In the dense forest, an army with banners depicting a fire-breathing dragon was advancing. This was the large army from Bulgar, located in the middle reaches of the Volga River.
The army's composition was complex, including city dwellers and farmers from the cities, tribesmen from the dense forests, and nomads from the southern wilderness, totaling over ten thousand.
Originally, if needed, Bulgar could have fielded more troops, but this was only an expedition against a single Rus' faction, so such a grand display was unnecessary, and Bulgar had never mobilized so many troops before.
Furthermore, the path ahead was rugged and difficult to traverse, and bringing too many troops would create an enormous logistical burden, which would be very detrimental to the army's advance. It would be ridiculous if the entire army collapsed midway due to insufficient logistics.
This army clearly had extensive experience in marching through dense forests and wilderness. The vanguard troops swiftly cleared away the obstructing vegetation, creating a path for the main army.
They were Mordovian tribesmen residing in the forest. Unlike the Mari, the Mordovians had long since submitted to the Bulgars, allowing the Bulgars to gain considerable strength here.
Such work came naturally to them. The Mordovians were skilled at traversing forests, and if the snow wasn't so light now, they could demonstrate their sled-marching technique; Mordovian skiers had always been a local specialty.
Following the path they cleared were Bulgar warriors clad in armor. Like the Rus', the citizen militia formed a crucial part of this army. They wore armed tunics and even iron armor, carrying shields and swords or spears.
Bulgar nobles often wore Arab or Persian-style lamellar or scale armor. The expensive armor made them appear majestic and extraordinary, and they rode fine horses from the steppes. Their shields and surcoats were often painted, making them a colorful procession, seemingly like a parade.
Nomadic soldiers followed closely behind the nobles. They carried scimitars and long spears at their waists, as well as bows and arrows, which no tent-dwelling person would be without. They were not Bulgars but shared close kinship.
Finally, there was the baggage train, composed of farmers, citizens who couldn't afford armor, and slaves. They pushed or drove wagons laden with various supplies, accompanied by supervisors holding whips. This was the army's vital lifeline and could not afford any problems.
Akad Moska Duluk, who commanded the army, wore a set of scale armor. The scales were golden, exuding an aura of luxury, and his helmet was adorned with various exquisite bas-reliefs. Around his neck hung dazzling jewels.
The Arab warhorse beneath him was exceptionally majestic and also wore a set of golden scale barding, further decorated with jewels and pearls. Behind such an exquisite set of armor, one could only imagine the extent of exploitation and trade involved.
Currently, a Mari chieftain stood before Akad. This chieftain wore expensive chainmail and a bearskin cloak. He was already considered a formidable warrior, but compared to the Khan's family member Duluk, clad in golden armor, he looked like a beggar.
"Lord Simeon, your loyalty is very wise. May Allah protect you, and the Khan will remember your merits."
Akad's words were filled with arrogance, as if the influential chieftain from the Mari region standing before him was a family servant.
Simeon was not angered by such treatment; instead, he retreated gratefully. As long as he could preserve his tribe, he would do anything.
Such were the rulers caught between the Rus' and Bulgar; they could only side with whoever was stronger to ensure the survival of their tribes and families.
Akad's heart was filled with satisfaction. Along the way, the Finn tribes had flocked to him, and his army's numbers continuously grew. This expedition was truly the right decision; with such a massive army, that boy Rostislav was bound to fail.
And once he controlled the Kashen Silver Mine, his position as the next Khan would be set in stone. Everyone would see who could lead them to prosperity, and they would naturally gravitate towards him.
It was just a pity that his father was still so stubborn…
Akad thought, feeling a surge of resentment. If his father hadn't constantly held him back, he would have overthrown the Khan, who was the same age as him, long ago.
But his father's disapproval prevented his plan from proceeding. His father even threatened that if he did so, he would side with the Khan, who was more than twenty years his junior.
He had asked his father countless times why he treated his own son this way, but all he received was silence. His father simply refused to tell him why all of this was happening.
Even though he wasn't keen on warfare, I am clearly more suited to be Khan…
Akad's resentment grew. The Khan wasn't even willing to participate in this expedition. If he had, he would undoubtedly be the commander-in-chief, and the credit for seizing the silver mine would belong to him. Once this feat was accomplished, the Khan's authority would surely be solidified.
But then again, wasn't it precisely because he saw this point that he pushed so hard for this campaign?
"Lord Akad."
Just as Akad was deep in thought, a voice broke his reverie. He looked up and saw Aleff's arrival.
Aleff, this man was the Khan's most capable subordinate. Whether in battle or diplomacy, he excelled. The Khan had not been completely marginalized to this day precisely because of his existence.
Now that he was leading an expedition with more than half of the nation's forces, Aleff would naturally accompany him to supervise.
"Lord Aleff, have those Rus' who took our money sent any information?"
Although Akad had no battle experience, he knew that matters of war were no laughing matter. He understood that now was not the time for internal strife, so he inquired about Aleff's work, which he had been doing in Rus' for the past few months.
"The Rus' cities will not send their main forces to help Rostislav, but it's still very difficult to get them to revolt. Only one chieftain named Olaf expressed that if needed, he could turn against that Prince."
Aleff's expression was very calm. After seeing Rostislav's strength and the development of the Kashen Silver Mine, he hadn't expected mere bribery to sway the Rus' nobility to their side. Being able to prevent them from sending troops was already a huge victory.
"Hmm, Lord Aleff, the effect of this bribery doesn't seem to be very good."
A look of displeasure appeared on Akad's face, but he quickly returned to normal. He also understood the reasoning behind it, so he didn't make things difficult for Aleff. Then, his expression became excited.
"Since those towns are unwilling to send troops, then we've got Rostislav cornered! How can his meager forces possibly stop our grand army?"
However, as Aleff watched Akad's excitement, he thought of the young Prince he had met. For some reason, he felt that things would not be so smooth.
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