Alexandros Manuscript Page 133
I
was summoned before Pharaoh early the next morning just as Madu said I would. Even though I knew Pharaoh would have me become one of his generals I still had a little apprehension.
"I have a proposal for you Alexandros. Madu speaks greatly about you and so does my daughter. I ask that you stay here and become a general in my army. My kingdom can always use another great strategist and warrior."
I knelt down and accepted his offer. With the formality over I immediately jumped into my plans. I spent the previous night study maps and reports to prepare for the incoming tide.
"If I may," I said standing up and gesturing to a table with a map on it.
Pharaoh stood and signaled Khaldun to meet at the table as well. Once we were all gathered I began. "From all the reports received over the last few days it appears the demons are gathering their forces before beginning their assault on us. If we fortify the cities from Abu Sir up through Heliopolis and back down to Wadi Digla it will buy us time we will need to be fully prepared."
"You are asking to sacrifice soldiers for nothing," Khaldun argued.
"It is only a waste if we fail. They fight so that we can fight and defeat this threat. They fight so the citizens can remain free, so that we can win so they can remain free. I am prepared to lay down my life for the people and obtain a glory like no other; to die gloriously in battle."
"You are a fool and this is something I can stand behind a plan such as this," Khaldun protested.
"No, Alexandros' plan will be used," Pharaoh stated. Khaldun's jaw dropped for a second. Then he turned to me and gave me a looked of pure disgust. "You of all should be prepared to give your life for the citizens Khaldun."
"And I am more than willing, but to throw away our soldiers in hopes of buying time?"
"Follow my plan Khaldun and I guarantee we will have victory."
"How do you plan to guarantee this, you haven't shown us anything but moving troops and guarding empty cities."
"I have a couple of ideas, but I won't settle on one until I know what the soldiers are capable of doing," I said with conviction.
"My king, this is not a good way to plan for the defense of your kingdom andβ"
"Enough Khaldun. There will be no more bickering about my decision. I have confidence in Alexandros and his Spartan training and it is a unanimous decision with my council as well."
"Very well my lord," Khaldun said bowing out and taking his leave. He made no attempt to hide his anger or dislike as he strode away.
"He will eventually soften to the idea. In the meantime prepare my troops and save my kingdom."
"It will be done my king."
ββ
As
the days wore on Pharaoh sent regiments of troops to each of the cities I suggested and each day reports of defeat filtered back. The good news was it was taking longer for the cities to fall than before. During this time I prepared the remaining troops as best as I could in just the little time I had available. When I wasn't working them to the bone I spent my time with Rashida. Every waking hour with her filled me with a hope that I lost when I was exiled from Sparta. A hope I thought I had lost forever.
It was now the last day before the assault. The last messenger we received returned near death and had somehow hung on long enough to deliver his final report. I was just about to release the men early to rest for the upcoming battle when Khaldun made his appearance.
"Here is our hero, savior and condemner. How many more lives do you plan to sacrifice for your own glory?"
"I have already explained why to you once. Go back the way you came and sit this battle out or join with me and send these demons back to hell."
"No. I will solve this my way," he said drawing his sword.
Instinctively I drew
Gaijin
and readied myself. Khaldun sneered and leapt for me. We lock swords and a low growl emits from his throat. I can smell the wine on his breath.
"Khaldun, you are not yourself and if you continue this, it will only end in your death," I warned.
"The only death we will be seeing is yours!"
The scream was like a battle cry sending him into a frenzy. He raised his sword and attacked high. My blade went up to meet his as I slide past. I threw my leg up to kick him in the back which sent him reeling forward. Khaldun spun around with his sword, more out of desperation than focused attack. I was superior in skill and did not want to accept that fact before as he was realizing it now.
"Fight me face to face coward!" he yelled.
I remained standing where I was with
Gaijin
lowered to the ground. Khaldun smirked but kept silent. I almost thought he had given up his mad tirade until he launched himself at me again. Thankfully because of my training I was able to avoid the attack that otherwise would have killed me. He landed in a crouch as I side-stepped. He thrust the sword backward causing me to jump back and use my own weapon to deflect his.
He used the momentum of my block to spin upright and bring his sword around at my neck. I got
Gaijin
up just in time to stop his sword from taking my head off. I began wondering who was under estimating who or was I slacking because I knew I was the better skilled? I didn't know but I knew I needed to take it to the next level. The men surrounded us, watching the fight and I knew I needed to not lose the respect of them if I were to lead them. What the men thought of Khaldun didn't matter to me at this point.
We engaged once again this time face to face like he insisted we do. We locked a few times and he resorted to using a fist or foot in which I easily deflected or blocked. The men began cheering many calling my name or Khaldun's for support. When we broke, the cheers grew louder. We faced each other slowly circling each other with our weapons at the ready. We were both breathing hard and I was surprised at the agility and stamina he possessed while being drunk.
Blood trickled from his nose where I wasn't sure if it was broken or not. My ribs ached a bit from the kicks he managed to land. We both had cuts in our clothing where near misses were made and some spots bled from the few glances that did land. Yet we both still weren't going to give up. I fought for the people of this land and he fought for a woman's love that would never be his.
He suddenly stopped and ran forward then stopped at a slide kicking up sand. I quickly closed my eyes and using the sudden dust cloud I slide under his attack. I lifted him up and flipping him over. I spun bringing