Lowel nods at everything being said and stands in the taproom, scratching behind one ear and staring at the ichor-dripping spider carcasses in wonderment. After Gamad and Maelicent quit the festhall in favor of hiding in the stable, Lowel closes the kitchen door then retreats behind the bar.
From outside in the byway, those still in the gambling hall hear what sounds like four guardsmen splintering into two groups of two. Two men stand silent watch in front of the Cockatrice's closed front doors, while the other two mill about the crowd, asking questions.
Voadam and H.Lewit overhear one of the guardsmen, a Petty Officer Second Class judging by the term of address used by his mate, questioning Vaja. At the second class's query, Vaja can distinctly be heard replying, "...Frane and I, with Lowel's help and some of our better custom, we made certain the things got no further...no, I couldn't say...what's left of 'em're in the Cockatrice, but wouldn't you be better off getting this gaggle of folk off the street afore we go in for a look? Last thing I want is everyone seeing what's inside and deciding to do their drinking and dicing elsewhere. I reckon the Guild might have a thing or two to say about you disturing our business...yes, the stable's fine...After hours?...Come around to the back."
Natural 19 and 20. You two have good ears.
After half an hour, during which time the bustle outside grows quieter and quieter as folk depart, a key can be heard turning in the door from the outside. The door handles on the northern of the pair of doors rattles fruitlessly, followed by what seems to be Vaja, who calls out, "Lowel, open up. The Guard's gone, but they'll back soon, and in greater numbers."
