Episode 188

Though it wasn’t exactly a major victory, Kublai returned to the main camp with a sense of pride, having cleared away some long-standing issues. Not only had he succeeded in his mission, but he also brought back potential new allies, which was enough to make him walk a little taller.

Even Genghis Khan, who rarely showed emotion, seemed pleased with this unexpected success. However, he remained cautious, knowing there was no guarantee this wasn’t a trap set by the enemy.

“We must thoroughly verify everything first. While others might be less cautious, we’re dealing with a monster who can see the future. Who’s to say Marshall didn’t predict Kublai’s actions and send his agents along the way?”

“For that to be possible, he’d need to see months into the future. If Marshall truly has such power, then we’ve been fighting a losing battle from the start, haven’t we?”

“True, but it never hurts to be careful.”

“Of course. I was thinking the same from the beginning. However, consider this: if Marshall really predicted all our moves and sent his agents accordingly, could we even detect it? If he foresaw even that, and still sent his men into danger, then perhaps being discovered was part of his plan all along.”

Once you start down the path of complex reasoning, one thought leads to another. Subutai, listening intently to Genghis Khan, found his own thoughts growing darker.

If their opponent could foresee months into the future, then surely he could foresee being discovered. This left them with two possibilities.

Either Nasr and the Shia Liberation Front, whom Kublai brought back, were genuine local defectors with no ties to Marshall, or they were indeed Marshall’s agents, rendering any action they took meaningless. Whether they expelled, killed, or tortured them, Marshall would have foreseen it all.

“We should meet them first. I’ll observe them closely by your side, Great Khan.”

“I was going to ask you to do just that. Even if this is part of Marshall’s plan, if there’s anything suspicious, we’ll have to discard all the supplies.”

Though it was unfortunate, they couldn’t afford to take risks when they couldn’t be sure where the traps lay. Genghis Khan ordered Kublai to bring Nasr, and he scrutinized him with unprecedented care, probing for inconsistencies in his story.

“So, the Shia Liberation Front only wishes for the downfall of Saladin and the Ayyubids?”

“Yes. You have no intention of eradicating Islam itself, do you, Great Khan? I’ve heard you’re utilizing local powers in Khwarezm.”

“We have no reason to oppress those who are useful to us. But if there’s any hidden agenda, that’s a different story. You said you’d cooperate if we promised not to destroy Medina during our invasion. What do you stand to gain from that?”

“Medina is a sacred place cherished by all Muslims. If Saladin fails to protect it, his reputation will be ruined, and he will no longer be seen as the protector of Islam. This loss of influence will lead to division and ultimately defeat in war. We desire a leader who upholds the true teachings.”

“Isn’t that contradictory? If I win this war, the Ayyubids will vanish like Khwarezm. The Shia Sultan you desire won’t exist. Haven’t you considered that?”

If possible, Genghis Khan would prefer to capture and persuade Marshall. Having someone who could see the future as an ally would mean the world would kneel before him. If killing was the only option, so be it, but if there was a chance to capture him, he would take it and offer anything to win him over.

However, the Sultan of the Ayyubids and his core nobles were a different matter. There was no reason to spare those who had united against him so fiercely. Damascus, the Ayyubid capital, would be destroyed even more thoroughly than Baghdad, leaving not a single stone unturned. The Sultan’s lineage would be eradicated, and noble women would be given to the soldiers.

This was nothing new; it had always been his way. Surely, they knew this when they approached him.

“If you’re hiding anything more, I’ll have your head. If you haven’t considered such simple facts, we don’t need the help of fools. What’s your answer?”

“It seems there’s a misunderstanding. We don’t seek a Sultan with secular power. While some authority is necessary, I’ve heard you grant local rulers some power. That’s all we ask. We only want the absolute recognition that Shia is the true lineage of Islam.”

“Indeed. That’s how you’ve always been. I remember.”

When they invaded Baghdad, the first to respond to the Mongols weren’t other religious groups opposed to Islam. It was the Shia Muslims, internal enemies, who despised the Sunni Caliph more than the Catholic Pope. They openly contacted the Mongols, offering help, willing to see Baghdad burn if it meant harming the Caliph and Sultan’s prestige.

