Robert left a note in the house and headed for town in the very early hours. A coyote tracked them for a while, but Robert kept talking to his horse and the animal trying to keep both calm. After a while, the creature gave up and tracked other prey. 

As the sun was nearing its rise, he made town. He stabled his horse at the inn then headed for Finn’s place. Robert knew where the secret key was kept. His new apprentice was asleep on one of the couches in the sitting room, just as he had done a few years prior. As he reached to turn the door handle to Finn’s study the old man called out, “How many times must I tell you, use your left hand to try the door.” Finn saw his shadow as he pulled the spare key out from hiding and when he approached the door. 

As he opened the door, Finn called him over. “Let’s see if your years drinking in the capital paid off. Help me with this,” he said calmly. 

On the table the map was rolled out with two other larger maps. He was trying to fit it. The problem was that the map did not fit with what was known to Finn. Just because we name something one way did not mean that the names on the other side agreed. 

The negotiating was hard and Robert did his best to keep Wren out of the picture. To make matters worse, Robert had a tell when he tried to lie to Finn. So he had to be careful. By mid morning, he had the old man confused as to where the map belonged. By lunch time, Robert had the map in his possession but it cost him the forgery set and a promise that if he figured out the map or exploring the area that he would let Finn know. Criminals like Finn needed new markets to move stolen goods or gather items that might bring profit.

A quick bit to eat and he was off for the estate, hoping to arrive by the evening meal. He was hoping Wren would be pleased.