The Blood of Genghis
Excerpt from the Chronicles of Salim Zihni:
The year of 1454 had newly begun, and the Crimea was soundless in awe of Allah’s divine will! The mighty infidel fortresses of Azow and Kaffa had fallen to Allah’s mighty warriors. The Tatars had finally defeated those vile Italian traders who cheat us out of our money! Praise Allah and the Prophet, for they now knew the power of the Khanate! Shortly after their fortresses were taken, an infidel ambassador came to the Khans mighty palace at Salaciq to meet with the Myrza council and pay homage. Besides the usual offerings of a great amount of treasure, Allah be praised, the tribal leaders also desired conquest and land. This was our right as victors. Who are the Genoese to deny a steppe peoples their will? The merciful prophet be praised! The entire horde stood united in their desire for Azow and Kaffa.
But, Allah works in many ways. Indeed, his wisdom and light guides the greatest of men among us. Thus it was that Sahib Bekmambet addressed the council under the large tent. In front of the Genoese dog and the Myrzas, Sahib rose and exclaimed, “Nay! Be it not our right to this land? But, ye may never say the Tatars are not merciful! Thy may keep Kaffa and stay on the steppe. Be it by our will!” Allah be praised! With these words Sahib showed gods mercy and judgment.
And Allah smiled upon the Khanate. In his approval and love of we Tatars, an alliance was signed with the Kazan Khanate and the Golden Horde! Unified with our Sunni brothers, the steppe was at peace and all was right with the world, praise Allah!
January, 1454:
The night air was crisp and cold as Sahib moved between the assembled armies’ tents. Above, in the heavens, all of the constellations were visible. Tugging his winter coat tighter around his body, Sahib began to walk faster. He had been relaxing in his tent when a messenger came to him. Supposedly, a shady character who said he was an Ottoman Turk wanted to talk to him. Sahib wondered why an Ottoman would want to see him at a time like this. Was it congratulations for his recent conquering of Azow? Sahib was truly uneasy about the whole ordeal.
Sahib saw the tent in which the man was waiting and entered. A small brazier was blazing in the middle of the space and made the tent warm. Sitting on a small cushion was a man dressed in all black. Even his turban was black, and a thin strip of cloth hung over most of his face. The man spryly got onto his feet and bowed. Sahib could tell this man was either a spy or an assassin from his mannerisms. “Ahh, it is truly an honor to meet you at last; Sahib Bekmambet,” the man said in an unsteady voice, “I am a servant of the Sublime Porte, and I come to you with vital information.” Sahib walked slowly over to the brazier and warmed his hand. He turned to the man and said with a chill in his voice, “Indeed, how do I know your from the Sublime Porte, and what is your name? You could be a hired assassin for all I know." The man in dark clothing lifted the sleeve on his left arm. And, on his forearm, there was a large, intricate tattoo. Sahib had seen it before. It was the tattoo of the Janissaries special spy branch. “As to my name,” the man said, “Simply call me Gazi.” Sahib nodded and replied, “What information would you like to bless me with then?” Gazi walked around the room for a moment, seeming to gain his composure. He finally turned to Sahib and said, “I come bearing ill tidings. It has come to my attention that the port of Bessarabia has fallen into Lithuanian hands. And, from this port, the Lithuanians are working with Genoese exiles from the lands you just conquered. They intend to launch an attack to retake Kaffa, perhaps even more land, with the help of German mercenaries.” Gazi exhaled slowly after this. From the look in his eyes, he had gone through many trails to gain such information. Sahib chewed over the information a while before responding to Gazi. “I am truly in your debt Gazi. This information will be the first step in cunningly besting the Genoese.” Gazi bowed in reply and said, “I am merely a tool of the Sublime Porte. Give your thanks to them. Now, I must take my leave. My work never stops. Allah be praised…and good luck.” With that, Gazi briskly walked out of the tent, leaving a chill in the room as the tent flap churned in the wind. Sahib knew what he must do now. He would quickly return to Salaciq and make sure that the Khanate came out on top in this war.