The guild's reception area was crowded. The usual hustle and bustle—warriors negotiating bounties, hunters arguing, merchants filling out paperwork. The clink of coins, the creak of armor, and the smell of sweat and iron permeated the air.
However, when Kael walked through the main door, the atmosphere seemed to lessen. Not because he was seeking attention—quite the opposite. But it was impossible not to notice.
In his right hand, swinging gently, was a thick leather bag. The weight inside caused the leather to stretch, and the dark stain seeping from the bottom left no room for doubt.
The silence began in waves. First, the nearest adventurers wrinkled their noses at the metallic, putrid smell emanating from the bag. Then those further away, who stopped their conversations when they noticed what Kael was carrying. Within seconds, the normal hubbub of the guild had become an uncomfortable whisper.
