There weren't very many occasions when Halt was at a loss for words. True, he wasn't a talkative person by any means, but rarely did his mind fail to come up with a response to almost any situation.
Now though?
Try as he might, there were no words forthcoming. The most he could do was stand on the veranda and stare in mute uncomprehension. He glanced down at the mug he was holding. It was empty, which was unfortunate because he could feel a headache building.
His two apprentices—well, his apprentice and former apprentice—stood side by side on the grass below, both of them covered in feathers. Gilan was grinning unashamedly up at Halt. Will at least had the grace to look embarrassed, even if the glint in his eyes took away the seriousness of the expression.
A gust of wind swept through the stretched silence, catching hold of several feathers and sending them drifting away into the trees.
"If I find a single feather in the cabin it will be the end of both of you," Halt threatened before turning to head inside. He needed more coffee.
A/N: Why exactly are Will and Gilan covered in feathers? I'll leave that up to your imagination.