Circa 1206 CE – The Mongol Conquests
The vast steppes of Mongolia were home to one of the greatest military leaders in history, Genghis Khan. As he began his quest to unify the Mongol tribes, Marcus appeared in the midst of his rise. He had heard the stories of the great conqueror who would build an empire that spanned from China to Europe. But Marcus had a unique perspective: he understood the costs of such ambition.
He met Temujin, the young Genghis Khan, under the cover of night, as the Mongol leader stared out over the endless grasslands.
"You dream of a united empire, but do you understand what that means?" Marcus asked, leaning against a nearby tree.
Genghis Khan turned, the fire in his eyes reflecting a burning ambition. "I will not be content until all of Asia is under my rule. I am the storm that will change the world."
"Change the world, yes," Marcus said with a chuckle, "but the storm will consume everything in its path, including you."
For a moment, Genghis Khan studied Marcus closely, his sharp mind processing the words. "You speak as though you've seen this future."
"I've seen many," Marcus replied cryptically. "And it is not the empire you build, but the lives you shape, that will be your legacy."
Though Genghis Khan didn't fully understand Marcus's meaning, the conversation stayed with him. Over the course of his conquests, he became a man of deep reflection, questioning the toll his empire took on those it conquered. The legacy of Genghis Khan would be one of both destruction and creation, but Marcus's words planted the seed of responsibility within him.