toward, to ward

Toward or toward ( one word, also towards ) describes moving in the direction of, or closer to--
If you continue toward the hill up ahead, you'll see the gas station on your right.
Don't move toward the dog if he's growling.

Toward may also mean in respect to, or regarding--
His attitude toward capital punishment is liberal, but he's generally a conservative.
We hope to be moving toward consensus, so let's keep personal comments out of the discussion.

To ward or to ward ( two words ) means to move to protect or guard--
He held up his arm to ward off the blow.
They patrolled the city at night, to watch for crime and to ward off danger.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He moved toward the assailant slowly, hoping to ward off his next assault."

Note--"two wards" might mean 2 minors under one's care--
His brother and sister-in-law died, and now he has two wards.
"Two wards" may also mean two political divisions of a city--
He represents two wards, the 7th and the 14th.
"Two wards" may also mean two divisions of a hospital--
That nurse is trying to care for two wards, and she's having trouble keeping up with the work.