Chapter 13: Walls and Wolfhounds (10 March 871 – 1 June 872)
March 871
King Rurik has been away raiding since 24 July 869. This long expedition has made him very familiar with Cornwall (having sacked every settlement there) and now Devon (where he is well on the way to doing so). But there is still a good deal of work to be done, mead to be drunk, Saxon cities to be sacked and gold to be plundered. And the running of the realm goes on, whether through the occasional letter by fast ship or (mainly) through those members of the Council still back in Holmgarðr.
Rurik, following a letter from Hrörekr providing a summary of the advice from the last Thing, has decided that his long-term aim will be to do what he can to reform the Norse Faith. But that will take time and a power base he does not yet have in sufficient strength. So his intermediate aim is to do what he can to create a great Kingdom of Rus. In parallel to and fuelled by that grand project, he will also begin to unite at least three of the Norse Holy Sites under his supervision, keep the moral authority of the faith as high as he can, and continue to build his piety in hope of one day being able to invest it as a great reformer.
Of more immediate concern, as has been pointed out in private correspondence from Godi þorolfr to the King, supplementing the more public discourse on the Thing. The Godi has had it pointed out to him the Prince Helgi, Rurik’s son and heir, remains a Slavic Pagan by faith. This may be in line with the bulk of Holmgarðr’s subjects, but is anathema to the Norse Faith and, in particular, Rurik’s legacy. Unless something can be done, his heir as it stands now will spell the end of Rurik’s plans once he dies, if the succession falls to Helgi. Until now, Rurik has not pressed Helgi on this delicate matter, but it is now becoming something that can no longer be ignored.
Þorolfr writes that, in anticipation of the King’s question, Helgi cannot be forced to convert against his will. This can only be done by Rurik under a Reformed Norse Faith – which, ironically, may never occur if the dream were to die with him.
For now, this difficult question lies moot, especially as the more extreme options (murder or disinheritance) are as yet either too painful or untidy to implement. Though, if Rurik is honest with himself, not to at least contemplate.
Instead, Rurik contemplates a nicely illustrated map showing the constituent parts of the de jure Kingdom of Rus. While he is not yet ready to break the raid and return home for conquest, he can at least ready things as much as possible. The current building program is focusing on improvements that will increase the size of his levies and make multiple conquests easier in the near future. He also sends a letter back seeking some advice on how to go about prosecuting the long campaign to secure this Kingdom of Rus.
April 871
As Rurik paces his siege works around Exeter, he receives a message from a courier. Chancellor Hrörekr seems quite adept at wooing the King’s vassals when he puts his mind to it, or so his letter indicates. He will be left there to continue his good work for now. If it comes to a showdown with one or more Slovenskys, best to at least have him well happy.
May 871
Dan’s wife gives birth to a good Norse son. May he grow into a strong warrior! Rurik can’t help but wonder why his own son Helgi, married over five years now, has not himself been able to sire any children. He will have to look into it on his return home: one of a growing list of disappointments he has with his son and heir.
June 871
Rurik arrives back at the siege in mid-June, as he had planned, just in time to see the siege end and Exeter thoroughly sacked. Alas, not more prisoners are found for ransom, though a reasonable amount of loot is gathered. Next for the more lightly defended city of Axminster. The fleet is now approaching three quarters full.
July 871
The long-term building program back home sees Ladoga’s defensive strength and levy capacity increased. More of the same is ordered.
September 871
It is a slow and summery August at the siege works in Devon and ‘on the tools’ back home, where the capital’s tribal defences are further bolstered and more improvements ordered. Knowing there will be a large bonus of gold due when the great raid finishes, these projects are kept running at full tilt. Those requiring the prestige of the king to raise will be tackled once he has achieved his ambition of becoming an Exalted warrior among Norsemen.
October 871
A month later, Axminster falls, delivering a great haul of gold, great ‘sport’ for the men, but alas no more prisoners. It will still be necessary to make that side-trip to Ireland on the way back home, in order to return with a full hold.
