The Chronicles of Moses
The Man who would be Pharaoh
Epic Novel
The Man who would be Pharaoh
Epic Novel
- The Man who would be Pharaoh
By Paul Rodricks
– The Man who would be Pharaoh
Now Available on Amazon.com
Historical-Ancient-Egyptian-Biblical Fiction Thriller.
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Unique Novel with many DISCLOSURES.
Glossary of Ancient Egyptian Names
Senmut, Senenmut “Mother’s brother”
Kemet Egypt, ‘black’ land
Waset Thebes
Mennefer Memphis
On Heliopolis
Read the preview of the CHAPTER ONE (Continuation) here:
PART ONE
CHAPTER 1 (Continued)
"There are those who remain loyal to the Queen and to you, my Lord. However, the enemies are many and powerful. They have betrayed for their own gain. Moreover, the Amun-Ra priests hold sway over them. Many court officials fear condemnation by the clergy as heretics, and they maintain their silence."
"When did Tuthmosis overthrow the Queen?"
"My Lord, the betrayal took place in secret a week ago. Most court workers and the people in the city were not aware of the drastic measures taken. Only three days ago, the Royal Court issued an official promulgation about the new King Pharaoh Tuthmosis."
"Do you know the whereabouts of the Queen… is she safe?” This matter of utmost concern was the sole apprehension now engaging his mind. “I am sorry, my Lord. I do not have that information. No one seems to know the exact location of her confinement. But indications are that she is not in her Waset palace residence.”
"If, as you say the city gates are controlled, how did you manage to sneak out without being caught?"
"With difficulty and some guile, my Lord Vizier. I was among the palace courier rally sent to the garrison, the last one to deliver a message to the Captain, before he vacated the outpost. Three days before, his scouts had reported sighting your encampment along the way.
"The Captain evacuated the garrison the same night. In the darkness, I managed to fall back and hide outside the city wall. By then the Captain and his men had entered and the city gates closed."
"Did you witness or come across any army scouts recessing the area, during the day, from wherever you were hiding?"
"Yes, my Lord, I did see a team of about five men approaching the city wall. I assumed they were Co-regent’s scouts and kept my distance from them. I did not see them afterwards. They must have reached the city gate and let inside.
"I walked back and half-ran towards the garrison, the route I knew you would be arriving, to warn you, my Lord. After daybreak, I must have been discovered and tracked by your scouts." He sounded miserable as he continued, "It grieves me, my Lord that I’ve been of no service to you, other than merely to warn you."
Senenmut knew the man was telling the truth. Why else would he have risked his life to find and warn him?
"Take a hold of yourself, young man. You did well. We shall award you for your loyalty."
"Commander, tell your men to attend to this man's need."
Djedefre had been mulling over the courier’s grave disclosure. His two Army Commanders and two army scouts were witness to it. They would understand the danger to Vizier’s life. Moreover, Senenmut’s troops now stood in conflict with the new Pharaoh, since they owed their allegiance to the Vizier. But, Djedefre knew his men well. Come what may, they would stand by their loyalty to their Commander-in-Chief.
As the scouts were leading him away, the royal courtier pleaded with Senenmut. "My Lord, you must take care. Please do not attempt to approach the city. Co-regent Tuthmosis has rallied the Kemite military against you. The troops maintain station inside and outside the city-wall. You must return to the garrison before you decide your next move."
Senenmut nodded in acknowledgement to the courtier as the scouts escorted him away. He then signaled Djedefre to follow him. They moved a short distance away from the others.
"Commander, pass an order that a regiment of 100 troops turns back to the garrison with the camp followers. They will join the others we left behind. The rest of the troops will follow me in marching order towards the city wall."
"I’ve understood you well, my Lord. I seek your leave now". Djedefre whirled his horse and rode back to his Second-in-Command, Senbi, to relay the order down the ranks.
The arrangement that Senenmut had ordered soon took shape. A portion of the army headed back to the garrison. The larger part adopted the battle-formation and began marching behind the Commander-in-Chief’s chariot.
For the sake of outside appearance, Senenmut strived hard to remain calm and collected. It was important for him to maintain his dignity before his commanders and soldiers.
More than anything else, Senenmut's resolve was to hasten to the palace, as he feared for the life of the Queen. Whatever the consequences, he must face Tuthmosis’ threat if he were to go to the aid of his beloved Hatshepsut.
NEXT: Preview of CHAPTER TWO
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