Ethan watched the blood trail left by Lysander quickly dry into the stone plaza before turning back to the three shaken women. Reaching into his storage ring, he pulled out a spare, thick cotton traveling tunic he kept for wilderness survival and tossed it toward the two younger girls.
"Cover yourselves," said Ethan, his voice flat and practical. "I am Ethan Brightsword. It is a pleasure."
The eldest girl hurriedly caught the heavy fabric, wrapping it tightly around her two shivering cousins to obscure their exposed, pale skin. Once they were securely covered, the three of them bowed deeply toward him, their expressions a chaotic mix of intense relief and lingering fear.
"I am Cynthia, from the House of Sterling," said the eldest, her voice trembling slightly as she smoothed down her tattered robes. "And these are my younger cousins, Lily and Nina. We cannot thank you enough for your intervention, Senior Brother Brightsword."
