Book 12, The Water Clock Measures Time Summary

In Memphis, Horemheb explains that Gaza remains in Egyptian hands, protected by the Cretan fleet, and he is personally financing Syrian guerrilla forces. He intends to conquer Aziru while the Hittites are consolidating their conquest of Mitanni, rants that buying peace is shameful, and forbids surrendering Gaza. In Tanis, Sinuhe picks up an escort that abandons him as soon as Syrian chariots are seen. Sinuhe is dragged to camp, where Aziru is appalled at Sinuhe's treatment.

Aziru shows off his fine seven-year-old son and heir and downplays Sinuhe's contention that the Hittites are untrustworthy and that when Babylon stops providing grain, Syria will starve without Egyptian help. Unbound by treaties and welcoming "honorable peace" with everyone, Aziru demands control of Gaza, Egypt disarming the guerrillas, and reparations, all of which Sinuhe rejects. After...