Action at last

While holding the lass in his arms was wonderful, the good part of him was pleased to be bringing another person comfort while the man from his past loved the feeling of a woman in his arms, he was glad for the distraction.

Before the sound had materialized, he had Iva up and behind him and his sword out. Iva looked both concerned and afraid for the man. Before she could move or speak, he hushed her. His senses were keen to any other sound in the forest. Hearing nothing, he approached the man slowly.

"Tell me miss, do you know him? Please, keep your distance, but is he familiar? Was this how the 'dead men' looked?"