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The Seventh Khan
Topic Started: Jun 15 2010, 01:52 PM (616 Views)
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A silent thud behind him notified Yesugei that someone had entered. It was not his concern. One of the initiates would deal with the intruder. His concentration had been briefly broken, but he returned to the mandala before him. Another grain of sand was placed, this one black. The pattern was emerging. He had been working on this mandala for a few weeks now, and it was not even half done. Each grain must be placed individually, and a mandala of this size may have millions.

A hand on his shoulder prevented him from picking up another grain. Yesugei turned around, and was met with the face of Lama Enkh. Yesugei gave a gesture of reverence and smiled. "Teacher, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

Enkh did not smile back. This was worrying. He had been like a father to Yesugei, since he had been abandoned at the royal monastery shortly after birth. He once discovered that Enkh knew who his father was, and found the location of the folder in which the data was kept. The face Enkh had when he had caught Yesugei trying to steal the folder now stood before him. Yesugei had hoped never to see it again, and yet...

"Teacher, have I wronged you?" Enkh shook his head.

"Son, there is a matter of grave importance which I must discuss with you. Will you please return to the monastery? One of the initiates will continue the mandala." This was irregular, but Yesugei had nothing but reverence for the teacher. Without a glance back, he left his tool on the table, gathered his sandals, and followed Enkh out.

They entered a grand hall, adorned with gold leaf. This was the Royal Palace. He had been sent with Enkh from the monastery across the garden to watch over the Khan, who was very sick, and give him guidance. A large statue of Buddha, solid gold, grinned at him as he approached the great doors that marked the entrance to the Palace. As he stepped outside, he suddenly noticed how empty the entire building was. Usually, the Palace was bustling with activity - servants, monks, or delegates crowded the area. He had to meditate to find the silence and inner peace to construct the mandala. Today, however, it was empty. Devoid of life.

The garden was no different. The pond lay perfectly still, as if even the animals had taken a day of rest. He knew better than to ask his teacher, however. The answer would come, he was confident, during the discussion.

Enkh led him to a small room within the monastery. It was a simple room, with only a desk and a bedroll within. The golden leaf and fading art on the walls and ceiling betrayed that this had once been the estate of a lord, though he knew this already. The monastery was not established until the 19th century. He suddenly realized that these must be Enkh's private quarters. He had never been here before. It must be serious.

"Son, the Khan has died." Yesugei was taken aback. He had known only one Khan during his short thirty years on this earth. He knew that the six Oirats would be in dispute now for the throne. He also knew that their heads of the family were not particularly benevolent men, as the old Khan had been. The Prince, especially, would be very evil if corrupted by power. "This is a difficult time."

"Who knows?"

"The Palace staff know, though they know better than to betray that information yet. Still, we must assume some spies may have found out about this event, and are already preparing to move. Son, I have a favor to ask of you.

As you know, I must prepare, as the highest ranked lama in the country, to receive the representatives of each Oirat, for the purpose of electing a new Khan. Last time I have lived through a succession, I was tasked with the job of informing the head of each family of the news and provide an invitation. I wish to entrust this job to you, Yesugei."

He was stunned. This was important. The trust implied in such a request was immense. He didn't know how to respond.

"Teacher, I accept the responsibility entrusted to me." He spoke with confidence, and he could hear it in his voice, but both himself and Enkh knew better.

"Do not worry, son. It is not too difficult. I will give you a letter. You must hand it in person to the heads. They will try to avoid receiving it. Such a humiliation must not be permitted, of course."

"Why?"

"I will answer your question. Several, though not all, of the Oirats are jealous of the power we wield in this country. Do not forget we must approve of any Khan before he can be throned. They will likely seek to undermine us, and convince the Oirats to remove us from our position."

"But they cannot!"

"You know little of the world, my son. You have been sheltered. You are naive. Deliver the letters and return to me tonight. I will ask an initiate to guide you through the Royal Quarter to each estate. Later, I must discuss a second matter with you."

"What, teacher?"

"I can not say yet. It would distract you from the duty before you. Go, son. The initiate is outside. Her name is Chuluunbold Narantuyaa. You will like her, I think. She is young yet, and full of life. Reminds me much of you."

Yesugei nodded. He left the room, and was immediately intercepted by a bouncy young thing. "Nice to see you, Yesugei. I am Naran. I am your guide today. I am very happy to be your guide, and to meet an abbot of your reputation." Yesugei smiled. Enkh was right - he immediately liked her. She moved with grace, almost weightless. It was not often he saw a bhikkhuni.

"Thank you for guiding me."

"No problem, I assure you. I am happy to do so. I insist. Follow, follow me. Where first, Yesugei? I understand this is important!"
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"I was hoping you could tell me, Naran."

"Well, the noble estates are outside the Palace walls, past the gardens. A few miles! The Palace is very big." Naran led the way out of the monastary, through a side entrance he had never used. "It is fastest through here! I know a shortcut, but we have to stray from the path." Naran led Yesugei forward, along the dirt road, before turning into a smaller, almost unnoticable path, carved through the bamboo forest. "The guards made this path, to get to the gate quicker. The official path is very windy. It is supposed to be a grand show, but it is very impractical!" He could imagine many nights where Naran would inquisitively bother guards for the information she now freely told him. Her abbot must have her hands full with her.

"The name Chuluunbold is familiar to me, Naran, yet I cannot fathom why."

"Haha. Well, I would hope so. Chuluunbold is a very famous man! He is my father, of course. He is the head of the Buryat House. In fact, I was planning on taking you there first! Oh, you will love father."

"Why did he send you away to the monks, if I may ask a personal question?"

"He didn't send me away!" Her eyes were fierce for a moment, but quickly morphed into joy once again. "No... He came to me one night, and he said 'Naran, you are thirteen now' I am his youngest, by the way, 'you are thirteen now, and I must begin to think about marrying you to another noble.' I pouted of course, and cried, and rejected every suitor he ever brought to me. Finally, only four months ago, he told me I had a choice - I would either marry the next suitor or I must become a nun. Well, haha, it was an easy choice."

"You do not seem the type to be a nun, if you may forgive me for my judgment."

"I always felt at home in the temple. Even as a child, I would spend far too much time in our chapel. More time than is proper for a noblewoman. When I begin to meditate, I feel safe. I feel at home. Though, I am, my abbot tells me, very rowdy, it does not come through in my meditations. I can be perfectly still for hours. I am happy. Happier than I ever would have been married to some fat old man from the Gobi!" Naran became quiet, and more still after this, however. She led him quickly through the bamboo, and they finally arrived at the palace gates. They were majestic, made of fine imported ebony, painted with the royal seal in gold leaf, and encrusted with many fine minerals and jewels. It was an impressive display of wealth. The wall around it was made of jet black obsidian blocks, with the ramparts made of dark ebony. As they neared the gate, he noticed the carvings on the door depicted the birth of Temüjin, the great Genghis Khan.

"I have never ventured beyond these gates."

"Man up!" Naran suddenly annoyed him. This was a big step for him. It was proper to meditate on what it meant for his development.

"I need to meditate on this."

"I don't mean to intrude, teacher, but it would be improper to rest at this moment. You have been entrusted with a task of which time is of the essence. You cannot betray that trust, and you have a responsibility to ensure it is done. I was rude before, teacher, and I apologize, but it was only to convey the urgency of the matter. I trust you can recognize it." A voice of reason from a source he never would have suspected. She was right. Perhaps this was her calling after all. He got up off the ground, and followed her. She spoke with a guard, and the gates opened without a sound. He would return, and figure out the secrets of how these gates were so weightless.

The world before him looked much like the confines of the palace. A fountain lay to his right, and a statue of Genghis to his left. Many trees lay on either side of a dirt path.

"Before you get the wrong idea, you are still in an isolated section of the city. The world does not look so peaceful! My father told me, once, of the Dominion. Do you know what that is?" Yesugei shook his head. "They were an evil empire, but strong. They attacked Urga, and would have burned down all this if we had not surrendered. It was years ago, you would would have been a boy, and I, not even a twinkle in my mothers eye!" He had never heard of this. He knew very little of politics.

"You are educated?"

"Yes, my father gave me a tutor. I am lucky, not many girls get educated."

"What do you know of politics?"

"Not much. I can give you a general rundown, if you would like."

"One must never reject wisdom or knowledge. To do so is foolish. Please, tell me."

"Well, you live in a country called the Khanate of the Six Oirats. You know this much, right? The capital is Urga, the city you live in." He did know this, but little else.

"I know the leader is the Khan. I know the Oirats choose the Khan, and the Temple approves their choice."

"That is not quite right. There are Six Oirats. This is a reference to the Four Oirats, who opposed Temüjin long ago."

"They opposed him? How can that be?"

"I do not pretend to know why, and am not wise enough to guess at their motives. However, their opposition would eventually be superseded by the great Khan himself. He would conquer them, and his House, House Borjigin would rule Mongolia for generations. About three hundred years ago, however, the House was weak. It needed the other Houses, but they refused to help them. Borjigin suffered many defeats, and the Empire was destroyed. At this time, House Borjigin, based in Urga, appealed to the other Oirats. They agreed to form the Khanate of the Five Oirats."

