Chapter 619： The joy of tombstone island fortress

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More than a hundred women captives from Britain were all stuffed into the cabin, coupled with the operating guards of Rurik, as well as a large amount of salt and seized ironware, the Aphrodite was actually overcrowded.

The return journey is by no means a smooth triumph. No one is worried about the obstruction of the Danish forces. It is precisely because there are too many people in the ship and the mix of men and women is the biggest trouble.

If it weren't for the order, Rurik had no doubt that in the quiet night, the mercenaries in the cabin would definitely take action against these women.

At least Rurik doesn't worry about food and fresh water, and the existing reserves are enough for the ship's people to consume for a month.

But the stench soon enveloped the cabin.

This is really impossible, because Fa Da Chuan is facing a small late autumn storm.

The sea breeze is not fatal, but the waves do become turbulent. Rurik noticed the large group of immigrants who were rowing with long boats. They had already landed nearby, and they were led by the Balmerk sailing ship into a small bay to shelter from the wind.

The Aphrora ignored these obstructions, that is, the ship was up and down in the waves, and the women who were tossing about the seasick were vomiting and diarrhea again.

It's not just them, just because it's really too cold outdoors, and dense snow fell in the world under the haze. Such days lasted just one day, and the Aphrora became essentially advancing in the wind and snow.

Even if the stench permeated the cabin, it was better than shivering with the cold on the deck. The deck is already very dangerous, and the sailor on duty is also tied with hemp rope around his waist, dressed in a deerskin cloak and wolfskin hat, and finely controls the big triangular sail.

Rurik had no choice but to stay in the captain's room below the bow deck. This is a relatively spacious existence, with only him and Mary in the room.

In any nautical age, the captain can enjoy the best room on board.

Isn't there any luxury in the captain's room of the Aphrora, but some leather is arranged to make it easy to lie down and rest. The climate changes suddenly and the indoor temperature drops very low.

"How long are we going to drift like this?" Mary muttered to herself, who was tortured by seasickness and cold.

"At least two weeks left." Rurik said casually.

"Rose... so far away?"

"It's not only remote, but also cold. But don't worry, the greatness there is beyond your imagination. Even in the world of ice and snow, there is extreme warmth."

"There...is the land blessed by the Lord? Do you live at the end of the world?"

Rurik stared at Mary's face and hesitated for a moment: "If... if there is a greatest god, Rose will be blessed by him. Do you still have nostalgia for Mercia?"

"No!" She forced herself up, "I'm just worried about the future..."

"Don't be surprised, Rose is not under the rule of the Lord you believe in." Rurik also cheered up, knocking his chest, and introduced: "In the Viking world, brave men have many wives and concubines, just like Odin has. Numerous Valkyries. Among my wives, your age ranks second, but your identity is not really noble."

"Yes..." She lowered her head silently, "Because of my identity..."

"No. You are still Mercia’s nobleman. You have lost your dignity, and only I can rebuild your dignity. After returning to Rose, you can’t feel that you are different, let alone look for another man away from me. You can only be loyal. I am alone, otherwise..."

"Yes. If you betrayed, I will die. I understand." Then, in the dim light, she began to slowly pull down her leather jacket, "There is no one else here, you will treat me as a servant. If it is you, I am willing. Give everything to you."

Looking at her trembling eyes again, Lurik sighed. This woman really understands the truth that mothers depend on their children, but that's all for later.

"You are very weak, continue to rest. The court manners of Mercia you learned are very useful. When you return to Rose, they will accept you."

Mary's words were really tactful, she actually felt that she was going to another world in this boat.

Is not it? A whole new world, the so-called hometown of the Vikings, a terrifying hell. Viking men can have many wives and concubines, and there are more terrible things than this?

But he is a filthy person, and the so-called father and brother are really good-looking hypocrites.

The cold outdoors almost cracked the bones. If it wasn't for the smell of the room, she wouldn't be happy to go out and dump the dirt in Tao Weng.

Under the haze and snowy world, Rurik's mood is not good, and Mary's body and mind are being devastated.

The passengers of the entire Aphrora were sluggish, hoping that the storm would end soon.

There is a good thing about the wind and snow. The north wind gives the big ship strong power, and she has successfully sailed into the broad Danish Strait.

The blizzard lasted for up to seven days, and after the cold north wind finally dissipated the warmth, and after the warm and humid air that filled the sea completely turned into snow, the sun finally came out lazily.

