Napoleon in Egypt

A week later, in Cairo, the news of the French landing 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.