Yeah, we can go with that. We can say that the two villages are close to each other, both positioned along the river's bank, and ruled over by the same lord. Due to their proximity, rumours about my guy's contract would have travelled to the village your character visited as well. Seems like the most straightforward way to handle it, I agree. 

In that case, I'll go ahead with my initial plan. Veles will claim his pay, get accosted by soldiers and start making his way to the local ruler's keep. Your guy can jump in at any point, I guess - either on the road or in the village itself, if he decides there's any point in entering the village in the first place that is. Of course, if you've got a better idea I'm all ears (or eyes, as it were).

Anyhow, gonna start working on this, should have a post up by the end of the weekend.