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    A weekter, in Cairo, the news of the Frenchnding reached the ears of Egypt''s leaders, Murad Bey and Ibrahim Bey. As they gathered in their council chamber, a mamluk scout knelt before them, ready to divulge the details of the invasion.


    With a grave expression, the scout recounted the events that unfolded in Alexandria. He spoke of the French forces'' swift entry into the city, their encounter with the Mamluk general, Koraim Pasha, and the fierce battle that ensued. The scout''s words carried a sense of urgency and disbelief as he described the devastating power of the weapons wielded by the French.


    "That''s ridiculous," Ibrahim Bey said.


    "Forgive me, esteemed leaders, but the truth surpasses any exaggeration," the scout rified, addressing Ibrahim Bey''s raised eyebrow. "These weapons possessed by the French are unlike anything we have ever witnessed. They strike with lethal uracy from great distances, and their rapid-fire capabilities unleash a hailstorm of bullets within mere seconds."


    Murad Bey and Ibrahim Bey exchanged concerned nces, as the weight of this revtion sank in. They had not anticipated the French invasion of Alexandria, and the fact that they possessed advanced weaponry beyond theirprehension only deepened their apprehension.


    "We must prepare ourselves, my brothers," Murad Bey dered. "We must defend this city, and also we have to inform the Ottomans of the sudden invasion of the French Army."


    Ibrahim Bey nodded in agreement. "Send a messenger to Constantinople immediately. Inform the Ottoman authorities of the dire situation we face and request their support."


    As the orders were given, messengers swiftly departed from Cairo, carrying urgent letters that would cross the vast distances to reach the Ottoman capital. Hourster, Murad Bey and Ibrahim Bey began nning the defenses of Cairo against the French. Though the ims of the scout about the French weapons were rming, Murad Bey and Ibrahim Bey were determined not to let fear cloud their judgment.


    In the middle of the nning, one Mamluk soldier entered the room with a paper in his hand.


    "Ibrahim Pasha, Murad Pasha! You have to see this! It''s a promation that is being spread in the city," the Mamluk soldier informed.


    Murad took the letter from the soldier and read the contents. Ibrahim leaned over to read along, his eyes scanning the words of the promation. As they absorbed its contents, a mix of surprise and intrigue flickered across their faces.


    "For too long the beys who govern Egypt have insulted the French nation and covered their traders in nders. The hour of their punishment hase," Murad read aloud.


    Ibrahim''s brows furrowed as he continued to read silently, taking in the bold ims and promises contained within the promation. The words resonated with a sense of power and authority, yet also carried an air of uncertainty. They spoke of restoring rights, punishing usurpers, and respecting God, his prophet, and the Quran. Murad and Ibrahim exchanged nces, their thoughts intermingling.


    "This promation speaks of restoring rights and proiming equality," Ibrahim remarked, breaking the silence. "It ims that they are true friends of Muslims and champions against those who have wronged them."


    Murad nodded, his gaze fixed on the promation. "It also mentions their destruction of the Knights of Malta and their defiance against those who would wage war on Muslims. They seek to establish themselves as allies to the Great Lord and enemies to his enemies."


    As the weight of the words settled upon them, Murad and Ibrahim realized the potential impact of this promation on the people of Egypt. It carried a message that resonated with the grievances many had held against the Mamluk rulers. Not to mention the fact that the promation is well-written as if a local Egyptian wrote it.


    "Where is this lettering from?" Murad asked.


    "They areing from the Mamluks that fought the French in Alexandria. ording to them, they were told to spread these papers in Egypt in exchange for them not being taken as a prisoner."


    Murad and Ibrahim exchanged worried nces.


    "This promation is an insidious attempt to manipte the people and turn them against us," Ibrahim dered with a firm tone. "We cannot allow these falsehoods to poison the minds of the Egyptians. Every paper spreading these lies must be destroyed, and the people must be made aware of the French''s true intentions. We must emphasize that the Frenchck morals and that they will not hesitate to ughter anyone, Egyptians and Turks alike."


    "Understood, Ibrahim Pasha."


