"First Prince of the Borjigin."The man's voice was as rough as gravel."I am General Altansarnai, commander of Orda Naiman's forces.Your arrival was anticipated."
Borji inclined his head."General.I come on behalf of my father, the Igwe, to discuss the terms of your—"
"I know why you're here."Altansarnai cut him off."You should sit; we have much to discuss, and you have far to ride back."
Borji sat.The guards were directed to a separate tent, out of earshot.
Altansarnai wasted no time on pleasantries.
"Your father is dead."The words fell.
Borji’s mind blanked.“What?”
"We received word this morning.Your kingdom is in chaos, your succession uncertain, and you sit here pretending to negotiate from a position of strength."
"My father—"
"Is dead," Altansarnai repeated."Eagles fly faster than horses can run.Don’t bother guessing who our informant is; all you should know is we have men in your kingdom, closer to you than you think.You have nothing to offer us.No authority to negotiate."
Borji found his voice."Then why meet with me at all?"
Altansarnai smiled, barely.
"Because you still have one thing we want."
He waited, letting the silence stretch, letting Borji understand.
"Name it."
"The Great Khan of Ukhel."Altansarnai's eyes gleamed."Ragnar Valthorne.We want his head."
Borji went still.
"Orda Naiman and the Valthorne have...history," Altansarnai explained."The Khan has eluded us for years.But now he walks into our reach, and you will deliver him."
"We cannot—"
"You can."Altansarnai cut him off."You will.In exchange for his head, we withdraw peacefully.Your people live.Your kingdom survives.You might even manage to hold it together long enough to claim your father's throne."He paused."Refuse, and we take everything.Your city.Your people.Your precious river, which we have already proven we can use."
Borji's mind raced.As far as he was concerned, Ragnar Valthorne could not be touched.Not while his sister was still alive.
But ten thousand men waited at the border, and the Igwe was dead.Should he return empty-handed, wouldn’t the throne fall out of his hands?
"I need to speak with my council," Borji said finally."This decision cannot be made lightly."
Altansarnai nodded, as though expecting this outcome."You have five days.Return with an answer or your city crumbles in ashes."
Borji stood to bow and take his leave.His heart had already grown cold; they were asking for the impossible.Was Ragnar Valthorne a man anyone could handle?Much less now that Azul stood behind him.Such a thing was impossible; they would simply need a new plan.As he walked toward the tent's entrance, his eyes landed on a familiar face.
A man, standing at the edge of the command tent's interior, half-hidden in shadows.Familiar.So familiar that Borji's heart stopped for the second time in as many minutes.
The man's eyes met his.
And in that instant, Borji knew.
Run.
Before he could move, a sword punched through his back.
