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 ...