Ramses, Volume I by Christian Jacq

Author:Christian Jacq [JACQ, CHRISTIAN]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Tags: FIC014000
ISBN: 9780446930215
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 1999-06-21T16:00:00+00:00

THIRTY

Reluctantly, the army left Buhen and pushed beyond the Second Cataract, the safety net of thirteen forts, and on into Kush. The region was pacified, supposedly, but the Nubians were renowned as fighters. It was no great distance to the viceroy’s second residence at the garrison of Shaat, on the island of Sai. A short way downstream, Ramses found another island, Amara, and fell in love with its wild beauty. If there were ever an opportunity, he would ask his father to build a chapel there, a shrine to Nubia’s splendor.

At Shaat, the men’s carefree attitude vanished. Less strategic than Buhen, the citadel was full of refugees; Irem’s rich farm plain had fallen into rebel hands. Emboldened by their victory and the viceroy’s lack of retaliation, two tribes had passed the Third Cataract and were heading north. The old dream came to life again: regaining control of Kush, driving out the Egyptians, destroying the line of forts.

Shaat would be the first one in their path.

Seti ordered the alert to be sounded. Archers in the battlements, catapults in the turrets; in the trenches and at the foot of the high brick walls, the infantry.

Then Pharaoh and his son, accompanied by a downcast viceroy, were briefed by the garrison commander.

“The news is grim,” he confessed. “In the last week, the uprising has grown to alarming proportions. Usually the natives are preoccupied with tribal warfare. We never worried about them joining forces against us. Now they have. I sent messengers to Buhen, but . . .” He glanced at the crestfallen viceroy and said no more.

“Go on,” ordered Seti.

“We could have nipped it in the bud if we’d moved quickly. Now I wonder if it wouldn’t be better to evacuate the fort.”

Ramses was stunned to realize how cowardly and ill-prepared most of the border commanders appeared to be.

“Are the Nubians really so ferocious?” he asked.

“Wild animals,” the commandant answered. “Death and suffering mean nothing to them. They enjoy fighting and killing. And their war cry! Absolutely bloodcurdling. I wouldn’t blame anyone for running from a Nubian attack.”

“Running? You mean desertion?”

“When you see them fight, you’ll understand. Keeping them vastly outnumbered is the only way to subdue them. And right now, we’re not sure whether they number in the hundreds or thousands.”

“Leave for Buhen with the refugees and take the viceroy with you,” Seti commanded.

“Should I send reinforcements?”

“We’ll see; my messengers will keep you informed of the situation. Block the river routes and put all the forts on high alert.”

The viceroy retreated, still fearing repercussions. The commandant prepared the evacuation. Two hours later, a long column of refugees set off northward. Remaining at the Shaat garrison were Pharaoh, Ramses, and a thousand suddenly somber troops, murmuring that ten thousand bloodthirsty savages were going to overrun the fort and hack every last Egyptian to pieces.

Seti gave Ramses the task of telling them the truth. The young prince explained facts and discounted rumors. Then he did more: he appealed to their courage, reminded them each of their pledge to protect their country, even if it meant laying down their life.

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