"What is an Oirat, and what is a House?"

"An Oirat is a tribe, more or less. There are six major ones, and dozens of tinier ones. Each Oirat is generally headed by a House of noble birth. The Oirats themselves do not elect the Khan - the Houses do. However, as each House has as a dominion a major Oirat, it is effectively chosen by the Oirats, as you said."

"Who is the Sixth Oirat?"

"We are! Well, my father is! Or, at least, he is the head of House Khitai, which has as their dominion the Buryat Oirats! We used to be independent - the Khitai Khanate! But, we grew weak, and were offered to join the Five Oirats as an equal many times. Eventually we grew weak enough that we accepted, about two hundred years ago. About a hundred years ago my great-grandfather led a great army to the North, and we conquered many lands. The people there spoke our language, so they were made part of our dominion. That's why we're biggest! Right now we're visiting the estates of each House, not of each Oirat. Each House has an estate in the Royal Quarter. We're a few dozen kilometers outside of Urga proper, but technically part of the city. There is a large forest dividing us, the private grounds of the Khan. This is also a no-fly zone. Do you know what an airplane is?"

"No."

"Heh! Spend less time meditating, and a bit more time in the library. There is a computer in there, with internet and everything!"

"Internet?"

"I want to be an archivist, like my abbot. I can spend all day with books and the computers. There is much knowledge out there!"

He felt very humbled. Perhaps this is why Enkh had partnered her with him. She would put him in his place. He had been very proud since being made an abbot, he now realized. He knew nothing of the world, and was shamed by a fifteen year old girl - not shamed, he had been taught. He was still learning. He did not know everything, and it had been made painfully evident in the last few minutes.

"We're nearing the garage now. You do know what an automobile is?"

"No."

"Haha! You're going to have a lot of fun today!"
Edited by Union, Jun 15 2010, 05:47 PM.
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The vehicle had made him sick. Surely humanity was not meant to travel at such breakneck speed. He had little memory of the journey itself, and had barely had time to reflect. He was at the estate. Miles in a matter of minutes. He would have to visit the Palace library as soon as possible. Naran was enjoying his discomfort, but led him stoically to the estate gates. These were simpler than the palace's. The walls were low, and he could see over them. The gates themselves were iron, and composed of bars rather than solid. However, the iron itself was engraved in a way only a very expensive artisan could demonstrate the skill to do so. This was not an impoverished area by any means, not that Yesugei had ever experienced poverty.

Naran knew the paths well, and it was plainly evident. She guided him through the garden with expertise granted only to those with experience, accessing a side-door with an access code. This door, she explained to him, led directly to the private wing of the estate, where they would find her father in his study, or, at least, a means to summon him there. The interior of the estate was austere in comparison to the palace. The walls were adorned with simple wood paneling and some traditional paintings - not the gold leaf he was accustomed too. Naran led him quickly to the study, which was empty.

She walked up to the large ebony desk in the center of the room. On it lay a sword, he presumed it to be Chuluunbold's, a globe, and a small device he would later learn was a cellular telephone. He stood amazed as Naran picked up the device, slid it open, and pressed several buttons on it. He was even more amazed when Chuluunbold's voice responded, surprised that he was being called from the study.

"Who is this?!"

"It is me, ba-ba! Narana. I have a guest you need to speak with immediately."

"Ah, my beloved. In a minute, I am sparring."

"Ba-ba: immediately."

"Surely it could wait."

"I do not think so."

Chuluunbold's voice ceased, and she lay down the device. "He will be here soon." She bowed before Yesugei, and walked towards the door. Yesugei turned to follow but was rebuked. "You stay here. Talk to him." He sat down in one of the leather seats. Very comfortable, but it made him uneasy. He stood again. He could hear the tone of a father greeting a daughter outside, and the handle on the door began to turn.

"My daughter calls you Yesugei. Is that your full name?"

"Yes, lord. I have no father but the lama."

"Hmmm. I know of a Yesugei. Interesting. Bah, no matter." Yesugei was more confused by that statement than any of the almost magical devices to which he had been introduced today. "What brings you here?" Yesugei handed him the sealed envelope, addressed to the Buryat Oirat. Chuluunbold walked over to his desk, and reached in a drawer, taking out a golden dagger. He sliced the seal apart, opening the envelope, and began to read the contents of the message. "It seems the lama is calling a Council. What about, I wonder? Attendance is mandatory. Interesting. Tell me, Yesugei, has our old friend the Khan passed on?" Yesugei stood silently. "Can you not tell me?"

"It is not my place, lord. If Enkh did not mention the contents of the meeting in his letter, I am not one to question that judgment. Not all are meant to know all things."

"That is almost assuredly a yes. Well, Yesugei, if this is true, I have some arrangements to make, and dreadfully little time to make it. Naran will show you out. NARAN!" She scampered in, no smile evident. "Escort the good man out, please. I have things to do. Yesugei, it was a pleasure to meet you... especially if you are the Yesugei I think you may be... tell me, has your teacher ever told you who your father was? No, of course not. If he did you would use your patronym. It is not my place, then. I may be wrong entirely. Excuse me."

With that, Chuluunbold sat down. A small screen began to emerge from the desk. Yesugei wanted to stay, and see what the monitor did, but was hurried out by Naran. "Come, teacher, we have many more places to visit. I know you are excited to return to the automobile." The thought terrified him.
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"I never want to step in another automobile again."

"It wasn't so bad, Yesugei. We're here in one piece." The muddy road uphill towards the House Jungaria had caused the vehicle to stall. Yesugei had panicked when the vehicle began to roll backwards. They had been forced to drive back to the Royal Palace, and secure an all terrain car instead of their luxury Rolls Royce. The driver was left idling the Excursion, as Yesugei stepped out of the car.

"At least this land is solid." The two approached the gates. These were much more elegant than the ones of House Khitai. It was adorned with many crests he did not recognize, depicted in bright hues and gold leaf. The wall itself was hidden underneath a tangle of ivy, which appeared overgrown, but he felt was carefully maintained to preserve that illusion.

"This is the estate of House Jungaria, of the Choros Oirat. They're a proud bunch."

"Why?"

"Well, they had their time in the sun in the 17th century, with the Dzungar Khanate. Helped keep the Mongol people free of domination by the Manchus and the Eastern Empire. In fact they and house Borjigin can be said to have been the two powers behind the unification. The Dzungars, or Left Hand, were the strongest Khanate at the time, and contributed much military strength. They have had many Great Khans over the centuries." This would not be so relaxed, then.

A guard peered over the gate. He must be standing on a platform of some kind. "State names and business!" Naran took charge.

"We are representatives of the Royal Palace and the Lama. We have an important message for the lady of the estate! His name is Yesugei, my own is Chuluunbold Narantuyaa! Let us in!"

"Chuluunbold? Fine. You must declare all weapons and electronic devices at the security office in the foyer."

"We have none."

"You will still be searched." The guard disappeared from view, and the air filled with an electronic humming. The gate began to slowly swing forward. "Your transportation may come in as well." The pathway was paved with concrete, though intricate carvings filled the entire path. There was no garden, like in the other houses. A few dozen meters away, a large granite staircase led individuals up into the manor itself, positioned about two stories above groundlevel, on a large granite base. Yesugei reasoned that garrisons or vaults may be positioned in the foundation. The guard led them quickly to the foyer, and searched each of them. "This is the letter, I assume?"

"Yes. Please, we must speak to your Khan immediately." The guard squirmed.

"You will meet the Lady." Yesugei was stunned. He was a messenger from the Khagan, the Great Khan, the Khan of Khans!

"We will meet your Khan!" Naran tapped him, a hint, he understood, to drop the issue. The guard, glaring at Yesugei, led them into a sitting room. Two women were within, serving tea. He supposed they might be servants.

"Yesugei, House Jungaria has no Khan. The Khan died ten years ago, but his daughter never married. A woman cannot be Khan. It is a matter of shame among many of the house, though the Lady remains... defiant. Do not bring it up."

"She is quite right." Yesugei looked up to see a dimunitive woman that had quietly entered the room. "I am Lady Nekhii Delgerzayaa." She was very pregnant.
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"I am Yesugei. She is Chuluunbold Narantuyaa. We are servants of the Palace, in service of the Lama, and have been told to come deliver a message to you." He reached into his robe, and pulled out a seal envelope. The crest of House Jungaria was visible on it. Lady Delgerzayaa nodded.

"Follow me. Such discussions should not be conducted where public ears can easily hear." She led them back through the door she had come from. To his surprise, it was a small, empty room. On the left of the door, a panel existed with a keylock. She reached into her robe, and pulled out a small silver key, which she placed into the panel. Immediately, an electric hum filled the room. Yesugei realized they were going upwards.

Naran took the opportunity to grab Yesugei lightly. She leaned up to his ear, and hissed: "Don't dare mention the pregnancy." Lady Delgerzayaa chuckled. She must have heard.

