Episode 174
In ancient and medieval times, people across the world, regardless of East or West, largely believed in supernatural forces.
The world was filled with wondrous mysteries, and science had not yet matured enough to explain them.
Even the so-called civilized nations that dabbled in science were no exception, so it was no surprise that the nomads of the steppes clung to their superstitions even more fiercely.
No matter how rational and cold-headed one might claim to be, a nomad is still a nomad at heart.
Take, for instance, the Mongolian method of execution, which other nations found appalling. It ultimately stemmed from their deeply held superstitions.
The term “superstition” might be misleading, as religious customs were so intertwined with life at the time that they were as inseparable as air.
So, when you touch upon those beliefs, you can expect an undeniable reaction.
Even the proud and stubborn imams of Islam were silenced, so how could the Mongolian nomads possibly escape my grasp?
The thrill of it is simply exhilarating.
“The Great Khan of Mongolia has no desire to fight the Crusaders, and neither do we. Wouldn’t it be best if Mongolia simply retraced its steps and returned the way it came? That way, there’d be no need for conflict.”
“Islam has already chosen to ignore the Great Khan’s warnings and has taken a hostile stance against us. Why should we stop fighting? The warriors of the steppes do not shy away from battles that come their way.”
Listening to this, one might think Islam had somehow provoked the Mongols first.
It was the Mongols who attacked the Western Xia, the Khwarazm, and burned Baghdad for not surrendering.
Yet they claim they won’t back down because Islam started the fight. Imagine how incredulous the Muslims would find this.
“As far as I know, Islam has never encroached eastward, not even a single step.”
“Conflict isn’t always about physical aggression.”
”…I suppose that’s one way to look at it. In that case, it seems our views are destined to remain at odds. Please inform the Great Khan that if he attacks Islam, he will inevitably have to face the Crusaders as well.”
”…”
When I first arrived, I might have boldly countered such words, but now, even I could see how dark Tiraun’s expression had become.
He clearly didn’t want to fight, and I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if I kept pushing him.
“Whatever future unfolds, it will be the one the Great Khan chooses, so I hope you won’t hold too much against me. I’ve explained everything as best as I can.”
”…Are you saying you know what the future holds?”
“I have a rough idea. But since you won’t believe me anyway, it’s a pointless discussion.”
“Of course… it’s hard to believe. If one could truly know the future, they could win any war and shape the world as they wish…”
Tiraun paused, as if realizing something.
Right. He must have done some research on me and now has a sense of it.
I’ve only fought one war, but I completely crushed Khwarazm, and I’ve achieved everything I’ve set my sights on.
I’ve even managed to unite rival religions into an alliance. What more explanation is needed?
He practically praised me without me having to boast.
“Your compliments are a bit embarrassing, to be honest.”
“No, that’s not…”
“Since you’ve come all this way, let me offer you one more gift. There’s no need to worry about others. The Great Khan trusts you more than anyone. Of course, Subutai, Jebe, and Boorchu are exceptionally skilled, but so are you. The Great Khan of the steppes cherishes his most capable followers.”
The interpreter hesitated, unsure if they had heard correctly, but Tiraun couldn’t hide his agitation and began to tremble.
“What… what are you talking about?”
“Well, I’m not sure either, but that’s the message I was asked to convey.”
It wasn’t a significant flaw, but Tiraun’s status made it suitable for exploitation.
With someone like Subutai around, it’s no wonder Tiraun felt a sense of inferiority.
As one of Genghis Khan’s most devoted followers, it’s natural to covet the position of the most favored subordinate.
Tiraun likely had a strong attachment to this, which is why I could see it as a weakness.
If it was noticeable enough to be a weakness, Tiraun was probably very conscious of it.
Being called out unexpectedly must have shattered his composure.
“I really don’t know what you’re talking about. Who asked you to say that?”
“Who else could it be? You know the answer well, Tiraun. It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand. I’m just relaying the facts.”
Having laid the groundwork, I could now afford to be nonchalant, knowing that Tiraun would be overwhelmed.
Indeed, Tiraun was denying it verbally, but his face had turned pale, and his hands were trembling.
I offered him water to calm down, but he spilled nearly half of it before it reached his lips.
“Are you alright? Your hands are shaking quite a bit.”
“I’m fine. I just have a bit of a tremor… hahaha.”
“Is that so? Well, I still have much to say. Would you like to hear it all before you go?”
“No, I think we’ve both made our positions clear. There’s no need to waste more time. I’ll be on my way.”
Had he stayed a bit longer, I might have completely shattered his mental state. Perhaps he sensed that himself.
