Nor was escape any longer possible,
for both the plain without and the fosse within were filled with the men
of Ithobal who advanced also by hundreds down the broad coping of the
captured wall.
"Now there is but one thing that we can do," said Aziel; "fight bravely
till we are slain."
As he spoke a javelin cast from the wall beneath struck him upon the
breastplate, and though the bronze turned the iron point, it brought him
to his knees. When he found his feet again, he heard a voice calling
him by name, and looking down, saw Ithobal clad in golden harness and
surrounded by his captains.
"You cannot escape, prince Aziel," cried the king; "yield now to my
mercy."
Aziel heard, and setting an arrow to his bow, loosed it at Ithobal
beneath. He was a strong and skilful archer, and the heavy shaft pierced
the golden helmet of the king, cutting his scalp down to the bone.
"That is my answer," cried Aziel, as Ithobal rolled upon the ground
beneath the shock of the blow. But very soon the king was up and crying
his commands from behind the shield-hedge of his captains.
"Let the prince Aziel, and the Jews with him, be taken alive and brought
to me," he shouted. "I will give a great reward in cattle to those who
capture them unharmed; but if any do them hurt, they themselves shall be
put to death."
The captains bowed and issued their orders, and presently Aziel and his
companions saw lines of unarmed men creeping up ladders set at every
side of the lofty tower.
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