An hour later, she saw MacDrakin ride into town and decided to talk with him. Since he wasn't in town very often, they had exchanged only a few words since she had taken over the constabulary. This could be a opportunity to change that. Getting him to help defend the town would be an excellent way to start on her plan. What with the gleaming battle ax strapped to his back, he'd scare away yuks without doing anything other than waving it over his head. MacDrakin was handsome in a rugged, dwarfish way. His three-foot tall frame carried a great deal of muscle and his dark brown eyes, hair and beard curls exuded a certain sexiness. Sitting astride his pony, he radiated confidence unlike the other dwarfs in town. He owned land with gem mines, was rich and descended from a legendary hero. Everything considered, MacDrakin was the most impressive dwarf in the region. He was also unmarried, like herself.

MacDrakin pulled up his pony and greeted her with a smile and a nod. "Constable. How are you?"

"I'm fine." She returned the smile and patted the pony on the neck. "It's nice to see you in town again. How are things on the mountain?"

"Lonely."

Higginbottom's attention perked up at the word, 'lonely,' and her heart skipped a beat. "Listen. I've been meaning to ask you something. You know yuks have raided Skensfirth in the past. I'm sure they'll do it again someday. Can I count on you to help defend the town if that happens?"