Synopsis

The expulsion of the ambassador, sent by the tribe to collect taxes for Osman Bey, shattered the fragile truce. This act provoked Sultan Mesud II of the Seljuks to summon Osman to Konya, ostensibly to administer punishment, but truly to shield him from the impending fury of the Mongols. A spy within the tribe, Nikola, informed the Sultan that Osman had refused to pay tribute to the Mongol overlords. Seizing the opportunity presented by the war between Mongols and Turks, Nikola moved to consolida