5 Power Struggle

Chapter 4 Power Struggle Jamuka's people were animal herders, not lowly hunters like Temujin. They lived on the open grassland where their sheep, goats, and other livestock could graze. For the first time, Temujin's people enjoyed a steady diet of milk, cheese, and meat. They grew strong, and they were truly part of a tribe. Jamuka wanted to unite all the warring Mongol clans of the steppe into one, powerful

tribe. Temujin wanted the same thing. As Jamuka's anda, Temujin enjoyed a position of power within the clan. He was always at Jamuka's side, helping him and learning from him. But after a year and a half, Jamuka began treating Temujin more like a little brother than an equal. One night, he told Temujin to camp alongside the river, where the sheep and goats could graze. Jamuka would camp on the steppe with the horses, cows, and camels. This was an insult. Borte became angry. She told Temujin that Jamuka had grown tired of them. They should leave Jamuka's tribe. Whoever else wished to leave could join them. That's just what Temujin did. One night when Jamuka stopped to camp, Temujin's group kept moving. Some people deserted Jamuka to go with them. They marched all night.

Jamuka did not pursue Temujin, but over the next two decades, the two became bitter enemies. Over the years, Temujin gained more followers, and three more sons: Chaghatai, Ogodei, and Tolui.

Unlike other tribal leaders, Temujin rewarded positions of power to men based on their ability rather than their family ties. His servant Jelme and friend Boorchu became close advisers. His younger brother Khasar was in charge of security. One summer day in 1189, Temujin summoned his followers to a meeting at Blue Lake. Here, he was named the leader of the Mongols. But Jamuka still had many followers of his own.

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Temujin sent word to his powerful ally, Toghril. He promised that he was not going to challenge Toghril's authority. He wished only to unite the Mongols under one leader, and that the Mongols would remain subservient to the Kereyid. Toghril was pleased that someone was challenging Jamuka's growing power. Jamuka became angry at this news. He attacked Temujin's camp. Temujin and his men escaped to the mountains. While they hid, Jamuka returned to Temujin's camp. Mongols had always preferred to hunt and fight by shooting arrows from far away. They avoided hand-to-hand combat whenever possible. But Jamuka beheaded one of Temujin's followers and tied the head to the tail of a horse. Then, he boiled seventy of Temujin's followers alive.