Chapter 1,413 Count Palanga and the Road to Palanga City in Courland
【The Rise of Rurik】 【】
The root of the name of the settlement of Palanga comes from the description of "swamp", and the suffix "ga" is cognate with the identity suffix "" used by their relatives to the north.
The two words combined into one, Palanga is what the Kurlanders call a "swamp settlement".
The reason why it is so obvious is that the city of Palanga is adjacent to a large coastal swamp, which is gradually evolving towards the lagoon, and that was thousands of years later.
There are some Kurlanders in the settlement of Cherbourg, who have lived here for a long time and maintained close ties with their hometown.
The existence of Cherbourg seems to be a gateway. The Kurlanders need to complete transactions with various Vikings in the north in exchange for key iron tools. Their best products are amber and beeswax.
Now based on conversations with the Kurland immigrants in Cherbourg, Rurik realized one thing deeply: "My army has completely entered the territory of the Kurland people."
There is no concept of country in Northeastern Europe in this era, and the more advanced "nation-state" is incomprehensible to the people. They only care about their own villages and the relatives and friends they know.
There are many Kurland settlements. In addition to the city of Apere, which the Ross army could visit during the march but deliberately ignored it in order to rush for time, there are a number of Kurland villages hidden in the forests and grasslands to the south. A large settlement that can barely be called a city.
Palanga is just one of them, and its uniqueness lies in the seaside.
However, Rurik received only vague explanations about the population of his hometown of Kurlanders who were willing to lead the way.
"Maybe a thousand people, always a lot
…”
The man who called himself Dapkus used his only mathematical concepts to give this extremely vague number: one thousand people.
Obviously, in his concept, the meaning of "a thousand" is equivalent to "a very large population."
So does Pagalan have a local leader with real power?
Rurik received this explanation: "Just like what you saw in Cherbourg, the heads of each family gather in a big room. If there is a big issue, they sit down and discuss it together. If there is a battle, we choose A war chief leads men and women into battle.”
They have no great chief!
This description really reminded Rurik of the past in Ross. Ross also followed this system more than 20 years ago. However, as the tribe continued to expand, the prestige of the temporarily elected war chief Otto was so strong that he became the permanent leader... …
"Their system is too old, and it must be difficult to mobilize the army quickly. I have no intention of destroying them. Since they are so unorganized, I supported a puppet in the past and gave him a title. It must be very convenient to manage them in the future." Thinking of this , Rurik naturally noticed the middle-aged man named Dapkus who volunteered to lead the way.
However, Palanga is only Dapkus's self-reported hometown. There is a larger settlement called Gretinga not far to the east of this settlement.
Completely different from the leaderless situation in Palanga, Kretinga not only has local chiefs, but the chief family seems to have existed since ancient times.
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【The Rise of Rurik】 【】
Because the very nature of the name of the settlement of Cretinga begins with the name of the ruling family.
Three hundred years ago, the leader of the Tutingus family, Amonos, led his people to move from Gotland to Courland to establish a new homeland. They immediately became the leaders of the local indigenous people. As time passed, the family branched out. Their descendants no longer had pure golden hair like their ancestors. The Norse language had limited meaning in life. They had become part of the Kurland people and were quite powerful. The presence.
On the contrary, the names of heroic ancestors continue to be passed down among the descendants of the family.
Dapcus mentioned a person's name - Jomonus Grutingus.
Who is this person? What does it have to do with Ross?
Rurik didn't care about the past of the locals. He only listened to their legends and stories as snacks during the journey.
Since there is a Courland leader named Jomonus, is this person an enemy or a friend? If you are a smart person, you should kneel down and pay homage after seeing the Ross army. If they choose to form a stronghold to protect themselves and not communicate with Ross, it seems natural to attack and destroy them. As for the necessity of war... Thinking about the time now, Rurik really doesn't want to waste time anymore.
Therefore, there is no reason for the Ross army to continue to waste time in Cherbourg.
A meeting ended in a cheerful atmosphere. Regarding the guide Ostein and his guys, the use value of this group of people basically ended here. It's time for the new guide Dapkus and his Kuran brothers to make their debut.
Rurik quickly fulfilled his promise at the meeting, so before nightfall, a grain ship anchored offshore unloaded a batch of grain and divided it among three long ships.
The boat arrives at a small port within the lagoon.
What happened at once was like a kind of plunder. Three ships of the food that the residents of Cherbourg urgently needed turned into a large number of amber rough stones in Rurik's hands. The stones were left in the hands of the people and they could not eat or drink them. The exchange of a large amount of food on the spot not only gave people a shock, but also gave them hope.
They believe this is just the beginning.
Under the coordination of Ostin himself, the people of Cherbourg happily began to carry sacks filled with food to their homes. Whoever brought out more amber would get more food. Of course, there would be disputes over the distribution of food. That is their business. Rurik has no obligation to coordinate. If they fight due to unfair distribution, it is their own business.
