it will be a greater blow than what we planned
before. Fire these docks and warehouses. What we can't take with us
we'll burn."
91 So it was in a race against time they went back to the water,
leaving a bleeding, shocked and bewildered enemy behind. Out in the
lake the two fleets separated. Bay Blossom now short handed, was still
determined to accomplish her goal.
92 Late in the evening her forces arrived in the waters off Wisdom. It
was risky, but she had to send in a scouting boat. She had to know if
the enemy was still in the harbor. The boat returned with glorious news.
The harbor was packed! There was barely room to maneuver through the
many ships. "Our fire boats," boasted its Commander, "will turn that
place into a nightmare."
93 Bay Blossom nodded. "We've got a couple of hours to get into
position. I want no time wasted."
94 None was. When the flaming arrow finally leapt skyward, the attack
began. One-hundred fire boats of various sizes manned by The Black
Death headed into the harbor. These boats with grapples fitted into
their sides, would ram into another vessel, its grapples making it
fast. By the time it hit another vessel, it was usually already aflame.
Behind them came the boats,that if they could, would pick up their
crews while they filled the docks and ships with fire arrows.
95 As soon as their mission was completed, they would flee out the main
channel because by then, every other channel would be blocked. And as
soon as they were clear, a barricade of ships would seal the main
channel. Waiting in the darkness Bay Blossom listened for the first
signs that the enemy was aware. They came with the first call of trumpets
and cries of "Spear-it! Spear-it!"