Rise of Rurik

Remember [new] in one second! Sitting on the grass, you can feel the heartbeat of the earth, and feel a little intoxicated by the warm sea breeze.

The setting sun illuminated the world orange, filled with the aroma of grilled fish and boiled wheat, and Rurik breathed out lazily.

"I spent a lot of energy today. I didn't expect that Cretinga would be so close to our camp." He muttered casually, while Beyahil, who was sitting beside him, listened quietly.

As for the little black cat Kara, it has now become a toy for Verica and Blackbird. A rope was tied around its neck to prevent it from escaping. The kitten was young and was put into a cloth bag and hung on the saddle during the march. It was fed only some freshly caught fish and rabbit meat.

The cat was playing with in the girl's arms, but if it could be played with by Velikaskaya Lyulikovina, the deputy priest of the kingdom and the future high priest, an ordinary Courland black cat became a royal cat. Became a holy cat.

Lazy and drowsy, Rurik suddenly received a report from his subordinates.

The soldier half-knelt down on the grass with a plop, and his excitement was beyond words: "Report to the king! The scouts sent by the navy to the south have made a major discovery."

"A major discovery? Did you find Memel after all?" Rurik sat upright in excitement and asked casually.

"Maybe...that's true."

"oh?!"

He was really no longer sleepy after these, and immediately greeted them with a smile: "Hey, then quickly send Goldlund and his scouts over."

"As commanded."

Goldlund would never meet the king rashly, and this time he was escorting a "prisoner of war" named Ulfbet. In order to avoid trouble, he led a group of men to check Ulfbet carefully to ensure that there were no weapons. If you hurt the king, then

I even pulled out this man's underwear and had a look.

It really felt like a great shame and humiliation during that time. However, this place was already the territory of the Russian people. No matter how strong the warrior was, he had to endure it now. Ulfbet behaved very submissively.

Goldlund walked in the strong position, while two warriors held Ulfbet's shoulders and pushed him forward.

And old Bjorn, the captain of the Mona, who had made great contributions, now changed into good clothes and groomed his gray beard. He was so energetic that he walked with the team.

When Goldlund knelt down to salute and sat cross-legged in front of the king, the two warriors suddenly piled up and pushed Ulfbet, who had been stripped down to his single clothes, on the grass, stumbling around in embarrassment.

"Gotlund? Wait, who is this man?!" Rurik was highly alert to the sudden arrival of a stranger, and subconsciously covered the hilt of his sword.

"This is exactly what I want to report. I'm afraid...this is the local Memel that the king talked about."

"An old man?"

Rurik had to take care of the old guy in front of him, and Uvbet also had to take care of the legendary King of Rus.

The old man and the young man looked at each other in a strange atmosphere. Seeing that there was no evil intention in the old man's eyes, the hand holding the sword hilt relaxed slightly.

"Forget it. Goldlund, if you bring someone to see me again in the future, you should tell me earlier instead of pushing the person directly in front of me like this." Rurik turned around and scolded. "

"It's my fault, I'm guilty." He realized that his actions were rough due to excitement. I'm afraid it won't help if I apologize now. Fortunately, the king was in high spirits and didn't have time to criticize harshly.

Rurik turned his face again and continued to stare into the old man's eyes: "So, who are you? Memel's

resident? "

The old man sat upright and tilted his head slightly: "I am Ulfbert Burgrunson. Are you the King of Rus? Are you the brother of the King of Denmark? Your legends are wandering in this sea area."

"You didn't answer my question! However, what you said is also a fact. So your name is Ulfbet? A rare name..."

Because Ulfbet came from Frank, it was actually because his father took his brothers to the upper reaches of the Vistula River, and happened to have some relations with the fringe forces of Frank. The old guy learned some new knowledge, After hearing the new news, he even memorized the names of some local people, and followed the fashion and gave his son a Frankish-style name.

"I..." Ulfbet paused and said, "I am from Koup City. I may be what you call Memel."

