Chapter 723: Ferdinand - Part 6

He spoke to more than just that man. Even telling him to rise, the man seemed to be immobilized with emotion in the snow, sobbing, unable to form the words properly. Oliver spared him a light pat on the shoulder, and continued on his way, urged by a few irritated glances from Greeves.

"C'mon now, Jason, yer embarrassing us," came voices from behind him, as a few villagers rushed to tend to the fallen man.

"But… But I had to say it. I got to say it. I never might get to say it again."

"We know how yer feel, but there's a time and place, y'know? You missed your chance last night – we all said that we'd make a good showing of ourselves today, especially with that lordling Ferdinand coming."

"But he's already gone…"

"And we still managed to get a few scoldings from the guards, so that didn't go so well, did it? So pull yourself together, I say. We've already embarrassed ourselves twice."