The guild was quieter than John expected.
It was still early evening, but several tables were empty. A few adventurers sat together near the back, speaking in low voices while occasionally looking toward the entrance.
John noticed it immediately.
Fear.
Not panic, but the kind of uneasiness people tried to hide.
Cael walked beside him as they entered, followed by Lythriel, Aerion, Sylvara, and Darius.
A guild receptionist looked up.
"Can I help you?"
Cael stepped forward.
"We heard about the survivor."
The receptionist's expression changed.
"You mean Arlen?"
"Yes."
She looked at the group carefully.
"Why?"
"We're traveling east," John answered. "We heard about the disappearances."
The receptionist hesitated.
"You should reconsider."
John raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Because whatever is out there hasn't been identified."
"We're not asking you to send us there," Aerion said. "We just want to speak with him."
The receptionist glanced toward a hallway.
