<div align="center"><strong>Valdis</strong></div><br/>"I'm glad to hear Peleus is doing well," Sophia replied. She smiled politely, and this time the emotion seemed genuine. "We don't speak often enough these days. I really must make an excuse to stop by the farm."<br/><br/>But when Valdis inquired about her own well-being, her smile faded slightly. "I'm well, thank you," she said. Her eyes followed Valdis's gaze as he looked about in vain for Nasir; the innkeeper appeared to be absent. Strange, for Nasir delighted in greeting visitors and his customary post was behind the bar, where Sophia was standing.<br/><br/>Valdis noticed a calculating look in Sophia's eyes, as if she was weighing his intuition against the ill tidings she was reluctant to disclose. The mayor was known to be canny; pleasantries weren't the reason why she had been mayor for the past 12 years. Finally, Sophia breathed a soft sigh. "But I'm afraid the morning hasn't been pleasant. There are some matters we really should discuss. Why don't you have a seat while I make us tea."<br/><br/>Valdis had his choice of tables; the inn rarely had guests except in the autumn after the harvest or in late spring after the rains, when most trade took place. Locals wouldn't be arriving until lunchtime.