The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4

piosenniel · 10-13-2002, 10:24 AM

M12_30 POST

"The Locks," Phura nodded at Gamba again.

Gamba picked up a sharp edged stick he had brought and proceeded to draw a map in the dirt.

"We're here, in the old tombs. Here at the fork is the guard we just came past. The tunnel goes uphill, and the guards are stationed here, and the Locks are here. To the left, the tunnel goes out to the Locks exit and is heavily guarded to the outside. To the right, it goes up to the new mines and the newer tombs, and that's a busy place. There are new tombs under construction all the time; if there's a ruckus, we'll have company from that direction unless we can block the tunnel. There are a few weaknesses in the tunnels there but then you risk the inmates in these cells: here. Gammer Pansy, for one. The inmates have to come out first before we can bring any part of the tunnels down.

"Then it's a long way back down the hill, past the front entrance to the prison caves here, and the graveyard entrance, either of which could bring in troops that would cut us off from the river, which is down this way.

"And speaking of the river, the older and youngest hobbits can't swim."
Phura nodded.

"So the plan is, those carrying weapons that will come out of the new mines will deal with the Locks guards, prevent ingress from the Locks Exit and from the new tombs, and releasing captives from the Locks. Those carrying weapons from the Smithy will focus on keeping the passageway clear down to the Front Entrance to the prison caves. Those carrying shovels and picks from the Graveyards will guard the Graveyard entrance and deal with whatever happens there. And everyone else should make their way down to the river, with daggers leading."

Phura paused, and said, "The part that worries me the most, is the swimming. We have enough swimmers to help those who can't. But we will be completely vulnerable to attack while we do."

[ October 13, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

10-13-2002, 10:24 AM	#209
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	M12_30 POST "The Locks," Phura nodded at Gamba again. Gamba picked up a sharp edged stick he had brought and proceeded to draw a map in the dirt. "We're here, in the old tombs. Here at the fork is the guard we just came past. The tunnel goes uphill, and the guards are stationed here, and the Locks are here. To the left, the tunnel goes out to the Locks exit and is heavily guarded to the outside. To the right, it goes up to the new mines and the newer tombs, and that's a busy place. There are new tombs under construction all the time; if there's a ruckus, we'll have company from that direction unless we can block the tunnel. There are a few weaknesses in the tunnels there but then you risk the inmates in these cells: here. Gammer Pansy, for one. The inmates have to come out first before we can bring any part of the tunnels down. "Then it's a long way back down the hill, past the front entrance to the prison caves here, and the graveyard entrance, either of which could bring in troops that would cut us off from the river, which is down this way. "And speaking of the river, the older and youngest hobbits can't swim." Phura nodded. "So the plan is, those carrying weapons that will come out of the new mines will deal with the Locks guards, prevent ingress from the Locks Exit and from the new tombs, and releasing captives from the Locks. Those carrying weapons from the Smithy will focus on keeping the passageway clear down to the Front Entrance to the prison caves. Those carrying shovels and picks from the Graveyards will guard the Graveyard entrance and deal with whatever happens there. And everyone else should make their way down to the river, with daggers leading." Phura paused, and said, "The part that worries me the most, is the swimming. We have enough swimmers to help those who can't. But we will be completely vulnerable to attack while we do." [ October 13, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ] __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.