On a cold morning with a strong north wind, three hundred tall soldiers with fierce expressions, wearing mail and armed uniforms, arrived outside Nuo City.
Beside the marching column were the tired Vicher (parliament, note 1) militiamen. They had just endured the curses from the neighbors and violently pushed away all the carriages lining up to enter and leave the city, just to open a passage for the incoming army.
"It's Ladoga's army. It seems that they have sent everything they can. The sea is becoming increasingly chaotic due to the war between Denmark and Norway, but they still sent the army. They are indeed the first city to surrender to Rurik.
, this loyalty far exceeds that of others.”
On the city wall, Bishop Luca said next to Rostislav. The old man stroked his beard and looked at the army below calmly.
Since it was them who violently cleared the city gates, it is not surprising. This is a direct line within the direct line and must be treated well.
Ladoga can be said to be the oldest city in Rus, and it was also the most prosperous at one time. However, its status is now replaced by the city of Novo further south, but it is still a sizable city.
Ladoga was one of the forces that invited the three Rurik brothers to Rus, so this city has always had some unique political meaning in the country of Rurik.
When talking about the Baltic War, Rostislav thought of the legendary Norwegian King Harald, his distant relative - he married his grandfather's daughter.
Even after he became a king, this adventurer remained restless and was still keen on war and adventure. Recently, he added another glorious page to his war resume - the destruction of Hedeby, the most prosperous city in Denmark.
Rostislav still remembered that after the destruction of Hedeby, a large number of refugees flowed into Novgorod, and it was a headache for their father to resettle them.
Moreover, they also had to deal with the fluctuations in the trade routes caused by the destruction of Hezeby, an important trade hub on the Baltic Sea. Life in the city was not very easy during that period, which also left a deep impression on Rostislav.
The prince looked into the distance, where he could clearly see the Volkhov River. The river ran through the entire city and divided the entire city into two. The river was full of tiny sails that looked like only small white dots from this distance.
Drive into or out of the city in an orderly manner.
The Volkhov River is the main artery for the development of Nuo City. It can be said that the city depends on it for its rise. But then again, which city in the country of city-states is not like this?
Flowing rivers bring flowing gold and silver. This is a wise saying that is common in Nuo City and even the entire city-state.
"Who are those people?"
When the prince lowered his gaze, a group of soldiers wearing sealskin cloaks and carrying javelin bags on their backs were walking through the eaves of wooden houses that can be seen everywhere in Nuocheng. They came into the eyes of the prince of Nuocheng, which made him change his thoughts from "the last dimension".
"Kyoto" moved away.
"Lake Dwellers of Lake Ladoga."
The bishop recognized their identities just by looking at them.
"Even they are here. It seems that this is the last batch. Everyone who can come near Novgorod is here."
Outside the walls of Nuo City has become a sea of tents, and the boundless snowfield has become a garrison for the army. Nearly 5,000 soldiers have gathered here, and even several small Chude tribes have moved here. They are like the flames of winter.
Like, getting ready to burn everything.
The power of the wise men was evident at this moment. The northerners were happy to respond to Yaroslav's call. They had nothing to do all winter anyway. By joining the war, they could also support their families through looting.
"The Grand Duke has set the date for sending out troops tomorrow morning. I really don't know how many people will die in this war. May God bless their souls."
After customarily praying for everyone's souls, the bishop walked towards the streets of Novo City. Rostislav quickly followed, followed by four strong men in chainmail. These were once his father's personal soldiers, but now they are his.
The palms of the soldiers were placed on the hilts of their swords, and they scanned the crowd vigilantly, as if they were ready to attack and hurt someone at any time, while their iron boots stepped on the wooden streets. Ever since he realized that someone might take his life, Rostislav
Always take a guard with you wherever you go.
Both sides of the street are filled with shops and vendors of all sizes. The vendors shout at the loudest voices, and the taverns are always filled with soldiers. Whether they are citizens, farmers or tribesmen, the joy of alcohol is the same for everyone.
There is no wine and kvass.
Bustling crowds filled the streets. No one wanted to miss such a grand market. People were buying or selling various items.
From time to time, drunken soldiers and fire-breathing jugglers could be seen in the crowd. Wicher militiamen ran around tiredly, trying to maintain order, but unfortunately the drunkards could always quickly destroy their efforts.
The nobles who owned the manors in the city led their men through the streets in a flamboyant manner. They had considerable power both inside and outside Nuo City. These strongmen were an important part of Nuo City's military power.
Nuo City is like a huge magnet, attracting all the surrounding manpower and resources here. Behind a soldier are several related industry service personnel. The gathering of an army is an opportunity not to be missed for businessmen. There are also many farmers.
Come, this market is an opportunity to exchange agricultural products for some good things. Some Chude tribesmen even moved the entire tribe outside Nuo City for trading.
The citizens of Nuo City complained about this, because the entire city was crowded with country bumpkins and outsiders, but they were just complaints. After all, Nuo City itself was able to make a fortune from this.
After all the messy taxes, this is not a small amount of money, and the furs brought by tribesmen and hunters have always been in demand in Nuo City. Exporting them to the west or south will double the returns.
The most unhappy people are only the managers of this city. Their workload has increased exponentially, and huge management pressure has been put on their heads. Witcher even had to call in militia to increase the management manpower, but no one cares.
They think.
