[Kitanna]

Marroc was clinging for dear life to the branch. Any second he could be swept away. His thoughts went to his family. They would never know. He could die and his family would never know where to look for him. Marroc could not die like that. He had to get to safety.

Reggie was on shore. "Help!" Marroc cried, trying to get Reggie's attention.

The other Hobbit heard Marroc's cry for help and came to his aid. He searched his pockets looking for something, looking for anything that would help him pull Marroc in. Marroc's heart sank when it seemed Reggie had nothing. He was going to have to swim to Reggie.

Reggie pulled a piece of rope from his back pocket. Marroc's spirits rose until he saw just how small the rope was. "Marroc! Get closer to the bank if you can! Move along the branch!"

Marroc started to move slowly along the branch. He let go with his left hand and swung himself close to the trunk. He would not dare let go with both hands. Reggie was on shore shouting encouragement to him. Inch by inch he drew closer to Reggie and the shore, but the closer Marroc got to the trunk the thicker the branch was. He little hands would not be able to hold on much longer.

"The branch is too thick. I can't hold on for much longer..." Marroc dreaded the only solution he could see to this problem. He was going to have to let go and try his luck at swimming.

"You're going to have to let go," Reggie said, confirming Marroc's fear. "and then swim towards the bank. Then I'll throw the rope in and you can grab on!"

Marroc was frozen with fear for a moment. He was no swimmer and the current was so strong. He took a few deep breaths, each time swearing he'd let go and each time failing to do so.

"You can do it, Marroc!" Reggie called. "I won't let you go under."

Marroc stuck in some air and let go of the branch. Marroc went under right away. He kicked furiously and resurfaced. He kept kicking, desperately trying to get within reach of the rope. Reggie cast the rope out and Marroc grabbed hold. Again he went under, but this time Reggie was able to pull him out.

Marroc kicked, Reggie pulled and soon Marroc could feel Reggie pulling him out of the water and onto the shore. He couldn't decide what to do first. Hug Reggie for saving his life or kiss the ground. He grabbed Reggie and gave him the biggest hug he could muster. After letting go he kissed the ground out of joy.

Now that Marroc was safe he had to turn his mind to other things. He had to help Reggie find the other Hobbits and make sure none were hurt.