The elevator stopped once again, and the doors opened to reveal an elegant marble room. It was very large, likely several stories. Yesugei reasoned that they must be somewhere in the middle of the structure, and that her quarters must take up the entire upper half of the building. A large sunroof provided the light for the area, but thin fixtures on the wall, each a dozen feet high, might serve as light at nights. The room was empty, except for one male, surrounded by a lot of electronic equipment.

"My physician. I am sorry, Heran, but I cannot make my appointment quite yet. Will you go to my room in a half hour?"

"As you wish, Zaya." He sat down, and made no recognition of Yesugei or Naran. The Lady led them up towards the flight of stairs.

"My quarters are on the second floor." She walked slowly, visibly strained by her pregnant body. She would give birth within a few weeks, he thought. After many minutes, they entered her quarters.

"Now, here we are. Tell me, why have you come?"

"Madam, I have been told by Enkh to deliver a message." He passed her the envelope. She took another small knife and sliced through the seal. She read it, nodding.

"Well, he was very old. This is about the Khagan, yes? He is dead?"

"I do not pretend to know."

"I know you do not pretend. You do know. Come now, tell me. He is dead, and there is no use in lying about it. We will find out soon enough. Tonight, if I read this correctly. Unfortunate. My cousin is not available to go in my stead. I will have to reveal myself." She motioned to her pregnancy. "There is no use hiding it - you know, and you disapprove. The guard was very correct, I am unmarried."

"Haran?"

"Oh heavens no! He is my physician. He is here to give me an ultrasound. No, if you must know it was an immaculate conception."

"In such a case, you should ask for a Lama. Perhaps the Incarnate has arrived amongst us?" She was lying, and it was obvious. She knew it was obvious. She was his better - he could not question it. The other khans would not accept such a fairy tale, of course. House Jungaria would suffer shame. They would call her a whore. She would lose respect, and standing. No wonder the guards were so angry at mention of her name. They were her soldiers, and had sworn fealty, but they no longer respected her as they should.

"Perhaps. I do not suppose you could run an errand for me?"

"I am very busy."

"Oh, it wouldn't impact your schedule. I am certain you have to visit each House and deliver an identical letter, yes?"

"I cannot say."

"I know. Well, when you make your way to the house of the Uriankhai. He, my cousin Yamuqa is in service to their lord. Tell him to come back home, that I need him to lead House Jungaria as a Prince. Here, give me a few moments." She turned to her desk and sat in a large leather chair. A screen began to emerge from the desk itself, similar to the one in Chuluunbold's study. It sprang to life.

"What is that, Naran?" he said, in a barely audible whisper.

"A computer. You don't know much of technology at all, do you?" He did not. His life had been spent in the monasteries, without even the comfort of electric heat or light. He spent much of his time in the Palace in meditation with the initiates, as their abbot. He had precious little free time, which he spent walking. "I'll explain what it is later."

A hum from a second machine, this one below the desk. A piece of paper began to emerge, covered in Mongolian symbols. He recognized the format soon. It was a letter. The Lady grabbed a large pen, signing it, and placed it in an envelope. "Bear with me a moment, as the wax melts." She sealed the envelope and gave it to Naran. "While Yesugei speaks with the lord, may you please see to it that my cousin receives this? Ogedai Yamuqa. He is a warrior, of high rank, I understand. They should know who he is. If they do not, tell them to find someone who does. Take this crest, it will make them know. Though, your name is Chuluunbold. They should respect you accordingly, regardless." She handed Naran the stamp she had used to seal the letter. "Give that to Yamuga, so he can get it back here. Is there anything else?"

"No, Lady. We will take our leave."

"Very good. Tell Haran to activate the lift for you. I find myself without strength. Tell him to come in when you are gone." Yesugei nodded. Five minutes later, the sun was shining in his face again. Naran was frowning.

"She is rightly afraid, you know. She could lose her position if seen in that state. She should not have carried the pregnancy to term... I suppose our next stop is the Uriankhai manor."

"I do not have a letter for them."

"You wouldn't. They are not electors. They are attached to the House Borjigin. They are the descendants of the great general Subetai. Their manor is near the Borjigin estate. You will go alone to visit them, while I stop by their manor. You should not have permitted her to give us this job, though it is too late now. This is not our responsibility. She has many runners, and she knows this. She was testing you, Yesugei, to see your strength."

"Why?"

"I am not in a position to say." She sounded like he did. She knew perfectly well why, but he would not humiliate her by accusing her of the lie. Enkh would answer his questions later. "To Borjigin, then!" The automobile lurched to life.
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"More tea?" asked the serving girl. She was a very lovely woman, Kang smiled slightly at her and nodded. She knelt down and pour the tea until his cup was again full, bowed, and then exited the sitting room.

"If all the women of your lands are as lovely as the mere servants" said Kang with a chuckle, "then I shall return to my Prince, bow before his feet, and kiss them a hundred times over for this most honored task." At that Kang and his host, Prince Chingis Jelme began to laugh. The home of the Prince was very beautiful as were the people that dwelt in it as far as Kang's tastes were concerned. He believed the Prince's wife, Erdenetungalag Saranjigin to be perhaps the most lovely although the Prince's six sisters were also something to be admired.

"You know Kang" said Jelme, "there are whispers here that the Eastern Empire has devolved into civil war. Yet you are here in the name of your Prince, devoting the armies of the Eastern Empire to my cause. I am sure you can understand where I am going with this."

A displeased look came over Kang but he hide it well. "I can assure you my Prince, that these are mere whispers told by the idle. What the whispers call a civil war is in reality mere pockets of token resistance. After all, the Empire was polluted by the Dominion for a very long time and while the vast majority are glad to see it gone there are those that remain sick in the head with the lies of that weak state. His graciousness is as we speak, hunting these pour souls and disposing of them before they infect the greater masses. The Easter Empire will stand for every promise we make for your cause."

"Whispers of the Idle" said Jelme with a smirk. "I suppose I would have to come see it for myself to know what to believe and what not to. It really doesn't matter though what's going on in your homeland so long as our deal is upheld."

"I can assure you the Eastern Empire will uphold its part of the bargain so long as you do the same." These words seem to come off Kang's tongue easily, but it was easy to lie when your entire civilization had been based off one lie or another for generations. "Can I assume that your information about the Khagan's health is accurate?"

"If the Khagan isn't dead yet he soon will be" said Jelem with a cold demeanor. "His death is the only formality remaining and I assure you I will be notify, if indirectly, of his death once it occurs. I have a feeling it will be soon rather than latter so I hope your master is prepared to uphold our agreement."

"Prince Yu is prepared, of that I can assure you" said Kang. "We will bribe whomever we need to, assassinate whomever you desire, and if necessary cross the border with the bulk of our horde. There is no request too great that the Eastern Empire cannot fulfill so long as you're willing to pay the price." Lang stopped for a moment, remembering something he meant to bring up earlier. "Which reminds me, Prince Yu would like to alter our agreement slightly."

"Alter our agreement" said Jelme in irritation. "What more could he want? I have already agreed to cede outer Mongolia to him as well as offer him generous discounts in stock and goods from my corporations."

"Yes, well need I remind you Prince Yu is going to open the Empire to those corporation without taxation and furthermore is agreeing to sign a non-aggression pact with your people. He too has been very generous and is only asking one small further price for assistance. You see, Prince Yu is a bachelor that wishes to settle down and secure his own lineage. You have six very lovely sisters, one right at Prince Yu's own age. Her hand in marriage is all that Prince Yu seeks and certainly this an appealing gesture as it would not only seal our agreement in blood but would arrange for your sister to become the wife of a future Emperor." Kang was quick to choose his words wisely. While he meant to imply that the sister would become Yu's Empress once he officially took the title of Chinese Emperor, this was far from the truth. At best, she would become a Huang Guifei or Imperial Noble Consort.

"My sister!" said Jelme, "No, I have given Prince Yu far too much already to offer my own blood as payment for this deed. Your Prince will have to be satisfied with what I have given him already."

Kang was displeased and began to get up from his seat. "This is a pity as Prince Yu was very insistent on the matter. I suppose I will have to relay this bad news to my master and he will undoubtedly wish my immediate return."

Jelme knew all to well by the tone of Kang's voice that he meant the deal was off. He grabbed the man by the shoulder, forcing him back to his seat. Kang could not believe such disrespect was done to him and was about to stand before the man and kill him.

"My apologies" said Jelme which stopped Kang from reacting. "Perhaps such an arrangement can be made so long as Prince Yu and the Eastern Empire completes their end of the bargain. However, my sister stays with me until the deal is complete as those are my conditions." Jelme wasn't about to give his sister up, no matter how powerful Yu or the Eastern Empire would become. He still believe a civil war was unfolding in the Empire despite Kang's claims. Jelme trusted a lot of people that would call him friend, even Yu as hard as that sounded. Still, family was a different matter and if he could help it, he'd find a way to keep his sister out of the house of Conn.

