0 comments/ 7750 views/ 1 favorites Alexandros: Ch. 08 By: JoeBarnosky General Khaldun! Look!" A soldier, Chike, yelled pointing toward Pelusium. "Have any of our scouts returned?" he asked looking out in the direction the soldier pointed out. "No sir. But Pharaoh's messenger has arrived. Shall I have him sent in?" "Yes, of course." The area outside of Pelusium was lit up from many bonfires actively burning high into the sky. Khaldun peered out deep in thought. Something deep down in his bones told him Pharaoh needed to strike before whatever army out there decided to attack first. "General," the messenger said as he knelt before Khaldun. "What news from Pharaoh?" "He is sending reinforcements here and gives you full permission to prepare and engage the enemy should the need arise. He also gives specific orders to not initiate an attack unless provoked." This is a mistake. I'm commander of Pharaoh's army and I'm limited in what I can do. "Very well," he said not taking his gaze from the horizon. "How long before the reinforcements arrive?" "Two days behind me sir." "I am to believe you will head back to Memphis?" "You are correct sir. I am to report your agreement with Pharaoh's orders and any information you wish to pass along." Khaldun dropped his gaze finally turning to face the messenger. If the messenger was at all intimidated by the general he did well to hide it. Khaldun, however, was able to see the telltale signs. The men in Pharaoh's army were intimidated by him not because of fear but out of respect. There wasn't a man in the entire kingdom that was able to defeat Khaldun in a fight and in his entire time as commander of Pharaoh's army, a battle. "I will carry out his orders. When you pass the reinforcements tell Semni to be on high alert." "Very well sir. Will there be anything else before I take my leave?" "No that will be all." Khaldun waited until the messenger was out of earshot before he spoke. Chike waited silently and patiently, giving his full attention to his commander. "Rally the men and move to Phase II. We have a day before we begin our assault." "Sir, not to argue against your command, but the messenger said Commander Semni was two days away. Shouldn't we wait until his arrival to attack?" "Normally we would need to, but Semni will be here a day early. One thing you must learn Chike is to always be prepared. Semni understands that being on high alert means to double his efforts to get here. "As to your concerns about disobeying Pharaoh's orders, we are not necessarily ignoring his commands but rather following them and using judgment in the field. Otherwise we will lose a great deal of men by means of unnecessary death." Alexandros: Ch. 09-10 Alexandros: Ch. 11 Alexandros: Ch. 12 Captain Marcello and her men were on open ground before the castle gates. The captain cursed at herself for this unexpected development. She knew the area before the castle would be cleared, but she had hoped for a smaller area. "Fan out men!" she yelled waving his hand in both directions. She didn't like having her men spread so thin, but then again she didn't like the open ground either. She saw what appeared to be archers gathering at the top wall and pressed on harder, giving orders along the way. "Keep your shields high! Watch for the archers!" The archers let lose the first torrent high into the night sky. The group stopped and prepared their defenses. Arrows slammed into the ground all around them and into the shields of the waiting men. A small number of the arrows made it through their defenses, striking in various body parts. Captain Marcello stood from her crouch and looked around. A few of her group were injured and at least two were dead. She began to hope Alexandros would make it in time. "Get behind some cover! Help the wounded!" She yelled beginning her charge again. Get your ass here Alexandros. The second volley was about to begin. Alexandros: Ch. 13-14 Who do we have available for an investigation?" Sternigan asks looking up from the book. "Davis and Markief are close to the Mediterranean," Furloft answers getting up from his chair, already knowing where the question was going. "Good. I want them and their team to search the area." "But we don't have coordinates, only a general location. Besides in this day in age, someone should have stumbled onto the island by now," Furloft protests. "Yes that's true Malcolm, but that doesn't mean anything. Like all things in this world, they change. I'm not expecting to find anything above the water..." "But what's below it," Furloft finishes. "Exactly," Sternigan says with some excitement. He stands and walks away from the table to the wall of books. "What do you hope to find? You read how Alexandros described it. It was plain and other than stone, water has surely destroyed it by now." "I'm hoping to find anything. Look what you found," he says holding his hand openly to the book. "I wasn't looking for it though." "You of all people should know when looking for something, you tend to find opposite of it." "You know, you