With their work done in Britannia for now, Rurik’s men bid Axminster and Devon a fond farewell. Viking style.
On 14 October the raiders board ship and sail away towards St George’s Channel, where they arrive eight days later off the south-eastern shore of Ireland.
November 871
While disembarking in Urmhumhain, Rurik receives a surprise. One of his retainers presents a puppy to the King: it has been sourced from fine local stock on orders from the Queen, as a gift.
The Irish wolfhound puppy presented to Rurik would have looked just like this. Except probably even cuter and more helplessly loyal-looking. Of course he would just throw it overboard!
But to do this would risk insulting the Queen. It looks at Rurik with soft, loyal puppy eyes. And gently licks his hand, lolling its little tongue out and panting gently - never breaking its adoring gaze into Rurik's eyes.
What possible reason would I have for not taking this excellent gift? Rurik must have thought to himself. For there seemed no reason to spurn it and every reason to keep it.
Of course, he gladly accepts the gracious gift. And in line with his recreational hunting focus, he names it … Hunter. Of course.
Two days later, the army has finished disembarking in Urmhumhain. The picking here are not very rich. They grab what they can from the countryside, but it is meagre. It looks like it will be more sieging before the coffers will be filled and they can return home. More boredom, as another winter away from home sets in. This will take months. Again.
As he had previously arranged with his wife (confirmed in the note she sent with the instructions to procure the puppy), he sets sail on a fast galley for a rendezvous in Sardinia, which she will sail to from her research duties in Constantinople. Ostensibly, he will be there to reconnoitre possible future raiding targets around the rich Italian littoral. But he will also find time for a conjugal reunion with his wife (his children, now three and one, being back home at court at Nygarðr in the capital province of Holmgarðr). These local Irish wenches just aren’t the same as his young Norse wife! No-one will even notice he’s gone during this boring siege.
December 871
On 15 December, the port of Cagliari comes into view. Rurik arrives incognito, as a rich Norse traveller supposedly looking for trading opportunities. He meets his wife at villa she has arranged for their short stay. While there, he finds time to purchase some local maps and gather information on the wealth of several Italian provinces which may be targets for the kind of ‘one-way trade’ he and his men are interested in! Rich and either single county realms or isolated. But more research would need to be done into possible alliances and such like should a raid be sent there in due course.
All too soon, Rurik must set sail back for far Ireland and Ingjerðr for the great imperial city of Constantinople.
Back in the realm, the provinces of Torzhok and Toropets now follow on in the fort building program. This will take the best part of a year each, so may as well get it started now.
February 872
Back at the dreary siege work in Ireland, Rurik receives excellent news: his conjugal visit in Cagliari last summer has done the trick!
A week later, the siege ends. The pay out is even more pitiful than he imagined. They put the entire place to fire and sword. They move on to Dún Caiseal, which is reputed to be far wealthier than the tribal holding was. It had better be – what a goose chase this is!
In Ingria, Gumarich accompanies Chancellor Hrörekr to a final audience with Chief Nuyanza, where he is finishing his goodwill mission.
This latest round of persuasion has raised Nuyanza’s opinion of Rurik to over 40. He should be a good supporter for some time – especially should things turn darker at home and the King require the support of his loyal vassals for any internal matters.
With that, Hrörekr set out to Luki, while Gumarich der Schreiber was back to the capital to continue his chronicle of the realm’s doings in the absence of his king – or 'Konungr’ in the new fashion – at raid in far flung parts.
April 872
In Ireland, Rurik’s wolfhound Hunter grows and soon adds to the esteem in which his men hold him.
While back in Holmgarðr, the current fort building program reaches its conclusion for now. Funds are reduced to 26 gold with this new project. The anticipated homecoming of the raiding fleet, laden with Saxon and Irish treasure, will be used to replenish to coffers and re-establish a reserve of money for future emergencies.
