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My men sailed north two days ago, and I have appointed Leif in charge of my army. Although I chose the goals, he was responsible for planning the entire campaign and I was not going to interfere with these plans... if I want to have good commanders in the future, they must learn to rely only on themselves. He took seven hundred people with him, including one hundred crossbowmen, one hundred of my Slavic slaves and fifteen ships. According to the original assumptions of Leif's plan, they were to sail deep into Norway through the Hardangerfjord and subjugate all settlements on their route. Then they were to turn back towards the ocean and head north along the coast of Norway.

During their absence, I intended to focus on further plans for the expansion of Kattegat. I was going to increase the number of farms, build granaries, expand the temple and fix my mistake in not minting copper coins ... Although gold and silver coins are useful, they are not useful in everyday life ... no one will buy a pitcher of beer or a few eggs for a silver coin. That's why I needed a coin of a little value.

I also intended to connect several nearest settlements by roads. Most of the settlements in Norway were on the shores of rivers or the shores of the sea, which left the interior of the country very poorly developed ... Kattegat was in the possession of a large number of slaves, which would make my plans easier.

Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months. The Kattegat changed little each day. Merchants visiting the settlement spread word not only about our wealth, but also about the figures of Gods and the temple that was built. Which only strengthened my position. People lived better and more prosperously, all the new farmland was officially my property, but for a minimal fee I rented it to people, as it was still my land, I was sure it would bear a good harvest. Coins, which people were initially skeptical about, began to gain more and more popularity over time. I also managed to get some silver and gold that people had at home, exchange was on a principlethe weight of the item for the same weight in coins.

In late August, Leif and my army returned from the expedition, as soon as they landed, Leif showed up at my house to report on their activities. After a short greeting, the servants brought us something to eat and drink, and Leif began to narrate.

-The trip was not difficult, we achieved even more than we planned. We took control of the whole of Hordaland and sailed deep into the country, but there was not much settlement there. Then we headed to the Kingdom of Sogn and then further north to the Kingdom of Hålogaland. The kingdom of Sogn was not a formidable opponent, but the conquest of Hålogaland was more of a problem. We lost over a hundred men and one ship, but we made it. (Leif)

- What about the local population and rulers? (Ulf)

- At Hålogaland, we have sentenced the King, all Jarls and their families to death. We also destroyed a few settlements as a warning, and brought the population to Kattegat. (Leif)

- I understand that there was no other option and that they refused to lay down their weapons, but how do you assess the situation, will it be stable there? (Ulf)

- Probably yes, some problems may arise, but there is currently no force out there that would threaten Kattegat. Where there were the greatest problems and revolts could break out in the future, we took prisoners to settle them in the Kattegat area. It will be easier to supervise them on the spot, and when they see how people live here, they will understand that the rebellions do not make sense. (Leif)

-You did well and made it back in time for the harvest. When they're over and you and the people rest, head to Geirstad and Vestfold. If everything goes well, we'll be back at the end of October. (Ulf)

We also talked about the course of warfare, prisoners and my people, and whether they learned to obey orders and discipline ... Loot didn't interest me, my people could keep everything they got, I only exchanged gold and silver.

If what Leif said turns out to be true, then the entire west coast of Norway is now under my control, to unite Norway I will have to conquer three small kingdoms on the south-east coast... I wish I could accomplish all my conquests this year, and that I would be able to summon all the rulers and jarls to Kattegat next spring and officially crown himself as King of all Norway.

Two weeks later, it was harvest time over. I have ordered ships and supplies ready. I was also going to take seven hundred warriors who were in the war under Leif's command. It won't take us more than a few days to reach the Kingdom of Geirstad.

A few days before I left, I called Hild over.

- Come to me ... (Ulf)

During these few months, Hild became more open, less scared and more obedient. She did not look like slaves either, she had better clothes and even some jewelry. She ate with us at the table, had her own room and not many chores. Her position at home had grown considerably, I hadn't treated her the same as Mira yet, but she couldn't complain... I put my hand under her dress and began to caress her.

- ... I'm going to war in a few days, in my absence do you know what to do?

- Yes Lord, I am to keep your wife company at night and take care of her needs ... (moan) (Hild)

- I see that you also have your needs Hild ... I don't know when I'll be back, I think you should say goodbye to me in some special way. (Ulf)

I didn't need to say anything else, Hild knelt down before me ...

- You will miss me? (Ulf)

- mmph es, myy Lord ... (Hild)