The Baron hurriedly asked what he meant. "Saint Andrew also appeared before me," he said.
"When?" the Baron asked him.
"This morning, sir. Saint Andrew told me to take a message to Lord Eric. And then to inform Brother John."
The devotion in his words and the fervor on his face—like a man returned from battle—made the Baron hesitate before deciding to hear him out. "Sir, I am not here to disturb him," said Stephen. "I was commanded by Christ the Lord."
The Baron stared at him, his mind filled with doubt. "Stephen," the Baron finally said, "Lord Eric is a very busy man. He carries the weight of the entire army on his shoulders. You must understand that he cannot be disturbed lightly."
"I am not here to disturb him, sir," replied the farmer named Stephen. "The Lord commanded me."
The Baron watched him, his gaze profound.
The eyes that looked back at him were no longer those of an ordinary farmer; they held an incomprehensible depth.
