Chapter 13: Rurik is 7 Years Old

Chapter 13: Rurik is 7 Years Old

Rurik finally turned seven years old, reaching this age by the autumn season.

The year was now 828 A.D., and the Danes intensified their raids on Britain, reaping considerable rewards in the process.

Meanwhile, the surrounding tribes, especially the numerous Swedes, either vied with the Danes over pastures on land or intensified trade with the Baltic coasts southern tribes, particularly with the various Lithuanian groups.

Over the years, the Ross tribe mastered the secrets of navigating the inland waterways of Eastern Europe. Their biannual majestic tribute voyages accumulated wealth steadily.

Gradually, the relationship between the Ross tribe and their Swedish brethren became increasingly nuanced.

It seemed as if they might become a distinct group of people.

As time slowly passed, the whole of Europe continued its gradual development.

Rurik, now seven years old, was not short for his age, but he appeared somewhat thin.

Boys of any tribe at this age generally looked like this: playful and energetic, yet as thin as monkeys.Follow current novels at novelhall.compared to the robust Otto, Rurik was indeed too slender.

Nevertheless, Otto felt that the time had finally come, just before this autumns tribute voyage.

On a sunny morning, Otto, with a serious face, called his son over and said meaningfully, Now, you should try to be a warrior.

Now? Does that mean Ill be joining in battles?!

No! Otto patted his sons thin shoulder with satisfaction. Youre still too weak. A single punch from your enemy could be fatal. Child, you must start training now. You need to become strong quickly.

So, I have to become strong?!

Yes! Only then can you inherit my position and gain others recognition. Do you know? They respect strength, and Odin favors the brave and the warriors.

Over the years, Rurik understood one thing, his destiny to become a berserker.

The Vikings, particularly the Danes, were primarily farmers and herdsmen, but they were also adept at exploration. Without any strict laws to bind them, discovering treasures of other tribes naturally led to assembling warriors for plunder.

In peaceful times, they were ordinary farmers.

Unlike Rurik, who maintained cleanliness, the other child appeared more unkempt, wilder, and more aggressive.

Rurik knew this child was a playmate found by his father.

The childs name was Kanuf, the son of a trusted warrior under his fathers command.

Though a playmate, Rurik fully understood that what was to come was not merely play. The use of wooden sticks did not imply simple sparring. The onlookers, now numbering over a dozen, added a subtle tension.

These spectators hoped to see a battle between the two children, to conjecture on their potential as future rowers and warriors.

Oh? Is that the so-called son of Odin?

Not Odins son, just the chieftains son.

But the priests say hes extraordinary. I think he really is.

Can you tell just by looking? If Rurik is no mere mortal, he should be able to defeat Haraldsons son.

Lets wait and see

Rurik heard the onlookers discussions, some doubting him, others filled with anticipation.

Undoubtedly, his parents watching were full of expectations.

Now, Ruriks mind was cluttered, especially remembering the recent combat tips his brother Arik had taught him.

What were these tips? Essentially, they could be summarized as: Lift your weapon and smash it hard on the enemy. If youre strong enough, all problems are solved.

That was nothing but a brutes tactic! Yet Rurik realized that the Vikings understood tactics, and in real battles, they were more organized than the disorganized Western Europeans of this era. This alone made them easily victorious against disorganized, undisciplined peasants hastily gathered by lords.

On further thought, Ariks words were not entirely without merit.

As the saying goes, raw strength can overpower technique. A powerful swing of an axe could be lethal.

However, Rurik could hardly expect his slender arms to wield such force.

TL Note: I am changing the name from Rus Tribe to Ross Tribe. Also, sorry for the inconsistency. MTLing is hard. I will try my best to maintain the quality without different names.