Ling-Tau

Ling-Tau was a messenger in Kublai Khan's court. In 1289, he arrived at Marco Polo's caravan with a message from the Khan.

Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright were amazed that Ling-Tau had left the Khan, 300 miles away, only the day before. He explained to them that couriers changed their horses every league and that their bodies were wound tight to prevent them from being "shaken to pieces".

In Peking, Ling-Tau took charge of Tegana after he had tried to assassinate the Khan, but could not prevent Tegana from killing himself. (TV: Marco Polo) According to another account, he slew Tegana with an arrow. (PROSE: Marco Polo)