Willow snorted and spooked as a small girl fell out of the brush and onto his shoulder. Ada who had been listening to Fritz' story was brought back to reality, her mind had been reeling making connections and sparks flying as facts intertwined with other facts. 

She jumped a little at the girl and looked over her with a sceptical eye. Another hitch hiker. "What's your name?" Ada watched the girl, there could be a group of bandits close behind. "You are in the Nairi forest, about 3 days from Haneul. Where are your parents?" 

Two thoughts crossed Ada's mind. One: the girl was part of a group of bandits and they should high tail it out of there before they ambush the wagon. The second: this girl was genuinely lost and needed help, which she could give. But at what cost and the wagon was already full. Willow's strength had a limit and unless Ada could get another horse to lessen the burden she could not take another passenger on the wagon. Ada slowly wrapped her fingers around the dagger she kept hidden in her skirt. 

The girl sniffled and her thoughts settled a bit. She didn't take her hand off the dagger. "Are you in need of help?" a stupid question, but this would be the question the bandits would want. "There is a town down this road, you can stay shelter with us for the night, and I will arrange for someone to take you to town tomorrow to find your way."