"This seems...agreeable...for now" said Kang who still felt the urge to avenge his honor. "Your sister may remain here until our task is done but will accompany me back to Beijing once you are the new Khagan. " Kang paused only to sip away the last of his tea, "now where is that servant girl" he bellowed.
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Naran was not with him this time. She had been dropped off outside a small, unassuming manor just nearby this estate. The Borjigin estate was certainly worthy of being the home of many Khagans. They had adopted as their home what was once surely a very formidable castle. It towered over the surrounding land. Unlike most other estates, this one did not employ a garden or forest. The main gate was adorned with the flag of the state, and the personal crest of the Borjigin dynasty. A large, imposing status of Genghis Khan peered down at all visitors. This was his house, and they were rightly proud of the fact.

The portcullis slid open without a sound. A heavily armed figure peered down at them, waving them in. They were expected. This was unorthodox. The driver slowly maneuvered the large Excursion through the narrow gateway, into the courtyard. This was a full village. Many houses were pressed against the walls of the fortress, and an empty market could be seen immediately to the left of the entrance. Yesugei estimated that some twenty families resided here, all likely in service to the Borjigins. He wondered how many more served in the fields behind the structure, which grew crops for the entire Royal Quarter.

A second gate stood before them now, too narrow to allow the vehicle to pass through. He would have to proceed on foot. He exited the vehicle, and noticed two other vehicles parked nearby. They were black, with tinted windows. He could not see within. They were not idling. Whoever owned these machines was not here for a quick visit like himself.

The second portcullis began to creak open, and several guards exited the gatehouse.

"Name, and business."

"I am Yesugei. I am an envoy from the Lama, to deliver a message to Prince Jelme." They inspected his writ of passage before letting him through, but eventually escorted him directly to the interior of the keep itself. The keep was luxurious, as expected, and surprisingly modern. He was told to take a seat. Several large screens, each many feet in width, depicted news stations from across the world, in many languages, with Mongolian script presumably translating their words beneath. There was a war in some land called Eire, he learned, and a new state had declared independence in the Americas. It occurred to him that he knew very little of the world he inhabited, and he resolved to fix that as soon as possible. He waited, enthralled.
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The guard entered into Jelme's private quarters forcibly, startling the young servant girl busily pouring tea into Kang's cup.

"My lord, there is a messenger from the Palace. He has the writs." Jelme smiled at Kang.

"What did I say? Soon. It appears the date is upon us, friend. Guard! Show him in! Girl! Leave immediately." Jelme crossed his legs, smiling intently at the door.

--------------

"The Prince will see you now. Follow me." Yesugei got up, and tore his attention away from the news. The guard led him upstairs. A hurried girl bumped into him, with great force. He fell to the ground, as did she. The clatter of dishes around him filled his head.

"Forgive me, abbot. I am clumsy." She got up, collected herself, picked up the china, and hurried away from the guard's glare. The run in was not accidental, and heavy parcel now weighed down Yesugei's robes. He knew better now, after just a few hours, than to reveal that fact. The guard glared after the girl.

"Do not worry, teacher, she will be properly punished. That girl has given us many problems. If she were not kin of the House, she would have been removed from service by now."

"That will not be necessary. It was an accident. She deserves no punishment."

"You are merciful, teacher, but naive. Nonetheless, your wish will be upheld. Please follow me." The guard led Yesugei through many more rooms, but they finally arrived at the tea room. Jelme was smiling at him. Another man silently watched him, who he presumed to be a warrior in service to the Prince. The thud of a door indicated the guard had left.

"My lord, Chingis Jelme, I have come to deliver a private message to you."

"Do not worry about Kang. I trust him completely, as should you. Come, sit. Would you like some tea?"

"I cannot accept that, my lord."

"Ah, well, you're missing out. You are who, if I might inquire?"

"My name is Yesugei." Jelme frowned. Why?

--------------

The Lama had sent this... bastard... purposefully. Why? What did he want? What did he mean?

"Your name is... Yesugei?"

"Yes, lord."

"A proud name." Yesugei had been the name of the father of Genghis Khan. "How did you come about it?"

"It was given to me, lord, by my teacher, the Lama Enkh."

"Well, I hope you can live up to that name. Now, why have you come?"

"I come to deliver a message, on behalf of the Lama. This is it here." He passed Jelme an envelope, sealed with the Lama's crest. Jelme passed the letter to Kang, who opened it with a small knife he withdrew from his person. Yesugei noticed the interesting pattern at the blade of the knife. A black rectangle, with two red dragons, and a strange blue-red symbol in the center. It was unlike any he had ever seen, and it stood sharply in his mind. Kang read it, before passing it over to Jelme, who did the same.

"It appears my presence is requested in the Palace. Thank you, Yesugei, for delivering the message. You can tell your teacher that I will be there, as called. Is there anything else?"

"No, my lord. I was instructed only to make sure you got the message."

"Very well." Jelme moved toward the intercom on the far wall, pressing a button. "Gatehouse, please send a guard to escort our visitor back to his vehicle. I am sure he has many places to be." Within thirty seconds, a guard had appeared. "Well, Yesugei, it was an honor to meet you. I wish you luck on your journeys."

"Likewise, my lord." Yesugei bowed slightly, before following the guard back to his vehicle. Something about the meeting had made him uneasy. Why had he frowned? What was that symbol on the knife? It was not a House crest. Who was... Kang?
Edited by Union, Jun 17 2010, 09:30 PM.
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"Baba!" Jelme smiled as he heard the voice of his son, Assan. The slow touch of his wife at his back further relaxed him.

"Saran," he whispered into her ear. "How have you been, love?"

"Lonely. Your son misses you. I miss you. You work too much, love."

"Sadly, it seems such peace may not be attainable, Sara. My father is dead."

"Oh! Love, when did this happen? We must make arrangements. We must inform ---"

"It is not public yet, Sara. I find out officially tonight."

"Surely, his own son -- "

"That is precisely why I must not be told ahead of time. I am not his son, but Lord of this House, and must be treated as such by the Lama."

"As you say, Jelme, so it is."

"Come here, Assan. Give your father a hug." The boy charged into his father's arms, smiling wide. "How you're growing! You'll be as tall as your grandad, at this rate." He let Assan go. "Be kind to your mother, son." Assan laughed.

"Of course, baba!" Jelme was happy to have this moment of happiness.

"Sara, I have a guest I must return to. Excuse me." She gave him a light kiss, and picked up their son. "Walk me to the door, Sara." She dutifully did so. They traveled through the main hall of the manor back to the room in which they had received Yesugei, only half an hour prior. Jelme kissed his wife goodbye at the door, and smiled at his son. "Study hard, boy. Don't let me hear your tutors complain." He entered the room, closing the door behind him.

Kang stood at his desk, studying an ancient globe. It was from the height of the Mongol Empire, used by the generals of Temujin themselves. It was a priceless relic, on loan to him from the family archivist, who hounded him endlessly for its safe return. While Jelme would never admit it, even to himself, he hated that man. That smug Chinaman, whose ancestors had bowed before his people, knowing perfectly well that only civil war saved his country from annihilation, that the Khanate was too weak after the Dominion occupation to resist. Such a fall from a glorious past, a past that was alive still in his veins, tugged at his subconscious more and more each day.

He told himself he was being logical. Ceding Outer Mongolia was a temporary measure. They would trade it for friendship, and learn. They would learn the guns of the future, the war of the new age, and rebuild the armies of the past. They would take it all back, all of it, and more for injuries suffered. But he knew, deep down, that he was in denial. That ceding Outer Mongolia, the home of his House, and his People, was not an option. In the back of his mind, betrayal was already brewing, and he did not yet know it.

Kang turned, smiling. "The time has come."

"Yes."

"Several dozen warriors are presently on course to your terminal at the airport. I am leaving now to escort them back here. They are wearing the uniforms you have so graciously provided us, but I still need one of your captains."

"Take the first you see. Tell him that you act in my name. Take this seal."

"Very well. I will be back within the evening."

Jelme sat in his chair, and turned on his terminal, and thought.
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At last, the Excursion pulled up the gate of Borjigin manor, Naran inside. The package Yesugei had received felt like a dead weight within his robes. He could scarcely wait to open it, and the hour wait had been a great test of wills for him. He realized how limited his ability to meditate actually was. It is easy to shut out those things which do not interest you - when you are challenged and tempted, however, it is another thing entirely. He could now see why so many people who visited him had trouble with the activity.

Naran was frowning as he came in. "That was an ordeal, I hope you know. He was not where she said he would be. I had to track him across the estates. You cannot take on duties that are not your own, Yesugei!" Yesugei began to pull out the package, and Naran groaned loudly. "What did you accept now? You are terribly vexing, Abbot!"

"Quiet, child. This is a matter of importance. Do you see that vehicle over there?" Naran looked out the rear window, to where a black town car was parked with no plates. "I have determined that it belongs to a man named Kang. This man worries me. He had a knife, with an emblem I do not recognize as belonging to a Mongol house. It was a blue circular symbol in the center, surrounded by two red dragons, and strange lettering. Not Mongolian, or any form I recognize. Do you know this symbol?"

"Two red dragons? Do they face the center symbol?"

"Yes."

"That is the flag of the Eastern Empire, the Chinese to the East. This is very suspicious. Why would the Prince be consorting with those who aided in our occupation?"

"This package is related. A servant girl gave it to me. She faked stumbling into my person."

