Here’s tense moment right before Pebatma meets General Marnamaret, the Main Male Character. She’s been kidnapped by her avaricious landlord (who is also a criminal) and the General is under orders from Pharaoh to rescue her.

Pebatma had gotten her hands free and was holding the rail, trying to work up the courage to allow herself to plunge over the side into the Nile. The ship was moving so fast she couldn’t imagine how the pursuers hoped to catch up and she was afraid to remain within reach of Tepsek. Death was preferable. Only as she summoned her courage and checked the river, she saw dozens of crocodiles keeping pace with them. Being torn to pieces by the huge predators was another thing entirely than what she imagined would be a peaceful death by drowning in Mother Nile’s embrace.

As she argued with herself, she saw a flash of white in the water and realized there was a truly gigantic white crocodile in the middle of the more mundane gray and green beasts. And were they pushing the ship? She nearly lost her grip as the deck shifted beneath her feet, the ship shuddering before racing onward. Still watching the river, Pebatma did a double take as the strange crocodile regarded her with golden eyes as it swam easily, right next to the hull.

Sobek, this is Sobek himself.

Shocked, she retreated a step and then crept cautiously back to the rail.

A low pitched, almost growling voice whispered in her ear.

Don’t be afraid, little sister. It’s not often the Great One Hathor asks me for a favor so how can I deny her appeal? Hang on while I do as she requested and prevent this boat from escaping Pharaoh’s men.

The white crocodile disappeared beneath the waves. Next moment the ship heaved and rose from the water, before crashing down again in a huge spray and heading directly toward the shore…

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