July 21st, 1798, Ibrahim Bey was sitting behind his desk, his face pale as he listened to the report of the surviving Mamluk soldiers who fought the French Army that was marching towards Cairo.
"Murad Pasha is dead, Ibrahim Pasha," the Mamluk soldier announced somberly. "The French possessed a monstrous weapon that tore our lines from afar, a gun that could spit out a lot of bullets in mere seconds. It wasn't a battle... Ibrahim Pasha, it was a massacre…"
Ibrahim Bey's heart sank at the confirmation of Murad Bey's demise. The weight of the loss and the devastating power of the French's weapon weighed heavily on his shoulders. The once-mighty Mamluk army had been shattered, leaving Cairo vulnerable to the impending French invasion.
"Where is the rest of his army?" Ibrahim asked, his voice trembling with a mix of grief and concern.
"The French have taken the surviving soldiers as prisoners of war. They are now marching towards Cairo with their full force. Soon, Cairo will be a battlefield," the soldier replied dreadfully.
Ibrahim Bey clenched his fists, his mind racing to find a solution to this dire situation. With the majority of experienced Mamluk soldiers lost in the previous battle, the defense of Cairo seemed nearly impossible. The city was now left with only 2,000 Mamluk soldiers, most of whom were inexperienced and untested in combat.
"We cannot defend Cairo without Murad Bey and his troops," Ibrahim sighed, his tone growing weak. "I must make a difficult decision. I will leave this city, gather additional forces in Syria, and then we will march down to Cairo to retake it. This situation has grown worse, and it seems I will have to seek an alliance with the Ottomans once again."
The gravity of the decision weighed heavily on Ibrahim Bey's mind. Leaving Cairo exposed and relying on external support was not the outcome he had envisioned, but it was the only option he saw to have a chance at reclaiming the city from the relentless French forces.
With a heavy heart, Ibrahim Bey rose from his seat, determined to take immediate action. He called for his trusted advisors, commanders, and messengers to prepare for the journey to Syria and to establish the necessary communication channels with the Ottoman Empire.
***
Four days later, Napoleon and his army marched towards Cairo, with the captured Mamluk soldiers leading the way. The Mamluk prisoners walked with heads bowed, their spirits broken. Their shell-shocked expressions and defeated demeanor stood in stark contrast to the triumphant spirit emanating from the French forces.
Napoleon rode at the head of his troops, his eyes fixed on the city that lay ahead. Cairo, the jewel of Egypt, was now within his reach. It took them longer than expected, as most of his troops invested their time heavily in clearing the way of Mamluk soldiers' corpses.
In real history, Napoleon decimated Murad Bey's forces in the Battle of the Pyramids. Murad Bey was able to escape and conduct guerilla warfare in upper Egypt. But in this world, there was no battle of the Pyramids as the decisive battle took place 11 days and Murad Bey is dead. What's more is that none of the French soldiers were killed in the battle, even in dehydration or heat stroke due to the uniforms he designed and the canteens he had provided to each and one of them.
As they neared Cairo, Napoleon noticed a grand monument rising in the distance. Its towering structure and majestic silhouette were unmistakable—the Pyramids of Giza, one of the world's wonders. The sight of these ancient marvels stirred awe within Napoleon.
"Stop!" he commanded, bringing the army to a halt. He dismounted his camel and walked forward to get a better view of the pyramids. He took out his spyglass and focused it on the magnificent structures before him. Through the lens, the intricate details of the pyramids became clearer.
He couldn't help but smile at the sight. In his past life, he only saw them in movies and the internet, but now he is gazing at them in person. He lowered down his spyglass and turned to his troops.
"Soldiers! We stand here today with a noble purpose—to uplift this land from darkness, to bestow the gifts of civilization upon the Orient, and to liberate it from the grasp of England. Know that as we gaze upon these pyramids, the weight of forty centuries is upon us, witnessing our courage and determination. Let history remember this moment, as we forge a legacy that shall endure for eternity!"
Inspired by the majestic sight before them, the French soldiers erupted into cheers, their voices echoing across the desert.
"Vive la République!" they chanted, their fervor filling the air.
But amidst the jubilant cries of the French troops, the captive Mamluk soldiers could only listen, their eyes downcast and their hearts heavy with defeat. The contrast between the exultant French forces and the dejected Mamluk prisoners spoke volumes about the current state of affairs.
Napoleon hopped back onto his camel and resumed their march. Two hours later, Napoleon and the French Army arrived at the gates of Cairo.
The city of Cairo, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, greeted Napoleon and his army with an air of apprehension. Its bustling streets, lined with ancient structures and vibrant markets, now appeared subdued in the presence of the conquering force. The local Egyptian population watched from a distance, their expressions a mix of curiosity, fear, and resignation.
As the French troops entered the city, the rhythmic clatter of their marching boots echoed through the narrow alleys. The sound resonated with an imposing authority, causing the residents to retreat into the safety of their homes. Windows shuttered, doors closed, and a heavy silence settled over the city, broken only by the occasional whispers of concern.
Napoleon, ever observant, took note of the apprehensive reactions from the local population. He understood the impact his presence had on their lives and the uncertainty that now pervaded their hearts. Despite his victorious demeanor, he recognized the delicate balance he needed to strike between asserting his authority and winning the trust of the Egyptian people.
"This is where the real fight begins," Napoleon muttered under his breath.
"General Bonaparte, I bring news," Murat rode his horse next to Napoleon's camel, matching its speed.
"What is it, Murat?" Napoleon asked, his eyes fixed on the street ahead of him.
"General Bonaparte, we received this news just now. The leader of Egypt, Ibrahim Bey, Murad Bey's partner, had fled the city."
"He must be heading towards Syria," Napoleon mumbled and turned his head towards Murat. "Well, that's good, without the Mamluks and the Beys in Cairo, we effectively conquered the city of Cairo and became a master of Egypt. Now, it's time for cooperation with the locals."
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