Dead Aynger led his men to war!
The Amenalks fell on the rear of the invaders. Flails and scythes and blades swung and glittered, and were lifted dripping red. A giant sprang upon the shield-platform, astride the body of Aynger. In his hand he brandished a war-hammer.
"Helm-Breaker!" he shouted. "He—Helm-Breaker!"
He leaped down; the great hammer rose and fell and slaughtered. Casques and helms shattered under the smashing blows; the Amenalk wielded Helm-Breaker in a circle of scarlet death about him.
"Helm-Breaker! Ho—slay! Slay!"
Kiriath swayed in confusion under the onslaught. In that breathing-space Elak and Dalan rallied their army. Cursing, yelling, brandishing steel, they whipped order out of chaos. Elak snatched a dragon banner from the dust, lifted it high.
He turned his horse's head down the valley. One hand lifting the standard, one gripping his bared rapier, he drove his spurs deep.
"Ho, the Dragon!" he shouted. "Cyrena! Cyrena!"
Down upon Kiriath he thundered. Behind him rode Lycon and the Druid. And after them the remnants of an army poured. Hira led his archers from the cliffs. The arbalasters came bounding like mountain goats, snatching up swords and spears, pouring afoot after their king.
"Cyrena!"