"They sent out troops as soon as Ladoga's people arrived? Is grandfather that anxious?"
The prince of Nuocheng was a little surprised at the time of sending troops. He actually sent out troops so early. Just when he was surprised, several Russians wearing fur hats discovered Bishop Luca and greeted him one after another. Luca made the sign of the cross.
give them.
When seeing Luca's cassock, some soldiers would respectfully salute the bishop. But more people would still ignore it and continue to be busy with their own affairs. Rostislav noticed that these people had some strange crosses on their bodies.
, and this is the product of the cross fused with pagan style.
After all, although today's Rus is considered an Orthodox country, the Christian faith actually exists in cities and suburbs, and the number of dual believers in these places is not small. As for most of the countryside, it is still a pagan world.
Bishop Luca understands this truth even more. The missionary work still has a long way to go. Among other things, there are a lot of heretics in Nuo City now. Even the conversions back then were not preaching with crosses, but with swords on the people's necks.
The result of persecution.
"Yuriev does not have much food reserves, so he must send troops as soon as possible."
Bishop Luca talked about something that Rostislav did not know. At the same time, he climbed up the damp wooden steps with some difficulty. Rostislav insisted and quickly stepped forward to help him.
"The Grand Council will give you a thousand men, and Visatta will be responsible for assisting you. Do your job well and be sure to achieve military exploits."
"Teacher, I understand. I will definitely seize this opportunity."
Luka warned his students, his words were full of concern, which made the prince feel warm in his heart. There were only a few people who cared about him in this city, and this was one of them.
And Visatta who assisted him was another person who treated him sincerely. He could see the help from his father's old comrades, and he also sent his son to his command. He was a very energetic young man - and more importantly
What's more, this means that the Visatta family is on his side.
At this time, the prince and others happened to pass by a blacksmith shop. The blacksmith shop with clanking hammers was crowded with people. The armed people were clamoring to install spearheads or make a fine iron sword. Some people were busy giving
The horses are shoed.
Soldiers can be seen from time to time near the blacksmith shop. Figures holding weapons are everywhere. They are either drinking and having fun on the street, or gathering together in twos and threes to chat. For them who are about to go to the battlefield, there is nothing
More important than weapons and armor.
Looking at the soldiers, Bishop Luca remembered more information about the war, "Speaking of this time, the Estonian tribes really used all their troops, and as far as I know, in addition to the Estonian tribes, the Chu tribes in Karelia
The Germans also crossed the ocean to help their compatriots, and the Norths from the west (referring to the far west of the Estonian region) also came. I estimate that the total strength of the Chud people is more than the four thousand under Yuriev City."
"There are actually so many? Aral's energy is actually so great?"
Rostislav was a little surprised by this. This was really unprecedented. Even in the next few hundred years, it was unheard of for the entire Estonia to unite to launch such a war.
As for Aral, as far as Rostislav knows, he is just the interest spokesperson chosen by the Estonian tribes to talk to Ros. Now he can let the tribes use their full strength. This is really surprising.
"Don't worry too much about the Chude people's kin and allies. They can't provide many people. Dingtian will only have a few hundred more people on the basis of four thousand. It seems that this increase in tribute is indeed not appropriate.
To actually make them jump over the wall in such a hurry, I should have advised your father more at that time."
Although Bishop Luca's words were unintentional, they still made Rostislav's face feel a little feverish. The direct reason for his father's actions was the discussion between him and his father about the situation after his grandfather's death. The final conclusion was that troops must be prepared to prevent accidents.
But Rostislav didn't expect that his father's way of seeking funds to reorganize the army was to increase the tribute from the Chud tribe... As expected, the Chud tribe soon got into trouble, and then his father died.
It can be said that part of the reason for this matter can ultimately be attributed to him.
"Teacher, that thing I mentioned last time..."
Rostislav was a little embarrassed, so when he walked to a remote alley, he quietly changed the subject and talked about the attack and his speculation.
"Be careful with your words, kid."
Luka's expression suddenly became tense, and his words were full of seriousness. He glanced at the alley and made sure there were no idle people waiting nearby. He then breathed a sigh of relief, but his tone became more serious.
"The information is still too scattered, and there are too many things involved behind it. I can't find any useful information at all, and I don't dare to look for this information publicly."
After hearing this, Rostislav's mood dropped visibly. Even the teacher couldn't find any news. It was so uncomfortable for me to be in the open and the enemy was in the dark.
"But don't worry too much."
Seeing his disciple's low mood, Luka couldn't help but comfort him.
"Don't think too scary about those people. If you are cautious and cautious, they will naturally find no opportunity to take advantage of you. The most important thing for you now is still this war. And remember our creed. As the Bible says, 'Man's
He who is proud will be humbled, but he who is humble in heart will be honored. 'Practice this, my son.'
After hearing these words, Rostislav quickly dispelled the depression in his mind. As the teacher said, the most important thing now is the war, and everything else can be put aside later.
"is teacher."
————————
Remark 1: Vecher is the city's self-governing assembly, which widely exists in Ross cities. Vecher has administrative power, legislative power and other powers as well as its own armed forces. It is a political existence that cannot be ignored by the princes of Ross, and represents the wishes and interests of the urban people.
.In the context of the ongoing weakening of Prince Rurik's local power during the Russian Civil War after Yaroslav's death, Vicher's power grew day by day.