Everyone in the village had already retired to bed, including the soldiers. Thus, no one except Rowan and Blaze was aware of the arrival of merchants from Cold-gin Village.
It was past midnight, and the half-moon hung in the sky.
A calm breeze drifted across the village, softening the deafening silence that enveloped it.
At that moment, Rowan and the group of men could be seen strolling toward the meeting hall.
Rowan and Blaze walked in front while the men followed quietly behind them, whispering among themselves, afraid to let a word slip out in fear that it might annoy Blaze.
Rowan noticed this but didn't bother to lighten the mood; he wanted them to remain as quiet as possible to avoid waking the sleeping villagers.
After a few minutes, they arrived at the meeting hall.
Rowan set down the glowing crystal, which quickly enveloped the room with its light. He then took a seat.
