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Sondo frowned at Reggie jumping up and down on the raft. He wouldn’t sink it, that was for certain - but that wasn’t the problem. He waved the slightly younger hobbit over to him, saying, “Come here for a second.” The excited hobbit hurried over and stood in front of Sondo. Bingo was frowning in the background. Sondo had always maintained a tenuous relationship with the brothers as far as plans for activities and mischief were concerned, sometimes involving Reggie and sometimes not. In truth, he had no problems with the younger brother accompanying them; Reggie was friendly and Sondo liked him. What Sondo really wanted to know was a very petty concern that Reggie’s remark had raised: who was smaller? Sondo took great pride in his short stature and did not desire to be taller than anyone. He looked Reggie over critically as if wondering whether he was fit for the expedition. He felt a wash of relief at finding Reggie to be just slightly taller and gave a decisive nod.
“So I can go?” Reggie asked, taking the nod for approval.
Sondo decided to risk the annoyance of Bingo. After all, he was the leader and the whole adventure was his idea, so he said, “If you really want to, it’s fine with me - but do you even know where we’re going?”
“Well, obviously you’re going to take the raft and sail away, right?” answered Reggie. Sondo nodded, “Basically, yes - we are going to have an adventure down the Brandywine” and left it at that. He hoped that Bingo would not be mad at him, but if he was Sondo figured Bingo would forgive him. If he didn’t... mutiny would not be tolerated. Sondo chuckled inwardly at his own joke.
Sondo turned around to see if anyone was missing. Someone was; Sondo mentally check-listed all present and discovered it was Falco. Sondo’s brow creased worriedly. He wasn’t always sure whether Falco heard or listened all the plans he made and was concerned that he had forgotten. They would have to be going soon because if they weren’t far enough away by the time they were discovered to be missing, all of his plans would be in shambles. Sondo did not want to leave anyone behind, but time was valuable... Just then, Falco sprinted into their midst looking rather out of breath.
“Am I late?” he panted.
Grinning, Sondo shook his head. “Just on time,” he said, and then louder, “Hey, we’re all here now! We’re ready to sail!” A small cheer broke out as they began to load onto the raft. Everyone was ready to go after all their preparation. Last-minute supplies which the lads had thought to pile on board were all heaped together on top of the other covered supplies. Soon everyone was balanced aboard the raft save Sondo, who boarded last after carefully untying the rope anchoring the raft to shore. He tossed the rope onto the raft and leapt aboard, shoving the craft out away from shore.
Seeing the open, murky waters of the Brandywine laid out before him, Sondo felt a rush of exhilaration. He was actually going to have his adventure! Once they were past the borders of Buckland, which was not far, no one would be able to stop them. He let out a whoop. He was off to tame the Brandywine, and maybe even come back famous and rich. Why not? Anything was possible.
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