The instant that he placed his cloak around her, she wheeled around and backpedalled away from him. Then she stood but soon went pale.  Her strength  failed her because of the pain.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ccff">”Wh -  who are you?”</span><br/><br/>Perplexing thoughts flooded his mind, filling him with confusion. “How can this be?” Benaiah questioned. “I shot a wolf - I<i><b>know</b></i>I shot a wolf! Yet here before me stands a beautiful woman . . . weak and bleeding from a wound that I obviously inflicted. Without a doubt  that is the remnant of my arrow that is buried deep in her shoulder”<br/><br/>She steadied herself by placing a hand upon his shoulder. He allowed it.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ccff">”You should not be here. These...The forest is dangerous and any manner of creature could harm you here." </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#bfbfbf">“I am called Benaiah, Benaiah Stokes.” he answered. “from the valley of tillers. The son of a farmer. A farmer myself . .  and a hunter.  I have hunted this forest many times,	and yes,	there are dangers here. Though I fear them not. I am a skilled archer and quite capable of defending myself with my bow.</span><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(191, 191, 191)"><br/>
 ‘Tis my broadhed, O fair woman of the forest, that is lodged deep within your shoulderblade . The cresting marks upon the shaft are my unmistakable signature.  Yet it puzzles me that I see you standing before me as a woman.  For ‘twas a wolf at which I directed my arrow. <br/>
What wiles of witchery is this? Perhaps your words of warning refer to dangers which I do not perceive. I have heard the lore of the forest since I was but a lad but until now have never had cause to view the tales as anything but concocted  limericks and fireside chat.<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
It further bewilders me that you would show such concern toward one that has harmed you in such fashion. I know that the lovely lady and the pale wolf are one and the same. My hunting instincts and tracking skills tell me so. The hard heart of the hunter within me says I should kill you.  I stay my hand though, for I am moved by your beauty and touched by your selfless compassion.<br/>
<br/>
You were headed to this cottage as a refuge. You must know it.  Please allow me to assist you. To get you inside, and if you will permit me, I shall remove the arrow and tend to your wound.<br/>
<br/>
He turned to allow her to better support herself with her arm now around his neck. He placed his arm around her waist and slowly they entered the cottage.<br/>
<br/>
The inside of the small hovel was unkept and looked more like a den than a dwelling. There was a cot  located against the wall that was opposite the small fireplace. Benaiah helped her to it. He made her as comfortable as possible and then began to assess the wound. He made a mental list of  things which he might need.<br/>
</span><br/><ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#bfbfbf">build a fire</span></li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#bfbfbf">Boil some water</span></li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#bfbfbf">Clean, boiled linen</span></li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#bfbfbf">Heat his knife blade (for cauterizing)</span></li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#bfbfbf">Herbs</span></li>
</ul>