May 872
At last! The month's end sees Dún Caiseal’s walls breached and the place looted. The fleet is now full to the brim.
Yes! Back to the boats now, boys and girls! A shield maiden celebrates the successful end of a very long voyage.
June 872
After a short celebration, the raiders start loading up for the long voyage home. The translators of the Rurikid Chronicle are looking forward to seeing what transpires on ‘The Return of the King’! Rurik has grand plans, but will need to balance conquest with raiding; the advancement of the Faith at home and abroad against disbelievers (including his own son and powerful vassals) while dreaming of forming a great Kingdom of Rus.
Ch13 Q1: De Jure Kingdom Formation. So, a quick read of the Wiki indicates more than 50% of a de jure Kingdom’s provinces must be controlled before it can be created. Does this remain true? So, I think I counted 24 provinces in de jure Rus, and I currently own six of them. Meaning I’d need to conquer another seven. Sound about right? Are there other conditions to fulfil as well (money, prestige, etc)?
Ch13 Q2: Raiding Post-Mortem. A more general question now. With that great raid finished, I feel it took a long time to fill the ships - or is that just my inexperience showing through and it was about as long as you would expect? Or perhaps Rurik's technique and tactics/choice of targets could have been better? Any views on this or any more general aspects welcome.
A votive offering is made to the Goddess Iðunn, with hopes of fertility for the coming harvest at home and in thanks for that of his wife and the impending birth of their third child. Rurik may also hope the ‘ever young’ and ‘rejuvenating one’ may also help him live a long life to fulfil his destiny and bring glory to the True Norse Gods.
March 871
King Rurik has been away raiding since 24 July 869. This long expedition has made him very familiar with Cornwall (having sacked every settlement there) and now Devon (where he is well on the way to doing so). But there is still a good deal of work to be done, mead to be drunk, Saxon cities to be sacked and gold to be plundered. And the running of the realm goes on, whether through the occasional letter by fast ship or (mainly) through those members of the Council still back in Holmgarðr.
Rurik, following a letter from Hrörekr providing a summary of the advice from the last Thing, has decided that his long-term aim will be to do what he can to reform the Norse Faith. But that will take time and a power base he does not yet have in sufficient strength. So his intermediate aim is to do what he can to create a great Kingdom of Rus. In parallel to and fuelled by that grand project, he will also begin to unite at least three of the Norse Holy Sites under his supervision, keep the moral authority of the faith as high as he can, and continue to build his piety in hope of one day being able to invest it as a great reformer.
Of more immediate concern, as has been pointed out in private correspondence from Godi þorolfr to the King, supplementing the more public discourse on the Thing. The Godi has had it pointed out to him the Prince Helgi, Rurik’s son and heir, remains a Slavic Pagan by faith. This may be in line with the bulk of Holmgarðr’s subjects, but is anathema to the Norse Faith and, in particular, Rurik’s legacy. Unless something can be done, his heir as it stands now will spell the end of Rurik’s plans once he dies, if the succession falls to Helgi. Until now, Rurik has not pressed Helgi on this delicate matter, but it is now becoming something that can no longer be ignored.
Þorolfr writes that, in anticipation of the King’s question, Helgi cannot be forced to convert against his will. This can only be done by Rurik under a Reformed Norse Faith – which, ironically, may never occur if the dream were to die with him.
For now, this difficult question lies moot, especially as the more extreme options (murder or disinheritance) are as yet either too painful or untidy to implement. Though, if Rurik is honest with himself, not to at least contemplate.
Instead, Rurik contemplates a nicely illustrated map showing the constituent parts of the de jure Kingdom of Rus. While he is not yet ready to break the raid and return home for conquest, he can at least ready things as much as possible. The current building program is focusing on improvements that will increase the size of his levies and make multiple conquests easier in the near future. He also sends a letter back seeking some advice on how to go about prosecuting the long campaign to secure this Kingdom of Rus.
