Vishata quickly went to execute the Kiev Grand Duke's order. As he left, Rostislav and his grandfather continued their discussion.
"Grandfather, what do you think we should do next?"
"You actually don't need to do anything now; just protect yourself. There isn't much that can be done. Only Alar has clearly shown himself. As for the person he's colluding with... that person works very cleanly and didn't leave me any clues. The news from Kiev hasn't arrived yet."
"Is that so? What you said is just like what my teacher said."
Rostislav was dejected. Although he knew that telling his grandfather about these things wouldn't necessarily uncover the mastermind, he still harbored some fantasies.
"Your teacher? Luka, right? He is a smart man; it's normal for him to say that. But you don't need to worry too much; just be careful."
Yaroslav's tone when mentioning Luka carried approval, and there was also a hint of recollection. Luka was also an acquaintance of his; it was he who sent Luka to the north to serve as bishop.
Originally, Luka was sent to assist his eldest son in preparing to rule Rostislav in the future, but man proposes, God disposes. Who knew his eldest son would die like that...
"Alas, forget it. Discussing these things is meaningless now. Let's talk about something else. Can you tell me who is coming to rescue us?"
Rostislav didn't want to continue discussing the matter and changed the topic to what he was most curious about at the moment.
"Oh, that..."
Yaroslav's face showed the playful expression from before again.
"You just wait patiently. Everyone will be surprised when the time comes."
In Rostislav's view, his grandfather now was like a child who had hidden candy and was waiting for someone to find it. Should one say 'old as a child'? When one gets old, one becomes like a child again—of course, he wouldn't dare say that directly to his grandfather.
"Go and organize your soldiers. In a few days, all of this will be over, and we will also get more clues. All you need to do these days is rest well."
"All right, everything as you wish."
Since Yaroslav had spoken to this extent, Rostislav naturally had no choice but to obey. After bowing out to the Kiev Grand Duke, he left the city wall, leaving Yaroslav alone there.
The Kiev Grand Duke continued to confidently observe everything below. In his eyes, those were not enemies, but merely dead men who had not yet died.
— — — — — — — —
Under the Kiev Grand Duke's command, the previously restless military morale also stabilized. After all, everyone had great trust in the authority of the Kiev Grand Duke. Yaroslav had ruled the Slavic lands for decades, and his authority was beyond doubt.
And after informing the generals that reinforcements were coming, everyone's fighting spirit was ignited. They were all waiting for the moment the reinforcements arrived to sally out of the city and gain glory.
Therefore, Yuryev showed no panic or fear after being surrounded by a superior enemy force. On the contrary, the soldiers were diligently organizing and preparing for battle, making it seem as if those outside the city were the ones surrounded.
Initially, the Yuryev citizens were in a terrible mood, having just escaped a siege only to be besieged again. Their emotions were tossed back and forth like startled birds. But soon, the performance of the Kiev Grand Duke's army calmed their panic. If the nobles weren't panicking, then why should they?
The Mayor and Bishop of Yuryev, who had expected a great disaster, were arguably the most surprised. They had originally thought they would have to organize the populace to endure a period of hardship, but instead, it turned into various units of soldiers, full of fighting spirit, searching for training grounds.
Rostislav was not idle during this time. He was busy reorganizing his attendants and personal guards, practicing his skills, and adjusting his body to achieve his best state.
He even personally led his attendants to gallop on the training ground. Rostislav knew very well that cavalry would be crucial in the upcoming battle. As long as he seized the opportunity, he could achieve unparalleled merits.
During training, Vishata specifically sought him out several times. His father's close friend expressed to him that no matter what happened next, he and his family would firmly stand by Rostislav.
The Nuo City Prince was very moved by this, because no matter what, he was the weakest among all the Ruriks, and this powerful and influential person had placed his bet on him.
At the same time, he couldn't help but thank his father, thanking his father for leaving him such a sincere friend.
Just as the fighting spirit soared within Yuryev, the Chud outside the city were not idle either. They orderly constructed siege works and blocked the river next to Yuryev, presenting a posture of a long-term siege.
The Chud's strategy was perfectly correct. After Yaroslav's 5000 strong army poured in, the food in the city could only last for two weeks at most. They only needed to maintain the encirclement, and hunger would accomplish everything.
What they didn't expect, however, was that the Slavics were sharpening their knives against them...
— — — — — — — —
The signal for battle came very suddenly.
Initially, it was just a fire in the Chud Camp deep in the night. At first, no one paid attention to it; the barbarians always caused trouble from time to time. They still couldn't overcome their bad habits, and these bad habits would lead to chaos.
But as the flames turned into a large fire spreading throughout the entire camp, and the shouts of killing also rang out, even the most sluggish person noticed one thing—the war had begun!
"Woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo~"
When the horn sounded, the entire city woke up. Everyone immediately realized that the awaited moment had arrived!
Rostislav quickly put on his chainmail shirt. After stepping out of his room, he saw a scene of order amidst chaos:
Men and horses stumbled in the ubiquitous cold. Attendants leaped onto their snorting warhorses, while personal guards buckled their sword belts as they ran, coming to a halt in front of Rostislav.
"Are you all ready? Then let's go!"
"For victory!"
Rostislav led his troops through the plank-covered streets of Yuryev, occasionally encountering soldiers in twos and threes. They merged into Rostislav's procession, like tributaries flowing into a main stream, making the army even larger.
When Rostislav reached the city gate, he had expected to be the first to arrive, but he was startled to see his grandfather and Vishata's forces already arrayed there. The personal guards silently stood in neat ranks, awaiting the Prince's command.
"Oh? You're the third one? Rostislav, you've trained your subordinates very well."
Upon seeing Rostislav, Vishata said admiringly, and his grandfather also cast a look with the same emotion.
"It looks like you've brought quite a few people. Since that's the case, let's begin. That brat attacked directly without even sending a signal, like a sudden clap of thunder... He's as impetuous as ever. We also need to hurry, or we'll miss the battle."
"Yes, Kiev Grand Duke!"
Everyone responded in unison, and Yaroslav, riding at the forefront, passed through the wide-open city gate. Behind him were countless soldiers wielding steel. The Rurik's trident fluttered in the wind, displaying the Rurik's might in the darkness.
— — — — — — — —