Since Orghana is still an infant, the Queen Mother is acting as her guardian and receiver of the gifts. She looks proud, fearful, quietly whispering prayers. For all her fame as the Lady of the Silk Road, her heiress is still a baby.
Queen Rokshan, also known as Umm Rayan, gave her blessing:
"She is one of us."
That's a rare kind of unifying mythology.
"And may the Tiger's heart beat in your chest."
"With this obsidian, may your decisions be sharp and just."
Then the baby giggled—or reached—reminding everyone that though this is a sacred moment, she's still just a child, soft and unaware.
And finally, the ritual of the gifts started. Each tribe isn't just offering gifts—they're making vows, predictions, and symbolic investments. The destiny of this newborn is being wrapped in layers of heritage, prophecy, and responsibility from birth.
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Part 1:The Gifts:
A finely crafted loom, made from precious wood and inlaid with gold, is presented by the Sui envoys. This gift represents the tribe's vital role in Silk Road trade, symbolizing Orghana's inheritance of her grandmother's legacy as the Lady of the Silk Road. It symbolizes prosperity, weaving unity, and the fabric of history that Bayalag must uphold and expand.
A large golden eagle feather is gifted by the Persians. The feather represents strength, vision, and the freedom of the open steppes. The eagle is revered by the tribe as a symbol of courage and leadership. This gift signifies Bayalag's connection to the warriors and her future role as a protector and leader, soaring high above the challenges she will face.
The Sacred Prayer Beads from the Tibetan Monks:
Presented by a high-ranking Tibetan monk, a string of sacred prayer beads carved from jade and blessed by spiritual elders. The beads symbolize wisdom, inner peace, and spiritual guidance. This gift connects Bayalag to the Tibetan monks' teachings, providing her with spiritual strength and grounding as she navigates the complex political and cultural landscapes she will inherit.
A sharp black obsidian blade is gifted by the Wolfborn Horde Tribe.
Etched with intricate symbols of the tribe's ancestors, the blade represents expertise in hunting, survival, and the balance between nature and power. It signifies Bayalag's ability to defend her people, make difficult decisions, and maintain harmony with nature.
A beautifully carved crystal chalice is gifted by the Iron Herd Tribe.
The chalice is clear, with intricate carvings of stars and the moon, symbolizing vast knowledge and the pursuit of enlightenment. This gift represents Bayalag's intellect and the wisdom she must wield in her leadership.
The Sky Dwellers Tribe presents Orghana with a jade pendant shaped like a tiger, carved from the finest green jade found along sacred rivers. The tiger symbolizes protection, ferocity, and guardianship. This pendant serves as a reminder of the tribe's role in guarding the waterways and maintaining balance in the land. It also signifies the strength Bayalag will need to protect her people.
The Sacred Silk Banner, embroidered with gold thread and symbols of peace and trade, is given by the Ember Veil Tribe. This banner signifies the tribe's role in fostering diplomatic relationships and cultural exchange, central to Orghana's reign. It is an indicator of the importance of diplomacy, harmony, and mutual prosperity among nations.
The Bronze Drum from the Moon Crows Tribe:
The drum is used in ceremonies to summon ancestral spirits and mark important events. It symbolizes the tribe's connection to the fire element—offering warmth, light, and strength—and reminds that Orghana's reign must bring both light and discipline to her people.
A majestic white stallion is gifted by the Desert Riders Tribe, through the Kingdom of Ma'rib via Amir.
Lastly, a necklace of a thousand poisons is given by the Serpent Wreath Tribe, meant to build a strong immune system against poisons.
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At the end, people began dispatching. The Queen Mother awarded Khan Tömörjin with many supplies and necessities for his people to help them fight famine and prepare for the next winter.
Later, the Queen Mother spoke with Umm Rayan, Queen of the Western Khaganate. She seemed worried and said, "Sister, come to the Evergreen Mountain." But someone as stylish as Umm Rayan replied in her Arabic accent, "That ain't going to happen, Amara." Instead of saying Amala, she continued, "The Evergreen Mountain is too isolated from people." She raised her chin and added, "Umm Rayan, Princess of Ma'rib, loves crowded places."
Amir then replied to the Queen Mother, "Aunt Amala, don't worry about Mother. She'll do just fine here. Besides, she loves flattery—and Batu's wives are just good at that." This made the Queen Mother giggle. When Chulun and Rajah ran by them, Umm Rayan said, "That's the reason I want to remain in the capital." The Queen Mother nodded, understanding her desire to spend time with her granddaughter.
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Part 2: The monks
Inside the Great Yurt:
Batu sat with his adviser Tonyukuk. The Tibetan monks were present when the Sui envoys entered, demanding to know why their previous envoys had been killed.
Batu, who was often away at his mother's estate, called for Choibalsan. When Choibalsan arrived, he said plainly, "I killed the other two envoys." Batu was surprised—he had no idea.
