Chilaun : Part 2
Chilaun had studied his history well during his youth. He therefore knew the grisly fate that usually awaited any Khan deemed incompetent. In most minds surely losing over half an empire would be grounds to be labelled incompetent. As a precaution against attacks he took to wearing an iron collar about his neck to make any surprise beheading somewhat more difficult. It proved to be an unnecessary measure. For some reason Chilaun was spared being made the scapegoat of the losses. Historians have puzzled over this inconsistent lack of bloodlust within the Horde for generations but most put it down to simple apathy. The people no longer really cared. So much had been lost, a bit more just didn't matter.
This apathy and the accompanying sense of inevitable decline would become some of Chilaun's greatest obstacles as he sort to rally the army for an assault upon the forces threatening the Horde.
His favoured first target was Tataristan, ruled over by the traitorous Berke it showed the greatest degree of organisation amongst the new nations and therefore presented the biggest threat if left to grow.
However only one army responded to Chilaun's orders and began an invasion. The others refused to leave their positions believing the Ottoman invasion a greater threat. Chilaun, knowing his authority had little backing was in no position to force the generals into a campaign against their will.
Only one army, the Holy Golden Hooves of Freedom, makes it's way into hostile territory
The other armies prefer to guard against the Ottoman led invasion of the south
In a stroke of luck war broke out between Tataristan and the Blue Horde a short way into 1730. This provided a valuable distraction to Tataristan troops which enabled Chilaun to convince one more army to head into the rebellious lands.
Soon as many troops in Tataristan were from the Blue Horde as Tataristan itself. It was to make the whole thing a confusing mess and many battles were fought against both opposing sides. The superior experience and leadership of the Golden Horde armies meant most were victories. However the costs in men were high. Many began to fear that the Horde would not be able to sustain such losses. Especially in the face of the determined Ottoman invasion.
The Ottoman invasion took control of Georgia and Daghestan in February 1731 while the only solid progress by Horde armies was the capture of Irgiz in Tataristan. The situation was dire and Chilaun could only hope that the pressure would propel the majority of the Horde's army into action.
The invasion of the south meets with success