Before Luck Runs Out

by Marigold

Thanks to Llinos for the beta!

Madoc Brandybuck watched sadly as the distraught family went into their apartments. Dindimas was a fine young hobbit and Madoc hoped that he would recover. Four months ago they had nearly lost Marroc's little Lilac and last year it had been old Otto Sandheaver who had nearly died, falling into the Brandywine during a pleasant afternoon of fishing. And they were not the first. So far no one had drowned but it was only a matter of time.

As Master he was responsible for his people. There was only one thing to be done, fearsome as it was. He knew that some would refuse, but folk in Buckland prided themselves on being thought a bit odd by those in the Shire proper. He would take advantage of that pride to convince as many as he could.

He turned to Sadoc. "Call a Moot, brother. We Bucklanders must learn to swim."