[Child of the 7th Age]

When Daisy pulled out her water mug for dinner, she was surprised to find a small face peering back. Bird leapt forward and balanced precariously on the rim. “We need to talk,” she whispered.

Daisy glanced surreptitiously from side to side. This wasn’t going to be easy! It wasn't the guards that bothered Daisy. They were lazy and spent most of their time sleeping or gaming. But, even in the evening hours, the cell was crowded with hobbits, all keeping a close watch on one another’s business. And a talking neekerbreeker was much harder to explain away than a talking bird.

Daisy looked about for a solution. A ragged blanket lay on the ground near the edge of the cell. She tossed it over her head and shoulders, using it as a cloak. Settling back into its folds, she was greeted by a cheerful voice, “This is comfortable.”

“Maybe for you!” Daisy was not in a pleasant mood. She was stiff and sore and hungry. Even more, she felt frustrated at being in the Locks. She was tired of sitting and waiting while others did things on the outside. This wasn’t how she’d planned for things to go. One part of her realized she’d been lucky to escape with so little punishment. The other part wasn't sure.

“The Star is fine. They’re worried about you. And Levanto is bringing our news of the letter to Mithadan and Pio.”

Bird tried to sound reassuring. “Daisy, that letter was important. I know you don’t like it here. But if you’re careful, you’ll be out in a little while.”

Daisy sighed. To her, four days seemed like forever.

Bird hesitated and went on, “I did hear one thing. Tomorrow night, the Eldar meet to discuss the rescue. They’re hoping to get hold of some kind of weapons for the hobbits. And they want to make sure everyone gets out.”

“And I’ll be sitting here in this cell,” Daisy grumbled. “You’ll be at the meeting?”

“I’m not sure. I’m supposed to meet Levanto. He’s coming back to check on us. Anyways, I don’t know how much help I could be. They need someone who knows strategy, and that’s not me. Maybe Levanto will have some ideas.”

“Bird, will you promise me one thing? Just one thing. Ask them not to forget the Locks. I don’t know how many hobbits are here, but there’s a lot. And some of them are children. We have to get them out.”

The neekerbreeker looked at her and nodded, “I promise. That's my second promise today."

"And what was the first one," Daisy asked, genuinely curious.

"There’s one more thing I want to do before I get out of here. Just once, I’d like to match wits with the monstor who sits on top of this mountain and cheat him out of his daily sacrifice. Just once, I’d like to take his ‘selection list’ and see two names scratched off instead of added on.”

“Bird, be careful,” Daisy cautioned. “That could be dangerous. You’re not just taking on guards. You’re talking about Gorthaur and his prey.”

Bird turned a bright eye upward and gave what looked like a tiny insect grin., “I know. That’s exactly what I mean to do.” Then she excused herself. “See you tomorrow, Daisy.” She hopped on the shoulder of a Man who was going towards the main cavern for supplies. She was whistling a marching tune as she left, much to the bafflement of the guard.

[ October 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]