22 The sun was beginning to set. They needed only
another hour. But now many of their numbers were wounded. "They'll try
one more time," warned Thundering Dove, "then darkness will be on us.
They'll either give it up or withdraw into a hole in the wall."
23 With a desperate roar the enemy attacked once more, and this time
Spirits line was broken up. Five of the enemy drew out Bay Blossom,
desperate to destroy her. "Two can play at this legs game," thought
Thundering Dove. Running forward, he hurled himself into the men's
legs. They all went down with a thundering crash.
24 Bay Blossom sent two of them to their God before they could even
regain their knees. Thundering Dove wasn't quite as quick, though. As
he tried to right himself, one of them got to HIM. His sword swung and
Thundering Dove leapt back, not quite fast enough. The tip of the blade
slashed through his open mouth, neatly slicing his tongue.
25 Fighting the pain Thundering Dove drove his own sword beneath the
man's breastplate and found more deadly ground. Spitting blood, he
gained his feet and got another man from behind. Now, it was two to
two, and they pushed the attackers back.
26 "Are you all right?" screamed Bay Blossom. Thundering Dove could not
answer her. His full concern was to keep fighting, and to keep from
drowning in his own blood. His mouth burned like fire, and he had to
keep his head down to breathe.
27 Suddenly there were loud cries from behind the enemy, and the sound
of fresh combat. The outrunners had found a patrol, and returned. In
a matter of minutes the enemy was subdued.
28 "Damn you!" screamed Bay Blossom, when things had quieted down and
they had managed to stop his