"Wilbur Smith - Egyptian 01 - Warlock" - читать интересную книгу автора (Smith Wilbur)

and return as swiftly,' he acceded.



Naja touched his own heart, and ran back to his chariot. He saluted again as he wheeled past where the
King stood, and Tamose smiled as he returned the salute then watched him go down the side of the wadi.
When he reached the flat hard sand of the dry riverbed, Naja whipped up the horses, and they sped
down towards the village of El Wadun. The chariot left black-shaded wheel-tracks behind it on the
silvery sands, before it disappeared beyond the first bend of the wadi. When it had gone Pharaoh walked
back down the waiting column, speaking quietly to the troopers, calling many by name, laughing softly
with them, encouraging and cheering them. Small wonder they loved him, and followed him so gladly
wherever he led them.



--



Lord Naja drove warily, hugging the south bank of the dry riverbed. Every now and then he glanced
upwards at the crest of the hills, until at last he recognized the tower of wind-blasted rock that leaned
slightly askew against the skyline, and grunted with satisfaction. A little further on he reached the point
where a faint footpath left the wadi bottom and wound up the steep slope to the foot of the ancient
watchtower.



With a curt word to his lance-bearer he jumped down from the footplate, and adjusted the cavalry bow
over his shoulder. Then he unslung the clay fire-pot from the rail of the chariot, and started up the
pathway. It was so well disguised that if he had not memorized ever turn and twist he would have lost his
way a dozen times before he reached the top.



At last he stepped out on to the upper rampart of the tower. It had been built many centuries ago and
was in ruinous condition. He did not approach the edge for there was a precipitous drop into the valley
below. Instead he found the bundle of dry faggots hidden in the niche of the wall where he had left it and
dragged it into the open. Quickly he built up a tiny pyramid of the kindling, then blew on the charcoal
nuggets in the fire-pot, and when they glowed he crumbled a handful of dried grass on to them. They
burst into flame and he lit the small signal beacon. He made no attempt to hide himself but stood out
where a watcher below would see him illuminated on the height of the tower. The flames died away as
the kindling was consumed. Naja sat down to wait in the darkness.



A short while later he heard a pebble rattle on the stony path below the walls and he whistled sharply.
His signal was returned, and he stood up. He loosened the bronze blade of his sickle sword in its
scabbard and nocked an arrow in the bow, standing ready for an instant draw. Moments later a harsh
voice called to him in the Hyksosian language. He replied fluently and naturally in the same tongue, and
the footsteps of at least two men sounded on the stone ramp.