The Amarnan Kings, Book 5: Scarab - Horemheb by Overton Max

Author:Overton, Max [Overton, Max]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing
Published: 2012-06-18T16:00:00+00:00

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Chapter Twenty-Seven

Tjaty Paramessu took his duties seriously, and as soon as King Horemheb was safely on his way north, he set about pacifying the city of Waset. The day's delay, however, was enough for Lords Nebamen and Raweret to escape to their country estates, taking with them their families and most of their retainers. Paramessu took out his anger and frustration on such other noblemen as were implicated in the plot but who had not fled. Meryamun was very helpful here, pointing out this lord and that as having supported the rebels physically, others that had funded the uprising, and yet others that had given tacit approval. Paramessu acted swiftly, incarcerating many, executing a few, and putting the city under military rule.

Much to Iurudef's disgust, he left the legion commander in Waset with orders to rule with a granite fist and took the bulk of the Sobek legion south with him to meet the threat from Nubia. Reports were again filtering north that Menkure and the reputed half-Nubian son of Smenkhkare, Kashtare, were raiding the desert settlements, dealing out death and destruction. They had surged north a month before and captured great herds of cattle before disappearing into the wilderness. Now they were back again, and this time seemed more determined to bring the Kemetu forces to battle. Paramessu resolved to give them what they wanted--on his own terms.

The thousand men of the Sobek legion marched south along the east bank of the Great River and crossed to the city of Ta-Senet on the west bank. The mayor of the city came out with his councillors to welcome the legion that had come to liberate them, but was less than pleased when the Tjaty informed him he would strip the city of fighting men and continue westward toward the Oasis of Setwah.

"My lord Tjaty, you will leave us defenceless." Mayor Mentmose wrung his hands and looked to his councillors for support. They refused to meet his eyes, not wanting to argue either side.

"You will not need defences," Paramessu said. "I will meet the rebel force and crush them."

"But my lord Tjaty, what if...er, what if they get past you?"

"If they get past me," Paramessu rejoined grimly, "Your defences would not stop them even if fully manned. If you are that worried we might fail, you are welcome to come with us and swell the ranks."

The mayor flushed and left, muttering excuses. Paramessu ordered his Troop Commanders Huy and Seneb to go through the city and pull out as many able-bodied men as they could find.

"Remember we have to arm them too, so see what you can commandeer."

A day later, the Sobek legion marched out, three hundred men stronger, its supplies replenished and the men rested. Paramessu sent out scouts with orders to avoid engagement at any cost. He spoke to Huy and Seneb about his instructions.

"Menkure knows we march against him but he probably does not know our strength. He had five thousand men or more a month ago, and we have perhaps a quarter of that.

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