"Do not open it yet, Yesugei." Naran stood up and hunched over the driver, whispering something. The vehicle began to lurch into motion, and a black plane of glass began to rise between the driver and the passengers. "Now, Yesugei, you must say quiet. This is not our vehicle, and it could easily be bugged. In fact, I know my father does this to his vehicles, and I expect it is. Open the package, but say nothing."

The crackling of brown paper filled the interior of the car. Two things fell out - a small audio tape and a note. Yesugei read over it quickly, before passing it to Naran.

Messenger,
My name is Arasi, of House Sukhbataar, in service to House Delgerzayaa.
I have taken up position in this place at instruction of my mistress, to keep an eye on the Prince.
The Prince is a traitor. Please deliver the audio tape enclosed to the Lama at the Royal Palace as soon as you can.
Jelme must not be made Khagan.


Naran frowned again, but did not speak. She passed both items back to Yesugei, and motioned at the paper. Wrap them up, she said, silently. She was young, but knew the ways of the royal families and wise in politics. More and more, Yesugei could see why Enkh had chosen her. He did as was asked. Naran tapped on the glass, which descended again.

"Take this man back to the Palace. Yesugei - give me the rest of the letters to the other Oirats. I will deliver them while you meet with Enkh."

Suddenly the vehicle made a great u-turn, throwing Yesugei back into his seat, and sped up considerably. "We will be there shortly, Yesugei. What dark times have come to us?"
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Yesugei knocked at Enkh's door, and heard a ruffle of papers from within. Enkh opened the door, but his face did not betray emotion when he realized who it was. "You are early, my son. It is not yet even midday! Have you been so expedient that the messages have all been delivered."

"Teacher, Naran is continuing my duty as we speak. A matter of the utmost importance has forced me to return early. I have a package for you, given to me by a servant of the Borjigin, and a spy for House Delgerzayaa."

"House politics do not interest me, Yesugei, nor should they you."

"Teacher, it is not wise to make assumptions. I would not be here if I did not believe it important."

"Ah, my son, you are correct. Come in, then, and show me this package." Yesugei followed Enkh into the room. "We will need another chair. Yesugei, go outside, and ask one of the initiates to bring you one. Also, ask them to bring us each a dish of rice for our midday meal. Leave the package with me, for now. I will look it over while you do this." Yesugei did as he was told, and within ten minutes, had returned to Enkh's side.

"Welcome back, my son. While you were gone, I acquired an audio device that will play this tape for us. If the message is any indication, this is a very serious manner."

"Teacher, it is not my place ---"

"Stop, Yesugei. There are many things you do not know. This may be your place more than you know. Sit, as I told, and trust that I am not a senile fool."

"I apologize for my assumptions ----"

"Yesugei, we have other matters at hand. Save your apologies." Enkh fiddled with the machine, placing the cassette into the tape. He attached a simple speaker to the device, and began to play it.


I am Arasi, born to unknown parents, of the House Sukhbataar, in service to the Lady of House Delgerzayaa. I was sent as a servant, and spy, to the Borjigin manor at eight, where I have remained for the last four years of my life, serving my mistress. This tape contains my logs, and is approximately two hours long.

As of the twentieth day of the sixth month of this year, this is the twenty-fourth tape. Other tapes can be accessed at the Imperial Bank in Ulan Bator, under account 8793029193, which can be accessed by giving the code '987z6cc9gtu27'.


The tape then continued unto the girl's logs. She was meticulous and clear, preferring to give only facts without analysis. The tape began at it's oldest date: The fourth day of the fourth month. It began by detailing the arrival of Kang, on his 'fifteenth' visit to the manor. Yesugei realized this meant they would have to go back to the other tapes. The girl did not identify Kang - she had presumably done so earlier in her logs. Yesugei told Enkh to stop the tape.

"Teacher, Kang is an agent of the Eastern Empire. I have seen the emblem of his nation, and met him on my visit. I thought it would be wise to note it."

"Yes, thank you."

Enkh continued the tape. On the eighteenth day of April, the girl spliced in a recorded conversation between Jelme and Kang. From the context of the conversation, they were clearly looking over a map, naming towns and cities that Yesugei did not recognize. It appeared, however, that they were drawing a border. Kang would apparently come for a week or two at a time, every month. If such a pattern were consistent, it would mean that this conspiracy would go back over a year. Enkh's frown grew more and more pronounced as the girl continued to talk. Jelme, apparently, was in negotiation with a 'Prince Yu', represented by Kang. What Jelme would receive was yet unknown, but he was willing to pay a very large price for it - much of Mongolia would be ceded to the Chinese.

About an hour and a half into the tape, a knock at the door. It was Naran - she had finished delivering the messages to the other Oirats. Enkh thanked her for her services, and sent her away. He did not begin the tape again.

"I do not have time to listen to all the tapes, but it is clear that it must be done. Will you accompany me to the Bank to retrieve the tapes? We will get several other Abbots to listen through them this afternoon, while I make the necessary preparations for the Council this evening. Jelme's apparent treachery has complicated the issue." Yesugei nodded. He knew it was not a request. "Very well. Meet me at the rear of the Palace, outside the helipad, in half an hour." Enkh rummaged through a small chest under his desk, taking out a black suit, much like the ones worn by many individuals he had seen at each manor. "Wear this."

"Teacher, what is a helipad?"

"Just ask a guard to take you there. You will see soon enough. Leave me for now, Yesugei, I will see you shortly."

Yesugei left for his quarters, to get dressed. What a dark day indeed.
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Yesugei had never seen a flying machine before. His mind was resistant to the idea that the hunk of metal standing before him would somehow lift him above the clouds. The area around the Royal City, itself a dozen kilometers from the capital, was a no-fly zone, and the location of Urga itself was kept blocked from view by a series of hills. Yesugei had lived his whole life within the walls of the Palace, the last few hours excluded, and though he knew of the world around him, this day had been a very broadening experience. For the first time in his life, Yesugei felt resentment at his entrapment in this place, angry that he had been deprived of the world, and all it offered.

Enkh appeared behind him, and put a hand on his shoulder. "Yesugei, you are unrecognizable." Indeed, when he had looked at himself in the mirror he did not know who looked back. He had discarded the orange robes that had defined his appearance for decades, and put on one of the suits he had often seen others wear. The silk shirt pressed coolly against his skin, a new sensation compared to the rough texture of the robes. He found that he liked the way these clothes felt, and more and more he realized that his ability to meditate was not due to internal willpower, but ignorance of the comforts of the world. The more he learned, the more he realized how hard it must be for others, harder than it ever had been for himself, and the greater his respect grew for those like Naran, who had known the best luxuries of the world, and willingly turned them back for the life he had been given. Would he have been able to make the same decision? Doubt clouded his mind.

"We must go, son. Please, board the helicopter." Enkh gently pushed Yesugei forward toward the flying machine, and followed him. He handed him a set of ear protectors from the seat in front of them. An armed man, a guard, Yesugei assumed, got in the copilots seat. A fourth man in strange green vestments came on last - the pilot, though Yesugei did not know it. A voice crackled through the ear protectors.

"Imperial Transport, you are authorized to take to the air." The machine roared to life, louder than anything Yesugei had ever known, and slowly began to rise. He looked out the window of the sleek black machine in wonder as they rose above the treeline, and he gasped in astonishment at how big the world was. Nothing but green fields surrounded them, stretching to eternity. In the distance he could see white towers growing out of the earth itself.

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The flight was brief - less than ten minutes, and the helicopter touched down at the top of a large white building in the center of the city. Yesugei was stunned, not only at the size of the city itself, but the sheer amount of souls that inhabited it, moving briskly about on their business. He had never seen so many people in one place, so many buildings, themselves taller than even the tallest of trees. Thousands of cars sped around the structure, and for a moment, Yesugei could not move. It was beautiful, in its own way. Man was a stunning animal.

"Yesugei, I am sorry that you cannot enjoy yourself, but we are pressed for time. We must go into the bank." A large man was already walking towards them, accompanied by half a dozen armed men.

"We welcome all delegates of the Imperial Palace. This way, please, we will assist you in anyway we can." The man bowed before Enkh, who accepted it, to Yesugei's astonishment. Enkh waved at the pilot, who shut down the helicopter, but remained inside. "Follow, follow." They proceeded into a grand lobby within the building, designed of fine marble. "My name is Undraa Agvaanluvsan, and I am your servant for the day. What do you need?"

Enkh spoke up, "I have an account I wish to visit. A safety deposit box."

"Right this way, sir, and I will process your request. Account number and access code?"

"8793029193; 987z6cc9gtu27."

"Very good. Our records indicate that this box was last activated on April 3rd by a Lady... Arasi of Sukhbataar. Is this correct?"

"Yes."

