Esther suddenly thought of something. "Wait, the Wazzan Tribe has fewer than eight hundred warriors. They don't need this many guns." Lord Elliot shook his head. "Looting? No, you've got it wrong. We're going to support the Wazzan Tribe in taking control of all northern Morocco." "Huh?" the young diplomat exclaimed. "But didn't you say earlier that we were going to loot Melilla..."
"Yes, loot Melilla—but that is the Rif Tribe's job."
Melilla was Spain's territory in northeastern Morocco. Although poorly situated and rather barren, it was an important supporting point for Ceuta Fortress.
Ceuta lay on the southern shore of the Strait of Gibraltar, facing Gibraltar across the sea. It was an important strategic stronghold held by Spain.
Esther was thoroughly confused. "What does this have to do with the Wazzan Tribe?"
"The Rif Tribe is too weak," Lord Elliot said. "Though they are desperadoes bold enough to raid towns in Spain, they are no match for the Spanish Army.
"So, I had them loot Melilla in the name of the Wazzan Tribe.
"And the Wazzan Tribe claims to be the ruler of northern Morocco. Once something happens here, the Spaniards will certainly demand that they settle it. How could the Wazzan people compensate for something they never did?"
"We will pull a few strings in the shadows, and the Spaniards will soon launch an attack on the Wazzan Tribe.
"Then you will understand the importance of these three thousand Flintlock Guns."
Esther wiped the sweat from her palms and cautioned him, "My lord, this could very well anger the Sultan of Morocco."
"He will probably be unhappy, but that is all." Lord Elliot smiled smugly. "No, he may even have to support the Wazzan Tribe." As a diplomat who had spent many years in Morocco, Esther instantly understood