Time has entered October. It is the so-called one snowfall and one coldness. Even though the sun is shining and the air is clear, no one dares to say that it is warm.

The waves finally became stable, and due to the wind and snow, the fishing boats in the entire Danish Strait almost disappeared. Even when the sun came out, there were no boats cruising.

Are they afraid of wind, waves and cold?

Do not! They, especially the Drogba tribe, have fallen in strength.

Before the wind and snow, they saw a mighty fleet of ships passing the coast of Jutland, and they saw the blue flags with white background fluttering on the masts, and all the fishing boats that had suffered a great loss fled.

Then came the wind and snow, and the narrow sea suddenly raged. The Danes who have finished harvesting the oats follow the tradition. The first snow of this winter has come a little earlier, and it is an announcement to all the Danish lords: Even if everyone is fighting for power during the warm period, now everyone can live through the winter with peace of mind.

The Aphrodite was still in an uninhabited state, she quickly passed the Øresund Strait, and the sea in front of her suddenly became clear.

The waves were calm, and the sails of the big ship were blown up by the wind. The women stood in Jiaban to let the wind out, but their clothes were too thin, and they had to withdraw back to the stinking cabin for a while.

Rurik held Mary's shoulders, and both of them put on furry winter clothes.

This really moved Mary, she knew he cared about herself.

But the sea ahead is shocking and new!

Mary couldn't help but tremble. It was not the cold, but the substantial inland area of ​​Tamworth in Mercia for more than ten years. She had never seen the sea well.

It was cold and empty, but he was so small, and this big ship also seemed extremely small.

The people in a boat quickly saw the new land, knowing that they have not landed and rested since they set off from Narvik Port.

Time is running out, and the sea is icy, almost a step away from freezing.

The Aphrola sails in the eastern waters of Öland Island, which is the fastest route northward after bypassing Burgundy Island.

She is running sideways against the wind and rushing towards the northeast, which will pass directly through the east coast of Gotland, just like a sword thrusting into the tombstone fortress in the Aland Islands!

Öland is getting farther and farther, and all those who know how to sail on board know that they are sailing on the most correct and fast route.

But those women are full of anxiety. For the first time in their lives, they have seen such a vast water area. The fear in their hearts is beyond words.

Fortunately, they are now firmly controlled. Not only are they not panicking when they see the Ross people, as time goes on, their fighting spirit seems to be getting more and more vigorous.

In fact, that was also a forced perk by the Ross people.

On a clear day, the wind was cold and biting.

Standing on the bow deck, Rurik faced the brothers on the lower deck screaming: "We are finally back! I know you are extremely tired, and the fresh water on the boat is exhausted! After a few more days, we are now sailing at high speed. I dare say that we will sail through the night, and I will arrive at Tombstone Island in five days. We will have a good rest on the island! You will take a hot bath, eat greasy barbecues, and keep eating wheat. We want Rest for at least two days!"

This is the best thing everyone hopes for. People started cheering and then yelled frantically. Even the people who were hanging on the mast with the rope ladder raised their right fists and cheered.

Soon, this news was also communicated to the women in the cabin through the Queen Mary.

This group of women are almost all of Mercia, and because Magnut deliberately selected them, they do not need to be much older than Mary.

They learned of their future, almost as servants of the so-called Rose nobility, including the lucky ones who can be the maid of Queen Mary. They are promised a future that is not bad, so-called as long as they do things well, they can get food, clothing and housing.

The anxiety that pervaded the ship disappeared, and the big ship drifted to Tombstone Island smoothly as Rurik expected.

It was only very obvious that Rurik saw the delicate ice floes floating on the surface of the sea, and the surrounding world was always white.

Rendering that the snowfall that began at the end of September was a heavy snowfall in the area around Roseburg’s hometown. The world is indeed beautiful in silver and light, but what Rurik sees is the risk of the ocean—the Gulf of Bothnia is freezing fast. !

The situation should not be too bad.

The return of the Aphrodite did not surprise the people of Tombstone Island. In fact, the large fleet escorted by Arik passed by here recently.

A batch of cargo was unloaded, and the people of Tombstone Island shared the war dividends of the Ross army! Of course, the left-behind people here are by no means cheeky to take the wheat. For example, they bought the wheat according to the guide price set by the Duke of Ross, which is ten pounds of wheat per silver coin.

The Russ and Slavic immigrants who settled here bought a batch of what they needed.