"Right this way, sir." The large man led the group to an elevator on the far side of the room. He placed his key into a panel on the wall, and pressed the number 43. The elevator sprang to life, and quickly descended to the floor. They were now in a bright hallway, facing a solid steel wall. A small pedestal on the right side served a purpose revealed to Yesugei when the man placed his palm on it. It turned bright blue, and a buzzing sound could be heard. A woosh came next, and the steel wall revealed an almost invisible door at its center. The man motioned to the three of them, and followed him in. It was a lobby, similar to the one upstairs. "Private viewing rooms are available just over here," he said, pointing to a series of six doors. "They are locked from the inside. Let me bring you your box." Yesugei now noticed that against the north, south, and west walls there was nothing but shelves, all full of large metal containers, each with an identifying number. The man took down box 892, about three feet tall and wide, and wheeled it over to the party on a dolly. The guard with Enkh and Yesugei took the dolly, and began following Enkh into one of the rooms. "I will wait outside, sir."

The box was put before them, and the guard stepped outside once again. Enkh entered the account access number on the keybad outside the box a second time, and the door swung open. Inside, a series of shelves held a variety of equipment. The bottommost shelves were faced with rows of cassette tapes, a labeled by month. Above it, gold bars, and several piles of currency - likely payment for the spy. The top shelf was empty, but for a small pistol of a make Yesugei did not recognize, and some electrical equipment he presumed was used for monitoring and recording conversations.

"Yesugei, please grab the duffel bag over there," Enkh pointed at it, hanging on a wall. "Put the tapes in, as I leave our benefactor a note of thanks." Yesugei did as he was told while Enkh scrawled a letter to Arasi, leaving it on the bottom shelf where they had once been, alongside his seal. "Our business here is done, Yesugei. We must hurry back to the Palace, if we are to have time to listen to these tapes in time for the Council in... six hours. Come." Enkh closed the door again, and exited the viewing room.

"Very well, sir. I will place the box back in its place. Please sign this log book for our records and take the elevator back to the roof lobby." Enkh did all this, and within five minutes, Yesugei was once again marveling at the sight of Urga from above.
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Dozens of monks had listened to the hours of tapes in just two. They collaborated with Yesugei to put together a report for the Lama Enkh, who had been busily preparing the Audience Chamber for the Council meeting. Parties of servants had already begun to arrive, to prepare House banners in the central hall, and the body of the late Khan had been laid to rest in the center of the room, in a highly decorated manner.

Enkh entered the room just as Yesugei finished typing the last few words of his report. It was several pages thick, and Enkh immediately picked it up upon reaching the desk. Many monks were still putting away the equipment they had used to prepare the document, and were leaving. "We are about to begin, Yesugei. Is this the report?"

"Yes, Teacher."

"Sum it up, if you can, Yesugei."

"Jelme is a traitor. He thinks the Khanate is weak, and fears Prince Yu. He knows the Dominion has hurt our army, and wants to deal with Yu. Yu demanded portions of the territory under his House, as well as some others, to Yu in exchange for arms. In addition, Jelme wants Yu's help with destroying the Council system, and establishing House Borjigin as a dynasty over the whole territory. He wants Yu's troops to quell the Houses. For this, also, he gives land."

OOC: I lost motivation to finish this section at this time, so it is short.
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Enkh looked through it, quickly. "Good. Print more copies. I want one in the space of each representative when they sit."

"Yesugei, it is a shame this all has happened so quickly. I meant to speak with you about a very important matter. Unfortunately, it requires more time than we have now. What I need from you, Yesugei, will not be easy. It may seem easy at the moment, but it is imperative that at the right time you follow my instructions perfectly."

"What is your will, teacher?"

"I wish we had more time. It is not fair to yourself - no man should have to undergo the ordeal that awaits you. You will need to be strong.

You will accompany me into the chamber, and sit to my right. You will not speak. You will not look around. You will sit, like a stone, without expression for the entirety of the proceedings. Yesugei, it is important: do not allow your face to betray any emotion. You will hear some unsettling things.

I will give you instructions, later. You must follow them."

"Teacher, I do not mean to be rude, but this is not difficult."

"My son, that is why I wish we had more time to speak. Are the papers printed?"

"Yes."

"Grab them, and come with me. Remember: no emotion."

Enkh led Yesugei out to the main hall, where each of the House representatives stood at attention. The six electors stood in front of the other lords, assuming their place as kings of the Mongolian Empire. The body of Khagan Gansükh Chingis, King among kings, was ornately laid on a broad ebony table, his gem-encrusted armor glistening in the light of the large fire blazing to the right. No other lights were lit, and it was difficult to make out many of the lords. Enkh stood between the Khagan and the electors.

Enkh spoke quietly to Yesugei, who was burdened by the stack of documents he had just printed. "Go place them in the council room. One for each lord, including the electors." Yesugei began to walk back, as Enkh began to call role.

"House Borjigin of the Urga!"

Jelme stepped forward. "Khan Chingis Jelme, Prince of the Khaganate, will represent the Urga Oirat."

"House Jungaria of the Choros!"

"Lord Erdene Saikhan of the Jarud, will represent House Jungaria with the permission of Lady Nekhii Delgerzayaa."

"House Khitai of the Buryat..."

By now, Yesugei could no longer hear Enkh. The servant had closed the large doors behind him. He was now in the throne room, where the Khagan would traditionally meet with the court. The throne had been removed, replaced with a simpler one with minimal design. Yesugei knew that from that throne the Lama would address the assembly. To the right was a smaller chair, where he presumed he was to sit. Several monks were seated already behind the throne. Two got up, and approached Yesugei.

"These papers, they must be left at each of the places of the lords." Each of the three took a third of the papers.

The room was laid out in a unique way. Most of the usual regalia had been removed. Instead, banners of each of the houses adorned the walls. In the center, beneath the platform where the throne sat, were six small thrones, in the same style as the one for Enkh. In addition, several small chairs were immediately behind them, with a small table on the immediate left of each throne. It was on these that one monk placed a copy of each document.

In a semicircle around these thrones lay 16 simple silk mats, upon which the lesser lords would sit. They were not permitted an entourage. Yesugei placed a copy of the documents on each mat, so that the representatives would have to remove them upon sitting. As this finished, he took his place at the right of Enkh's throne.

He knew that Enkh was now conducting the Rite of Election, which would give authority to the Council to elect a new Khagan. The relatives of the old Khagan would then, alongside the Lama and the new Khagan if of a different house, lead the Council in conducting the funeral rite for the deceased, which would take place outside, by cremation. Monks would be preparing the pyre as the ceremony took place. In total, the entire ceremony would last until noon of the day, assuming no delays in the election of a new Khagan.

A new Khagan could be elected only by a unanimous vote of the electors, and consent of the Lama. The lesser lords could nullify the right to vote of one elector by a second unanimous vote. This had been done once before, though Yesugei did not know the circumstances. The Lama, traditionally, voted alongside the electors. Never before had the will of the electors been defied by the Lama.

The votes themselves were usually decided prior to the Rite of Election, through inter-house politics, and little discussion took place. Often the Rite would be completed in as little as the hour it took to nominate the candidate, for the candidate to speak, and for the votes to be called upon and tabulated. Yesugei knew, however, that while Prince Jelme was the favorite choice, it was by no means certain - less so when his treachery would be discovered by the lords. It was, in fact, the opposition of House Khitai and House Jungaria to the Borjigin that forced Jelme to seek out the assistance of Yu. However, traditionally, if only one or two Houses were opposed to a Khagan, they invoked the right of abstention - and did not cast a ballot, sidestepping the rule of unanimity.

Enkh walked in, followed by the electors and their entourage, themselves followed by the lesser lords. Each stood before their seat, but made no motion. They were not to sit until the Lama did so, his own entourage, Yesugei included, excepted. He stared straight ahead, making no move, but managed to catch the presence of Naran behind Khan Serin Chuluunbold. She was dressed, not in the robes of a Buddhist initiate, but the regal dress of a princess of a House. Yesugei was confused - she had forsaken that life.

Enkh took the opportunity to speak. "There is a matter of grave importance that we must consider prior to the nomination of candidates. You will consider it that as well when the full breadth of the matter comes to light. All here may have noticed the papers near them. I am asking that we take twenty minutes to read these before moving on." Enkh sat down. The lords did so as well, and the rustling of papers covered all sound.

Yesugei stole a glance at Jelme, but the man betrayed no emotion. Certainly he knew what was coming. It was impossible not too. Jelme did not even pick up his document, choosing instead to stare ahead. To stare at him.

"We will continue in twenty minutes."

There was no sound but that of paper. However, the looks of anger on the faces of many of the lords and the general sense of aggression that had begun to fill the room betrayed the emotions of the diplomatic silence.

Exactly nineteen minutes and forty-six seconds later, Enkh cleared his throat, and stood.

"I am afraid that I must call a pause in the Rite at this time. I understand this is unprecedented, but as I am sure all here will agree, these are unprecedented circumstances. We will not break, however. Rather, we will address the matter that now stands before us.

Let me first say that the summary before you is not a fiction. I will give full access to the original documents to all who demand it willingly. There is no need to mistrust my words.

Chingis Jelme, of House Borjigin. I accuse you of treason against the Khaganate. The Buddha has advised against the taking of lives, yet you stand accused of the single capital crime in the Empire. You punishment for such high treason is death to the elements of the wild. What have you to say of this evidence that stands before you?"

