"More when there is a rich prize like a trade route to be seized, or competition to be blocked," said Iskander.
Benito drank some of the plum liquor. "Nothing is for nothing," he said with a grin.
Iskander nodded. "You speak very persuasively. What does Venice gain from this?"
"A route around Alexius. More traffic. And someone who will lose much trade if they go to war with us," said Benito.
"Clever, " said Iskander.
"It's this stuff we are drinking. Enough of it and anything sounds clever." Benito swayed to his feet. "I just hope Taki really does sail better when he's drunk or we may end up in Vinland instead of Corfu."
Chapter 2
"Magic is not some cheap fairground trick, for the entertainment of fools, easily done and cheap in the price it asks," said Eneko Lopez, calmly but firmly. "And you know we do not act for earthly thrones or powers."
"This isn't exactly an earthly power," said Manfred wryly.
"It still means mixing in the affairs of governments, princes and kings, to say nothing of emperors."
"And what are the alternatives, Eneko?" asked Manfred. "That we should all sit on our hands waiting for the lightning to fall? You know as well as I do that Jagiellon has motives which reach far beyond mere geographical conquest. At least you should know that, seeing as you have told me so."
Lopez lowered his heavy brow and peered at Manfred from under it. "Don't play your semantic games with me, Manfred of Brittany," said the cleric grimly. "God gave us responsibility, so that we might use it. Not so that we could rationalize doing just what we wanted to do."
"Well," said Manfred, "At the end of the day it is your decision." He turned and walked out.
Eric followed, looking rather bemused. "I thought that you were going to make sure that he sent a message to the emperor?" he said, once they were outside.