then they broke theirs, also. The great torrent
grew and grew, destroying everything in its path as it hurried to its
goal. Finally with a thundering roar it emerged from the forest, and
slammed into the walls of the city.
17 At first nothing seemed to happen. Then the corners of the great
walls began to crumble. Stone after stone was bashed away by the great
mountain of water, and two sides of the great walls crumbled. Finally
the waters passed, and before The Children of Spirit stood a shattered
city. Though still rushing, the debris from the walls had created
shallow fords across both rivers.
18 The Hawk drew his sword and was about to signal the charge when a
cry of joy rose from his army. Epons emerged from the city waving white flags. They forded the river,
came up to The Hawk and threw themselves at his feet. "Mercy!" they
cried, "Mercy! Spare us, oh mighty god, commander of the elements of
the earth! Have pity on us oh master of the fire, the wind, and the
water.
19 We lay down our arms. We have seized our King and his family. They
are our prisoners. They ordered us to fight on but how can we fight
magic as great as yours? Pity us!" They cried, "and our daughters will
come to you willingly. But do not put our sons to the sword. Do not
take our wives’ honor.”
20 "We will give you terms," agreed The Hawk. "We will not take your
daughters. If you surrender, your treasure will be ours and you will
pay the cost of this war against you."
21 "If you take our treasure," pleaded The Epons, "how can we pay you?"
22 "We will take only your gold and silver," explained The Hawk. "The
rest you can trade. There are things here in your land I want, and I want half