The Oasis Read Online Free PDF Page A

cooler judgements.
    Unlike you, a small inner voice spoke up. Did you know that you held within you, like a coiled asp, a contempt for the blue blood of southern Egypt? How many men? he mused determinedly, forcing his mind back to the logistics of the campaign. And how soon must I begin to send scouts ahead? At Badari? Djawati? Tomorrow I will dictate messages for the women. Can I have better rations issued to the troops in the hope that food will be available all along the Nile? Has Hor-Aha given orders that every weapon here at Qebt must be gathered up? His head was beginning to ache. Leaving the cabin to Ahmose’s gentle snores, he asked Akhtoy to bring him beer and he retired to the shade cast by the curving prow of the boat to await word of the remainder of his forces.
    The army shuffled into Qebt two hours after sunset, the tired men casting themselves down beside the river where they were issued their food and drink. Kamose, Ahmose and Intef had just finished their own meal, seated on a deck across which shafts of soft yellow light fell from the lamps fastened to the railings and hanging from the mast, when Hor-Aha came and bowed. At Kamose’s gesture he sank cross-legged onto the planking and accepted a cup of wine from Akhtoy. “They are weary and sore from the march,” he said in answer to Ahmose’s question. “But by morning they will be refreshed. Our Commander of Recruits is already dividing up the men of this nome and partnering them.” He turned to Intef. “He is working with one of your officers, Prince. Thank you for your generosity in this matter.” His attention returned to Kamose. “The Instructor of Retainers is anxious that you should permit at least two days of training for them, Majesty. What shall I tell him?” Kamose sighed.
    “They must glean what knowledge they can as they march tomorrow,” he replied. “If we delay at every stop, we will not reach the Delta by the time Isis cries and the Inundation could spell complete disaster. No, Hor-Aha. I am sorry. We must adhere to our original plan. The Medjay and such soldiers as have found berths on whatever boats Intef has provided will leave for Aabtu at dawn. It is another day’s sailing from here to Quena and three to Aabtu. That means many more hours for those on foot.” He considered. “What if we put in between Quena and Aabtu, and while I go forward to meet Ankhmahor, the soldiers can catch us up, sleep for a night, and there undergo a rudimentary instruction?”
    “It is a nuisance,” Intef put in. “We need rafts, Majesty, but we have none.”
    “We must manage as best we can,” Ahmose said. “Speed is less important at the moment than the chance to organize ourselves well. Your idea is a good one, Kamose.”
    “The army need not be on alert until Djawati,” Hor-Aha pointed out. “Although the whole of Egypt is nominally under Apepa’s control, yet from Qes south he has never bothered to provide the towns with garrisons. From Djawati to Qes it is only about thirty-three miles. North after Qes is Dashlut and there I think we may meet our first real opposition. Let us relax our pace, my lords, so that the men may be somewhat prepared and we may more easily assimilate the men the other Princes will give us.” Kamose nodded his assent, his thoughts drifting to Qes, that accursed place where his father’s army had emerged from the cleft between the rocks only to be outflanked, outmanœuvred and decimated.
    “Is there any indication that Apepa has had wind of our coming?” he asked in general. “Have any heralds been arrested on the river?” Intef shook his head.
    “No. The river traffic has been light. The Delta is still celebrating the Anniversary of Apepa’s Appearing and official business has come to a temporary halt. I expect us to be able to approach Khemmenu before any alarm is given.” Khemmenu, Kamose thought again. Another name of anxiety. What shall I do there? What will Teti do? His mother’s face