Galen began to stumble back towards the castle after the long and strenuous task was complete. It had not been easy, and It took every ounce of his considerable skill to hold the rift shut and to patch it so it would not be easily torn again. He knew, however, that this would only delay their appearance. His body had taken a toll, seeming much more haggard and in general much older, he dimly remembered that he couldn't be around people.... Not in this state. Bad things would happen were he to lose consiousness near a population. He forced himself to turn around, using the last of his strength to place magical wards around an out-of-the-way clearing. These would keep him safe while he recovered. His strength drained, the old wizard collapsed in the woods, praying that nobody would wander too close.