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.
