All were determined to shed their last drop of blood rather than let the enemy set foot inside their town.

Even the women busied themselves sharpening axes and scythes, resolute in their purpose to defend their little ones or, if need were, to put them to death with their own hands and then slay themselves.

No woman, no child, should fall into the enemy's clutches alive.
It was the very last day of July.

The fields were dotted with sheaves of grain, and the farmers were hastening to gather them in.

They had been surprised by countless numbers of crows and ravens which invaded the valley and filled the air with their hoarse, discordant cries.