Though this fervor had quieted since Marshall became the official apostle, Nasr acknowledged this fact. He didn’t doubt Marshall’s sanctity. It was understandable that they were upset seeing their revered apostle siding with Sunni Saladin. Perhaps they believed that once the Sunnis fell, the awakened apostle would join them on the righteous path.

Logically, it made sense, and considering the post-war situation, it could benefit the Mongols. Even if they won the war and destroyed the nation, managing local discontent was crucial, and they could leave it to these people.

“Though the Sunnis are dominant now, a little support from us could boost the Shia’s power. We can maintain balance without crushing one side completely and keep their rivalry going.”

As long as they fought among themselves, their anger towards the Mongols, mere third parties, would naturally diminish. No matter how he looked at it, these people were valuable. Of course, he still had no intention of trusting them completely.

“I understand your intentions. Now, tell me how you plan to support us.”

“First, we can guide you through the region. To reach Medina or Mecca, you must travel far southwest from here. You may know the general route, but it’s hard to know the details along the way. We’ll provide detailed maps and point out specifics not marked on them.”

“That’s expected support. Is that all? Kublai mentioned you’d also provide supplies.”

“We can supply food, water, and provisions for your horses. To be honest, we’ve staked everything on this war. Even if it means exhausting all our resources, we’ll support you, Great Khan.”

If true, this would be a significant help. Food and information were essential in war. However, providing enough support for such a large army would require substantial resources. Could the Shia Liberation Front really have such vast assets?

Sensing the Khan’s skepticism, Nasr quickly added an explanation.

“You might be curious about our members. We’re not just local Muslims. We’re a large community devoted to the true teachings of Islam, with more Amirs than you could count on your fingers and toes. Many of them are eager to support you, Great Khan.”

“Interesting. I didn’t realize so many wished for my victory. But words are easy. When can I see the supplies you promised?”

“Due to the quantity, they can’t all arrive at once. They’ll come in batches. What Kublai received was just a small portion. More will continue to arrive, and as your army moves south, support will become easier and faster.”

If this were a ruse, there were too many inconsistencies. Would it make sense to waste such resources just to set a trap?

“Unless the supplies themselves are the trap.”

A possibility flashed in Genghis Khan’s mind. He rose and moved with Nasr to inspect the supplies they had brought. As reported, the carts were loaded with food, water, and fodder. If these were genuine, they’d be invaluable. But if there was something wrong with them…

“If you continue to send supplies on this scale, I won’t forget your help. But trust must be solidified to avoid any future complications.”

Genghis Khan scooped a generous amount of water from a large container and handed it to Nasr, who was quietly observing the water bowl.

“Drink it. Not just you, but everyone who came with you must drink the water and eat the food, and stay here until tomorrow.”

If there was any trickery with the food, it would show in their hesitation or become apparent by tomorrow.

Even under the piercing gaze that would make his subordinates shiver, Nasr remained unfazed and accepted the bowl. He even smiled brightly, as if pleased, and brought it to his lips.

“If this is how you choose to trust us, I’m just happy. I’ll drink anytime!”

No sooner had he finished speaking than Nasr and the entire liberation front consumed the water and food, showing no signs of deceit.

Could it be true? Could accepting their proposal really be without consequences?

Honestly, the terms were too tempting to simply ignore and dismiss.

Yet, even so, Genghis Khan didn’t forget to exercise caution until the very end.

“Every time supplies arrive, you must taste the water and food first. And we will decide which cart the test food comes from. If you can accept these safety measures, I’ll consider your requests.”

“Thank you! If it means helping the Great Khan win this war, we couldn’t ask for more! Please, defeat Saladin and bring him to ruin! You are our only hope, Great Khan!”

“Our only hope!”

He didn’t trust them.

But if the goods they brought were without defect, there was no reason not to use them to his advantage.

So, he would extract as much as possible and decide later whether to discard them.

Genghis Khan judged that everything was proceeding smoothly so far, but he didn’t let his guard down for a moment.

No matter what traps lay ahead, he would cut through them all.