They heard hoofbeats and turned to see several armed men riding at a gallop towards them.
Belloc chuckled as they rose to their feet. "For this reason I chose the proximity of this place. It appears we have raised quite a commotion."
Anest smiled and stretched his back and shoulders. He felt warm inside, even as he felt drained. And so tranquil! So certain! The sun above was hot and bright and wonderful! He seemed to see things in heightened dimensions . . . his eyes and senses seemed somehow more focused.
The captain of men dispatched from Lund dismounted and stared at Belloc and Anest apprehensively. "What has happened here?"
Anest glanced at the blackened spot where Belloc's old staff and his own talisman had been, and decided to say nothing.
Belloc cocked a speculative eye at the young captain. "What did you see?"
"We though the sun had fallen to the earth!" the man blurted. "There was a great noise, and rush of wind! We came upon you here, and it seemed to as though you and your apprentice meant to set the entire world afire! Tell me, Belloc, was battle with the enemy enjoined here?" He cast a nervous look about the wood, as though unable to trust his eyes.
"There is no apprentice here!" said Belloc, rising to his feet. "And nothing else you need concern yourself with, good man! The wood is safe enough. Come Anest, we have work to do."