Harlon closed his eyes briefly.
Then cursed beneath his breath.
He remembered Thomas.
The day his brother died.
The men who could have helped sooner.
He reached beneath the young man's shoulders.
“You picked a poor place to die, boy.”
Felix groaned.
Harlon lifted him carefully.
Then carried him toward the cabin.
The door opened before he reached it.
Amily stood inside holding a lantern.
Her hair was loose around her shoulders, and she'd pulled the heavy wool blanket over her nightdress.
She stared at the man in Harlon's arms.
Then recognized him.
Her face went pale.
“That's one of them.”
Harlon nodded.
“I know.”
She backed away.
For a moment, terror crossed her face.
Then she saw Felix's condition.
The trembling.
The pale lips.
The snow clinging to his eyelashes.
She looked toward Harlon.
“Is he dying?”
“He might be if we leave him outside.”
Amily swallowed.
For a long moment, she remained motionless.
Then stepped aside.
“Bring him in.”
Harlon carried Felix to the broad bench beside the hearth.
They worked carefully to warm him.
They removed soaked outer layers while preserving his modesty, wrapped him in dry blankets, and gave him time to recover gradually while watching his condition.
Harlon had enough mountain experience to recognize the danger of severe exposure.
He didn't rush the process.
Amily prepared warm drinks when Felix was alert enough to swallow safely and helped gather dry clothing.
For nearly an hour, the young man drifted between exhausted silence and confused murmurs.
Then he opened his eyes.
He looked toward the fireplace.
Toward Harlon.
Then Amily.
His expression filled with terror.
“Don't let Pike find me.”
Harlon folded his arms.
“That depends on why you're here.”
Felix swallowed.
He tried to sit.
A wave of weakness forced him back.
Amily moved closer.
“Lie still.”
He stared at her.
Then recognition struck.
“You're the woman.”
Her face hardened.
“Yes.”
He closed his eyes.
“Oh, God.”
Harlon leaned forward.
“Start talking.”
Felix looked frightened.
He glanced toward the door.
Then whispered, “They were going to leave me out there.”
Harlon's expression didn't change.
“Who?”
“Pike and Shaw.”
Amily's stomach tightened.
The two other riders.
Felix continued.
“After you drove us away, we tried to get back through the pass. My horse went down on the ice.”