by Boris Zubry
I thought that we should never conquer anything and destroy what we captured. Your new possessions were precious. You needed that land, people, resources, and the settlements to multiply, prosper, and pay your dues in supplies, coin, and the slaves. Don’t take all from them. That is not smart. Leave them enough to live somewhat comfortably so, they would not fight you. People fight back when they have no other option left. Only the miserable people, just the unhappy ones, would be desperate enough to challenge the conqueror superior in strength as we were. I do not think anyone could match us at the time and in this region. Yes, the Crusaders and the Muslims of the Middle East could present a strong resistance to us, but they were far away. We were brutal and vicious, so why would you take too many chances with us. We always closed our eyes on the conquered underpaying to us. So, they lied, but we knew that holding it in reserve. They thought that they outsmarted us and hoped for the day of freedom. So, they waited for freedom later rather than to die fighting now. That suited us quite well. In the end, we were the smart ones, and we always prevailed. Yet, they did not have to perish, not when we still needed them. In my opinion, it was a fair exchange. Let them live if it benefits you and let them die if there is no profit in letting them live.
As I said before, in many cases, we were better than their own leaders at the time. The leaders did not like us because we were taking their livelihood away and threatened to take more. They fought us, sometimes heroically and they betrayed their own people wholesale. They knew the odds. I did not like those people at all. Instead, I rather had an open enemy that I respected than a corrupt traitor who I loathed. If they betrayed their own people, they would betray you faster than anything else. That was their nature, and there was no real loyalty. They were only loyal to you for as long as you fed or threatened them. The stick and the carrot – what was more powerful than that? The grandfather said that he relied on both equally, but everyone feared him. Rewards – yes, there were some, but punishments were many. Was he counting on the stick more than the carrot?
I genuinely do both, but I balance that. It worked so far. Yet, I have been challenged time and time again. So, I kept my eyes open for the traitors, and I forgave a few enemies. The forgiven enemy knew the score way too well and learned the lesson, and the traitor usually hanged himself if you gave him enough of rope. They never knew when it was enough. Do I know when it is enough? I am not sure, but I hope so. It was always interesting to watch. We often placed the bets on how long one would stay alive if you let him run somewhat free betraying you. It never was for long, and then, he would be dead or enslaved (much worth than dead), and we took everything and more. That was not the question of “IF” but of “WHEN” and it never took too long, a few months, a year. The end was always the same.
Greed was a powerful sensation that could control all your emotions ignoring the clear warnings and the knowledge of the events. For a few more silver or gold coins, an extra caw or a slave girl, one would risk everything even if you did not have to risk anything and could have the coins but fewer, anyway. Would I do that? I have not so far. Would Subutai do that? He had not done that up to now and probably would not do it ever. Most people around me had not done that either. Were they different people? Is that why they were still around me and not in the grave or torn apart by the wild animals somewhere in the open field, the steppes? Most of them were with me ever since childhood. Good people as far as I know. Honorable people. And, every time I turn my back on them, I have to trust them completely.
Going to Poland, we crossed the land called Ukraine (the outskirts in Russian). To our knowledge, it was the Polish territory, but people there named the Cossacks were of the Slavic origin (at least they spoke that language or some variation of it). We were told the stories of them being slaves and the serfs and running away from the Russian and Polish nobility that treated them as the lowest of the lowest. Their lives were pure misery, and often, death was the only way out. Thus, they took a chance and ran as far as they could – to the outskirts, to Ukraine. There, they built the semi-military settlements that meant to protect them from the vengeful nobility. Yet, there was the agriculture, crafts, trade, and the soldiery for hire. Soldiers could find jobs just about everywhere. It was a very popular profession, and the demand for soldiers was quite high. The pay was good but only if you live long enough to get it. Well, the turnaround was high as well. Many went into soldiery looking for the riches, and only a few had found some. That’s a sad side of it. Some were winning, and some were losing. Most had a shallow grave in the place called “nowhere” and even more had no burial at all. That was the reality of it.
We were told that the runaway serfs and the slaves were mostly men so, they intermixed with the Poles and the people of the steppes becoming a dominant force in the region called the Cossacks. What a mix of people that were, and often, they looked like no one else. I do not know where the name Cossacks came from, but it was a good name. It somehow suited them. They knew how to fight and were honorable. Interesting, is not it? Honorable slaves. Were they honorable before or after they escaped? One could become honorable, knowing well what dishonor was. We recruited many of them and had fought even more. I do not think we ever truly conquered them. We tried not to fight each other but given a chance, we would. Most of them paid the tribute, and we let them be. That was honorable. Many would not pay and would fight us. I could not spare too many soldiers to control this wild bunch so, I left it for the future. I think we can deal with it later after Europe was conquered. We will have plenty of time then. For now, it was not really a problem. It was more of a delicate peace.
We also met many local Jews there. No, no, they were not the Khazars that we knew very well. They were quite different. They had different customs, and they looked differently. They called themselves the Ashkenazy Jews. They were different from the Khazars with a different language, customs, clothes, and everything else.
