Episode 173
Legends of prophets and shamans abound on the steppes, tales of those who could foresee the future. While many were mere rumors, some individuals were indeed remarkably accurate in their predictions. Yet, few maintained their abilities until the end.
“A human who can predict the future? That’s impossible, isn’t it?”
Suldus Tiraun, observing the concerns of the Great Khan and Subutai, decided to personally alleviate his lord’s worries. Someone needed to go as an envoy to gauge the true intentions of the Crusaders, and Tiraun volunteered for the task. Genghis Khan had intended to send a delegation, but Tiraun insisted on going himself.
He was determined to meet this Edward Marshall, who had captured the Khan’s attention, and uncover the truth about him. Unlike others like Jelme or Jebe, Tiraun was confident in his ability to succeed, and the Great Khan respected his decision. Although there was concern about the potential dangers of the mission, Tiraun was satisfied with the Khan’s trust.
If the Crusaders dared to harm him, it would only reveal their true nature, leaving nothing to fear. A lesser envoy might be avoided by Marshall, but as one of the Great Khan’s trusted aides, Tiraun was certain he would secure a meeting.
“I’ll see for myself what kind of man this so-called prophet, who supposedly bewitched both Christians and Muslims, really is.”
No matter what tricks Marshall might employ, Tiraun was confident he wouldn’t be easily deceived. If Marshall tried to avoid the meeting, it would only make Tiraun’s judgment easier.
With these thoughts, Tiraun arrived at the Crusader camp, accompanied by a minimal escort, and called for Marshall.
“I am Suldus Tiraun, here to convey the will of the Great Khan of the Mongol Empire. I wish to discuss future matters with Edward Marshall, the leader of the Crusaders.”
The Crusader soldiers, recognizing Tiraun, hurried inside to fetch someone. Since he hadn’t sent a messenger ahead, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to wait a day. Just as Tiraun was about to instruct his men to set up camp, a response came.
“Please, come this way. Although it’s a sudden visit, the Prophet himself has agreed to meet you.”
”…What?”
To be received so promptly, without hesitation—could it be that they had truly foreseen his arrival? Though unlikely, the readiness of their response was unsettling.
Tiraun followed the Crusader soldiers into the camp, determined not to be swayed by any tricks.
The unexpected visit from Suldus Tiraun, one of Genghis Khan’s most trusted aides, left everyone in the Crusader camp in shock.
“Typical barbarians, showing no respect.”
“Do they expect us to meet with them just because they showed up unannounced?”
“They must be overconfident after defeating the Muslims a few times. We should just send them away.”
The surrounding reactions were indignant, as if they had been personally insulted. Sending Tiraun away would be the simplest response, but that was too ordinary a reaction for someone like Edward Marshall, the true Apostle of God.
If it had been an unknown envoy, perhaps things would be different. But with Tiraun here, Marshall saw an opportunity. The Mongols had sent a significant figure to test the Crusaders’ response, but it was a chance for Marshall to demonstrate his own knowledge and power.
“Let him in. I want to hear what the Great Khan of the Mongol Empire has to say.”
“But…”
“It’s fine. Bring an interpreter immediately.”
Meeting without any preparation or script would only enhance the effect. If conflict was inevitable, it was crucial to establish dominance early on.
Marshall’s subordinates, puzzled by his decision, went to fetch Tiraun. Soon, Tiraun entered Marshall’s tent, still unable to shake his own doubts.
He hadn’t expected to be granted an audience so quickly.
“Greetings. You must be Suldus Tiraun of the Mongol Empire. I am Edward Marshall, the Apostle of the Crusaders, entrusted with full authority by His Holiness the Pope. Thank you for making the long journey.”
“Not at all. I should be the one thanking you for receiving me so promptly despite my unannounced visit.”
“Of course, we must welcome the right hand of the Great Khan.”
“The right hand of the Great Khan… What? Did you say the right hand of the enemy king is here as an envoy, Prophet?”
The interpreter, startled, turned to Marshall for confirmation. The conversation paused, but it was for the best. Tiraun was keenly observing both the interpreter and Marshall’s reactions.
“It seems you’ve already gathered information about me.”
“Information? Not exactly, but you can think of it that way if you wish.”
“They say you can read the will of the heavens, Apostle Marshall. Did you foresee my arrival?”
“Would you believe me if I said yes?”
