Hot air balloon

Flying is a feat that humans dreamed of for centuries. In ancient times, people had multiple attempts to conquer the sky but couldn't accomplish it. On the 19th of September, 1789 the first hot air balloon was deployed from the land to the air. It sparked thousands people's hope by proving that flight is not impossible.

However, this time Dorj unrolled the parchment where a design of a hot air balloon is shown to everyone in the ger. It is four hundred years prior for humankind to successfully fly in the air.

The small settlement leaders have puzzled expressions on their faces. They whispered to each other making guesses about what is drawn on the parchment. It is a round and pear alike drawing on parchment, which has similarities to the previous drawing. Perhaps it is a modified version of the pear furnace? thought some of the small settlement leaders.

"Do you know what is on this parchment?" asked the confused Buryat small settlement leader Bator from Khongirat small settlement leader Galdan.

"No, this is the first time seeing this drawing. It looks like the previous pear furnace, but it has different shape" replied Galdan to Bator.

Dorj smiled inwardly as he exclaimed. "This is a design of a hot air balloon that can make humankind fly!"

The people don't believe their ears, as they questioned Dorj.

'What? Did he just say this is a design that can make humans fly?' thought the small settlement leaders not believing what they have heard.

Jegei and Zorigt are looking proudly toward the small settlement leaders. They have high confidence in the invention which Dorj is showing. Jegei was gazing towards Dorj who has invented the pear furnace which produces steel.

'Did lord just say this hot air balloon can make humans fly?' thought Jegei with amazement as he gazed to his lord.

His heart pumped blood rapidly through his veins as he believes that Dorj truly can invent something that can make humankind make fly. His adrenaline rushed through his body making him feel excited.

On the other side, Zorigt's eyes widened as he contemplated the power of flying humans in the air against the enemies. 'If they release arrows from the sky, wouldn't they be invincible? The archers from the ground can not shoot people in the air easily!'

The Buryat small settlement leader Bator bowed to Dorj and inquired whether they have heard correctly. "I apologize, but Messenger of Sky, did you say that this thing can make humans fly?". Bator has a serious look as he awaited the response.

All eyes of the small settlement leaders are locked on Dorj. Some gulped down their saliva, and some bit their lips.

Dorj coughed to correct his tone. He raised his voice to make everyone in the ger hear clearly this time. He explained the application of the hot air balloon that everyone can hear. "Yes, you heard it correctly. On my hand, there is a design of a hot air balloon that can make four to five people fly in the air. If we can make the pear furnace again, I will be able to make the hot air balloon. But to make this, I need your cooperation!"

Upon hearing Dorj's confirmation, the small settlement leaders are shocked to their core. Flying is a feat that only gods can do. But Dorj has shown them a thing called a hot air balloon which can make humans fly in the air. If they have the hot air balloon, perhaps they can transcend to the Tenger!

It was Khongirat tribe leader Galdan who stood up and kneeled in front of Dorj. Seconded by Buryat small settlement leader Bator and the rest, they stood up from their seats and kneeled in front of Dorj. It is the act of submission from the small settlement leaders that they are giving their loyalty to Dorj.

Galdan opened his mouth and said "Please guide us! Messenger of Tenger!"

The other small settlement leaders seconded "We pledge our loyalty!" said the small settlement leaders.

Dorj raised from his seat and raised his hand.

"Please stand up. I would say, it would take some time till we can make the hot air balloon. First, we need to find coal and iron deposit and mine ores first to make the pear furnace. Therefore, for Jegei to be experienced in mining, I want you to appoint to explore for coal and iron deposits nearby."

"Yes, understood." bowed Jegei.

The other small settlement leaders bowed and returned to their seats.

"The reason why I summoned you is because I have another matter in my mind. I want to teach the children between age of eight and sixteen. Three hours per day is appropriate I assume." asked Dorj.

The small settlement leaders become puzzled.

'Teaching? But teaching is only for the nobles only. Why would the messenger of Tenger want to teach the children?" contemplated small settlement leaders.

Galdan stood up and bowed. "My lord, if all the children starts to study, who would battle in the future? Don't you think so?"

However, upon hearing Galdan, Dorj furrowed his brows and replied. "Children who studies will be the pillar of our country in the future. Of course if they reach the age of sixteen and want to pursue to become warrior, I have no objections. But, if the children simply herd the livestock for their entire childhood, we would never know what they are capable of besides fighting. So please understand my point." said Dorj.

The various small settlement leaders discussed with each other and agreed to the point of Dorj.

Who doesn't want their children to become literate and knowledgeable? If the teacher is the messenger of the Tenger, then perhaps their children would truly become great in the future.

Meanwhile, in the Khereit tribe.

Since Altan and Khuchar took their people and separeted from the Khereit tribe, it has become notably smaller than before.

Jamukha has took his Jadran clan people to join the Naimans as well.

Because their poulation and military force has weakened, there are unrest among the Khereit tribe people.

In the biggest ger at the middle of the settlement. Wan Khan and his son Sengum is in a heated argument.

"Father! It is you who is not capable of leading people. Give me your throne!" shouted Sengum towards his father.

"Sengum! How dare you shout to your khan? By the name of Jesus Christ, apologize now." Replied the Wan Khan back to his son.

"If only you defeated Temuujin back at the Muu Undur, we would have merged all the Mongolian tribes and you would have become the only one Khan under the sun. But due to your incapability, we defeated. Therefore, you must be held responsible and you must step down from the throne!" said Sengum.

At the climax of the argument, a soldier interrupted and rushed in to the ger.

"My lord good news! Two hundred khereit tribe prisoners escaped from Temuujin and came back." reported a khereit tribe soldier.

"What? Are you saying the truth? Oh Jesus Christ has shown his benelovence to us! Hurry up. Let's meet the escapees!" said Wan Khan as he rushed out of his ger.

Around two hundred escapees came back to the khereit tribe. They had horses and warm cloths on them. However, it is apparent that most of them looks exhausted due to travelling many miles during the cold winter.

Wan Khan and his brother Jakhahambu welcomed the escapees. Many other khereit tribesmen are gathered to see who has come back. Many of their relatives and friends are among the prisoners which Temuujin has captured.

Some found their son, while some found their husband and brothers coming back.

Unfortunately for some households, the person they have awaited for the past few months did not arrive.

"What a wonderful day! You successfully escaped and come back to your home. Quick prepare a feast, the escapees must be tired " claimed Wan Khan and praised the escapees.

A young escapee stood up and reported

"My lord, it was a messenger of the heaven who saved us! An angel has descended and saved us!" Claimed the young escapee.

The escapees nodded in unision as they would have died if Dorj was not there at that time. Also they cant say that Dorj is the messenger of Tenger, or else it would be a blasphemy against Wan Khan's belief.

"Yes. An angel has descended.!"

"Angel Dorj saved us!"

"Yes!" Many other escapees shouted in unision.

Wan Khan and other khereit tribesmen become shocked. An angel? Descended to save the escapees?

"Hahaha! You must be joking. If an angel really saved you guys, where is he now?" asked Wan Khan with loud laughter.

The young escapee kneeled and said.

"My lord, the angel took 200 of our escapees and is headed to the north which siberia is located. The name of the angel is Dorj."

Some khereit tribesmen whose son and husbands are not still missing have now final hope again. Siberia? Why would they follow the angel to go to Siberia?