north. The Epon navy proved no problem. They
simply sailed through it as if it wasn't there, stormed the beaches,
and met the enemy. They were prepared for the spice now, but it did
them little good.
53 After two days of vicious fighting, the enemy withdrew. The siege
was lifted and again they had killed many, and taken many prisoners
with only few losses.
54 Barely had The Epons withdrawn, than the rains came. The ships were
stuck in the harbors until late spring. They would have to wait until
then to carry the battle to the enemy's shore.
55 The Hawk returned home to tend to his own land's affairs, but
promised Bright Star he would rotate his fighting people and be ready
for the new campaign as soon as the lake was passable and the ground
fit for battle.
56 Things at home were quiet that winter. No difficult cases had been
kept for The Hawk to decide. As soon as spring approached, a more
leisurely trip to Zo was made.
57 Their plan of battle was simple. Two armies would harass The Litoans
and The Epons north and south, and hopefully draw their forces in these
directions. Meanwhile, The Hawk and Bright Star would launch the real
attack by crossing the lake and attacking Epon, itself.
58 The preparations were just about made when a messenger came from The
Land of Spirit. He carried an urgent message from Gray Boar. 'First
Speaker,' it read, 'you must come home at once. We are under attack.
Desert patrols spotted a vast army coming out of the desert and heading
north. All defense plans are being put into action, but we need you
immediately!'
59 The Hawk left Wandering Fox in charge at Zo and quickly sped home.
When he got there, the situation had worsened. There was little doubt
now, it was a