296-350 Summary

When Memnon was five years old, news of trouble traveled upriver. The Egyptian army, led by Tanus, marched north. Under Pharaoh's insistence, Taita and Pharaoh went to the northern border as well. Lostris and Memnon accompanied them but remained on the royal barge offshore. On the eleventh day of their encampment, Taita noticed an unnatural and ominous cloud on the horizon. The cloud quickly advanced and he realized that it was not a cloud, but dust rising from an approaching party. Tanus and Kratas prepared for battle in the traditional formations. Pharaoh was carried on his throne to the crest of the hill to supervise the battle. As the dust clouds subsided the men observed the enemy, complete with horses and wheeled chariots. The Egyptian infantry were slain in large numbers, yet Taita was intrigued by the military tactics of the enemy. The...