Thanks

[Joseph Quiroz]

to Keith Henson for the excellent narrative on the second ring party. I don't remember when I was deemed "mature" to join in but Annita was clear that I had to read the Hobbit and the Trilogy before I would be permitted into the circle. Tom and Annita were our next door neighbors on Forgeus St. My first Ring adventure was somewhere in the desert (maybe near Helmet Pk.). During a pitched battle, which I believe also included primer cord and other sparklies, a freight train barreled through the middle of our battle field. Of course we vigorously saluted the unexpected train monster with all its bellowing and screeching with our shields and swords and lanterns. Red lanterns. Oops. Then somebody gasped that red lanterns to a train driver could mean "danger danger will robinson."
The train's brakes were screeching and we debated whether to scatter like a bunch of teenagers at a boonie.
We decided not to and got back to the business of bashing and banqueting.
The train disappeared into the gloom.

Typos courtesy of ataxic thumbs.