Crusader Kings: Prisoners of War.

Chapter 195 Use barbarians to control barbarians
The Vikings' strongholds were actually spread all over the Atlantic Ocean, including the later Netherlands lowland area. The small islands around the lowlands were excellent hiding places and supply points for the Vikings. Neither the Romans nor the Franks had any good way to deal with the pirates on the islands.

The islands of the Low Countries became havens for pirates, and piracy and crime flourished here, but now things are changing.

On a foggy morning, the huge three-decker oared warship broke through the thick fog and crashed straight into the island's dock. The Vikings on the island had no time to organize an effective resistance. They did not expect that someone would use the navy to attack them. They could only watch the warship crash into the dock, and then dozens of fully armed heavy warriors jumped off the deck.

Behind the tall and majestic galleys were more than a dozen Viking longships carrying dozens of people. For a moment, the Vikings could not understand why their compatriots appeared with the Romans' heavy warships, but before they could figure out the connection, dozens of Viking warriors jumped off the longships that quickly rushed onto the beach. They quickly formed a shield wall formation on the beach, and then rushed towards the pirates who were hastily and almost unprepared.

They had no advantage in equipment to begin with. The equipment levels of the pirates and the elite regular army were incomparable, not to mention that these Vikings were fighting hastily, without even wearing armor or stringing their bows. Some were still asleep and did not notice the Roman attack at all. The result of the battle was one-sided, and the Vikings had almost no ability to fight back.

Soon most of the Vikings were killed on the spot by the sailors who landed, and only a few Vikings survived as prisoners.

The Viking pirate leader, who had just woken up from his sleep, was escorted to the deck of the galley by two burly men. He was originally confused about the situation, but after seeing Rollo in front of him, he quickly understood.

He looked at Luo Luo with red eyes, and laughed angrily: "Is this how you repay us? Bringing the Romans to attack the brothers' lair? If I hadn't brought you into the business, you would probably still be wandering in some mountain valley now! Look at what good things you have done now!!"

Luo Luo did not show any self-blame. He just lowered his head slightly and looked at the other person: "It's just an exchange of interests. Didn't you take my money? I don't expect you to understand what I'm doing now, but I can tell you confidently that what I do is meaningful."

"Meanwhile? I think you are just greedy for wealth and fame, and you want to be a noble like your ancestors. Even if you betray us, you are just a foreigner. How can you have a good ending?"

"Perhaps so, but my current master is a foreigner who deserves to be ostracized. I don't expect to be the same as him. I just want a place to live. If he can achieve the position of a prince of the empire, then my request should also be met."

After saying that, Rollo didn't waste any more words with him. His opponents waved their hands, and they immediately took the Viking leader away.

A navigator saw the opportunity and stepped forward: "Everything has been resolved here, what should we do next?"

Without even looking up, Rollo answered casually, "Tell people to burn down all the houses, completely demolish the port, take away the supplies that can be taken away, and burn the ones that cannot be taken away. We will then go to the next pirate camp. I remember it is nearby, only half a day's journey from here..."

The navigator glanced at the port and nodded helplessly. This place was also a place that carried his memories for many years. Rollo and his fleet had also replenished supplies here many times. When Rollo first said he wanted to join the Romans, his brothers thought he was just greedy and wanted to make a fortune. Unexpectedly, Rollo was so determined this time that he was ready to go against his own people and go all the way with the Romans.

Before, when Rollo fought against pirates as a mercenary, it was not considered to be against the rules. After all, everyone served their own masters on the battlefield, and no one stipulated that they could not accept employment from the Romans. But now that Rollo had attacked the pirate camp, he had completely broken the original rules. Rollo could no longer be a pirate anyway. He had cut off his own retreat, and even his brothers on the pirate ship had embarked on this road of no return. The navigator did not know whether this choice was the right one, but the die was cast, and there was nothing he could do except do this.

………………

Orville was very satisfied with Rollo's pledge of allegiance, and he deeply realized that professional matters should be left to professionals.

There were no professional naval commanders in the Roman army anyway. Even if there were such people, they would definitely be in the Mediterranean to maintain the stability of the Mediterranean shipping routes. After all, that was the foundation of the empire's survival, and they would not come to such a remote and backward place.

Since Orville does not have such talents, there is no need to do something difficult like the "Mongol Navy". The army generals can just command the army. He can also let the Vikings command the navy to deal with the Vikings' problems, which can be regarded as an alternative way of using barbarians to control barbarians.

Let the Vikings command the fleet first, and then train the Romans' own sailors to gain experience. In a few years, Orwell will consider the localization of the naval fleet. Now let's resolve the matter as quickly as possible, and do it in the most efficient way.

There was a traitor among the pirate high-ranking officials, which had a huge impact. Rollo really didn't know much about Ivar's lands in Ireland and Scotland. After all, he was not active there, and Ivar also prohibited others from making money from his territory.

But as for the situation on both sides of the English Channel and the Lowlands, Rollo knew it very well. He had been active in this area for more than ten years and knew the locations of various pirate dens, hidden ports and the like. Many of the dens were even set up with his help.

With his help in solving the problem, the fleet was naturally very efficient. Orville's goal was not to kill them all, but to make these Vikings feel pain and fear.

Rollo destroyed more than ten pirate dens in more than half a month of operations. This did not solve the problem, but it was an obvious warning. As for the Vikings' reactions, they had not yet responded. They might be even angrier or even more afraid. It depended on subsequent developments. Orville had time to deal with them slowly.

Since Rollo had done something practical, Orville would not be stingy in rewarding him. Considering this matter and the matter of dealing with the Anglo-Saxons, Orville gave him and his warriors a large manor in the southeast of England, so that Rollo could bring their families to live there as well.

(End of this chapter)