Grand Yurt of Ishbara, Tengri Tagh Mountains, Sacred Sarai of Gokturk Empire
Ishbara demand the East Roman envoys to meet him in the western banks of Issyk-Kul Lake. Personally he can't attend at the negotiation table. Ishbara chronic disease has become more severe each passing month. The Khan try keep secret about his recent condition but words already were leaked.
The Great Khan's role will be delegated to Khatun Qianjin and accompanied by his trusted Sui General and Gokturk Advisor, Zhangsun Sheng. Ashina Yami, Taspar and Rangan, his sons and nephew also shall attend.
Ishbara decision to delegate their negotiation to Sui, baffled all the Romans in their arduous journey right now.
"Gunul?" Zemarchus ask.
"What is it that you need my lord," Gunul answer.
Gunul is tasked by Ishbara to be their guide. The only maid on Sarai that can speak Persian fluently.
"I already heard the story of she-wolf in Sarai. It's very similar to our own tale. The female wolf saved Romulus and Remus from the marauding Etruscans in the north," Zemarchus tell her Rome origin.
Gunul are feeling suspicious. Her gazes is like as if they want to pry about Zemarchus intention more.
"Lord Valentinos!" Gunul suddenly hug him in the front.
"Eh girl? It's indecent," Valentinos surprised.
"Not fair my turn!" Theogenes shout.
"Oh her guard is up even though she is not comfortable among the Chinese. My hunch is right, working as Tardu spy eh ...," Zemarchus mutter.
Gunul hurl insult towards Theogenes. The Roman bodyguard is at least happy to finally get her attention. Theogenes is the former leader of Sirmium Garisson in the Panonnian Frontier. He is disgraced by Tiberius the Constantine after failing to defeat Avar Great Khan, Bayan.
"How far we must climb?" Menander take break by himself. The envoys halt their journey. Waiting for the historian's to recover.
"Almost there," Gunul answer.
"Three times already ...," Menander did not believe her.
"Are you done my friend," Valentinos ask.
"Let me rest my knees more," Menander continue.
"I defend the frontier for 3 years and now this is my payment? Should give all those solidus (East Roman coin at the era) to me. What a fool giving it to Bayan," Theogenes mutter.
Theogenes feel jealous about his former subordinates especially Comentiolus. He is now a Magister Militum Presentalis while Theogenes highest ranking himself is Border General. Magister is right hand man of Basileus (Emperor). Equal to the Yabghu among the Gokturks.
Commentiolus once insulted Bayan in 583. Inciting the Avars to break the peace treaty and resume the war. Commentiolus succeed in defeating them at the Battle of Erginia River at 585. Although the border skirmishes among the two nations is still raging on.
"We walk for hours, not gonna say near again? You already said it four times," Menander complain.
"There," Gunul point out at the huge body of water in front of them.
"Finally!" Menander burst of speed caught everyone in surprise. He already hold his thirst and did not tell it to anyone.
"Wait!?" Gunul chase him.
"You should ready your leather pouch," said Georgius.
Blergh!
Menander vomit after drinking the water. He feel the sensation of burning in his throat. Drinking from this lake is no different from tasting the sea around Balkan. Issyk-Kul is one of the biggest salt lakes in the world.
"Here drink my pouch," Zemarchus give his water.
"Appreciate it," Menander recovered.
"Please don't write this down," Zemarchus touch his shoulder.
"There are many such lakes in Gokturk," Gunul advised.
"Come on let's move it. We can rest in Grand Yurt instead. Qianjin and Ishbara retainers are already waiting for us," Theogenes explain.
The place can be seen from afar. Quite distant from the body of water. They must climb higher to reach there. Hundreds of yurts surround the giant one. Menander suspire as he must once again walk long distance.
—
Ishbara main concubines already gather in council room. Two of them is the biological mother of Ashina Yami and Taspar. Yami, the second son of Ishbara will be referred with his title. He got the name Tulis. Differentation from Yami of the Iltas clansmen and swordmaster.
The mothers are bragging about their sons accomplishment. They prattle to one another for too long. Both of them are dissapointed when Taspar and Yami come late. Other concubines take this chance to blab at them.
"What took both of you so long? Too many old women here. I'm embarassed," Rangan ask.
"You don't count me nor having conversation with me," Zhangsun throw little smile to him.
"I'm already are, we here to discuss not play. Also i'm counting it uncle. Only four of us in here ...," Rangan sound his knuckle.
"Tangri," Tulis hear his step-mother footsteps. It has unique sound compared to other shoes.
All the conversations inside become silent when Qianjin enter the council room. Slowly she ascend to the throne. Zhangsun stares menacingly to his political opponent. Both of them are opposed to each other despite pledging her loyalty to the same dynasty and emperor.
Qianjin Khatun originally are Princess Dayi of the North Zhou Kingdom. His Father, Uncle and Brothers were massacred after the establishment of Sui Dynasty. The ruler of the dynasty is Emperor Wen of Sui, her former enemy.
"Duh where is Father? Is all the rumor about worsening condition really true. I'm already visit him last week," Taspar mutter.
Taspar are the eldest born among his numerous siblings. He is afraid for being too unfilial towards Ishbara.
"How's your health Zhangsun?" Qianjin ask.
"A little pain here and there but nothing severe. My body is as fresh as ever from drinking the rare Jilin Ginsengs. Thank you for asking my condition," Zhangsun explain. At the same time he throw his smile to her.
"That disgusting act again," Rangan mutter. His face unconsciously show discomfort.
"Have something to say Rangan," Qianjin change her seat position.
"Why don't ask Taspar or Tulis? Their Father and my Uncle is sick," Rangan look at the both siblings.
Taspar and Tulis look at each other. Both of them are silent after Rangan words. Thinking deeply how they should respond to the question asked by their cousin. Best physician from China has been sent by three of them to cure the Great Khan sickness.
Zemarchus and other envoys enter the room before two of them answer. The East Roman aim today is not alliance with Gokturk but establishing black market with the one who hated the Sui Dynasty. Zemarchus seen perfect chance to do so.