"So it's true what they say.", a broad grin appeared on his face, but it was neither friendly nor enthusiastic.

All it did was make you feel strangely uncomfortable. As if he had too many teeth in his mouth.

Bowing your head, you feigned modesty. But it would have been easy for anyone with basic medical knowledge to see how clumsily he moved.

This was nothing unusual for Mongols, their armour was heavy and their bodies used to harsh weather conditions, so they did not move as smoothly as the Chinese in their carved leather.

It also occurred to you that the Kahn could no longer be the youngest. When you were captured, legends had already been told about the general and it was whispered that he would soon be too old for war.

And that must have been several years ago. You could hardly remember a time of freedom. For what felt like an eternity, the Mongol ships had been your new home, their cages the houses you slept in and their language the one your tongue knew. Even their food had become the only source of nourishment.

You knew their traditions, you knew what their men thought of women and who they despised. To the Mongols, you were just a slave. But to the Japanese, you'd be a Mongol.

"My abilities are based on experience.", you finally said.

It would be better to dissuade him from believing you were a witch and could perform miracles. If you failed, whatever he asked of you, it would cost you dearly. But if you were just a woman who failed in her skills as a healer, maybe he would just take a few fingers.

A hand or your eyes. But you would live. At least that's what you fervently hoped.

"Experience.", his voice quivered in his throat.

"A warrior has experience in killing and conquering. He only learns through war.", you said.

He nodded, his fingers curled, short and greasy. And yet he had paws like a bear.

"I know a lot about war.", his eyes fell on you again. "And you know a lot of medicine."

"A lot. Not everything."

"Modesty won't save your pretty head."

You swallowed hard.

"I'll try what I can.", you raised your eyes slightly, gently and a little innocently in an attempt to spare a helpless woman. "But to promise a miracle cure would be a lie, because there is no such thing."

He snorted.

"Many have lied to me to save their skins.", Khotun Khan rose from his chair again, his shadow falling across the planks of the floor.

The ship swayed and it felt as if it was all caused by the force of his steps. His shoulders were so broad that you could have fitted into him twice.

There were men who looked like they could kill with their bare hands. And he had done it. Many times.

With trembling breath, you clenched your hands into fists to hide the fear creeping up your throat.

"And how many of these liars are still alive?", you asked.

He stopped in front of you. And smiled contentedly.

"You're a clever woman.", he said. "Clever women are dangerous. They seduce emperors and make them set their empire on fire."

Now you couldn't help but smile with amusement.

"This woman could have wiped out half the Mongol fleet without killing a single man herself.", you pointed at yourself, the chains on your hands clinking. "But I didn't because I'm not stupid. And I wish to live."

His eyes narrowed. The brown looked spoilt, dark. As if no light in the world could make them shine.

"Then you will serve me.", he decided. "And when the time comes, maybe I'll allow you to buy your freedom back."

A shiver ran down your spine. Disgust and excitement mingled in you.

He was lying. Of course he was. The Mongols didn't let slaves go, especially if they were of great use to them. But perhaps it would be possible to work your way up through their ranks, gain favour and make them relent.

Then, one day, you would escape and they would only realise when you were far away. At a place where the rest of your clan had gathered, had found shelter.

It wasn't far now. The coast of Japan was within reach. Perhaps you would even succeed in poisoning the general without him noticing. Then even the defenceless of the empire would be spared.

But that was just wishful thinking. The first thing you had to do was save yourself. This moment was like gold placed in your outstretched hands.

"There are medicines that can ease the pain.", your voice trembled with excitement but he perceived it as fear. "But it will be a while before I know exactly what it is. Perhaps the bones. Or the joints. Sometimes even the flesh."

He frowned. Anger drew his thick eyebrows together.

"Whatever it is, you'll find it and treat it!", he growled, gritting his teeth. "Or it will be your head that hurts."

All at once, his hand advanced faster. Thick fingers wrapped around your neck and squeezed. Startled, you sucked in a sharp breath. He grinned with satisfaction at the sight of the fear.

"I hope you have a cure at hand. My legs will have to carry me to war tomorrow."

Without a word, you lifted your shackled hands. The weight of the chains had pressed so far into your flesh that it hurt. Small shreds of (S/C) skin had already begun to peel off. Pink flesh shimmered underneath. Not much longer and it would start to bleed.

He looked at the restraints for a moment, then let out a growl.

"Don't think I'm stupid.", he came so close to your face that you could see the sweat glistening on his forehead.

"I would never do that.", you answered honestly. "My head is worth a lot to me."

Suddenly he laughed uproariously.

"Clever woman, indeed.", with a quick movement he pulled a knife from the sheath on his back and cut the rope that held the chains together. "Honesty could cost your tongue. As long as it amuses me, you shall be spared."

Chains clattered to the floor. A relieved sigh slipped from your lips. Your fingers trembled with pain and strain.