The Shak a’HaraVoi’s captors silently led her through the mountain’s labyrinthine shafts, passing men—and some women—who were caught up in a bustle. Some were Kesh and Maelts, though there were a good number of lighter-skinned North Darmoilen workers with hair that was shinier and darker than most, their eyes thin or small. Upon closer observation, Voi began to question whether these laborers were forced at all, as her team had speculated.
The Northerners were filthy, wearing tan coveralls soiled by mud and Maker-knew-what, discolored at the ankles—likely from trudging through the puddles of water that had formed throughout the tunnels. Though most seemed to be led by a Kesh or Maelt overseer, they all appeared to be working willingly, some with eager-to-please expressions on their faces.
