Chapter 34

Something bad was about to happen, and she had no one to blame but herself as she ran in a state of panic for her house. She was the one who'd led Gunner to the sword in the stone. If he'd left it wedged, the river wouldn't be rising so rapidly. Then again, if he'd not grabbed that sword, they'd probably both be dead.

The reminder pressed her lips into a tight line. She was getting mighty tired of being treated as if her wishes didn't matter. Gunner was the only one who never treated her that way. He might tease her, but he didn't command her. He did, however, please her.

She made it to her house and went around the side looking for the sliver of shadow that marked the spot. Inside a tiny little passage hid her real treasure store, containing one makeshift bag filled with emergency items. Dried food, herbs, clothes. She quickly fabricated a second sack using a sheet to tuck in spare shoes that didn't fit well, more clothes, and an empty flask that would need filling.