Session #13: Infiltration

[istainion]

04 January, 2021  [7:00 PM - 12:00 PM+ (GMT+1)]

 

 

After we left the Wachter's mansion and stood outside with everyone present, we sat down to discuss our plan from that point on. I shared with them my insecurities related to the subject of the infiltration plan during this and I will take any opportunity to change the fire element from the plan. It was only when we reached the blacksmith where a new thought came to mind. That Udo Ludovich guy who is held as a prisoner and he and Lady Fiona Wachter get along, why won't we just ask for her support in this mission? I was curiously wondering how long this book club session would take her but I felt insecure because of the deal she offered us. I doubt that she will just offer her help without getting a hold of our lives as pawns to her silly take over plan.

 

I was distracted by my thoughts that kept circling around the topic of which I was assigned to take charge of, feeling the threats with each mistake and even success. We cannot risk such a thing, it's a villainous move and I doubt that the Burgomeister will sit on his comfortable chair to simply accept this fact without weeding out the people. We are the ones that only recently arrived, even with success, we are the first targets and I know that!

 

We walked through the streets where the people were preparing the environment for the upcoming weekly event of the Blazing Sun. Slowly, we made it to the marketplace where we also found the blacksmith and that lady from whom I got those nice, sweet treats from. Knowing that I'll definitely get to her after this all for more, we went inside the wooden building from which you could hear the blacksmith working in.

 

All of us were surrounded by the beautiful wares of the man that worked in the back. No one stood behind the counter to serve us and we used this opportunity to get a good look. I noticed that Ireena was fascinated with the weapons on the wall and displays, much like Tibirin was. Shevat behaved differently but I feel that he's much more of a pacifist to feel excited about the looks of some deadly weapons. I couldn't entirely get any other read from him, other than my experience with his personality. We caught the attention from the blacksmith when he was called for and much like we were promised, the man was rather straightforward. Worried that we would just waste his time by talking.

 

He was a tall, very tall man and most of all, very broad, too. His skin was brown at selective spots from the hard work near the fire to perfect the weapons and tools he created. Morgu is his name and he wasn't too impressed when the first thing we addressed were the whereabouts of the von Holt house and he returned a grumpy comment about not being a guard of some sort to lead us the way. Luckily though, he had a good mood, enough to provide us with the information we needed and we thanked him kindly. I asked him about the creation of silver weapons and he confirmed, certainly, he did make those. Yshvara was interested in a new rapier to fight with but the price appears to be over her budget and even Tibirin, who was curious about that special sword this man had displayed, had to be disappointed by an even bigger price of 300 Gold.

 

Tibirin was eager to try out the amazing blade but the man didn't like the idea until I said that I'll buy a set of silver arrows (50). The price was a fair 15 gold pieces and I paid for them, only then, Tibirin was allowed a swing. Coincidentally the blacksmith took out a wooden target that matched exactly my proportions and seeing how well that big cat swung that sword and effortlessly cut it in half had me a little nervous. I am glad that he is on OUR side ... It better stay that way ...

 

Naedithas wasn't interested in getting a new weapon and the blacksmith seemed to reveal a level of sympathy for it. I've asked the man if he can coat a weapon with a layer of silver instead and pointed at Naedithas' weapon. He confirmed it, yes, he can do such a thing and he gave us the price for it (30 gold). The half elf was fine with the concept but he had difficulties to separate himself from his weapon. And I had planned that if it's too much to pay for, that I would pay for it instead. The man behind the counter promised that if we postpone the creation of my arrows and the tools that Tibirin requested instead of the expensive weapon, that he has it done in only a short amount of time. I knew that we would be occupied with the von Holt family for a while and he wouldn't need his weapon for that. So, I tried to convince him to do it. The blacksmith even went as far as to offer a temporary weapon for an additional 15 gold but the bodyguard finally let go and went with it.

 

When we had our business ready, the tall man looked over to us all and asked us for our names. Each of us responded with theirs but with mine ... He paused. He looked at me with those piercing eyes and said that it doesn't fit me. I felt a little nervous on the inside. I've at least based it on a real name! What's with this?! I tried to return him a confident look and comment but I didn't let him dig in any deeper. What's with this? ... Doesn't ... Match you? You know what! I'll check if he has something to hide when I pick up my arrows in the afternoon! I don't get why even Tibirin was grinning over at me. It's a beautiful name! Ireena bought a silver longsword as well, I'm glad that some of us are at least ready for a fight ... I could always pass on that short sword to someone who has better use for it.

 

We left the man with Naedithas' weapon behind and followed the direction which he described to us and found that the von Holt residence is not too far away from Lady Wachter's. Yshvara knocked on the door and kindly spoke to the butler that opened up the door. Even without an invitation, the family allowed us entrance. We made our way to the living room where Vasili von Holt, the man who matched the description of the Toymaker. Ireena came with us. We have addressed our purpose and concerns related to the valley/town of Vallaki and he appears to return this same worry. Especially to the other Nobles. Yshvara took control of the conversation mostly and did the questioning rather smoothly. It appears like this sort of business matches her interests more than any concern ever did.

