[Child of the 7th Age]

Andreth:

As the great brass bell sounded its alarm over the town, Andreth lookd knowingly at Hedgar, a gaze of apprehension passing silently between them. Yet they said nothing, afraid to put their fear in words. In a matter of seconds, their reflections were interrupted by a series of frantic knocks on the front door of the Pony. The Innkeeper hurried down the corridor with Hedgar at her side, and quickly undid the latch, pushing the door wide open. She was shocked and amazed to be staring at Will Farroweed, who held a crying hobbit child in his arms. All thoughts of their prior disagreement vanished as she gently took Lily from the lad's embrace and carried her into the Common Room.

By now, all the guests and staff of the Inn were awake and had come down to find out what was happening. Andreth listened to Will's story about how he'd found the children rescuing the rabbits and afterwards watched helpless as the fire swept down the hill, trapping the little ones in the cave. Andreth gave one sob of desperation clinging to Hedgar's arm, but then stood upright and forced herself to think clearly. The townspeople could do nothing to help my husband. He was all alone when the bandits attacked him, but perhaps we can find a way to help these children. Cool heads would be needed if there was any hope of rescue.

Barking orders at Cook to gather needed supplies, she asked the maids to bring down a mattress and bedding to make the hobbit more comfortable. Gently removing Lily's shoe, Andreth looked hard at her leg. A sprain or a break? It was hard to say. Andreth could deal with simple injuries, but she was no expert in healing or herbs.

Uncertain what she should do to help Lily, the Innkeeper glanced up and, to her surprise, saw the calm and familiar face of Lilac staring back at her. The old woman walked over and awkwardly got to her knees, her fingers gently probing the hobbit girl's injured limb. All the while she talked gently to the lass, explaining that her family would be here soon.

"You came? I thought you did not agree with what's happening."

Lilac smiled sadly, "That I don't, but neighbors are neighbors, and the children are in need."

Lilac nodded to Andreth, "Go on now. Get out of here. Go down with the other parents who are meeting with Berilac. I'll take care of Lily and set up some makeshift beds in case more than one child needs help. And I'll make sure the guests in the Inn are attended to as well."

Andreth hesitated for a moment. "But the Inn...."

"Forget the Inn. Go find your son. You have good staff here, and I'll help direct them, just as I did when you were younger."

Andreth leaned over and gently touched Lilac's grey curls, "Thank you so very much. How can I ever repay you?"

Lilac looked up and smiled, "When you return with your son safe, we'll discuss that. But, for now, go... You have a job to do."

As she and Hedgar walked over to the door, leaving the Inn to meet with Berilac, a loud cheer went up from the assembled guests and staff, with encouraging shouts of "Good luck" and "We'll git 'em" and "We're in this together now".

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 12:36 PM January 17, 2004: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]