by Max Overton
"It does provide an opportunity though," Bay said.
Ament frowned. "What opportunity?"
Bay deigned to notice the erstwhile legion commander. "Ah, Ament. You are in good health, I trust?"
Ament dipped his head in reluctant courtesy. "Chancellor. What opportunity?"
"You must appreciate what this disturbance means for the palace and the king's education. Regent, it is the perfect opportunity to introduce the king to warfare. An enemy with few teeth, and we have the Ptah legion on hand. Ten days from now and Akhenre Siptah will be acclaimed as a king at the head of a victorious army."
"He is only a boy. Imagine the harm it would do if he cried at the sight of the enemy, or showed fear in front of his army officers. No, I shall send the Ptah legion under Besenmut and the king can wait a few more years before he faces danger."
"He has already faced danger, Regent. I know you will not let him hunt a lion, but he displayed great bravery with the bull recently."
"It's one thing to face an insensate animal from the safety of a chariot," Ament said. "Quite another to face an enemy capable of inflicting death from a distance."
"You did not see him against the bull," Bay objected. "On foot, and unarmed after his last arrow pierced its side, he stood there and faced its advance. He reached out and touched it on the head and it fell down dead."
"Well, he couldn't exactly run, could he?" Ament said.
"That comment is beneath you, Commander. A lesser man would not even have dismounted but faced the bull from the safety of the chariot. That boy may be crippled, but he is brave."
"Yet a bull is not the same as a human enemy," Tausret said. "I do not want to put the king in danger."
"How much danger would he be in?" Bay asked. "These are only tribesmen looking for a bit of plunder, a few cattle. Show them a few soldiers and they'll flee back to the wilderness they crawled out of."
"Scarcely any point in sending the king, then," Ament said. "Besenmut can handle it."
"But what an opportunity to let the king experience warfare."
"He doesn't need to," Tausret replied. "He will only be king a few more years."
"Of course, Regent, but the Ma'at of Kemet must surely be served by the Kingdoms having confidence in their king. What better way than to show him victorious at the head of his army? Never mind that the enemy is scarcely worthy of the name--the people will see only a victory and rejoice."
"And what do you get out of it, Bay?" Ament asked. "I've never known you put something forward without getting some benefit."
"I have only the good of Kemet at heart. It will be good for Siptah too. The semblance of war may take his mind off more dangerous activities, like hunting a lion."
"I've already told him he can't do that," Tausret said.
"But it won't stop him asking. Give him this and he'll put hunting aside--at least for the time being."
"You can guarantee his safety?"
"I shall make sure he is hedged about by competent men and sensible officers."
"Who will be in charge?" Ament asked. "Besenmut will be busy looking after his legion. Who will mind the king?"
"Perhaps you would care to do that, Ament?" Bay said with a small smile. "I can think of no one I would trust more."
Tausret stifled a laugh as she caught sight of Ament's expression. "Yes, I think that would be a good idea. You are to be Captain of the King's Bodyguard, Ament. Look after him at all times and make sure no hurt comes to him."
Ament scowled at Bay. "And if the king orders me to do something that might result in harm?"
"Use your judgment," Tausret said. "If it comes down to it, you obey your Regent rather than your king. Just make sure he experiences enough of war to satisfy him."
***
The king and his army set out two days later after dawn services to Re, with a somewhat under-strength Ptah legion. They marched north along the course of the westernmost branch of the Great River, Besenmut marching his men in a long column along dirt roads and cutting across fields and drainage ditches, while the chariot squadron raced ahead. Siptah revelled in the freedom of driving his own chariot, though Ament had detailed a strong bodyguard to match him in accompanying chariots. Time and again, when Ament judged the king was drawing too far ahead of the legion, he had to chase him down and encourage him to turn back.
"A good commander stays close to the source of his strength, Son of Re. You should keep in touch with the legion."
"Besenmut can manage, Ament. I want to forge ahead and meet the enemy."
Siptah shook the reins and urged his chariot forward once more. Ament cursed and followed, knowing the moment was drawing closer when he would have to order his men to escort the king back to the legion.
"Son of Re, you must think of your people. It would be a disaster if anything should happen to you."
"We know the enemy has no chariots, Ament. What can they do?"
Siptah drove off again before Ament could remind him that a single arrow could achieve what a squadron of chariots might not. This time when he caught up with the king, he ordered his men to block the king's way forward.
"This is as far as you go, Son of Re. We must turn back to the legion."
"You forget yourself, Ament. I am the king and I do not take orders from a mere Commander."
"I speak with the authority of the Regent, and it was at your Uncle's suggestion that I was appointed. I must insist, Son of Re."
Siptah grumbled, but allowed himself to be diverted from his course. He ordered Ament to ride back in his chariot and even relinquished the reins to his bodyguard so that he could talk unhindered.
"Why did my Uncle Bay have you appointed as my minder?"
Ament negotiated a rough patch of ground before he answered. "I don't think he had in mind that it was an honour for me."
"You don't like me, do you?" When Ament did not answer, Siptah pushed further. "Why are you my enemy, Commander Ament?"
"I am not your enemy, Akhenre Siptah, but I was your father's enemy."