Nonetheless, they were Jews. They told us that they used to live in Germany and Austria for hundreds of years, but when the Crusades started, they were attacked and then, expelled. Poland gave them a place to live in exchange for their skills in finances, management, trade, and crafts. It was not a very large community but a few here and there, yet they were Jews. The Khazars in my Horde recognized them right away and asked for their help and protection. I did not mind but had to study the issue first.
Many of the local Jews were gainfully employed managing the estates of the nobility. They were somewhat appreciated for that and lived well. They even owned houses, small but comfortable. No, they lived differently from us, not in the Yurts or the mud structures, but the homes were warm and solidly built. It was mostly wood, mud, and sometimes stone. The entire area was full of trees so, wood was a natural choice for any construction, and they used it well. Everything was like in Russia only somewhat better, a better quality of almost everything and the people had more freedom. Some of the Jews owned prospering businesses, and some were well off. Those businesses were, to some extent, limited to shops, taverns, inns, small blacksmith, or gold/silversmith shops. Some worked the land. They were rather happy if not for the Cossacks that were harassing them, robbing, pillaging and often, murdering. It was not really our business, but considering the loyalty of the Khazars, I promised to protect the Jews in the territories we controlled. It should not be so difficult. The local Jews were living together in small villages so, a few soldiers stationed there could do the job. I gave that job to the Khazars, and they liked it. I was trying to be fair, and Subutai thought I was. I do not believe these people were much different from the Khazars, but they were. They were like a different tribe of the same people, but they could not fight. The Khazars were great fighters, some of the best, but those Jews were good merchants and craftsmen and the best managers. They were even better managers than the Khazars, but they could not fight. They really worked hard maintaining what you had and multiplying it. I had never seen anything like that before. They were good people, and I wel
comed them into the Horde. We even employed some. I honored their leaders by inviting them to a feast in my tent. They all came and brought the gifts but did not eat. None of them.
First, I was offended, but the Khazars explained it to me right there. They told me that those people kept a strict diet called “Kosher” and could not eat our food because it was not prepared the right way for them. I could understand that. Some things even made sense to us. Muslim ate “Hallal,” which was like “Kosher.” We disagreed but, nonetheless, it made sense. So, I gave the order to the cook to study the ways of the Jewish food, and the next time they come over, prepare it right. The Jews said that the next time they would bring their own food and enough for everyone. We laughed. Enough for everyone… That was very friendly of them. They were good people. Maybe there was the base for cooperation. We needed more friends in the west. Two weeks later, the Jews invited Me and some of my closest people to a feast in a place called a tavern. We went there, and the Jews offered us a choice of kosher food and Polish food. We tried both, and both were great. Still, I liked our food better. And, there was no kumis. They offered us beer, wine, and vodka.
I tried vine before, and I guess it was fine. Beer – I am not sure. It was kind of on a low scale. Some of our people, including the Khazars drink vine. They prefer vine over kumis. They even make wine. Some say it’s the best vine in the region. So, they enjoy it, and I can’t understand why. Vodka is a hard drink, and it made us drunk and noisy. Drunk people are ugly. I do not like that. People were ready to fight each other over nothing. That was not good. So, I banned it in our camps. Kumis did not make you do that. Kumis was a soft, gentle drink. You just became mellow and friendlier and wanted more of kumis. Also, the kumis was very nutritious and very good for your health. I am not going to allow vodka or anything like that in my camps, but the vine is fine. If people want to drink that, they can, but I would drink the kumis. I like it better. I think it was better for all of us and the taste was great. We know how to make it right, and we do. Kumis was in our blood even since before we were born. I wonder what we would see in Hungary and Western Europe. That should be interesting.”
“We needed Hungary to establish a base for new adventures up north to Scandinavia; down south to Italy and straight forward to France and to the last sea. We preferred to rest in the spring, store the necessary supplies, and fatten the horses on the lush valleys of grass, moving forward in the winter. Actually, we liked to start the campaigns at the end of summer or beginning of fall. We came from the steppes where the climate was much harsher than here so, we felt great. Yet, it was a disadvantage for the locals. The mountain passes, difficult even for the locals, we scaled up in no time. We even enjoyed it joking about the home and the anatomy of our wives. We felt like home and even better. Food was plenty and in a large variety. Slaves were plenty and often willing to serve us. Women also were plenty, and pillaging was excellent and secure. What else the healthy Mongol could desire? What else is there to desire? Art, books, architecture… We see what we see, and we use what is there. Then, back to where we came from. Their towns and cities were beautiful and even entertaining, but our life is better for the soul. Yet, the frozen rivers were like perfect highways throughout the imperfect world. We could cover up to fifty miles a day using the frozen rivers of Europe. They were everywhere, and they led to every place we wanted to go. The Europeans did not fight in the winter, but we did, and they had the best cities by the rivers.
