CASCA THE MONGOL
Rescued from slavery by a young Mongol called Temujin, Casca joins his rescuer in freeing his tribe from an old enemy called Jemuga. Temujin learns from Casca the art of war and slowly binds the disparate tribes of Mongolia under his command until in a great battle at Baljuna Springs (1204) Jemuga is defeated. Temujin is later proclaimed Great Khan - Genghis Khan - and sets about conquering his neighbours. Eventually, seeing that Genghis has nothing more to learn from him, Casca departs.
THEORETICAL TIMELINE
Crossing the Kush mountains Casca is captured by mounted warriors, and taken to the great city of Delhi where Sultans now rule. Made a slave in a Sultanate of slaves, Casca climbs the ranks of the slave army during his many campaigns until he is appointed Commander of the Palace Guard. His position remains until the old Sultan, Iltumish, dies (1236) and he fares less well under the successor Raziya, daughter of Iltumish. Intrigued against, he escapes before he can be arrested and flees back over the Kush mountains where he bumps into Mongol horsemen.
Taken to their commander Subutei, he is recognised and allowed to join their forces once more. This time under a new Khan, Ugedei, they are moving west against the Russian Principalities. They crush the Bulgars of Kazan and then sweep into Kiev, destroying all in their path (1240). When their forces split, Casca goes with the southern half to Hungary where they win the Battle of the Sajo River (1241). With Europe open to them they begin raiding as far as Austria but news reaches them that Ugedei has died and most of the army turns round to return to their homeland. Casca slips away quietly and heads south.
THEORETICAL TIMELINE
Once more Casca comes to the Byzantine lands, looking for paid employment as a hired sword. He finds the former Eastern Roman Empire in a shambles, splintered into various factions. Presenting himself to the biggest remaining part, he soon finds himself in the Nicean army under Emperor John Vatazes, commanded by the general Michael Palaeologus. They struggle against rival Byzantine forcesd as well as the Latins and Bulgars, and capture the large city of Thessaoloniki. A few years later John is deposed by Michael and Casca given command of a larger force. On a patrol with a large group of men, they come up to the walls of Constantinople, still under Latin rule, and find an unguarded door. They enter, take control of the tower and allow the rest of the Byzantine army to infiltrate the city and then drive the Latins out (1261). Casca, happy that the old capital has been regained, slips quietly out amongst the celebrations.