Chapter 39: Roland's Concerns
"While the enemy is still in disarray, let us annihilate them," Napoleon declared as he suddenly clenched a handful of yellow sand. With a forceful wave, he scattered the sand, as if dispersing his enemies just as easily.
"Yes, General. I will make the preparations," Marmont replied, realizing that he could not dissuade Napoleon and opting instead to execute the orders.
With Napoleon's command issued, countless French soldiers were forced to mobilize and continue the march despite their exhaustion. Their indomitable willpower was a testament to Napoleon's excellence in leadership; these were soldiers he had handpicked for their endurance and combat prowess, capable of fighting in the harsh desert conditions.
On their march, the Egyptian desert once again demonstrated its ferocity. Under the scorching sun, numerous French soldiers collapsed and did not rise again. Yet, the army pressed on. Along the way, Napoleon continuously encouraged them, promising a long rest in Cairo once they arrived. As the capital of Egypt, Cairo was bustling and would offer them ample opportunities to relax and enjoy themselves.
Fueled by their own resilience and Napoleon's constant encouragement, after nearly five days of grueling march, the French army finally reached Cairo.
Reality aligned with Napoleon's expectations; Murad, still reeling from his defeat at Ramaniyah, had not recovered. Cairo was poorly defended, and the morale of its defenders was low. Many of the Egyptian guards had fled even before the battle began.
Seeing this, Napoleon couldn't help but laugh heartily: "It seems I overestimated Murad. I thought he would at least make a stand in his capital, but he has abandoned the city and fled."
"It appears to be a godsend opportunity, General. Give the order! I can take the city within an hour," Brigadier General Moula requested, riding up to Napoleon's side, eager to engage in battle.
"Of course, as the saying goes, 'do unto others.' Murad has shown us the cowardice and frailty of the Mamluk cavalry, now let us show them the bravery and strength of the French cavalry."
Chapter 39: Roland's Concerns
"Moula, I command you to take this city immediately," Napoleon directed with a wave of his hand towards Cairo.
"Of course." Moula raised his voice and charged towards Cairo with his saber drawn, followed by thousands of French cavalrymen. Napoleon watched them gallop towards Cairo without any sign of worry.
He then sat down on the ground, seemingly interested in watching the battle unfold from afar.
"Uncle Napoleon!" While Napoleon was observing the battle, Roland approached quietly from behind and spoke softly.
"What is it, Roland? Come sit down," Napoleon turned, saw his nephew, and patted the ground beside him, gesturing for Roland to sit.
"Uncle, I have some concerns," Roland said with a hint of anxiety.
"Concerns? What could possibly worry you, young man? Look at your uncle Moula leading the cavalry driving out the Egyptian defenders. It won't be long before he takes the city," Napoleon assumed Roland was worried about the battle in Cairo and reassured him with a smile.
"Uncle, I of course know that Uncle Moula is unbeatable and will surely defeat the Egyptians. I'm not worried about the land; I'm worried about the sea. Our significant actions in Egypt can't have escaped the British. What if the British attack us from the sea?" Roland expressed his concerns.
He was well aware that shortly after Napoleon's campaign in Egypt, the British Mediterranean fleet had raided Alexandria and destroyed the French naval fleet, trapping Napoleon in Egypt.
Roland had wanted to suggest this to Napoleon earlier, but there hadn't been a suitable opportunity as the French forces were constantly engaged in battle, until now.
This time, Roland did not want to face such a peril.
"The sea? You mean Sidney and Nelson's fleet?" Upon hearing Roland's words, Napoleon immediately grasped the gravity of the situation. Roland's words struck him like a bolt of lightning— he had forgotten about the British Mediterranean fleet, a grave oversight.