"I see." Suppressing his inner excitement, Rurik asked again: "So, are you the leader of that city? You came to me to declare surrender?"

"I came to surrender to King Rus, but your people actually regarded me as a pirate. I am also the leader of Koup City. As long as I give the order, the entire city will surrender to King Rus." Still a little entangled in the torment just now, Wufu The anger in Bette's heart could not be completely suppressed, and now she looked a little arrogant.

"I see." Rurik believed this man's words for the time being. After taking a good look at him, he couldn't detect anything that could be called impressive. No matter how he looked at him, he was just an ordinary old guy.

Because Uvbet did lie, he was not the leader of Koup, or there was no leader in the entire city.

Rurik thinks again

After thinking about it, he also put on a arrogant attitude to suppress the old guy's arrogance: "Actually, regardless of whether you surrender or not, Ross will arrive in Memel tomorrow. The only difference is whether we attack it or get it peacefully. So, what is your choice? Do you want us to launch a military attack? Or do you want us to go peacefully?"

"Of course we want peace."

"Very good. In fact, it doesn't matter to me any choice you make. My army is still going to the west, and it only arrives in your city because it's on the way. It's best for you to maintain a cooperative attitude. If you choose to resist, I was forced to spend an extra day to defeat Memel. Obviously that is not what you want to see, nor is it what I want."

Rurik raised his chin high to show his arrogance. His words had multiple meanings, but he didn't know whether the man who called himself Ulfbet could understand them.

"So, King Rus is willing to accept our surrender? For this, we still need to provide some tribute?"

"Tribute? Of course you have to give it." Thinking that the old guy was really wise, Rurik explained again: "You are actually just claiming to be the leader, and no one recognizes your power in Memel. If you declare Submit to Rus, this king can make you a war chief, and your family can hereditary power and status in Memel. You have to give me some tribute, for which I will also reward you with some gifts. When the ceremony is completed, you You and your family are the vassals of Rus. I think any smart person will readily accept this king’s kindness.”

What King Rus said is exactly the same as what Laibjorn said before. King Rus’s words are the most relevant.

Considering the current situation, Uvbet felt that he really just accepted all Rose's demands.

It's just that Rose's request sounds absolutely wonderful!

It has always been the case that when the weak surrendered to the strong, they had to pay a large sum of tribute, and even beautiful women had to be donated as gifts without receiving anything in return. Some were basically just promises of "not attacking you."

The strong men in Denmark have been like this since ancient times, and it seems that it can only be like this.

It is difficult for Ulfbet to understand Ross with the thinking of his own Danish tribe, because Ross is a strange thing in this sea area. Only because Ross has mastered more powerful productive forces, he has the capital to co-prosper with the conquered, instead of slaughtering the weak as fat sheep.

In Rurik's view, Memel is his own, but the difference lies in whether he takes it himself or whether the locals accept it and surrender.

Naturally, everyone was most happy with the latter. After listening to Uvbet's introduction, Rurik gradually put away his arrogance, but before actually seeing the local people kowtow collectively, he couldn't give Uvbet too much. courtesy.

So, what kind of city was Memel or Koup in this era? I have an old guy giving a good introduction to the Rose elites.

Rurik was in a good mood. Since it was already dinner time, he happily gathered all the flag captains and senior officers at the bonfire in front of his tent.

The newly named Count of Palanga, Dapkus, knew that the Russian army, which he had to carefully serve, was about to leave. He was naturally very happy in his heart, but on the surface he still showed reluctance to leave.

But when the man happily went to the appointment with his son, he recognized the old man's face at a glance and was surprised.

How could such an old guest who couldn't be forgotten suddenly find himself in the Ross Army Camp.

Dapkus suppressed his trembling and sat down in an empty space beside the campfire, but the erratic look in the eyes of the father and son really revealed the complexity of his heart.

