Although given a difficult task, Prince Rostislav was actually very happy to participate in the war, because for him, it was a timely rain.
As a Prince without territory, the funds to support his Bodyguard Unit came from monthly allocations from the Kiev court, as well as assistance from his father's remaining forces in Kiev and Novgorod, such as the aid sent by Vishata.
Rostislav was only able to pay his subordinates enough with these, but this was not a long-term solution.
He also had a huge sum of money stored by his father during his years as Prince of Novgorod, which, though large, could not be used lightly, because if this money was also gone, he would truly be at his wit's end.
War was different; Rostislav still remembered how much he earned in the war in Estonia, and now the opportunity had fallen into his lap again.
Of course, it would have been better if he hadn't been given that dangerous task.
After entrusting his properties in Kiev to his wife's management and bidding her farewell, Rostislav embarked on his journey; after all, he knew few people in Kiev, and bidding farewell to his wife was enough.
Zoe was very worried about her husband's departure, but she did not speak to stop him, because she knew that her husband could not escape these things, and if he avoided them, his future would be ruined; the Grand Prince would abandon him, his followers would betray him, and his subordinates would leave him.
So Zoe did not try to keep him, only offered her blessings, blessings for her husband's triumphant return.
On the main road of Kiev, an army of infantry and cavalry was advancing under the gaze of the citizens.
Leading the way was naturally Rostislav Vladimirovich, wearing the armor he wore for the campaign in Estonia, mounted on a magnificent red warhorse.
Granval was also armed to the teeth, only his helmet had been replaced with the jeweled helmet Rostislav had given him, and with such a large jewel, he was now even more conspicuous than Prince Rostislav.
Yan Vishatich carried the military banner chosen by Prince Rostislav for himself, on which was saint george slaying the dragon, only this Saint George was dressed like a Ross Warrior, wearing a pointed helmet, chainmail, and striking the fanged and clawed evil dragon with the spear in his hand.
Behind the saint george slaying the dragon banner were the trident banner symbolizing Rurik's authority and the Orthodox cross banner symbolizing God's authority.
The personal cavalry followed closely behind Prince Rostislav; the young men who had come from Novgorod to Kiev seemed very excited, but their main excitement was for the city of Kiev, not for going to war.
In contrast, the nomadic cavalry and Greek horse archers had calm expressions; on the great steppes, war was a common occurrence, and these steppe wolves had been immersed in warfare since childhood, while the Greeks were already veterans who had long fought the Normans in Southern Italy; they either chatted casually with those around them or concentrated on riding forward.
Next came the infantry; the Bodyguard Unit, of course, were fully armed professional soldiers advancing in neat formations.
Behind them was a contingent of Chud, with battle axes tied to their waists and javelins on their backs; this was an army Rostislav had selected from Chud slaves, using money and freedom to make these tribal warriors fight for him.
Military servants and accompanying personnel, either leading packhorses laden with supplies or driving large carts pulled by livestock, followed at the very rear, carrying the supplies for the entire army.
In the eyes of the citizens of Kiev, such an army was sent by the Grand Prince to attack the Polovtsy outside the city and protect the people, so they all cheered for this disciplined army, sending them off to fight those damned Nomads.
This was the only thing that could make Rostislav feel relieved; the depression of being forced to bid farewell to his newlywed wife was greatly reduced; the citizens of Kiev still had confidence in their Grand Prince's army; the people's hearts were usable.
Some citizens even, on a whim, went home, grabbed their weapons and equipment, and joined this large army; Rostislav naturally welcomed such volunteers immensely.
Amidst the praises of the people, Rostislav's contingent arrived at the Golden Gate.
The Golden Gate was the main city gate of Kiev, built by Grand Prince Yaroslav in imitation of the imperial capital to the south, and like the Golden Gate, this city gate also had some reliefs and gilded decorations, then painted yellow, making the entire city gate appear to glow in the sunlight.
And above the Golden Gate, there was also an annunciation church, whose dome and cross added a religious meaning to the gate.
Of course, the Golden Gate of Kiev could naturally not be compared with the Golden Gate of Constantinople in terms of scale or craftsmanship; although the Grand Prince built it based on the Golden Gate of Constantinople, some things are not simply acquired by desire.
And here, Metropolitan Hilarion, from the Cave Monastery, wearing his black vestments and holding his golden crozier, was waiting for Prince Rostislav's arrival beneath the Golden Gate, surrounded by local Ross clergy.
When Rostislav saw the Metropolitan, he immediately reined in his red warhorse, dismounted, and knelt before Metropolitan Hilarion; he understood that the Metropolitan was there to bless this campaign.
Prince Rostislav certainly recognized the Metropolitan; after all, his wedding was presided over by him, and he had discussed the staging of the miracle play with him many times; their relationship was quite harmonious.
Moreover, the Metropolitan was a good friend of his father and his teacher, the Bishop of Novgorod; they had corresponded closely in the past, so his proactive presence to bless Rostislav was not unexpected.
As Rostislav knelt, everyone present also knelt; although many still remembered the divine power of perun and veles, they also revered the authority of the Lord, for Kiev was now a city of the cross.
"Rostislav, son of Vladimir, may the Lord bless your campaign, may the Lord protect you and bring you back victorious, and may the glory of God always reside within you."
The Metropolitan made the perfectly standard Orthodox blessing gesture towards Rostislav, giving him a blessing from the supreme authority.
"The will of the Lord shall be done."
Rostislav replied crisply, then stood up, and seeing this, everyone else also rose.
"Thank you very much, Master Hilarion."
Rostislav respectfully bowed to the Metropolitan again.
"It is but my duty."
Hilarion's expression was very humble.
"May your campaign be smooth, Rostislav, son of Vladimir."
"Of course, thank you very much for your blessing."
Rostislav bowed again, then mounted the warhorse led by his attendant.
"Before you go to the battlefield, remember to visit the Cave Monastery; my brothers there have prepared an army for you."
As Rostislav rode past the Metropolitan, Hilarion suddenly spoke to Prince Rostislav, who turned sharply and saw a gentle smile, and then the Metropolitan continued to make the sign of the cross and bless the advancing army.
Rostislav nodded; he did not understand why the Metropolitan offered this kindness, as the relationship with his teacher and father was probably not enough, but at this moment, he could not delve deeper; he needed all the help he could get.
Prince Rostislav turned his horse, continuing to lead his small army forward, passing through the Golden Gate of Kiev and stepping onto the land outside the city.