March to the Sea - Empire of Man Book II

Pahner held the native's eyes, chewing steadily on his bisti root, then nodded finally.

"Okay, we can work with that. We'll share as available, and strip the caravan if we have to. Keeping the fighters in shape is the priority, but nobody starves. How's that?"

The Mardukan commander clapped hands in agreement and held one out, palm outward.

"Agreed. Everyone to share; no one to starve."

"To a long and fruitful alliance, then," Pahner said with a smile, matching the gesture of agreement. Then he chuckled grimly. "Now comes the fun part."