Chapter - 46 Two Killers In the Tempest (2) (2/2)
”Even the most precious diamond studded gold cup in the world cannot compare with my Khan's helmet.” He said in a low voice. Temujin smiled as he took his helmet back and put it back onto his head.
The Mongol troops had all caught word of how Jebe had been humiliated by Senggum and felt bad for him; even those troops under the Ong Khan had thought that Senggum was wrong in what he did. Now, seeing how Temujin treated him, they all burst out with a great cheer.
”What a man among men this Temujin is! At this moment Jebe would gladly die one thousand times for him!” Wanyan Honglie thought to himself. ”Back in the Imperial Court all the officials insisted that the north is populated by brainless barbarians; it's obvious that they have grossly underestimated these people.”
But Wanyan Hongxi was only concerned with finding out what was that thing that Senggum claimed could defeat all four of the 'Aces'.
”So what is it that you have that's so powerful that it could defeat all four of the 'Aces'?” he said, as he casually sat back down onto the tiger-fur covered chair that his personal servants had carried out.
”I invite Your Highness to get ready to see something very special. 'Four Aces' my foot; they probably won't even measure up to those two bastards of mine.” Senggum quietly said with a smile before turning around to the troops and loudly asked. ”Where are my Brother Temujin's 'Four Aces'?”
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The four men came walking up and saluted their superiors. Senggum turned and whispered something to the trusted servant at his side who nodded before running off. Soon after, the sound of roaring beasts could be heard as a pair of huge golden leopards came gracefully out from behind the ger. As they slowly approached in the darkness, the leopard eyes glowed like a pair of jade lanterns. This gave Wanyan Hongxi quite a fright as he immediately gripped the handle of his saber tightly. Only when the leopards walked close to one of bonfires did he see that, in fact, there was a leash and collar around their necks and each leopard had a big fellow on the other end of the leash. Both had a long stick in their other hand, and, as it turned out, they were specially charged with raising and taking care of the leopards. Mongolians love raising leopards for hunting purposes. Not only do leopards run faster than hunting dogs, they are especially feisty; being caught by the leopard means instant death for whatever they are set upon. The only draw back was that the leopards consumed a great deal of food; so only royalty or top officials could afford to keep leopards. Although the leopards were restrained by men, they were still snarling and clawing while glaring viciously at everyone. The muscles on their bodies looked as if they contained boundless energy within them, ready to explode at any moment. Wanyan Hongxi felt his heart get a little fluttery and he was exceedingly uncomfortable. From the power and might that these two leopards were showing, it looked as if they could easily break out of the grip of their masters should they choose.
”Brother, if those 'Four Aces' of yours are truly great warriors and can subdue these two leopards of mine bare handed; then I'll be truly convinced.” Senggum said, turning towards Temujin.
The 'Four Aces' were furious as the same thought ran through their minds. ”You humiliated Jebe, now you are going to humiliate us? Are we just game? Are we wild wolves? Why should we fight your leopards?”
Temujin was far from happy about this whole proposal as well. ”I love my men like my own life, how can I let them fight a leopard?”
”Is that so?” Senggum burst out with a loud laugh. ”Then why claim to be 'Four Aces' or whatever you want to call them. They're not even brave enough to fight my leopards!”
Of the 'Four Aces', Tchila'un's temper was the shortest and he could not stand such an insult any longer. He took a huge step forward. ”My great Khan, it doesn't matter if they laugh at us, but we cannot allow you to be shamed.” He said to Temujin. ”I'll fight the leopards!”
Wanyan Hongxi was ecstatic to hear this. So much so that he removed a bright red ruby-studded ring from his finger and tossed it on the ground, proclaiming, ”If you can beat the leopard, then that's yours.”
Tchila'un did not even give the ring a look before lunging forward, only to be held back by Muqali. ”Our names are known throughout the Steppe because we have defeated so many foes. Can a leopard command an army? Can a leopard ambush or surround enemies?” Muqali reasoned loudly.
”Brother Senggum, you win.” Temujin said as he bent down, picked up the ring, and placed it in Senggum's hand. Senggum immediately put the ring on one of his fingers and let out a triumphant laugh as he raised his hand to show off his newly won ring. Ong Khan's troops began to cheer in response. Jamuka stayed silent throughout but was frowning heavily. Temujin kept a calm expression on his face. The 'Four Aces' bitterly retreated back to their ranks.