16 They drove The Oneness back, to the
valley where they had emerged, began to push down their road, but then
were stopped. They dug in and held The One there, while their forces
turned south to try to retake Lkf. But in the passes of the foothills
they were stopped.
17 The Children of Spirit at Nso, marched South, to Nos, and then
marched east to relieve the siege at Len. For thirteen terrible days
they fought where the roads met. Knowing they could not save the city,
they signaled its inhabitants. "While we hold the enemy, bring your
people and treasure and break out! Escape down the river. Do not be
absorbed."
18 The Lenans were reluctant, but finally, using every boat they had,
and building hundreds of rafts, they opened their river gates and
poured out. Forces of the relief army covered their retreat as The
Oneness saw the city they had so long fought for burst into flame. They
would win nothing but an empty shell.
19 The defenders retreated across the river, and here held. Again and
again The Oneness attacked, and the thunder of their guns sounded like
a raging storm, but the defenders held. So it was, as the dust of summer
settled, Brown Goat gave orders he hoped he would never give.
20 Brown Serpent, his most trusted Warlock, he sent south to attack The
Oneness with the guns they had been able to make. He sent
reinforcements, also, to Mu with guns, though The Muans had made and
captured many. Also, The Zoans poured south into the lands of their
neighbors with guns and supplies, and most of all, battle skill. But
nowhere did things go well.
21 Brown Serpent attacked Faith and Hope for ten days, fought
valiantly, but then was killed by a bullet