Chapter 3, War of the Khans Summary and Analysis

Ong Khan was nearing death and was threatened by Temujin's growing power. Temujin wanted to secure succession from Ong and so asked if his son, Kochi, could marry Ong's daughter. Ong used the request to lure Temujin and his family into Ong's camp, where he planned to have them killed. Before Ong could strike, however, Temujin learned of the plot and fled, sending his family in all directions. With nineteen surviving men of many tribes, Temjuin formulated a counterattack. He sent out word to his army units who reassembled themselves on the steppe, coming to Temujin from all directions and then converging on the complacent, overconfident Ong. Over the next three days, many deserted Ong and were accepted by Temujin, leading Temujin to absorb Ong's army. While Temujin did not capture Ong or...