Siptah frowned. "Of course, you were a commander in Userkheperure's army, weren't you? Did you ever see my father Menmire? Talk to him?"
"Yes, on both counts."
"What was he like? I was only a small child when I saw him last--not long after my mother died and before he became king."
"He should never have become king. He was never the heir to Baenre's throne, but usurped it and led Kemet into civil war. I cannot forgive him for that."
"But what was he like? Really like?"
Ament shrugged. "I'm probably not the person to ask. I only saw him in Waset when I went there to kill him."
Siptah's eyes opened wide. "You tried to kill him? During the war? But you didn't, of course. Why not? What happened?"
Ament shook his head. "Suffice it to say I did not have the opportunity when he was surrounded by his guards, his Tjaty, and his General."
"His men loved him. Bay said so."
"I don't doubt it, as we all loved Userkheperure. When it comes to it, it is not love that makes a man win, nor even strength of arms, but rather the will of the gods. We are all subject to that. Honour the gods and they will not forsake you."
"My father honoured the gods and they chose him to reign, anointing him in the coronation ceremony. That means he must have been the true king."
"How could he be when Userkheperure had been accepted and crowned before him?"
"Perhaps the gods had rejected him and chosen again."
Ament shrugged again. "Yet in the end, the gods forsook your father."
"And they have chosen me to succeed," Siptah said.
Ament opened his mouth to reply, but shouts from behind them interrupted their conversation. He looked round and saw a scouting chariot hurtling down the road toward them. The scout quickly overhauled them and as soon as they were within earshot, the driver was calling across his news.
"...found the enemy...Ribu...up ahead..."
Ament brought the sq
uadron to a halt and beckoned the scout closer. "Tell us the news. Quickly, man."
The scout saluted. "Son of Re...Commander...the enemy has been found. They are a little south of the city of Perire, some hundred strong and..."
"Only a hundred?"
"Yes, Commander, though we saw dust to the north and east which might indicate other enemy forces."
"You did not think to investigate?"
"No sir...yes sir...that is, other scouts did so. I returned bearing the news."
"Very well, carry on and report to Commander Besenmut."
Siptah wriggled with excitement, and as soon as the scout had left, told Ament to return to his own chariot. "We must turn immediately and engage the enemy. We can be up to them in less than half a day."
Ament shook his head and started the horses moving south again. "We will wait for a full reconnaissance, Son of Re." He saw the anger and disappointment on the king's face. "Believe me in this, Akhenre, for I have had experience of war. Nothing is lost by learning of the enemy dispositions. Don't worry; you'll get your taste of war."
Chapter 17
Akhenre Siptah speaks:
I am going to war!
The enemy has invaded Kemet and I have leapt to the defence of the kingdoms, leading a legion out of Men-nefer toward Perire where the vile Ribu are killing my people. I shall crush them completely, kill their leaders in single combat, cut off the hands of the fallen and lead their women and children captive into Men-nefer. My exploits will resound down the ages like those of Baenre and Usermaatre, and every temple shall bear the accounts of my great victory. In fact, I shall erect a great victory stele at Perire so that all men shall know of my victory down the long ages.
When the news of the foreign invasion came to Men-nefer, I ordered Chancellor Bay to arrange for my presence on campaign. I felt sure that the Regent would deny me my rights, but Bay must have argued brilliantly, for when the Council of War was called I was asked to attend and then, without having to demand my rights, Queen Tausret suggested I lead the Ptah legion into battle.
It was all I could do not to shout aloud my joy and leap to my feet with excitement. I blushed when I remembered it for my weak leg would certainly have caused me to fall over and shame myself before the assembled officers and officials. Instead, I maintained a solemn face and nodded my acceptance of the charge laid upon me. I am the king after all, and for the first time the Regent had allowed me a kingly dignity. Now was my opportunity to show I was a great War Leader and father to my people.
Uncle Bay came and talked to me for a long time the night before we set out. He told me of the Ribu and the terrible things they do to the innocent peasants of Ta Mehu. It sickened me and made me angry, so that I wanted to destroy the Ribu utterly. Perhaps that is what he wanted, for he smiled a lot when I voiced my indignation. He said, too, that I must not be concerned with my safety for the gods would look after me--and strong men had been charged with my protection as well.
I did not then know that Ament was to be my main protector. If I had, I might have objected and sought another Captain of the King's Bodyguard, for I feel uncomfortable in his presence. My uncle calls him the Regent's dog, and that is a good name for him. He follows her around, ready to do her bidding at all times, and Bay hints that he performs subtle and shameful acts for her. Well, he may be Captain of the Guard, but I am king, so he cannot do just as he wants. I tried to persuade Uncle Bay to come with me, but he says that war is no place for an administrator. He is probably right as all my men will need strength and skill to fight the Ribu.
We set out early, after morning services to the rising sun, and having offered brief libations to the other gods. I drove out of the northern gate of Men-nefer in my war chariot and the populace lined the road, cheering their king. At first I waved and grinned but then it occurred to me that a king should be more serious, so I turned my face from the adoring crowd and held myself in what I hoped was a regal bearing. I joined the Ptah legion just outside the city, and as I drove up, the other chariots in the squadron tore out from the ranks and surrounded me in an honour guard. I could not help laughing out loud at the sheer joy of it all. I was going to war and all these men were at my command.
