The Kereit and the Tayichiud were two tribes constantly fighting over the best pastures. The nomadic peoples practiced exogamy, which often resulted in stealing brides from the other clans inside each tribe and even between the warring tribes themselves.

Borte was the daughter of a chief in the Kereit tribe. Her jet black hair would lay straight to her waist if it was not in the traditional braid and bun. Athletically built, deceptively strong, quick-witted, and unwilling to be a shrinking violet, Borte was royalty as much as these nomadic tribes recognized royalty.

Temujin was a boy born into a common family. He was not the first-born son, so he would not inherit anything. His father was a sheepard, so there was not much to inherit anyway. Temujin was determined, however, to upend the political realities of hi culture. He wanted those with merit and skill be the ones in power, not just the ones born into the correct families. Temujin posed all of the merit and skills to be a man of power. He did not possess the proper Tayichiud lineage.

The Tayichiud and Kereit were again squabbling over the best grazing lands, and Temujin’s father was part of the small band that attacked the closest enemy camp. That camp happened to be where Borte was. Borte was swept up in the attack by Temujin’s father, who “presented” her as a gift to his son.

Borte and Temujin were barely in their teens, but both were entrenched in the ways of the plains. Borte did not like the Tayichiud. They had killed countless relatives. They had stolen even more sheep and goats. They constantly infringed on traditional Kereit grazing lands. As what happens in feuds, the same could be said about Temujin’s feelings about the Kereit.

The teens distrusted and even resented each other, but Borte proved herself a formidable presence when it came to milking the goats, chasing off wolves, and gathering fire wood. Temujin, while having reserves about the Kereit, he treated Borte with respect and admiration and demanded others do the same. Temujin’s grace and civility showed Borte that the Tayichiud were not the evil enemies she was brought up to believe.

Within one season, Borte knew Temujin was more than just the son of a herdsman. She saw Temujin had the strength and determination to rise above his status. Temujin had in Borte his biggest supporter and advisor.

As was the case on the open plains, another clan raided Temujin’s camp and stole Borte. Temujin constantly looked for his missing wife, but nomads do not stay in one place for long and are experts at covering their tracks. It took 10 months, but Temujin finally found the camp Borte was being held. When he attacked, Temujin spared no mercy and stained the grass red with the captors blood.

As Temujin grew into adulthood, his reputation also grew. He never lost his childhood desire to change the nomad culture. Every raiding party he led, he offered full pardon for those who joined the new tribe he was forming of all nomadic tribes. Borte’s “royal” lineage persuaded some, while Temujin’s personality persuaded others. The fact that those who refused to join were cut down soon became the most effective recruiting tool.

Soon the variety of clans and tribes who joined Temujin made his band the most feared in the land. Temujin built the hierarchy of his amalgamated tribe on who was the best leader, who was the most fearless, who was the smartest in battle. This attracted second- and third- and fourth-born sons and whoever else had little traditional path to glory and power. They knew that with Temujin those who produced were rewarded.

Temujin eventually united all of the plains people. He built an empire. The people proclaimed him the ruler of everything under the sky. In the language of the people, he was called Genghis Khan. At his side throughout it all was his bride Borte, the girl from the enemy tribe.