About This Book
What if Jong-li had not decided on crossing to Samarkand, but instead traveled to Hamadan as originally planned? Whether by whim or fate, he chose Samarkand, and that made all the difference. Once there, his imagination was fired by many merchants' tales describing wondrous Tang Dynasty China. He listened to courtyard stories in The Caravanserai of Many Tongues, heard Samarkand's Khan's proposals and decided to lead his caravan all the way to Chang-an, China. Miaofu, the beautiful, willful and well-educated daughter of the caravanserai owners also lusted for travel. She wanted to escape the anticipated dullness of a loveless conforming marriage. Having purchased a place on Jong-li's caravan, much to his chagrin, Jong-li, his faithful second-in-command friend, Bandha, and Miaofu depart. Their adventures begin. Come and travel with them to learn about and share their challenges, erotic interludes, and near disasters on the almost two-year journey. Climb onto the embroidered saddle of a Bactrian camel. Visit the exciting cities, campsites, and hear the thunder of thousands of hooves and pads, as well as the bleats and moans of sheep and goat, their drovers' cries, and the songs of women dung-gatherers. Become a caravaneer! Share the vistas and touch the lives, beliefs and strange tongues of the Central Asian peoples during the early years of the seventh century C.E. The times are enriching but dangerous, with nomadic tribes pitting their lives and raids against China's lust for land and power. And dangers become personal through trade intrigues. The many cultures Jong-li's caravan visits are exciting, but burning summer heat, wild sandstorms, and the winter squalls sweeping down from icy mountains make travel perilous.Once in fabled Chang-an, other storms erupt. The quixotic vagaries of powerful imperial demands render Jong-li's trading life almost obsolete! Will it be possible to fulfill Chinese demands, or will Jong-li fail and lose his trade rights? Can Jong-li and
