The tavern had a completely different atmosphere from the Black Orchid, where every interaction seemed carefully arranged around the expectations of wealthy clients.
Here, people spoke loudly, argued over trivial matters, and laughed without worrying whether someone important might overhear them.
A group of caravan guards near the center of the room were arguing about which road offered the safest passage through the northern hills, while two merchants at another table complained about rising transportation fees.
Ray listened with interest, occasionally catching references to places he'd never heard of before.
The more he heard, the more obvious it became that there was an entire world operating beyond the comfortable walls of the Black Orchid.
He was considering asking the bartender about the surrounding districts when the entrance door swung open.
Three women stepped inside, bringing a gust of cool evening air with them.
