"They will want our assistance later," Boromir says, "to describe the beast. Perhaps to track it wherever it came from. We will be of more help then." He seems to have decided that they're in this together now, for as long as it takes to resolve.

He manages a brief smile through the pain in his shoulder, though, at the stranger's concern. "You cared enough for my safety, though we've never spoken, to abandon protection and brain a demon with a poker. Could I in good conscience do less for you?"

The Rose & Thorn's windows are bright just ahead. They'll make it unharmed. He voices the prayer in his own mind automatically: Thanks be to God.