Locating the Final False Name

(( This continues the snippets of information regarding Adri’s attempts to document and possibly reclaim her heritage. ))

Taking the waypoints was definitely eating into her last few silvers, but Adriwyn knew she couldn’t afford the time not to – and Alex had already pointed her at a supply of gold keep her from being truly broke, even if that did feel to her like she was leeching on her lover’s goodwill. With a final shake of her head at her own stubbornness, she selected the grounds of the Eldvin Monastery as her destination, and stepped into the waypoint matrix, transitioning from the Reach to the orchards in Queensdale with the usual minor twisting sensation.

It had been a while since she’d made this trip, and she had to re-orient herself before making her way toward the monastery itself, alternately jogging and walking. The leaves on the trees were starting to show signs of orange and gold, and not just green, she saw; and, of course, as she neared the gates the odour of brewing and aging ale grew ever more apparent.

She waved to the merchant by the gate. She wasn’t sure it was the same one who’d been there when last she visited, but either way that person wasn’t really one of the monks. She meandered over toward the well, where she spied some who appeared to be in idle conversation.

‘Excuse me…?’ She got enough of their attention. ‘I’m looking for a Brother Daeron Pieri… I’m told he might have some information for me regarding one Antoine Boulet.’

‘He’s getting on in years, miss. I don’t know whether he’ll remember, but this time of day he’s usually up in the wall overlooking the high bluffs, meditating. White hair – though not like yours, I suppose – olive skin, wrinkles. The only such who’s likely to be up there right now. Feel free to go ask him.’

‘Thank you! Sorry to have interrupted you.’ She gave a warm smile and curtsey, and made her way up the stone steps and along the parapet to the rear terreplein, where an older monk matching the description she’d been given was kneeling on the sill, looking outward.

‘Brother Pieri?’

The man slowly raised his head and turned. ‘Yes? May I help you, miss?’

‘I’m told you might have information for me regarding Antoine Boulet.’

‘And your name?’

‘The same information says to give my name as Wynne Gardner, even though you already know it’s not my real name.’

He chuckled, the laugh lines around his mouth deepening. ‘Quite so, miss.’ He shook his head with a weary sigh. ‘You would come when I’m all the way up here.’ He placed his hands on his knees and started to rise.

‘Oh, no, sir! Please, don’t get up.’ He paused, eyeing her, and sank back down. ‘I’m here to be sure I’ve found where you are, sir, but I’ll need to return with a notary before I’m ready to receive any information. So, perhaps you could tell me what time of day would be more convenient for me to return?’

The monk mulled that over, nodding slowly. ‘Mid-morning is best, really. Perhaps a bit closer to noon than to dawn, but not by much. I help tend the casks down below, then, but they don’t typically need much of my attention, so I’ll be free enough.’

She flashed him a grateful smile, nodding. ‘Thank you so much, Brother Pieri, and may Kormir bless you, and guide your steps and thoughts.’

‘Why, thank you, and the same to you, young miss.’ He chuckled, smiling at her again, with a wave. ‘Come back again soon.’

‘I shall, and thank you again!’ She gave him a jaunty wave and turned away, nearly skipping along the parapet toward the front of the walls again. At last, she had all the pieces of the puzzle located. Or, at least, all the known pieces.