208 An Invitation

Arran looked at the tall man in front of them, eyes full of suspicion. Although the stranger had shown no signs of ill will, he didn't believe for a second that the man's timely appearance was a coincidence.

"You were following us." He gave the stranger an appraising look, yet his eyes told him little about the man. Tall and middle-aged, wearing a simple but expensive robe and a well-made sword, he suspected the man held a prominent rank in the Ninth Valley — but then, he already knew that from the novice's reaction.

"So I was," the man replied. "It isn't every day that we get visitors from another Valley."

"How did you find out?" Snowcloud asked. She sounded more curious than shocked, as if she had already expected them to be identified.