Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece Chapter 1283: Davos Arrives in Egypt

Davos stayed there for two days, receiving members of the Messenian Council and a handful of Messenian citizens—an event that caused a sensation across the territory. High-ranking officials from the neighboring city-states of Sparta, the Arcadian League, Elis, Argos, and Corinth soon hurried over to pay their respects, prompting him to extend his stay by another two days.

Five days later, Davos bid farewell to the cheering crowds of the Peloponnese. The Fleet sailed southeast, stopping at Crete to replenish its food and water before continuing straight south.

The deep-sea voyage of over 500 li that followed carried a slight risk. However, under the administration of the Sacred Kingdom of Daunia in recent years, it had become one of the most bustling maritime routes connecting the western Mediterranean and the Greek Mainland to Cyrenaica and Egypt. (The alternative route passed through the Island of Sicily to Carthage, then followed the African Coast to Egypt. Because a storm in African waters had destroyed an Egyptian envoy's fleet the previous year, the Daionian fleet opted for this route to ensure the king's safety.)

Blessed with favorable winds, the Fleet encountered no trouble and smoothly reached the coast of Cyrenaica.

Although Cyrenaica was once known to the world as a colony of a colony of Sparta, Daionia and Cyrenaica had established friendly ties long ago, dating back to when Dionysius launched his cross-sea expedition against Daionia. That friendship had only deepened over time. Naturally, Cyrenaica also consciously shifted from an initial standing of equality to the respectful deference of a small state serving a great power.

Because several waves of the Daionian Army had already passed through Cyrenaica since the previous year, the locals felt no panic and had even grown quite accustomed to the sight. Yet, when a Daionian envoy informed the high-ranking officials of Cyrenaica that King Davos himself was among the troops, the oligarchs scrambled. They hastily had lavish gifts of gold, silver, and military rations prepared before rushing to the temporary camp by the port to pay their respects.

Davos patiently engaged them in a friendly conversation, explicitly stating that while Daionia was at war with Persia, it would also do everything in its power to guarantee Egypt's political stability.

To the people of Cyrenaica, who had never suffered a foreign invasion, the war between Daionia and the Persians had no impact. The only threats to their safety were internal strife and famine. If Egypt descended into turmoil, the massive population of Libyans living there would flee westward, inevitably undermining Cyrenaica's political stability. Although the Daionian Army had helped Egypt quell a rebellion the previous year, a new pharaoh had yet to be chosen, leaving the local oligarchs constantly on edge. Now, with the King of Daonia's guarantee, they could return home with peace of mind.

The Daionian fleet rested properly for two days in the port of Cyrenaica before continuing its eastward voyage along the African Coast. By mid-February, they finally reached the shores of Egypt.

When Davos's flagship smoothly passed the checkpoint at the Pelusiac branch of the Nile and slowly sailed into port, the welcoming Egyptian crowds erupted into deafening cheers. This left Davos mildly surprised before he even disembarked.

The moment he stepped onto the pier, Asistes and the others hurried forward, bowing respectfully in greeting.

"You have all worked hard during this time. On behalf of the kingdom's people, I thank you for your contributions!" Davos returned the bow with equal solemnity. Then, glancing at the densely packed Egyptian crowds gathered on the periphery, he asked curiously, "Did you arrange this?"

"Out of concern for safety, we didn't heavily publicize your arrival. This is entirely spontaneous on their part," Asistes quickly explained.

"Oh?" Davos looked out at the excited faces in the distance, his interest piqued. "Are they from all over Egypt?"

"No, Your Majesty," Asistes answered frankly. "The vast majority are from this city and the surrounding villages."

Centuries ago, an Egyptian pharaoh had provided Naucratis as a stronghold for Greek mercenaries. Over time, it gradually developed into the only Hellenized Egyptian town to maintain regular trade with the Greeks. Most of the city's residents possessed Greek ancestry, not to mention that the increasingly close diplomatic and trade relations between Daionia and Egypt over the past twenty years had mostly been conducted through this town, prompting several Daionian Citizens to settle there permanently.

Because of its unique nature, the City of Naucratis had long faced marginalization and suppression within conservative Egyptian society. It existed like an isolated island in a vast ocean, wielding absolutely no political influence over Egypt. This time, however, the Daionian reinforcements had lingered long after quelling the rebellion, and recently, the decrees issued from Memphis to the various towns of the Nile Delta even carried the faint fingerprints of the Theonians. The sensitive residents of Naucratis realized that Egypt's political landscape was undergoing an earth-shattering transformation. This was perhaps their golden opportunity to turn their fortunes around, which led to today's grand welcome—a display of loyalty from the people of Naucratis to the King of Daonia.

