Aron maneuvered himself behind the attacker and swung his heavy stick.

The young man fell in a heap, head wound bleeding heavily,

"Are you all right, Lia?" Aron asked, still holding on to his stick, ignoring the blood dripping on the ground from it.

Liadan kicked the man, then went to grab Nelek. "I'm fine, let's get out of here before more show up."

Aron clutched his stick. "I'll cover the rear."

"Be careful, Aron. Our children need a father." Liadan warned, dragging Nelek towards the boat.

"I will," Aron promised, focusing his attention on his surroundings and any sounds from behind.

Liadan swore when she saw two other figures between themselves and the boat. "I don't think an attack from behind is what we have to worry about. Don't suppose you're suddenly an archer?"

"Even if I were, no arrows or a bow," Aron lamented. He glared at those blocking their way.

"Throw rocks at the momzers?" Liadan suggested.

"That's about all we've got."

Liadan dropped Nelek again to pick up some fist sized rocks. She hurled the missiles at one of the mermen's heads.

Still clutching his stick, Aron gathered several rocks and started hurling them at the mermen as well.

One merman went down and did not move. The other roared and charged at Aron.

Aron steadied his feet and waited until the merman was close enough so he could swing his stick.

Liadan stabbed the merman in the back with one of her forks and twisted. No one attacks her Aron.

Aron jumped back just as the merman lurched forward.

Liadan gave the dying merman a kick, then grabbed Nelek's arm.

Aron hurried to join his wife, giving the body  a wide berth.

Liadan shoved Nelek into the boat as if he were a sack of potatoes. She got in after him.

Aron untied the rope holding the boat in place before jumping on with them.

Liadan shoved off and raised the sails. Fortunately a wind blew them away from the island. She hoped the wind would continue to send them where they wanted to go because she was terrible at steering. She lit a lamp and knelt to check on Nelek.

"Momzers must have been beating him, I didn't even notice these bruises before."

"Probably to get information out of him. Memories and stuff, so they would know enough about his life to fool every one. Although...are you sure they're not from you dragging and dropping him?"

"I was gentle!" Liadan said defensively, giving Aron a swat.

"I never said you did it intentionally. OWWW!"