Chief Azriel left Kiaria's room in a hurry, boots landing hard on the wooden floor as he strode down the passage. The Dragon-Tooth Tiger Boat rocked gently beneath him, but the unease in his chest had nothing to do with waves.
By the time he reached the lower deck, most treasure hunters were already gathered. Some leaned against railings, some sat on crates, some still pretended to play dice or sharpen blades. All of them looked toward him the moment he appeared.
"Everyone with Hell Tavern tokens," Azriel said, voice carrying over the murmurs, "step forward. Single parties and pair parties, line up by token name."
Tokens clinked against each other as they were passed forward. One by one they landed on the long table at the center of the hall.
Ninety-six tokens.
Forty-two single hunters.
Twenty-seven pairs.