Rurik glanced at these two people, and then regarded Ulfbet and old Bjorn, who had made great achievements, as honored guests.

A barrel of wine carried with the army was pried open, a reindeer was slaughtered, and the best part of the meat was grilled on rosin, and then served with cooked wheat porridge.

The dinner of the elites of the Russian army was so unrestrained and luxurious. Uvbet was deeply surprised, but after thinking about it, it seemed reasonable.

A large piece of venison is burned on a hot fire. The surface is roasted black but the inside is still relatively raw. This is no problem. Many people have iron stomachs and there will be no abnormal reactions when eating raw fish. So is the red meat of blood.

"The meat will be roasted for a while longer, now let's chat while we wait!"

The noble King of Rus was the first to open the conversation. He pushed Ulfbet to the stage and solemnly announced to everyone present: "This is the leader of Koup City, a man named Ulfbet. Memel is Another name for that city, now let him introduce his hometown!"

Pairs of eyes stared over. Ulfbet now understood that the fate of the Kurlans in the entire city, as well as his own business group, was in his own hands. He only needed to coax the King of Ross with one mouth. Only then can everyone be protected from war disasters.

The old guy sitting cross-legged cleared his throat, and then hit his chest and heart with his right fist as a salute.

"Yes! I am the Lord of Koup City

Human beings are also the masters of Memel..."

When he said this, a man who had been shaking for a long time finally couldn't bear it anymore.

The man abruptly interrupted Ulfbet's words: "Hey! Ulfbet! Ulfbet Burgrenson, you are just the leader of the business group, why haven't you seen all the local villages obey your orders in half a year?"

"Who is making the noise?" Rurik deliberately called out from behind enemy lines, and it was Dapkus who was chattering again: "I have long noticed that something is wrong with your expression. Dapkus, what is going on?"

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty." Dapkus hurriedly knelt down and explained his vulgarity with his head tilted: "I know him, Ulfbet, the leader of the business group. Last autumn, he brought some people to our Palanga to trade. He got something. Your Majesty, please don’t listen to what he says. This person is not the leader of the city, because there is no leader in Koup City at all. He is just the leader of a business group of hundreds of people."

"Is that so? A business group composed of hundreds of people is already a very powerful force." Rurik turned his face and asked.

"Yes...that's it. I don't dare to lie."

"That's a very straightforward answer, but you did lie to all of us just now. Since you are not the leader, how can you represent the entire city of Koup? You must explain to my warriors."

"Because..." Uvbet thought for a while, and had no choice but to repeat what he said to King Rus with some additional materials: "The villages over there have their own leaders, and they didn't recommend a word. There is no one village that has great power. It is us! My business group occupied the port and built a community, so the local people

Treat us like leaders. I have no intention of harming those Kurlands, and they have no intention of expelling us. I think...since everyone maintains a tacit understanding, I should have the right to become their leader. "

His expression really gave Rurik a strong sense of déjà vu. Thinking about it again, it seemed that what was happening here had already been recorded in Riga's history.

The village leaders in Latvia in the north did not elect their own king, so they hired Danish immigrants to do their work. Over time, the Danish community leaders in Riga gradually gained power.

This process must be slowly evolving in Koup City, but the Bulgren Merchant Group has not yet fully grasped the power, and the Ross Army is coming with overwhelming force.

Rurik thought for a while and said deliberately: "Whether it is the villages collectively supporting you as the leader, or it is just your self-proclaimed name, it is just for your own entertainment before being confirmed by the king. However, you can command those Kulls. Are you a Lan person? If you ask those villagers to do something, will they do it honestly?"

Ulfbet felt that King Ross was relieved and the anger he showed was just an act, so he explained: "It's generally okay, it depends on what the matter is."

"I am sure that you are a business group willing to submit. As for the local Kurlanders...if they do not submit! If any village refuses to submit or pay tribute, Rus will completely destroy it, kill all the people, and burn the village to the ground. You You don’t want that result, right? Can you persuade all those people to surrender? Since you are a local, you should know Cretinga. Now all the dissenters in that city have been killed by me.”

