As the villagers began to disperse and return to their homes, everything stilled as if nothing had occurred, least of all a festival. Zen couldn’t imagine staying in the village that night, but thankfully, his friends agreed it wouldn’t be safe.
“Take these extra protection rods.” Degnan handed Morty a bundle bound in a simple sack. “They need to be a meter or less apart to work, but this should be enough to protect whatever camp you make.”
“Thank you. We would stay, but…”
“You need to put the safety of yourself and your fellows first. I understand.” Degnan’s dark eyes shifted once more, briefly, to Zen’s.
Zen and his party didn’t need protection rods. Whatever happened to them would be the will of Lord Gaian.
It was like being in a daze, gathering their remaining things from the room
