The CHRONICLES OF MOSES Epic Novel
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.
$0.99 only LIMITED TIME OFFER ...
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)
Across the flat plains of Nile, Senenmut first saw the swirling sand rise above the paved road, and then the vague shadows of men appear out of the dust. They were running towards his position.
Senenmut motioned to Djedefre, who got the cue and signaled his troops to fall in line. They all began to fast march towards the approaching figures. On the distant horizon, the high city wall stood out as a continuous gray line. Bright sunlight shone over the entire desert landscape since breaking camp at the light of dawn a few hours before. The cool weather of the morning hours was turning warmer. It would get harsher by noon and remain so until sunset.
Inside the thick clay city-wall, stood several oval-shaped fortresses. Some of them looming six meters over the wall. The main wall built of mud-bricks of dual-wall thickness had protective towers inside. Longbow archers manned the ports of these towers along the ramparts. In addition, mobile towers ran alongside the wall for added protection at its vulnerable or weaker sections. Outside, surrounding the front of the city-wall, were deep-dug trenches, which further fortified the defense. Senenmut was familiar with the Kemet’s defense system, which he had helped build and improve upon from time to time.
As he continued to ride ahead of the others, the scene ahead was becoming distinct to him. Senenmut noticed a man trying to keep up with the rest. They had picked up speed and soon he stopped his chariot a few feet away from them. Behind him, he heard the hoof beats of the cavalry mingled with the rushing footsteps of his soldiers, thumping on the paved road.
Djedefre rode past Senenmut and reined in his horse in front of the leading man, whom he recognized as one of his later army scouts.
"Speak up, man. Explain yourself.”
Covered with dust and short of breath, the scout leader bowed before the Commander. “Sir, we found this courtier," pointing to the man in a disheveled state who stood looking up at the Vizier in abject surrender. "He begs to speak to our Lord, the Vizier. The man insists he has an important message for our Lord.”
"All right, bring him to me first," ordered the Commander. Senenmut, who had been listening to the exchange, nodded his approval to Djedefre.
Though he looked disheveled in the dress of the Royal Court official, the courtier tried to regain his composure. He left his place between the scouts and ran towards the Army Commander, suddenly turning towards the Chief Steward’s chariot.
He was crying out, "My Lord, my Lord… I must speak to you..."
Djedefre cut short his advance by riding his horse between the man and the Vizier. He warned him, raising his lance. "Step away man, before I run you through." Two of the scouts had already reached the courtier and taken hold of him. Senenmut having observed the whole scene, dismissed any threats from the frightened man, and said to Djedefre, "Tell your men to let go of him. He means no harm. Let him come to me."
The miserable courtier heard what Senenmut had said, shook himself loose, and staggered near the Vizier's chariot. He was trembling and in a bad state of mind. He bowed low to the ground pleading, "My Lord Vizier, you must turn back.” His voice quivered, as he spoke. “Co-regent has deposed our beloved Queen Pharaoh. Your life is in danger..."
Senenmut, though shaken inside, strived to maintain his composure. "Courtier, what’re you rambling about? Have you lost your mind?"
“No, my Lord, I speak the truth or you may strike off my head. I am Makalani, the son of Khapiri, the stable-keeper of our great Queen. I was witness to the coup. Lord Co-regent Tuthmosis has imprisoned the Queen and taken over the throne. He has the support of most court officials, the Amun-Ra clergy, and the royal army, which he commands." The Chief Steward was listening with patience, but felt the need to interrupt. "When did this happen? Why was no message sent to me?”
"My Lord, the Co-regent ordered the immediate closure of the city gates. He has them manned by his own palace troops. Now nobody or nothing goes out or comes in unchecked by them. Our beloved Queen had dispatched her personal courier to warn you. But the Co-regent’s spies intercepted him as he tried to leave the city.”
“Was there no opposition at all to Tuthmosis? What happened to those loyal nobles and officials? Did they all turn traitors?”
To be continued...
Your comments and reviews will be appreciated. Thank you.
Paul Rodricks, Author.
Paul's WRITERS DIG 7
Paul's WRITERS DIG 7
Contact: paulrodericks@gmail.com