"Good. Good."
The hooded man gave a satisfied nod before stepping past John Free and walking toward the front of the house.
The woman immediately followed after him.
Her movements contrasted sharply with his. While the man walked with steady, measured steps, she almost seemed to bounce forward, occasionally rising onto her toes as though she possessed endless energy that refused to stay still.
Both of them were tall, standing close to six feet in height. The difference was slight, yet noticeable.
The man's broader shoulders and more masculine build gave him a little extra height, causing him to appear somewhat larger whenever the two stood side by side.
John hesitated for a moment before hurrying after them.
The pair settled beneath the wide wooden balcony roof attached to the front of the house.
The afternoon breeze drifted through the village, carrying the scent of freshly turned soil and crops.
