Until the day when he could reveal the full truth of what happened this morning, Loghlan would have to settle for a different story. A lesser truth that would protect the greater one, and a narrative that would satisfy people's curiosity without revealing anything that might put Sir Ollie or his companions in danger.
The silence stretched on, broken only by the crackling of the fire and the quiet sounds of Ollie's fading sobs. No one seemed willing to break the moment, to shatter the fragile peace that had settled over the clearing now that the crisis had passed. They all needed this time, Loghlan realized. They needed a few minutes to process what they had witnessed, to let their hearts settle and their thoughts clear before turning their attention to the practical matters that still remained.
So Loghlan waited, patient and still, while Ollie and Milo held each other by the fire and while Cynwrig clutched his son and sent up silent prayers of gratitude.
