[Tamorjin] Conqueror's Peak

The Qara'Mongke were famed throughout Tamorjin as having among the most, if not the most, feared warriors. It was understandable, their fighting style was fierce and unrestrained. A Qara'Mongke throws himself into battle without any thought given to defence, with no care given to if they would live or die. They possessed a brutal unrestrained savagery in combat that made many think they were little more than wild animals, largely because they were generally an isolationist tribe that wanted little to do with the other mountain men.

That had changed when Kuchar had come to their sacred mountain hall. The aspiring Kahn had wanted the might of the Qara'Mongke at his back as he brought the other tribes in line. With the help of a defector who spoke to him of the xenophobic tribe's ways, Kuchar knew that the Qara'Mongke followed many of the traditions of the other Tamorjin Moutain men, including ritual combat. Challenging the tribe's Kahn Kuchar emerged victorious, claiming the loyalty of the Qara'Mongke... at least on the surface.

Not long after Kuchar took his seat the entryway to the palace bangs open. The great doors slammed open as though by the fist of an angry giant, yet the man who had pushed them open was shorter than Kuchar. Yet most who stood before him felt as though he loomed. The young man had a force and a presence that belayed his years. Perhaps it was because of the dragon fang necklace around his neck, perhaps it was due to the cloak made of the hide of a dead bear so large it could have snapped a mountain man in half. Or maybe it was his eyes.

Atlan had the eyes of a predator. Eyes that saw much but gave away little. Deep and dark, they were filled with the barely contained savagery that his tribe was known for. To look into his eyes was to know that the only thing keeping his hands from your throat was the thinnest thread of decorum. Although, in recent months that had abated somewhat as he was embroiled, reluctantly, into the politics of the Kahn's court. The beginnings of a spark of guile mixing into those black eyes.

Striding up to the throne, head held high Atlan has not bothered with any fineries beyond the marks of his most brutal and notorious battles. When he arrives at the foot of the throne he does not bow, he does not kneel, he does not even incline his head. He simply looks up at Kuchar with a remote, unreadable expression. However, his eyes tell the truth. The man before Kuchar would devour the Khan if given the chance. "Why has my Khan sent for me." The deep rumbling bass voice of the young tribe leader has the faintest hint of deference, just enough to not be overtly rude.

As Kuchar speaks Altan folds his powerful arms across his chest, his head tilting ever so slightly to indicate that while he was not open to Khan he was interested in what the man had to say. Meaningless drivel for the most part, at least in Altan's estimation. Well, he could respect that the coming of age of the Khan's daughter was an important event within the man's household, it held little interest to the young man. From what he'd heard of the princess she was soft. A girl more concerned with words and politics than anything else.

The news of the successful raid was of slightly more interest. Had Altan had his own way then the Qara would have swept down from the mountain long ago to show the other tribes the meaning of strength. Kuchar's expansion and aggression was one of the few things he agreed with and would have participated in. After all, he could increase his own tribe's strength even as he increased that of the Khan's. The suggestion that Kuchar may give him a slave was not appealing though, Altan did not need to have such things handed to him.

"We should simply put their little valley to the torch." Altan rumbles. What value their valley held was underneath its soil not in, so little enough would be lost if they stamped them out in brutal fashion. Not only that but if they could defeat the Teng in the pass it would send a clear message to the other clan's of Toragana, that the Tamorjin would reign supreme.

Finally, the true reason for the farce of an audience is revealed. Just as he suspected it was a task of some importance coupled with a bribe of not inconsiderable value. Altan was getting used to being handled with silk gloves by Kuchar's household, they thought of him as a snake waiting to bite perhaps. Still, a challenge was being issued and Altan would not have it said that he could not complete any task. "Do not mince words with me. If you wish for me to bring this centaur to be brought to heel then ask."

