From my vantage point by the window, I watched the darkened street below. The moon cast a pale light over the cobblestones, and the chill of the night filled the air. I remained vigilant, hoping to catch a glimpse of any suspicious movement.
As the clock struck midnight, I noticed the young man—the one the innkeeper had pointed out earlier—emerging from the shadows. He was clearly intoxicated, swaying slightly as he made his way toward an alley across the street. My pulse quickened as I saw him meet up with a group of rough-looking individuals. They huddled together, their voices low but urgent.
I strained to hear their conversation, but the distance and the night's ambient sounds masked their words. However, the way they leaned in close to one another suggested that something important was being discussed. The flicker of a lantern caught my attention as one of them produced it, illuminating their faces momentarily.
