Alexandrian Saga (Books 1-3) by Thomas K. Carpenter

Author:Thomas K. Carpenter [Carpenter, Thomas K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thomas Carpenter
Published: 2021-04-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty Eight

As the days rolled on and the heats of summer ended, talk of the Roman navy set fire to the city, reaching even Sepharia's ears in the Palace. Talk amongst Polyxena and her friends had even descended into worries about the Romans and what they would do if they took the city.

The docks were as empty as Sepharia had ever seen them, which struck Polyxena as odd because it was still nearly two months until the navy would reach them, which was plenty of time for merchants to do their business and leave. Bani the Cushite suggested that the merchants were not wanting to be seen supporting Alexandria and the Satrap, since it was well known that the city was ripe with Roman spies. The women all agreed with her wisdom, though Sepharia only did with her lips so she didn't upset her fragile acceptance.

With the awkwardness of the first visit behind her, Sepharia found she quite enjoyed Polyxena's friends. She mostly kept her mouth shut and ears open, which was probably fine by the women, since the only thing Sepharia really knew about was the inner workings of the workshop. The women, however, dissected the political intrigue of the moment with uncanny accuracy.

Through Polyxena's friends, Sepharia heard that Baruch Tanzen still harbored enmity toward her despite his statement at the party. The women were supportive, pledging their friendship and support to Sepharia should it ever come to trial, which she found touching.

Most of the time she spent in Polyxena's apartment, she forgot she was supposed to be spying for the exile Ramses. She did occasionally report to him, giving him bits of information - but not all - that she thought could be useful. Even though she still believed Polyxena was the poisoner, she didn't like spying on her.

Of the snakes and poisonous herbs, Sepharia saw nothing. The chest in Polyxena's room had been removed upon the next visit and the shelf of plants were gone. She never saw the Vergina Sun brooch again, either. Instead, Polyxena often wore silver necklaces or emerald rings, distinguishing herself from the gold and opals of the other women.

Sepharia was sitting on the short wall above the royal pier watching the anti-siege preparations when Jarngard found her. The location on the hill gave her a complete view of the new constructions all the way to the Moon Gate on the west wall.

A black smog hovered over the city, as the workshops had been working day and night, churning out defenses. Skeletal-looking catapults lined the walls of the dock district. Wagons filled with rock were being hauled into the city and unceremoniously dumped into scattered piles. Sepharia often heard shouts from soldiers drilling in the city streets, preparing for urban warfare.

The army was mostly Egyptians, led by Northmen captains, though she saw some bronze-skinned men in charge, as well. She also noticed the mercenary groups, mostly lounging in cafés or open areas, as they were only paid to fight, not to prepare defenses.

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