"will become warships, and if we meet their navy,
we will deal with it, first. But I think I've taught her well, I think
she's right. If we take this city, their supply lines will be cut.
They'll have to lift their siege and come down to deal with us. I
really like it. If I could only find something...anything to give us
that
advantage!"
9 The next day a fishing boat left Zo's harbor and headed south. Its
crew had a desperate mission... scout Ze. See what forces the enemy
still had there. Bring back word on the harbor defenses. The Hawk
admired The Zoans' courage to make such a hazardous journey. While they
awaited the boat's return, thousands of preparations had to be made,
and The Lady Hawk's skill at organizing such things became invaluable.
10 First, she sorted the ships in the harbor, decided which ones would
be fitted with boarding ramps and rams, next which ones would be used
for troop carriers and which for cargo.
11 They found they had ample ships. Soon, feverish work in the harbor
was matched only by the work of the blacksmiths' shops. Soon boats were
being loaded with endless amounts of supplies and men unskilled in
water combat learned how to board an enemy vessel.
12 The Hawk ordered that all armor be abandoned besides helmets and
breastplates. A man in the water could free himself of his breastplate,
but his arm guards and leggings would pull him down. Sword and shield
would be their best defense.
13 "They're awfully green," worried Bright Star.
14 "They'll do what must be done," The Hawk told him.
15 One day they were inspecting the work along the shore when The Hawk
grew thirsty. Seeing the clear, beautiful water, he bent down and
brought a handful to his lips. "No!" cried Bright Star, but it was too
late.