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 Manuscript Page 123
I
rode hard from Naukratis kicking up sand into dust leaving the city and its new residents far behind. For a moment I thought I may be traveling in the wrong direction when I saw two people high atop a dune.
From the clothing they wore I could distinguish them as Rashida and Khaldun. They appeared to be in an argument, which I assumed was about the surprise she spoke about earlier. Suddenly her hand went up in a wave. Seems they decided to wait for me and Khaldun took the opportunity to clear up the matter.
A few minutes later I reached the top of the dune where both of them waited atop their horses in silence. In the distance I saw the soldiers that escaped the city well on their way.
"Greetings," I said looking to Khaldun.
"Khaldun, this is our savior Alexandros," Rashida said smiling.
I could tell there was some sort of tension between these two at the moment. I kept silent not wanting to get involved in something that was none of my business.
"I guess a thanks is in order," he remarked.
"No need," I said. "I was sent to help you."
A shadow crossed his face and before he could question me Rashida spoke up. "And you called him a vagrant
and
thought of him as dead." Clearly I could tell she was attempting to make a fool of him. I thought it best to stay silent rather than play along with her.
"Who sent you?" Khaldun asked ignoring the remark.
"A strange old man named Madu."
The two looked at each other in recognition of the name. I decided to push for what they knew that I didn't.
"Someone you know?"
Rashida giggled which grabbed a scornful look from Khaldun. He looked back to me, "Madu is Pharaoh's high priest."
"Interesting," I remarked.
"Yes very," Khaldun agreed.
"I guess we have no choice but to bring him with us," Rashida informed. She looked at me and winked.
Khaldun grunted and turned his horse around and began to trot off in the direction of his soldiers.
"Don't worry Alexandros, my father will like you," she said before turning and following the general.
I didn't know who her father was, but I assumed he was someone of some significance. I followed not just because I had nowhere else to go but because Madu sent me on this path and he had the answers we all needed.
——
Alexandros Manuscript Page 127
The
journey to the capital took several days. Khaldun insisted we stop at any cities that laid in the path to the capital. I didn't mind. I understood he wanted the troops at the garrisons to be prepared. Each city was already in a mass exodus since having more time than the other ones.
When we did finally reach Memphis I was in awe at the glory of the city. Statues of their gods and great kings adorned the streets and their many ordained temples. People lined the streets throwing out flowers in front of the horses. I could hear Khaldun's name being called out in triumph or praise.
Why the people weren't being evacuated like the other cities didn't make much sense to me. I hoped when I met the king I would find my answers. If not then maybe Rashida's father would have them. And if not him, Madu.
During our journey, Rashida didn't say much about her father. It was as if she wanted to keep the subject closed because of guilt or something else. I chose the latter because of her statement about him liking me. I was in for a surprise. And I wasn't surprised about that considering everything that had taken place since leaving Sparta.
The gates to the palace were on a grand scale. Built solid and tall it could withstand an attack from any foreign invaders. Any but the spawn of
Hades
I would doubt. I began to wonder how long before this city fell under attack and the people were forced to hide behind these walls while soldiers fought with their lives to protect the innocents.
I was in deep thought when we finally came to a halt. It wasn't until Rashida tapped my leg did I realize we had. "Do you check every city for strategic points and defenses that you visit?" she asked me.
"Why do you figure I was doing such a thing?"
"Come now Alexandros. You are from Sparta and even though
that
is a long way from here we hear rumors of your city's reputation. Besides, I have seen Khaldun do the same many times."
"You caught me. It's a habit I guess. Many years of military training instills certain things into you."
