The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the camp that bustled with the day's end preparations. Tului sat near the flickering fire in the center of the yurt circle, his fingers tracing the smooth edges of the wooden sticks and stones used to mark the day's counting.
Anya approached quietly, carrying a small cup of fermented mare's milk. She handed it to him, her dark eyes searching his worn face. "You have done well today, but the path ahead is thick with challenges."
Before Tului could respond, the slow thunder of hooves interrupted their moment. From the dust rose a procession, led by none other than Ögedei, his younger brother, unmistakable with his wild mane and confident grin. He pulled his horse close to the firelight and dismounted, his gaze immediately finding Tului.
"Counting stones won't win battles, brother," Ögedei declared, his voice carrying with easy authority. "Power is taken, not tallied."
Tului set the cup down and met the gaze without flinching. "Without knowledge, power is blind. These numbers guide the spear and shield as surely as the sun guides the dawn."
Ögedei laughed sourly. "Words are wind. Let us see if your wisdom stands when steel meets flesh."
Several clansmen gathered, sensing the tension. Bayar, standing nearby, cleared his throat. "Both wisdom and strength must serve the clan. Pick your way carefully, sons of Temüjin."
Anya's voice cut through the murmurs. "Let deeds, not brash words, decide whose path leads."
The camp settled into uneasy quiet, eyes drifting between Ögedei and Tului. The shadow of contest hung thick in the cooling air.
Later, as stars pricked the evening sky, Tului and Anya worked quietly at the fire, strategizing ways to solidify his position beyond counting. She spoke softly, "Your strength lies not in swordplay, but in vision. The clan needs more than muscle—they crave certainty."
Tului nodded. "I carry memories of an age ruled by different rules. I must adapt them here, lest I be crushed by my own ignorance."
Their conversation was interrupted by Bayar's deep voice. "You walk a difficult path, Prince. Watch the shadows closely—your rivals will not wait for weakness."
Tului's jaw tightened with resolve. Fighting for respect was a different war than he had known, but he understood this battlefield too.
The night deepened. Campfires flickered and faded under the endless sky. Tomorrow, the counting would continue. The rivalry would sharpen. The steppe had many lessons yet to teach him—and he was ready to learn.