Through the open flap in the back of the tent, the prisoners saw the largest army that had ever been gathered in those lands. The multitude that the two lookouts were able to glimpse equalled the whole population of their city, including women and children. Both felt a lump in their throats at what seemed the inevitable.
‘Do you see this? Our troops have always been dispersed all over the island. Now we have gathered them into a single army.’
The Hittani scouts were dripping with sweat as they listened to his words.
‘You have just two options,’ continued the captain, ‘surrender or die.’
‘We prefer death rather than surrender. You have never been able to cross the swamp,’ said one of the lookouts defiantly.
‘This time it will be different. We know that there will be numerous casualties
