Here is a short story about how I envisioned the lead up to the attack on Ryazan in December of 1237.

Boom, boom, boom, the sound of the war drums was incessantly ringing in Brother Spirodon’s ears. The traditional daily tasks of monastic life had been disrupted by the arrival of Mongol army. In fact it had been almost two weeks since his daily life had been turned upside down. The predictability and structure of his life began to change when the first news of catastrophe to the east had reached his ears.

An unstoppable pagan army was destroying everything in its path and now Ryazan was next. They moved as fast as the wind and could not be stopped. From the first accounts that had arrived Brother Spirodon had prayed that the pagans from the east would move south and bypass Ryazan. The wealth and strategic location of Ryazan always made that unlikely. But as Brother Ryazan knew miracles did happen and with God nothing was impossible. So he had spent every free moment for days praying that the invaders would pass by Ryazan. Those prayers had not been answered. The Mongols arrived and inspired terror.

Their tents had been erected outside the city walls and the fires in their camp began to burn. A hazy smoke covered the city. As terrible as the army appeared, the banging of the drums brought another level of apprehension. Once the army was positioned around the city Brother Spirodon prayed that an even deeper freeze would set in and glue the invaders to their camp. It had been a brutally cold winter and Christmas had not even arrived yet. Maybe the weather could stop the Mongol advance.

Toghan began adding layers of clothing to the outfit he was currently wearing. His commander had entered his tent unannounced and gave him a new order. Toghan had come to expect this. A similar occurrence happened at the last city they seized.

Now as he prepared to enter the cold night air he reminisced about his name. He had received his name because his mother’s hut became the perching place for a falcon during the last few weeks of her pregnancy. The falcon would soar above the hut with a watchful eye before stopping to rest on the roof of the hut. It was as if the falcon was checking in on the expectant mother. The first time it happened it was a mere curiosity. Those who happened to see it were able to admire the majesty of the falcon before it rose into the sky and disappeared across the horizon.

When the spectacle occurred repeatedly every day for weeks it began to be seen as a type of omen. The village elders discussed the strange occurrence. They determined that the child would become a remarkable soldier. He would be blessed with speed and agility and most importantly eyesight like the falcon. If the omen had been interpreted negatively the mother would have been killed before the baby was born.

Toghan grew over the years and the prophecy appeared to be accurate. He was not the biggest or strongest boy in the village but he was the fastest and most agile. His eyesight was also remarkable. He did not want to be a soldier though. However growing up on the Mongol Steppe he never really had another alternative. At 14 he joined the army of Batu Khan. Now three years later he stood before the walls of Ryazan.

The wooden walls of the town would not hold out against Toghan and his comrades. He could only hope the wealth of the city would be worth the effort. Bets were already being wagered on the number of days until the city would fall into their hands. Toghan had been selected to join the delegation that would approach the city and present them with the opportunity to submit. If they were smart they would agree to any terms. Otherwise they would die.

The only reason Toghan was allowed this honor was because his eyesight was so much better than every other soldier. Approaching the walls and perhaps even entering the city would allow him to see weaknesses that no one else would notice at a glance. Then he would meet with his superior commanders and explain what his scouting mission had revealed.

The delegation of five men rode up to the city gates and were met by a delegation selected by Prince Yuri. There were no formal speeches or real introductions.

Naran a captain under Batu Khan spoke forcefully. “You will submit to our rule or you will die. We will take 10 percent of your revenue. You will provide us with soldiers and laborers as necessary. Do this and your city will be saved. You may bring your response to the camp of the mighty Batu Khan within twenty four hours.”

Brother Spirodon was busy removing icons from the cathedral and securing them in a wooden box. They would be buried in a secret location in case the worst happened. As he was moving an icon of the Virgin Mary he heard footsteps approaching. He turned and saw Father Onufry approaching.

“Brother Spirodon you will join the embassy to visit the camp of the infidel Khan.”

“I will go, but father, why have I been selected?”

“You will serve as a scribe. Record everything that is said. Under no circumstances will you speak. I trust in your ability to accomplish your assignment.”

“Yes Father.”

The next afternoon Brother Spirodon joined the delegation with Fyodor, the eldest son of the prince, and a handful of boyars. They were escorted by 20 soldiers as they traversed the short distance to the enemy camp.

Once they were confronted by the Mongol guards Fyodor spoke like a prince. “Take me to your leader at once.”

The Mongol shook his head and put up both hands to stop Fyodor. A few minutes later a translator arrived.

“Who is in charge here?” Fyodor demanded to know.

“You will speak only to me!”

“I will speak only to those who are my equal.”

“The least worthy member of this band is far greater than you.”

“Insolence and disrespect are not becoming. I shall speak to the Khan or not at all.”

“Wait here.”

Brother Spirodon looked at the thousands of tents surrounding them and saw the wrath of God. Surely the men of Ryazan were in need of repentance. Otherwise why would God permit such heathens to attack. The banging of the drums continued and Brother Spirodon could only imagine that it was the sounds of hell unleashed. With visions of devils dancing around the campfires to the sound of the drums Brother Spirodon waited.

A few minutes later five members of the delegation were escorted to a magnificent tent in the center of the camp. The soldiers were left to wait.

Sitting behind a desk preoccupied with something else sat Batu Khan. Fyodor entered the tent first followed by his retinue. Batu Khan never looked up.

“If I am not mistaken I am here to negotiate terms.” Fyodor finally said.

Batu didn’t seem to hear.

“You will offer me a chair and we will speak like men.” Fyodor said next.

Batu looked at him coldly. “There is only one man in this tent and it is not you.”

“By what right do you march to my city and insult me?”

“By the might and right of my sword. If you were a man you would stop me. But you are a boy and your city belongs to me.”

“You will feel the sting of my sword as I end your life.”

“Ah, some passion, but it is misplaced. You know the terms, do you accept them?”

“I am here to discuss.”

“Yes, let’s discuss. You will present me with the most lavish gifts to be found. Next you will give me 30 percent of your annual revenue. You will provide me with 1000 soldiers a year and you will give me all of your noble women and princesses. Are you ready to agree to terms?”

“Those were not the original terms!”

“No, and they will become more harsh the longer we speak.”

“You devil!”

“No, I am your master and you will bow before me.”

“Death first.”

“Soon it will come for you. But first will you give me your noble women and pay tribute to save your city?”

“You may take our women over our dead bodies.”

“Bow before me and I will allow you to leave and fight for your city.”

“I will never bow before you.”

“Then you die now.”

“We are leaving and your soldiers will fall before our walls. Ryazan will break your army and you will be left to freeze until our rivers thaw and sweep you out of memory.”

“The only one who will fade from history is you. Kill them all except the priest. He will return to the city and announce its impending destruction.”

The delegation never noticed the soldiers who encircled them until it was too late. Death came quickly. Brother Spirodon was allowed to return to Ryazan.

Toghan watched him run towards the city. He had his bow in hand with an arrow notched. He only awaited the order to release death. As soon as Father Spirodon entered the walls an order to fire was given. A volley of thousands of arrows rained down on the city. The siege of Ryazan had begun.