Choibalsan explained:
"The first envoys arrived when Batu was away. I decided to offer them Batu's favorite tea, po cha (Tibetan salty, buttery tea), but they refused."
The monks responded, "This is very disrespectful according to Tibetan tradition."
Choibalsan nodded, "Indeed. Their refusal equaled disrespect towards the Great Khan," then added, "so I killed them."
The envoys were speechless. One tried to question him, "How dare you... just kill people because of tea?"
The Great Khan intervened, "No one questions the Royal Uncle—except me."
Choibalsan continued, "As for the second set of envoys, one of them stepped over the hearth's threshold." (A warm interior filled with family heirlooms like horsehair ropes and silver cups adds realism.) "And that brings bad luck."
Batu whispered to his uncle, "Uncle, you could have just scolded them."
Choibalsan stood his ground. "If they were from the grasslands, I would've gone easy on them. But they were not."
The envoys, seeing the matter settled, decided to proceed.
"Great Khan, we come with a request from Emperor Yang."
The Great Khan smiled. "And what request does Emperor Yang want me to grant?"
The envoy hesitated. "We are dealing with internal matters... but we worry you may help the other party."
The Tibetan monks, always alert when it came to the Sui Empire, interrupted:
"Speak straight. Don't beat around the bush."
The envoy glared at the monks. "What gives you the right to speak? Politics isn't your thing."
The Great Khan replied, "These monks work for my grandfather, the Chögyal (Dharma King)—protectors of Buddhism. So yes, they have a thing for politics."
Silenced, the envoy continued, "Emperor Yang fears General Li Yuan may come and ask for help. He's the husband of Tibetan Princess Yang Chen—your aunt."
Mockingly, the Great Khan replied, "If Li Yuan comes and asks me, I may refuse. But if it's my aunt... I will definitely assist her."
The envoy, clearly unhappy, realized he wasn't getting the answer he wanted.
The Great Khan added, "Your emperor's actions have worried my grandfather's heart beyond repair. Still, he shamelessly wants an alliance?" He shouted, "My grandfather nearly died of a heart attack because of Emperor Yang's military campaign in Tibet!"
Then the Queen Mother entered. Everyone bowed.
She asked, "What's all that noise, Batu?"
The monks quickly explained, "Princess, it's the Sui. They want a non-interference agreement."
The Queen Mother, knowing what the monks wanted to hear, said, "I heard Father has taken an interest in the Sui border. Says its climate and location are ideal for a monastery." The monks bowed in joy.
She then turned to the envoys. "This offer would've been unnecessary had Emperor Yang married my sister. But no, he gave her to some nobleman named Li... Batu, what is your uncle-in-law's name?"
Batu said, "General Li Yuan."
She nodded. "Yes. Since we're in-laws with the Li family, we'll definitely help them."
Again she reinforced her point, "Who knows? Maybe if Li..." she paused again, "Batu, his name, the Li fellow?"
"Yuan." Batu replied.
"Yes, Yuan. If he takes the throne, he might give those borderlands to Father to build a monastery." The monks bowed again.
The envoy, angry, said, "You already took the first borderlands, now you want more!"
The Queen Mother, cunning as ever, replied, "Anything for my father and the religious leaders."
Again the monks bowed.
The envoys stormed out, furious.
---
Later, the Queen Mother smiled at the monks. "Let me excuse myself and arrange the carriage for my donations." The monks bowed—she always said what they wanted to hear.
As she left, the Great Khan approached the monks. "Please don't trouble my old man with any of this."
The monks replied, "Absolutely, Your Majesty. We shall not say a word to the Chögyal about these matters with the Sui Empire."
"Good," said the Great Khan.
Outside the Great Yurt, they found the Queen Mother had prepared the carriage. The monks opened the wooden boxes. Their eyes glittered at the sight of treasures. They bowed, either out of respect or gratitude—or both.
Batu assigned his best scouts to escort them back to Tibet.
As the carriage began to move, the Queen Mother gave one monk a small box. "Don't tell the Dalai Lama I gave this to my father."
The monk replied cunningly, "Princess, may I open it?"
The Queen Mother smiled. "Absolutely."
But when the monk opened the box, his smile faded.
"What's wrong?" she asked, worried.
He replied, "Princess, you know the Dalai Lama loves Shexiangjiu—musk-infused liquor, rare and reserved for high-ranking Sui officials."
The Queen Mother sighed deliberately. "Oh no! The Sui envoys brought it. I meant to give it to the Dalai Lama as a birthday present."
The monks smiled again.
"I won't be attending," she added. "I've been given custody of my baby granddaughter."
She handed them another box. "This is for my father. Again, don't tell the Dalai Lama."
They opened it to find a bundle of feathers wrapped in colorful cloth. They looked at her curiously.
"He's been having bad dreams," she explained. "The shamans made this to ward them off."
The monks, touched, said, "You needn't go to such lengths. A word from you, and the Dalai Lama will have monks chant day and night in the Potala Palace."
Then Batu called out, "My regards to grandfather!"
