Winter came a month earlier than usual, but the Ulaan Tribe was already prepared. The winds were freezing cold, and snow was beginning to fall, slowly creating a thick layer of white wherever one could see.
In the winters, there was less scope for the tribes to maneuver, and whenever a tribe was prepared beforehand, they would simply try to extract joy from the freezing winters by celebrating cordially at night. Throughout centuries, this had almost become a tradition of the Nomads.
In the Year of The Rat, The Ulaan Tribe was comparatively very relaxed. Although the Tribe belonged to the Sarlun Khanate of Urun Khan, it was a vassal Tribe in name only, as many smaller Tribes had recently come under its umbrella.
Even in the Serlun Khanate, the Ulaan Tribe's influence was supreme among all the other vassal tribes, only second to the Khanate itself. The Ulaan Tribe only lacked one thing which restricted it from becoming a separate Khanate—the presence of a Shaman.
In this particular year, even the main tribe felt uncomfortable knowing that the Ulaan Tribe seemed to be living even more relaxed than them. This was as if they were eating a delicious high-quality fish but accidentally swallowed the fishbone, which now created a lot of discomfort in the throat.
Even though this was the case, both sides never had any conflicts with each other as the Khan's daughter and the vassal Lord Batu Ulaan were connected with a familial bond of matrimony. This relationship naturally smoothed things out and allowed the two to coexist in harmony.
However, this year, things seemed to be different as the peaceful atmosphere of the Ulaan Tribe was affected by the unexpected arrival of the Khan's messenger. This was not the same kind of person that had come a few months ago, bringing the news of the Pilgrimage which had been issued by the Covenant itself.
This special messenger was, in fact, a son of Urun Khan, as well as a brother of Lady Aynur. This identity alone was enough for everyone to take this young man seriously. However, this time, the young man's arrival meant nothing but trouble for everyone.
The young man had arrived a few days ago with his entourage but couldn't leave yet since a decision hadn't been made by the Tribe's leadership on that matter.
Speaking of which, later in the day, there was going to be a meeting of the Tribe Leader, Elders, as well as the Nobles on the troublesome matter.
Of course, the young prince of the Khanate did not care what decision would be taken. He had already done his job; everything else depended on the leadership of both sides.
The young man was very happy to take full advantage of the hospitality of his sister's in-laws. He even felt that the Ulaan Tribe seemed a little too comfortable and relaxed but did not really think too much about it.
In the early morning, the young prince who was sleeping leisurely on a large furred cot suddenly felt a chill as a particularly strong, freezing gust of wind blew over.
Subconsciously, the young man tightly hugged the two girls in his arms who were also lying on his sides. Feeling the soft, warm sensation on both sides, the young man relaxed. However, his sleep was already ruined; so he simply opened his eyes and woke up fully.
Seeing the two charming servant girls beside him—given by his sister, the young man felt incomparably satisfied and smacked his lips in a lecherous manner. Then, he got up from the bedding and, without disturbing the two girls' sleep, he simply left them alone.
The young man then washed his hands and face with water, performed the daily prayers to the Eternal Sun And Starry Skies as well as the Demi-Gods. Then, he had the servants outside fetch the breakfast.
By now, the two servant girls in the Yurt were awake. When the young man went inside, the two were kneeling guiltily, "Lord, forgive us, we should have woken up beforehand!"
The young man shrugged and looked at them knowingly, "Stand up, you don't have to apologize. Looks like I really tired you two out last night!" He said teasingly.
The two girls looked at each other in embarrassment and lowered their heads as they stood up. Then, with embarrassment, they asked for permission to leave and only left hurriedly after the young man nodded.
As he was done with his daily routine, the young man narrowed his eyes. Sitting on the felt mat, he began thinking with narrowed eyes.
"Why do I feel so uneasy? I feel like father has been very frustrated and angry recently. I don't understand what he's trying to do… this year we indeed could not prepare for the winter as well as the Ulaan Tribe but… it isn't really a dire situation. Then what's the meaning of ordering such a high tribute?"
The young man now had seen the Ulaan Tribe multiple times very closely. He felt that his father's actions were very dangerous. If conflict broke out because of this… that wouldn't be good for anyone.
Thinking this, the young man just couldn't wrap his head around it. He couldn't understand what the Khan wanted to do, and the unease in his heart only heightened, feeling cold all over suddenly.
The young man suddenly jolted as if remembering something. Then, his eyes widened as he stood up quickly. "I at least have to warn my sister to be careful!" He decided, and immediately left for Lady Aynur's place.
Since the Lord was considerate enough to give him a tent that was in close proximity to his sister's, it did not take long for the young man to reach his sister's Yurt—where he was welcomed happily.
"Brother… Tokhta!" Lady Aynur called out happily as she greeted her brother with a cheerful smile, leading him inside her Yurt as she grabbed his hand.
