Episode 178
The exact date when the Crusader-Islamic alliance and the Mongol Empire officially went to war is a matter of debate, both in their time and in ours.
Was it when the Mongol Empire invaded Baghdad?
Or perhaps when the formal alliance between the Crusaders and Islam was sealed?
Or was it when the first definitive battle erupted between the two forces?
The Mongol army, however, paid little heed to such trivialities.
From the moment Islam decided to join forces with the Crusaders, Genghis Khan saw the Crusaders as a legitimate enemy.
In that sense, one could argue that the war had already begun when the decision to invade Baghdad was made.
Genghis Khan, having resolved to venture westward, was determined to push to the very ends of the earth.
Whether the Crusaders allied with Islam or not, they were always destined to be trampled underfoot.
It would have been easier to defeat Islam and Christianity separately, but even now, he didn’t feel particularly displeased with the situation.
In fact, he might even say it was for the best, though that might sound like mere bravado. He genuinely believed there was nothing to lose.
From what he had gathered, the most powerful Islamic state at the time was the Ayyubid dynasty, while the Crusaders represented the Christian forces.
Overcoming them would be a significant step toward conquering the Western world.
The Jin dynasty had already fallen, and the Southern Song, though formidable, was not an insurmountable obstacle.
While it might not be possible to bring down such a robust nation in his lifetime, that was due to the Southern Song’s superior economic and foundational strength.
The thrill of conquest and the spirit of battle that he had felt while unifying the steppes did not stir within him now.
Yet, if these adversaries could reignite that long-forgotten feeling, he would find satisfaction even in a challenging fight.
He had faced countless battles, but never against someone who could read the future or the hearts of men.
How does one fight against such a being?
What strategies and tactics would be needed to bring such an opponent to their knees?
The mere thought of preparing his soldiers for the upcoming battles filled him with excitement.
Though the actual start of the war seemed likely to be delayed until the following year, his trusted generals, Subutai, Jebe, and Tiraun, all agreed that this was for the best.
They were facing a type of enemy they had never encountered before.
It was essential to be more prepared than ever.
“The local powers in Khwarezm who refused to acknowledge the Great Khan have mostly surrendered. We should be able to rest here without issue for the time being.”
“Most of our warriors are fine, but some have unknowingly accumulated fatigue from the continuous campaigns. Thanks to this period of rest, most will be in peak condition for the upcoming battles.”
“Those who followed the Great Khan from the steppes wouldn’t consider this level of combat a forced march. The younger ones these days lack grit.”
“Grit alone doesn’t win wars, so perhaps we shouldn’t call it that.”
“Ah! But without mental fortitude, even a winnable war can be lost!”
The generals, who met almost daily to discuss strategy, had begun to engage in petty arguments.
Genghis Khan took this as a sign that the rest period had been sufficient and sensed that the time was right.
“After several months, the army should be fully reorganized. The rear is secure, so there should be nothing holding us back. What do you all think?”
“As you say, Great Khan. The Khwarezm forces were surprisingly disorganized. It’s rare for a region we’ve conquered to align with us so quickly.”
“Indeed. Many fought to the death, but Khwarezm had surprisingly few of those.”
In terms of sheer territory, Khwarezm was the largest state the Mongol Empire had conquered.
The vast lands of the Jin and Southern Song were not yet fully subdued.
The extended preparation time for the war against the Crusader-Islamic alliance was also intended to stabilize Khwarezm’s territory.
Curiously, most of the local powers in Khwarezm surrendered as soon as they realized the might of the Mongol Empire.
Not only that, but many even celebrated the end of Khwarezm’s oppressive rule and supported the Mongol forces.
“Khwarezm was notorious for its territorial expansion and harsh governance. It’s no wonder many see us as liberators.”
“This teaches us a valuable lesson. What do the Han people call it?”
“A lesson learned from others’ mistakes, Great Khan. We should refine our systems to ensure what we’ve built doesn’t become a house of cards.”
“Indeed. You understand my thoughts well.”
Genghis Khan nodded thoughtfully, though he wasn’t sure where this “house of cards” was located.
“By the way, what have the Crusaders and Islam been up to while we’ve been preparing? We’ve given them ample time, yet there haven’t been any notable reports.”
“We’ve been sending scouts and gathering information from merchants, but there haven’t been any unusual movements. They’re consolidating forces and forming defensive lines, which is expected.”
“Hmm. I was hoping for some extraordinary maneuvers from someone who knows the future, but it’s a bit anticlimactic.”
