The Resistence band had scampered halfway up the hill and then glanced around to survey the scene that was slowly being played out just underneath them. Hob's jaw dropped open in shock and amazement.....Brass! It couldn't be! Of all the sturdy lads he could think of, roly poly Brass was the the one he'd least suspect would have the courage to bring down a ruffian and thug.
Spontaneously, the companions cheered as they watched Brass rise triumphant over the prone body. Josh sprang forward beckoning the others to do the same, "Come on, mates. Can't let Brass do all the work."
Dury and Brass dragged the squalling, kicking form up the hill to where the bags of weed had been set and then tied him securely with a long stretch of rope, setting a guard to make sure he would not escape. Dazed by the pain in his leg, the man sprawled helplessly on the ground, cursing and bemoaning his embarassing fate.
The rest of the hobbits charged again, aiming at the two bandits still on their feet, with their staves and short blades boldly extended. "Surround 'em. Pull 'em off their mounts," Josh encouraged the others.
At the last instant Hob saw Assiram wallop his horse veering sideways and charging directly down the hill. Cami let loose a barrage of arrows and, although the Man and his horse did not turn back, the last thing she saw was the bandit tearing out across the countryside, with his behind several inches off the saddle and the shaft of an arrow protruding from the rear of his breeches, presumably from having grazed him in the side. He was in too much of a hurry to stop and remove it. With Josh in the lead, the hobbits turned and drew their circle tighter around the one remaining Man.
[ October 25, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]
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