Davos naturally deduced this as well, feeling a twinge of disappointment in his heart.

Just then, a voice spoke near his ear. "Esteemed King, the people of Egypt's other towns are actually very overjoyed by your arrival as well. It is only because of the great distance and short notice that they could not arrive in time to welcome you. I am confident that on Your Majesty's journey toward Memphis, you will see the enthusiasm of the rest of the Egyptian populace with your own eyes." The speaker stood beside Asistes. He was a slightly plump man with dark skin, pronounced wrinkles, and a grayish-white goatee. Bowing slightly, he watched Davos with a fawning smile.

Noting the man's pure white short-sleeved linen robe, golden crown, and the slender staff in his hand, Davos already had a fair guess as to his identity. Still, he asked in surprise, "And who is this?"

"Your Majesty, this is Amenhotep from the Karnak Temple, the high priest appointed during the reign of Pharaoh Tanib. We have received tremendous help from him since arriving in Egypt!" Asistes quickly introduced.

Davos smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Asistes has mentioned you numerous times in his letters. You've truly provided us with tremendous support!"

"Esteemed King, the honor is mine!" Amenhotep bowed respectfully, speaking passionately in slightly stiff Greek. "You are the Son of Amun, the Lord of Upper and Lower Egypt! Serving you is my privilege, just as it is for the people of Egypt. Therefore, you need not be surprised that they have gathered here, for from now on, the people of all Egypt will devoutly listen to your teachings!"

Although Davos already knew from Asistes's letters that this high-status priest had completely defected to Daionia, the man's overly fawning attitude still caught him off guard. He couldn't help but wonder:

After all, three months ago, the advance force commanded by Chalcides had not only wiped out the usurper Nectanebos but had also swiftly crushed the rebellions in the other towns of the Nile Delta. This frightened the already restless Thebes (not the city-state on the Greek Mainland, but the religious center of Upper Egypt) into quickly settling down. Then, starting last December, the other legions of the Kingdom of Daunia had successively arrived in Egypt. Counting the First and Second Legions that disembarked today, the number of Daionian legions within Egypt's borders was approaching twenty (including cavalry). This massive force of over a hundred thousand men, coupled with their formidable combat strength, was enough to destroy all of Egypt. How could Amenhotep not tremble?

Most of the people at the Port of Naucratis understood Greek. Hearing High Priest Amenhotep loudly proclaim the titles "Son of Amun" and "King of Upper and Lower Egypt," they first broke into an uproar, then erupted in cheers. Immediately after, swathes of the crowd fell to their knees, shouting the name of the "great and noble Pharaoh Davos" in unison.

Faced with the cheers of the Egyptian people, Davos did not lose his head. He was well aware that Amenhotep's respectful address was also a kind of test. Smiling, he said, "I am very grateful to the great Amun for entrusting me with such a monumental mission. However, Daionia's territory is vast, and my energy is limited. I hope the servants of Amun can assist me in governing this ancient nation together, allowing the Egyptian people to once again bathe in the benevolent light of Amun."

Davos's direct and clear reply brought Amenhotep immense relief. He immediately declared in a loud voice, "All the servants of Amun are willing to dedicate their complete loyalty to you, great pharaoh!"

The agreements reached by Tapirus and the high priests of Amun through multiple negotiations over the past few months were cemented at this moment by the promises of Davos and Amenhotep, officially establishing the cooperation between the two sides.

Davos then stepped in front of the kneeling crowds, gestured for them to rise, and declared loudly, "Subjects of Egypt! Over the years, Persia in the north has repeatedly dispatched troops to attack Egypt, vainly attempting to seize the lands of the Nile, reduce you to slaves, and force you to abandon your faith in Amun to worship Ahura Mazda instead! Furthermore, Nectanebos's rebellion was instigated by the Persians behind the scenes. Egypt's situation was already incredibly dangerous!

"That is why the great Amun has made me the new master of this land! I have brought fearless soldiers who will defend Egypt and defeat Persia, allowing you to enjoy lasting peace and tranquility! I guarantee that Egypt will forever remain the Egypt of the Egyptians!..."