continue on to Crancularn in search of your medicine, now
that you have escaped the attentions of Hathcar’s band?”
“We must,” Jon-Tom told him. “You’re welcome to
accompany us if you like.”
“Aye, mate,” said Mudge. “We’d be glad of your
help.”
“I have never been to Crancularn, though I know of it. I
would be delighted to accompany you.”
“It’s settled, then,” said a pleased Jon-Tom. Not only
was the unicorn a welcome addition to their trio, it had to
be admitted that riding was more fun than walking.
By morning they were at the outskirts of the girl’s
village. Cultivated fields surrounded the town. Jon-Tom let
her down gently.
“I didn’t do all I was supposed to do,” she muttered
uneasily.
“You did all you could. It’s not your fault that their plan
didn’t work.”
The town was enclosed by a strong wooden palisade and
looked more than capable of withstanding an attack by any
angry bunch of bandits. He didn’t think Hathcar would try
to take revenge for his failure against the girl or her
parents.
THE DAY OF THE DISSONANCE
245
“I still think you’re pretty,” the girl said to Drom.
“Can I kiss you good-bye? That’s supposed to be good
luck.”
Drom smacked his lips with evident distaste. “I’d prefer
you didn’t, but if you must.” He dropped his head, stood
still for a buss just below the right eye.
“Gen!” he muttered as she pulled away. “Now be on
your way, human, and count yourself fortunate this night.”
“Good-bye, unicorn. Good-bye, strangers.” She was
still waving at them as they disappeared back into the
forest.
No armed mob of angry, frustrated bandits materialized