"I said it depends on seamanship. And surprise."
"Christians always seem to have answers. Particularly when there is no answer." Jadar turned and pointed to the stacks of bundles. "By the way, do you know what the caravan carried, Captain?"
"I doubt very much it was lead. So it's probably silver." Hawksworth marveled at the way Jadar seemed to lead the conversation, always getting what he wanted before what he wanted had become obvious. And then quickly moving on.
"Your 'probably' is exactly right. And do you know why it carried silver?"
"You have a long supply line. You needed to buy supplies and arms."
"I see you don't think like a Moghul after all." Jadar moved closer, studying Hawksworth's eyes. "Why bother to buy what I could easily take? No, my Christian captain, or ambassador, or spy, I needed men. What is it about human character that allows men to be bought like so many nautch girls?"
"Not every man is born to wealth." Hawksworth glared directly at Jadar, beginning to find the conversation growing sinister.
"And few men are without a price, Captain. I think I could even find yours if I looked enough for it." Jadar paused reflectively for a moment, then continued. "Tell me, should I be pleased with your presence here?"
"You have no reason not to be. My only mission here is to open trade between our kings."
"You know your 'mission' has brought about many deaths since you landed in India. The most recent were the deaths of forty of my best men."