Wrath of the Cyclops: A Historical Fiction Novel Based on a Family Tale (The Gygax Odyssey Book 2) by Slater J. Clifton & Gygax Luke

Author:Slater, J. Clifton & Gygax, Luke
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Craig Martelle, Inc
Published: 2024-11-29T00:00:00+00:00

On the western side of Babylon, the caravan of one hundred and sixty camels arrived just after midday. Nabeel stood waiting until he could see his brother.

“Hashir. Over here,” he shouted. “We’ve cleared rocks and pulled thorn bushes for your camp.”

The caravan guide strolled up and hugged Nabeel.

“It’s a long and tiring road,” he exclaimed. “But when you’re greeted by your brother, the weariness fades and joy fills one’s heart.”

“You speak well for a camel herder,” Nabeel teased. “But where is my nephew?”

Hashir pointed to the last file of camels before signaling Caravan Master Muranu.

“We will camp here,” he shouted. “For here is the end of our journey.”

For the last time, but with a change, Muranu bellowed, “Caravan. Eastbound. This is the end of our trek.”

At the rear of the caravan, Loukas commented, “Babylon isn’t much to look at. It’s hard to tell where the tents end and the crumbling buildings begin.”

“That’s where you are wrong, brother,” Veot countered. “It’s vibrant and alive with traders and promise. And that means an opportunity for a craftsman with a vision.”

“What vision?” Loukas inquired.

“I haven’t the slightest notion,” Veot admitted. “But I’ll think of something.”

Unpacking and sorting merchandise filled the afternoon. During the activity, Nabeel, with Saqib on his hip, approached Loukas and Veot.

“We have another Philistine guest staying with us,” he told them. “Perhaps you know him.”

“Probably not,” Veot guessed. “What’s his name?”

“Alex Gygax,” Nabeel answered. “Does that sound familiar?”

“Gygax. Gygax,” Loukas repeated the name. “Not to my recollection. But I’d like to meet a fellow Philistine so far from home.”

“We’ll talk with him at dinner,” Veot promised.

“That may not be possible,” Nabeel submitted. “Alex Gygax stays out late. He’s looking for a man but can’t seem to locate him.”

Veot scanned the tents on the western side, and those across the river, as well as the maze of streets between the old buildings.

“I can see the trouble of locating someone in this puzzlement of dwellings,” he admitted. “We’ll catch up with this Gygax fellow in a day or so. Tomorrow, Loukas has to go to the palace.”

“If you’ll excuse me,” Nabeel begged off, “my nephew and I have merchandise to inventory.”

Saqib threw his little arms in the air as if to celebrate the task of counting goods. Nabeel left, and Loukas picked up his gear.

“At least in Babylon, we rate a tent,” he commented.

“But we’ll still be sleeping on the ground,” Veot pointed out. “A real bed would be nice.”

“You’ve grown soft, big brother,” Loukas told him. “In Prince Nebuchadnezzar’s army, we slept on the ground.”

Ubara overheard the brothers talking and walked over.

“Nebuchadnezzar is no longer the prince,” the camel puller cautioned. “He is now Nebuchadnezzar the Great, King of Babylon. And from what the nomads tell me, anyone failing to respect the man, his title, or his advisors could be arrested and charged with rebellion.”

“That won’t be a problem,” Loukas assured him. “I’m here to report to King Nebuchadnezzar.”

Avoiding the chaos of unloading a caravan, the brothers went to their tent to rest.

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