Of course, he wouldn’t. If he did, it would mean the Mongols were challenging a being beyond human comprehension.
No matter how great Genghis Khan or his generals were, how could they wage war against someone who knew the future?
If I knew their every move in advance, ambushing them or cutting off their supplies would be child’s play. It would render the Mongols’ speed, their greatest asset, useless.
Tiraun likely came to dispel his doubts about me. Whether he volunteered or was sent by Genghis Khan, the fact that he specifically sought me out is evidence enough.
So, I must show him. That Edward Marshall is a formidable presence who knows everything about them, even from a thousand miles away.
“Everyone who meets me for the first time looks at me like you do, Tiraun. Wondering what trick I’m playing, determined to see through it.”
“That’s not my intention. As I said, I’m here to convey the Great Khan’s message.”
“Is that so? Then let’s hear what the Great Khan proposes.”
“To be honest, we have no desire to fight the Crusaders. We’ve had no prior conflicts or interactions, so why start a war? Our only enemy is the Ayyubid dynasty. If you remain neutral, we’ll destroy the Ayyubids and hand over Jerusalem to you.”
Offering Jerusalem directly suggests they’ve already researched how much Christians value it. Having conquered Khwarezm and Baghdad, they must have gathered significant local intelligence, including about me.
If I were an ordinary commander, I might be tempted by the Mongols’ offer. Who wouldn’t be, when all they have to do is stand by and watch to receive Jerusalem?
But for someone who knows the bloody history of the Mongols, the decision is different.
“It’s an attractive offer, but unfortunately, we have no choice. A prophecy has already been given… I can only apologize.”
“A prophecy?”
“Yes. That if the Mongols conquer the Ayyubids, Europe will be their next target, and the bloodshed that swept through Islam will engulf us.”
“That’s quite an assumption. We’re human too; we can’t wage war endlessly.”
Oh, but you can. Don’t try to deceive me with that innocent face.
“Is that so? Coming from a general of an empire that pushed out the Jin, destroyed the Western Xia and Khwarezm, and now aims for the Ayyubids, it doesn’t sound very convincing.”
”…To think you know about the war with the Jin… Your reach is impressive.”
“Out of pure curiosity, do you really believe I could have investigated the Mongol-Jin war? As you know, I have no connections there.”
“It’s hard to believe, but you must have found a way to gather information. I don’t believe in heavenly prophecies.”
“Is that so? But you see, there’s such a thing as destiny in this world. Just like how Tiraun couldn’t ignore the debt his father owed to the Great Khan’s father and ended up releasing him, which led to the rise of Genghis Khan.”
“W-what are you talking about…?”
The story of Tiraun releasing Genghis Khan after his father, Yesugei, was poisoned is a well-known tale that always comes up when discussing Tiraun.
Of course, Genghis Khan’s trust in Tiraun and the important roles he assigned him were due to Tiraun’s exceptional abilities, but the fact that he saved his life must have played a part as well.
But how would it feel to know that a blue-eyed Westerner, thousands of miles away, is aware of such details?
As expected, Tiraun couldn’t hide his agitation. His eyes trembled, avoiding my gaze as if trying to escape.
“My intelligence is quite impressive, isn’t it? How do you think I managed to uncover all these facts?”
“Th-that’s…”
“I’m curious myself. I’m sure there have been many stories about me. What do others say? Do Subutai and Jebe consider me a person of interest? What about Mukali? Ah, Mukali might still be on the Jin front.”
“H-how do you know that…!”
I wasn’t entirely sure, so I was just testing the waters, but it seems I hit the mark.
Even for the Mongols, completely conquering a vast empire like the Jin in just a few years is a tall order.
Someone had to stay behind, and who better than Mukali, who was renowned for his expertise in dealing with the Jin in historical records?
It’s a logical deduction if you think about it, but from Tiraun’s perspective, it must seem unfathomable.
No matter how calm one tries to remain, when faced with something utterly incomprehensible, a person can’t help but react.
The fact that Tiraun, the top strategist of the Mongols, who had gained countless experiences across numerous battlefields, had turned pale as a sheet, was proof of that.
But I can’t help but feel a bit sorry.
There’s still much more shock to come.
It’s not like anyone forced him at swordpoint to walk into this trap, right?
He came here of his own accord, so he might as well take the beating and head back.