There was movement near the center of the camp, and people started to part the way.
An old man stepped forward, using a long wooden staff that had been polished smooth. His hair was gray and fell to his shoulders, and his beard was long and full, with the ends braided.
There was a deep scar on his jaw that looked old but still very clear.
Gina and Samson were behind him. Both of them looked a lot more serious than they did at the food stalls.
The old man raised his staff once and lightly tapped it on the ground. The sound alone was enough to make the crowd stop talking.
"Calm yourselves," he said, voice aged but loud enough for them all to hear.
"There is no danger here."
His eyes moved across the people. It almost felt like he was searching for or sensing something.
Eliora felt her shoulders tense unconsciously. For a second, she wondered if he could see through veils and disguises the way Zarek could, but his gaze moved past them without pause.
