Episode 182
Before heading into battle, our esteemed leader, Saladin, shared some words of wisdom.
“Let me be clear. Winning the first battle isn’t the most important thing.”
It seemed I wasn’t the only one puzzled by this. Richard, too, looked confused and asked, “So, are you saying it’s okay to lose?”
“Of course not. We must never lose. But winning at all costs isn’t the only thing that matters. Even if the battle ends inconclusively or doesn’t happen at all, it’s fine.”
Isn’t defeating the enemy impossible without winning?
I wondered if he meant achieving a strategic victory without fighting, but against the Mongols, that seemed unlikely.
From what I gathered, the Mongols had already conquered most of Khwarezm and stabilized the region without much resistance.
This meant they wouldn’t face significant supply issues for the time being.
If we suffered a decisive defeat, local morale would plummet, but to deliver such a defeat, we needed to win, which seemed to contradict Saladin’s words.
Fortunately, Saladin understood our confusion and didn’t beat around the bush.
“When I said not to obsess over victory, I meant it only for the first battle. Perhaps I misspoke. There’s something far more important than victory.”
“More important than victory?”
“It’s essential for ensuring a strategic victory, not just a tactical one. It’s an extension of what our Apostle Marshal did by spreading fear among the enemy.”
“Are you saying we need to intimidate them?”
In terms of psychological warfare, the morale of both our troops and the enemy is crucial.
It’s not just an abstract concept; even equally trained and equipped armies can perform beyond their capabilities or fall short, depending on their morale.
That’s how vital morale is in real warfare.
“The war we’re about to face is different from any before. Thanks to our Apostle, the coalition knows the enemy’s plans inside out, but they know little about us. They even suspect, thanks to Marshal’s machinations, that we can receive divine revelations at will. We must exploit this.”
“I understand, but how exactly do we do that?”
“I’ve thought about what I would do if I were in their shoes. Normally, such speculation is meaningless without fully understanding the enemy commander’s mindset and capabilities, but this time is different. Marshal has provided us with detailed and accurate information.”
The key figures to watch out for in the enemy ranks are undoubtedly Genghis Khan and his generals.
Detailed reports on them have been prepared and shared with both the Islamic and Crusader forces.
Saladin and Richard had many questions, and I remember answering each one.
“In short, the Mongol army cannot conduct a normal war as long as Marshal’s abilities remain a mystery. The more skilled the commander, the more they’ll think this way. If you were a Mongol commander, wouldn’t you think the same, Your Majesty Richard?”
Fighting an army that supposedly has someone who can foresee the future at will.
Richard closed his eyes, contemplating this scenario, and soon nodded in agreement.
“With such doubts, it’s impossible to devise a proper strategy. I’d want to confirm whether the rumors are true.”
“Exactly. If they were mere barbarians, they might charge in without a second thought. But according to Marshal, their leaders are bold yet shrewd and strategic.”
“They may seem reckless and brutish, but they’re not impulsive.”
“Indeed, impulsive leaders couldn’t have built such a vast empire.”
Considering their tactical and strategic acumen is on par with or surpasses ours, I can somewhat predict their thinking.
Especially since I know how Subutai and Genghis Khan conducted battles and devised strategies in history.
“In any case, the Mongols will inevitably try to test Marshal’s abilities in the first battle. For them, the victory isn’t crucial. Even if they lose, discovering that Marshal can’t predict the future at will would be a relief.”
“That makes sense.”
“If I were the Mongol king, I’d be willing to sacrifice even ten thousand troops to resolve this doubt. It’s worth it.”
“But haven’t I already set the stage for a one-on-one duel with their vanguard? What can they do now?”
“There are several possibilities. But what’s crucial is our response. Whatever they do, we must act as if we anticipated it. Here’s how we’ll do it…”
Remarkably, Saladin’s predictions were spot on.
Well, not exactly. He laid out five possible scenarios, so saying his prediction was spot on isn’t entirely accurate.
Nevertheless, since the Mongols acted according to one of the anticipated scenarios, we were a step ahead.
“The French vanguard, move to the left flank. The English troops, join His Majesty Richard immediately. The Holy Roman forces, circle to the right. Islamic cavalry, provide support as discussed!”
