Free World War IV: Empires by James Hunt Page A

audience.”
    Tobaygu flashed a pearly-white smile, his ebony skin dressed with fine, colorful silks. Gold and silver, studded with diamonds, flashed over his neck, wrists, and fingers. “Emperor.” He matched Delun’s bow. “It was an honor to receive such an invitation.”
    Delun guided him to a table where food and drink had been prepared for his arrival. “I trust the journey went well?”
    Tobaygu picked at a grape as he sat then tossed it in his mouth, savoring the taste of the cool fruit in the humid islands. “Aside from a few squalls, it was quite enjoyable. Of course, the companionship that was offered did cause the time to pass quickly. When we made port here, I was tempted to order us back across the sea to enjoy the fruits of those women again!” He slapped his leg and offered a hearty laugh then picked at another grape and helped himself to the wine one of the servants had poured.
    “I’m glad you found their skills useful.” Delun had long ago understood that a man who was well relaxed was easier to negotiate with. And there was no one trained better at the art of relaxation than the whores he had sent to accompany Tobaygu. “You would be glad to know that your friend General Rodion has taken the lands from the Mars brothers.”
    “Ah, the good general does love to conquer.” Tobaygu swirled his drink then took a sip. “Although he does not share your finesse in handling people.” He flicked one of the seeds from the grape off his finger, the air of playfulness evaporating from his face.
    “I take it you and the general have not shared a mutually beneficial relationship?”
    Tobaygu offered another smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “You and I both know the nature of my relationship with Rodion.” He leaned back, wagging his long, slender finger up and down. “You’re a very clever man, Emperor. But you need to work on your subtlety.”
    Delun crossed his legs and reached for a stack of papers on the ground next to him. He set them in his lap and drummed his fingers over the top. “I’m sure that with all of the ears you have to the ground, Sultan, you’ve learned of Brazil’s coup and that President Ruiz has been removed from power?”
    “I had heard rumblings of dissent for years about Brazil. Greed is a powerful enemy.” The silver and gold on Tobaygu’s wrist clinked together as he took another sip of wine. “But it also has its uses.”
    “The Mars brothers had a hand in the coup, and they now control all three major ports in the South Americas, with that puppet rebel they helped into power. My trade with Brazil has been integral, and with the potential for this war to last some time, I will need a new partner, someone with the resources to ensure my soldiers do not run out of weapons.”
    “Is your faith in General Rodion wavering, Emperor? If you know about my relationship with Rodion, then you also know that my agreement is to trade with only him.”
    “And I also know that agreement was based off of your life.” Delun rose, setting the stack of parchment on the open space of table in front of Tobaygu. “You’ll find that a contract between two partners is much more beneficial than a sword to your neck. Give it some thought.” Delun poured another glass of wine then placed it in front of the sultan. “And if you require additional attention from the girls, let my men know.”
    The moment Delun shook Tobaygu’s hand and saw the smile creep up the corners of his mouth, he knew the deal was done. With Delun able to offer protection from Rodion’s wrath while simultaneously cutting off Rodion’s one resource pipeline, he could choke the general out. Of course, Rodion would have enough supplies on hand to finish off the Mars army, but it would weaken him. Then, once Delun finished off the Australians, he could focus the might of his fleet on the Mars navy. After that, it would only be a matter of time before Brazil fell into line, and he would make Tobaygu so