[Child of the 7th Age]

The shadows lengthened over the walls of the Locks. Gamba the attendent had returned to his brother and friends. Now came the long hours when there was little for the prisoners to do except sit and stare at the darkness. Here, there were no torches bringing light, but only the glimmering eyes of hobbits reflected in each other's faces.

Anee and Daisy sat together in the corner of their cell with their small meal set in front of them. There were no vegetables or fruits or milk to be had in the Locks. Certainly, no meat. Twice a day, they received a small chunk of bread, a few spoons of a grain porridge, and a cup of water.

Daisy had never had Rose's or Cami's way with children, but tonight she had a special job. There were two small youngsters who'd been sent to prison for correction. Daisy couldn't imagine what they had done to earn passage to this horrible place. But then someone mentioned it had originally been their mother confined here. When she died with no relations, the two had been left and forgotten.

How hungry they looked! The girl lay sick and listless in Daisy's arms. Somehow, someway, Daisy vowed to fight back. The shadow would not get this one. There was only a short space to wait for the rescue. Then they could find Lily and her brother a home. Somehow or other, she'd pull them through until the Star brought healing and aid.

She pushed back the hunger that gnawed at her belly, and broke her bread in half. She soaked it in the cup of water to make it soft enough for a sick little one to swallow. When Anee saw what Daisy was doing with her food, she began to do the same for Lily's older brother. One or two others in the cell added a little water of ther own to cool down the girl's forehead which was hot with fever.

That afternoon, Daisy had spoken with Gamba. She had begged him to search for a way to bring in a few meagre things for the people in the jail. A bit of fruit or soft cheese would be ideal, but even beans or bread would help.

They had one thing going in their favor. Every day the guard took a nap after lunch. The thought of escape was so remote that the Men didn't hesitate to spend their duty time playing games of chance. Daisy had no intention of trying to get out of the Locks. What she wanted to do was find a way to get a few things in.

Daisy wasn't even sure if Gamba had heard her request. His eyes had looked so tired, so distant and uncaring. But maybe underneath, there was still a spark. They'd have to wait and see.

[ October 10, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]