[ Infected. The phrasing hits on something strange—and unexpected in this place. Most people back home would say bitten, though he could have been scratched. He could have found tainted water and the fever hasn’t had the time to come and conquer just yet. It’s beside the point out here, when he has a weapon pointed at her throat.

But he didn’t try to kill her. Why, he’s only trying to rob her—the first mistake.

Leah’s expression doesn’t change. She’ll have to kill this man now, she supposes.

Shame. ]

Town is north, [ she says, very softly. ] And it doesn’t matter what you want: you point that at me any longer, and I’ll hang your corpse from the nearest tree. A warning to the rest.

[ Her voice is mild. Calm. ]

Go. Now. Or we’ll do that thing you don’t want to.