"The armies of the Khaganate are weak. The ambitions of our enemies are strong. My father bowed before the lords of the Dominion, and in doing so saved his country. This was not called treason. This was done with the full consent, approval, and lobbying of the Lama Enkh!

Prince Yu has ambitions, strong ambitions. These ambitions will not be curtailed, nor are we strong enough - or capable of becoming strong enough - to prevent them. I bow because we cannot stand.

But this will not always be the case. One day, we will rise. The enemy will not see this coming. We will be good vassals. We will be good allies. We will send our men to die with theirs, so that they trust us. This trust will be their undoing. We will gain their strength through partnership. When we are finally strong, we will strike. We will take back what is ours and more. My plan is not one of treason, or of capitulation - my plan is one of strength and victory."

Chuluunbold stood and angrily responded. "Your plan is one of personal glory for your House. You would destroy the system of the ancestors for personal gain. You would destroy the other houses so that you may reign supreme! You do not care about victory! You do not care about honor! It is better, as you well know, to live one day as a lion than a hundred as a sheep!"

Tömörbaatar Batsaikhan, Khan of House Dorbet, stood as well. Oldest of the electors, his voice was calm, quiet, and in that, commanded the respect and attention of the room. "I was a friend, and an ally, of your father, Jelme. I remember voting him to office. I remember when you were born - you were destined for great things. You have thrown those away, and you do do not deny the charges before you. I call for a Vote of Nullification - House Borjigin deserves no representation at these proceedings." Jelme looked ready to interject, but Batsaikhan quickly intervened. "Do not further shame your House by speaking out of turn! You may not speak until, and if, the vote is defeated! You will obey the traditions of this Empire, whether you want to or not, or I will slay you where you stand myself!"

Enkh stood, as the other three sat. "There has been a call for the Vote of Nullification against the Urga Oirat. Is there a second?" Chuluunbold stood and proclaimed his support.

"Very well. Lords of the Oirats, please stand." All but Jelme did so.

"Altay?"

"Aye."

"Baarin Oirat?"

"Aye."

"Baatud Oirat?"

"Aye."

One by one every lesser lord sat, having affirmed the nullification. It was unanimous. Even the vassals of the House, perhaps sensing blood and room for growth in the absence of their Khan, voted in favor of nullifying the vote of the Urga Oirat. When every lesser lord had cast his vote, Enkh turned to Jelme.

"You are required to be removed from the chamber immediately. Due to the nature of the charges against you, you will be held by the Royal Guard until the conclusion of the Rite, when proper trial may take place." As he spoke, three soldiers entered the room, in ceremonial armor, with ceremonial weapons - swords and bows.

For the first time, Jelme smiled. "No."

Weapons are forbidden during the conduction of the Rite of Election, to prevent intimidation and to maintain the peace. It was not always so, but one particularly bloody debate over secession, leaving twelve dead, had seen to it to ensure that from that moment forward, no arms would be permitted in the chamber. It was clear, almost immediately, that several of Jelme's entourage had chosen to ignore that rule.

The guards surrounding Jelme were shot down by sub-machine gun fire. One man threw Jelme a gun, who immediately shot it in the air. The room became very still as the last soldier fell. Jelme pointed the gun at Enkh. "Close the door, and bar it."

Enkh himself stepped down from the throne, and walked towards the door. He shut it, and, as ordered, barred it from the inside. Meanwhile, a member of Jelme's entourage walked to the door behind the throne, brushing past Yesugei, who still stared straight ahead, now paralyzed in fear, only Enkh's words repeating in his mind - do not move. Do not speak.

This door was meant for the Khagan, but it led to the armory. It was shut, but could not be locked. The man pointed his gun at the monks behind Yesugei. "Barricade the door." The monks stood, and in turn moved their chairs to the doorway, pressing them against the door which even now was being bashed by the frantic Royal Guard, attempting their best to get in.

In the main hall, where the body of the Khagan lay, gunfire could now be heard. Jelme paid it no mind.

"I do what I must. I am a victim of circumstance."

"You are a traitor." No sooner had the words left the mouth of Khan Batsaikhan that Jelme put a bullet through his head.

"No one will speak. I will talk, now. Do not pretend that the circumstances are anything but what they are - I could kill each of you with similar ease. It is a shame that I cannot end the Houses now. A shame."

The gunfire outside grew louder. The bashing on the door grew greater, and a highly audible crack indicated a breakthrough was imminent.

"I will save this country from itself. I will save it from the squabbles of petty lords, and from the noose of an archaic religion. We are not strong because we cannot be strong - we must be unified to become so. I will see to it that we do. I will not pretend to care about your thoughts on the matter. Your days are at an end. It is only time that may save your hides today." Jelme turned to Yesugei.

"I know who you are. You are the orphan of the Lama. You may as well be his adopted son. You trust him, don't you?" Yesugei did not speak. "DON'T YOU?" Yesugei looked at Enkh, who gave a slight nod.

"I do."

"You trust a liar. You are no orphan, as Enkh well knows. He has known since your birth. He says your father is dead. Haha. I suppose you made an honest man of him!

I know as well, no thanks to my father who did what he could to hide it from me. I knew who you were the second I met you. The second you told me your name, I knew the insult Enkh had orchestrated. I know what Enkh wants. You are a pawn in his game. You are all pawns - this is no noble Buddhist, seeking only harmony. It is his intention to dominate the Empire in the same way that it is mine! Do not be fooled into thinking he is any better! You are here to be nominated, Yesugei. You are here to be nominated as a non-House Khan! Another... unprecedented occurrence, in an evening full of them."

Yesugei could not retain his steely gaze any longer. He looked at Enkh, who began to nod. It was all true.

"You have been groomed for the position since your adoption, I do not doubt. Hah!"

"Why do you say such lies?"

"Why? Why? Let's ask Enkh! Teacher! Who is Yesugei?"

Enkh moved from the door. The gunfire was closer, now clearly just outside the doors. Behind the throne, however, progress by the Royal Guard had slowed. The crack had become wide enough to shoot through, and Jelme's man could too easily mow down any soldier that attempted to resume the ramming.

"Yesugei, you are the bastard son of an adulterous union between House Jungaria and House Borijigin. Your mother was a niece of your father's wife: Lady Shria Delgerzayaa." Some lords could not hide their surprise, and one man, the representative from Evenks, burst out in a fit of coughing. Lady Shria Delgerzayaa was wife of the late Khagan, Gansükh Chingis. She was the mother of Jelme Chingis. His father was the Khagan. "Your mother died during labor. I was given the child by the Khagan, and ordered to keep secret all evidence of your lineage until after the ascension of a new Khagan."

Yesugei did not react. He could not react. He had been right - it was not difficult to remain without emotion. He was in too much shock. This is what Enkh had been meaning to tell him.

Jelme nodded triumphantly. "So we see, then, that I am not the only man with secrets! Nor the only man with plots! Why is Yesugei here, if not as a means for the Lama to gain political domination of the Empire!? I ask, what logical reason could there be!" Jelme began pacing the room. "I did. I do. I do what I must. I do what I must."

The gunfire outside ceased. One of Jelme's men walked up to him, and spoke into his ear. Yesugei noticed a communications device in the man's ear - another violation. No one, once the Rite of Election had commenced, was permitted to communicate with the outside world until it was complete.

Jelme's face went stern. "Enkh, open the door." Enkh did so, and several soldiers burst into the room - perhaps as many as three dozen, Yesugei estimated. They were not Royals - they wore the black and gold uniform of House Borjigin. "I live, it seems, to fight another day." He turned to Yesugei. "The same cannot be said of you." He took a pistol out from his boot. It was small and slender - a single shot revolver intended to escape detection. It fired.

Yesugei looked down, at his stomach, which began to bleed profusely. An intense, burning pain filled his abdomen, and he fell to the floor. Naran left her father's side and immediately ran to him, putting pressure into the wound. The room began to blacken, and his vision grew fuzzy. He could barely make out Jelme leaving with his men, and just as the last one left, the sound of the rear door bursting open coincided with his descent into a deep sleep.
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Yesugei awoke to an old, white face he did not recognize, in a bright, white room. The electronic beeps of medical equipment was the only noise in the room. The man spoke, in a language Yesugei did not recognize, and had never heard before. He turned away, speaking again. A second man answered - another white man, this one much younger, and with eyes like Yesugei's own. "He says that it is about time you woke up," the second man said to Yesugei, in Mongolian. Yesugei attempted to sit up, but winced in pain. "Moving will hurt. The bullet went through your stomach, and the acid may have deteriorated your muscles. We have medication to manage the pain, one moment."

An easing calm filled Yesugei.

Enkh walked in. "How do you feel, son?"

"I am fine, Teacher. What happened?"

"You do not remember?" A pained look overcame Enkh.

"No. No. I do. I do. Jelme. What happened to Jelme? What happened to the Rite?"

"Jelme escaped. Many are dead. I have been overseeing the transport of the bodies of many monks and many guards for the last few hours. Yesugei, I am sorry, but we do not have much time to waste."

"The Rite? Who is Khagan?"

