[Nurumaiel]

When the raft had tipped Falco had been fortunate enough to be swept immediately to shore. He retained his calm and reason very well, and hurried downstream to be of better assistance to those who were still floating along down.

Falco watched Sam struggling in the water, and he considered that their adventure was not coming off to a very good start. Sam was such a grumpy, disagreeable boy, anyway. But, of course, they couldn't just leave him to drown, even if he was unpleasant. Falco touched one toe in the water. He was wet anyway. Why not? He went a little further in. He must be careful not to be swept away. It never occurred to him that he was doing something rather dangerous, as he didn't know how to swim. What did he care for danger?

He was almost up to his waist now, but fortunately the river was flowing very fast, and he was not swept off. And what of it if he did? It would be an adventure, at the least. He looked upstream. Sam was floating down, flailing his arms helplessly. Falco waded on more step, and put out his hand. "Grab my hand, Sammy!" he called. "And try paddling more towards me, if you can."

Honestly, things hadn't started out well at all. With Sondo as leader, perhaps that could be expected. They'd have mutiny now for sure. No doubt the boys would all be frightened after their escapade and want to go back. And if they went back he, Falco, would be in dreadful trouble for running away. That wasn't right. What if things kept going like this under Sondo's leadership? He would have to speak with him.

But first he had to take care of Sam.