It took some modicum of effort on Altan's part not to sneer at Kuchar as he explained his plans to deal with the Teng. While Altan was growing an understanding of such subterfuge he still viewed it as a crutch used by the weak to subvert the strong. Understanding the minds that would use such underhanded tactics was one of his current goals, his father hadn't and he'd died because of it. While Altan may never use such cowardly tricks himself he would know of them so he could turn them back on the whelp who thought that cleverness could make up for cowardice.

"What preparations would one need when hunting an animal." While his response was phrased as a question, it was a rhetorical statement. Altan's hunting techniques were well known. "Your will be done Khan." The young man says with as much deference as he can manage, which was just enough to be polite. Then he turns on his heel and walks out without waiting to be dismissed.

Vanidici entered the throne room expressionless and silent. His footsteps airy and seeming to make no impact on the ground beneath him. His eyes seemed to wander around the palace as he walked so slowly towards the khan. It was impossible for him to show it on his face but he was unimpressed and grew quickly uninterested. Puzzling to him how all fleshy beings felt the need to surround themselves in absolute grandeur as some sort of compensation. It would seem hypocritical coming from a creature wearing an entirely gold outfit. And well, that is exactly how the construct operated.

When he came to a full stop and listened to the Khan's curiosity rise, he offered a short and polite bow to the conqueror before him.

"Kuchar Khan, I am humbled by your quick response to my request. I come here to extend wisdom and fortune for the endeavors your future holds." He rose from his bow and stared his emotionless face towards the Khan. He stood straight up and planted his staff beside him hard, as an indebted soldier would. 

Something eerie happened following Kuchar's words. The frowning face of the construct seemed to distort from some sort of azure lightning, and the face on the mask flipped upright to form a smiling face instead of one somber. "My great Khan, what an excellent question."

He took a seat and held tight to his staff as he did. Perfectly postured and ethereal the being stared deeply at Kuchar for what felt like an eternity. Realistically, only seconds had passed before he spoke again.

"I am not omnipotent. There is information even beyond my own gaze, which if you feel you can trust me with I will ensure that it compliments your throne for ages. What I do know is that there are ones who plan to overtake you. Ones who have thoughts of your death implanted prominently. Even ones who have tried to kill you... And will try again. I know that not everyone close to you has your best interest in mind. While some my be at your whim completely others feel that your rule is undeserved by you. I could feel that being in this palace. There is concern drifting through these corridors. Eyes ever shifting and some that could not even look at me back, knowing I came to see you. You must be feeling lost without your beloved."

His face changed back, and he lowered his head again.

"Forgive me for speaking out of turn. I cannot know what it is to feel loss the way you do. Yet I do know the feeling of absolutely being lost. I have yet to find my own purpose." He rose from his seat.

"I, Vanidici, will be your eyes, mind, and sword if you see me fit. I am willing to prove my worth in any way you deem appropriate. From there I can give undying loyalty and an assurance that all of Toragana will be in your hand. Selfishly I can find my purpose, and selflessly ensure that yours is absolute."

Vanidici's smile returned at the words from Kuchar's mouth. He was in no denial that this victory would be an easy one but this seemed even less problematic than expected. The Khan's thirst for assurance was his downfall this time without his knowledge of it, which meant the time Vanidici had to assure his foothold would be great. Such foolishness in the minds of humans. It brought him tremendous pleasure knowing how smoothly this would go. 

"As I've stated my dear Khan, I am happy to oblige any prerequisites you place before me in order to prove my worth and talent. I do not expect one as yourself to be so eager to allow strangers by your side in this era of distrust and debauchery. I am happy to accompany the prince for as long as you deem necessary. Is this something I should be preparing for immediately? I am ready at your command, Kuchar Khan." 

A task like this only had one obstacle and that was the prince himself. Surely the Khan had people under his belt that were more perceptive than himself. If he was able to take the prince for a fool as well than the stones will have been laid. Those in control of different sectors of the Khan's military and politics would be the more difficult roadblocks. None of which Vanidici feared.