Chapter 94: Morning Observations
The sound of a bell echoing through the stone corridors woke Renard from his light sleep. The crystal lights in the ceiling brightened automatically, shifting from the dim glow they maintained during night hours to full daylight intensity.
Renard sat up on his narrow bed, instantly alert.
Around him, he could hear other students stirring in their rooms. Footsteps moved through the corridors, doors opened and closed, and quiet conversations drifted through the stone walls. The monastery was coming to life for another day.
Inside his shirt, Boa lifted her small head and looked at him with bright golden eyes. She’d remained perfectly still throughout the night, understanding somehow that stealth was essential to their mission.
"Morning, little one," Renard whispered softly. "Ready to start exploring?"
Boa flicked her tongue out and made a barely audible hissing sound that he took as agreement.
Renard dressed quickly in the simple brown robes that had been left in his room’s wooden chest. The fabric was rough but sturdy, designed for practical use rather than comfort. As he pulled the robes over his head, he made sure Boa was securely hidden against his ribs where her small form wouldn’t be noticed.
The washing facilities Elder Thomas had mentioned were located at the end of his corridor - a communal room with stone basins fed by pipes that brought water from somewhere higher in the mountain. The water was cold, as expected, but clean and clear.
Several other students were already washing when Renard arrived. Most looked tired and uncertain, still adjusting to their new surroundings. A few nodded politely at him, but no one seemed interested in conversation so early in the morning.
Renard washed quickly and efficiently, then made his way toward the common hall where breakfast would be served. But instead of heading directly there, he took a detour through the corridors to get a better sense of the Outer Hall’s layout.