[Child of the 7th Age]

It hadn't taken long for Branda to return to his wife and begin to load supplies onto the two ponies. He'd thought carefully over what things he might need, On one pony he strapped bags that included a sturdy rope; lines and lures and hooks, along with a good sharp pick that could break through the ice or be used in self defence; his kit of herbal remedies; a warm blanket for himself and each of the ponies; and a number of splints and cloths in case anyone should get hurt; a tinder box; snow shoes he'd made that would take him over the top of crusted snow, a small pail, a pan and mug, a tiny torch, and a change of clothing. The other pony was to be heavily ladden with smoked and frozen fish to help their band get through the first day or two on the trail.

He'd wear a fur cloak with a hood and, being a Stoor, thick dwarf boots with a dagger hidden underneath. Another dagger would go about his waist, and two harpoons in a case thrown over his back, carried in much the same way as quiver and bow. That would have to do. He thought one more time, then went to the cellar and tucked in the last of the shrivelled apples he'd found to give the ponies Sandy and Stoney a well deserved treat.

That had been easy. Now came the hard part. He could hear Bell and her sister calling him to dinner, probably fish stew with a few roots mixed in. It was always the same, but at least it was food. Peony was waiting for her daddy to come and play. He'd have to say goodbye tonight, then leave early the next morning before the sun had even risen to make it back to Tukborough by mid-morning. He wasn't about to take any chances that they might leave him behind.

[ November 26, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]