This would work.

“We model it on Penglai in the East,” Lucien said, “but with fewer economic requirements at the beginning. An acknowledgement of authority and a yearly tribute will be enough.”

Kato said, “I think we add in a tribute of human resources as well. Humans for blood and immortals for arms. None of us have armies of our own anymore.”

“Leave the humans for now,” Lucien said. “We don’t want to provide for them as we travel. They can come later, once you have taken the island. But I agree with soldiers. Everyone knows the four of you could take Athens on your own, but dedicating vampires under their aegis will invest regional leaders in your success and also provide you with leverage. Make sure at least one high-ranking progeny is offered in each group to keep everyone honest.”

Saba said, “I’ll keep them honest.”

“It’s not for your good but for theirs,” Lucien said. “Immortals have taken on the human preference for consensus. If enough regional rulers devote their people to a cause, the risk will be shared and your success will be seen as inevitable.”

Saba leaned back and smiled at Lucien. “Laskaris didn’t know what he would unleash when he roused your anger. You are still an excellent strategist, my son.”

“Don’t underestimate him,” Lucien said. “Laskaris is stronger than he looks. And he’s manipulative of his children. Blood oath them or kill them, Emaye. That is your only option.”

“I’ll avoid killing those under his aegis unless they prove to be threats. But Laskaris deserves no mercy,” Saba said. “He poisons his own people and the humans to gain power that will mean nothing, like a king who salts a field. The blood of his people will be on his hands.”

So be it. He could only dictate so much to his mother. In the end, Saba would do what she wanted.

“As for authority”—Lucien turned his attention back to the map—“let individual rulers settle their own disputes. With as much tension in the region as there is right now, local rulers will probably be relieved. Stability and safe blood supplies will be worth the price, and an Elder Council ruling Athens will give them an avenue for grievances with each other before they’re forced to devote time and resources to armed conflict.”

Saba said, “And it will also give them an avenue to petition if their neighbors are becoming aggressive.”

“Not that many will take it,” Kato said. “We don’t change that much, Saba. None of these leaders will want to appear weak to their neighbors.”

“But most want to appear modern,” Lucien said. “Progressive. Mortals become more averse to violence every century. Leaders who can demonstrate stability and economic prosperity will be able to attract the most talented humans. Talented humans make for rich vampires.”

“So it’s just like human politics,” Makeda finally chimed in. “All about the money?”

Lucien shrugged. “Essentially. We no longer live in the era of god-kings. Humans and vampires worship comfort and prosperity now. Skyscrapers not temples. And no one prospers unless their government provides stability. Saba and the elders will provide that.”

“And you really think you can take over this entire territory,” she asked, pointing to the map, “with little to no fight?”

Saba said, “Yes.”

Kato nodded.

“Conquer most of Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East… just to take over Athens?”

Kato spread his hand over the Mediterranean Sea. “This was all my territory once.” Then he pointed to North Africa. “This was Ziri’s. Saba controlled everything south of the desert.” Then Kato’s hand spread over eastern Europe, the Black Sea, and the Middle East. “And this was only a portion of Arosh’s territory. So you see, we’re really not taking anything that didn’t once belong to us.”

Makeda still looked skeptical. “But won’t they fight?”

“Why would they?” Lucien asked. “All we’re asking is for them to acknowledge the elders’ authority and pay tribute. If anything, this will lessen the responsibilities each of these regional leaders faces. All of them have a blood loyalty to Saba anyway.”

“We move north,” Kato said. “Taking each region as we come upon it. We will need ships. Many ships.”

“Or,” Lucien said, “we could use the plane sitting in Addis that Vecchio loaned us.”

Kato frowned. “Or that.”

Saba asked Lucien, “Who do we approach first?”

“I would suggest Inaya,” Lucien said. “She’s smart and already has a relationship with Ziri along with diplomatic connections to you. She’s seen as one of the most powerful and modern of the newest generation of immortal leaders. Plus her control of the Suez Canal gives her an added bonus as an ally. We could waive any tribute from her if anyone joining our alliance could have preferential treatment or lowered tariffs through the canal.”

“We can negotiate that,” Saba said. “She’s not uncooperative.”

Kato frowned. “Money again.”

“Gold has always been the true language of our kind, Uncle. It just takes different forms in this era.”

“Gold is gold.” Kato winked at Makeda. “Jewels are jewels. There is no pleasure in draping a lover in paper.”

Kato managed to get a smile out of Makeda, one of the few Lucien had seen from her that night.