[Child of the 7th Age]

Carl stood at the entrance to the temporary shelter, looking about with dismay. When he had volunteered to act as a scout, he'd assumed that, if there was danger or death, he'd be the one facing it, not the main party of hobbits. But it was clear that what happened here was much harsher than anything he'd seen on the road.

Branda had taken Emerald's body, gently wrapping it in a blanket. There was a very large wooden container attached to the back of the wagon that was sometimes used to haul extra supplies. He'd cleaned that out and placed the body inside the open chest. It was so cold outside that there was no need to think of any other means of preservation.

Carl walked over to pay his respects to Emerald. How young she looked! It seemed so unfair. He glanced over at Branda who was securing extra ropes on the chest, and said in a sad voice. "Maybe I should have stayed here, instead of going off to scout. My skill with weapons might have made a difference."

The Stoor placed his hand on Carl's shoulder and shook his head. "Don't say that. You did what you were asked to do. No one could read the future. Just look at Bullroarer. He's the best fighter we have, and he's lying inside injured."

"Do all the hobbits know yet?" Carl asked.

"The ones who've woken, yes, but some are still sleeping. Especially those who were bitten by the dogs."

Carl sighed, "My scouting report can wait till later. There wasn't anything so urgent that we need to talk about it now." Branda shook his head in agreement.

"What do you think we should do now?" Carl questioned.

"It's Bullroarer who should decide. Not me. But I do think we could travel, even starting off at mid-day. Everyone's well enough to move the few miles down the road to Whitfurrows. If we're lucky, we'll find shelter in a hobbit hole. That would be no small thing."

"Plus Dinodas and I still need to go fishing in the Water after we get there. Whether or not we like it, life goes on, and we need to find food if we're going to survive."

Branda started to walk away, but then turned back to add one more thing. "You know, Carl, when Emerald died, she was very peaceful. She only had two things to say. She wanted to tell her family she loved them, and she begged me to promise we'd make it to Rivendell. I promised, and I don't break a promise like that. I'm going to get through if I have to go all alone on foot. I swear I will."

Carl looked at him and shook his head in agreement, "So will I, Branda, so will I."

By mid-morning, the tale of that promise had spread round to every hobbit in the camp.

[ December 08, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]