However under the streets in cellars and tunnels the drink still flowed, though no one sang and laughter was in short supply.
Firebrand paused and motioned for Egg to follow him as he walked through a heavy curtain spotted with mildew and streaked with dirt so to the casual observer it just looked like part of the grimy tunnel wall.
He passed down the short passageway beyond, then took a sharp left and there in the large vaulted room was the Whale, or rather the Whale in its current carnation. As he stood just inside the entrance waiting for Egg to come through.
"Well here we are lad, now let's see 'bout some recruiting."
His bright eyes and sharp face looked even more wolf-like in the low and smoky light of the large cellar, he scanned the faces and spotted who he was looking for. Off by the far wall a group of wicks crowded around a rough table, swigging from an assortment of battered tankards and mugs. Almost to himself he said.
"An' there's the kov an crew I'm lookin' for."
As they reached the table, a broad chested wick looked up from his mug, his scowling face was marred by old pox scars and framed by bristling black sideburns, his hair was short and just as bristly. He took in Aodh and then glanced at Tobias before nodded curtly and growled.
"Far'ye?"
The other wicks, around four in all and a mix of genders, though all had one thing in common, they looked capable and dangerous. Scarred, rough and hard eyed, they each greeted Firebrand in a mix of wary or cold nods or hand gestures. The burly dark hair wick continued in his rasping voice.
"Didn't reckon on seein' your pointy mug round here Aodh, and who's your wee friend?"