Haarod Beech expresses an interest in one of Aaron's steel knives while fondling a talent stone in a threatening manner. After the almost excitement is over, Cathy Bayne and Marshall Sarah Townsend reach a silent agreement.
Through Missy Bayne, Aaron learns more of the past raid and of the Bayne children's situation. Aaron buys and inn and gets beaten at chess while building greater trust in the town.