back. Suddenly they withdrew, heading south, and
The Hawk pursued. He found them two day's journey below him,
desperately trying to fight their way through Shining Serpent. They
barely had time to turn and meet his attack.
83 They had no food, no water, but still they fought day after day,
night after night. They tried desperately to get through to their
besieged capital. But after five bitter days with their troops ready to
drop, their leaders knew it was finished. They brought out white flags
and asked for parlay. "What treatment," asked their leader, "might we
expect at your hands?"
84 "You will be treated," answered The Hawk, "like the brave men you
are. Lay down your arms now. Let us treat your wounded. Let us give you
food and water. We want only that this suffering ends."
85 The Frn leader drew out his sword, fell to his knees, and laid it at
The Hawk's feet. He motioned forward his banner-carriers and they
knelt, offering their flags. But The Hawk took the flags and kissed
them, a sign of great respect, and told them to return them to their
ranks. He would not take the honor of men so courageous.
86 "There is GREAT honor," praised The Frn leader, "to be beaten by the
best there is, and then have him praise you, and show you courtesy. In
the name of my men, I salute you!"
87 The Hawk marched on Fr. About a day's journey from it he met
emissaries from The King, who had been given permission to come to him.
"So," they asked, "our King asks mercy and The King of Ki, also. What
mercy can they expect? What terms do you offer?"
88 "These terms and these alone," answered The Hawk. "The cities we
have taken and their villages are now ours. Fr and Ki will pay their
share