Tarass watched her and he saw how Thaw kept watch on him. The pup’s dark eyes followed his every move as he remained firmly planted against Snow’s leg. The pup never left her side and though he had grown some he hadn’t yet gained the strength and size to protect her adequately. However, that did not stop him from trying and for that he had to admire the pup’s confidence and tenacity.

He was much like Snow… stubborn, willful, her tongue snappish, foolishly standing up to those much stronger and more powerful than herself. She was blind in more ways than one.

James, her half-brother, needed a firmer hand when dealing with her. He was much too lenient, letting her wander on her own. Strict watch should be kept over her at all times. Maybe after this unfortunate incident James would see that and do what was necessary. If not, harm was bound to find Snow.

It was difficult to deny her beauty and none did. Many agreed that out of all three Macardle sisters, she was the most beautiful. The three shared red hair and green eyes, though the red color was different for each. Snow’s hair shined with a red brilliance that caught the eye as it fell well past her shoulders. Her green eyes had a shine to them as well, not bright or bold, but pleasant as if they greeted you along with the smile she often wore. At least that was what others said about her, since she seldom bestowed a smile on him.

Looking at her now she appeared upset and he could easily guess why. She wanted to go home to what was familiar to her, not be stuck in a place she didn’t know. He would have to assign one of the women to attend her since she wouldn’t be able to get around on her own.

“I’m going to need to get more wood to keep the fire going,” he said.

She turned her head in his direction. “The wood is wet. How do you get it to burn?”

“It needs to be stripped down to where it’s not wet, then it burns, but I think a saw a wood pile under a lean-to. There might be some dry wood there.”

“What if the people who live here return?” she asked.

“In this snowstorm that would be doubtful, but from the looks of the place I’d say it’s been deserted for some time,” Tarass said and saw a sadness wash over her, then she shook her head slowly.

“Of course, this must be Janick’s place.”

“The name isn’t familiar to me.”