Ch 13 Q 1: De Jure Kingdom Formation. So, a quick read of the Wiki indicates more than 50% of a de jure Kingdom’s provinces must be controlled before it can be created. Does this remain true? So, I think I counted 24 provinces in de jure Rus, and I currently own six of them. Meaning I’d need to conquer another seven. Sound about right? Are there other conditions to fulfil as well (money, prestige, etc)?
April 871
As Rurik paces his siege works around Exeter, he receives a message from a courier. Chancellor Hrörekr seems quite adept at wooing the King’s vassals when he puts his mind to it, or so his letter indicates. He will be left there to continue his good work for now. If it comes to a showdown with one or more Slovenskys, best to at least have him well happy.
May 871
Dan’s wife gives birth to a good Norse son. May he grow into a strong warrior! Rurik can’t help but wonder why his own son Helgi, married over five years now, has not himself been able to sire any children. He will have to look into it on his return home: one of a growing list of disappointments he has with his son and heir.
June 871
Rurik arrives back at the siege in mid-June, as he had planned, just in time to see the siege end and Exeter thoroughly sacked. Alas, not more prisoners are found for ransom, though a reasonable amount of loot is gathered. Next for the more lightly defended city of Axminster. The fleet is now approaching three quarters full.
July 871
The long-term building program back home sees Ladoga’s defensive strength and levy capacity increased. More of the same is ordered.
September 871
It is a slow and summery August at the siege works in Devon and ‘on the tools’ back home, where the capital’s tribal defences are further bolstered and more improvements ordered. Knowing there will be a large bonus of gold due when the great raid finishes, these projects are kept running at full tilt. Those requiring the prestige of the king to raise will be tackled once he has achieved his ambition of becoming an Exalted warrior among Norsemen.
“My King, a moment of your time!” Sverker approaches with a messenger newly arrived from Cornwall. They both have problems keeping straight faces.
“My apologies for interrupting, but we have news of King Dumnarth of Cornwall. He raises a ‘great’ host, perhaps to better us and lift the siege here. I know all our knees knock with fear.” He hands Rurik an annotated map.
“Ah, I see,” smiles Rurik, playing along. “In only four years and nine moons they will have reinforced to a strength where they will still not be worthy of our attentions! At least he tries. Perhaps I will send a few Norse younglings along to once again best this poor excuse for a King. Or maybe not!”
“My apologies for interrupting, but we have news of King Dumnarth of Cornwall. He raises a ‘great’ host, perhaps to better us and lift the siege here. I know all our knees knock with fear.” He hands Rurik an annotated map.
“Ah, I see,” smiles Rurik, playing along. “In only four years and nine moons they will have reinforced to a strength where they will still not be worthy of our attentions! At least he tries. Perhaps I will send a few Norse younglings along to once again best this poor excuse for a King. Or maybe not!”
October 871
A month later, Axminster falls, delivering a great haul of gold, great ‘sport’ for the men, but alas no more prisoners. It will still be necessary to make that side-trip to Ireland on the way back home, in order to return with a full hold.
With their work done in Britannia for now, Rurik’s men bid Axminster and Devon a fond farewell. Viking style.
On 14 October the raiders board ship and sail away towards St George’s Channel, where they arrive eight days later off the south-eastern shore of Ireland.
November 871
While disembarking in Urmhumhain, Rurik receives a surprise. One of his retainers presents a puppy to the King: it has been sourced from fine local stock on orders from the Queen, as a gift.
“My King, what are we to do with the animal?” says his retainer. “Perhaps it may be - ah - too much trouble to keep on campaign.” With one eyebrow raised in question, he looks towards a spare sack and a couple of rocks sitting near the prow of the ship.
The Irish wolfhound puppy presented to Rurik would have looked just like this. Except probably even cuter and more helplessly loyal-looking. Of course he would just throw it overboard!
