Chapter 14: War on Two Fronts

            Troas had been in Napata for two weeks, establishing his credentials as a Greek merchant.  In that time, he had learned much of the lay of the land.  Backed by the Priests of Amun, king Anlaman was stepping up his attacks in an attempt to seize territory along Egypt’s southern frontier.  His younger brother, Aspelta, was against this strategy.  An Egyptian sympathizer, Aspelta believed that the only thing that would come of his brother’s actions would be the onslaught of the Egyptian army.  Troas hoped to exploit this rift in the royal brother’s foreign policy, and had been waiting for the right time to make his move.  Circumstances, however, demanded that he contact Aspelta as soon as possible.

             Two days ago, Troas had learned that an envoy from Babylon had arrived to meet with Anlaman.  By seducing one of the palace serving girls, he had learned the envoy was here to offer the financial assistance of Nebuchadnezzar to step up Kush’s military actions against Egypt.  Under the pretense of wishing to arrange a shipment of pottery to Tyre in exchange for olive oil, Troas had made an appointment to meet with Aspelta.  He fingered the papers bearing King Ithobal’s royal seal, demonstrating his credentials to meet with the prince instead of a lower level official.  He was about to get up and pace the floor when the door opened and a guard ushered him into his audience with Aspelta.

             Although the guards outside had checked his weapons before he came to the anti-chamber, Troas was again checked for any hidden weapons.  Satisfying the guards that he posed no threat, he strode into the room and bowed before Aspelta.

             “Oh great Prince, may your loins bring forth many sons, and may your name forever be remembered,” Troas gave the obligatory greeting of the land.

             “My dear Troas, we are honored by your presence.  You have come to negotiate trade agreements?” Aspelta replied.

             “Yes, my Lord,” Troas described the details of his business proposition, answering questions as they were raised.  After about fifteen minutes of give and take over the price of pottery and olive oil, Troas said,  “If it please my Lord, I would like to present you with a gift from one who honors and respects you.”

             From his pouch, Troas withdrew a miniature staff, made of pure gold, the handle shaped in the likeness of Anubis, the God of the Dead.  With the head of a jackal and the body of a man, Anubis weighed the heart of the dead against the feather of truth.  On the side of the staff was a cartouche with the name of Pharaoh Hophra inscribed in it.  Handing the item to Aspelta, Troas said softly, with his head bowed, “Send your scribes away so that we may speak alone.”

             Aspelta took the gift from Troas’s hand, his eyes growing wide with the recognition of what the gift signified.  The man before him represented not only the King of Tyre, but the power of Egypt as well.  Diverting his gaze from the treasure he looked in the direction of the two scribes taking notes at their stations near the room’s entrance.  “Leave us,” he commanded.”  After they had withdrawn, he turned to Troas and said, “You are clearly more than an olive oil merchant.  What business brings you to Kush, and to me specifically?”

             “The Prince is no doubt aware of Egypt’s war with Babylon over the last several years, as well as her victory at Migdol a year ago,”  Troas began, getting the anticipated nod of acknowledgment from his host.  “Egypt now has the advantage, and wishes to keep it that way.  However, your brother has chosen a particularly sensitive time to begin a military campaign against Egypt’s southern flank.”

             “And why should a Greek merchant in the employ of Tyre care about the timing of Kush’s efforts to take back land that is rightfully ours?,” asked Aspelta, though not too harshly.  Troas was pleased to see that his sources had not failed him – Aspelta was a calm negotiator, not given to emotional outbursts.

             “Pharaoh Hophra has undertaken the restoration of a canal connecting the Great Sea to the Red Sea.  For over 600 years, the canal has remained buried and forgotten, a victim of the desert’s appetite.  When the canal is completed, it will bring those who have worked to restore it great wealth.  Think of the commerce that will flow through the canal.  But Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, seeks to stop Hophra’s efforts.  Did you know that he has recently sent an emissary to speak with your brother to finance Kush’s raids against Egypt?”

             “But why would he – no, I see,” Aspelta checked himself, realizing the significance of the action.  Clearly, by forcing Egypt to guard against the threat of invasion on her southern border, Babylon would weaken her enemy’s ability to thwart Nebuchadnezzar’s advances in the north.  He thought for a moment, fingers interlocked, index fingers to his lips, thumbs touching his chin.  Then, choosing his words carefully, said: “Egypt could not have known of this arrangement  The messenger’s arrival was not anticipated by us here.  Therefore, I must assume that you learned of his presence since your arrival here, no?”  He paused for several seconds, locking eyes with Troas.  Then, matter-of-factly, Aspelta continued.  “What is to prevent me from having you killed, and thus assuring the secret will die with you?”

             Troas smiled, and spreading his hands, said, “Nothing.”  He paused for a few seconds to let his unanticipated answer have its intended effect.  After a look of confusion crossed Aspelta’s face, he continued.  “Except that if I do not meet Hophra, as planned, in three weeks time, he will know that I have been captured and my mission has failed.  Oh, yes.  Even now, he leads his army here to punish Anlaman for his foolishness.  We had suspected ties to Babylon.  If I fail to appear, those suspicions will be confirmed.  But, if I do meet with Hophra, I can convey a message to him – and tell him that there is one in Kush who wishes peace and prosperity for both Kush and Egypt.  Agree to serve him, and he will greatly reward you.”

             “You have given me much about which to think,” Aspelta replied.  “Go now.  I shall give you my answer in the morning.”

             “Very good, my Prince,” Troas replied, and departed.  He had no doubt of the answer he would receive.

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