Why did he let her tag along? Maybe he missed the snores of his lost comrades in the early mornings. To have someone to boss around made him feel more at ease with himself, less lost and confused. Her animal smell was bearable, and as long as she could keep up with his pace, she might be useful for him.
And if he'd starve, he could always eat her.
He stared into the flames - the spruce wood spat sparks - and his lonesome thoughts started grinding in his brains' dark mill.
