Wilbur Smith · 2001 · overland

Wilbur Smith's 2001 novel of ancient Egypt. When the usurper Naja seizes the throne, the old magus Taita spirits the boy-pharaoh Nefer away from Thebes into the deep desert. In a ruined city among the dunes they gather exiles and warriors and forge an army, biding their time until they can march back down to the Nile and win back the double crown of Egypt.

1. 1
   Thebes

   When the pharaoh dies and the cunning Lord Naja seizes power as regent, the old magus Taita knows the boy-prince Nefer Seti will not live to come of age - and spirits him away from Thebes into the vast eastern desert.

2. 2
   Gebel Nagara

   In the hills of Gebel Nagara, far out in the wilderness, Taita hides the young pharaoh and guides him through the harsh ordeals of manhood, waiting for the boy to grow into the king Egypt will one day need him to be.

3. 3
   Gallala

   At the ruined desert city of Gallala they raise a stronghold, drawing exiles, Bedouin and loyal soldiers to Nefer's banner - forging in the sand the army that will one day march back to the Nile to reclaim the double crown.