Volume 6 – Chapter 2 – Cold thoughts…

|Morning of March 2nd – 1249 – Karakorum – Batu|

I can't believe it happened.

Even if not definitively, I am the new Grand Khan of Mongolia!

This is what I have always dreamed of, always what I have desired.

I have scorched the earth of the whole world just to obtain these titles, this power... Yet, all my enthusiasm fades away and gives way to tension every time I think that I am missing that little step more before finishing the staircase.

The Kuriltai is over, the elders have left, and everyone has left.

The only one left sitting in the stands was Victoria, who looked at me as if I were a stranger.

How can I blame her? I am still on this stage, standing and reflecting even though everyone else has left.

I stepped down from the stage and approached her.

She stood up and did the same.

She asked in her usual condescending tone:<<So? You were up there, spoke for only a few minutes, blew some horns what? Can you finally tell me what is happening?>>

I hugged her, and held her tight, holding back the tears of joy within me.

I whispered:<<I am one step away from achieving the dream of my life. One being new Khan Mongolia.>>

Once she heard the news, she remained silent and reciprocated my embrace.

<<This, Batu, is very important news. Why didn't you tell me earlier? Soon could be the King... no, father of all Mongols. An example to follow, this what have given your life for, enormous goal. share it with me?>>

<<Because I wasn't sure of receiving this honour. Besides, everything happened very quickly. Usually, the Kuriltai is much longer and more elaborate. Perhaps, despite my actions, am still not welcome here. That said, let's go to our tent; want you all myself.>>

<<Alright, I can say you deserve a bit of me.>>

Later, once inside the tent, we consummated the longest sexual encounter of my life. We spent from morning until evening doing nothing but making love.

As rough and violent as I was in those moments, Victoria endured and became even more excited in turn.

This fuck will be unforgettable.

If I had a child in nine months, I wouldn't be surprised. It would be just another milestone I would achieve before definitively becoming Khan. I can say with certainty that today is my life's best day.

|Morning of March 3th – 1249 – Karakorum – Batu| 

Today, I feel great, like never before in my life.

I am excited, and looking forward to heading towards Jerusalem.

However, an army doesn't march on its own.

I have to convince the people to follow their new khan.

I summoned all the messengers to my tent and sent them to every corner of the kingdom, indicating the path I would take so that everyone would join my army during the march.

Then I gathered all the warriors of Karakorum in the place where the kuriltai took place so that I could give an encouraging speech to all of them.

I was once again behind the stands when, this time, I had my sweet Victoria to encourage me.

She said:<<You can do it, like the kuriltai yesterday, this is just another small trial to overcome be Grand Khan. Besides, you used inspire troops of Golden Horde with your speeches. Just give one those.>>

I hugged and kissed her before stepping onto the stage.

Then I moved forward and ascended.

I saw in front of me an endless number of people, all gathered because of me, waiting for something.

The moment had come: <<Brothers! I am Batu Khan, the commander of famous and unique Golden Horde! Since yesterday, as you already know, have become provisional Grand Khan! To khan Khans, council has assigned me a mission: TO DESTROY AND CONQUER JERUSALEM! A city located in deepest Middle East, very distant far away! Distant away, like borders our Empire! The Empire Genghis! vastest empire on face earth! been to ends world! My Horde found ourselves remotest corners earth fulfil will Brothers! Today, I, here ask for your help, arms, weapons, horses! help bring down this last that place where not even blue sky spends, but that, after passage, enemies see! my predecessors did, go forgotten by all make corner Mongol territory! BROTHERS, FOR GLORY, FAITH, THE WILL OF GREAT BLUE SKY!!>>"

I shouted all this as loudly as I could to make myself heard by everyone.

After two seconds of silence, the crowd responded to my call.

It seemed pleased. It seemed euphoric.

Everyone was shouting something, some even howling like wolves.

After a few minutes of chaos, everyone synchronized into a classic Mongolian cheer.

I shouted again:<<Follow me then! Follow to the ends of world!>>

At that point, the crowd went wild on its own. With a smile, I felt inside me that I had done something important.

Then someone took my hand; it was Victoria who, hearing the commotion, had climbed onto the stage, standing with me in this grand moment.

|Evening of June 10 – 1249 – Tengri Mountains – Present-day Kazakhstan – Batu|

Two weeks after my speech, preparations for departure were complete.

All the warriors of Karakorum, thousands of people, began the long journey with me to reach Jerusalem.

At this moment, we are about three months into the journey, and we have arrived at the Tengri Mountains, sacred mountains in our culture.

At these altitudes, there is snow, so even though it's June, here we are, observing its total beauty and magnificence.

I was looking at the mountains when Victoria approached, dressed warmly.

She said:<<Jerusalem then...>>

<<Love, I realized something now that I'm one step away from being the Grand Khan. know nothing about world out there. Please tell me what you Jerusalem.>>

She stayed silent for a few seconds, then began speaking again:<<Jerusalem, the city where life of Son God, Jesus, unfolds. Prophesied by stars and born in Bethlehem, Jesus brought his faith to Jerusalem, then part Roman Empire. The imperial procurator Judea, Pontius Pilate, feared that this new could threaten power. So, after a sham trial, he crucified had him pierced with lances. Later, they wrapped linen cloth placed cave. A few days later, most faithful followers parents went check, but was no longer there. He risen. This is tell you Jerusalem not just any city. It considered sacred for both Christians Muslims who have been contending years dominion over Imagine place, like these fantastic mountains are your people.>>"

<<If I'm not mistaken, Jerusalem is also an important city for you Orthodox, how does it make feel that soon could be under Mongol rule? Does anything?>>

<<Of course, it doesn't make me feel comfortable, but I also know that this is something you must do to realize your dream. In any case, have no decision-making power, so will simply follow wherever go. But I'll be honest; a bad feeling.>>

I held her close:<<Me too, but now it's too late to turn back.>>