of your army to serve me in the field. They will
receive no wages, only their keep. Their wages will be subtracted from
your debt."
23 "It is agreed, oh merciful god that flies through the skies. It is
agreed."
24 "There is one other thing," continued The Hawk, "within an hour your
shall bring me your king, your prince, and your High Priest. They are
the final thing to close our bargain. Bring these here and your city is
safe!"
25 "Our Holy One?" gasped The Epons. "You demand Him, also?"
26 "Him, especially," demanded The Hawk, "will I see die this day."
27 The Epons returned to city and within an hour both their
King, Prince, and Priest. They threw them down at The Hawk's
feet, and withdrew. "No," ordered The Hawk. "We will be sure you have
not deceived us. All of you, strip to your loin cloths."
28 Fearfully The Epons obeyed, and The Hawk had them bound."Bring me a
prisoner," instructed The Hawk, "who has not seen what we just did." A
man was brought forward. "Go amongst these prisoners," ordered The
Hawk, "bring out your King, your Prince, and, your High Priest."
29 The man was extremely fearful but slowly he obeyed. He selected the
three the Epons had given them.
30 "The rest of you," commanded The Hawk, "put on your clothes. Return
to your city." He turned to Bright Star. "They are yours. It
is your people who have suffered most because of their
cruelty."
31 Bright Star drew a great sword from its scabbard. "Kneel them down,"
he ordered.
32 "Fools!" cried The Epon Priest, "You have