insanity, then take them, but leave our sweet
ones, leave our gentleness. Do not take our flowers to be entered into
by strangers."
86 "Woman," snapped The Hawk, "your mouth is as black as your heart.
There is no good in you, whatsoever, but I will take into battle no one
that will not willingly follow me. SO I will grant you this...any woman
that does not wish to go may trade places with a man remaining behind.
That will make it their choice. They can come or stay, it will be up to
them. Now, get out of my sight!"
87 The people left, still grumbling. In all the Land only three women
took advantage of The Hawk's offer. All the rest marched with him to
Zo. And what a march it was! They took no ox carts but carried what few
provisions they had. They marched at a grueling pace, and the young men
marveled at The Hawk's stamina; that a man his age would set such
a grueling lead amazed them!
88 They traveled long into the night and began again early in the
morning. Resting a short time during the heat of the day, they marched
on. The dog riders took turns letting the foot fighters ride their
animals so they could rest. They picked up provisions and water from
the stranded caravans and villages along the way, and also volunteers.
When they finally came down out of the mountains into The Land of Zo
they were already weary and they received discouraging news.
89 Bright Star had prepared meager defenses in the coastal pass below
Zi. The enemy was massing and the attack was expected within three
days. But they were still five days' march from him, if they stayed to
the roads.
90 "There is a chance, "suggested The Zoan messenger, "if you do not
mind rough traveling, and, a swim across the river. There is a seldom
used trail that cuts through the badlands and rejoins the coastal road