Drums boomed out and rams' horns blew, and above the roar of chariot wheels I could feel more than hear the steady tramp of thousands of feet as the legion marched. Dust rose in a choking cloud, but that did not bother me as I was out the front in my chariot, leading the way into battle. All right, so there were other chariots with me, especially Ament and the men he had chosen as my bodyguard, but they could not lessen my swelling pride. The sun beat down on me and the cool north wind blew in my face. My blue leather war crown pressed down on my head, but I would not have put it aside for an instant. For this I was born--to reign over Kemet and to war against my enemies.
And so we came close to Perire after three days. Scouts returned saying they had found the enemy, and I desired more than anything to gather my chariots about me and hurl ourselves at the Ribu. Ament prevented me, forcing me to retreat to the safety of the legion. I was angry at his impertinence but I managed to hide it, for as my uncle says, he is merely the Regent's dog. There is little point in getting angry at the pi-dog that runs snapping at the chariot wheels, when it is the dog's owner who should be upbraided.
Besenmut ordered his men to march faster when the news of the enemy's proximity was reported, and it was mid-morning of the next day when we came in sight of the walls of Perire. Most men know of the battle fought here in Baenre's day, but fewer know that the Regent, Queen Tausret, also fought here. Whatever else I think of her, I allow that she displayed bravery that day, facing down the Ribu and holding them until Baenre could move his army up and crush them.
I met with Besenmut and his senior officers, and listened to the scouts' reports. It seems the enemy was not a regular army, but rather a mass of peasants and bandits. They had no regular military objectives but instead drifted from village to village, killing and plundering as they went. Where they could not carry away the spoils, they set fire to them and indeed, several plumes of smoke could be seen rising over the farmland near the river.
Besenmut laid out the battle plan and asked me for my approval. I freely admit (in private) that lacking experience I could not say if the plan was a good one, but I gave it what looked like consideration and offered my approval. Lest I be thought a complete beginner, I made a few minor changes and Besenmut willingly accepted them.
***
The horns are sounding again and I am strapped into my chariot, blue war crown on my head, gold gleaming at throat and chest, my bow in one hand and my arrows in front of me. I have a charioteer today, so that I might wage war without having to worry about controlling my horses. Ament and the Bodyguard are arrayed beside me and so hungrily do they stare at the enemy that I might forget they are not my friends either.
The Commander signals the army is ready and looks at me. I raise my hand with bow clutched in it and shout a challenge. My words crash back over me as nearly fifteen hundred throats cheer their king.
"Life! Health! Prosperity! For Akhenre, Kemet and the gods! Death to the Ribu!"
The men surge forward and I grip the rail of my chariot tightly as we start forward, picking up speed. At last, the hour is come when I will be measured against the deeds of past kings. I am determined that I will not be found wanting.
Chapter 18
Year 2 of Akhenre Siptah
The charge of the Ptah legion expended a lot of effort for very little result. Twelve hundred men on foot and thirty chariots smashed into the tiny enemy force and annihilated it almost before the king could loose his third arrow. Besenmut pulled his men into a semblance of order after the wild charge and set about collecting the spoils of war.
It amounted to very little. Eighty-seven right hands were harvested and piled before the king, along with a handful of spears, some crude bows, and a larger number of simple staves and assorted farming equipment. Siptah appea
red not to notice the strange equipment of this invading army and only lamented that so few of the enemy had been killed.
"Three arrows I shot, Ament, and three men died," he exulted.
"Very good, Son of Re, but these were hardly enemy warriors. I mean, look at their arms--pitchforks and mattocks mostly. These are farmers, not fighters."
Siptah frowned and nudged a pile of implements with his walking stick. "These are probably spoils the Ribu were carrying off when we surprised them. Farmers wouldn't be carrying spears or bows."
Ament shrugged, and the king called for the army scribe.
"Take down the number of enemy killed and the spoils, scribe. Then write an account of my glorious victory, and don't forget that I led the charge and that with my bow I slew lots of the enemy."
"Three," Ament muttered. "Maybe."
The army resumed its march, bypassing the city of Perire. Scouts were sent out to find the enemy and they soon returned with the news of another small group of men to the northeast. Siptah ordered the chariots onward, and told Besenmut to follow with the soldiers. Ament remonstrated, despite the low quality of the previous group of enemy.
"You should not split your forces," he said. "Allow the men on foot time to come up in support."
"You are too timid," Siptah declared. "You saw how I crushed the last lot. I shall do so again, just with my chariots."
Ament signalled to his own chariots to follow the king and spent the short journey cursing under his breath. The charioteer was one of Ament's own men, but was shocked by the imprecations against the king. Wisely, he pretended not to hear.
Smoke rose ahead of the column of chariots as the road led them into lush fields bordering on the river. They found a smouldering village, and scattered corpses of women, children and livestock. Siptah drove past, following a thin dust cloud that hung in the still air. He pointed and cried out in excitement, urging his own horses onward.