6 Each person
knew their job. Those bearing the torches found their positions and set
them up, standing ready to light them. Some, as they left the camp,
threw pots of hot oil on the tents. Others embedded impaling sticks
behind the torches.'
7 By the time the bandits came rushing out of the outer tents, the trap
was set! Going from tent to tent the bandits looked for their victims.
Only when some started to head out of the camp did The Hawk order the
torches lit. In the sudden light the bandits found themselves exposed.
Spears and arrows took many of their numbers before they rushed in a
panic, back into the tents.
8 "You are trapped!" cried The Hawk. "Resistance is useless. You will
only give up your lives. Lay down your weapons ...surrender! We are The
children of The Lords! You will be well treated."
9 "We will stay free!" cried the bandit leader. "If you want
us, you will have to take us; IF you CAN!"
10 "Very well!" answered The Hawk. "You have chosen. Your death is not
on my hands. Bow people, let's make it hot for them!"
11 In moments flight after flight of flaming arrows poured into the
tents. As they struck the oil-soaked fabric, the tents burst to flame.
Soon the camp became a blazing inferno. Some men broke their cover,
their clothes ablaze. "Give them some more oil!" cried The Hawk.
12 Men swinging small pots of hot oil let them fly. Wherever they
struck and burst roared into flame. The bandits, in blind panic, rushed
one side of the circle. Dozens fell before they ever reached the
torches, and more ran headlong, into the impaling sticks. Those who
survived met sword and shield.
13 Some of The Children of The Lords moved around
the circle and joined their comrades,
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