should have been a history teacher or historian or something." "I thought about it, the teaching part. Of course I found my calling here instead." "Fate has a strange way of intervening in human lives," Furloft remarks. "Fate is no more than a highly orchestrated plan weaved by higher power." "Call it what you will, but things happen for a reason." "As we shall see." Alexandros: Ch. 15-16 You two have failed me. I gave you a simple task and the means to fulfill it. Amnischnell stood over Sapon and Lapas, both of whom knelt before him but dared not to look up. All three were in their human form dressed in their armor except Amnischnell. They knew returning with a report of failure would not be what their master wanted to hear. They could only hope for another chance otherwise death would be all they received. The camp was quiet with almost no sounds. The licking of flames from candles in the tent the three demons stood was at the moment the only sound that could be heard. Amnischnell finally broke the silence after several moments. You better begin to hope Alexandros did not survive the hydra's attack. In the meantime, you will assist Malanatohiel until I find out otherwise. Dismissed. Sapon and Lapas wasted no time in leaving. In the blink of an eye they seemingly disappeared. Amnischnell turned around and placed his hands behind his back. He stared at his armor set upon its rack and contemplated the battles he fought in it. "You should by now have learned Amnischnell, if you want something down right, you do it yourself." Amnischnell spun at the voice of his master. Vectivus stood at the entrance to the tent in his human form. Dressed fully in his armor, he looked just as menacing as he did in his true demon form. "Master," he said transforming into his human form as he knelt. "We are going to attack these pitiful humans on two separate fronts. You will be with me and we will take the bulk of the army to Tarris then south toward Bubastis. We'll remove the bigger threats while Malanatohiel and your two insolent subordinates wipe out the cities between Sebennytos to Naukratis. Should we fall short; the gate will remain open for us to call for reinforcements. A straight shot to refill our ranks by the time we take Heliopolis and Abu Ruwaysh. With our two halves it will be as simple as eliminating the cities on either side of the Nile until we reach the human's capital. Once that falls the rest of the land will be ours." "Do we expect such a resistance? We have been careful in our plans and should catch these fools off guard." Vectivus glared at the other. His expression spoke volumes and Amnischnell knew instantly that his question was considered a stupid one. "Humans have proven too resourceful throughout history. Not only because of whom they are but who they have on their side because of their faith. But human free will is where their mistakes are made." "As you wish master. I apologize for my ignorance." Vectivus waved his hand through the air. "You served me faithfully for many millennia so I have learned to tolerate your errors. It's another reason I have overlooked your many mistakes in the past." Amnischnell let out an audible sigh. One that was louder than he intended, but Vectivus made no mention of it. "I will ensure Malanatohiel has his orders." Amnischnell stood expecting Vecitvus' departure and was surprised when it did not take place. "Something else master?" he asked with curiosity in his voice. "You care not to have my company?" Vectivus asked raising an eyebrow up. "Not at all..." "Good." Vectivus' lips curled into a small smile. "Now tell me of the human that causes you distress." Alexandros: Ch. 17 Ah. Good to see you are up and about Khaldun," Pharaoh said upon his arrival at the war room. "Your excellence," Khaldun replied looking up from the table. The other four men in the room bowed and almost in unison gave the same reply as Khaldun. "I trust you are well rested?" Pharaoh questioned as he took his place around the table. "Yes, very much so. Thank you for the opportunity." "If I'm to have someone lead my army, I need him to be in top shape. Otherwise, we may as well just roll over and die." Pharaoh turned his attention to the map lying on the table. It showed the entire northern region of Egypt with each of the major cities marked. "Our spies suggest the only attack will come from the north, presumably with the army's reinforcements from the gate you saw. But just to ensure the enemy doesn't decide to flank us and come in from the south when our backs are turned" He gestured on the map. "I sent instructions for the garrisons in all the major cities to fortify themselves and prepare for possible attacks. That means calling for reinforcements won't be possible unless under extreme and dire emergency." "Let us hope it doesn't come to that then," one of the commanders at the table commented. "Let us hope," Khaldun agreed. "Tarris has already fallen and I have sent word to Piramesse warning them of possible attack. If—" "Sorry to interrupt my lord," the