Erot grunts, but this grunt is more venomous than the others. Sorina twiddles her fingers, and my eyes flicker between the two of them, processing. 

“Well? Surely you must’ve heard some tidings?” Sorina says. 

“Yes,” Erot says with a sigh. “The Forgecrests are the same as usual; cocky bastards lord their iron trade over the other villages. Fangshade has both expanded and taken some heavy losses. I think their leaders are having some internal issues.” 

Sorina shrugs. “I told them they’d have issues if they continue abiding by that lifestyle of theirs, but some people just can’t adapt I suppose.” 

Erot tightens his fist. I watch his face contort and twitch, as if he’s holding himself back. 

Sorina notices as well: “oh don’t be so dramatic Erot. I’m sure they’ll be fine. Now, come on then: what of Netsreach and Havenmarch?” 

“Netsreach has faced a tsunami recently. Half the village was under reconstruction by the time I got there. Though apparently, they spotted it early this time so no casualties.” 

“Good for them. Last time was too brutal,” she says, clicking her tongue. It's odd, seeing Sorina be empathetic for once. My opinion of her continues to shift and I conclude that I still don’t know a single thing about this woman and I don’t quite like that fact. 

“Do they live by the rock-toothed coast?” I ask. I vaguely know of the area and have heard of its volatile climate. Sorina nods. 

“It is an area prime for fishing and for catching lingering water bird spirits. But, it comes with that major drawback,” she says, circling her finger along the wood of the table. Quite a fidgety person, she is. But every action seems so calculated – as if meant to draw my attention towards something else. I focus my gaze on her somber looking face. Is this a facade as well? Does she care at all for those people?  “Fortunately for them, their trade makes them the wealthiest of the villages in central Katal, only second to Havenmarch and Forgecrests. And the clans of course, but I don’t really count them.” 

“I see,” I murmur, scratching my chin. 

Sorina turns her attention back to Erot. “And Havenmarch?” 

He grimaces. “They have been struck with plague.” 

For once, I get to see Sorina startled. Her green eyes go wide and her mouth hangs open. “What?” 

“Yah, it surprised me too. And it seems to be a brutal plague at that. They’ve closed their gates and are self-isolating. Poor guards looked diminished. Couldn’t let me in obviously.” 

“That…” Sorina murmurs, hand combing her hair back now. “Is troubling.” 

“Apparently they have already sent a request to the Kingdoms, asking for some aid,” Erot continues. “But…” 

“But the Kingdoms don’t a give a damn about us at the end of the day,” Sorina finishes for him. Erot shifts uncomfortably at this. He seems bothered by her openly treasonous thoughts. 

I stay silent. I am out of place in this spiraling political game of small-time villages. Still, it is fascinating how seriously these people seem to take these issues. Well, if this the life they’ve known thus far, I suppose events like plagues in neighboring villages are quite cataclysmic. I suppress to the urge to chuckle. It is tragic, but it is a far cry from the world-shattering events I used to dream of facing — the very same events that I’ve heard tales of Hui facing. 

Regardless, neither of them concerns me. I do not want to meddle in anyone else's affairs. Their problems are theirs. I am simply biding my time to prepare for the Boar Ranges. 

Sorina looks at me with some measure of curiosity before giving one last sigh: “let’s stop here for now. I’ll gather whatever information I can about Havenmarch.” 

“As you wish,” Erot says. He stands to leave and I stand as well. 

“Raiten, right?” Sorina calls, stopping us from leaving. “Do you have anywhere to stay tonight?” 

I shake my head.

“Any money?” 

I shake my head. 

She nods to Erot. “Since you’ve already picked him up and the two of you seem to get along, why don’t you hole up with Erot for a bit. I’m sure he could use more laborers on his farm. What do you think, Erot?” 

Erot looks at me and nods. “I actually quite like that idea, Sorina.” 

“You say that as if my other brilliant ideas displease you.” 

He gives her a look. She smiles again. “Well, don’t let me keep you. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you before your next trip Erot.” 

So we leave, heading back for our horses and wagon. As we go back to the horsemaster, I feel as though a pair of eyes are burning a hole in my back. I turn to look back at the mayor, but she is playing with the children once more. 

“I do not like that woman,” I say. 

“You and me, both Raiten,” Erot responds.