Khan's Legacy

You're Tarkhan, the rightful son and heir of Dagur Khan. Your mother, Gura, stands as the chief wife — a woman of pride. As you grow older, she instills in you the principles of leadership, reminding you, "Never forget, you're the true heir, not just another bastard born of a ****. You're destined to be a great khan." While your father indulges with other women, resulting in half-siblings, their status falls below yours since your mother is the primary wife. The younger ones in the tribe acknowledge and defer to you, recognizing your royal bloodline and the fate that awaits you as future chief.

Soon after your sixth birthday, your father embarks on a raid against a rival horde, returning laden with treasures. "Choose something for yourself," he says, adding, "Tarkhan, you're my son and heir." He encourages you to select a prize from the spoils.

You choose ancient books and maps. "Books, really?" your father remarks, clearly unimpressed, given his warrior spirit. Yet, Gura, your mother, beams with pride. "Books and maps," she retorts. "While you might have been content leading minor raids with our small horde, my son envisions a dynasty." Your mother, not only your father's chief wife but also his cousin and childhood confidant, has the privilege to speak her mind freely, while your father's other women — slaves and concubines — approach him with more caution and deference.

As time swiftly passes, you stand on the cusp of adulthood. Dagur Khan, your father, frequently takes you on his raids, imparting the knowledge necessary for a future khan, teaching you the life of nomadic horsemen. Given your status as heir and son of the chief wife, most of the young boys in the horde obey your commands. Yet, not all offer you their respect.

"I'm older than you, why should I obey you?" challenges Jhaqo, your half-brother, bristling with anger after a raid. Born to Qizhu, a **** concubine with rich chocolate-toned skin and curly hair from a distant land — her last lover met his end at your father's hand — Jhaqo has always carried an intense, dark aura. There was no love or consent in the act that led to your half-brother's birth, only lust and ****. Life on the steppes is often brutal. Jhaqo, a big-boned, dark-skinned youth, is perpetually agitated, carrying an evident grudge. As he confronts you with palpable fury, you ponder the best way to navigate this tension.

You choose words of persuasion. "Jhaqo, we're brothers, bound by blood. Let's not fight among ourselves. We have bigger battles to face, and together, we're stronger." There's a pause as Jhaqo processes this, but he eventually relents. You understand that when you become Khan, loyal followers will be essential, and who better to have by your side than your physically imposing half-brother?

Days turn into weeks and then months. One day, your father approaches you and says, "Tarkhan, the time has come for you to lead your first raid." A rush of excitement pulses through you. This raid is a rite of passage, cementing your path to becoming the next Khan. Success means earning not only your father's pride but also the horde's recognition. Yet, failure could irreparably tarnish your reputation. Now the question is — which tribe should be your target?