News of the Slave Trade Guild's evil operations spread throughout the town like wildfire. Many awakeners refused to accept it at first.
Some outright denied it.
"How could such a guild exist here?"
"That has to be a lie."
"No human could be that cruel."
Denial was easier than accepting the truth.
Inside a crowded tavern near the eastern gate, a weary party of awakeners pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Their expressions were exhausted and hollow; their bodies battered from a hunt that had gone terribly wrong.
Armor plates hung loose, torn apart by claws and fangs.
One shield bore deep gouges that nearly split it in half, while several members were wrapped tightly in bloodstained bandages.
They supported one another as they walked, leaning heavily on shoulders and spears.
After scanning the room, they found an empty table near the corner and collapsed onto the benches with heavy sighs.
