[Isaac is worse than any thorn bush Hector’s had to pick his way through. He digs in barbs and tears at any flesh that catches. More fool Hector for trying to get close.]

Self defense is one thing, but once they are away from Julia, there’s no need....

[The men chasing them aren’t evil, or if they are, it is independent of their pursuit. They are just men, trying to protect their families and make the world safer.

If it comes down to it, Hector will kill to protect his own, but he won’t seek out the battle. Julia wouldn’t want them dead, just gone.]

Just be ready to move when the sun rises. We may end up with no choice but to fight.

[He takes a seat, more than an arm’s length from Isaac on the cold stone. He’s not that masochistic to come any closer, even if they are the only sources of heat available to the other.

He pulls out his canteen, newly filled from one of the chilly mountain streams, and offers it across the distance between them.]

Drink. You lost blood earlier, and you need to stay hydrated.