[Mithadan]

Mithadan gritted his teeth as his friends tarried upon the demon vessel debating some topic unknown to him. "What is taking them so long?" he growled. He lifted his cell phone and rang Child but she did not answer. Suddenly Birdland, Piosenniel, Child and their fellows seemed to reach some decision. They stood and, smiling, waved to Mithadan and his crew, then set about trimming the sails as if they did not intend to leave their vessel.

"Fools," he spat. "That ship is the focus of the Blue Wizards' activities and attention. They have proved they can control it and come and go with impunity. To stay on board is folly."

As if to confirm his concerns, a great storm formed above them as abruptly as a door closing. Waves crashed against the ships threatening to smash them one into the other. "Cast off!" he cried. "We cannot be lashed together in this storm."

The two ships parted and an elf ran up to ask if the sail should be lowered. "No," he responded. "We must retain control of our vessel and continue to make headway. Trim the sail as needed. Turn into the storm. But we must remain close to our friends. The Blue Wizards will not harm them...yet."

He thought back to the old man who had tapped the ship with his staff and blessed it while at port. "Ulmo," he muttered. Then, to the surprise of all around him, he seized a rope, tied it to his ankle and leaped from the ship into the grey wrack of waves.

He bobbed atop the wild sea for a moment, yelled to his crew to remain close to their friends' vessel, then disappeared under the surface. Alarmed, his crew shouted to him, then, after a moment, pulled on the rope. It came out of the water easily, but its end was cut clean as if by a knife. Mithadan was gone...

[ June 13, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]