Tobias sat down in the back of the inn at an empty table, facing away from the room. This morning, he had dropped Alice with her family, where she would stay for a few days. He had then gone to the post office to manage his savings account, had made some purchases, and now he was eager to set off and leave the noise and crowdedness of the town behind him. But it was a long journey and a cold day, and so he sat down for a hearty lunch first.

He had selected a different inn this time. That weird friend... ex-friend?... of Elijah's had bothered him last time, and Tobias was determined not to have his peace disturbed this time. He sipped his tea and let his thoughts wander while he waited for his meal.