[Gryphon Hall]

Corrin was getting really warmed up now. At last, he was of some use. At last...

'Excuse me, Master Dwarf,' said a voice behind him. It was Béowulf. 'It's Corrin,' he replied. 'What d'you want.'

Béowulf pointed at Léod, saying 'We need the speed if we are to keep up with her.' Both horse and dwarf let out a very audible sigh. Corrin looked the horse straight in the eye (who also looked back) and said, 'Look horse, er, Léod, eh? don't try to kill me please. Don't drop me, don't throw me, DON'T KILL ME! If you spare me, I'll give you some sugar. What do you say?'

The horse gave him a meaningful glance. Léod was not pleased with the dwarf on him, but the promise of sugar prevented him from fussing. 'Up you go,' said Béowulf, then hoisted the heavy armored Corrin up.

Izrênna was already a little way ahead but Léod had no desire to ride up to her and her horse. So they continued thus until Izrênna suddenly spurred her horse forward, giving a shout. Alerted, Léod also began to sprint.

Not for long, for they reached the water's edge where Izrênna had dismounted and was struggling to pull a body out of the water.

To the relief of Corrin, Léod stopped swiftly but not suddenly, so he did not fall this time. But now came a new problem, how does he dismount. He saw Béowulf swing his leg over his mount's head, then drop to the ground. Okay, lesee, let's give that a try. Corrin kicked his right leg forward, then toppled backward across the rump of Léod.

'Oh, dang!' said Corrin, picking himself up swiftly, then running towards where Béowulf and Izrênna were struggling to pull the large warrior out. By the time he got there, though, all that remained to be pulled out were Deorlin's ankles.

Izrênna quickly tended to Deorlin. 'Thank the Vala he is alive,' Izrênna whispered, touching the man's face. She suddenly remembered those around her, 'Help me move him!' she shouted.

'Does he live?' Beowulf asked.

Corrin made a big show of putting his ear to the man's chest (Can't hear a thing! Oh, it's the armor...) then to the man's mouth and nose, where he heard a sigh.

'Aye, but just barely,' Corrin said in what he hoped was a serious, responsible tone.'We should get him back to the others immediately.' Woooo, that sounded so, so, 'heroic', thought Corrin happily, then Oh, what can I be thinking at a time like this. Someone needs help. 'Let us help the girl lift him.'

[ February 02, 2003: Message edited by: Bethberry ]