For the first time since their paths were crossed in a frenzy of confusion and violence, Rhawnwyn got a solid look at the large man’s face. Blinking, but not wincing, the young Eorlinga lifted her hand to mutely accept the coin offering as she stared up at the stranger. He was hideously scarred, one eye shadowed by the corner of a lowered hood. There was a harsh firmness in his voice, which prompted a sudden and stark memory of Rhanwyn’s bad-tempered uncle, Rees. Memory softened the horror of the stranger’s countenance in the young maid’s opinion. Uncle Rees was not mangled in appearance like this man, but his heart seemed hard and his words biting to most, save those few who managed to get past the aged man’s defenses and experience his tender loyalty. Rhawnwyn had been one of those few, and at a very early age.
A soft smile warmed the young woman’s expression and she shook her head, her eyes not wavering from the stranger’s scarred face. He may not have looked anything like her beloved uncle, but the memory sparked an immediate sense of familiarity and banished any urge to hurry the exchange and flee the scarred man. Rhawnwyn’s smile was sincere.
“You don’t need to pay, Sir…it’s okay, really,” she replied to his attempt to make up for the lost coin. Her smile faded and a line furrowed an otherwise smooth brow. Concern filled her eyes as she reached out to place a hand on the large one holding the money.
“What truly matters is if you are alright. It may be none of my business, but you seemed to be in pain back there. Did that man hit you with something before he… Well….you seemed injured.”
Rhawnwyn’s green eyes shifted and she seemed at a loss for words when it came to the man who fell down the well. She worried if he was seriously hurt or, worse, dead. Was she at fault for what happened to him? If she had just not played the game, not wanted to be closer to that handsome face, this stranger would not have felt compelled to act on her behalf and none of this would have happened.
Baldrick landed on the cobblestones to peck at the dust. Rhawnwyn glanced to her raven friend and then looked up to the giant of a man.
“There is a camp of travelers outside of town on the East Road. They haven’t minded me making camp near them a time or two, and did not look twice when my friend, Cadoc, joined my fire. If you are well enough for an easy walk, let me take you there and at least feed you to show my appreciation. My Ma always says that nothing showed gratitude more than providing someone with a full stomach.”
