Tarass looked down at Snow’s hand that had gripped his arm at the news. It was almost as if she were anchoring herself to him, not wanting to be separated from him. And it frustrated him that he liked the thought.

The door to the keep opened and Thaw came rushing out and down the steps barking furiously.

“He would not cease his incessant barking,” Fasta said and, glad to be rid of the pup, hurried to shut the door.

Thaw jumped up against her leg and Snow reached down to pat him, wincing as she did, the pain catching at her shoulder.

“You will see Runa,” Tarass said, giving her no choice in the matter.

“After I see my brother,” Snow said, knowing that arguing with him would do little good.

“The relief on your brother’s face at seeing you as he approaches, shows how much he has worried about you,” Nettle whispered at her side.

Snow was glad to hear Nettle detail the scene for her. It was so difficult not being able to see what was going on. She was learning to adapt as best she could, but there were times she was simply impatient. This was one of those times. She would love to have seen the look on James’s face herself. She didn’t think of James as her half-brother. He was her brother and he cared and protected her as a brother should.

“He is getting off his horse in haste and it appears he is headed straight for you,” Nettle said.

“Enough talk, Nettle,” Tarass snapped.

Snow wanted to tell Tarass to let Nettle be that she helped her, but she was suddenly grabbed in a tight hug. If Nettle hadn’t alerted her to James’s approach, she would have startled in fright.

An unexpected pain stabbed at her side and she assumed her previous wound had suffered in the fall.

“Thank God, you’re safe,” James said. “When the horses returned without you and Finn, I was beside myself with worry. The raging snowstorm didn’t allow for a search. It wasn’t until this morning we were able to start searching. I was losing hope when our tracker picked up a trail beneath the snow that led here. Where is Finn?” He looked around searching for him and met with Tarass’s stern face. “Forgive me, Lord Tarass, I was so relieved to see my sister safe that I failed to greet you properly, though I must say I am in your debt for giving my sister shelter.”

“Lord Tarass rescued me, James,” Snow explained. “I was alone and got lost after Finn died—”

“Finn is dead? What happened to him?” James asked, shaking his head, shocked, and trying to comprehend what he’d been told.