By the time they reached the top of the hill, Sir Gavin and Sir Cynwrig were helping Ollie climb into the bed of the cart where Lady Cerys lay sleeping. Ollie could manage a few steps on his own when absolutely necessary, but it clearly took tremendous effort, and both knights stayed close enough to catch him if his legs gave out.
Despite his obvious exhaustion and despite the way his hands shook and his face had gone pale with strain, Ollie kept his spirits visibly high. He even managed a smile for Cadeyrn when the young squire hurried over to help steady the cart as Ollie climbed aboard.
"Thank you, Cadeyrn," Ollie said, flashing the best smile he could manage at the young squire. "You've been working hard this morning, haven't you?" Ollie asked as he took in the young man's coat of mail and the light arming sword at his waist. Clearly, the squire had been assigned heavier responsibilities today than just helping with his father's armor or managing a cart for Lady Cerys.
