Mary Herbert: Dragon's Bluff

Mayor Aylesworthy tried to give her payment in full. She smiled and gave it back, explaining that her father had already given her part of his “estate.”

“Just be sure and keep that treasure of yours safe, and if my father turns up dead again, don’t come get me. Just bury him.”

The city council laughed.

Lucy and Ulin left Flotsam early the next morning amidst the raucous confusion of the Khur caravan. Almost the entire town turned out to see them go. They waved and said good-bye to everyone, especially Challie, Aylesworthy, Bridget, and Lysandros. All too soon the whips cracked, the horses neighed, and Lucy and Ulin had to climb into their wagon and join the caravan.

Lysandros and some of his men escorted the caravan out of town. The Silver Fox saluted them both before he turned his troop aside and rode back to Flotsam.

On the hill where they had seen Flotsam for the first time, Lucy turned around and waved one last time.

Ulin snorted. “Where did you hear that?”

“Pease taught me.” Lucy hesitated then kissed Ulin’s cheek. “Thank you for coming with me.”

Ulin glanced at the woman beside him and thought how incredibly beautiful she was. “It was an honor,” he told her.