“I have [i]no[/i] problems sticking to the quarantine rules,” King said, looking at Annie and smiling, “now that I have someone to talk to.”

Annie felt her face burning with a blush. She was excited to spend time with the stranger and couldn't wait for her father to leave. 

They talked about King's deceased traveling companions, after which King returned to his breakfast. Bran headed for the trail to the village, saying, “I'll go arrange for that bath we spoke about.”

Stopping close to his daughter, Bran said in a soft voice, “Maintain your distance, Annie, and pay attention to wind direction. You're a smart girl. Don't do something stupid.” 

Looking back to King, Bran said, “I hope you won't be offended, but I'm going to put a man with you as well. I'll send him down in a few minutes.”

Annie began in a complaining tone, “[i]Papa![/i] You don't have to–”

But she went silent when she got [i]the look[/i]. Grumbling, she said, “Fine. But [i]not[/i] Paul.”

Bran smiled, leaned in to kiss his daughter’s forehead yet again, and confirmed, “Not Paul.”

He headed up the trail, peeking back over his shoulder once early, then once just before losing sight of the pair. By then, Annie had already taken Bran’s earlier seat and begun her inquiries: 

“Where's Newfoundland…?”

“What's there…?”

“How many people live there…?”

“Are they just like us…?”

“Why'd you leave…?”

“Where were you trying to go…?”

“Who was with you…?”

“Are you married?”