messenger, a young woman said rushing into the room. "Go ahead," Pharaoh said waving a hand in the woman's direction. "Piramesse fell last night. Reports say Bubastis and Sebennytos is next my lord." "It seems their plan is to take out our cities and garrisons one by one. I will ride out to Naukratis and try to put a halt to the army advancing there," Khaldun said putting his finger on the place of the city on the map. "We cannot forfeit our supply of goods from trade if we are to win this. I want the remainder of you to go to Sebennytos, Xois, Sais and Bubastis. Take command of the garrisons there to try to push this horde back." "I will remain here in Memphis commanding the troops," Pharaoh said. "As each city falls I want the remaining troops to retreat back to the nearest city and help with the fortifications. The first priority is the people. They will filter through here to safety." "Do you really have such low faith my lord?" Khaldun dared to ask. Irritation showed on Pharaoh's face. It disappeared just as quickly. He was appalled at first at such a question. Normally in privacy between the two men he wouldn't be angry at such an insult. This was war and war brought out emotions that sometimes couldn't be helped. "I—" Khaldun began, but Pharaoh was quicker to speak. "It's fine Khaldun. You are very empathic and I do share your enthusiasm, but I also have the realization this won't be a simple war." "I understand my lord. I was just thinking that our—" "Army is a great and powerful one?" Pharaoh asked interrupting again. "That is correct," Khaldun responded hanging his head low. "That may be the case, but remember to never let presumptions, even those that have been proven in the past to hold true, to get in the way of your better judgment." "I understand." "Good." Pharaoh turned to the messenger, whom remained silent and near the door. "You have come a long way. Please go and rest and remain here in Memphis. But before you do, have messengers sent to Bubastis and the other cities notifying them of their revised orders." "Very well, my lord. Thank you," she said. In her rush to exit the room, she bumped into Rashida. "Oh, forgive me." She began to kneel but Rashida placed a hand on her stopping her in the process. "There is no need for that. Please continue with your task." "Thank you your highness," she said with a smile then carried on without looking back. Rashida entered the chamber catching Khaldun's eye before any of the other men. "I'm going with you," she said. Pharaoh quickly spun around. "You're going to stay here." "But I can do more good out there," she protested. "Your father is right. Your risk on the battle field is too great," Khaldun stated. "I cannot risk your life out there," Pharaoh agreed. "But you can risk his?" She asked pointing to Khaldun. "He is the general of my army and he is well aware of the dangers. He is also willing to make the sacrifice. I, however, am not willing to sacrifice my only daughter." "But—" "That is my final word. If the need arises, I will not hesitate to have you confined to your room and guards placed at your door." Pharaoh was now angry. His daughter was defiant as ever and to argue with him before Khaldun and the other commanders was preposterous. The two stood facing each other and neither willing to back down. When a set of guards began to move from the door way it was Rashida that decided to give in. "Very well father," she said with rebelliously. "When war does not reach our doorstep, you nor anyone else will be able to keep me from fighting." She spun around and stalked out the door before her father could say anything in response. "Children," Pharaoh said with a chuckle. He was trying to save some face not that it would matter to the men. Many present had children of their own and understood just how rebellious they could be at times. The men just smiled and nodded. "You all have your assignments," Khaldun said shortly. "Let us bring glory to Pharaoh and the empire!" Cheers rang out then the men filtered from the room. When it was emptied Pharaoh dismissed the guards. Pharaoh turned to Khaldun grabbing him by both shoulders. "If it looks like you are going to lose the city then call a retreat and follow your men out. Do not let you bravery cloud your judgment." Khaldun nodded his head in agreement. "I promised your father when he died that I would look out for you. Now you have done a remarkable job of keeping me from failing in that promise." The mention of his father brought back memories of them together. Khaldun was only eight when his father, then general of Pharaoh's army, died. His father returned with his men gravely wounded. The battle with the Arabian king was a failure on the Egyptians part and the penalty became his father's. He could remember his father asking Pharaoh to take care of him and Pharaoh agreeing. Khaldun lost his mother in an attack by the Arabians just a little over a year before the war began. Raiders swept down into Pelusium killing many of the city's citizens before plundering