But to do this would risk insulting the Queen. It looks at Rurik with soft, loyal puppy eyes. And gently licks his hand, lolling its little tongue out and panting gently - never breaking its adoring gaze into Rurik's eyes.
What possible reason would I have for not taking this excellent gift? Rurik must have thought to himself. For there seemed no reason to spurn it and every reason to keep it.
Of course, he gladly accepts the gracious gift. And in line with his recreational hunting focus, he names it … Hunter. Of course.
Two days later, the army has finished disembarking in Urmhumhain. The picking here are not very rich. They grab what they can from the countryside, but it is meagre. It looks like it will be more sieging before the coffers will be filled and they can return home. More boredom, as another winter away from home sets in. This will take months. Again.
As he had previously arranged with his wife (confirmed in the note she sent with the instructions to procure the puppy), he sets sail on a fast galley for a rendezvous in Sardinia, which she will sail to from her research duties in Constantinople. Ostensibly, he will be there to reconnoitre possible future raiding targets around the rich Italian littoral. But he will also find time for a conjugal reunion with his wife (his children, now three and one, being back home at court at Nygarðr in the capital province of Holmgarðr). These local Irish wenches just aren’t the same as his young Norse wife! No-one will even notice he’s gone during this boring siege.
December 871
On 15 December, the port of Cagliari comes into view. Rurik arrives incognito, as a rich Norse traveller supposedly looking for trading opportunities. He meets his wife at villa she has arranged for their short stay. While there, he finds time to purchase some local maps and gather information on the wealth of several Italian provinces which may be targets for the kind of ‘one-way trade’ he and his men are interested in! Rich and either single county realms or isolated. But more research would need to be done into possible alliances and such like should a raid be sent there in due course.
All too soon, Rurik must set sail back for far Ireland and Ingjerðr for the great imperial city of Constantinople.
Back in the realm, the provinces of Torzhok and Toropets now follow on in the fort building program. This will take the best part of a year each, so may as well get it started now.
February 872
Back at the dreary siege work in Ireland, Rurik receives excellent news: his conjugal visit in Cagliari last summer has done the trick!
A week later, the siege ends. The pay out is even more pitiful than he imagined. They put the entire place to fire and sword. They move on to Dún Caiseal, which is reputed to be far wealthier than the tribal holding was. It had better be – what a goose chase this is!
In Ingria, Gumarich accompanies Chancellor Hrörekr to a final audience with Chief Nuyanza, where he is finishing his goodwill mission.
This latest round of persuasion has raised Nuyanza’s opinion of Rurik to over 40. He should be a good supporter for some time – especially should things turn darker at home and the King require the support of his loyal vassals for any internal matters.
“Formaðr [Chief] Nuyanza, it has been a great pleasure to pass these months with you by the sea in Ingria,” Hrörekr opined. “But now, I must take my leave as I must do the business of our Konungr [King] Rurik.”
“Hrörekr; Chancellor, Lawspeaker and - if I may – friend. It has been my privilege and pleasure to have you as my guest. I must say our long discussions and time spent talking about the future of the realm and our Konungr’s vision for it have persuaded me of his good offices and good character.”
“And he will thank you for your support, as I thank you for using the Norse term for his high office that he now wishes the king of this realm to be known by. We have discussed both the similarities and differences between the Germanic and Finnish people’s and am glad that we may find harmony between us at this pass in our story.”
“I hope he will and to see him return to our lands soon. From our talks, I expect much action at home when he does, if the glory of a greater kingdom is to be ours. Where do you fare next on our good Konungr’s business? Back home to the court in Nygarðr?”
“Nay Formaðr, I am south to the lands of our good Chief Svetozar Slovensky. It is to Luki I now travel, to ply my gentle arts of persuasion on our proud lord.”
“Hrörekr; Chancellor, Lawspeaker and - if I may – friend. It has been my privilege and pleasure to have you as my guest. I must say our long discussions and time spent talking about the future of the realm and our Konungr’s vision for it have persuaded me of his good offices and good character.”
