The next day the Sultan completed his preparations and, with our forces united, we marched northeast (the direction from which it was plausible to expect the Mongol army).
We walked for days without finding any source of water, stopping only when necessary.
In the morning we suffered from the stifling heat, and in the evening we froze (considering it's October, a time of year when wars rarely happen).
The situation was becoming unbearable; walking on foot in the desert for all these days would have exhausted anyone.
Until...
|Morning of October 25 – 1249 – Unknown location in the Middle Eastern desert – Attila|
<
<
<
I didn't answer that question; she should understand soon.
In the distance, I saw some people on horseback coming toward us. My mind was so wrecked from this journey that at first, they seemed like enemies. I thought it was over.
For a minute, I felt a sense of discomfort and resignation, almost ready to alert the troops.
Then I realized, fortunately, that they weren't Mongols but my scouts whom I had sent ahead.
When they approached, they said, <
<
<
FINALLY, I couldn't believe it! Once we knew the news, everyone made the final effort. The sight of the river from the hill brought joy to all of us, exhausted from the journey.
|Afternoon of October 25 – 1249 – Camp on the banks of the Tigris River – Attila|
Once they saw the water, everyone started running into it, some to drink, some to finally take a bath. After many were done, I ordered them to start building a large base camp.
The Sultan approached me after resting a bit and said, <
<
<
<
<
<
It's known that information is among the most useful things ever, especially in war.
Knowing what the other is doing allows you to respond effectively and immediately.
At this moment, our army is camped on the banks of the Tigris, but even if the Mongols had taken this route, it doesn't mean we would find them in front of us.
They could cross the river from above or below us.
To remedy this lack of information, I have distributed my troops along a large portion of the river to be alerted if the Mongols are above or below us.
Moreover, on the other side, other scouts are exploring in depth to know if the Mongols are indeed coming more or less towards us.
|Morning of October 26 – 1249 – Camp on the banks of the Tigris River – Attila|
This morning I was awakened by worrying news.
Our scouts had a small skirmish with the Mongol vanguard.
Fortunately, they won and retreated.
This is a sign that the Mongols also used at least a minimal scouting system.
So it is certain that the entire army is on the other side of the river and approaching it.
Now I can recall many scouts from the other bank of the Tigris and deploy them elsewhere.
|Morning of October 28 – 1249 – Camp on the banks of the Tigris River – Attila|
Today, a servant of the Sultan woke me up.
He begged me to wake up and come out as soon as possible.
After getting dressed and mentally prepared, I left the tent.
I finally saw the Mongol army.
It was huge and imposing.
A horde of people ready to skin us without any mercy.
I reached the Sultan, keeping my eyes fixed on the enemy army.
<
<
<
<
<
|Morning of October 28 – 1249 – Camp on the banks of the Tigris River – Batu|
DAMN IT!
My fear has come true; they have already taken positions on the other side of the river.
I thought they would stay in their castles and cities like all the other idiots, thinking they were safe.
Instead, they came out to meet us and took an annoying position.
This makes it impossible to send my troops to assault them. Even if I wanted to, they were too tired to fight.
So I'll just enjoy some water after all this time in the desert.
|Morning of October 28 – 1249 – Camp on the banks of the Tigris River – Attila|
What seems to be their leader made a gesture and allowed the troops to approach the river to refresh themselves.
Normally, I would have poisoned the river, but without large quantities of poison, it's impossible, considering it would also be bad for us.
Or I could have told my archers to shoot since they are all in position.
But even though I am ready to use any vile tactic, this time I will leave them in peace.
We are significantly outnumbered, and even if we killed a few Mongols, it would only worsen relations.
I still want to keep the diplomatic route open; I want to fight only if necessary.
Shortly after, a Mongol man tried to cross the river; he was an emissary.
Our soldiers escorted him to us.
<
<
<
<
The emissary looked at me in silence.
<
<>
<
<
The Sultan and I looked at that little island.
It is really small and has no strategic or tactical value, but it can be used as neutral ground.
<
We looked at each other, and I said, <
<
Now he also wants to take some time to reorganize himself.
<
Despite being a jibe, perhaps the emissary thought it was a genuine wish.
He thanked us and returned to the other side of the river.
The moment to meet this so-called new Khan is approaching.
|Morning of October 30 – 1249 – Camp on the banks of the Tigris River – Attila|
The sun beat down hard on our heads.
But it was nothing compared to the tension in the air since both armies had been staring at each other.
The Sultan and I had been on that little island for an hour while the Khan, in front of our eyes, went about his business.
And it was a ridiculous situation because while we seemed like idiots sitting on a damn little island, he acted as if he didn't even remember that he himself had asked for the meeting.
<
<
<
The Sultan and I got up and were about to go.
The Khan, noticing we were leaving, shouted, <
<
<
The Sultan and I sat back down on our chairs.
After the Khan prepared himself, he joined us on the little island.
He took his damn chair and sat across from us.
He said, <
<
The Sultan looked at me with an angry face.
<
<
He deserves death, I am sure I will kill him.
But currently, I am not in the situation to do so, so I will hold back.
I sat down and let it go with a displeased face.
The Sultan ignored the question and decided to get straight to the point: <
<
The Sultan and I remained silent; we were not so surprised, but we didn't think he would be so blunt in asking us like that.
The Khan, seeing that we were silent, said, <
I spoke up, <
The Khan was irritated: <
<
<
<
<
Put that way, he's not entirely wrong: <
The Sultan: <
<
<
<
<
The Khan infuriated at that point, stood up and said, <>
After saying that, he left, without the Sultan and me adding anything more.
From that moment on, nothing happened in the following days.