that has a musical instrument," ordered The Hawk,
"come to the lead. The dog riders and Black Death with a few of us to
support them, will stay hidden up here, and await my signal to attack!
The rest of us are going down. I want you to look as sharp as you can.
I know you're tired, but I want a good show. The more we hurt the
enemy's will to fight, the more chance we have. All right, wait for my
signal!"
106 In the passage below, Flaming Star, Bright Star's younger brother,
came up to him. "In the name of Zorn," he cried, "where's The Hawk?
They're beginning to march! They'll be charging in minutes!"
107 As if in answer to his question, the sound of music suddenly filled
the air, and startled cries rose from the advancing enemy.
108 The Zomans, looking behind them, saw The Hawk's people marching
down the hill, and rose with a great cheer. The Epons froze in
bewilderment, then
slowly fell back, war leaders running into their Prince who was in the
middle of the column. They pointed to The Hawk's people, and cried,
"Demon! Demon! Ghost! Ghost!"
109 The Epon Prince raised his hand, and waved his leaders back to
their positions. A strange man ran from group to group, jumping up and
down and dancing in front of them. As The Hawk approached Bright Star
and his people took position, he asked, "What's that all about?"
110 "That's an Epon Priest," explained Bright Star, "they whirl and
dance Themselves into a frenzy and then are supposed to receive visions
from their god. He's probably encouraging them to fight. Your arrival
has unbalanced them."
111 "Let's see if we can unbalance them more!" suggested The Hawk. "I
left some surprises up on the hill. Do you remember me
telling you about the battle in The Valley of The Bear?"
112 Bright Star smiled. "I surely do!" he answered.