Rurik has a very clear attitude towards these people. The so-called future County of Cherbourg is legally part of the Rus. They do not even have to pay tribute directly to the Rus royal family, but adhere to the principle of "amber for food". enough.
Ross will govern them in a restrained manner, and the most important price they have to pay is only one, that is, Ross has the right to freely station troops in their territory, and the king of Ross also regulates the garrison.
Therefore, after completing all the miscellaneous matters on the day of arrival, Rurik announced that the entire army would have a holiday of just one day.
It was a brand new day for the whole army to rest. The biggest task for the soldiers was to recuperate their energy. They were encouraged to stay in the camp and sleep, because the whole army would set off one day later.
On this day, officers and nobles of all levels gathered in the same tent, and two men were invited as important guests.
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【The Rise of Rurik】 【】
They dress uniformly, based on their personality, and the officers decorate their clothes with gems.
infantry
The flag captains of the cavalry remained serious, while the powerful military nobles such as General Goedlund, Fisk and Blue Fox looked relaxed and comfortable, obviously full of interest in the future.
Rurik was very satisfied with the orderliness of the army while stationed in Cherbourg, so that when the entire army withdraws, it will also be in order and move quickly.
"That's it." Rurik gave Oostan a hard look: "My friend, your glorious work is over. This is your Cherbourg. In the future, you will run this place well and dig out as many stones as possible to sell to me. This is enough."
At the beginning of the period, Osten and his gang were detained by Ross. He reluctantly took over the job, but now he is unwilling to give up. "Your Majesty," he said respectfully, "I want to serve you again. Even the road to the south is still familiar to me."
"Perhaps. But I think the newly acquainted Brother Dapcus shares your desire to achieve great achievements and accept the power bestowed by this king."
The words have been spoken clearly. Rurik intends to support Dapkus, a native of Courland, as the Count of Palanga, even though the population of that settlement is likely to be far less than the residents of Cherbourg.
So in this public occasion, Rurik solemnly announced that the new Palanga County was established, and Dapkus was the count recognized by Ross, and his status was hereditary.
In this way, in principle, Palanga and Cherbourg already have the same status. All the preferential treatment given to the people of Cherbourg by Ross is completely the same for the people of Palanga.
The middle-aged man Dapkus knew what it meant to be so canonized.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" In front of many Ross nobles, he immediately knelt on the ground like an ox and a horse.
The yellow-haired head faced Rurik.
"Get up and continue your good work. You are a smart man and a decent person, but you are not a slave." Rurik waited for him to sit down obediently and said, "I just don't know the attitude of the people in your hometown. I hope they can see you." When my army enters the country, they will not instinctively fight or flee collectively out of fear."
"Absolutely impossible!" Dapkus beat his chest hard: "If the king sends a small boat to Palanga, I am willing to go back immediately and tell all the folks that the Russian army is not scary at all, and there is no worry at all. On the contrary We should bring out as much amber as possible to welcome the king."
Rurik was very willing to hear this explanation: "Very good. I basically know the location of your settlement. I think the cavalry can reach it in one day. Just like this, you and your guys will follow the king's cavalry immediately. Go to Palanga and when the time comes you go tell the people not to be afraid.”
"Okay." Dapkus agreed without much thought, and then knelt down on one knee to salute.
It seems that the king is too friendly to them, and the king's old habit of being "kind" has happened again. As long as the king is happy, at least these conquered villages and settlements will happily hand over their most precious amber, saving the Russian army from spending time and risking armed robbery.
During warm periods, a longship lowers its sails to hug the south, and it only takes one day to reach the lagoon from Palanga to Cherbourg.
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【The Rise of Rurik】 【】
No one knows ocean navigation better than Rurik, and no one knows horse riding better than him.
In his opinion, in most cases the movement speeds of longships and war horses have become consistent.
Since the load is light, it is not a problem to walk about 70 kilometers in one day.
According to Dapkus’s description of the traveler’s hiking time, it would take two days and one night for a person to rely on one pair of feet. This is more in line with Rurik’s calculation—the cavalry sets off in the early morning with light equipment and must arrive before evening. Palanga.
So Rurik made another plan: "We will set out with all our troops tomorrow, but the pace of our army's actions will not be completely consistent.
All the infantry flag teams, that is, all the auxiliary troops that came ashore, had a good meal early in the morning, packed up their belongings and boarded the ship, and then immediately headed south along the coastline.
Reindeer troops, led by Kurland guides, move ashore. The 4th Cavalry provided escort for the reindeer team, keeping pace with the deer herders.
I will lead the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Cavalry to go south immediately tomorrow morning, and I will arrive at Palanga before evening.
