53 The Hawk stared down through the water at the
sight below; shields lay on the bottom, the handles of swords stuck up
from the mud...and bodies...bodies were everywhere, held down by their
armor. "Everyone that can swim," ordered The Hawk, "the water's not
deep. I want all those weapons, all those bodies. Haul them up!"
54 The people swiftly went to work, and before the sun sat, and they
lost the light, their gruesome work was done. Under the cover of
darkness they paddled on, and ahead of them they saw the torches of the
city. "Assemble the towers," ordered The Hawk, "I want them up by
morning."
55 All night his engineers worked, and by morning the towers supported
by the wine kegs, and the larger boats floated menacingly but a short
distance from the enemy's walls, just outside of arrow range.
56 The Hawk took the damaged boats that were still usable, loaded the
enemy's dead in them, put a prisoner in the bow and stern of each, and
gave their leader a message for his King. "Ask him," demanded The Hawk,
"how many more?"
57 The leader nodded his head, and paddled away, his companions
following him. There was no doubt there were women in this city. Their
horrid wailing when they saw the bodies was almost unbearable. An
hour passed, and The Hawk felt his message had gone unheeded, when
suddenly boats flying white flags appeared from between the islands.
Over one flew the Royal Banner.
58 The boats formed a line and The King's boat came out a short
distance. The Hawk stepped into a boat and they paddled out to him.
"Will we be offered," asked The King, "the same terms you offered other
kingdoms? You will keep the cities you have taken, take the treasure
from this one, and make us pay the debt for the war? Our women will be
safe?"