Chapter 35: Murad's Counterattack

Roland's choice proved exceedingly astute. Once his Seventh Battalion fully secured the high ground, the battle swiftly tilted in their favor. The French soldiers, positioned advantageously, could oversee the entire city, launching immediate strikes wherever enemy forces were spotted. Consequently, the Egyptian troops within the city found themselves at an increasing disadvantage.

As time went by, the sound of gunfire within the town gradually decreased, signaling the waning resistance of the enemy forces. A few more minutes passed, and the resistance in the town had entirely dissipated.

"Escort all prisoners to the town square," Roland commanded his troops as the battle drew to a close. Soon after, countless disheartened Egyptian soldiers were seen being led to the central square of the town.

"Report! General Napoleon, the suppression of the Egyptian forces is complete," Roland promptly approached Napoleon to report, following the conclusion of the battle.

"Very well! Roland, I was not mistaken in you. You commanded the battle effectively and decisively, and I am very pleased," Napoleon praised Roland.

This expedition to Egypt was specifically for Roland to demonstrate his capabilities, so that his promotion and raise would naturally follow after the campaign. Roland did not disappoint; his performance in the battle was exceptional, taking less than two hours from entering Alexandria to resolving the conflict.

"Uncle, although we have now captured Alexandria, the city's populace still requires pacification. Otherwise, this city will not serve as a solid foothold for us but rather become a burden that impedes our progress. This situation would be quite troubling," Roland suggested to Napoleon. He feared that Napoleon might become prideful and complacent due to the temporary victory.

"Of course, I am aware of this, Roland. Don't worry! I will not make such a fundamental mistake. Colonel Desaix has a knack for soothing people's hearts; he will be excellent in managing the port of Alexandria," Napoleon assured with a smile.

"However, uncle, although we have captured the port of Alexandria, the Egyptians will eventually realize this, so I think we should prepare early," Roland continued.

"You're right! The port of Alexandria is under the domain of Murad, one of Egypt's two leaders. Although the city might seem insignificant to us, it holds great importance in the eyes of the impoverished Egyptians. So Roland, I assure you it won't be long before Murad sends troops to attack us," Napoleon said with a smile, showing no signs of nervousness about the impending threat; he was clearly prepared for what was to come.

Meanwhile, in the south of Alexandria, within the Egyptian capital of Cairo, a cavalryman dashed into the city, his face filled with panic as if some dire event had occurred.

The cavalryman, without stopping, headed straight for the governor's mansion. "Who are you? How dare you barge into Pasha's residence like this?" The guard at the governor's mansion stopped him as he arrived.

"I'm from the garrison at Alexandria; I have urgent news for Pasha— the French forces have attacked Alexandria," the soldier said in panic.

"Alexandria was attacked?" The guard's mouth hung open, clearly in disbelief.

"I have no time for idle chat; I need to report to Pasha immediately," said the soldier from Alexandria, pushing past and entering the mansion.

The guard, still not recovered from the shock, allowed him to pass.

"Pasha! Disaster has struck! Alexandria has been attacked!" Upon entering the governor's mansion, the soldier hurried to the Egyptian ruler Murad's presence. (In Egypt, the ruler was referred to as Pasha, similar to a Prime Minister's duties.)

"What!" Murad was roused from his nap, initially angry to be disturbed but turned from anger to shock as he heard the soldier's report.

"What? Say that again? Alexandria has been captured?" Murad was incredulous; if it weren't for the fact that the messenger was just a low-ranking soldier, he might have thought it was a joke.

"Your Excellency Pasha, the despicable French forces took advantage of the night to launch a surprise attack. They bombarded us while we were still asleep. Many of our men were killed in their sleep by the French artillery. Those of us who survived fought bravely but were no match for the numerically superior French forces. Eventually, Alexandria fell to the French."

"The despicable French, they really dared to attack us."

"Immediately summon Muhammad Ali to see me. I will personally lead the army to retake Alexandria," Murad said angrily. Although Alexandria was a small city with only 160,000 inhabitants, it was a significant urban center in impoverished Egypt. As the second-largest city after Cairo, it held immense strategic importance. Moreover, Alexandria was within his sphere of influence, and its capture by the French forces signified a substantial loss of power—a situation Murad could not tolerate.

"Pasha!" 

After some time, a robust man approached Murad. He wore a white turban, sported a thick beard, and his piercing eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. He was clearly a warrior of the battlefield.

He was also Murad's right-hand man and the commander of the Mamluk forces, the ancient rulers of Egypt.

"Do you know why I have summoned you today?" Murad asked as soon as Muhammad Ali arrived.

"Your Excellency, I have already heard. The French have launched a surprise attack on our port of Alexandria."

"Indeed, the French are despicable. They dared to attack while the garrison at our port of Alexandria was asleep. I cannot tolerate this, so I need you to lead our most elite Mamluk cavalry to reclaim our land," Murad said, raising his arm passionately.

He was full of confidence for the upcoming battle. After all, the Mamluk cavalry was not only the most formidable armed force in Egypt but also among the strongest in the Middle Eastern world. They had defeated the seemingly invincible Mongols in the past; the French would surely pose no greater challenge.