The monks waved and departed.
One of the monks whispered, "The Princess and her son are truly filial to the Chögyal and the Dalai Lama."
After their departure, the Queen mother's expression shifting instantly.
The Great Khan turned to his mother. "You acted well with the pretense," he said. "But the ones who will kill my grandfather aren't the Sui... they're the monks."
The Queen Mother responded calmly, "No. They won't do it. They have a face to preserve for the people. And if your grandfather is to die because of them, it won't be until after my death. It takes absolute patience to handle people like them."
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Part 3: The Khorloo siblings
In the Queen's yurt, Sarnai was on her knees, clutching her brother Choibalsan's legs like her life depended on it. Her eyes were red from crying.
"Elder Brother," she pleaded, "don't let them take my baby!"
Tears poured down her face. "Take everything—my wealth, my title—I don't care. But don't let them take my child."
Choibalsan looked down at her, cold and unmoved. "You want to give up your throne?" he asked, his voice mocking. "Let me remind you—you have nowhere else to go. Your father, Khorloo Khagan, is six feet underground. Your mother's tribe? Wiped out long ago. So tell me, Princess..." he smirked, "what position are you even offering?"
He crouched beside her, eyes still devoid of warmth. "I wasn't even powerful enough to protect Baigalma, my own sister. Do you think I can protect you?"
He paused, then softly added, "Sarnai... I'm not strong. Batu only leaves me on the throne when he's in the markets or at the horse stead. And my own maternal tribe vanished in the blink of an eye."
Her sobs weakened. Slowly, she wiped her tears, dusted off her clothes, and stood up, walking to her bed with quiet dignity. She sat like a heartless queen—her expression unreadable.
Choibalsan blinked, surprised. He thought he was the master of pretense, but now he knew the Queen Mother wore the crown. He used to think he was the best at hiding beneath a sheep's skin—yet his sister had been hiding a delicate rabbit skin under a wolf's coat. He chuckled bitterly.
The queen sat stiffly and told her maid in a chilling tone, "If I knew it would come to this, I'd have killed the baby myself. Better to lose what I can't keep than to share it with others."
Choibalsan pulled up a seat, intrigued. "It's always fun talking to someone just as evil," he smirked. "Your little black heart is foolish. It took you years to get Batu to consummate the marriage—now you want to kill the result?" He laughed. "Just like your mother."
The Queen shot back, "And your childish behavior with that oversized heart couldn't even keep you on the throne. That little boy Batu came from Tibet and snatched it away." She laughed mockingly.
Their laughter grew louder, darker. Then suddenly, Choibalsan stopped, his tone shifting. "It's because of laughter like this," he said coldly, "that I sent your mother to serve mine."
He smiled—almost wistfully. "The honorable Princess Chabi… she was the best part of my life." He relaxed in his seat.
The Queen clenched her fists under her robes but kept her face neutral. She smiled softly, as if to say, I already knew. Why tell me now?
Choibalsan returned her smile, laced with malice. "Father always believed he had four children. But I only recognize the ones from his balls." He leaned forward. "And now it's just me and you. A word of advice—don't laugh like that in front of me again. I'd hate to send you and that whore of a mother to serve mine in hell."
He stood up.
"Brother, why are you leaving?" the Queen asked smoothly. "We were just starting to talk—something we haven't done since Mother died."
Choibalsan raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? You seem confused. Since my nursemaid—poor Baigalma's mother—died." He clasped his hands mockingly. "Ah yes. Killed by your mother... with you as her little accomplice."
He laughed again as he walked out. "You're such a failure. You couldn't even win Batu's heart."
"I have Batu's heart," the Queen called after him.
He stopped, turning back to confirm what he heard.
She stood proudly. "He respects me more than any of those women."
Choibalsan sneered. "Is that so? Or did he give you just enough affection to keep you hopeful?"
He smirked. "Oh no... that's Bolorma's story." He laughed. "Batu respects you like an aunt, little fool. If he respects any wife, it's the lady from the Central Plains—Soyolma."
He stepped outside, calling back: "Don't be stupid, little sister. Batu's always kept you at arm's length. His heart has always belonged to Enkmaa."
---
Inside, the Queen screamed into her pillows, throwing them around the yurt in a fury. "That evil monster! Why are we even siblings?!"
Once her rage had calmed, she told her handmaid coldly, "Take that thing out of my yurt."
The maid silently lifted the baby and took it to the Queen Mother.
---
Later, Batu spoke to his mother. "I want to say goodbye to Enkmaa. We almost fought yesterday."
The Queen Mother gently encouraged him. "Go. Make it right."
At Enkmaa's yurt, Batu peeked in. Inside, Enkmaa and her parents embraced, a tender, heartfelt moment.
He smiled—a true, content smile. It warmed him to see her family finally making peace with her.
But what Batu didn't know was why they suddenly came together. Even the proud old warrior Naidvar had set aside her pride.
A secret... he may uncover soon.