1636: Mission to the Mughals (Ring of Fire Book 23) by Eric Flint & Griffin Barber

Author:Eric Flint & Griffin Barber [Flint, Eric]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781476782140
Publisher: Baen Books
Published: 2017-04-03T12:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

Red Tent, between Agra and Ramdaspur

November 1634

“I have left this too long, my honored guests.” The emperor gestured and attendants came forth with rich robes for each of the male envoys. “Take these robes and these gifts and be welcome.”

A sweating John bowed in what he hoped was the proper manner and, through Angelo, said: “We understand the reason for the delay, Sultan Al’Azam, and wish to extend, on behalf of Emperor Gustavus Adolphus, our sincere condolences for your loss.”

“I accept your condolences as kindly given, even as I inform you that the pain my son felt will be nothing compared to what I shall visit upon his killer.”

Uncertain what to say in the face of such icy rage, John simply bowed.

Salim had told them they should wait to talk business until after they got the robes, but John didn’t think the sultan was in any mood to talk shop right now.

But the emperor, who was decked out in white, the color of mourning here, asked, point blank: “What do you bring as gifts?”

John blinked. The rapid change in demeanor from mourning father to sharp-eyed trader threw him, and nearly caused him to forget everything. He licked his lips, tried to get it together, then answered: “Sultan Al’Azam, we bring small treasures of sequins and looking-glasses for your wives and ladies. For you, we bring books and technical expertise in the fields of medicine, road-building, railroad construction, and steam locomotion for trains.”

Shah Jahan did not look impressed. “These last two are unknown to us, but you have been traveling along one of our roads, and in the shade of our trees while you did. I doubt you have much of value to teach my people in this regard.”

Out of the corner of his eye, John saw Salim wince, and said carefully: “The Sultan is wise. While the road is excellent and the shade most welcome, your bridges…do they wash away more frequently than you would like?”

“This is so, at least for some bridges.”

“Road-building is the foundation upon which railroads are constructed and stout, long-lasting bridges are essential for good roads. We have the techniques and knowledge to produce bridges that will last and support tremendous weight.”

“And what are these ‘trains’ you speak of?”

“A method of transport that, once completed, can move many tons of material from one place to another faster than a horse, without growing tired or consuming fodder.”

Shah Jahan took his beard in his hand, then released it, his expression doubtful. “Such extravagant claims. And how much will constructing one of these railroads cost?”

John ventured a smile. “They do require a large workforce to create, and the rails and locomotive will likely require the output of your best iron-workers for a number of months.”

“Locomotive?”

“The complex mechanism that pulls the cargo of a train.”

“I begin to understand that there is a great deal more to learn about this before I decide anything.”

“We have books on these subjects as well, Sultan,” Angelo added what John had forgotten to say.

“In English?”

“Yes, Sultan.

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