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you this time, he will exact retribution. We still owe him from the last visit, and I won’t be there to save your ass,” Tolley grumbled.
    Lucky ignored the first question. “It’s only a few thousand kun ,and I had to feed our people. As for the gnome, Draken will have to catch me first. If Dicklaus hadn’t cheated us, we would have the funds to pay our debts.” He shrugged. “Can’t cry over lost feed. When we get with Fizell, we can make a plan to get back what was stolen from us and take care of our obligations.”
    “Trade the woman.”
    “No. She is under O’Conner—my—protection. Deal with it.”
    “Are you claiming her, Lochlan?” Tolley’s voice held a thread of curiosity as he stopped suddenly and turned on him.
    “I already have. Even Dubh recognizes the connection she and I have.” Lucky gripped his friend’s arm. He wanted the giant to understand no matter what, no matter who, they were family. He simply had to get Tolley to see past the jealousy. “I will take care of everything as I always have.”
    As he peered at Lucky’s hand, his face was grim. “As you wish, Clan Master.” He bowed his head. “I wonder if the others will accept her so readily.”
    “Let me worry about that. I want you to stay out of Fachan and closer to the Agrona border. If Dicklaus is near, at least you can get to the Winterlands and claim asylum. Once I’ve secured what we need, I’ll meet you at the Shadow Rock overhang. If I’m not there by the time the sun hits its zenith, go on without me. Get through before nightfall. Last I heard, the banshees had developed a taste for giants. I bet they would be happy to see you.” He offered Tolley a grin and released his arm. It was worrisome, the unreasonable dislike Tolley had for Landis. Granted the giant had never trusted anyone easily, but he would have to get use to Landis. There was no way in hell Lucky was going to let her go.
    Tolley snorted. “It will take more than a banshee or two to bring me down. I still don’t like crossing through their territory, though. Their appearance makes my skin crawl.”
    “It’s the only way. We don’t have time to take another path. That damn troll won’t follow us through their range, and it will take him days to go around. We need that window of time to escape. Just be ready to go when you see me on the horizon. And if Dicklaus decides to follow, his men can give us a distraction we can use to get away.”
    “Are you taking her into town?” Tolley resumed walking. “Or do I need to babysit her ?”
    “Of course Landis is coming with me. She needs clothes.” Lucky kept pace with the giant. “Are ye done pouting now?” They reached the fork.
    “To hell with you, Lucky.” Tolley veered off, lumbering down a different trail.
    “Be on your guard. Dicklaus’ men can’t be far behind.” Lucky turned toward a trail between two hills. A crisp breeze tugged at his hat and he whistled, calling Dubh to him. The shrill note carried on the air. He waited for the unicorn to trot up next to him with Landis on his back.
    Landis spoke for the first time that day. “Where is your friend going?” She frowned, staring suspiciously ay Tolley’s broad back as he tramped through the brush until he disappeared.
    “We’ll catch up with Tolley later. First, we need provisions. We will be traveling hard and fast for the next few days, and there won’t be another town where we can pick up supplies until we are close to our destination. We’re going into Fachan. You need clothes.” He took off his leather hat and handed it to her. “Your unusual looks are memorable, so put this on to cover your hair.”
    She took the hat and pulled it low on her head. “Now what?”
    “Follow my lead, but don’t be shocked if you see my picture on any posts.” He reached into the saddlebag and yanked out a hooded cloak. After slipping it on, he pulled hood over his head.
    Her eyes narrowed with wariness. “Why?”
    “Let’s just say