Fierce Town

By the mid-12th century, the Mongolian Empire’s reach extended from the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas in the west to the southern regions of China in the east. Under the leadership of Khan Batu, the Mongolian forces were renowned for their stealth, annihilating any who dared oppose them. However, even within their core territories, some places resisted the rule of the Genghisids. Kozelsk was one such place. The Mongolian troops chose to bypass the fortified walls of this small town, believing that “the wolf’s hide wasn’t worth the risk of facing its fangs.” Yet, one of the Khan’s commanders held a vendetta against the town’s inhabitants. Now, the people of Kozelsk are forced to confront the world’s most formidable army, with no chance of triumph. This narrative explores individuals confronting their mortality. Some attempt to flee, others will do whatever it takes to survive, but the majority are determined to defend their town against the unyielding onslaught of the Mongolian forces.