The Curse of Ammon: A story of the Lost Army of Cambyses (Whispers of Atlantis Book 3) by Jay Penner

Author:Jay Penner [Penner, Jay]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2020-03-13T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 36

THE GREAT SAND SEA

PETUBASTIS

Pharaoh Petubastis lay on his back, resting against the cool rock. His muscles ached, and his thigh throbbed from a broad gash inflicted by an enemy sickle. Physicians had patched it with poultice and herbs, but the pain pulsed through him. General Senwosret sat beside him—the man was invincible, thought Petubastis, for Senwosret had not a nick on him, and he continued to energetically dispense orders to the men. The news was not encouraging, and they were just completing the assessment of their raid. Petubastis groaned as he stood, and two aides came running to support him. The Pharaoh swatted them away and hobbled to his small makeshift tent—he had sworn not to rest in luxury while his men braved the sand and winds. Inside, he took a sip of water and wiped his blood-crusted chest and torso. He then rubbed his skull and sat on his reed stool.

It felt good.

After a while Senwosret joined him in the tent. The General was in a good mood, hiding whatever anxiety in his belly.

“Assessment?” asked the Pharaoh.

“We have lost half the army, Petubastis. And a third more injured not be able to fight anytime soon.”

Petubastis sighed. “If only they had not caught sight of some of our men,” he said.

“It would have made little difference, Your Majesty. Perhaps let us inflict a little more damage, but it would not prevent our losses. They have a much larger force, better trained, even if they are exhausted and caught by surprise.”

The Pharaoh nodded. His men had fought bravely. Fanatically. But many were peasants, teachers, carpenters, tool-workers, and some were even priests. Many were only boys. And yet they had stayed by his side and fought bravely. Most of the casualties were these poorly trained soldiers—for most of his best fighters had made it back, after conducting lightning raids and running away. The enemy had no strength to pursue.

But for now, he would have to rest and recoup and rebuild the army. The question was, had he inflicted a mortal wound on the snake that slithered through the desert?

“How much did we hurt them?” he asked.

“The men estimate many thousands dead, more than us. You saw them, Your Majesty, they fought like men with no strength in them. They prevailed due to their numbers, not their skill or will. We also cut loose and killed many of their cart animals, broke a great many water pots, and spilled their grain in the sand. And here,” Senwosret said, sweeping his hands, “that means a death sentence.”

“Do you think they got our spies inside?” Petubastis asked.

“We do not know, Your Majesty. The men were aware of whom to spare, if they recognized them, but in the dust and madness of battle, who knows…” Senwosret’s voice trailed away.

“We must regain our strength. But for now, let us wait a day, and let us strip the fallen of whatever belongings and metals that we can use as supply,” the Pharaoh said.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Perhaps they will depart in a hurry, leaving us with a rich field to pick from.

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