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Child of the 7th Age · 08-17-2004, 11:41 AM

The Millwinds and Whitfields who now trekked back to their homes were in considerably better spirits than when they had left that morning. Even so, there was still the problem of the wyrm. No one knew if the winged creature had made his last strike and decided to fly off to other parts, or whether he would revisit Dale shortly to launch another attack. Willow was careful to keep a close eye on Eric to make certain he did not stray too far from the path, all the while thinking and wondering what they should do next.

The answer came sooner than expected. Much of their return trek lay close to the river. The group intended to head south along its bank and then swing east directly to their farmstead. Just before they reached the spot where the path curved round, they were surprised to look back and see a contingent of small boats paddling speedily to the south.

"Haloo, there!" A voice carried over the water in their direction. "Farmer Millwood, is that you?" Arlinn turned about and recognized the face of an acquaintance. He waved a hand and stopped to listen to what the man was saying.

"You're heading in the wrong direction. Some of the Dwarves came to town this morning. The wyrm has taken up residence in the Lonely Mountain and sits on a hoard of gold. He has driven them out of their home. This creature--Smaug--calls himself the new master of Erebor and Dale!"

"Then, where shall we all go if this monstor will not leave? Where are you going?" Willow interrupted.

"Many in town have decided to travel south to Long Lake and the town of Esgaroth, hoping things will be safer there. Some have gone off on their own, but many are gathering in the city to travel in a large group, thinking that would be safer."

Willow and Arlinn exchanged a quick glance but said nothing out loud. After offering their goodbyes to the boatmen, they quickly turned, veered westward on the lane and, in a short time, had arrived back at the farm.

"What shall we do?" whispered Elanor to her mother. "Are we heading to Long Lake on our own or joining up with the group that leaves from Dale? Or should we just stay here and wait?"

Her mother sighed and shook her head. "We shall see what your father and Uncle Rhysdan decide."

08-17-2004, 11:41 AM	#37
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Elanor The Millwinds and Whitfields who now trekked back to their homes were in considerably better spirits than when they had left that morning. Even so, there was still the problem of the wyrm. No one knew if the winged creature had made his last strike and decided to fly off to other parts, or whether he would revisit Dale shortly to launch another attack. Willow was careful to keep a close eye on Eric to make certain he did not stray too far from the path, all the while thinking and wondering what they should do next. The answer came sooner than expected. Much of their return trek lay close to the river. The group intended to head south along its bank and then swing east directly to their farmstead. Just before they reached the spot where the path curved round, they were surprised to look back and see a contingent of small boats paddling speedily to the south. "Haloo, there!" A voice carried over the water in their direction. "Farmer Millwood, is that you?" Arlinn turned about and recognized the face of an acquaintance. He waved a hand and stopped to listen to what the man was saying. "You're heading in the wrong direction. Some of the Dwarves came to town this morning. The wyrm has taken up residence in the Lonely Mountain and sits on a hoard of gold. He has driven them out of their home. This creature--Smaug--calls himself the new master of Erebor and Dale!" "Then, where shall we all go if this monstor will not leave? Where are you going?" Willow interrupted. "Many in town have decided to travel south to Long Lake and the town of Esgaroth, hoping things will be safer there. Some have gone off on their own, but many are gathering in the city to travel in a large group, thinking that would be safer." Willow and Arlinn exchanged a quick glance but said nothing out loud. After offering their goodbyes to the boatmen, they quickly turned, veered westward on the lane and, in a short time, had arrived back at the farm. "What shall we do?" whispered Elanor to her mother. "Are we heading to Long Lake on our own or joining up with the group that leaves from Dale? Or should we just stay here and wait?" Her mother sighed and shook her head. "We shall see what your father and Uncle Rhysdan decide." Last edited by Child of the 7th Age; 08-19-2004 at 01:43 AM.