"No! Break contact! Don't get into a fight with these tribes!"
The plain was open and wide. Two thousand Maya tribal warriors howled and ran, surging over as swiftly as a tide. Over a hundred dugout canoes came down with the current, charging toward the river mouth. Old militiaman Chiwako observed for a few breaths, estimated the coming battle, and made his decision in an instant.
"Signal with flags. Leave the riverbank. Row five li west and withdraw into the coastal waters!"
Hearing this, Puapu was slightly startled. He thought it over, then nodded in agreement. Very soon, the flag of retreat rose at the bow. The flagship turned first, more than forty oarsmen putting their strength in at once, rowing for their lives, wheeling away like the wind. The remaining six longships followed close behind and swiftly rowed into the distance.
The great mass of Maya tribal warriors charged all the way to the shore, and only stopped when they saw the seven large ships drawing away. Several dozen canoes chased another two or three li, and only after they had driven the invaders out from the coast did they turn back, patrolling and standing guard at the river mouth. Hundreds upon thousands of Maya warriors raised stone spears, shook small shields, and imitated wolf howls, intimidating the kingdom fleet in the coastal waters. Large groups of Stone Throwers and javelin throwers spread out in loose formations and occupied the high ground, all ready to shoot. Clearly, these Maya tribes were extremely familiar with battle.
The two sides faced each other across five li of sea. One side was in an uproar that shook the heavens, the other silent and on guard. Chiwako narrowed his eyes and watched for a long while, but unfortunately the distance was too great,