[Child of the 7th Age]

The mariner with the silver dagger roared with laughter at the women, "Well, young hobbits, and just how long do you expect to live?"

The sailor turned to face Rose. "You, woman, shall go first." He lunged and leaned over, but at the same time, Child went for her dagger under her cloak. Without thinking, she struck at whatever piece of anatomy was closest to her vicinity.

Child hit him in the side. Her stroke was not enough to give serious injury, but he was infuritated. He turned about and, in that instant, Child flipped the other dagger to Rose who had no hesitation about its use. Together, the two of them heaved the body of the orc mariner over the side.

A mer beast came swimming to the side of the vessel with Rose's precious sword in his grip. Rose seized upon it with joy. Now, the two hobbits were free to return to the Wizard's ship and do what damage they could.

Rose remembered the hatch where the garbage was thrown out, a possible entry for small bodies. And Child remembered the flints, the torch, and bronze mirror about her waist. They began rowing furiously towards the stern of the vessel. The Wizard gave them not a second thought, as they were but small hobbits, and women at that.

[ June 19, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]