When the deed was done, he looked behind him to find that he was cut off and surrounded.

Metem and most of his men indeed had gained the inner wall in safety, while he with twelve only of his bravest soldiers, Jews of his own following, who had stayed to help him to throw back the ladders, were left upon the gateway tower.

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.