Where did you come from?" he snapped quietly.

"I hardly think this is the time!" I hissed back. "I heard the shots and saw you pinned down."

"I was not 'pinned down'!" he retorted quietly, pulling me back into the shelter of the boulders.

"So you knew that brave was sneaking up on you?" I gestured to where I'd made my first shot and he scowled again.

"No, I reckon I owe you for that, "

"We can discuss life favors later." I whispered. It was far too quiet out there for my liking. "My cabin is over that rise, tucked in the valley, and if we can make it we'll be safe, "

"Can you ride?" he asked, noting my limp.

"Can you shoot?" I retorted.

He cracked a dry grin and gestured to the horses.

"After you ma'am, I'll keep you covered.