In fact, they have achieved great benefits. The so-called poor harvest of Lake Mälaren this year, coupled with the order of Gould of Ross to buy wheat on a large scale, caused the tribes around Lake Mälaren to be unable to trade how much wheat.

Even if there is, the price is very high.

Therefore, when Arik’s fleet of trophies escorted returned, Merlaren merchants who intended to stay on Tombstone Island for wintering, or simply collected money from King Bjorn of Sweden and ordered to monitor on Tombstone Island, they were shocked by the Russians. Seized.

Arik lacked the most composure. He blatantly proclaimed the great victory of Rurik, Duke of Ross, on the expedition, and even yelled that the Russian fleet was stuffed with two million pounds of wheat!

In fact, how can there be so many?

The people of the real Tombstone Island bought a lot, which aroused the envy and envy of the guest merchants.

Who would question the capture of the Ross people? After the Ross Fleet departed, there was a real work, and hurriedly rowed back to Birka Fair on Lake Mälaren to report to King Bjorn.

On a cold afternoon, the Phantom of the Aphrora reached the fortress of Tombstone Island.

Many people saw her from a distance, and the identity fluttering on the mast proved their identity.

On the boat, tired people were cheering. They knew that everyone would be lucky enough to have a perfect rest tonight.

Everything is proceeding step by step, and the big ship enters the archipelago and enters the safe haven in Tombstone Island.

The islanders who stayed behind gathered together, and they saw the flying golden ponytail of Lord Rurik, and the whole row of uniformly dressed mercenaries standing around Jiaban.

People were cheering and witnessing them disembarking from the boat down the plank.

Soon, people started new discussions, because a group of women they had never met dragged down cautiously.

They all wore turbans and cloth outfits, and their styles were very different from those of the Rus or Slavs on the island.

I'm afraid this is the new slave taken from that British island...

Rurik has a distinguished status, and his landing immediately attracted the crowd's onlookers. Men and women spontaneously took out food and water. This is the so-called pot of glutinous rice to welcome the king.

But Rurik paid for it. He did pay some remuneration. He bought fresh meat and fresh yellow-root carrots from the people, as well as pre-ordered meals and wine.

Many people are sincerely willing to make dedication to this son of God, and the money is still to be given, and Lurik immediately put out a sum of money, and everyone praises the generosity of the adults.

Tombstone Island still has a large number of vacant houses, its function is to provide army accommodation when it is used as a gathering place for the army.

The house houses the landing mercenaries, sailors, and even the one hundred and twenty women.

That night, the island was filled with a strong smell of barbecue, and there was also a large amount of hot water for a campfire to cook pottery urns on the shore.

Almost all the aroma comes from barbecue seals. These rather greasy barbecues are sprinkled with a lot of salt. Salty is really salty. For those who are extremely deficient in salt and fat, it is an extreme delicacy.

The wild mercenaries feasted, and the women began to chew the oily meat. Barbecue can only be regarded as a hard dish, and the staple food is a chaotic stew of wheat and vegetables.

After the meal, the mercenaries began to wash away the dirt on their bodies, and then went into the upright sauna room, and when they came out, everyone put on new clothes. As for the old clothes, they were all washed by the locals.

So it was considered to be home, he sat in his palace on Tombstone Island, and ate a delicious meal on the low table.

Queen Mary is also sitting here. After landing on the island, she changed into a Slavic patterned long gown and prepared a leather jacket.

The leading figures on the island also sat in the house, and were ordered to report to Rurik about recent affairs...

"Arik's fleet has returned, and Gould's fleet of supplies has also returned. My father's Eastern Sorgon team returned only a few days ago. The old Eric, who was arranged to Hazeby, Denmark, also returned. It is a series of things. good news."

Rurik was in a good mood, and threw a few silver coins to the report.

The report happily collected the money, and then slightly asked with a smile: "My lord. The woman next to you, is your new wife and concubine?"

"Oh? That's true, a distinguished woman, but it's my own woman. You don't need to care."

"Okay..." There may be hidden feelings here, and the informer chooses to remain silent.

"Retreat. Tell others that I will rest here for two days, and I will return to sail on the third day."

"But my lord, the sea is freezing, and some brothers who fished said that the northern waters have frozen."

"It's okay. Drift ice can't stop my boat. My people are too tired, and everyone is going crazy after a month of sailing."

The messenger smiled: "I understand, I will treat them."

The messenger withdrew, Rurik's joy still hung on his face.

