Once she smiled as if to cheer the hermit brothers, and at that I felt the lift of the boat that comes with a fresh life set into the swing on the oar, and that told me somewhat.

Fergus was failing.

Behind me, Phelim, the younger and stronger man, was still breathing deeply and easily, and I had no fear of his failing yet.
Then I grew certain that the enemy was gaining.

We had held our own up till this time, but barely.

Gerda's lips tightened, and she had to meet the pull of Bertric and Phelim, lest they should overpower us.