Theogenes and Gunul sit near the large wooden fence. Sword inside it's scabbard, held by his shoulders. She is also hiding her throwing knifes. Sometimes little parts of the sharp weapons is seen by Theogenes when they walk earlier.
Both are doing it's duty as a guard during the negotiation. For Gunul, it's signifies that she is not just simple normal maid. She hailed from the Kyrgyz and one of the branch member of the royal Su Wu Clan.
Whii-whee-whoo!
"Chk whistling again," Gunul cover her ears.
"Hehe euphonius is it not girl?" Theoganes smirks.
Gunul did not respond. She avert her gazes from Theogenes. This time his eye stare her very differently.
"Is our enemies nearby!?" Gunul is alerted by such strong gazes. As if Theogenes saw his enemy in front of him.
"Hahaha don't be scared. I'm just playing around nothing dire. There are no enemies haha," Theogenes still laughing.
"Take it seriously," Gunul still push him to talk.
"There is no Avar here miss. Ishbara is not that hated around Tengri Tegh, is he?" Theogenes shrug it off.
"Our politic is not your concern." Gunul is very dissapointed.
The former Frontier General's have keen eyes. Theogenes did not born with such ability. He acquire that sharpness and perception through experiences. Forged in countless battles against Avar.
"Oh are cooking us Roman food almost everyday, Tardu order? Did he have regret," Theogenes show calmer gazes this time.
Gunul lips almost shut while Theogenes keep his small talks to pass the time. It seems nearly a week to show good impression has been turn into vain. Gunul genuinely wanted them to see the good and orderly side of her empire.
"You talk too much but never been honest. It's no surprise you were disgraced to a mere footman. Garrulous," Gunul hurl insult.
"Maybe," Theogenes suddenly stand. He seen the old man face that he known for long.
"Your duty is not there ...," Gunul speak.
"Oh scared Miss?" Theogenes tease her.
The thick bearded and long haired former general is already turned white. He is mounting his old companion's. The man is accompanied by several Turkic riders. Paid to be his guide. He is in the preparation to conquer the peak of Tengri Tagh Mountain.
"Old man is that you! It's me the Frontier General of Sirmium. Panonnia," Theogenes shout in Latin. He meet East Rome famous old veteran.
"Which one young-un?" The man is a little bit senile. He continue his journey.
"It's me Theogenes, how can you forgot. You are my right hand man as your Frontier General," Theogenes introduce himself once again.
The 80 years old man turned back his old loyal warhorse. Cours is the former Roman general name. He regard himself as the 'Last Scythian'. Fought with Narses as one of the countless footman in the Italian wars. Promotion came in his old age but Cours has been disgraced twice. First during the lost on Sassanid war and the second when Sirmium fell to the Avar.
Some of the Avar Khaganate elites confer to themself after the capture of Sirmium. They want to make the city as their capital but Bayan reject the idea. He want the Avars to live a total nomadic life unlike the semi-nomadic Gokturks.
Avar Council gathered in the fortified mobile camps called Ring. The Ring move every month to dwell in their conquered territory.
"Is that you ... General youngun?" Cours can still dismount perfectly despite being so old.
"Haha i'm not Young-un anyway why not babysitting your great-great grandson," Theogenes is also a grandfather. He is in his mid-50s.
"Tiberius II and Maurice (East Roman Emperor) are wrong. I can still fight even without Rome young-uns!" Cours is determined to climb the peak.
"That's the spirit, well if this mission is success. I also want to fight the Sassanids," Theogenes smile a little.
"Beware of Bahram ...," Cours did not continue his speech. His head suddenly feel migraine.
Gunul secretly eavesdropping their conversation. "Huh who are those Roman names and Bahram? I must report this to the West Khan later," Gunul did not know Latin but recognized few names.
The turkic riders help him to mount the old steed's. Theogenes did not ask further. He waves at the group as a farewell.
"Who did you meet," Gunul in the fence sitting.
"The Last Scythian Man," Theogenes answer.
"Preposterous, we are the real descendant. All Kyrgyz are descendants of Tomyris. I'm a Schythian Amazon too," Gunul explain proudly.
"Whatever you say miss," Theogenes nod.
Menander is standing near them outside. He have different role than the envoys or spies. Looking at the snowy mountains and yurts nearby. He start to draw in his parchment after finishing treatise.
—
The negotiation start with Zemarchus introducing himself to the Gokturk Court. Not a single face inside he recognize from the official and Khan's concubines. The last time he visited is during the reign of Muqan Khagan. Zemarchus are reminded by his own age. All of his hair almost turned into white.
Zemarchus continue his speech by giving brief lecture about Roman origin. Emphasizing similarity that both empire came from the she-wolf. He also appreciate Muqan and Istami role on safeguarding the jade trade.
East Rome can produce it's own slik. nevertheless the one acquired from China is very valuable. Many nobles want to add it for their collection. Willing to pay hundreds of solidus for the unique motif alone.
"What is your name again," Qianjin suddenly interupt. Thinking it's the right move.
"Ugh this woman, did she not realize yet! Why you interrupt him," Zhangsun mutter.
Rangan smirks when looking at Zhangsun stoic face. Inside the advisor's own thought. Perhaps he is panicking.
"We also have new commodities open for trade under my supervise. Do you interested on the goods we offer Uncle Zemarchus," Rangan ask without permission from the Khatun.
"Yes Lord Rangan but please let me finish the history. It's the beginning before we delve deeper." Zemarchus subtly impose his words.
"Indeed you are free to do so," Rangan smirks to the Khatun.
Qianjin look displeased as Zemarchus continue his lecture on the Rome history. The diplomat read her body language. Her toes keep moving. He want to determine the Khatun personality.
Zemarchus gauging his patience by adding the details on history. He want to see if part of her knees move faster or not.