When he saw Mary by the side, he realized that the girl was still watching.

"what's wrong with you?"

"You...use two sticks...your hands are really flexible."

"Oh. It's just a kind of tableware, so you can learn it too. In Rose, as my woman, you need to learn this." After all, he handed the chopsticks, which are actually two fresh wooden sticks, to Mary.

The two sides already have an extremely close relationship, and Mary has no taboo.

Although she was all ridiculed in playing with the chopsticks, the concentrated look was seen in Rick's eyes.

"It seems that there are no cutlery in Mercia's court." Rurik joked casually.

"Yes. We all use our hands, only spoons for soup. Sometimes men use knives to cut meat."

"Not elegant enough. In Rose, we have a spoon, a knife, a fork and two small wooden sticks. Especially women, let alone reach for food."

"I want to learn." Her face was slightly bashful and determined.

"Yes. You still have a lot of things to learn. For example, you have to go to a special place to go to the toilet, and you must wash your hands afterwards. Hurry up and eat, it means I will soak in hot water for a while to get comfortable. You too come together."

"Soak in hot water? Baptism?!" She probed warily.

"No, it's just a bath. It's Roman enjoyment! Woman, you and I speak Roman Latin now, what's wrong with some more Roman enjoyment."

"This...well. I think it's a bit weird."

"This is our way of life. We are more fierce than bears when fighting, and we know how to live in peace."

"This... alright."

After a while, Rurik was immersed in hot water, and the floral-scented characteristic soap washed himself clean again.

Then, the Queen Mary also came to have the cleanest wash in her life. She blamed herself for being unclean, so she also had no taboo when she was rubbed against her back by Rurik. Yeah, why not taboo? Only this Viking noble considers himself a real woman.

She couldn't have a chance in Mercia, and now, when she found that she could rub a lot of mud on her skin, she simply called herself unclean.

Rurik didn't give her a chance to rest, so she closed her eyes and began to frantically scrub her short brown hair after she had been cut off. Rurik's actions were indeed violent, but she was actually afraid of flea eggs on her body.

After soaking comfortably, Rurik was in the steam room again, enjoying a formal Finnish sauna. But as Mary went straight into a coma, this radical "post-war rest" came to an end.

Mary was asleep, and it was already the next morning when she woke up. She felt that everything was a dream. She patted her face to realize that this is reality and she was already in the new world. She couldn't help but smile when she saw Gangde's clothes neatly stacked aside. She changed her clothes quickly and sniffed, looking for the smell of wheat, and approached the noisy restaurant in the Duke of Rose's Palace.

It was also here that Rurik had feasted on his elite guards, as well as the Ross and Slavic elites who stayed behind tombstone island.

There is indeed a Slavic population, with more than two hundred people. They are all from Novgorod and established a traditional farm here. However, the soil and climate of the archipelago are not suitable for growing wheat. Apart from diligently growing carrots and onions, they turned into fishermen, just like the real Russ. Fishing for a living. They are already calling themselves Ros.

Seeing that Mary Shanshan was late, the woman was also pulled over.

A large oak cup slammed in front of it, then looked at the people here, and entered the Barbarian's Colosseum by himself.

Just as she was shaking at a loss, a red-faced sturdy man yelled rudely in Gnostic: "Mesiah, you have to understand our rules when you join us. Drink!"

Mary was really a little frightened Ranrurik also urged abnormally with a trace of drunkenness.

Reluctantly, Mary touched the glass with her hands and drank the glass of craft ale.

The broad masses of soldiers collectively began to applaud.

Is it messy? This lunch was really messy, but it was also very lively.

Two roasted lambs were brought in, and the soldiers carrying steel swords cut the meat one by one and placed them on the dinner plate. After a while, new oak barrels full of ale were sent in (purchased by the guest wine merchant in Merlaren). Barbecue seems to be just an appetizer, including cooked wheat is a supplement. Today's feast is the main purpose.

Poor Mary, she just woke up. She was too strong to drink and was drinking for the first time in her life. A large glass of ale made her drunk again, and was helplessly pulled back to the bedroom to rest.

Rurik was also a rare drunk last time, but fortunately, this body quickly hangs out again.

This pure Viking carnival was accompanied by the pleasure of overeating, and the joy continued into the night. The islanders piled up a huge mountain of firewood and lighted a torch that was fierce like a lighthouse. This was their praise to Duke Rurik of Ross.