Big Dan stared at the place they’d crossed over, then shook his head. There might be no good to come of this, but the boy had volunteered and he’d given him the best protection he could.

He turned away.

“Let’s go fetch Gathlen,” he told his men, “and bring his body home.”

When he started for the Doonie’s Stane, his men fell in beside him.

The Hard Road to Travel

Jilly

What do they say about meeting a bear in the woods? Oh right, you shouldn’t. And to make sure you don’t, you should make a lot of noise so that they’ll know where you are and keep their distance because, supposedly, they’re as nervous of us as we are of them. Which is all good, except this bear doesn’t seem the least bit nervous. He’s giving me a look like I’m Goldilocks, ate his porridge, broke his chair, slept in his bed, and now it’s payback time.

Don’t look him in the eye, I think. That’ll only make it worse.

Or is that just for dogs?

Maybe you’re supposed to look them in the eye?

I can’t remember. I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to run—not that I could anyway. My legs are shaking so badly I’m surprised I’m still standing.

“I’m really not good to eat,” I say.

I don’t even know why I’m talking. But that’s me, I can never keep my mouth shut.

“I mean, look at me. I’m just this skinny girl who seriously wouldn’t taste very good.”

God, he’s big. Really, really big. And doesn’t it just figure? For years people have been warning me about the supernatural menaces to be found in the otherworld, but nobody ever said anything about gigantic bears.

I keep waiting for him to attack, but all he does is glare at me. I’m totally surprised that I’m still alive. Maybe he likes the sound of my voice.

Maybe he’s not hungry.

Maybe he’s one of Joe’s cousins and just looks like a bear and now he’s pissed off at me because I’m acting like I think he wants to eat me.

But maybe he does want to eat me and he’s just trying to decide on the best recipe.

Skinny girl with a honey-nut glaze.

Roasted flank of Jilly with a side of roots and berries.

Or perhaps the ever-popular and simple to prepare Jilly Tartar.

I’m babbling, if only in my own head. I stand here shaking like the proverbial leaf, moths of morbid nonsense banging around in my brain, and I can’t stop either.