“That would be difficult to explain, as the only name I know him by is John,” the priest replies. “Even if I were to specify that he is a wizard, that hardly narrows things down for you.”
“Presumably he’s done something to catch your attention,” you observe. “Something you may even have witnessed, if you can recognize his aura.”
“And if, hypothetically speaking, what he did involved confidential matters of my temple, I would be very limited in what I could say to outsiders about it,” the priest points out. “I do not think this needs further clarification.”
Ah, yes. The exact reason you dislike dealing with priests. Well, maybe you can work around it.
“All right, let’s get this a bit more focused. If this John of yours is present, is he likely to disrupt our work?” you ask. “And is there anything we can do to prepare for it if he is?”
“I cannot predict what he will do if he acts in desperation, but the likely worst-case scenario is simply a powerful spell,” the priest replies. “However, I am not looking to confront him, merely confirm his presence. So long as I remain hidden, I should not provoke him.”
“Well, you’re doing a terrible job of staying hidden,” you mutter. “I barely had to try to spot you. And I don’t have any magic to help me. It sounds to me like you’re in over your head.”
“I am hiding from magical detection more than physical,” the priest replies. “You are hardly qualified to evaluate how I’m doing in that regard.”
Hmm, perhaps that explains the box-shaped bulge under his coat. Still, you get the distinct feeling that if this wizard is at all dangerous, this neophyte priest is not at all prepared for him. But he’s probably got too much confidence in his god to see that.
So you’ll have to think of the right approach to persuade him otherwise.
Ask about the box he’s carrying around
Tell him you smelled something wizards smell like, like sulfur or musk plant or incense
Lead him somewhere and follow him
Trick him into working the same job you are doing, so you can keep an eye on him. Convince him by telling him this is the best spot for finding things, you found him, after all