Chapter 266: The Laughter and The Fear
The competition was over, but the commoners still filled the streets.
There were conversations everywhere, even though it was nighttime. Mercers' Row especially was filled with raucous energy.
Numerous people walked through the streets laughing and discussing the evening's events. The topic of discussion had been the competition that had taken place earlier.
The evening air was thick with the scent of ale and roasted meat, and the sound of voices rose and fell like waves against the shore.
The Tallow and Tide was overflowing. Every table was occupied. Patrons leaned against the bar, crowded the corners, and even spilled out onto the street, mugs in hand and grins on their faces.
Helen moved through the chaos with practised efficiency, her tray balanced on one hand, the other reaching out to steady a patron who had laughed so hard he nearly toppled from his stool.
Olly was at the centre of it all, his voice carrying above the din.
