This was the Valu Chieftain's first time meeting the Prince Rostislav, whose martial prowess was renowned throughout Kiev, and the chieftain, who had fought for decades, was astonished by his youth.
Rostislav was only sixteen years old this year; although he was considered an adult and was tall in Slavic lands, his face still carried a hint of immaturity.
However, no one who saw the strength of his arms would show him any disrespect.
Facing the Nomad chieftain, Rostislav showed no superfluous expression on his face, merely gently asking him to sit down before him, and had a blonde maidservant bring two cups of mead.
During this time, Rostislav remained composed, exuding an unhurried demeanor in every gesture, making it hard to believe he was only 16 years old.
"What a fine young man," Valu sighed inwardly, not forgetting to drink the mead to mask his inner surprise.
After meeting him in person, Valu no longer doubted the exaggerations of praise for Rostislav; such grace, such composure, and those arms that clearly belonged to a warrior—how could there be any falsehood?
"So, Valu Chieftain, what brings you to see me?" Rostislav also drank his mead, getting straight to the point.
"My people and I wish to pledge allegiance to you."
Without hesitation, Valu directly stated his request, which made Rostislav pause slightly, seemingly surprised by Valu's directness, but he quickly returned to normal, and the smile on his face grew stronger.
This was because he was at a time when he needed strength, a time when he needed heroes from all walks of life to come and pledge allegiance.
"I welcome anyone's allegiance, Valu Chieftain, and that certainly includes your tribe.
So, how many people are in your tribe altogether?"
Rostislav's tone changed slightly; since they were coming to pledge allegiance, there was no need for so much politeness, and he directly threw out the subtext:
How many soldiers can your tribe bring me?
"Three thousand, three thousand including all the old people and children.
If you need, we can provide up to seven hundred scimitars to fight for you."
Valu, of course, understood the subtext and immediately reported the number of people they could provide.
Of course, if needed, they could directly provide one-third of their entire tribe to fight for the Prince, but who would throw all their chips in at the beginning?
"Seven hundred… that's good too."
Rostislav murmured the number, a thoughtful expression appearing on his face.
Although he was facing a 16-year-old boy, Valu was still very worried when he saw his contemplation.
His choice concerned the future of his people; if he did not accept them, he would have no choice but to lead his people to fight desperately on the steppes.
"Valu Chieftain, we accept your allegiance.
From now on, you are my subordinate."
Rostislav waved his hand, signaling a maidservant to bring a plate.
The plate contained five or six silver rings.
The Prince Rostislav took one out and handed it to the chieftain.
"This is a small gift; I hope you accept it with a smile.
It is also a symbol of status, symbolizing that you are now my subordinate."
Valu glanced at the ring as he took it; the ring was engraved with a rider slaying a dragon.
He knew this was the scene of saint george slaying the dragon, a saint worshipped by Christians.
Valu's heart relaxed as he accepted the ring; it could be said that he had already become Rostislav's man, and the future of his people was also secure.
After seeing off the Nomad chieftain, Rostislav's previous calm and composure immediately vanished; he was now beaming with joy, which was more fitting for his age.
As for why he was so happy, it was because the allegiance of these Nomads came at just the right time.
After leaving Vladimir Palace, Rostislav had been busy meeting his father's factions within Kiev.
Since that visit to Vladimir Palace, he understood that his grandfather's death was only a matter of this month, so he had to prepare for it—prepare to leave.
Under Rostislav's arrangements, these factions belonging to him had already begun to purchase various supplies, especially grain, preparing for the upcoming long journey.
Unlike his uncles, Rostislav did not want to stay in Kiev for another second after his grandfather's death.
His grandfather's reminder that day had alerted him, reminding him of the things that happened in the north, reminding him to be careful of his second uncle.
This made Rostislav, who had relaxed because the conspiracy was far away, immediately remember that there were still people secretly trying to kill him!
So he had to leave Kiev early; after attending his grandfather's funeral and hearing the announcement of the will, he had to leave.
Only by reaching his fief could he stay away from danger.
His grandfather's words also allowed Rostislav to confirm who was behind all this entanglement.
Rostislav knew his second uncle well; it would not be strange for him to do anything despicable, and perhaps he would use some vile means to cause his nephew, who had already shown himself to be a threat, to die.
So he gathered various nobles, merchants, and mercenaries, discussing various matters with them to bring more strength to his fief.
He needed to discuss the allocation of manpower with the nobles; after the great victory against the Polovtsian, many expressed their willingness to follow him, and he needed to incorporate them.
He needed to discuss the purchase of supplies with the merchants; whether in the fief or on the road, these supplies were absolutely indispensable and crucial for future development.
As for the discussions with the mercenaries, it was to gather more strength; the vast Slavic land was a place that needed to be opened up with fire and sword, and he needed strength, more strength.
And regarding strength, the allegiance of those herdsmen not only increased his strength but also brought another benefit: it could help Rostislav better complete his rumor plan.
This was a plan that the Prince Rostislav intended to start promoting after his grandfather's death.
The core idea of the plan was to use rumors of foreign invasion or riots to prompt some Kiev citizens to leave this land with him and go to his fief to develop it.
Rostislav desperately needed the people who had been tamed under Rurik's authority; these people would be the foundation of his future rule.
After all, in the vast Slavic land, peasants still needed to be tamed and land still needed to be opened up.
Having a group of reliable people of his own would naturally be much better; they would be reliable forces for both production and combat.
And if a group of Nomads robbed near Kiev, it would further prove the truthfulness of the rumors; at that time, people would be in panic, and many would certainly follow him.
As for the peasants, Rostislav intended to spread rumors that his uncle would kill all the peasants who participated in the looting of Kiev.
After all, Yaroslav's previous great prison set a precedent, which was enough to scare many villages into leaving with him.
It was amidst such preparations that, finally, that day arrived.