[Mithadan]

The Lonely Star was searched from bow to stern for Kali. When he could not be found, the Hobbrim and Mithadan took to the water, fanning out and searching even to the Mouths of the River Siril, but to no avail. Returning to the Star, Mithadan climbed to the crow's nest and woke Angara from a deep sleep. But she too disavowed any knowledge of the missing Kali. The Man descended to the deck wearily, nearly falling from the rigging once from lack of sleep and exhaustion.

For the remainder of that day and the long night which followed, Mithadan paced the decks with fearful thoughts running through his mind. If Kali had disobeyed and chosen to attempt a rescue of Daisy, the ship's mission was is great jeopardy. If caught, he might be questioned, even tortured. Or he and Daisy might have been slain in some foolyhardy attempt at heroism. Even Piosenniel might be at risk, for if the strange Hobbrim were discovered, the whole of the caverns would be searched by Numenorean guards. He resolved that if Kali were not found by morning, he would himself go to the caverns to continue the search.

Dawn found him on deck shirtless, dressed in light breeches with an array of knives thrust into his belt. Cami stood next to him arguing with the Man. "Levanto should be back today. Let him go to the caverns," she said. "He knows the ways of the river better than any of us and has the trust of the Hobbits, whereas you are not known to them."

"We cannot wait," replied the Man as he looked to the North. His face was lined with concern and lack of sleep, his eyes dull with fatigue. "If he has been captured, any delay may be fatal to our quest."

"If he has been captured, what can you alone do?" shouted the Hobbit. "We need information, not reckless action!"

Khelek and Veritas came up to stand on either side of the Man. "Cami is right," said Khelek. "We will learn where Kali and Pio are soon enough. Then, if need be, we can effect a rescue."

"Would you prevent me from going, Elf?" said Mithadan with a dangerous gleam in his eyes.

"Yes!" replied Khelek. "I would. You act out of fear and emotion, not reason. You have often complained that Piosenniel has acted alone without consulting with others. Now you have our counsel, do not disregard it."

"The Elf would not stand alone," came a voice from above. Angara settled to the deck before Mithadan. "As usual, you place us all at risk, Man!"

Mithadan met the dragon's eyes with a grim look on his face and Cami feared he might even leap at the wyrm. Angara did not look away, but in his eyes saw not the threat of an assault but anguish mixed with a desparate resolve. He feared for those he loved and could conceive of no other course in his weary mind but action. And deep within the wyrm, the Man's emotions and concern struck a chord. She sighed, a smokey hiss. "Mithadan," she said, "Think not that we feel no fear for Kali and Pio. We will act together if we must. Do not push yourself so far. You are needed, alive and well, whatever may become of the Hobbrim."

Mithadan spun away and rested his forehead against the mast. Then he turned and, placing his back against the wood, slid slowly down to sit on the deck. "I will wait," he said quietly. "We will wait together," added Cami as she sat next to him.

An hour later, the skiff reached the Lonely Star and Khelek and Veritas tied the small vessel off and helped its occupants to the deck. "Expect words from the Man," whispered Veritas to Piosenniel. "We believed that Kali had gone to rescue Daisy and feared the worst."

"He was with me," said the Elf. "We know that now," replied Khelek darkly.

Piosenniel sighed. She had again acted upon impulse and, again, matters had gone awry. "Where is he?" asked Pio quietly. Veritas motioned to the main mast. Piosenniel walked aft along the deck, then stopped and nearly laughed. Mithadan sat with his back to the mast with his eyes closed in sleep. Angara laid beside him with her head on his lap. Next to them was Cami, who stood as the Elf approached.

The Hobbit's eyes flashed with anger. She looked over the gaunt and weary Elf with concern. "Go to the galley and get something to eat," she hissed. "Then go to your cabin and sleep at least 8 hours. The two of you will kill yourselves if you do not work together and allow others to help." The Hobbit looked back at the Man. "As tired as you may be from your exertions, he has also not slept in two nights and has worked hard. I forbid either of you from leaving the ship for a full day. And unless there is some emergency, I do not wish to hear from 'reports' now!"

Almost, the Elf argued with Cami, but seeing the look on her face and feeling her own weariness, Piosenniel merely nodded. Then she looked at Mithadan. "We'll bring him to your cabin," said Khelek. "We'll carry him if need be. Such a pair you are..."

[ October 14, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]