With a blast of fire and the thundering of elephants, the Alai force has reached a small town on the edge of the Qingsha Lake.

From this position, the Alai forces look down upon China at last, and begin to plan their moves along the frontier of the country. It is clear that no significant inroad could ever be committed, until it is known whether or not Chinese states exist. But the frontier between the Chinese wilderness and the Central Asian mountains is up for grabs, and the local commanders have been given leave to choose their ground.

Forts shall be built. Roads shall be expanded. Demonstrations will be made of fire and blood, and the warlords will kneel or shy away. Most importantly, the wealth of Iron begins now to flow west towards the distant Ferghana Valley, and the greatest centre of military power in the known world.

Consider this a -winkwinknudgenudge- for people in China to contact me, if they so wish.