It was the enemy's logical move, and both Salitis and Lord Intef should have made it much earlier. Secretly, I had expected and dreaded what would happen next. THE SUCCESS OF MY CHARIOTS AT ESNA, and the feeling of confidence that it instilled in us all, were short-lived. Therefore, since I could do nothing to allay these fears, I thought it best to keep them to myself. I had searched my heart for a counter to this move when Salitis and Intef made it, but there was none that I could think of. I had realized that this must happen, but I had refrained from warning either Tanus or my mistress of the likelihood, for I did not wish to add to the feeling of gloom, and heighten the despondency of our people. I tried to sit up, but my head ached abominably and I groaned, then clutched his arm as it all came back to me. "Tanus, the enemy horses that swam across last night?I must have them."īut what truly filled me with joy was that he had forgiven me at last, and we were friends once more. The messenger, who had expected to be killed, kissed Queen Lostris" sandals. None of us spoke until Tanus had sent the man away with orders that he be fed and cared for. He would even ride with me again, if only I could fix my wheels. My orphan chariot squadron was at last to be part of the standing army, and he would give me the men and gold to build five hundred more. Tanus had quashed his pride, and given in to me. No, I cannot stop him."įor a moment it did not penetrate my aching skull, then I realized that it had happened. His chariots are so fast that he can swing around our positions as he did at Asyut. We can wait for him behind walls of stone, or behind barriers of the sharp staves that Taita has equipped us with. "I can slow him down, perhaps," he replied frankly. "What, in the name of Horus, were you laughing about?" "You crazy old fool." He forced a grin at me. I must know what the gods require of us." I ask you to work the Mazes of Ammon-Ra for me. But I must ask you now before I make the final decision. "Taita, I have not asked you before, because I know how dearly it costs you. Tanus ordered him into the council chamber, and the messenger fell to his knees before Queen Lostris. He had fled to us on the current and the wind, so his news was only a day old. While we thus debated, another messenger arrived, this time from the south. "Taita, what about your chariots? Can they not give battle to the Hyksos?"
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