The murder of Sarah's child seemed so suspicious in the earlier days, that even the supreme council asked Mentezufis what he. thought of it.
Mentezufis answered that he had watched the prince for days, and did not think the man a murderer.
Such were the letters which, like birds of prey, whirled around Ramses, while he was sending scouts against the enemy, consulting leaders, or urging on his warriors.
On the fourteenth day the whole army was concentrated on the south of
Teremethis. To the great delight of the heir,
Patrokles came with the Greek regiment, and with him the priest
Pentuer, sent by Herhor as another guardian near the viceroy.
The multitude of priests in the camp (for there were still others) did not enchant Ramses. But he resolved not to turn attention to the holy men or ask advice of them.
Relations were regulated in some way, for Mentezufis, according to instructions from Herhor, did not force himself on the prince, while Pentuer occupied himself with organizing medical aid for the wounded.
The military game began.
First of all Ramses, through his agents, had spread a report in many boundary villages that the Libyans were pushing forward in great masses, and would destroy and murder. Because of this the terrified inhabitants fled eastward and met the Egyptian warriors. The prince took them in to carry burdens for the army, the women and children he conveyed to the interior of Egypt. Next the commander sent spies to meet the approaching Libyans and discover their number and disposition. These spies returned soon, bringing accurate indications as to where the Libyans were and very exaggerated accounts as to their numbers. They asserted, too, mistakenly, though in great confidence, that at the head of the Libyan columns marched Musawasa with his son Tehenna.
The princely leader was flushed with delight that in his first war he would have such an experienced enemy as Musawasa.