Isaakios, seeing how the ladies were captivated by his previous account of Uluç and Kara, leaned in further, sensing their growing interest in the politics and military dynamics of the Türk-il Khaganate. He began speaking with the authority of a man who not only understood military strategy but also knew the intricacies of power in the realm.
"Well, you see, in the Türk-il Khaganate, we technically have around 100,000 military men scattered across the realm. But the true power behind Timur-Tash is much greater. He could summon 160,000 warriors if he managed to rally every available troop. But here's the thing—he rarely had to. The largest army he ever gathered was about 120,000, and that was during the siege of Constantinople. That was when he showed the world what a true Kutlu Warrior could achieve."
The ladies listened intently, their eyes wide as Isakios described the staggering numbers.
"Timur-Tash once said, 'Anyone who rules the Tharkan army of 100,000 men, they would rule these lands.' He knew his strength wasn't just in his political maneuvering or alliances—it was in the sheer force of his Tharkan warriors, the best of the best. Right now, if we were being honest, we probably only have around 60,000 active Tharkan warriors ready for battle. They are still the best warriors in the world, but we've had to spread them thin, holding the realm together in the face of rebellions, raiders, and foreign threats. It's a far cry from what Timur-Tash commanded at his height."
The women murmured amongst themselves, intrigued by these revelations. Isaakios smiled slightly and continued.
"But then, you must remember, Timur-Tash also had his personal guard—and they are something else entirely. You might not know this, but Timurtaş had 4,000 elite guards, the very best of the best. These aren't just your average warriors, no, these are handpicked men who have been trained for years in the Altai warrior tradition. They are masked, always masked. You never see their faces, only their eyes. They wear armor that identifies them as the guardians of Timur-Tash, and even Uluç cannot give them commands. They only obey Timurtaş. That's the level of loyalty they hold. Can you imagine? An entire unit whose sole purpose is to protect the Khaganate, to protect Timurtaş himself. They're rarely seen by the common folk, and even the nobility hardly ever interacts with them."
The ladies were astonished, whispering among themselves about the mystery surrounding Timurtaş's personal guard.
"So, if we look at the numbers," Isaakios continued, "we can probably gather 40,000 to 50,000 Tharkan warriors at most right now. But these men are scattered across the realm, maintaining the borders and keeping the peace. If it weren't for the ongoing riots in the east, we could easily gather a 120,000-strong army—40,000 of them from Uluç's Golden Horde and another 80,000 from Timurtaş's army. With an army like that, no Crusader would dare set foot on our lands. It would be enough to keep all of Europe at bay, especially with Timurtaş at the helm."
The ladies nodded, impressed by the sheer scope of the military might Timurtaş had once commanded.
"But as it stands," Isaakios said, his voice taking on a more somber tone, "we only have 25,000 men combined between Uluç and Kutay. Uluç sent his son to summon the Golden Horde, and once they join forces, Uluç will have 40,000 Tharkan warriors, led by Aybars. Aybars is a fierce and capable commander, handpicked by Uluç himself to lead in his absence. Uluç commanded him to seize control of the situation and maintain order. If everything goes according to plan, they should fight alongside Uluç soon, strengthening their hold over the realm."
The ladies leaned forward, their interest piqued. Isaakios clearly knew the inner workings of the Türk-il Khaganate better than most.
"Uluç, as we all know, has always been one to follow the steps of luxury and fame, but now he finds himself in the borderlands, doing what he was born to do—leading his Tharkan warriors. His son, Togay, is being trained by the Golden Horde to eventually take his father's place. Until that happens, the Golden Horde will maintain the safety of the realm's trade routes and protect the cities. They are the backbone of our military strength right now."
One of the women interjected, "So, Uluç is still commanding despite all of this?"
Isaakios nodded. "Yes. Uluç may be following the path of luxury and fame, but he is still one of the most effective commanders we have. And with Aybars leading the Golden Horde, they will maintain order until Togay is ready to take over. The Golden Horde has never lost a battle. Not under Uluç, and not under his father before him. That's why they are so vital to the safety and stability of our realm."
The women sat back, digesting all the information. Isakios had given them a detailed look into the military and political machinery that kept the Türk-il Khaganate together. The Tharkan warriors, the Golden Horde, and the personal elite guard of Timurtaş—these were the forces that held the empire in place, and they all revolved around the unyielding will of men like Timurtaş, Uluç, and Aybars.
"And that," Isaakios concluded, "is how we maintain our power. With warriors like these at our command, there's no force in the world that can challenge us. Not now, not ever."