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Evan returned to the Grey Horse Inn in disbelief at how obtuse Bigsbee or Tindolen had been. The demon hunter might have expected it from Bigsbee — His Honor had missed the point and had failed to act on more than one occasion. But Tindolen was smarter than this. To trust in this prophecy so completely was ludicrous and irresponsible. That wasn't like Tindolen at all.

Worse still, Evan had wasted his time talking with them; going to town hall looking for Bigsbee was all for naught too. Even the good fortune of running into His Honor on the street meant nothing now. Part of Evan wondered why he had even bothered.

But Evan knew why. There was a chance now, albeit a small one, to remake the Crown of Power and oust the dark elves from Andropolis. It would be hard and possibly dangerous but it was worth the risks.

Considering his next move, Evan decided there was only one option open to him: he would have to stand guard since Bigsbee refused to assign any of the town guard. The thought was not a pleasant one. He had come to Clearbrook to rest; in spite of this, he had no choice and it was not the first time Evan had made a sacrifice for the greater good.

Resigned to the task, Evan entered the Grey Horse and stepped into the function room. James and Iriel were still standing guard. Along with them were three other people. Straight ahead of Evan, in the corner, a blonde-haired barefoot boy in a white shirt and trousers sat in the corner, his eyes closed. He made no motion as Evan entered the function room. A pair of black shoes rested next the boy. They looked new and barely worn.

Deeper in the room, directly in front of the fireplace, two men stood. They seemed to be arguing with each other. They glanced at Evan as he approached them. The one on Evan's left had grey hair at the temples and in his beard. He was balding elsewhere so that only wisps of brown hair covered the top of his head. The one on Evan's right had dull grey eyes and a hollow, gaunt face made him appear fragile and weak, as if he would topple over in a strong breeze. Lines etched his face, white hair, and a long white beard, added to his aged appearance. Both men wore white shirts, black trousers, and brown leather boots.

Evan gave both men a friendly nod and when over to Iriel and James.

"I found your uncle," said Evan. "He confirmed what you told me. The gem is real."

Iriel shook her head. "What is wrong with you humans? You trust so little."

"Well, the claim is pretty incredible," said James.

"You think so?" said Iriel.

"Well, maybe not for elves since you live longer, but for humans, absolutely. It is hard to believe this gem was made by your gods and given to the elves at the beginning of the world," said the bard.

"I suppose," said Iriel indifferently, not sure if she agreed with James' assessment.

As the bard spoke, the blonde-haired boy came over and stared at the gem in the display case. A light from inside the jewel flared to a bright yellow then faded.

"Did you see that?" asked Iriel.

"Yes," said James concerned.