“And he will thank you for your support, as I thank you for using the Norse term for his high office that he now wishes the king of this realm to be known by. We have discussed both the similarities and differences between the Germanic and Finnish people’s and am glad that we may find harmony between us at this pass in our story.”
“I hope he will and to see him return to our lands soon. From our talks, I expect much action at home when he does, if the glory of a greater kingdom is to be ours. Where do you fare next on our good Konungr’s business? Back home to the court in Nygarðr?”
“Nay Formaðr, I am south to the lands of our good Chief Svetozar Slovensky. It is to Luki I now travel, to ply my gentle arts of persuasion on our proud lord.”
“Well my friend, I wish you luck with that! If anyone can talk him around, it would be you. But be not surprised if the result is opposite to that which you desire!”
“Indeed my good Chief Nuyanza – we will see what progress I may make before our leader returns. Should my efforts with Svetozar not go well, I fear the king will have cause for grave dissatisfaction of his own. I hope it does not come to that pass, but would once again rely on your support should my importuning be unsuccessful.”
“Indeed my good Chief Nuyanza – we will see what progress I may make before our leader returns. Should my efforts with Svetozar not go well, I fear the king will have cause for grave dissatisfaction of his own. I hope it does not come to that pass, but would once again rely on your support should my importuning be unsuccessful.”
With that, Hrörekr set out to Luki, while Gumarich der Schreiber was back to the capital to continue his chronicle of the realm’s doings in the absence of his king – or 'Konungr’ in the new fashion – at raid in far flung parts.
April 872
In Ireland, Rurik’s wolfhound Hunter grows and soon adds to the esteem in which his men hold him.
While back in Holmgarðr, the current fort building program reaches its conclusion for now. Funds are reduced to 26 gold with this new project. The anticipated homecoming of the raiding fleet, laden with Saxon and Irish treasure, will be used to replenish to coffers and re-establish a reserve of money for future emergencies.
May 872
At last! The month's end sees Dún Caiseal’s walls breached and the place looted. The fleet is now full to the brim.
Yes! Back to the boats now, boys and girls! A shield maiden celebrates the successful end of a very long voyage.
June 872
After a short celebration, the raiders start loading up for the long voyage home. The translators of the Rurikid Chronicle are looking forward to seeing what transpires on ‘The Return of the King’! Rurik has grand plans, but will need to balance conquest with raiding; the advancement of the Faith at home and abroad against disbelievers (including his own son and powerful vassals) while dreaming of forming a great Kingdom of Rus.
---xxx---
Ch13 Q1: De Jure Kingdom Formation. So, a quick read of the Wiki indicates more than 50% of a de jure Kingdom’s provinces must be controlled before it can be created. Does this remain true? So, I think I counted 24 provinces in de jure Rus, and I currently own six of them. Meaning I’d need to conquer another seven. Sound about right? Are there other conditions to fulfil as well (money, prestige, etc)?
Ch13 Q2: Raiding Post-Mortem. A more general question now. With that great raid finished, I feel it took a long time to fill the ships - or is that just my inexperience showing through and it was about as long as you would expect? Or perhaps Rurik's technique and tactics/choice of targets could have been better? Any views on this or any more general aspects welcome.
---xxx---
A votive offering is made to the Goddess Iðunn, with hopes of fertility for the coming harvest at home and in thanks for that of his wife and the impending birth of their third child. Rurik may also hope the ‘ever young’ and ‘rejuvenating one’ may also help him live a long life to fulfil his destiny and bring glory to the True Norse Gods.
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Our cat is 'Augustus': sometimes regal, but never an Emperor - especially when 'cleaning' things as cats do! He did catch a small lizard yesterday - inside the house - but was 'persuaded' to release it (unharmed I might add) after bringing it to us as a trophy. Better than his squeaking/chattering at birds! Given Rurik's focus and the names offered, there was only one choice for the dog in this game 
