Ordhan returned the salute. There was some measure of sanctuary in the familiarity of manners; they were always there to fall back on when honest response failed him. "It was more helpful than what answers I am usually able to find," replied Ordhan. The only sign of his soul-deep disappointment was the slight drift of his eyes downwards and to one side.
A weary smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, but he shook his head. He was, as Constans noticed, still tired, but physical weariness seemed the least of his worries at the moment. Even though straining himself at the day's beginning would be unwise, it would serve him well to concentrate on something else. Maybe afterwards another activity would present itself. There had been too much time to stand around and think during Ordhan's month-long stay; now he found himself hoping that the day would spare no time for it.
The knight drew his sword. "One more, then; it will not be too much," he assured the other, standing with posture tall and shoulders squared to be as convincing as possible.