"Okay! I can totally do it." Uvbe

Te answered decisively.

"But I heard from you that your guys are all from Denmark and have nothing to do with the Kurlanders here. Even if I kill them, there is no reason to attack you. Are you trying to save them?"

"Please young King Ross, please restrain your murderous intention." Ulfbet said boldly with his brows furrowed.

He will never flatter on this issue, because the business group is not a pirate, and no one will be proud of killing. It is even more unbelievable to beautify it as a "blood sacrifice to Odin", just because the people in the business group believe in the God of Wealth. Frey is very particular about making money with kindness, and all the weapons are for self-defense.

"Are you teaching me how to do things? I can restrain myself, but the premise is you! I can let you go back first and give you some time to convince those Kurlanders to surrender. I will treat you to a big meal tonight and tomorrow morning My cavalry will let you go back first. You must be fast. I hope that when my army arrives, I can see that your business group and local people can greet me with tributes. Otherwise..."

"I will! Thank you King Ross for giving us a chance."

After living together for a long time, feelings naturally arise, and Rurik can understand them. For Rus, Memel was the most important settlement and port in the region. It guarded the outlet of the Great Courland Lagoon. In this era, the lagoon was a perfect haven for rowing long boats, and its port was close to the shore. Armed cargo ships were parked in large numbers.

The days of the city of Koup are over and the locals should change their appearance and become Memel people.

Rurik had already planned in his mind that when the army arrived in Memel, he would promote a small leader from among the locals.

As the supreme leader, he was given a hereditary earl title, and the Memel County of Ross was born. Legally, Ross ships could use Memel Port at will in the future.

The reality turned out to be better than imagined, and Memel's power agents showed up uninvited.

Rurik then solemnly presented Ross's peace plan: "You! Uvbet will be granted the title of hereditary earl (war chief) of Memel County in the Kingdom of Ross. You must persuade the locals to surrender to Ross and serve for generations to come. Ross guards Memel.

You must immediately bring as tribute no less than fifty thousand pounds of oats or rye, ten cattle and one hundred sheep, and one hundred pounds of rough amber or beeswax. You have no right to bargain with me. Ross gives you three days. If you cannot complete it, the Ross army will launch a full-scale attack on Memel!

Since you value those Kurlans so much, you'll have no problem working with them to fulfill Rus' request. "

Rurik came up with an unquestionable peace plan. As for providing cattle, sheep and amber rough stones, Uvbet felt that there was no big problem. As for providing food... It was now the end of the summer famine, and the locals really still wanted to Can you come up with so much surplus food? Maybe it can still be squeezed out, and because the wheat harvest is not far away, even if the Russians plunder all the local surplus grain, they will have new wheat for another month by fishing, hunting and digging wild vegetables.

What is the total population of each village? Ulfbet had never done statistics, so he could only generally say that the population was large.

It is not surprising that the Russians took this action. If they want to avoid being killed, they can only spend money to buy peace. After giving out a huge amount of property, they will become poor. As for whether the strong man who has obtained the property will eat it.

Words, only the gods know. The only thing everyone can be sure of is that if they don't pay tribute, they will be robbed.

Ulfbet could indeed leave, and he indeed could not bear to see the local Courlanders being plundered by the Ross army.

Now the only way is to personally convince the locals to accept King Rus's peace plan. Of course, his business group will spend a lot of money to buy peace as much as possible.

Because Ulfbet also has his own little thoughts.

"As the earl of the Kingdom of Rus, with Memel as my territory and the Danish community in Koup as my seat, I can theoretically be protected by the Rus' garrison. In the future, even if my business group has a home, I won't have to worry about being attacked. My old bones will not regret dying. My son and my friends can have a peaceful future. I can't let go of this opportunity! I must get it by spending a lot of money."