The small boat rocked gently against the dark waters of the Nile as it pushed away from the harbor of Pelusium under cover of night. A soft breeze carried the scent of brine and distant desert, but Nathan barely noticed. His thoughts were focused, sharp, cold. The moonlight filtered through thin clouds above, casting silver light upon the deck where he stood, eyes scanning the horizon with practiced caution.
He had no time to waste.
His plan had been put into motion swiftly and without hesitation. The moment Pompey had fallen into his grasp, Nathan had purchased a vessel in haste, throwing coin and threat alike at the nearest dockhands until a crew was assembled—silent, loyal, or at the very least, bought enough to look the other way.
Alexandria awaited. And with Pompey bound and silenced, Nathan was bringing more than a prisoner to the capital—he was bringing leverage.
