Free Lucky's Charm by Kassanna Page A

hoard of angry trolls wielding deadly weapons, prepared to maim or kill him.
    Before returning to his unicorn, he marched over and guided her toward a flat stone next to the fire. “Stay right here. I won’t be gone long.” Lucky reached under his leather tunic and pulled his pendant free. After slipping it over his head, he leaned over and placed the chain over hers. “This be your lucky charm.”
    She lifted her chin and met his gaze. “You’ll need it more than I will.”
    “No worries, lass, I have every intention of coming back for it and the woman who wears it.” He rose and trotted over to Dubh. Setting his foot in the stirrup, he swung a leg over the saddle. “Don’t forget what I told you.” He turned the unicorn toward the path that led down the ridge, and only once did he have a debate with himself about leaving his friend to the fates.
     

SEVEN
     
     
     
     
    The night descended on her like a dense shroud smothering her. Landis took a deep breath and rocked in place. She hadn’t moved since Lucky left. She swiveled and stretched out her arms toward the flames rising from the campfire. Her ass was numb as she sorted through the hodgepodge of food and goods at her side. Landis set her elbow on her knee and her chin in her hand. Cooking required water and grease or something, but there was no water and no pot to heat anything up in. Her stomach grumbled. Leaning back, she placed her palm on her belly.
    This was ridiculous. Banshees were a myth made up to scare children to get them to behave. Lucky was probably trying to frighten her so she wouldn’t go off on her own. Landis snorted. Where would she go? His chain hung heavy around her neck and the clover pendant bumped against her chest every time she moved. Light reflected off the clear emerald stones, giving the landscape around her an eerie green glow. She grabbed the amulet and stuffed it down her shirt.
    Scraping sounds sent her inching closer to the fire. Landis glanced around. Surrounded by rocks, the sound could have come from anywhere. Smooth walls towered high above her as she far as could see in the limited light. Echoes may have bounced off the stone and traveled for miles.
    She turned toward the flames, reached over, and pulled a small square of flat bread from the miniscule stack that hadn’t turned to crumbs during the wild ride. She nibbled on a corner of the crust, and the taste of basil burst over her taste buds. Another bite, a slight crunch, and the bread crumbled in her mouth. She closed her eyes and sighed.
    The scratching grew louder, closer. She eased open her eyelids slightly to peer into the darkness beyond her. A breeze whistled through the rocks and across her cheeks. Landis pulled the heavy cloak up around her chin. Encircled by silence and alone with her thoughts, wild ideas filled her mind. Had Lucky been hurt or captured? If he didn’t come back, could she navigate the trail out of the hills? What if she couldn’t find the path?
    Her breathing started to quicken and she gave herself a mental slap. Granted, she’d only know the leprechaun for a day, but she trusted him. She wasn’t sure how that happened. Landis clutched the pendant through her blouse and stared into the campfire.
    “Might I share a seat at your fire, pretty?” A hoarse whisper on the breeze circled around her.
    Landis twisted in her seat, searching for the source of the disembodied voice. She shook her head. Maybe she was hearing things.
    “I’m an old traveler seeking refuge.” A haggard face appeared in the light then quickly shifted back into the shadows.
    She rose and peered at the spot. “Who are you?” She needed to get another look at the person.
    “May I join ye?” The face moved in closer again, still half shrouded by the shadows. “I saw the fire and only seek to warm myself.”
    An old man. Landis thought about what Lucky explained to her. She crouched and picked up a branch from the meager pile he had left her. Landis rose and