Episode 95
Early Spring, 1196.
The vast steppes, long divided and rife with internal strife, were undergoing a significant transformation. The Mongols, who roamed the expansive lands from Lake Baikal to northern Manchuria, found their position precarious. They were often overshadowed by larger nomadic empires like the Khitan and Jurchen, and their internal divisions left them without a unified force.
Neighboring states were well aware of this and frequently exploited the Mongols for their own ends.
“These people are prone to infighting at the slightest provocation, so there’s no need to be overly cautious. They’re the perfect tool—easy to use and discard once they’ve served their purpose.”
Saladin, having heard tales from Islamic merchants on pilgrimage to Mecca, advised the Khwarazmian Empire to make strategic use of the Mongols. Sultan Tekish of Khwarazm, eager to stabilize his western front, heeded this advice. After careful consideration, he chose the Borjigin clan, a mid-sized tribe, as his focus. Large tribes might not feel indebted, and those with no potential were not worth the effort. The Borjigin clan met Khwarazm’s expectations perfectly.
Even with minimal support, the Borjigin leader expanded his influence with remarkable skill. Reports of victories and subjugation of neighboring tribes reached Khwarazm almost every six months. The spoils and captives they provided were a profitable exchange for Khwarazm.
With such success, Tekish’s ambitions grew.
“If we push a little harder, we might conquer the Western Xia sooner than expected.”
At that time, Khwarazm had nearly completed its conquest of western Iran and Khorasan, making the timing ideal. If the Mongol warriors attacked the eastern border of the Western Xia, Khwarazm could follow through, ending the war swiftly.
Driven by ambition, Sultan Tekish dispatched his trusted aide, disguised as a merchant, to the Mongols. His mission was to assess the progress of the steppe unification and determine when they could strike the Western Xia.
Though it was a mission for Khwarazm’s long-term strategy, Alcid, the envoy, was not pleased to find himself in such a remote place.
“Really, dealing with these barbarians… Perhaps the Sultan’s expectations are too high.”
“Amir, they might hear you. Please, mind your language.”
“With our interpreter here, how could these ignorant people understand Persian? You’re worrying too much.”
While the interpreter fretted, Alcid nonchalantly surveyed the Mongols who had come to greet them.
“Look at their filthy appearance. Are we really associating with such savages just to attack the Western Xia?”
“Amir, please, watch your words.”
“You’re too anxious. Look at their clueless faces. If they understood me, they wouldn’t be smiling like that.”
Despite his disdainful words, Alcid waved at the approaching Mongols. A middle-aged Mongol, who seemed to hold some authority, greeted them politely.
“Are you the guests from Khwarazm?”
Receiving the translation, Alcid nodded arrogantly.
“I am Alcid, here on behalf of the great Sultan Tekish. Where is your leader?”
“The Khan is currently in a meeting for the Kurultai. It should end soon, and I will guide you to him.”
“Kurultai? What’s that?”
“Simply put, it’s a grand council of Mongol chiefs. This Kurultai is a symbolic event to demonstrate our Khan’s influence, thanks in part to your country’s support.”
So, even these barbarians understand gratitude. For the first time since arriving on the Mongolian steppe, Alcid smiled genuinely and followed the Mongol leader.
“By the way, how should I address you, our warrior friend? I haven’t caught your name yet.”
The middle-aged leader, realizing his oversight, introduced himself.
“My original name is Jirugatai. However, the Khan has given me a new name, so I am now called differently.”
“If your lord gave you a name, it’s only right to use it. What is it now?”
“Jebe. The Khan named me for my archery skills.”
“Jebe. Easy to remember.”
Alcid was relieved he didn’t have to remember a complicated Mongol name. Now, what was the name of their Khan again? Just as he was trying to recall, Jebe received a message from a subordinate and called out to Alcid.
“The meeting has concluded. Khan Temujin wishes to see you.”
Ah, yes. Temujin. That was the name.
“Thanks to Khwarazm’s support, we’ve been able to grow our power much faster than expected.”
“That’s good to hear. It’s exactly what the Sultan desires.”
