you have been removed from the horde, you are still the Khansha. Only you can convey this message to the great Khan. BORTE: Genghis Kagan issued a decree on my removal from the horde. BELGUTEI: A message such as this can perhaps break the rules of even the seven top-secret decrees. If you decide to inform the Khan, then you must do it quickly, now go! BORTE: So, an assassination attempt… I see. Well… (Trying to concentrate, begins to pace back and forth, sits in a chair and then springs to her feet) Well then… bring me a good horse. If he’s telling the truth, then the Khan’s head will remain intact, and if he has told a lie, then mine will fly from my shoulders. Let it be. I’ll place my head on the chopping block.
* * *
A galloping horse is heard.
* * *
The Khan’s palace – guards are standing. Borte tries to enter and the guards block her path. BORTE: Put away your spears; don’t cross them. I may have been expelled from the horde, but I am not deprived of the title of the legitimate Khansha. Let me through! Borte, not yielding to the guards, pushing forward reaches the entrance of the central hall where Genghis Khan sits, and desperately dashes into the hall. The Khan is holding a meeting with advisers and does not immediately notice the hubbub, but when Borte, dressed lightly, appears, everyone stares in bewildered silence. BORTE: What stunned you, gentlemen? You look like you’ve just seen a black demon descend from the heavens. I am your Khansha, Borte. The advisors begin standing in surprise, as Borte swiftly walks to Genghis Khan, kneels before him and rises just as quickly, speaking confidently. Oh, imperious Khan! I apologise a thousand times for coming to you without an invitation or permission. I have an urgent message which cannot be delayed even for a moment, and one cannot remain silent. GENGHIS KHAN: (Frowning) How dare you come here and unceremoniously interfere with my council meeting? You can’t wait for me to punish you – do you want torture or death? What has brought you here? BORTE: I do not want to experience torture or death. I was carried away by the will of the Almighty, and I couldn’t wait to tell you this. Having
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