Leading the charge, I saw Richard and Jebe, both caught off guard in the midst of battle.
Richard, having been briefed, seemed resigned to the inevitable, while Jebe looked genuinely bewildered, shouting orders in confusion.
Perhaps he hadn’t been informed. Richard, too, had initially been furious upon hearing Saladin’s plan.
Despite our promise not to intervene unless provoked, he was displeased, perhaps feeling it undermined his strength.
Thanks to our preparations, we arrived slightly ahead of the Mongols, allowing us to attack Jebe if we wished, but we refrained.
Instead, I had our interpreter deliver a prepared message.
“As expected, but seeing it firsthand is disheartening. Interfering in a noble duel. Is this the Mongol way?”
“What? How dare you…!”
“What do you mean? I’m just observing your actions. Still, your skill is impressive. You’re the first to last this long against our king. It’s a shame your leaders didn’t trust your abilities enough to let the duel conclude.”
”…”
Leaving the stunned Jebe behind, Richard and I returned to our lines as the Mongol cavalry belatedly reached Jebe.
“Why did you move the troops while I was fighting? Are you trying to disgrace me?”
“S-sorry, General. The Great Khan ordered us to follow your example and defeat the enemy…”
“Follow my example! Do you not realize you’re tarnishing my reputation?”
“W-well, the Great Khan instructed us…”
“Damn it. I can’t communicate with you. I’ll take this up with the Great Khan myself.”
Though I didn’t understand Mongolian, the tone made the meaning clear.
The Mongol forces, ready to attack, hesitated, allowing us to retreat with Richard.
We could have engaged, but having achieved our goal, there was no need to fight.
Unless they attacked, now was the perfect time to withdraw.
Avoiding battle would better serve our initial plan.
Still, as we left, I couldn’t resist a parting shot.
“There’s no honor in fighting those who disgrace warriors. Come back when you’re worthy of battle! You’re not even worth our swords!”
Despite my clumsy Mongolian, the Mongol forces, already in a precarious situation, didn’t pursue.
I wished I could eavesdrop on their camp discussions, but alas, this era lacks such technology.
Still, I can imagine the conversations, and that’s enough.
“My lord! What just happened?”
“Calm down. Your outburst ruined the ambush.”
“So my duel was just bait for an ambush?”
“No, calm down first.”
“Then what? You didn’t trust me? Victory is paramount, but…”
“I’m sorry. I sincerely apologize.”
With Genghis Khan bowing his head in front of his men, the furious Jebe couldn’t say more.
Though angry, he couldn’t express it further, just blinking as Genghis Khan continued.
“To be precise, the goal wasn’t just to launch a surprise attack. Ideally, you’d crush that so-called Lionheart King right from the start, but if that didn’t work out, we needed a backup plan.”
“So why did you interrupt the duel?”
“Even they wouldn’t expect us to disrupt a sacred duel. I wanted to gauge their reaction. If they panicked, we could exploit the opening and inflict some damage.”
In truth, he had intervened earlier than planned because Jebe seemed to be in a precarious situation, but he would never admit that. Only Genghis Khan and Subutai knew the real reason.
“If anyone other than the Great Khan had given that order, I would have risked everything today. You understand how angry I am, right?”
“Of course. But look on the bright side; we’ve confirmed something important. To make it up to you, I’ll open the finest wine we seized from the Western Xia royal family.”
“Ahem. Fine. Tell me what you’ve confirmed when we drink.”
“Sure. Now, let’s shake off the bad mood and get back on our horses.”
As they withdrew the troops, leaving behind the frustration of an incomplete victory, Genghis Khan listened to the words Jebe had relayed through the interpreter.
“So, they responded almost too quickly, as if they knew? If that Marshal’s abilities are real… It’s good to have confirmation, but this is maddening. Is that guy even human?”
Even with exceptional skills, it was puzzling why they’d send a king into a duel. But considering the situation, it made sense. If they foresaw the duel ending inconclusively, it wouldn’t be strange to send Richard in without worry.
Jebe wasn’t injured, so they hadn’t suffered any losses, and they learned about the enemy’s capabilities. In that sense, they achieved their objectives.
Yet, as Genghis Khan rode back to the main camp, his heart grew heavier instead of lighter.