The Successors of Genghis Khan - Robert Bedrosian's Armenian ...

BEGINNING OF THE HISTORY OF QUBILAI QA AN
many obligations to you. We have not forgotten this and have sent
you Qubilai Qa'an's sons and his emirs, who were on their way to
attack you. We must not think ill of each other but unite to drive off
the enemy." The messengers came back bringing this message: "We
are grateful to you, and it is what we expected of you. Since there is
good water and grass in that region, stay where you are."
Toq-Temiir went on an expedition against the ordos of Ogetei and
Chaghatai and seized Sarban and the brother of Minqa-Temiir,
who were in charge of those ordos. He put about the rumor that the
sons of Batu and Qaidu and the princes had formed an alliance and
were following behind. They all set out and went away with Toq-
Temiir, Then, all of a sudden, the Qa'an's army, led by Beklemish,
arrived and it became clear to the ordos that the story about the approach
of the sons of Batu and Qaidu was false. Meanwhile, Toq-
Temiir and Sarban had joined Shiregi, and together they fought a
battle with the Qa'an's troops. Toq-Temiir, Shiregi, and Sarban were
put to flight and made for the el of the Barin72 on the bank of the River
Erdish, where they each of them busied himself with preparations.
From thence Toq-Temiir set out to attack the Qirqi'z country. The
Qa'an's troops came up and plundered his heavy baggage. He came
back in search of it and asked Shiregi for help, which he refused. Toq-
Temiir was offended with him and, having suddenly come upon
Sarban upon the return journey, in order to spite Shiregi, he tempted
him also with the promise of the rulership. At that time there was a great
distance between them and Shiregi. However, It-Buqa of the 73
people was present. He was connected with Shiregi and hurried and
informed Melik-Temiir and the other princes of what had happened.
Shiregi and Melik-Temiir gathered their forces and stationed themselves
on the 74 steppe. And they sent a messenger to Toq-
Temiir to say: "Why do we cause unrest and confusion in the ulus?"
He replied: "There is no boldness or dash in Shiregi. I wish Sarban,
who is worthy of it, to be the ruler." Having no choice, Shiregi sent
to Sarban to say: " If thou must have the rulership ask me for it. Why
dost thou ask Toq-Temiir?" In reply Toq-Temiir said: "Why should
72 Not in Verkhovsky. This was the territory given by Genghis Khan to the Barin
Qprchi: it extended as far as the forest peoples along the Irtysh. See Campagnes, p. 300.
73 Blank in the MSS. '* Blank in the MSS.
267