by Matt » Thu Mar 30, 2006 12:21 pm
The mule thrashes briefly as it sweeps off the ford and into the deeper water of the river. Here the current gains strength from the concentrated rocks behind and the mule tries to swim but is pulled under. Once it comes up, its eyes terror-stricken and then goes under again. Running along the bank, the three vikings look in vain for the mule to surface again, and it is only a few hundred feet further down, that they catch sight of it. The mule has been caught by a fallen, half-submerged tree - almost a makeshift weir - and they hasten towards it.
The mule is drowned, its eyes glassy and its tongue swelling. Somewhere along the bottom must lie most of its kit, but there are several bags and wrappings which are still attached to its harness. Sven shinnies out over the tree, tying a rope around the mule's neck, and the three haul it to the bank. The waxed leather bags have protected the cheeses and salted meat, but all of the bread is soaked and ruined. They estimate that only a few days of food has been salvaged.
"It look like Ulauf will need to do some hunting," said Erdrick.
"It's that or mule-meat," replied Sven.