Sobczak and Skiedweza sat their horses side by side at the head of their column of cavalry. There was no particular reason to hurry – especially in the midday heat – so they were enjoying a casual talk as their horses plodded along. The invasion of Egyptian territory was proceeding, and General Schwedt’s cavalry constituted the German right wing, advancing south along the west bank of the Nile.
“Interesting,” Krysz said, “to have such desolation side by side with such beauty.” He indicated either side of the palm-lined dirt road they traveled. One side featured the broad, fertile Nile basin, with its bustle of activity on land and water alike. The other side, seen through a screen of trees and lower vegetation, rose up into arid dunes and plateaus of packed sand.
“And to think,” Sobczak noted, “that it is not much different today than in Moses’ day!”
“Except for us!” Krysz joked.
A commotion from down the line caused Sobczak to turn around, and he was suddenly grateful that he had not yet allowed the men to doff their dark blue wool uniform jackets.
An open carriage with KronPrinz Wilhelm and two other officers was passing alongside – passing slowly, as the road was not without its ruts and rocks. Oddly, not only were all three men dressed in a relatively uncommon white variation of the Prussian officers’ uniform, but they were also standing up in their seats, holding onto the front of the conveyance for balance. The older officer, who they recognized as Wilhelm’s tutor, Longanecker, was pointing out some landmark to the KronPrinz, who looked on with interest toward the Nile.
When the carriage arrived at the lead of the column, Wilhelm called for the driver to slow down. “Kapitan,” he addressed. “Leutnant. How are you, this fine day?”
“Wonderful, Sir. And Your Highness?”
“I am beside myself with joy!” he boasted. “And what is the name of this fine unit?”
Loudly, Sobczak shouted, “We are the Third Squadron of the Second Regiment of General Schwedt’s 1st Kavalleriedivision, Your Highness!”
Raising his voice to carry, the KronPrinz boomed, “Aha! You are part of the most celebrated cavalry division in Prussian history!” The soldiers hooted and cheered – they knew it was true. Few divisions were able to trace an unbroken history dating to the Napoleonic Wars. “On behalf of my Father, the Kaiser, I wish to express our utmost admiration for the work that you do, and for what you are accomplishing against these heathens for the glory of the great German Empire!” Shouts of jubilation rang out from the soldiers of the cavalry, proud to have been so recognized by the heir to the Imperial Throne.
Wilhelm turned his attention back to Sobczak. “And you? What are your names?”
“I am Kapitan Radim Sobczak, Your Highness. And this is my Leutnant, Krysz Skiedweza.”
Longanecker quirked a slight smile of amusement. The twenty-something KronPrinz’ spiked moustache twitched a little as he recognized his chagrin, but he recovered quickly. “Yes, well… Your service to the Reich, fine sirs, is highly valued.” He saluted them, and they returned the salute. “Carry on, then.”
The horses drawing the carriage picked up their pace, and the three men inside sat down as they continued toward their destination. Sobczak and Skiedweza just turned to each other, grinned, and chuckled.