    "As for you, Murad. Once the defense of Egypt ispleted, why don''t you assemble forces and try to push out the French? Gather as many men as you can. Find out if our troops are telling the truth."


    "Very well."


    ***


    July 10th, 1798.


    In Alexandria, the local poption remained apprehensive and nervous about their new upiers, the French. French soldiers roamed the streets, maintaining order and establishing their presence. The initial chaos and resistance had subsided, leaving the city in an uneasy calm. The wary locals watched the movements of the French troops with cautious eyes.<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    Amidst the tense atmosphere, French troops continued unloading their war machines, including artillery, cannons, horses, gunpowder, and mobilebs for schrly study and experimentation.


    Napoleon walked along with Dumas and Kleber, who had a bandage wrapped around his forehead from a previous encounter.


    "Is your forehead healing well, Kleber? I still can''t believe that musket ball didn''t end your life," Napoleon chortled.


    "There''s nothing funny about it, General Bonaparte," Kleber replied, annoyed at Napoleon''s banter.


    Dumas chimed in, seeking to lighten the mood. "Well, it''s understandable that you survived that shot, Kleber. After all, the Mamluks are armed with century-old muskets, while we possess thetest and possibly the most advanced rifles in the world."


    Napoleon chuckled as he wiped the sweat off his forehead. The hot weather reminded him of the challenges faced during the failed French conquest of Egypt and Syria. However, thanks to the newly designed uniforms that could better endure the harsh climate, the French soldiers did not suffer as much from the heat as their historical counterparts.


    As they strolled through the streets, the trio of French leaders came across a small group of French schrs engaged in a passionate discussion.


    "I''m astounded... Is this Alexandria? Where have the pces, temples, and exquisite artifacts gone? Our hopes were so high, but I must admit, I''m deeply disappointed," one of the schrs expressed their frustration.


    "I share your sentiments, my friend," another schr added. "This doesn''t match the Egypt we have learned about from ancient texts and stories. It seems as though the once-glorious Alexandria has lost its former splendor."


    "And the people, they all wear rags."


    Napoleon overheard their conversation and approached the schrs with a smile, disying a genuine interest in their sentiments.


    "Gentlemen, may I join your discussion?" he asked, inviting himself into their conversation.


    The schrs turned to face the French general, surprise evident on their faces. One of them, an elderly man with a wise demeanor, nodded respectfully. "Of course, General. We were just expressing our disappointment at the current state of Alexandria. It pales inparison to the grandeur we have read about."


    "I see…" Napoleon hummed aloud. He understood their frustrations, after all, they were excited to see Egypt which had once flourished as one of the greatest civilizations in history. Napoleon shared their sentiment to some extent, for the reality of Alexandria did not match the legendary tales of its past glory.


    "Well…maybe Cairo would be different right?" One of the schrs said, sounding optimistic.


    Napoleon could only sigh, as he knew they''ll be met with disappointment again.


    "General Bonaparte!" a voice called out, catching Napoleon''s attention. It was Murat, who was hightailing down the sandy streets of Alexandria. He halted his horse in front of Napoleon and spoke urgently.


    "General... you are needed in themand tent," Murat informed, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.


    Napoleon, Dumas, and Kleber exchanged quick nces before hurrying after Murat. Five minutester, they arrived at themand tent, which had been set up in the heart of the city. Inside was filled with the clicking of the keys as telegraph operatorsmunicated with their scouts that were sent to Cairo for reconnaissance.


    "Tell me the situation," Napoleon leaned forward, scanning the map spread on the tabletop.


    "News has arrived from Cairo, indicating that the Mamluks are fortifying their defenses. There are reports of increased troop movements, with Mamluk forces mobilizing under themand of one of the Beys, Murad Bey," Berthier reported.


    "Murad Bey is the one who holdsmand of the Mamluk Army. We kill that man, Cairo will be in our hands," Napoleon dered. "I assume most of our equipment is unloaded from the ships?"


    "That is correct, General Bonaparte," Berthier confirmed.


    "In that case, prepare for a march tomorrow."