Murder in the Palace by Iain Campbell

Author:Iain Campbell
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781780991108
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

CHAPTER 10 – SIEGE AT THEBES

Year 53. 2nd Akhet. Month Pa-en-ipet.

Late September 1223 BC

Pamose dropped Lorentis off with Nikolas and carefully drove the chariot alone towards the nearest guard outpost. He raised his right hand in greeting, the left hand carefully controlling the reins, and advised the guards that he had business with their officer. He was then escorted north and passed from view in the gathering darkness. An hour later Pamose returned with a guide, both chariots carrying burning torches to light the way. “It’s all right Nikolas!” he called as he approached. “It’s the Hathor Brigade, sent by Pharaoh to restore peace. Two thousand troops should be a big enough message! General Minnakht has an envoy in the city at the moment and expects the city gates to be opened in the morning!”

He then led the other chariot north towards the main camp, past increasing numbers of soldiers setting up camp for the night. Many small fires flickered in the dark as men stacked weapons and slumped wearily to the ground. The general’s camp was bathed in light from many torches. Messengers scurried hither and thither. As they were directed towards a smaller tent Pamose commented, “Minnakht is busy at the moment and can’t see you.” Nikolas waved a tired and dismissive hand; the last thing he wanted at the moment was a formal interview. The first was a bath, closely followed by food and sleep.

For the first time in a month, surrounded by two thousand soldiers, Nikolas went to sleep feeling secure and clean.

****

Next morning Nikolas woke at first light after being disturbed by the noise of the army starting to stir beyond the thin leather wall of the tent. Nearby Pamose, Lorentis and Kiya slept on undisturbed on their narrow stretcher-beds, arranged one on each side of the square tent with a space of about two paces in the middle. Nikolas dressed quickly, pushed open the flap and stepped outside. He stood near the tent entrance gazing around at the seeming confusion of small groups of men sitting around campfires, standing and moving about with no apparent purpose.

Gradually the small groups coalesced into their companies and Pamose joined Nikolas, clapping him on the shoulder as he did so. “Let’s go to imy-r mSa wr Minnakht’s tent and see what’s happening,” said Pamose.

At their approach the guards stationed at each side of the entry saluted by slapping their right palm against their bare chests. They were permitted to enter after the guards first checked with an officer inside. There General Minnakht sat on a folding camp stool, a scowl on his face as he issued instructions to a group of officers. An elderly distinguished-looking man wearing formal clothes and wig stood to one side. Minnakht gestured Nikolas and Pamose towards a side table where a variety of breakfast foods had been placed along with jugs of fruit juices. Nikolas helped himself to bread, fruit, small baked delicacies and a cup of pomegranate juice.

On receiving their instructions the

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