"…I see," the Elder said. "Do forgive me, then, for intruding on your quiet. I am simply a humble peasant, after all. I know nothing of military matters, and apparently, I do not even know how to serve you adequately."
There was sarcasm laced in that, with a pointed remark that seemed to suggest that he had seen through exactly what Vol was thinking as they travelled. It was enough to stir Vol towards a proper anger, but the village Elder had already disappeared again by the time Vol had thought to do something about his insolence.