Spearbeak had them stop well short of the poisoned ground.
Leaper sorted the ropes, picking and choosing until he had eight ropes which would do. Eight herons picked up the ropes while Spearbeak carried Leaper, and they headed upriver to where the human's poison was seeping into the river.
"Have them drop the ropes on the barrel, then wait in the trees," Leaper said, "You'll have to drop me on the barrel, then go wait with them."
"I will help you," Spearbeak said.
"Can you tie knots?" Leaper asked. "There will be danger enough by the end. There is no need for you to risk death too."
"I will help you."
"Very well, but stay clear of the poison."
The herons tried, but the ropes wouldn't stay on the barrel. Spearbeak had to hold them while Leaper peered at the knots which attached the l
