king of ros

Chapter 36 The Church Helps
Although he was given a difficult task, Rostislav was actually very happy to participate in the war, because it was a timely rain for him.

As a prince without a territory, his funds for supporting the personal army came from the monthly appropriation of the Kyiv court, as well as the support from the remnants of his father in Kyiv and Novo City, such as the aid sent by Veshata.

Relying on these, Rostislav can pay his subordinates enough wages, but this is not a long-term solution.

He also has a huge sum of money saved by his father over the years as a prince in Novgorod. Although the money is huge, it cannot be used easily, because if the money is gone, then he will really lose it. The mountains and rivers are exhausted.

War was different, and Rostislav remembered how much he had earned in the war in Estonia, and now the opportunity fell on his face again.

Of course, it would be even better if he wasn't assigned that dangerous task.

After entrusting the management of Kyiv's property to his wife and saying goodbye to his wife, Rostislav embarked on the journey. Anyway, he didn't know many people in Kyiv, and saying goodbye to his wife was enough.

Zoe was very worried about her husband's expedition, but she didn't speak out to stop her, because he knew that her husband couldn't escape. If he escaped, the future would be over. The Grand Duke would abandon him, his followers would turn his back on him, and his subordinates would leave him.

So Zoe didn't hold her back, but just sent her blessings, looking forward to the blessings of her husband's return in victory.

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On the avenue of Kyiv, an army of infantry and cavalry is advancing under the watchful eyes of the citizens.

The leader was naturally Rostislav Vladimirovich, who was wearing the armor of the Estonian expedition, and under him was the red horse of the steed.

Glanwa also looked like he was armed to the teeth, but his helmet was replaced with the gemstone helmet given to him by Rostislav. With such a big gem on his head, he was more conspicuous than Prince Ross.

Jan Vishadzic was carrying the military standard chosen by the prince for himself. On the military standard was St. George who slayed the dragon, but this St. George was dressed like a Russian warrior, wearing a pointed helmet and armor, and with a gun in his hand. The spear stabbed the dragon with its teeth and claws.

After St. George's dragon-slaying military flag, there are the trident flag symbolizing Rurik's authority and the Orthodox cross flag symbolizing God's authority.

Following the prince closely with the cavalry, the young people who came to Kyiv from Nuocheng seemed very excited, but their main object of excitement was the city of Kyiv, not the battlefield.

Compared with the nomadic cavalry and Greek horse archers who are plain-faced, wars on the prairie are commonplace. These prairie wolves have been bathed in war since childhood, and the Greeks fought against Nuo in southern Italy. Veterans of the Mann fighting for a long time, they either casually chat with the people around them, or concentrate on riding forward.

Next came the infantry, needless to say the personal soldiers, the fully armed professional soldiers advanced in an orderly formation.

After them came a troop of Chuds, with battle-axes around their waists and javelins on their backs, an army Rostislav had picked from the slaves of Chud, whom he had given money and liberty to fight for himself. and fight.

The servants and entourages either lead pack horses full of supplies, or drive carts pulled by livestock, and follow at the rear, carrying the supplies of the entire army.

In the eyes of the citizens of Kyiv, such an army was sent by the Grand Duke to attack the Polovts outside the city and protect the people, so they couldn't help cheering at this well-disciplined army and sending them off to fight with those damned Nomads fight.

This is the only thing that can make Rostislav feel relieved. The depression of being forced to say goodbye to his newlywed wife is much less. The citizens of Kyiv still have confidence in their Grand Duke's army, and the people's hearts are available.

There are even some citizens who just went home and joined the army with their weapons and equipment. Rostislav, a volunteer like this, is naturally very welcome.

Amid the praises of the people, Rostislav's team came to the Golden Gate.

The Golden Gate is the most important city gate in Kyiv. It was built by Grand Duke Yaroslav in imitation of the southern imperial capital. Like the Golden Gate, there are also some reliefs and gold-clad decorations on the gate, and then painted with yellow paint. Under the sun The entire city gate seemed to be glowing.

And above the Golden Gate is the Annunciation Church. The dome and cross of the church make the gate more religious.

Of course, the Golden Gate of Kyiv is naturally impossible to compare with the Golden Gate of Constantinople in terms of scale and craftsmanship. Although the Grand Duke built it with the Golden Gate of Constantinople as a template, there are some things that you want to have of.

And here, Metropolitan Ross, Hilarion from the Cave Monastery is wearing his black cassock, holding the golden staff, surrounded by the local clergy of Ross, waiting for the arrival of Prince Ross under the Golden Gate.

When Rostislav saw the Metropolitan, he immediately reined in the red horse, walked up to the Hilarion Metropolitan and knelt down. He understood that the Metropolitan wanted to bless the expedition.

Of course the prince recognized the Metropolitan. After all, he presided over his wedding, and he had many discussions with him about the performance of the miracle play. The relationship between the two parties was quite harmonious.

Moreover, the metropolitan is a good friend of his father and his teacher, the bishop of Nuocheng. They had written closely, so it was not surprising that he came to bless Rostislav on his own initiative.

As Rostislav knelt down, everyone present knelt down. Although many people still remembered the divine power of Perun and Veles, they also respected the authority of the Lord. After all, Kyiv is now a city of crosses.

"Rostislav Slav, son of Vladimir, may the Lord bless your expedition, may the Lord bless your return in victory, and may the glory of God rest on your body."

The metropolitan waved an incomparably standard Orthodox blessing to Rostislav, giving him the blessing from the supreme authority.

"The will of the Lord must be done."

Rostislav replied bluntly, and then he stood up, and everyone also stood up after seeing this.

"Thank you very much, Lord Ilarion."

Rostislav once again saluted the Metropolitan respectfully.

"It's just a courtesy."

Hilarion's expression was very humble.

"May your expedition be successful, Rostislavslav, son of Vladimir."

"Of course, thank you very much for your blessing."

Rostislav returned the gift again, and then mounted the horse led by his entourage.

"Before going to the battlefield, remember to go to the cave monastery, where my brothers have prepared an army for you."

When Rostislav drove past the Metropolitan, Ilarion suddenly said to Prince Ross, Rostislav turned his head suddenly, and what he saw was a gentle smile, and then the Metropolitan continued to sign the cross for the advancing army bless.

Rostislav nodded. He didn't understand why the metropolitan gave him such kindness. If it was just the relationship between the teacher and his father, it might not be enough. But at this time, he couldn't get to the bottom of it. He needed all the help.

The prince turned his horse, and went on with his little army, through the Golden Gate of Kyiv, and onto the land outside the city.

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(End of this chapter)