“Perhaps they know exactly how we’ll move and see no need for excessive preparations.”
“Ah, that makes sense.”
Genghis Khan quickly accepted Subutai’s novel insight.
“Being fully prepared is necessary because you never know when variables will arise. But if you know exactly when a battle will occur, there’s no need for such waste. It seems I was the one stuck in old ways of thinking.”
“It’s understandable. This is our first time fighting someone who knows the future.”
“As you say, this battle is a new kind of war. If we operate with preconceived notions, we’ll face defeat. Keep that in mind.”
This was not just advice for his subordinates but a reminder to himself.
Genghis Khan felt as if he had returned to his youth, standing on the battlefield for the first time, knowing nothing.
Yet, he felt no anxiety or fear.
He had a far superior army and steadfast subordinates supporting him.
As he crafted strategies to face an opponent who could see the future, Subutai spoke up, as if recalling something.
“Great Khan, I’ve come across a troubling rumor recently.”
“A rumor? Like a ghost story?”
“Yes. I’m not sure when it started, but I heard it yesterday.”
“Most rumors are nonsense. But what is it that caught your attention?”
“It’s not a pleasant one. We discussed it before—the Crusaders have a man known as the Lionheart, a human butcher.”
That had been mentioned in meetings several times, so how could he forget?
Jebe had been eager to face this Lionheart, so Genghis Khan had been keeping an eye on him.
Though he doubted a king would appear on the front lines.
But he couldn’t fathom why that name had resurfaced.
“Is the Lionheart leading an army to attack us? That would be welcome.”
“Close, but not quite. The rumor is that the Lionheart will lead their vanguard and challenge us to a duel. But it’s not just confidence; he has the skills to back it up. Our warriors won’t accept the challenge, as superior horsemanship alone doesn’t win battles.”
”…What a ridiculous rumor. The Lionheart is a king and a key figure in the Crusader alliance. Are they saying he’ll come to the front lines and shout, ‘Who will duel me?’”
Such tales belonged to the era of legendary generals like Guan Yu, a thousand years ago.
“It’s nonsensical. But the rumor is oddly specific. It claims we’ll deliberately avoid the duel and that he’ll challenge us.”
”…So it’s not just a rumor but something spread intentionally?”
“Yes. It’s irrational, but if it happens and we refuse the duel, many might believe the rumor. And it’s already reached many of our soldiers.”
Normally, such absurdities could be ignored.
The rational response would be to dismiss the challenge, as the one demanding a duel is acting irrationally.
But as Subutai pointed out, if everyone has heard the rumor and they refuse the duel, it might appear as if they’re fleeing, even if they’re acting sensibly.
“So, Subutai, you’re suggesting that it’s not the Crusaders or the Muslims spreading these rumors?”
“The Muslims have to make pilgrimages to their holy sites, which means they frequently travel to Mecca and pass through Ayyubid territory. Traders are constantly moving as well. If they wanted to, they could easily spread false rumors.”
“But that’s a huge risk. If we actually accept the challenge and kill their king on the spot, the Crusaders’ morale would plummet.”
The danger of a duel between commanders lies in the fact that while victory brings great rewards, defeat can severely damage the morale of one’s own troops.
If the enemy could be defeated through conventional warfare, there would be no need to take such risks.
“If the tales of the Lionheart’s bravery are true, they might be confident enough to take that gamble. If the duel happens, they believe they can’t lose. If it doesn’t, they can paint us as cowards. It’s a win-win for them.”
“If that’s their plan, they’re not thinking it through.”
The world is vast, and there are always warriors capable of taking on dozens single-handedly.
Even Genghis Khan himself couldn’t imagine Jebe losing to anyone.
“Subutai, if they really go through with this, what do you think I should do?”
“With all due respect, Great Khan, I don’t think you have much choice this time. Even if you order them to avoid the duel, I doubt they’ll listen…”
“True enough.”
Genghis Khan chuckled, recalling the eager faces of his men who polished their weapons daily, itching for a fight with Richard.
If a challenge did come, Jebe would be grinning ear to ear, ready to ride out.
Even if ordered to hold back, he’d likely apologize and charge ahead anyway.
Perhaps this Marshal had foreseen such a future and crafted this strategy accordingly.
If so, the outcome might already be decided, but Genghis Khan was unfazed.
He had unwavering faith in himself and his men to shatter any such trivial future.
If this so-called Lionheart dared to step forward, they’d simply crush him.
Along with the hollow illusion of confidence they clung to.