Assimilate Them

Although their host contained mostly civilians and noncombatants, you decided it would be wise to add to your numbers. You stare the old Khan down.

"You will not go." You state bluntly. "Your fighters will join that of ours. We will unite into one people and those that are weak and cannot campaign will be left to found a settlement here. I will take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety."

With that, the Khan drops to his knees and clutches at your legs, thanking you for your generosity and mercy. Calling you the next Great Khan, he cried of your great and benevolent rule, imploring the sky gods to extend your reign for a thousand years.

As the discussions settled and the hosts combined into one, your men began to disassemble and return to their quarters. You did notice some intermingling between soldiers and widows begin to form. Usually, you would discipline your men from this distracting pursuit while on campaign. However, this might pose as an advantage. Warm body and wet holes might entice some men to stay in the frozen lands of the steppe and build a settlement.

I will leave a merged retinue of Eseni, Ilkhanate, and Imperial soldiers to form a garrison. My people, well-versed in engineering and siegecraft, will be able to make the necessary preparations to create a walled city impenetrable to any steppe host atop the shallow valley. This will serve as a stronghold for my military operations and will eventually make a fine addition to my empire. It will not be easy to sustain this colony, but the nearby river provides the only arable land within a 100 mile radius. Supplemented by raids and trade, this city may one day be a shining jewel of the steppelands.

As you continue to work the logistics and planning of the campaign with your war council, the evening sun slips beneath the horizon, signaling the end of the day. You dismiss your men and recline back onto your chair, placing your head onto your hands. Your steward and cupbearer walks over to refill your wine while whispering in your ear.

Your highness, she waits outside. Shall I send her in now?

Yes. Immediately.

A long day of work and toil amongst men had taken its toll. You desire release in the warm embrace of your beautiful bride. Once the tent flap opens, you startle a bit. This was not who you were expecting. It was the Ilkhanate girl that you had forgotten. Draped in a silk nightgown, her curves pushed away at the fabric. Nipples poke through the sheer fabric while her lush, bouncy brown hair fell down to her shoulders, no longer bound. The young girl gazes at you with a mix of emotions: gratitude, fear, and duty. She lets her nightgown fall to the ground, laying her body bare.

You rise to your feet and walk over to your Persian concubine.