There is so much story missing, but that isn't the point. Nathaniel can't consider how much Anders is to blame for this when Anders is breaking down right here. His mind reels, trying to wrap around a problem that is way too but for him to deal with on his own. The only handhold he can get on any of this is a completely useless I have to protect him somehow. That doesn't help. Nathaniel can't protect him from Justice any more than his own soul.

Anders is soaked with mud. There's probably more than a little blood as well. He turns Anders toward him, stopping their progress, one hand cupping the back of his neck to make him look at him.

"Look at me." Always important, to help someone establish what can be seen, felt, and heard, rather than letting them be swept away in memory and imagination. "Listen to my voice. Does it feel like I'm afraid to touch you? Do I look or sound like you frighten me?"

If Anders looks, pays attention, he will see Nathaniel's calm. He will feel steady hands, warm hands securing him where he is. There is no fear in Nathaniel's voice.