Again and again they cast off the ladders, till
at length, being so few, they could stir them no more because of the
weight upon them, but must hack at the heads of the stormers as they
appeared above the parapet, killing them one by one.
In this fashion they slew many, but their arms grew weary at last,
and ever under the eye of their king, the brave savages crept upward,
heedless of death, till, with a shout, they poured over the battlements
and rushed at the little band of Jews.
Now rather than be taken, Aziel sought to throw himself from the tower,
but his companions held him, and thus at last it came about that he was
seized and bound.
As they dragged him to the stairway he looked across the fosse and
saw the mercenaries flying from the inner wall, although it was still
unbreached, and saw the citizens of Zimboe streaming by thousands to the
narrow gateway of the temple fortress.
Then Aziel groaned in his heart and struggled no more, for he knew
that the fate of the ancient town was sealed, and that the prophecy of
Issachar would be fulfilled.
*****
A while later Aziel and those with him, their hands bound behind their
backs, were led by hide ropes tied about their necks through the army of
the Tribes that jeered and spat upon them as they passed, to a tent of
sewn hides on the plain, above which floated the banner of Ithobal. Into
this tent the prince was thrust alone, and there forced upon his knees
by the soldiers who held him.
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