A NEW DAY - LOW TIDE - THE NEXT BATTLE:The first phalanx at the foot of the causeway carried no long shields. It had one purpose and one purpose only: to secure the causeway on the island side. Behind it stood three phalanxs, each hoplite carrying a light, stretched-leather long shield hung over his round, classic Macedonian shield. Behind these three phalanxs were arrayed column after column of hoplites, each carrying their traditional long spears, round shields and swords. Mounted soldiers waited on the flanks of the hoplites.
Alexander surveyed his formations with Ptolemy. In the distance he could see the commanders of the leading formation. There, near the three uniquely armed phalanxs was Commander Perseus and the two Egyptian Captains, his Hawks as he called them. Alexander, as was his usual way, would personally lead the main assault once the lead phalanxs breached the Tyrean defenses.
Alexander drew out his sword and waved it for Perseus to see. Perseus drew out his sword and shouted a command to the lead phalanx. Khumnhotep and Ankhu each repeated the command to their long-shield protected hoplites. The advance began.
Before them the stone-piled fortifications bristled with the points of spears and swords. The upper ends of bows could be seen now and then as defenders of Tyre drew arrows from quivers to load onto their bows, then elevated the bows to test string strength. The first phalanx was now midway across the causeway. The first of the assault phalanxs followed closely in the march over the causeway... then the second... then the third.
The first phalanx, Perseus in command, reached the end of the causeway on the island side. Rather than advance farther, the phalanx spread out across the causeway exit and lined the nearby shore of the channel. This cleared the way for the other three phalanxs to exit the causeway. Alexander, noting that the causeway could now receive units from his main army, stood high on his horse and waved his sword in the air. "Follow me!" was the simple command he used. A cheer rang out that echoed up and down the channel, over the barricates of Tyre and into the streets of the island city itself. Tyreans felt fear anew.
The three phalanxs were now arrayed shoulder to shoulder in a broad, thick, parallel line facing the defenses of Tyre. Perseus shouted another command, also repeated by Khumnhotep and Ankhu. The uniquely shielded phalanxs advanced.
Immediately, arrows filled the air, climbing high to begin their deadly arc downwards. "SHIELDS UP!" bellowed the Egyptians. The hoplites responded elevating their shields so that the upper edge was over their heads and the shields were angled towards the massed flight of the arrows.
The phalanxs were within arrow's range. The rain of feathered missles struck true, but the shields' resiliant leather deflected most strikes, ably protecting the hoplites holding them. Here and there a single arrow found a chink in the spacing of the shields, a fatal opening, and a hoplite fell. But it was true what that latin from Roma had said to the Egyptians, these were far more effective against arrows than the round shields.
Another wave of arrows had the same failed effect... and another... and another... The archers could not blunt the attack. The phalanxs were at the wall. They cast aside long shields, having no need to fear arrows now. Long spears jabbed at defenders and defenses. Rocks tumbled into defenders; defenders fell to the ground as spears pierced their bodies. Here and there a hoplite took a blow from an ax or a sword, but casualties mounted most markedly among the defenders, not the hoplites.
Alexander's main army was now crossing the causeway and its forward elements were forming behind the three phalanxs leading the assault. Perseus' phalanx formed up with them.
A great cheer rose as they saw a section of stone barricade tumble inwards towards the defenders of Tyre. Then another section fell, and another. The resulting gap would permit the next phase of the attack to proceed.
Khumnhotep's and Ankhu's hoplites rushed into the breach. Alexander ordered his units forward. The defenders of Tyre saw their hopes for victory fade with each hoplite who passed the barricade and strode, sword in hand, into their midst. Tyre would fall, they realized. It was only a matter of time... and blood.
Alexander's main army now engaged the defenders. Forward elements of the hoplites were entering the main street of Tyre. The defenders were overwhelmed by the superior forces before them. The slaughter began.
Hoplites were everywhere in Tyre, looting, killing and destroying. Alexander's mounted soldiers were galloping up and down the streets striking down anything that moved. Khumnhotep and Ankhu screamed at their men to cease the slaughter. One look into the eyes of the hoplites, fevered with bloodlust, and the Egyptians knew it was hopeless. Frustration built up over the months during the siege had taken control of the soldiers of Alexander and would not be denied. Further conviction came when the Egyptians saw Alexander himself, resplendent in his white and gold armor, riding his white stallion, sword red with blood, with the same look in his eyes.
"I cannot be a part of this," said Ankhu to Kumnhotep. "Nor can I," replied the noble born Egyptian.
They both retired to the edge of the city to see to hoplites who were wounded and had a chance at life. There they found Redsenet and the others, who before the battle had returned from Sidon, now tending to the wounded at the barricades. From the city they could hear the screams of anguish and cries for mercy, many cries cut short in mid plea.
They said nothing to each other except as necessary to aid the wounded. This slaughter in Tyre was Alexander's business, not theirs.
Suddenly, Alexander appeared from nowhere, breathing hard and fire in his eyes. "Hawks! Why are you not in the city?! The battle is won! Celebrate!"
Khumnhotep looked at the king. "Sire, if the battle is won. Why must the killing continue? I shall celebrate when we have saved as many of the lives of the fallen as we can. There is work to be done here. A great victory, Sire, indeed."
Alexander's face reddened as the import of Khumnhotep's words struck home. Surprisingly, the expression of anger the Egyptian expected didn't materialize. Instead, Alexander turned his head towards the city and listened to the cries and screams coming from its midst. He looked back at Khumnhotep, then the King's expression changed once more. It seemed to become... yes... it was indeed sorrow.
"You are right, Hawk. You see what I do not... until now. You both have led well. It is time for me to lead well also." Alexander turned his horse about and galloped back into the city. Khumnhotep and Ankhu knew it was to end the slaughter and bring peace to the city once more.
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To all: I will be away from these forums for about a week with only a slight chance of being able to post before September 18th. I thank you for letting me post this battle scene. Do not hesitate to continue this story and its interrelationships among the characters in my absence. There is yet a long journey to Egypt before this tale will end.
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 09-09-2000).]