"Don't come any closer while I tend her."
A brief moment of pride at the strength of her command flared hotter when he gave a brief nod, giving import to her order. She took a moment to study him, surprised to find herself pleased he wore a fine fur-trimmed cloak, the leather boots also indicating wealth of some sort. Had he stolen them, or did he come from a prosperous family? The latter idea briefly blunted her fear and a new plan slowly formed. Perhaps she could use his timely intervention to her own advantage, in many ways.
He walked around her, still maintaining his distance. When he pointed at the body of the outlaw, she nodded in understanding. She kept her gaze upon him as he moved the dead man further away.
With another whine, Kati nudged her face, drawing her attention back to his wounded companion. She ruffled the fur on his head then reached for the sack that had fallen away during her struggle with the outlaw. She rummaged through it, her gaze darting time and time again to the warrior, hoping he would continue to keep away once he'd finished burying the outlaw under some brush.
Finding the bone needle, her fingers also curled around the thin ball of thread to accompany it. She thanked the gods for advising her when she packed her belongings. A hand covered hers. She bit her lip to stifle her gasp and jerked away.
"What are you doing?" She grabbed the axe, raising it, ready to defend herself. Immediately, the man straightened and took a few steps back.
"I only meant to help. If you can clean the blood away, then lay heat to it, she will heal faster."
Thora considered his words, knowing well how often the warriors in her father's village sealed wounds with a searing blade, speeding recovery of the injured. Yet, there were also times where the wound festered, making the injured person more ill. She'd seen limbs and lives lost in such a manner. Icy fingers tightened around her heart at the idea of Kata suffering that way. Still, she might do better than if Thora simply stitched the wound closed. Instinct to accept the warrior's help warred with mistrust and fear of the danger he presented.
She gave a nod. "I've seen it done, but do not know how…" Letting her words trail, she returned her concentration to the wounded animal. Despite the continued bleeding, the cut was mostly clean and straight, making the stranger's suggestion more plausible.
"I've only ever done it to a man. Never an animal." He remained two steps away, his sword still sheathed. He withdrew a dagger from his belt and turned it, handing it to her hilt first.
What did he intend? She sensed sincerity, or was she just fooled by his handsome face, the concern in his odd-colored eyes? Not green, not blue, but something in between, a startling contrast to his dark hair that she found intriguing. She shook her head. Why did she think on such foolishness now? She ran a gentle hand along Kata's head, the injured animal barely moving under her touch. In order to save her companion, she had to act now. She reached a trembling hand to accept the blade.
"What should we do?" she asked.
"We need a fire."
"No. It will draw attention."
He took a small step closer and crouched on the other side of Kata. "A small one. Just enough to heat the dagger."
She looked from the blade, to Kata and back to the man. "I don't know if I can…"
"I can do it."
Did she dare trust him? "I don't even know your name!" The words burst free before she'd even considered them.
The corner of his mouth tilted, softening his fierce demeanor. "I am Ari. I am traveling to Tingwalla."
So many questions raced in her thoughts, but she couldn't decipher a single one. "I am Thora."
"Are you going to The Thing?"
She shook her head. "My journey is none of your concern."
He gave a sharp nod. "Shall we tend your wolf?"
Thora realized Kati sat quietly near Kata's head. The male wolf never once warned Ari off with a growl or baring of his teeth. Clearly the animal didn't consider him a threat. Why? Because he had slain the attacker threatening Thora? Still, many warnings lingered in her thoughts.
"What shall I do?"
Ari looked at the wolf lying motionless on the ground. "Gather kindling for a fire. I will determine a way to keep the animal still."
Thora tilted her head. "How can you do that?"
"She'll need to be bound. And her jaw tied shut."
"No!" Thora stood, fists clenched. "How can you harm her that way?"
"It won't harm her and it is much safer for all of us that way." Ari's voice held a calming tone.