Our troops will complete their assembly in Palanga tomorrow night. "
Rurik's tone was strong and his determination was full of courage. The officers and nobles of the Russian army at all levels have long been accustomed to being told about the actions of the army, but when thinking of Dapkus, it seemed that King Rus was bragging. This man could not believe that it was true based on his own knowledge. How is it possible that even if it is a mounted operation, the cavalry can kill it in less than one daylight? What a speed.
In the early morning, the salty sea breeze quickly disperses the morning fog. Since the sun shines on the earth, people's clothes wet with dew also quickly dry.
The entire army received the order to set off. They spent a whole day recharging their energy and getting ready after a good night's sleep. After dismantling the tents, they took their packed luggage and quickly sat down. Leave the lagoon in the boat and return
After arriving at the big ship, there is a series of operations such as lowering the sails and lifting the anchor...
The Rus' cavalry reacted most quickly under Rurik's personal orders.
The cavalry was gathering. The soldiers were moving forward lightly, putting on a plate armor to protect their torsos. They didn't carry many necessary weapons. Rurik wanted to be fast.
Therefore, in the eyes of the Pecheneg soldiers in the army, the Russian cavalry seemed to have become "steppe rangers", characterized by lack of armor and extremely fast speed.
A man was so clumsy that he lay on the back of a horse. It was his first time riding a horse, and he was scared and excited at the same time.
Rurik rode his horse with great interest: "Dapkus, are you still afraid of riding a horse?"
"Your Majesty. I... never thought that this day would come." The man concealed his embarrassment with an awkward smile.
"Well, you are not as good as your son." Rurik pointed casually: "Not even as good as your woman. Anyway, I also like your son more, and I am very relieved that the boy will inherit your title in the future."
Dapkus's eldest son died of illness a few years ago. The younger son who is still alive is in his teens and is full of energy. The boy has no more expectations for the future. Now he learned that his father was called the "King of All Varyags." Being named a nobleman, he also became a nobleman. The power buried deep in his heart as a man was aroused.
Little Dapkus was not afraid of the horse. He stepped on the stirrups with both feet and held the reins tightly. At first glance, he looked like a cavalryman. However, being able to ride a horse and being good at riding a horse are two different concepts. The only thing little Dapkus can do is to advance in coordination with the Ross cavalry.
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【The Rise of Rurik】 【】
Dapkus and his family are leaving Cherbourg, taking with them some belongings that are extremely important to the residents of Palanga.
window for foreign trade, and now both men and women are sitting on the horses provided by King Rus and setting off at any time.
At this moment, the vast majority of Cherbourg residents, especially the local Courland people, gathered at the edge of Ross Barracks and watched silently.
Osten, Count of Cherbourg, put on the clothes given by the Russians, and boldly walked into the camp with his entourage carrying the Russian flag.
Rurik noticed these people from the corner of his eyes, and immediately whistled, calling some of his cronies to come forward.
A kind of cavalry looked down on Osten's face.
Rurik looked easy-going: "You? Is this the last farewell to us?"
"Yes. Your Majesty... On behalf of the entire Cherbourg, I would like to thank you for your gift. You see, I have put on the clothes you gave me. From now on, we are all Russians. Cherbourg is also the King's Cherbourg."
"Very smart words, I'm very happy. You can live a good life in the future! Work well for me. Now our army is about to leave. Now that you are here! Remember, the door of New Roseburg has been opened to you. I invite When you have time, go to the capital of Rus and see the world. That’s it for now! Let’s go.”
Rurik stopped talking nonsense and joined the cavalry brigade with a swing of the reins.
At this moment, the three cavalry teams were ready.
Soldiers all put feathers on the top of their helmets, but Fisk deliberately showed off his bald head to be particularly conspicuous. Of course, this guy has already put more feathers on his helmet. If he wears it, it will look like he has a long hair on his head. A huge blue and white "big cockscomb".
"Your Majesty, are you ready to set off? Brothers are ready!" Fisk shouted excitedly.
Rurik lifted the horse casually
Whip, roar: "The time has come, don't waste time. Let's go!"
His shout was like a starting gun, and the three cavalry teams that were ready to go immediately took action, and then formed a team of hundreds. They lined up in a relatively long and narrow queue and drove the horses to start walking quickly, that is, an average speed of ten kilometers per hour. It is estimated by people in daily exploration that the speed of solid action and endurance of the war horse is twice the walking speed of its travelers. If it was not necessary, Rurik would not drive the war horse to keep moving forward at such a fast speed for a long time. Now he really It is a last resort.
So each trooper packed an extra five pounds of oats and some salt. Otherwise, when the cavalry arrived at the city of Palanga, they rested immediately. The soldiers immediately fed the horses some wheat with salt to help the horses quickly recover their strength.
Because Rurik estimated that the cavalry was attacking on the very flat coastal grassland, and there were no unlucky obstacles. Maybe the cavalry could reach Palanga in the early afternoon, and he would have plenty of time.