Meeting Khan Temujin for the first time, Alcid was surprised by how reasonable he seemed. Before leaving Khwarazm, he had heard that the Borjigin clan, led by Temujin, was ruthless. But it wasn’t just Temujin; Mongols were known for their brutality. Alcid wasn’t shocked by this; he merely found their lack of civility amusing.
Yet, in person, Temujin appeared rational and clear-headed. From what Alcid observed, his followers were fiercely loyal. Jebe, for instance, took great pride in the name given by Temujin.
‘If he were just a mindless warrior, he couldn’t have expanded his power so quickly.’
When Tekish first reached out to Temujin, he was merely a rising tribal leader. But in just a few years, he had become one of the most powerful figures on the Mongolian steppe. Such rapid growth was impossible without exceptional leadership.
‘No wonder the Sultan wants to use them.’
As Alcid assessed Temujin’s capabilities, he took a hearty swig of the fermented mare’s milk offered to him. Having similar drinks in Central Asia, he found it easy to adapt. Temujin, pleased with Alcid’s appreciation of their traditional drink, explained their current situation with a smile.
“It seems the Sultan of Khwarazm wishes for us to unify the Mongolian steppe quickly. I believe we can soon deliver good news.”
“Already? I thought it would take at least five to ten more years.”
Saladin, who initially suggested this plan, believed that unifying the diverse Mongol tribes would take at least 15 years. Tekish shared this view, considering the strategy a long-term plan. But now, Temujin spoke of imminent success.
Was it typical barbarian exaggeration or bravado?
Sensing Alcid’s skepticism, Temujin chuckled and produced a strange piece of cloth. Upon closer inspection, it was a map with rough territorial markings. As nomads, the Mongols seemed to only indicate general areas.
Temujin pointed to various spots, explaining in a way Alcid could understand.
“Recently, we defeated our lifelong rival, Jamukha of the Black Bone tribe. We’ve also annihilated the Taichiud tribe, and the Tatar’s downfall is imminent.”
“Oh, I see.”
Though Temujin proudly recounted his achievements, Alcid had no idea who Jamukha was or the significance of his defeat. If he had known Jamukha’s prowess as a strategist and leader, his reaction would have been different.
Had Alcid or anyone in Khwarazm paid more attention to Mongolian affairs, they might have grasped the significance of Temujin’s rapid rise and his victory over Jamukha. But to them, the Mongols were merely skilled warriors, nothing more.
To Alcid, Temujin was just a slightly more articulate barbarian.
“So, are there any rivals left to challenge Khan Temujin’s power?”
“Perhaps Tayang Khan of the Western Naiman. But he’ll kneel before me by the end of the year.”
“Impressive. With Khan expanding his power so swiftly, our Sultan will be very pleased. You haven’t forgotten our agreement, have you?”
“Of course not. We also wish to trade with the West. The disappearance of the Western Xia would be ideal for us.”
Understanding and eager for trade with the West, Temujin seemed a promising ally for future relations. As Alcid and Temujin continued their conversation, Temujin occasionally sent his subordinates to…
He had been assigned a few tasks.
While pretending to sip his drink, Alcide eavesdropped on Temujin’s orders through the interpreter. Even to someone like him, who wasn’t fully aware of the situation, most of the commands seemed reasonable, and the subordinates appeared to have no complaints.
It seemed likely that Temujin would continue to be a valuable asset for Khwarezm.
Just as Alcide was about to solidify this assessment, he overheard something about the treatment of the Tatar tribe, who had recently been defeated by Temujin.
“Jebe, how is the task I assigned you progressing?”
“As you instructed, we are carrying it out. We are executing all Tatar men taller than a wagon wheel.”
“Good. You’ve all worked hard.”
Was this really the same person who had been conversing with such rationality and intelligence just moments ago?
”…”
Alcide stared at Temujin, who, without a change in expression, casually uttered such horrific words.
‘The fact that he doesn’t care if the interpreter hears suggests that this kind of operation is normal for them.’
The impression of Temujin, which had seemed like a tool to be used and discarded, suddenly transformed into something terrifying, like a demon.
Would these people really remain compliant in the future?
Perhaps they were mistaking a lion for a hunting dog, thinking they could tame it.
For the first time, Alcide felt a twinge of unease about his plan to use these nomads.