Isaac noticed the subtle delay.
He could tell what was happening even without hearing anything.
Gael was clearly having a heated telepathic exchange with the vice general and officers above.
From the way the soldiers shifted their stances and looked toward Gael, the argument was probably not a short one.
Another minute passed.
Then the vice general on the ridge finally gave a reluctant gesture.
The mages lowered their spell circles. Archers relaxed their bows, and the soldiers began to withdraw from the edges of the cliffs.
It didn't happen all at once, but gradually the ridges emptied.
Soon, the valley returned to its earlier quiet state.
Only the three of them remained.
Gael let out a small sigh as he rolled his shoulders.
"Sheesh. They worry about me like I'm a kid," he said.
He looked at Isaac again.
"So. What is this special information? And why are you so open about sharing it?"
"We are from the future."
For a moment, Gael simply stared at him.
