The tent was large, constructed from heavy canvas stretched over thick wooden poles. Ropes anchored it to the ground outside. Inside, lanterns hung from hooks, casting a dull yellow light across the space. The ground was covered with rugs and animal skins, though dirt still showed through in places. The air was thick with heat, sweat, alcohol, and smoke from the burning lanterns.
Several long tables had been pushed together to form a rough square in the center. Men in different states of undress sat around them, some of their armor and weapons piled in various corners. They held metal cups and glass bottles of ale and wine. Some were visibly drunk, their voices loud and uneven. Some ate from plates of cold meat and brown bread. Some just watched, talked, their eyes moving from one thing to another with interest.