In, the Summer, they protected those rivers from the boat assault, but in the Winter, there was nothing of significance but us. Attila the Khan used Hungary as the base, and we found it is still perfect nine hundred years later. Grazing for the horses and the other animals were much better than in many other places. It was even better, in many cases, that the steppes. Everything was there and in ample supply. Hungary was kind to us already, and soon, it would be even better than that. What was there not to like? Well, it was not the steppes, but we left the plains years ago, and it was not important any longer. We could live anywhere and beyond and, we liked it all. People were somewhat different, customs were different and food – you could make anything you wanted. I loved the forest. Forest, shade and the little fast streams full of cold fresh water. There even was fish. Mushrooms and berries – I never tried it before, but I liked it. That was different and not bad, especially the berries. Mushrooms – one had to know that stuff, and we were not the experts. It could be poisonous. One could get very sick or even die from eating a poisonous mushroom. Thus, we were conscious. Yes, I wanted to stay there for a while, rest my troops, wait for reinforcements and the supplies coming from the Golden Horde and maybe build another Golden Horde right here on the River Danube. Good place. Good country.
I could feel the spirit of Attila rising and greeting me. Were we related in some way? Possibly. History repeats itself. Based on the Hungarian plains’ experience, I could conquer the rest of Europe relatively fast. They were not ready to face us, not yet, not ever. We were a much stronger tribe. Should I annihilate them or just conquer? I was not sure yet, but there was no hatred, no animosity toward them. It was not Russia or even Central Asia. I liked what I saw, so I let them live. I think it would be right. It could be better in the end. We can live together and learn from each other. Yes, that’s the right way of doing that with the right people. Anyone deserved to live, and we were destined to rule the living. My ancestors were ready to lead me there, to the throne of Europe. Where should it be? The ancestors would show me the right path when the time came. They always do, and that is why we are where we are. Should it be by the sea, forest, or the mountains? It could be a lush valley. Should it be one of their castles or one of our Yurts?”
“The Hungarian King, Bela IV, was not the wise one. I liked the country and was willing to talk. He was not. The war could be avoided almost everywhere, but they were too proud for that. Accept us as the overlords, pay the tribute, and we would not bother you much. I could even stay somewhere in Central Europe and enjoy everything it could offer. Death was an option, and we stated so through our emissaries. Also, they knew already what happened in Russia, Poland, the Czech land with those who were stubborn. We’ve been around for a few years already, and it was not a secret what happened to our enemies. Surrender and live and maybe prosper. Resist and die, and even the living will suffer. Death, slavery and the burnt down settlements… No more life as before. What was there not to understand? What was there to question? I thought we were quite clear with statements like that. Did they doubt me? When did I mislead any of them and not fulfilled the promises? No, if I promised life, there was life and prosperity. But, if I promised death, it could not come soon enough. It often was riding, no, galloping, ahead of my Tumens. It never failed to arrive and to the proper place. When dd I mislead you, Bela? Yet, Bela thought he knew it better and called for help and help arrived. They came as for a crusade all dressed up and with the servants. They were many, armed to the teeth but with limited supplies. That was so important, but they left it for Bela to feed and to house them, and that was expensive. They hoped for the fast war. With us? Is that how they fought the Crusades? No wonder they were losing one Crusade after another, and so many people died for nothing, for a fairytale. Bela, the Hungarian King, could do much better just paying us off but he welcomed them instead.
An army of knights from all over Europe had gathered on the river at the Buda castle. There were more of them than us, and they wanted to fight us in the open field. They were so proud of themselves, but they have not seen all of us yet. Colors, weapons, horses, men – it was the “cream de la cream” of the European knighthood with princes and even kings by the dozens. Did they want to scare us somehow? That was a sight to see, but they have not seen us yet, and that was the plan. Yes, they saw the advanced guard and the scouts, but the main force was hidden in the trees creating the vision that we were not there yet. They thought that we were still coming and wanted to attack the advanced guard before the central column was
there. That was a shrewd plan so, they were so cheerful, so full of energy and we liked it. They were ready now. That’s what they thought. What little did they know? How much they were going to learn.
We came over a few days ago and were ready as well. The scouts they sent out had never come back, and even that did not make them worry. I guess they deserved what was going to happen. To fight us in the open field? That was not very smart. Sturdy walls and the castles could offer them an advantage but in the open…they had no chance, and they did not know it. We did quite well with the walled cities, but the open field was our specialty. We were light and deadly, and they were heavy and clumsy. They thought to fight us was like fighting each other. No, not true. You should study the enemy before you engage them. You all fight each other in the same way, same tactics, but we were different. We know so much you don’t. We conquered all of Asia and learned all the lessons. They went to Jerusalem and lost more than you won. They did not learn any lessons but were bragging about. I could see that they were so sure of themselves that did not understand the danger they were in. They did not see anything. We laid a few traps, and they did not see any of that either. Yes, they were so arrogant, and that was so good for us. So, good… Whatever they missed became our gain instantaneously. That was a good war by all counts. We could win it, and we could win it big. If we won the battle, Europe would have no organized resistance left. All potent opposition had gathered there already. With so many knights fighting the crusades and the rest of them dying on this field in Hungary, Europe was wide open for an invasion, just go there and take it. I could just send the grandmothers and the children, and they would take Europe with ease. Maybe I should. We could use a break. But, well, Bela believed that we would find our deaths there and not the victory. No, he was not too bright. We proved them, all of them, wrong.
