[Arry]

Annû was right – as the tide rose, pounding onto the land with greater force, it loosened the large rocks that had cascaded down in front of the cavern’s entrance. He and his brother had climbed up to the top of the small entrance, onto an overhanging ledge which jutted out just above it, and two other of the Elves along with Galhardir had fount foot holds up the cavern wall that surrounded the opening. They doused their hardwood brands, leaving the feeble light of those others that still had enough fuel to remain lit to be held up near the entrance so that they might see what they were doing.

The tide water was waist high now for those on the cavern floor, and they clung to ropes secured to some of the bigger, taller rocks in the cavern to keep them from being tumbled over as the tide seethed in and out. Annû, Galhardir and the other two Elves wedged their brands into the crevices of the upper rock pile. Carrandû lay flat on his stomach with his brand abutting the face of one of the top rocks. As the tide fled out, the lower parts of the pile grumbled, and groaned, and scraped against each other as the water pulled on them. With a mighty effort the four Elves and Lossoth man strove to move the top rock. Five times they heaved their strength against it, and on the fifth it teetered and crashed into the waiting sea below.

Late afternoon light flooded in through the small hole and the keen eyes of Carrandû could see the waters of the bay and the place where their ship was anchored. ‘Captain!’ he cried nearly tumbling himself from the ledge. ‘I can just see two longboats filled with crew from the ship. They row mightily with the tide and should be here within the hour.’ A cheer of relief came up from those below. ‘Annû motioned for the group to squeeze up on the ledges above the frigid water. ‘Huddle together – Galhardir says. It will be of little help for our mates to arrive for the rescue if most of us have frozen to death in water.’

Galhardir nodded his head as those on the ledges threw down ropes to help those still in the rising water clamber up. Soon, wet and dripping, the lot were up above the waters, crouching together. One of the Elves, a slender fellow, eyed the small hole left by the rock. He shed his bulky outer garments and squeezed through to the outside. Freyn handed over a large strip of cloth he had brought for bandages and the Elf used it as a signal flag.

Catching sight of one of their own hailing them, the Elves in the longboats bent forcefully to their task, their oars cleaving the waves as they hastened to their companions.