the kite fliers sent their kites aloft. One after
another they disappeared into the darkness. Suddenly the first bundles
fell, and the kiters started to draw in their lines. Then the next,
and, the next fell. They could not see the bundles land, but they could
see the results.
173 Soon flames were visible over the top of the city wall. The screams
from the city grew louder and louder. Finally all the bundles
were gone, but no more were needed. Fires started in many different
parts of the city and were spreading. The flames and sparks leaped
skyward.
174 Suddenly many gates were flung open, and the people began to pour
out, carrying what possessions they could salvage. The Epon soldiers
would have liked to make a fight of it, but the press of the fleeing
people around them gave them no chance to fight. They threw down their
weapons and were gathered up with the rest of the refugees.
175 For three days the city burned. When the fires finally went out,
there was nothing left but the ruins of the great walls. The Epons just
sat in disbelief, staring at their once beautiful City. Their loss of
life had been high. Many had been trapped by flames, and
never gotten out. Men, women and children had perished.
176 "You are supposed to be a merciful people," wept the Chieftain of
the city, "but you called fire from the sky and destroyed us without
mercy. Tell my little ones that sleep in the ashes about your
compassion, about your pity, about your decency to enemies. Like all
men you say one thing and do another."
177 "For your children," admitted The Hawk, "I grieve, also. We do not
knowingly kill little ones. Whenever we can avoid it, we will
not. But thousands