Harold Lamb

“ When the knight had lifted his hand in leave-taking and had passed from the yurta, Subotai summoned a warrior from the shadows behind the fire, a short and stalwart Mongol who walked with a swagger and wore about his forehead the leather band that was the mark of a courier.
“Go, Arslan,” Subotai commanded, “with the envoys. Look and listen with the eyes of a ferret and the ears of a fox. The Swooping Hawk speaks plain words; he deals mighty blows. It is said of him that he struck down the Seljuk sultan and defied the emperor of the Greeks. ”

“ Subotai nodded.
“And beyond the ranges—what?”
“The sea! The Negropont or Black Sea—the heart of the Greek empire. The ships that go upon this sea are the Greeks'. The Horde can not catch the ships with its lariats, or sail them.”
Again Subotai signified assent by silence. His Mongols were neither river-men nor mariners.
“And know, my Lord,” went on the Syrian, raising lean hands over his silk skull-cap, “that the ruling cities of the emperor lie at the far end of this sea—Constantinople and the Golden Chersonese.”
The Mongol looked inquisitive and Rabban Simeon hastened to explain. ”

“ The Syrian's knowledge of the unknown world in the west as much as his skill at healing had won him the respect of the Mongols, and he reflected while he chose words to make the matter clear to the leader of the Horde.
“Mighty Lord,” he vouchsafed at length, “there are two rulers of the Christians. One is the Il-khan of their church who is called Pope and sends his orders to kings by barefoot priests—though he is very rich—”
“Of what use are many precious stones and gold that is hoarded in cellars? Can men become hardier by wearing the jewels or their children sturdier by gold?” ”

“ And Rabban Simeon shivered, drawing closer to the smoldering dung.
“And of the Swooping Hawk,” Subotai demanded, “what is your word?”
“O Khan, he is a warrior of the Cross. Now he is hooded and chained, [3] but when he finds himself among his Christian folk he will escape and betray the Horde. Why not? Instead of sitting in the yurta of the standards, he goes forth afoot and in secret. Never can you make of him a Mongol; he longs for his own land.” ”

“ Hugh knew that this falcon tablet would obtain for the bearer fresh horses, guides, an escort or any amount of food from the Khaukesh to Cathay.
“Take it,” went on Subotai. “I have a task for the Swooping Hawk. Go before the Horde as ambassador. Go first to the khan of these mountains. Say to him this, 'Our horses are swift, our arrows sharp, and our hearts hard as yonder mountains. It is ours to command; his to obey. ”

“ Let him not not molest us when we pass over the roads of his kingdom.'”
“I have heard.” The crusader fixed the words in his mind, and then spoke boldly, “The men of the Khaukesh are not sheep, to be driven; they will stand their ground like watch-dogs. ”