Marco Polo's Voyage to Indian Seas: 60: Great Battle

Toctai now assembled his people and said: "My lords, we have come to fight king Nogai with reason. All the fued and enimity have risen from his not coming to account his conduct to the sons of Totamangu.  Since then his behaviour is unreasonable.  We must feel good courage and hope of conquest.  I earnestly pay that each man be valiant, and strive to carry destruction and death among the enemy.

King Nogai had his reason to fight. He addressed his men and said, "Noble friends and brethren, you know how many battles we have won, against a better class of men than those who now oppose us.  Pray everyone to perform such exploits that the whole world may admire you.  Toctai drew out twenty dragons, and his enemy fifteen, of 10000 men each, with good captains and conductors.  Standing within bow shots, the naccar sounded.  They rushed forward and discharged their arrows. Many horses and men fell dead.  Loud cries arose and tears shed.  Arrows exhausted. Came sword and spears. Heads rolled. Arms and hands cut off.  Cries and noise. Many lives were lost. But Toctai suffered more loss, for his enemy had better men at arms.  Two sons of Totamangu displayed great prowess, striving to avenge the death of their father; but it was in vain.  It was a bloody dreadful battle. Toctai strove with all his might to support his people and his honour. Nogai, on his side equally acted the hero. The battle was won by Nogai. Toctai and his men escaped, as well as the two sons of Totamangu.

End of the Section 

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