As soon as the townspeople saw him along the way, the originally noisy market didn't quiet down, but instead, surged up with a wave of greater enthusiasm.
The men took off their hats in salutation, their movements filled with a sincerity never before seen.
The women smiled and lifted the baskets in their hands, eager to stuff the best food into his hands.
The children, like little tails, followed him, the bold ones even daring to reach out and touch the hem of his cloak.
Pete smiled and nodded to each one, politely declining the gifts, but accepting the heavy respect.
He took a deep breath of the air mixed with the scent of wheat and smoke, something in his chest gently warming.
A year had passed.
Pete subconsciously rubbed the inconspicuous wear on his cuff, his thoughts drifting back to the time a year ago when he first set foot on this land.