"Yesugei, that is why we do not have much time. The Rite has been postponed, until tomorrow night. The lords are divided. No one can choose who must lead. We are divided at a time when we desperately need unity. Yesugei, against my will, the Houses of Dorbet and Khitai have come up with a solution - one that, as I understand it, could bring the Galwas and the Orluk together: leaving only House Jungaria."

"What?"

"Jelme's wife of that house. They may still support Jelme, it is unclear, but if we are not united it is possible that they may decide that their future is best secure gambling on Jelme's dominance. If he does have support of the Chinese, it is very possible that he may prove victorious against the divided Houses. His plan may be realized."

"Teacher? May we talk of this later. I... do not feel well. I am dizzy."

"Son, this cannot be delayed long."

"Just an hour."

"Very well, Yesugei. I must go."

"Teacher, I do want to talk. Just... why was I not told my identity?"

"Well, my son, it was unfortunate necessity. I was not permitted to tell you the truth. It was my duty, when I took you in. I had to protect the identity of the father."

"The Khagan was not my father. You were, Teacher."

"I know, son." Enkh left the room.
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An hour later, Yesugei expected Enkh to return. He did not. Rather, it was Serin Chuluunbold.

"Yesugei. Are you awake?"

Yesugei nodded lamely. He did not feel like talking. Chuluunbold, however, expected a response. "Yesugei, please answer. I need to know that you have your faculties. I need to speak with you."

"Yes, Khan, I am awake, and aware. The dizziness is subsiding, though the pain has returned."

Chuluunbold nodded. "I know, and I am sorry. I asked the doctor to stop the painkillers for a little. You need to be aware of what I am about to say. Yesugei - this is very important. What do you know of how a Khagan is elected?"

"I know that the six elector Oirats must all agree on who must be Khagan, and the Lama must also consent. I know what the vote of an elector on behalf of one of the six Oirats can be nullified by unanimous vote of the lesser oirats or houses."

"Yes, yes. Technically correct, of course, but ignorant of politics. The form by which a leader is decided is not a structural one, you understand," Yesugei nodded. "The identity of the new Khagan is known months ahead of the vote. While I did not support Jelme's ascension, I was prepared to abstain and allow the vote to pass anyway. Of course, he is no longer a candidate, which, you must understand, forces us to begin new politics. And unfortunately, we have not the time. Jelme is at his estate now, only a few miles from where you lay, plotting. We must organize and attack him, before he can consolidate his forces and take the title by force. I have come to you, Yesugei, because we have concluded the matter of politics." Lady Nekhii Delgerzayaa entered the room, along with a man Yesugei did not recognize, and finally Enkh himself.

Enkh spoke. "Yesugei, you know the truth of your origins. Royal blood runs in your veins. While what Jelme said earlier was untrue - I did not groom you to become Khagan - the truth of the matter is that that title may yet fall into your lap. Listen to their proposal." Yesugei's eyes grew wide, and he could no longer contain his emotion.

"I do not want to be Khagan!"

"Yesugei," Enkh whispered kindly, "You have a duty."

Yesugei hung his head. He had spent the entirety of his thirty years as a monk. "Must I abandon my path?"

"No! No, of course not Yesugei. You will remain an abbot. But you will take on other duties as well. You will be an abbot-king."

"What is the proposal?"

Nekhii Delgerzayaa stood forward, and spoke regally. "You are the daughter of my sister's niece, and thus the blood of my house runs through you. But you are unclaimed. House Jungaria will adopt you, and bestow upon you a name. You will become Jungaria Shria Yesugei --"

Yesugei spoke up. "No. If I must take name, I will take the name of my father. I will be Jungaria Enkhgiin Yesugei." Enkh smiled. The Lama was not without his own emotions.

Delgerzayaa thought for a moment, before speaking. "You will become Jungaria Enkhgiin Yesugei, and you will be a Khagan of my House and my Oirat. Your sons shall also be of my house, but will not be eligible to become Khan through that alone."

The new man stood forward, as Delgerzayaa stood back. "I am Dorbet Batsaikhan Choibalsan, son of a murdered father. I am the new Khan of House Dorbet. I will adopt Khitai Chuluunbold Narantuyaa, and she will become Dorbet Chuluunbold Narantuyaa. You will marry her, no less than a year after your election." Yesugei suddenly grew dizzy. Marry Naran? He could think of worse fates, but she would have to sacrifice her life in the monastery. She did not want to be married, she had said. Did she consent? What did she feel? How could he marry if she was angry? What if she blamed him? But he remembered, suddenly, the Rite - she was not wearing the robes of an initiate. But how could she have known that it was not Jelme who would rule? Perhaps she had voluntarily given up that life... perhaps... The voice of Choibalsan interrupted him. "Your daughters shall be of my house."

Finally, Chuluunbold stood forward. "Hello again, Yesugei. I will be your adviser, your champion, and your Prince, until my death or my abdication."

Enkh, now, spoke. "I will consent, with the votes of the Khoshut Oirat and the Torghut Oirat. You will be my Khagan, of the Seventh arm of the Khaganate. You will take the royal title Khagan Yesugei, the Seventh Khan."

Yesugei nodded. "What do I say?"

"Say that you accept these conditions."

"How do we know the other Oirats will follow me?"

"The Khoshut are great allies of the Jungaria - they will follow. The Torghut are great allies of the Dorbet. They will follow as well. They know of this proposal, and have assured of their approval. They are ready to elect you."

"Where is Naran? How can I accept her hand if she does not offer it?"

Chuluunbold spoke, "She knows of the plan as well, and has consented to her adoption and marriage. She recognizes the extreme circumstances which fate has given us."

Yesugei did not speak for a long time. Half an hour passed, without anyone moving or speaking. Finally, Yesugei spoke.

"I accept the honor. Call the Rite."
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Jelme had returned to his home, where his men now patrolled the perimeter of his estate in anticipation of the worst. Kang had been waiting at the estate, hoping to hear news that Jelme easily won the election and was now the new lord and master of the realm. Instead he was met with the irritated look of a man whose plans were somehow easily foiled, despite his best efforts no less. This was disappointing, and the two men argued at the onset as to how exactly the plan could have gone wrong. Naturally, Jelme wanted to blame Kang for not being inconspicuous enough and Kang retorted that Jelme simply did not run a tight enough house, as obviously someone betrayed him. In the end the men finally came to an agreement that it didn't matter how it happened as it was too late to change anything and now all they could do was move forward.

"Are the men your master promised me ready?" asked Jelme, now looking over maps that he'd called for and which servants had now placed across a table for him.

"The first wave as we agreed is already on the move and will be here by dawn." said Kang. "I doubt we will need more than what is coming but of course, if more is needed then more will come."

"There is no way for them to get here any faster?" Jelme asked with irritation.

"They are traveling as fast as they can" said Kang. "We do not currently have the luxury of air transportation as his majesty has devoted those resources else where. These men are having to move by ground convoy."

Jelme opened a door nearest to him, one that went to an outside garden and opened it. The Asian sun was setting, it would be dark soon and after that, dawn. He'd hoped he could strike with the cover of darkness as his ally but he'd simply make due with what he had.

"Fine" Jelme said finally, moving back towards his maps. "We'll wait til dawn to strike, but I won't be allowing for much rest for your men. We must strike quickly while the our enemies are still in a disarray."

"I agree" said Kang, "and I suggest we go for the strongest of the opposition first. Taking them down will not only take our your greatest enemy but also have a physiological effect on the others who may oppose you. Seeing the strongest fall may prevent this from becoming a full-blown war."

"My thought as well" said Jelme. "With your forces at my side, I don't foresee this as anything more than a battle. We'll strike at the heart of the Royal Quarter, defeat our enemies and then triumphantly march on the palace where I will take my rightful place."

"This Yesugei" said Kang, "you are sure you killed him yes?"

"I saw him bleed before I left" said Jelme.

"Just as well, we may need to ensure he did die. No doubt they would have tried to save him and if he wasn't dead when you left, we'll be leaving it to chance."

"What do you suggest?"

"I suggest we send spies to ensure he's dead" said Kang. "They can do this under the cover of darkness and if he's not dead, can assassinate him themselves. The young monk may prove to be your greatest opposition and eliminating him will only help to break down what holds the opposition against you."

"Send assassins then" said Jelme.

"Yes and actually, I have a few already here. I said before the Empire is more than willing to do anything for your cause. They arrived after you left for the election and are awaiting whatever order I might give them."

Jelme gave it some thought before telling Kang to do what he thought was appropriate. Bowing, he left the room and came to a smaller room where four men were seated quietly. The rose from their seats when Kang entered the room.

"Find the one they call Yesugei" said Kang, "he is a young monk that has recently been shot. He is most likely still within the palace, but on the chance they were foolish enough to bring him to an outside hospital, check them first. He is to be dead, whether you find him that way or have to deal with him yourself makes no difference to me. I only care that you ensure the tales of his death are fact."

The four men said nothing, only nodded. Wearing all black with ski-masks and goggles to cover their faces, the men were dressed for stealth and lethal action. One by one they left the estate and traveled alone, following different paths. Each would make sure to check everywhere before all four were to meet up again at the Palace.
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