Chapter 21 - Timurids Conquest of Baluchistan
As expected, the Golden Horde has came out on top in their war against the Yuan Dynasty. With their 3 new provinces, the Golden Horde can begin their conquest of China if that is what the Khan wants. The victory also puts the Golden Horde a step closer to restoring the Mongol Empire. Meanwhile, a meeting between the Khan and his nobles began in Sarai.
"Khan, we must break our alliance with the Timurids and attack them. I hate to admit it but Timur is talented in expanding his nation. If we let them continue this expansion, they may backstab us one day and we won't stand a chance."
"I agree! The Timurids are a threat to us. Timur is nothing more than a pretender. I'd say we destroy them to preserve the honor of our people. We won't tolerate someone like Timur mocking our name. To think he believes he's a descendent of Genghis Khan is ridiculous."
"Khan, we must strike now. I heard that the Timurids are preparing another campaign. This is a perfect chance for us to wipe them out without losing too many men."
"Enough! I will not stand this. We joined together as allies to ensure the prosperity of both Khanates. Yet, all you can think of is betraying them? How do you think other nations will think of us? We cannot, and will not, do anything that goes against our honor. We mustn't make the world view us as backstabbers. Anyone else that dare to talk of this again will be executed."
"Khan, we must act now. Otherwise they would betray us."
"I know that they are growing strong. So are we. If they betray us, we will make them an example for all others. Never doubt the capabilities of the Golden Horde. We are the last remaining Mongol Khanate for a reason."
Meanwhile, Timur prepared his men for a new conquest. He knew that attacking Baluchistan would bring in many of his neighbors and he was fine with that. He had to deal with those nations sooner or later. As soon as the war was declared, everything happened as Timur had expected. The Muzzafarids, Injuids and Chobanids all joined in the war. When Timur first begun his campaign, he would fear such a coalition of enemies. Times have changed for this Khan as Timurids is no longer the same medium power nation in the region. As a growing regional power with loyal vassals, Timur knew that they could win this war.
Before the declaration of war, Timur made a daring move of introducing a new policy to his nation. With all the troops busy in the war, there would be very few left to defend against possible revolts. However, Timur has proven himself a strong leader and there wasn't any opposition to his plans now. His expansion showed that Timurids only moves forward under his guidance. The nobles that originally opposed his plans were now loyal subjects. Even with some minor instability, Timurids would still remain united and Timur can continue his conquests.
Timur knew that the Chobanids would be the toughest enemy he had to face in the war. To ensure that the war goes more smoothly, he ordered Jarhad to visit Qara Koyunlu as a diplomat. He hopes to convince the Khan of Qara Koyunlu to attack Chobanids as well. When Jarhad arrived, he was granted an audience with the Khan of Qara Koyunlu.
"It is an honor to meet you, Khan."
"What brings you here? Make it quick or I'll have to skin you alive."
"I'm here to offer a proposal."
"A proposal? How interesting? What could your puny Khanate called the Timurids offer me?"
"It's more of an invitation really. My Khan thinks it would be in the interest of both Khanates if you attack the Chobanids."
"How would that benefit me?"
"The Chobanids army is currently in Persia. If you were to attack, they would be defenseless. If they choose to rush their troops back to defend against you, we all know that the Khan of Qara Koyunlu could easily annihilate them. In return, you get more land. I'm sure that would be very alluring."
"Maybe I should send your head to the Chobanids to claim a nice reward. Or maybe you can persuade me why I shouldn't do that."
"To do so would make your neighbors think that you are a pet to the ruler of Chobanids. Your people would look down upon you. If you do take such an action, how much reward do you think you can get? A few ducats at best. I assure you that land would benefit you a lot more."
"Now I see why Timur sent you. Tell him this."
With the entry of the Qara Koyunlu and their allies, Ak Koyunlu, the Chobanids were forced to rush back to defend their own provinces. Hardly a month passed and the Ak Koyunlu, with internal problems, got a small peace deal with the Chobanids. Meanwhile, Timur conquered all of Baluchistan and requested the annexation of that nation. His troops can now be split up into two groups. One group, under Afshin, will be advancing into Muzaffarids territory while the other group, led by Timur himself, will be reinforcing Persia. As Timur was heading for Persia, Jarhad decided to take a small detour to Iraq. He heard that the Iraqi ruler was young and ambitious. He might just be able to convince the ruler to make a move on the Chobanids as well. The Iraqi ruler was kind enough to give him an audience and, after a short talk, agreed to the idea. Just like that, Chobanids now had to deal with three enemies.
As for the Timurids, the men under Afshin won a decisive win at Sistan that saw the Muzaffarids army completely annihilated. With the loss of their army and no reinforcements in sight, the Muzaffarids' ruler was soon desperate for a peace talk. Afshin immediately sent a messenger to Timur requesting a peace offer. Timur wrote up a peace offer that would see the Muzaffarids left with only a single province and immediately sent a messenger to Afshin to send to the Muzaffarids ruler. With many of their provinces occupied and unable to fight back, the ruler had no choice but to accept the very humiliating peace deal. Muzaffarids, once a power in the Persia region, has been reduced into a tiny nation struggling for its survival. With plenty of loot from sacking cities and the expansion into Muzaffarids, Timur decided to end the war with Chobanids as he had little to gain. The Chobanids army, still intact, managed to fight off the Qara Koyunlu and Iraqi and they had the advantage of being in friendly territory. An attack there would result casualties and the reward just isn't worth it. A white peace was sent and the Chobanids Khan was glad to accept it.