The messenger arrived at the Jochid camp's eastern side before the horse lines had finished their first allocation.
One of the Khar Kheshig steppe riders brought him through. The man was young, and the Toluid household colors were on his coat. He stopped at the respectful distance and waited for acknowledgment before speaking. He had been trained well.
The message was simple.
She was ready when he was.
Batu told the rider to wait and crossed the camp to where Orda had his own tent set up, beside the White Horde riders' section.
Orda was at a table with dispatch papers. He looked up when Batu came in.
"Sorghaghtani sent word," Batu said.
"I see." Orda set the paper down. "What time."
"Midmorning."
"I'll be there," he said, and picked up the paper again.
