On this point she had armed herself with bars of brass
and triple steel. He might have fooled the girl, but at the thought of
love her heart was ice.
The sorceress communicated her resolution to Garthmund. The chieftain
exhibited no surprise: he expressed a grim approval of the proposal,
which seemed likely to give an excuse for revelry and to bring the
campaign to a prompt conclusion, and proceeded to make the requisite
arrangements.
The 30th of March was the day chosen. The forces investing the two
beleaguered positions were ordered to assemble, that on the western side
on the low ground between L'Eree and Lihou, that on the northern under
shelter of the woods of the Braye du Valle, facing the fortifications
thrown up by the defenders. At a given signal, the kindling of a beacon
on the Rocque du Guet, the two hosts were to make simultaneously a
determined assault. The islanders not engaged in these operations, with
the exception of those openly or secretly sympathizing with the
Christians, poured into Vazon Forest, none remaining behind but those
absolutely incapable of conveying themselves or of being conveyed.
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