The Oasis by Pauline Gedge Page A

concentrate my forces at that gate, but confront both gates at once of course.”
    “Of course,” Kamose murmured. “What is the strength?” Meketra sat back, handing Kamose the map.
    “Twelve hundred men, one hundred charioteers and two hundred horses. The granaries and storehouses are full, but the supply of water within the fort is limited. This is true of all the forts, I think, with the Nile so close to them. Apepa has never anticipated a full-scale revolt.” He rose and bowed. “I must return at once,” he said. “I will unbar the gates just after dawn but leave them closed. They open inwards. You will leave my family alone. May the god of Weset give you victory.”
    “One moment.” Kamose stood also. “Ramose came to Nefrusi with his father? How is he?” Meketra looked nonplussed.
    “In good health but silent,” he said. “In fact Ramose has had little to say about anything.”
    “Thank you. I will keep your escort here, Prince. Have we understood one another?” Meketra smiled.
    “I believe so, Highness.” With another short bow that managed to encompass the whole cabin he left them.
    Ahmose did not speak until the sound of the Prince’s footfalls on the deck had died away, then he drew a gusty breath. “Who would have thought it?” he exclaimed. “We do not know our history well enough, Kamose! Can we trust him?” Kamose shrugged.
    “We have little choice,” he replied. “But I see the weight of the grudge he is carrying. Apepa is such a fool. Ahmose, take a couple of Braves and find the army. It cannot be more than an hour away. Hor-Aha, we attack just after dawn. Remember that the inhabitants of this estate,” he pointed to the map and then handed it to his brother, “must not be harmed. Neither must Teti or Ramose.” He turned to his steward. “Akhtoy, we must move north immediately. Tell the captain.”
    Before long they were beating upriver and Kamose took his accustomed place in the prow, his eyes on the shrouded bank gliding slowly past. The moon was waning and its light was faint. The dull illumination of the stars barely reflected off the tremulous surface of the water. Ankhmahor and a contingent of Braves had come aboard in readiness to protect Kamose during the coming engagement. They stood quietly behind him, Ankhmahor to his left. Even war can become routine, Kamose thought. I have already grooved this habit upon my consciousness. Rise in the dark, wash and eat hastily, then walk out to take up my station in this precise spot on the deck with my senses raised to the same level of alertness they reached yesterday. The command to bring death has not yet become a familiar custom but it will, it will. So also the sight of blood and fire. He stirred and sighed.
    Barely an hour later there was movement on the bank and a scout signalled to them. Kamose gave the order to heave to, and waited while the man came on board. “Nefrusi is there,” he said in answer to Kamose’s permission to speak. “You can perhaps make out the top of its walls, Majesty. The army has arrived. It marched between the fields and the trees. Prince Ahmose requests that he be allowed to remain with the troops. He waits for your word to the Medjay to begin closing in. It lacks an hour to the dawn.”
    “Very well. He may begin. He must be ready to storm the gates at first light.” Other instructions sprang to Kamose’s tongue. Target the archers on the walls first. Make sure the men do not bunch up and fall over each other once they are through the gates. Make for the barracks immediately. Keep the horses contained or they will cause confusion. Cordon off the armoury so that the Setiu cannot replenish their weapons. Above all, be careful, Ahmose. He expressed none of them aloud. Dismissing the scout, he watched the skiff return the man to the bank, where he soon melted into the darkness. Ankhmahor sniffed the air. “The night is almost done, Majesty,” he remarked. “Ra is about to be born.” There