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After talking with Tindolen, Evan decided to spend the rest of the morning catching up with other friends. Even though guarding the gem was important, he had come to Clearbrook to rest. He could spare a few hours with friends.

First, Evan spoke with Eric Brinson, a lieutenant in the town guard. Like Evan, Eric was in his early 30's. Unlike the Michaeline priest, the lieutenant of the guard was not well groomed. A week's growth of a beard was plainly visible across Eric's face and the ragged ends of dark hair poked out from under his coif like weeds poking through a brick wall.

Along with the coif, Eric wore black boots and a chain mail shirt. A broadsword hung at his left hip and on his arm he wore a small shield of red with a horizontal white stripe emblazoned across the top.

Eric walked along the edge of the open market as they spoke, patrolling and reminiscing about old days, Evan's mischief, and Bigsbee's silly decrees.

"He's still at it too," said Eric.

"You mean about not assigning real guards to Tindolen's gem?"

"Yes. Bigsbee gave me explicit orders not to place guards anywhere near the Grey Horse."

Evan shook his head. "Yes, I know. I've spoken to His Honor about this very topic."

"Didn't get very far, did you?" asked Eric.

"No," said Evan.

Eric nodded his head understandingly and sighed. "Some things never change."

Evan understood his friend's comment but said nothing more about it.

Suddenly Evan's stomach growled and the priest realized he had not eaten breakfast. Bidding Eric a good day, Evan left to find food.

As he walked across town, Evan saw a sign for Amy's Eatery. Instantly, he flashed on the first woman he had courted, Amy MacKellen. They were never really serious, but Evan had thought about her in those first days after being sent to St. Bertram's. These thoughts stopped immediately after meeting His Grace's daughter, Her Ladyship, Crystal Wrightwood.

Crystal had put the thought of every other woman Evan had ever known out of his head. More amazingly still, Crystal returned his feelings. They exchanged letters, Evan finding a poet's voice that he did not know he had. Now, they planned to wed this coming Spring. Evan was looking forward to it.

Going inside the restaurant, Evan saw Amy behind the counter. Brown hair cut short, kind blue eyes, and a pleasant smile greeted the Michaeline priest. Amy had spoken often of taking over the family restaurant. Evan was glad to see she had accomplished her goal.

Amy was more than a little surprised to see Evan, particularly dressed as a Michaeline priest. She flushed as she remembered how much she had cared for him in the days prior to his exile to St. Bertram's. That was a long time ago she reminded herself. She remembered crying too after he was sent away; eventually Amy got over Evan and never thought of him again, at least until now. More importantly, Amy was married and she loved her husband so whatever she felt now for Evan, she buried it and hoped it would stay that way.

Coming out from behind the counter she embraced him like an old friend.