Tiraun staggered to his feet and left the tent without looking back, even before I could say anything.
His instincts were still sharp, it seemed.
But with fear now planted in his heart, I considered the mission a success.
Once he returned to the Mongols and recounted today’s events, I could be confident that the psychological advantage was ours.
The only regret was not being able to witness their reaction firsthand.
But I could imagine how it would play out.
As Marshal predicted, Tiraun returned to the Mongol camp, where Genghis Khan and his generals awaited, looking half out of his mind.
“So, what did the Crusaders say… wait, why do you look like that? Did they do something to you?”
Seeing his trusted aide looking so haggard after just a few days, Genghis Khan scrutinized Tiraun’s face and questioned the accompanying soldiers.
“How could you let our envoy return in such a state?”
“Great Khan! We have no idea. He was fine before meeting the Crusaders’ prophet, but after that, he hasn’t spoken and has looked increasingly troubled…”
“Are you saying this Marshal used some strange magic to unsettle Tiraun? Speak, Tiraun. What did he do to you?”
For a seasoned warrior who had survived countless battles to be so shaken, there had to be a reason.
Though not entirely lost, Tiraun snapped back to reality at the sound of his revered leader’s voice.
“Great Khan! I am ashamed. I failed to fully uncover the Crusaders’ intentions as you commanded.”
“That’s alright. More importantly, tell me what you saw and heard that disturbed you so.”
“Well…”
How could he admit in front of everyone that the sight of the enemy’s prophet had completely broken his spirit?
If he spoke of it, many might call him a coward.
Even the Great Khan might express disappointment.
But saying nothing would mean facing the Crusaders without understanding Marshal’s abilities.
That would only lead to a devastating defeat, a thought that wouldn’t leave his mind.
‘This isn’t about fear. Not speaking up would be a disservice to the Great Khan. It’s my duty to ensure everyone knows the truth and can prepare accordingly.’
After replaying his conversation with Marshal countless times, Tiraun was convinced of the man’s abilities.
He needed to convey this to everyone.
“Great Khan, I have urgent news. Before I explain what happened, let me start from when I arrived at the Crusaders’ camp. I went without any prior notice to gauge their reaction.
To my surprise, they seemed to know I was coming, and their prophet greeted me immediately. At first, I didn’t understand, but now I’m certain. Marshal knew I would be there.”
“If they had scouts, they could have known we sent an envoy. It shows they’re serious about gathering intelligence.”
“No, no, that’s not it. They knew it was me, Suldus Tiraun, who would be visiting.”
“What on earth… So you’re telling me that this guy actually used some so-called prophetic ability to foresee the future?”
Jebe and Borokh, standing nearby, let out incredulous chuckles.
Normally, such a reaction would have made him furious, but surprisingly, he felt no anger at all. Instead, he was overwhelmed by the urgency to convey the astonishing truth he had experienced.
“I know it sounds like nonsense, but you must believe me. Please, listen to everything I have to say and judge it calmly. I swear by the heavens, there is no exaggeration or falsehood in my words.”
“Alright, let’s hear it.”
No one knew better than Genghis Khan and his companions that Tiraun wasn’t one to spout nonsense. If he was this shaken, there had to be a reason. If it was a trick, they needed to understand how it was done.
Genghis Khan ordered everyone to remain silent and listened intently to Tiraun’s account. Tiraun recounted his encounter with Marshal in painstaking detail, leaving nothing out.
As the story unfolded, the faces of Genghis Khan and his closest advisors grew increasingly grim.
“And that’s what happened. I was so overwhelmed with fear that I fled without hearing more of what he had to say.”
“So, to sum it up, this Marshal knew things he couldn’t possibly know? Not just about our battle with the Jin, but even your past?”
“Yes. He knew how I met the Great Khan and why he trusts me.”
“How is that possible? It defies logic.”
“That’s not all. He even saw through my innermost thoughts, things I’ve never shared with anyone. It wasn’t something he deduced through conversation. It was as if he received a revelation and just blurted it out.”
If anyone else had told such a tale, it would have been dismissed as delusional rambling. But if it weren’t this extraordinary, Tiraun wouldn’t be so shaken.
“Are you saying Marshal’s powers are real?”
“Yes. As difficult as it is to admit, there’s no doubt about his abilities.”
“Listening to you, it seems I have no choice but to believe…”
“It’s not about having no choice. You must believe!”
Tiraun’s voice rose with urgency as he addressed his still-skeptical lord and comrades. The absurdity of the situation, where he seemed to have become an unwitting follower of Marshal, was almost too much to bear.