The Seer

 
 
Nine year old Temujin controlled his galloping horse with his knees, bow at the ready. The rabbit was turning and twisting. He fired.  
 
That night by the campfire replete with roasted rabbit Temujin said ‘Jamulka read the fire.’  
 
‘My father is Shaman Temujin not me.’  
 
‘Nevertheless you have his gift. Why did my father order us to hunt alone?’  
 
‘Because of the meeting with the Tartars he doesn’t trust them. You need no special powers to know that.’  
 
Temujin‘s hot temper flared ‘I am the chief's son Jamulka. You will read.’  
 
Jamulka glared ‘take your hand from your knife Temujin I will not read under threat.’  
 
Temujin complied scowling. ‘Read.’  
 
Jamulka took poppy powder from his pouch and scraping glowing embers into his bowl he sprinkled. After inhaling the smoke deeply he stared into the fire.  
 
‘What do you see Jamulka. Am I to become a great chief?’  
 
‘Better you remain ignorant.’  
 
Temujin seized Jamulka's shoulder violently ‘tell me or by the gods....’  
 
‘You’ll murder me? As you will your half brother?’  
 
‘Why will I do that?’  
 
‘Because he bars your way.’  
 
Temujin glowered ‘If your prophecy proves false I'll have your tongue cut out so read truthfully.’  
 
Jamulka stared back defiantly ‘Very well you shall know.’ He looked again.  
.’  
‘We must return at dawn.’  
 
‘My father ordered a week.’  
 
‘He is already dead murdered by Tartars.’  
 
‘You lie’ Temujin shrieked drawing his knife.  
 
Jamulka spoke calmly ‘it is as he feared. He sent us hunting without escort so we attracted no attention.’  
 
‘The tribe will reject you Temujin. You will become a slave. You will escape only after learning patience and understanding of people. You will unite the tribes building a great new empire and be titled Khan. Millions will perish cursing your name. You will die young.’  
 
 
Historical note: Temujin’s father was poisoned by his Tartar enemies when Temujin was 9. His mother had been captured by his father and forced to marry. The tribe rejected mother and son. In his teen years Temujin was sold into slavery. He escaped and built a reputation for utter ruthlessness. He united the tribes and swept across Asia. Jamulka became one of Genghis Khan's most successful generals. The rest, as they say, is history.