"Well, enough of that! I've told you all that I know. Now, what news, master Belloc?"
Belloc told him of their plans to catch Morlock unawares, and of Morlock's army which would soon march southwest. Triel seemed to be only half listening, but those who knew him realised that he was as somnolent as a steel trap. His inner energy was invisible, and was released like a rapier-thrust when he cared to show it.
"I see," he said when Belloc had finished. "Well, your affairs are your own. I must decide what to do with my men when the forces from Lund arrive. It was most kind of Baldric to let me decide the fate of my men and myself."
He puffed his pipe in silence a moment, and his gaze turned inward. "How far north will you go?" he asked abruptly.
"In the north of Morag," said Belloc, "there is a pine forest where the road ends. In the pine forest north of the road there is a small lake, and the ruin of an ancient building . . . a mansion or such. North of this place, not far into the woods is a large obelisk of stone. That will be our turning point."
"I know that place," said Triel. "It is said to be enchanted. Strange things have been heard and seen there. Even trolls will only venture through there at great need, though I have never heard of any great danger or mischance occurring there.