The sounds beyond the tent came from dozens of thousands of men changing into the night's watch rotation. Batu could separate the noise now that he had spent enough time in camps this large.
Horses shifting along the lines. Supply riders returning from the final depot runs before darkness fully took hold. Arban commanders speaking in low voices as they reviewed the next morning's requirements with their men.
Beneath all of it the constant percussion of the horse herd, the deep, steady sound Batu had noticed during the ride into camp. At this distance it merged into a single presence instead of individual animals.
Suuqai appeared at the entrance near the end of the first evening hour.
"Subutai's staff confirmed the war table for dawn. All present princes have sent word."
"Good."
Suuqai withdrew at once. Nothing else needed saying.
