in and made a fuss. And Vasilko, that kid was doing it.
On board the Vladimir, the supervising fleet is throwing rocks into the Grand Palace."
"Ha, these two brothers of mine have done really well."
Rurik was a little surprised, but after thinking about it, he accepted it. With the abilities of his two brothers, it was not unexpected at all to do such a thing.
"Lord Rostislav, the Janissaries have arrived!"
Just as the father and son were talking, Domhnall's voice suddenly interrupted. They looked up and saw that Ross's personal troops were entering the city in an orderly manner, and their performance was fully worthy of their name.
These soldiers were full of desire for plunder, but they finally controlled themselves and stood in front of Rostislav waiting for orders from the Grand Duke.
As the captain of the soldiers, Domhnall was full of pride, because they were passing through the Golden Gate of Constantinople, and they were about to conquer this civilized center of Christendom!
"Toward the Grand Palace!"
Rostislav did not hesitate and directly ordered the troops to move towards their ultimate goal. As long as they captured the Grand Palace, victory would belong to them.
"No, father, I still have to follow you. As a winner, I must be present for the honor of entering the Grand Palace."
Holding his sword, Rurik said firmly to his father, wasn't it all for the glory of capturing Constantinople that he had worked so hard and burrowed underground like a gutter rat? At that moment of glory, he absolutely could not
absent.
"Then take your people and follow, my son."
Rostislav waved his hand, then spurred his horse to gallop, followed closely by his followers, and countless soldiers followed their prince.
In the current Constantinople, with the news of the opening of the Golden Gate, the defeat of the defenders has become unstoppable. If they rely on strong city walls, many people will still have the courage and confidence to fight, but if they lose this protection
, then courage and confidence will disappear as quickly as snow under the rising sun.
The principle of standing on a high wall and fighting ten against one can only exist if you are on top of a high wall. But now that there is no high wall, what you will have will naturally be a rapid defeat.
Many Greeks abandoned their weapons and fled back to their homes.
At this time, no one was maintaining order. Everyone was busy escaping for their lives. No one wanted to die in this civil war where the outcome was already decided.
Those officers who once swore to be loyal to the emperor have now abandoned their responsibilities and are running for their lives crazily without looking back. The war has been lost, and there is no need to fight for a failed emperor.
Those who left their posts directly were considered to be very moral people, while those shameless guys directly defected on the battlefield and suddenly became supporters of Alexios.
But some people began to take advantage of the situation. They are all desperadoes in this city - gangsters, poor people and even criminals. For them, the current chaos is an unprecedented opportunity to make money!
They joined forces with the citizens who were incited to riot, and attacked the houses of any wealthy or noble people who came close. Now all slogans are in the past tense, and getting rich is the most important thing.
As for the emperor's die-hard loyalists, the Praetorian Guard and the Varangian Guard retreated to the Grand Palace. These two troops were undoubtedly die-hard loyalists of Emperor Nikephorus, so they would persist until the last moment.
Now Constantinople presents an extremely chaotic scene: supporters of Alexios, supporters of Nikephoros, simple lawless people, neutrals who stick to their own camps and ignore anyone... All parties are involved.
With fighting in the capital of the Roman Empire, Constantinople has become a big battlefield.
Although the war situation is chaotic, one thing remains unchanged, that is, Alexios' supporters are gradually taking control of the city's situation. They are taking over the city's main streets in an orderly manner, and then annihilating all forces that are enemies of them.
No matter which force they were from, facing Alexios's army, they simply surrendered or collapsed. No one wanted to be an enemy of the new master of Constantinople.
At the same time, the Alexios faction is still trying to restore order in the capital. In any case, they are the ones who will manage the capital next - but only for the Greeks under Alexios. The Russians are still happily looting.
It was also under such circumstances that Alexios's army surrounded the Great Palace, which was where Emperor Nicephorus lived and was his only position.