Valentine smiled at Lyden’s polite greeting. He was glad to hear kindness in this stranger’s voice, having been slightly concerned that his new neighbour might not take well to his unexpected visit. Of course, that had not dissuaded the confident Valentine from coming to the Forest unannounced anyway, but he was still pleased that it had all worked out for the best. At his question, however, his smile faded just as Lyden’s expression melted into a slightly confused frown. It had not occurred to Valentine that Lyden might have known Sirius – nobody had come to his defence when the Prairie had been taken, and nobody had come to visit looking for the land’s previous owner. Intrigued, Valentine tilted his head at the words. A niece? He had found no signs of life after he had chased his foe away; the scents left behind were weak enough. Where could she have gotten to? “No,” he replied, his tone pleasant but matter-of-fact. “There was another stallion living there – Sirius, I think his name was – but he turned tail and ran when I challenged him.” He paused a moment, watching carefully for Lyden’s reaction. He hoped his behaviour would not offend, but it was hardly worth the trouble to lie to him. “I haven’t seen your niece though I’m afraid – there were no mares around when I scouted the territory, and no strangers have turned up since.” |