"My lady, you are in pain. Can I help you?" he inquired.
"No! No. Begone, handsome youth! I carry with me dangers you cannot understand. Even to talk to me invites disaster. Go quickly on your way!"
Her voice was taut with emotion, with fear. Her breath came in quick pants, and her face was distraught. She bowed her head in hopeless resignation.
He started to turn, noted the tears in her eyes, and so remained.
"Here, I have medication for your ankle. It will ease the pain."
He rubbed the ointment on the red swollen skin, and her eyes widened as the pain began to recede.
"Oh, sir, I am fleeing from a most horrifying creature. There are no words that can describe it. Should it finds you with me, it will destroy you. Please, go on your way. You have been very kind, now leave quickly. Let me climb down the mountain alone."
For a moment he hesitated, took a step away from her and down the mountain. If I stay to help her it will endanger my chances of completing the final task. I must go on now!
His thoughts said leave. His heart said stay. The sad face of the hapless maiden held his eyes. He could not walk away.
"I too have known fear and loneliness. I cannot leave you thus. I will help you, no matter what pursues. And should it overtake us, I shall leave my mark on it." He touches his arrows for reassurance.