“I’m going to see if that was a wood pile I saw, then I’ll be right back. It’s only a few steps away. Call out if you need me.”

“I will,” she said, though saw no reason she would need him. She waited a few moments to make certain he was gone and when she felt Thaw leave her side to see to his duty, she knew it was safe for her to do the same.

She was quick about it, the furious wind and biting cold forcing her to hurry. She was finished adjusting her garments when Thaw began to bark and wouldn’t stop. He remained in front of her like a shield and continued his nonstop barking.

Snow jumped when she felt a hand at her arm.

“It’s me. What’s wrong?” Tarass asked, leaning close to her face so he didn’t have to shout above the wind.

She turned her face, her cold cheek brushing his. “Something or someone must be out there. He only barks like this when he thinks I’m in danger.”

Thaw gave a loud bark followed by a vicious growl, then he lunged forward into the snow.

“Stay here, and keep your hand on that tree,” Tarass ordered. “I’m going after him.”

She didn’t argue, didn’t respond, didn’t want to waste time with either. She wanted Tarass to make sure Thaw was safe. She planted herself against the tree, straining to hear Thaw’s barks and when they faded her worry grew.

After a moment, she thought she heard someone approach or did it sound like something was being dragged? She couldn’t tell and without word from Tarass or a bark from Thaw, it couldn’t be them.

She stayed where she was, not knowing what to do. Tarass told her to stay by the tree, but what if something had happened to him? And what if she walked away from the tree, wandered aimlessly, not knowing in what direction to go, since she had turned several times after Tarass had deposited her there. She had no idea of the direction of the cottage.

She strained to listen again when suddenly a hand fell on her shoulder squeezing it tight and saying not a word and began to drag her away from the tree. Her instincts flared and she fought to free herself. The unknown person was strong and fear rose up in her. If he got a good grip on her, she might not be able to break free of him.

Snow kicked, swung, and did whatever she could to yank herself free, but it was a sharp swing of her head that caught him under the chin that did it and once his arm fell away, she hurried off in the snow as best as she could. She didn’t know what direction she went in, couldn’t see anything but shadows that she quickly avoided.