The young man named Tokhta went inside the Yurt with his dear sister, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, and became a little emotional. He was only two years old when he last saw her. After she was married off, this became their first close meeting.
Seeing her little brother who had grown so tall now, Lady Aynur had a surreal feeling in her heart. She also became very emotional and asked in a trembling voice, "Tokhta… how is mother?"
Tokhta released his sister from the brief hug and answered with a smile, "Don't worry, she is doing just fine."
Lady Aynur sighed in relief, sweeping the tears from her eyes. Then, after a moment, she calmed down and noticed the troubled look on her brother's face. "What's wrong? Is something not to your liking?" She asked with concern.
Tokhta shook his head, "It's not that. It's just… I'm worried about our father's intentions. Sister, you should be careful." He said seriously with a warning look on his face.
Lady Aynur's face stiffened. Lowering her head, she said, "I will be careful…" Then she raised her head and said firmly, "But know that I will not act on behalf of my father. The moment I married my husband, I only belong to him. I can only hope that for my sake, father will not go too far."
Hearing this, Tokhta sighed bitterly and said, "Fine, fine…"
Then, he reached out and handed a scroll to Lady Aynur and said, "This is a letter to you from our father, I don't know what's written in it, and you don't need to tell me. You can do as you wish, I will take my leave now."
Feeling somewhat relieved, Tokhta smiled faintly. Then, without wasting any more time, he bowed slightly and left.
Lady Aynur saw her brother out, stiffly holding the scroll in her hands as she watched her brother fade away in the distance. Then, she went inside the Yurt again and opened the scroll in a daze. As she read the letter, her brows furrowed gradually.
Inside the Tribe settlement, there was a special tent reserved for important meetings, council, as well as for receiving very important guests. This tent was made of luxurious fabrics and adorned with various old and exotic artifacts. In the front, there was a crude throne, and seating rugs and pillows were placed on the floor.
Batu was sitting on the throne with dignity while the tribe elders and nobles sat down below. Everyone wore pensive expressions on their faces as one of the elders said angrily, "1000 sheep, 300 horses, and 500 cattle… Lord Khan demands too much!"
Batu's generals and lieutenants, such as Orkhon, nodded firmly, their faces laced with anger.
"We have already paid the agreed-upon tribute, with what face does the Khan demand more, and such an exorbitant amount, in the middle of winter no less!" A general named Emlig roared, his voice full of indignation.
Even more voices followed. Seeing this, Batu furrowed his brows, feeling a major headache. "Then do you all suggest that we refuse?" He asked solemnly, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Everyone suddenly fell silent as the words were stuck in their throats. What could they say? Refuse the Khan and possibly ruin the relationship? What if things were to escalate?
Seeing everyone falling deaf, a young man came forward bravely, "My Lord, I think… we should agree."
Hearing this, everyone present immediately glared at the young man, making him shrink back in awkwardness. Batu thought and raised his arm, suppressing the discontent in the tent. Then, he looked at the young man seriously and asked, "Begter, explain!"
Bekter, who was Batu's strategic advisor, looked at his Lord and bowed, then, as if his courage was renewed, he spoke, "My Lord, according to what I know, the situation of the main Tribe isn't dire at all. Since this is the case, why would Lord Khan give such an order? Has everyone thought about it?"
As Bekter said this, his gaze swept over everyone present, making them think deeply. Some thought that the Khan was simply provoking them for no reason, while some thought deeper, their eyes gradually glinting with a strange light.
"I don't know why… but the Khan seems to be… probing us." Bekter warned with a knowing look in his eyes.
Hearing this, everyone jolted as their eyes widened. Upon thinking further, everyone felt that what Bekter said seemed to be… true. Thinking this, some couldn't help but feel a chill running down their spine. Suddenly, the air in the room became stifling.
"My Lord, this is not something we can decide. We will follow your decision." Orkhon suddenly stepped forward and said with conviction. "We are ready for anything…" He added vaguely, carrying hidden intentions in his words.
Everyone in the tent thought about it and agreed. Everyone's eyes rested on the figure of their Lord as they eagerly waited in some anticipation.
Batu simply closed his eyes and began thinking. Actually, even though his outer image seemed calm, inwardly he was full of anger and indignation. The fact that the Khan actually demanded such a tribute was like a knife nudging at his heartstrings. His blood was boiling with the flames of humiliation. Hearing Orkhon's words, he almost made a decision impulsively.
Batu opened his eyes and moved his lips to speak but then suddenly, he remembered the words of Lady Naran and immediately gave up on that impulsive decision.
"It's not the right time yet." He said with a sigh. "For now, we can only endure, and it's not like we will be too affected by this 'tribute'. I have decided, we will accept the Khan's request this time."
Hearing this, some were a bit disappointed while some heaved sighs of relief, including Bekter.
Batu declared the end of the meeting and then left the tent; after him, everyone else left as well, after all, preparations had to be done even to pay a tribute.