try! And we won't be able to send any help south.
By the time fall comes, we'll be fighting for our lives with only our
courage to fight with, thanks to you."
70 "I meant well," said Trusting Fox, "I meant to do good for the
people. I had no idea I would be betrayed, that my trust would be
answered with treachery. How could any man know?"
71 "By remembering," answered Bold Fox, "what The Lords teach. That all
men are not wise and good. Give every man your trust, but always be
ready to defend yourself."
72 He left The First Speaker and went out to gather his forces. They
had little time to prepare. Reinforcements were rushed to the desert
outposts. The Militia was called up. The villages below Southern and
Eastern were evacuated except for their men. All surplus supplies were
shipped north.
73 The railroad in this work, was a blessing. It's speed saved many
lives. The dust had barely settled when The Oneness came. They were on
the desert outposts in a fury. As brave as the defenders were, they
couldn't hold.
74 With the outpost smoldering ruins from the enemy's cannon, they
withdrew. Again and again they tried to hold, but again and again the
cannon and repeating rifles drove them back.
75 Blossom was besieged but holding. So was Canal, but they were
desperate. The walls of Southern were being battered, but the defenders
held.
76 Screaming Hawk made a stand at the river but was driven back. Bright
Sword did better, but he, too, was forced to retreat back towards the
forest.
77 Rail fell, and after a vicious battle, so