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“Where is it?” he asks.

Reilin explains. “If you follow the street running in front of the inn down to the right for six blocks then take a left, that street will take you all the way to the park. From there, just look for the red lanterns.”

“Very good,” Jiron says as he stands up. “I’ll be back,” he tells the others.

Aleya grabs him by the shirt and says, “It might be a trap.”

“I know,” he says. “I’ll be careful.”

“We’re going with you,” says James.

“The note said to come alone,” he objects. “If I bring all of you, he may not show himself.”

“Don’t worry,” assures James. “We will be at a discreet distance and I’ll use my mirror to keep an eye on what’s going on. If trouble arises, we will rush to your aid.”

He considers the plan for a second then nods. “Just don’t be too close,” he says.

“We won’t I assure you,” James tells him.

“Alright then, let’s go,” he says.

Aleya jumps up and rushes to her room where she returns with her bow and quiver of arrows slung across her back. “A bit conspicuous don’t you think?” asks Brother Willim when he sees her.

She puts on her cloak to hide her weapon but now simply looks like a severely hunchbacked woman. “Any better?” she asks.

“No,” he replies shaking his head. “Best to just leave it off.”

Taking off her cloak, she then removes her bow and quiver. Wrapping them within the cloak, she tucks the bundle under her arm and then looks to Brother Willim. “Better?” she asks.

Nodding with a grin, he says, “Much.” In his hand he carries his staff, the only weapon the Priests of Asran are allowed to utilize.

Now that everyone is ready, Jiron makes for the stairs and then down to the common room. He angles for a side door that leads into the alley between the Soaring Eagle and the chandlery shop that is next door.

Once in the alley, he turns to James and says, “Stay a good deal behind me. He could be observing us right now.”

“Understood,” he says as he places his hand on Jiron’s shoulder. “Good luck.”

“Thanks.” Turning toward the street which passes before the inn, he moves quickly. Reaching the street, he turns to the right and is gone.”

“How long do you think we should wait?” asks Stig.

“A couple minutes or so,” replies James. Taking out his mirror, he soon has Jiron in sight as he walks down the street. Giving him some time to put distance between them, he waits until he reaches the street that he’s supposed to turn down. Once he sees Jiron turn onto the other street, he glances up and says, “Okay, let’s go.”

Moving to the end of the alley, Scar and Potbelly take the lead while James stays in the middle of the group. Miko takes his arm to help guide him as he’s trying to keep Jiron in view with his mirror.

“Not too fast,” he says. “We don’t want to catch him before he gets there. Remember, the meeting is for an hour from now, we still have some time.” Scar and Potbelly slow down to a more moderate pace.

Keeping a constant eye on the mirror, he sees Jiron reaching what must be the park. The street he’s walking upon opens out onto a large area with trees, grass and many walkways. Benches are spaced periodically along the walkways. Some even now have people taking their ease upon them, primarily couples.

When James’ group turns onto the street leading to the park, he glances up and looks around. To Scar and Potbelly he says, “Try to find an out of the way place where we can hold up until he needs us.”

Another street down they come to a closed open air eatery. The place looks like it hasn’t been open for some time. Adjacent to it is an area deep in shadow with tables and chairs where patrons could dine on the food they purchase. Scar leads them to the table furthest from the street where the shadows are the deepest.

“Best we’re going to find,” he says.

“This will do nicely,” says James. Then to the pair he says, “Keep watch.”

Nodding, they move back to separate locations near the street where shadows help to conceal them from those passing by.

James takes a seat and