Sabır (Patience) - Kurulus Osman

Chapter 24

Ceyda observed the inn. Mongol flags hung from the walls and some were held up by soldiers. Tens of Shamans beat their drums and danced around the room. She noticed that everyone's face was smeared with black paint and they all chanted something she didn't understand.

Balgay entered the room carrying a box and was followed by Kongar and Cerkutay who chanted as well, raising their fists and moving their heads in rhythm with the chants. Balgay raised the box in the air, and the chanting got louder. The Mongols carrying spears hit them against the floor as the others continued raising their fists. Ceyda followed them and joined Kongar.

Balgay stepped on top of one of the tables and bowed as he placed the box on some stand. Once he did that, everyone started bowing. Ceyda looked around and continued to stand when Kongar brought her down. Balgay kissed the box and put his forehead against it before opening it. He took out the scroll and stood up, then turned around. The Shamans started beating their drums once more. Balgay spread out his hands and declared, "I have Genghis Khan's soul." He put away the scroll and continued as everyone slowly stood up, "From now on..with the soul of Genghis Khan...with the power of the laws...I will rule the west, the east, the north, the south, seas, mountains, and the sky."

That's not physically possible, Ceyda thought, debating whether or not she should break it to him.

"Souls are with me...my anger is inside...my blood is burning in my veins!"

Kongar yelled and raised his sword, startling Ceyda. Geez, calm down. The Mongols raised their spears and chanted once more. Ceyda joined them and chanted along.

"Here, in front of you, my valiant warriors...my loyal soldiers...my deceased ancestor's souls... holy Genghis Khan's soul... I am sealing Genghis Khan's blessed laws on my tongue with fire."

Wait, what? Ceyda questioned as Balgay put down his dagger in the burning coal. She turned to Kongar in confusion, and he nodded.

"It's an oath of Balgay, in front of soldiers who see death as a blessing, who see ancestors as companions." He bowed his head, and everyone did the same. Ceyda looked around and followed them hesitantly. "We set off to rule the world! We passed the Gobi Desert, Tengri Mountain and Hazar Sea. Our way is Constantine! Our way is built with blood!"

Kongar, Cerkutay and the Mongols roared, making Ceyda jump again. They continued, so Ceyda joined.

"Neither Byzantine's fancy dogs...nor rebellious Turks...will be able to stop us!" Balgay walked off the table. "Rebels like Osman...will give their skin to our drums!" Balgay took one of the Shamans drums and continued. "We will rise upon their bodies by hitting their bones! We will swim in their blood and pass the seas!" Balgay knelt and the Shamans and Mongols cheered. "If I stop, go over me. If I get tired, trample me down under your horses!"

Oh, we don't have to wait until you stop or get tired, Balgay.

"If you stop, you will be my enemy. If you stop, suffer in the hands of souls forever!"

Kongar, Cerkutay and the rest of the Mongols chanted something in Mongolian again, and they raised their swords. Balgay took out the dagger from the burning coal and raised it above him as everyone bow down. "I am sealing Genghis Khan's laws on my tongue with fire!" He then said something in Mongolian and stuck out his tongue, bringing the hot dagger closer to his mouth.