it. His father fueled with outrage sought to lead the army, with the permission of Pharaoh, and retaliate against the Arabians. The war lasted only a year before his father's injuries. Afterward, Pharaoh was able to convince the Arabian king to agree to a truce. "Are you alright Khaldun?" "Yes. Yes, I'm fine. I promise to return here safely." "You are an exceptional leader like your father. Ra will shine his blessing upon you and all of us." Pharaoh pulled him in for a strong embrace, and then took his leave. Khaldun stood for another moment collecting his thoughts before leaving the room himself. He was only a few minutes into his walk before Rashida followed by Ako jumped into his path. "So general," she said casually. "Are you going to take me with you or what?" "And defy Pharaoh? I think not." He drew his eyes from Rashida to Ako. "I suppose you want to go as well." "Yes sir. I am just as capable as anyone," he informed Khaldun. Khaldun laughed. "Capable but not qualified." A sadness shadowed Ako's face. He wasn't expecting to be turned down. He trained for this; he spent countless hours practicing his fighting skills and reading all he could about military tactics. If anyone knew whether he was ready or not it was him. Khaldun caught on to Ako's dilemma. "I know you have spent much time waiting for a moment like this, but I just can't risk your life anymore than I can your sister's." "It's not up to you. I'm ready and so is she," he said vehemently. He stood as straight as he could holding his chest out. "I'll tell you what," Khaldun said trying to word it right so that he could pacify Ako. "If this war falls onto the doorstep here in Memphis then I will need your help in battle. In the meantime I need you to make sure when it does happen that the people here will be ready to flee to safety." "That's a lowly task. I want something important," Ako protested, crossing his arms across his chest. "There is nothing more important than the lives of our citizens. Without them we wouldn't have trade. Without trade we wouldn't have the materials to make the armor or supply the army with food," Khaldun explained. "And we wouldn't have a need for an army if there is nobody to protect," Ako said understanding more now that Khaldun open the way for him to see. "There, now you understand," he said with a friendly smile. "Get started on your task, we haven't much time as it is." Khaldun looked back at Rashida once he lost sight of Ako. "You surprisingly stayed quiet. Cat got your tongue?" He asked teasingly. "You had a lesson for my brother, I would have no right to interrupt," she replied ignoring the teasing question. "Now," she said poking him in the chest with her finger. "You are going to take me whether you like it or not." "I know how much you want to go, but your father has strict orders and I will not break them." "Since when are you so concerned about my father's orders or rules? We spent our entire childhood ignoring them, what has changed?" Rashida didn't back away; instead he stood closer almost in his face. "What has changed is we are at war. People's lives including yours are now in danger and your father may put up with your insolence but I highly doubt he will mine." Khaldun's anger showed in his face as well as his body language. He loved Rashida's fiery attitude, it was one of the attributes that attracted him to her, but he wasn't going to back down from his decision. "Now give it up or I will enforce your father's order and place you in your room myself." Without another word he picked Rashida up by pressing her arms against her body and lifting her out of the way. "We shall see if you can keep me away," she said to herself as he stalked away. Alexandros: Ch. 18 Alexandros: Ch. 19-20 Why does Zawiyet Umm el-Rakham sound so familiar?" Sternigan asks grabbing an atlas lying on the table near the two men. "It is one of the many fortresses used by Ramesses the Second as a military post. It marked the western extent of Egyptian influence." "What's known about it?" "Considering this is the first we have heard of it having more importance, not much." Furloft says with a shrug. "It was discovered in 1948 and examined but wasn't extensively excavated until 1994. It lasted until 2001, but nothing significant was discovered." "I guess they didn't dig deep enough," Sternigan comments. "Apparently," Furloft agrees. "The archeologists determined there was nothing archeological dating before or after Ramesses the Second." "Then that's good for us. The last thing we need is for the truth of the world no one outside us and a few others know about." He slides out a drawer from below the desk and pulls out a notepad. "We may as well send out a team to Zawiyet Umm el-Rakham." "Are we curious from an archeological stand point or to prevent what's there from being found by someone else?" Sternigan laughes. "Primarily to keep what's there from being found, but I know how interested you would be in the find." "We'll have to ensure anything we find we'll be able to take. You know the Egyptian