Episode 172

After reducing Baghdad to ashes, Genghis Khan allowed his weary soldiers some respite, taking a moment to reflect on the situation.

”…”

The room was silent, save for Bo’orchu standing guard outside. Genghis Khan glanced at the reports piled on the table, then turned his gaze to the large map pinned to the wall.

“Still so much left to conquer…”

Though most of Baghdad’s books were burned, a few valuable ones were kept, including the map he was now studying. While the Jin and Song had detailed maps, the Western maps were more precise for Western territories. Comparing it to the map from the Southern Song, there were noticeable differences. Considering Baghdad’s reputation as a center of Islamic wisdom, the map’s accuracy was likely high.

“So much land still to claim.”

He had raced from the eastern edge to the west without pause, yet so much remained. Conquering the Ayyubids would leave little of Islam unconquered, but Europe was untouched. Combined, those lands could rival the Jin and Southern Song.

This presented a new challenge: where to head after the Ayyubids? Originally, he planned to sweep through North Africa to the Maghreb, crushing the caliph’s boast that all of Islam would come to his aid. He wanted to see all of Islam kneel and question if this was truly their god’s will.

“Islam and Christianity… they seem similar, but what’s the real difference?”

He’d heard they had been at war for over a century. When he conquered Rome, he planned to ask their leader. He had no doubt of his success, having gauged Europe’s strength from his battles with Islam. If they fought fiercely and won and lost against each other, they must be of similar strength.

“Perhaps I don’t need to choose just one path. I could split the army and attack both.”

Subutai and Jebe could handle the Maghreb, while he led the northern campaign. The real issue was what to do with such vast territories. How to govern them effectively? There were no precedents for such an empire. Once the Jin fell and the Ayyubids were defeated, Mongolia would possess lands unmatched in history.

He knew from experience that holding territory was harder than taking it. To prevent this empire from fading like a summer night’s dream, he needed to strengthen its foundations. The problem was neither he nor his trusted generals had the talent for governance. They were unmatched in battle, but internal affairs were another matter. Leading a tribe was one thing; running an empire was another.

“Clearly, we need to conquer the Jin quickly and bring in their talents. By the time we subdue Islam, Mukali should have dealt with the Jin, so the timing should align.”

The answer had been clear from the start. The best defense was a good offense, and the best way to strengthen the empire was through expansion. He resolved to aggressively expand his territories and gather talented individuals.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

“Great Khan, there’s urgent news you must hear.”

“At this hour? Is there a rebellion?”

“I believe it’s more serious than that.”

“Very well, let’s hear it.”

With permission granted, Bo’orchu entered with a messenger. Knowing Genghis Khan disliked interruptions, Bo’orchu’s urgency suggested something significant. The messenger wasted no time.

“Great Khan, we’ve received urgent news from merchants in Damascus. The Ayyubid Sultan Saladin has accepted the Crusader prophet, Marshall.”

“Prophet? Marshall? The name sounds familiar. Where have I heard it?”

“He’s the central figure of the Crusaders and played a decisive role in defeating the Khwarazm. They say he predicts the future with uncanny accuracy.”

“Ah, yes, I remember now. The world is indeed vast and full of wonders.”

Genghis Khan marveled, taking a sip of fermented mare’s milk.

“But aren’t Christianity and Islam like oil and water? The Muslims in Khwarazm and Baghdad said as much.”

“Yes, that’s why we were somewhat at ease.”

The enemy of my enemy is my friend, many Muslims thought the Christians would welcome the Mongols. Some, like Tiraun, even suggested allying with the Christians against the Ayyubids.

“We need to understand what it means for the Sultan to recognize a Christian prophet. Does it signify an alliance?”

“The Damascus merchants explained it in detail. We lack knowledge of this culture.”

The messenger hurriedly continued, gestured to speak quickly.

“Christianity and Islam have vastly different doctrines. They seem to worship the same god, but their core beliefs differ, making them bitter enemies.”

