Nessa set her lamp on a shelf. She took off her thick outer cloak and laid it over the man, tucking it close around his neck and shoulders. She stepped back. The cloak, which came down to her ankles when she wore it, barely covered this man, even in his tightly curled position. His skin was cold to the touch, deathly cold. She fetched the old blankets, wondering that he had not found them himself, wondering that he had not sought out Rona’s fire. Now she could cover him right up, so that all she could see was a wisp or two of his bright hair, and the pale skin of his brow.

She went to the passageway, motioning the dogs to follow. They stared at her. Then the second dog, the female, moved back to the fallen warrior and flopped down at his side, muzzle on paws. She might be starving and hurt, but it was clear she was not leaving him. Probably it was her warmth that had kept the young man alive thus far. The other dog followed Nessa outside and down to the fire.

Rona handed Nessa a cup of the steaming, aromatic brew. It was good to feel its warmth thawing the frozen bones of her hands. The wise woman swore by herbal teas for times of confusion, sadness, or just plain cold. She had a brew for every occasion. The dog settled by Rona’s feet. For a little, they sat in silence.

“How did he get here?” Nessa asked eventually. “When did he come?”

The old woman sucked her tea between her teeth. “I found him yesterday. He could have been there seven, eight days; it’s at least that long since you or I had cause to go in there. Must have found his way in and made himself at home, very quietly indeed. Him and the bitch. Hard to say which is the sorrier specimen.”

“Did you give him food? Water? Did he tell you anything?”

Rona turned her pebble-gray eyes on Nessa. “Me? No, child. I bolted out of there the moment I saw him. What is he but a big man with a big axe? His kind knows nothing but killing. He doesn’t belong here, no man does, and that sort least of all. As for food and water, he’s beyond either. Hound’s been out once or twice since I found them, but the fellow hasn’t moved a muscle. Curled up like a frightened babe, eyes squeezed shut: past helping, that one. Didn’t stop you giving up your cloak, though, did it?”

Nessa shivered. “What do you think we should do?”