Free Lucky's Charm by Kassanna

side of the bag opened and everything tumbled to the ground in a shower of food and goods.
    “Shit!” Landis stumbled back.
    “ Shhh .” Lucky jumped down and pressed a finger to his lips.
    “Why?” She snapped her head up and stared at him.
    “Because trolls are everywhere, maybe a few gnomes, too. It’s close to nightfall, and the banshee will start stirring. I chose this place for a reason. I wanted to be able to see the valley below.” He stepped over the mess and walked up to the edge. Cliffs surrounded them and the narrow shelf was the only flat area on the rocky outcrop. Standing close to the large rock, he placed a hand on the rough surface and peered over the ledge.
    “I don’t understand,” Landis squeaked. “I thought the banshees didn’t move far from their homes.”
    Squatting, Lucky studied the scenery below. “Banshees were women who traded their most valuable possessions to powerful witches to take revenge on their enemies. For some ladies, the only thing they had to offer was their beauty. Overcoming their foes by any means necessary, most often by opening their mouths and screaming, they can appear in almost any form. I’ve heard that once they achieve their goal, they prey on pretty women to trade to the witch that holds their possession in hopes of having the curse lifted.”
    “I don’t understand. If they can take on any form, then it’s not a curse. They can become the beautiful woman they once were.”
    He spotted a lone figure on the horizon, half hidden by a cluster of boulders. Lucky let out a frustrated groan. Why didn’t anyone ever listen to him? Instead of leaving, Tolley had holed up in Shadow Rock. Not far from his friend’s position, a moving dust cloud traveled quickly over the next ridge.
    He twisted around to look at Landis. “The images they portray are illusions. Usually they are ugly and wretched.”
    Landis scrunched up her nose. “So they can’t leave the lowlands…”
    “Nae, lass, they can go anywhere they like, usually as an old crone seeking help.” He looked back at the horizon and absently continued, “If I’m not around, never allow an elderly woman who appears out of nowhere to share your campfire. Usually they stick close to Agrona, which is why most people avoid this place.”
    Lucky sighed. The haze had to be men riding horses, and it could only be one of two parties—Dicklaus or Draken.
    “Why did you say if you’re not around? Are you leaving me alone? Where exactly are you going?” Her voice went up an octave with every question.
    “We’ll make a low fire between those rocks.” He turned and pointed at a small semicircle of stones. “No one should notice it. Tolley is camped out across the field. From this vantage point, I can see the men heading his way, and he can’t. I won’t let him get caught. I’ll be back before you realize I’m gone.”
    Lucky scrambled to his feet and stalked over to his saddle. He reached into his bags then pulled out two flat stones. As he prowled toward the rocks, he gathered dry clumps of grass and a few sticks. “Remember, stay next to the fire and don’t invite anyone close. Banshees’ voices can only work when you’re within a certain distance. I’ll grab Tolley and be sitting at the fire with you in no time.”
    He struck the flint pieces together and a fire caught his first try. “Actually, why don’t you get started on a meal. I’ll be starving by the time we return.”
    Lucky backed away then turned on his heel and dashed to Dubh. After gathering everything up, Lucky set the food next to the fire and glanced over at Landis. She’d wrapped her arms around her middle and was rocking on the balls of her feet. Her skin looked ashen. He resisted the urge to pull her into his arms and comfort her. There would be time enough for that when he returned. She had a good head on her shoulders, and he wouldn’t be gone long. Landis was safer hidden by the rocks than in the fray. He’d be facing a