As I exited the Prancing Pony after confronting Milada, I spotted an old friend of Kerls; a noblewoman by the name of Rhianonn, talking to a group of strangers. The square was busy, so I could not be seen talking to her. I pulled a small piece of paper from my pocket, scribbling on it "meet me in beggars alley." I then walked past her, my face covered, dropping it close to her foot as I did so. Then, without turning back, I hastened to the rooftops around Beggars alley to await her.
I did not have to wait long, for she was very quick in arriving, albeit with the strangers, most likely for protection against a supposed kidnapper. I waited until they had entered the alley and gone a good distance in before calling out, but remaining hidden.
"I meant for you to come alone."
The group looked around, clearly daunted by the bodiless voice. I decided it was time I showed myself, tying off a rope on a nearby chimney and dropping to the ground at the alley entrance, standing between them and exit.
Rhianonn saw me, replying "I am sorry, but I have been a victim of kidnapping before, and I do not wish to be so again."
I removed my helmet. "I am not here to kidnap you."
Rhianonn relaxed when she saw my face, recognising me as a friend of Kerl's.
"Damric! how are you? Why have you brought us here?"
"I don't have much time," I told her, looking around uneasily, as beggars alley lies dangerously close to the site at which the Hughes Estate once stood.
"Then speak!" She implored me.
I told her everything, From Osdegul's betrayal and Death to Milada's agreement to oppose Dieudonnae in secret, and by the end it felt as though a great weight had been taken off my shoulders.
But a great weight had been placed on the shoulders of the young woman standing in front of me, who leant against the alley wall, shocked and pained at Kerls demise.
"What can I do?" She finally asked.
I smiled. "I want you to keep an eye on the Lady Hughes for me. I want to know everything you see her do."
Rhianonn nodded in agreement.
I was pleased with my new ally. Although she may not have access to the specific information Milada might be able to get her hands on, this was a way of verifying the assassins information and determining whether or not I could truly rely on her.
With that, I bowed to Rhianonn and returned to Ered Luin.
