Page "Calafia" Paragraph 9

This inauspicious beginning weighed heavily on Calafia.

To restore their honor she directed her forces to fight alongside those of her allies, with the griffins kept in the ships.

Terrific battles raged along the city's walls but the attackers were repulsed.

Calafia led a picked group of women warriors to attack a city gate, one held by Norandel, the half-brother of King Amadis.

Norandel charged out of the gate against Calafia ; upon meeting their two lances were broken but the warriors remained standing.

They struck at each other with sword and knife, and a general melee ensued, Calafia throwing knights from their horses and taking great blows on her shield.

Two more knights charge forward from the city, nobles named Talanque ( a nephew of King Amadis ) and Maneli, a prince of Ireland.

These men nearly swamp Calafia in blows, and she can only be pulled back to friendly forces by her sister Liota who attacks the two knights " like a mad lioness ".

The day's battle left many dead including 200 of Calafia's women.