The Flaming Sword by Christian Jacq

Author:Christian Jacq
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atria Books
Published: 2002-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

Aboard the Egyptian ship, at anchor in the little Minoan port where jars of oil were stored, the mood was not optimistic. There was no contact between them and the natives. Soldiers brought them two meals per day and jars of water. No wine or beer.

They were forbidden to disembark, and the captain’s only attempt had ended at the bottom of the gangplank. Threatened by spears, he had had to retrace his steps.

“We’ll never come to an understanding with these people,” said the helmsman.

“In the past, before the Hyksos invasion, we used to trade with them,” the captain reminded him.

“That may be so, but they’re our enemies now.”

“Perhaps Queen Ahhotep will succeed in making them our allies. It wouldn’t be her first miracle.”

“You’re dreaming, Captain. Minoa is a vassal of the emperor and will remain so. Otherwise Jannas will turn it into a desert.”

“Let me dream anyway.”

“It would be better to face reality. We have been stuck here for ten days and have had no news of the queen. Wake up, Captain.”

“What do you mean?”

“Ahhotep must be either dead or a prisoner. Soon the Minoans will come aboard and kill us. We must get away as soon as possible.”

“What about the mooring-ropes?”

“We have two good divers, who can cut them during the night. At dawn we can weigh anchor and row out of port.”

“The archers will fire on us,” objected the captain.

“They won’t be able to see clearly in the dawn light. And we shall fire back.”

“Minoan ships are bound to give chase.”

“I am not so sure about that. They know we’re inexperienced at sea and will expect us to be wrecked—besides, we’re faster than they are. With the maps and a little luck, we’ll get back to Egypt.”

“I cannot abandon Queen Ahhotep.”

“Her fate is sealed, Captain. At least save your crew.”

It was a bitter thought, but he could not help acknowledging its truth. “Very well, helmsman. Warn the men. We leave at dawn.”

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