“Thaw and I will do well. Worry not,” Snow said and after slipping on her cloak and gloves, gave Twilla a hug and stepped outside. “Take us to the keep, Thaw.”

The wind had grown stronger, whippingwiping at her face as she tried to make out shapes, but the wind and swirling snow made it difficult.

Snow kept her hood pulled low and her face averted from the wind as best she could and followed slowly as Thaw tugged her along. She stopped suddenly when she thought she heard someone cry out and when Thaw pressed against her leg and barked, she knew he had heard it as well.

The cry came again and it sounded like someone in distress. What if someone was hurt?

Snow looked around trying to make out any moving shape, but all was still, the snowstorm keeping most indoors.

The cries of distress continued and Thaw whined. He was impatient to hurry off and see what was wrong, but he would not leave her side without permission.

Snow made a hasty and she hoped not unwise decision. “Someone needs help, Thaw, take me to the person.”

Thaw barked, grabbed the hem of her garment in his mouth and took off at a pace that had Snow slipping and sliding through the snow.

She listened as the moans grew closer and called out, “Who’s there? Are you hurt?”

“Help,” could be heard in the lingering moan.

When Thaw suddenly stopped and growled, fear nipped at Snow. Someone was there. Someone Thaw didn’t like.

“It’s Fasta, I need help.”

Snow hesitated. A sudden thought that this could be a trap grew her fear. “Are you injured?”

“I’m in terrible pain. It’s what made me collapse.”

Snow heard her fear and her trembling voice betrayed her tears.

“I’m going to die,” Fasta cried.

“No, I’ll get help,” Snow said.

“I prayed for help and what was sent me? A blind, useless woman,” Fasta said bitterly.

Snow ignored her disparaging remark. “Thaw, we need help. Go get Tarass.”

Thaw barked and didn’t move.

“He’s as useless as you,” Fasta said.

Snow patted her upper thigh and Thaw jumped up, resting his front paws there. “I know you don’t like Fasta, but you must do as I say. Go and hurry. Get Tarass.”

He barked at the strong command in her voice and took off running.

“We need to get you out of the snow and someplace warm,” Snow said, leaning down, her hand stretched out searching for the woman, though worried she might refuse her offer of help. She was surprised when Fasta grabbed onto her hand, squeezing it tight as though she feared letting go.

Snow realized she was laying prone in the snow, which meant she was growing colder by the minute.