Cold Mountain River

Fred waded into the ice-cold water. The sluice was dim, but the water was not uncomfortable. Flamebane mail is a fantastic insulator. This makes sense, if one thinks about it. If flamebane is proof against a dragon's flame, then it is also likely proof against the chill of the cold water. Another striking chemical property of flamebane is that its surface tends to repel water. It is not perfectly watertight, but Fred stayed dry and well insulated.

While Fred waded into the water, Maggie sat on the bank and removed her boots. Her boot tops did not reach her knees, so water would flow over the top, and into the boots. She carried her boots in her hand, and confidently stepped into the sluice.

"Yee-yee-yee-yee-c-c-cold!"

She yanked her foot back out.

Fred looked back at Maggie. "Are you going to be able to make it?"

Maggie said, "Sir, the bath water at the end of the sluice was not that cold! It was not expecting it to be so cold! You do not seem bothered by it."

Fred dipped his hand in the water and pulled it out immediately. "Yes, I see what you mean. So you have been here and did not know the river was that cold?"

"No, I guess that I didn't, Sir Fred. I have been here, but I have not waded through water that was deeper than the top of my boots. I am glad that you are here. I have an idea, if you don't object. I could ride on your back."

Fred replied, "I could carry you, or I can carry my sword and supplies. I don't think that I can do both."

Fred thought about this. Would it make more sense to go through alone with his sword and supplies, and then come back to get Maggie, or would it be better to carry Maggie, and come back for his supplies?

1. Carry Maggie to the end of the sluice first.
2. Go alone first.

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