Bayan is a young warrior who also has a special relationship with the gods. His father
is a respected general of the Rouran Empire, built from an alliance of nomadic tribes.
However, the khagan of the empire north of China commits suicide after his sons are
killed and his army is defeated by Bumin, the leader of the rising Göktürk tribes.
Anagui's last order is to appoint Bayan's father Hyun-Jin, a loyal general in the army, as
regent. The privileged position of Bayan and his brothers is not looked upon favourably
by all. Bayan, Hyun's youngest son, is haunted by visions: he believes that Tengri, the
god of the infinite blue sky, is showing him the way to a glorious future.
On the other side of the wall of Chin Si Huang-ti, the chancellor, who rules in the name
of the Chinese Wei Dynasty, offers Bumin a terrible gift to quell his suspicions. The
dynasty offers an alliance, but the chancellors unconcealed aim is to divide the nomadic
power by stirring up hatred between the tribes, and ultimately to rid the rival powers of
the great steppe by conquering it once and for all.
Can the once invincible tribal alliance of the Var-Huns recover?
Can the people survive amid internal strife?
Towards what mysterious goal are Bayan's visions leading him?
The Endless Steppe traces the formation of the Avar tribal alliance, marked by mighty
battles and dark intrigue, and gives the reader a glimpse into the youthful years of the
later famous conqueror, Khagan Bayan I.