In Asharan, the unification of the Christian continents was a cause for concern. Many of the high-ranking military men and advisors in the Sultanate gathered to discuss the growing worry.
"My Sultan, King Luxenberg has united the Christian continents. With no one to challenge him, surely he is to set his sights on Asharan," Mahmud Pasha said, with a hint of worry in his tone.
"Mahmud Pasha speaks the truth; the infidels will surely look to eradicate any opposition to their religion." Field Marshal Bayezid stated. "Our military must be ready to defend the deserts. With your permission, My Sultan, I would mobilise the troops to strengthen the defences along the coast."
The Sultan, who was sitting lazily on his throne, nodded. "Very well, Field Marshal. But I doubt King Luxenberg would dare start a war with us now."
Everyone looked at him like he was a fool. Victor had no reason not to go to war with them, and yet the Sultan was confident that Victor would not attack. His confidence made his advisor uneasy; they were not sure as to why he would believe this.
"Might I ask why you think he will not attack right away, My Sultan?" Field Marshal Bayezid asked.
The Sultan grinned. "It is simple, really; his army may be the best in the world, but they would flounder in the desert. If they do not carefully plan their strategy, their army will be swallowed by the desert. The best defence in our sands, our enemy knows it."
A few advisors nodded, while others remained hesitant to do so. It was a gamble to believe that Victor would not attack right away, but they had no choice but to trust the judgment of their Sultan.
"Grand Vizier Zaganos, please step forward." The Sultan commanded.
A man in his fifties stepped forward and bowed in reverence to the Sultan. He wore similar robes to every other advisor in the room and had a long, greyish-black beard. His yellow eyes looked upon the Sultan. "Yes, My Sultan. What use do you have of me?"
Sultan Mehmet grinned with a venomous-looking smile. "King Luxenberg has two daughters, correct?"
The Grand Vizier was perplexed by the question. "Yes, he does, My Sultan. Vanessa and Victoria. The older one is nearly 15, while the younger one is 13. Why do you ask?"
The Sultan continued to evilly grin, "My son, Osman, is nearing manhood. He could use a wife and a concubine. Perhaps our good friend, King Luxenberg, would be so kind as to provide my son with some worthy suitors."
Grand Vizier Zaganos looked horrified. He knew that this was a dangerous idea, but speaking out could cost him his tongue; as such, he had to speak carefully. "How do you propose we deliver this idea to him, My Sultan?"
"You will deliver this arrangement to him. Tell him that this proposal is non-negotiable. If he dare refuses such a generous proposal, then it will be a direct slap in the face to me. I will not tolerate any disrespect. Do you get what I am saying, Grand Vizier?"
The Grand Vizier nervously nodded. He was terrified that this mission would be the death of him, but refusing it would be an automatic death sentence. "I shall see it done, My Sultan. If you would allow me to leave right away, I shall get preparation underway immediately."
With the Sultan's command, Grand Vizier Zaganos began to form a delegation of attendants and guards from the Janissary Corps to accompany him to Hannover.
Turkistan, the capital of the Sultanate laid in the south of Asharan. It was a two-week journey away from the port city Jordaan. From there it would be over a four month by sea voyage to Hannover. This would give Grand Vizier Zaganos plenty of time to plan how he would broach this proposal to King Victor.
When the Grand Vizier left, Mahmud Pasha worked up the courage to ask the Sultan a question. "My Sultan, why would you provoke King Luxenberg like that? It is clear that he will definitely refuse this proposal." The other advisors were keen to hear the Sultan's answer.
"You are right, Mahmud Pasha, Victor will most likely refuse, but that is what I want. The point of this is to provoke him into war. I would rather him rush to go to war with me than let him have years planning a carefully crafted assault on our continent. Let his rashness be the downfall of his army," Sultan Mehmet answered.
It was a bone-chilling idea to blatantly provoke Victor. He was a man who had conquered all that had opposed or offended him. For some, it felt like they were allowing the Sultan to sign their own death warrants.
"Are you sure about this, My Sultan? His army is vast, and their experience is unmatched. Perhaps it may be wise to allow time for Field Marshal Bayezid to set up our defences," Mahmud Pasha nervously advised.
The Sultan looked down upon him with disdain. "Do you dare question my decision, Mahmud Pasha… Are you saying that my decision is wrong? If so, please speak louder so everyone can hear you."
Mahmud Pasha dropped down to his hands and knees and prostrated himself in front of the Sultan. " No, My Sultan. I would never suggest such a thing; I only wished to advise caution, nothing more. Please forgive me!"
The Sultan arose from his seat, ignoring the cowering elderly advisor in front of him. He walked straight out of the room without a care in the world. All the other advisors began to whisper amongst themselves, leaving Mahmud Pasha breathing a sigh of relief while still shaking.
"Why did you have to speak up?" Muttered Mahmud Pasha as he stood up and got his shit together.
With the meeting concluded, the time for scheming was over for the Sultanate. They had spent too long lingering as observers. It was time for them to openly go against Victor and his kingdom.