government isn't going to let us take anything," Furloft informs. "That will be taken care of," Sternigan says. "How so?" "Dr. Kiya Marzouk is the curator over Egyptian Antiquities and a Black List member." "I believe I remember her," he says thoughtfully. "You met her at a meeting about a year ago." "Yes I remember that. She was a pretty woman in her early twenties. Rather remarkable conversation we had." "I know. I had a hell of a time pulling you away." "We were having a discussion about Cleopatra." "Unless she had to deal with demons, I have no interest," Sternigan asserts. "You are a scholar in your own right Martin." "It's just too bad no one outside the Black List will ever know. It's too bad many secrets that man has sought can be found in this library," he says spreading his arms open, "and will never have access to them." "Especially when the books are possibly the only copies left in the world." "Especially." Alexandros: Ch. 21 Alexandros: Ch. 22 Alexandros: Ch. 23 Alexandros: Ch. 24 Alexandros: Ch. 25-26 Alexandros: Ch. 27-29 Alexandros: Ch. 30 Alexandros: Ch. 31 Alexandros: Ch. 32-35 Wait Khaldun!" Rashida yelled. "We need to wait for Alexandros." "A stranger?" he bit back. "He saved my life and yours back there," she retorted pointing in the direction of the city. They were stopped atop a dune almost a mile from Naukratis. "Go ahead, we'll catch up," Khaldun ordered the remaining soldiers. Once they were out of earshot he continued with Rashida. "There is no sign of the vagrant. Besides no one could survive what we left behind." "Vagrant?" she asked with disgust. "I've never seen a vagrant fight the way he did. He's had military training that much can be seen." "Does not matter. He is dead and no longer a concern." "But—" "It's final Rashida." Khaldun could see the stranger captured her attention and if he let it continue it would be her heart. He sought after her heart since they were children and he wasn't about to allow a vagabond ruin it all. "Your father will have a field day with this one." "You wouldn't dare," she said looking at him venomously. "You think not?" he asked staring her down. "If I had something to gain I would, but I hope you don't think your absence hasn't caught his eye by now." "I'll deal with my father should the need arise. Now I'm not taking one more—" Off in the distance a lone figure caught her eye. She squinted to focus in. Khaldun followed her line of sight riding on the same line of thought. He said a curse under his breath barely audible. "It's him," she said waving with excitement ignoring the curse. Alexandros: Ch. 36 Alexandros: Ch. 37 Alexandros: Ch. 38-39 Alexandros: Ch. 38-39 Rashida mourned over the loss of her father, brother and mentor, Madu. Khaldun was probably more affected by Ako's death than any of us. With Pharaoh dead and Ako not alive to take the throne, the responsibility fell onto Rashida's shoulders. It was not a responsibility she wanted to take. "You have to take the throne and rebuild the lives of the people," Khaldun said pleadingly. "No. I cannot," Rashida said tearfully. "If you don't your father's council will fight for it." "Then you take it," she offered. "Me?" "You are a good leader and you have purpose," I interjected. Khaldun seemed to ponder over the idea. "What do I say of you?" He finally asked after several minutes. "Tell them I died along with my father and brother. You are the general of the army and you feel it is your responsibility to do this." "And you will have the army to back you," I offered. "What of you Alexandros?" he asked. "Me? Don't tell them anything or tell them whatever you wish. I was a drifter coming here and I am a drifter leaving out." Khaldun laughed. "You may be a drifter but you are also as great a friend as anyone could ask for." He grabbed me and pulled me in for a hug. "You are taking the jewel of the kingdom; you better take care of her." "You are worried about her? I think it's her that will be watching my back." We all three laughed heartily. It felt good to laugh. It relieved all the tension and sorrow we let build up. "Where will you go from here?" Khaldun asked at last. "Not sure, but I cannot imagine we are the only two with this ability and I am sure Vectivus is not the only threat in this world." "I agree with you." "Keep no record of this. The world is better off for not knowing of it," I instructed. "I understand, but I have to question why." "I don't quite understand it myself. It was something Madu wanted to ensure happened." "Very well. May you live long my friends." "And the same for you my friend." Khaldun turned to leave us alone outside the city gates with the soft blowing winds. I looked at Rashida, stroking her cheek. "My wife, my love." "I'm ready if you are my husband, my life," she said back reading my mind. She then pulled me in for a kiss. I don't know what to expect from this point on, but I leave this book behind as a record of all that happened here. Khaldun has promised to hide it away until someone worthy comes along to uncover it.