Fall of a King ; Battle for Egypt Book 2

Chapter 14 Last Time Together

We rode back to the temple of Anubis. Ka was silent the entire way back. I knew he was still fuming from the words spoken in the temple we left behind. But we had to think about our future. And now we have a battle to plan. We would have to leave within the day, to reach Memphis in time for the battle. But Sutekh would have to do the same. This battle was everything, we had one more chance to defeat him, and we would be doing it on our terms. I wanted Tiye to stay behind with the children. I did not want my children anywhere near this battle. It was too dangerous, there was too much at stake. As we returned to the temple of Anubis, Ka helped me down from the chariot. Bakari came over, a huge grin on his face. I gave both men a curious gaze. What did they have up their sleeves? What had they not told me?

"He fell for it. His ego took over his common sense and sense of battle strategy. And Imhotep is filled with grief and anger. He wants revenge, and revenge takes over any common sense time after time," Bakari said gleefully.

"What do you mean? What have you both planned? What have you not told me," I asked. Ka returned the smile and wrapped his arms around my waist. He planted a small kiss on my forehead.

"We have a small force of resistance inside Memphis. Once the battle is underway, Sutekh is engaged. This force will take Memphis, and let us in. And then the force will come and join the fight. Ka will give them the signal," Bakari said. I felt myself smile. They were using the same trick that Sutekh had used on us.

"Will it work," I asked. Looking at both men. If this worked then we would win. But it was dependent on the force not being discovered by Amenhet and his troops that still remained in the city.

"Yes, we have it on good authority that most of those in Memphis are fed up with Sutekh and his tyrannical rule and want to fight back. And so we slipped one of our generals inside to organize the effort," Ka replied. They did have it all planned out.

"Do the other generals know of this plan," I asked. Ka shook his head in response. Why was everyone kept in the dark? Why was I kept in the dark? I was the queen. I was suppose to be the partner in this.

"We could only have a few men know, the fewer who know the better. We had a better chance of success that way" Bakari replied. I looked at Ka. Why did he not tell me? I felt anger at him with holding this information from me.

"And why was I not informed of this plan. You both know that I a trustworthy," I asked looking at both men. "I am a part of this too," I added. Feeling irritation flutters inside of me. I had been apart of this campaign as much as any man.

"We formulated the plan right before the meeting. We had no time to tell you. I will always tell you our plan. You are my queen and partner in this war. You have to believe on this Markara," Ka said. He offered me his arm and I took it.

"Meet us in the council room Bakari. Give us a few moments of privacy please," Ka replied. Bakari nodded and led the horses away. Back to the stables. We made our way through the courtyard toward th corridor that would take us to the council room.

"I didn't mean to upset you, my love. I just had no time to tell you. We are so close to winning this war. I do not want to lose you now," Ka said. I gave his arm a gentle squeeze. I did not want to fight, not when we were so close to ending this once and for all.

"It is alright Ka, I understand. It was just a shock that is all," I said. We walked in silence and left each other to our own thoughts. My thoughts turned to my children, and how they are. How they may be freed after all this was said and done.

"After we inform the council we should make preparations to leave. We should leave the twins here. Under the protection and care of Akhil," Ka said. He and I were one and the same when it came to our children.