“That much I know.”

“Yes, both religions acknowledge prophets sent by their god. However, Islam believes Muhammad was the last prophet. Christianity doesn’t recognize Muhammad… it’s a complex situation.”

“And yet they accepted Marshall? Isn’t that a fundamental shift?”

“Yes, but the merchants say Marshall performed undeniable miracles.”

What could he have done to earn the recognition of his enemies? Intrigued, Genghis Khan listened as the messenger recounted the events in Damascus.

“As a result, Saladin declared Marshall a prophet of Islam, and the Ayyubid-Crusader alliance is confirmed.”

“Remarkable and mysterious. I must hear everyone’s thoughts.”

Bo’orchu quickly summoned the Khan’s inner circle. Once Borokhul, Tiraun, Jelme, Jebe, Subutai, and finally Kublai were present, Genghis Khan shared the fresh report.

“So, the Crusaders and Ayyubids have allied.”

“Who spread the falsehood that they could never unite?”

“Even if they join forces, they’re still the same level of opponents.”

The reactions were mixed, but no one seemed overly concerned. Subutai, however, focused more on the cause of the alliance than the alliance itself.

“I’m particularly concerned about this Marshall. Great Khan, do we have more information on him?”

“Plenty. I was curious and had my men investigate. He’s quite extraordinary.”

Islam had kept a close watch on Edward Marshall, amassing detailed information. His rise in Europe, his marriage into the Byzantine royal family, and his following in Islam were all meticulously recorded.

After skimming the key points, Tiraun frowned.

“Is this even possible? How can one man achieve all this?”

Borokhul nodded in agreement.

“Indeed, it’s so far-fetched it’s hard to believe.”

“You two seem skeptical. What about the rest?”

Even without answers, their expressions spoke volumes. Skepticism and disbelief were evident, and Genghis Khan couldn’t help but smile wryly.

“Honestly, I feel the same. If all this is true, he must be divinely chosen. But I can’t believe it without seeing it myself.”

“Yet, Great Khan, the fact remains that Islam has accepted Marshall. We must consider this.”

Subutai was the only one offering a cautious perspective.

Though Genghis Khan was emotionally inclined towards Tiraun and Borokhul, he couldn’t shake off Subutai’s logical perspective.

“True, it’s hard to dismiss when all the merchants we’ve bribed are saying the same thing. It can’t be a fabricated report.”

“The Muslims would have been even more reluctant to acknowledge this Marshal than we are. For us, it’s just an unbelievable tale, but for them, it means bending their beliefs. Their resistance must have been on a whole different level.”

“And yet, in the end, the Ayyubids swallowed their pride and recognized Marshal… Could it be because of us? Perhaps they felt such a grave threat from us that they cast aside their pride and sought help from the Crusaders.”

“That’s possible. But remember when we attacked Baghdad? We all saw it. Those Muslims, even with a sword at their throats, rarely abandon their religious convictions. Yet they acknowledged Marshal. We must consider that.”

Logically, Subutai’s reasoning was sound.

How Marshal knew, no one could say, but he had predicted they would raze Baghdad to the ground.

He even accurately foretold the method of the Caliph’s execution.

Someone deeply familiar with their culture might have guessed, but how could someone born in Europe, who had never even encountered nomads, know such things?

The more one learned, the more questions piled up about this enigmatic figure.

“If he truly knows the future, he could be an adversary unlike any we’ve faced. We must be cautious.”

“So, what will you do? Should we propose a ceasefire and observe the situation?”

“No, that’s not an option.”

Having crossed into the West and encountered only trivial opponents, Genghis Khan had finally found a worthy adversary. How could he stop now?

Feeling a thrill reminiscent of his past confrontations with his greatest rival, Jamukha, Genghis Khan ended his brief respite.

“Send a messenger to the Crusaders. It’s time to gauge the true nature of this so-called seer who claims to understand the will of the heavens.”