Scourge of Asia by Tony Roberts

Author:Tony Roberts [Roberts, Tony]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-08-24T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Timur called a great meeting of the tribes opposed to Amir Hussayn in his city of Kish. Such a thing was, of course, forbidden, so it would be a useful guide to see who was for Timur or for Amir. Casca noted the arrival of Kaykhusraw Khuttalani and Sheikh Mohammed Suldus, two of the most vehement opponents of Amir. Murat and Cheku represented the Barlas clan while newcomers included Musa of the Taychiut tribe and Ali of the Yasa-Uri tribe.

Surprises included Zinda Hasham and Oljeytu of the Apardi clan. The Apardis were recognized as being firm supporters of Amir but it seemed even these had been alienated.

“Friends, fellow tribal leaders” Timur began, “it has become clear that Amir Hussayn has exceeded his position as leader of the tribes of the Chaghadai Khanate. He has murdered family members of some of you” he looked at the bitter face of Kaykhusraw, “and has seized and imprisoned in Balkh members of others.” His own face clouded, for his sister had been dragged, screaming, from her home in Bukhara a mere ten days ago on orders from Amir. “He had appointed a feckless youth as Khan who authorizes each new atrocity this monster carries out on us, so he must go the same way as Amir. Together our armies can crush this evil man once and for all.”

Many of the men present rumbled agreement. However, Ali stood up. “It is treasonable to conspire against Amir in this manner. In doing so, you sink to the level of brigands. I was sent by Amir to this meeting to assess the measure of hostility against him, and have been empowered to negotiate on his behalf.”

“Amir knows of this meeting?” Timur stood up from his cushions, glaring at Ali. “How did he know?”

Ali waved the words aside. “It does not matter; he knows much of what goes on. He is prepared to relax taxes on certain households provided you pay him homage.”

An angry mutter went around the cavernous yurt. Kaykhusraw pointed a finger at Ali. “You can tell your master that I for one will never pay him homage. I do not bow to dogs.”

Ali’s face darkened. “Then you will forfeit your lands, Khuttalani.”

Timur waved a finger and a guard behind Ali struck swiftly, severing his head. The tribal leaders gaped, then turned to Timur. The Emir leaned back into his cushions and folded his arms. “So dies anyone who opposes me here at the meeting. Does this satisfy you, Kaykhusraw?”

The bitter man nodded. “But there remains the problem of the spy in your camp, Timur.”

Casca rose from his position in the darkness. “I may be able to help in that respect.”

“You know who it is?” Timur stated.

“I have known for many days, but I was waiting for the right moment. I suspect he is here to assassinate you and all other conspirators. I suspect the wine may have been poisoned.”

The other leaders growled and stood up, eyeing the large golden ornate dish that held the wine which had been brought in a few moments ago.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.