 

I was observing mostly and added my piece here and there with the questioning and explaining. Unlike Lady Fiona, he had a different approach. It was more of a passive one he had, unlike the aggressive approach that the Lady has. Not once did he seem to need us to do anything and he was just calm. I don't know if he can be trusted or not but if anything, he seems most capable of controlling Vallaki's political system in which the people have more of a chance to speak, through the ideal of forming a council. It's probably an idealistic solution but I feel that it will bear more fruits than the current system does. Again, the concern why the Vargas has everything under control is crossing my mind. What does he do that others can't? He has Izek as his pawn but I don't think that even he can fight against a swarm of enemies on his own either. So what's the trick?

 

von Holt told us about his connection to Lady Wachter, that he shares her views except for the count’s role in it. We learned that this man is a distant relative of him, though due to a lot of family issues their contact is broken. I do not know what it means for us or the situation and I do hope that he will open up if that reckless mission is to succeed. Shevat and Yshvara are convinced that it will work out and they even go as far as to promise success and plan beyond that. I was skeptical about it but I knew that it wouldn't look pretty if I were to go against their plan. I went with it but I will ensure success with every opportunity I find. I don't wanna end up in a prison?! ... If there's ANYTHING I would hate ... It's that. Being restrained, being tortured with WHATEVER that guy does! If those people commit suicide after the experience, I just know that I will end up doing the exact same thing! Hell no!

 

While we sipped on our tea or custom made wine, we had our eyes on the man who explained himself with his standing in the nobles' crisis. He claims to be neutral and hints that he can only become the one in charge if the other two are gone. Besides Vargas, Lady Wachter is said to have a higher influence on the townspeople. They seem to be aware of his connection to Strahd, much like the man in control. He's not allowed to visit the festival and doesn't mind it either, though he has his ways with the man. When I asked him how he can assist us, to hope that he will replace Lady Wachter's role in my plan, he offered us the perfect opportunity to get rid of the fire element! May the Gods bless this man for that ...!

 

Not only that, he offered us great advice on what to do with the man that we will save. He plans to transfer him to Krezk for his own safety and with that, the problem would be gone and the Burgomeister will not find him. At least, if everything goes according to plan. I felt much more motivated about this plan with the minor increase of our chances. For this opportunity, Vasili von Holt will make sure to keep Vargas and Izek occupied by inviting them for dinner tonight. We will see what happens from there on out.

 

With the information shared, we left the building again to come together one last time. At that time where we got back to Naedithas who stayed outside, his butler went out of the door. He carried a letter at that moment, and he went straight to his destination to deliver the message. The plan is already in motion at this point and there is no way out. While I did feel convinced that our chances have increased at that time, there was something to it that I hated. Having to be committed to risk our safety and freedom to save a man we do not know. It didn't feel right, instead, I felt that it was a silly idea and I knew that I was the only one in the team who felt insecure about it.

 

We went separate ways once we made it to the marketplace. Shevat turned into a cat to rest on Naedithas' shoulder, together with Tibirin and Ireena, they went to the blacksmith to gather Naedithas' his weapon. Yshvara and I went to the old lady to buy more of her delicious food. I saw the delight in her eyes while everyone else was starting to pack their items away for nightfall. The lady began to flatter me again and while I did feel confused by it, I couldn't deny having someone appreciate me once in a while was a nice feeling. Even if she needed something in return it was nice while it lasted. I'm not sure why she called me cute and said that if only she would be fifty years younger ... What would she do then? I just went with the flow and added "If only I was fifty years younger ..." I didn't give it a lot of thoughts but now that I look back at it ... Wait ... Huh?

 

Well! She was a nice lady to give me and Yshvara a discount again. I guess I'm not too bad after all? I don't even want to know what crossed Yshvara's mind at that time ... Let's not discuss that with her. I'm sure that Ireena or Muriël will somehow pick it up and use it against me. I don't want to know what will happen to any of those silly nicknames they hand me ...

 

. . .

 

That night, we went to our destination. I felt myself becoming nervous, when I saw the carriage drive past us with Vargas and (Viktor/Izek?) inside. Hopefully they didn't see us or expected anything from this evening. I don't know how likely it is for von Holt to invite that nasty guy for dinner. He could as well just poison the guy with his food but the next issue would still be Viktor, his son, to take his position. He's not much better either ... According to what has been told anyway.

 

After they were out of our sight, Ireena and Tibirin went inside, just as planned. I saw from the distance how the light from inside the house lit near the entrance and it was the sign that everyone was in position. Naedithas would keep an eye on the surroundings while Yshvara, Shevat and I would make it inside with Shevat his ability. Yshvara went in first, he casted the spell on her which luckily went unnoticed by the guards surrounding the building and with it, she climbed up the wall like a spider.

 

She needed some time to open up the window from outside, but I had a feeling that she is rather skilled in this field. Every time she reveals more of herself, I will learn. And even now, with our lives at stake, she does not hesitate to keep moving. Inspiring it was but nothing I would personally do. It took her only a moment to infiltrate the guest room.

 

With a few signals, it was my turn. Shevat used the same spell on me. I could feel the warmth of his magic and how both my hands and feet began to tickle a little. It was enough to indicate where the spell was applied for me to feel secure enough to make my way up, but before I did, Shevat asked me something. He wanted to change into an animal, and not just any animal, he wanted to rest on my shoulder as a spider. While I HATE the idea of carrying a spider onto me, I knew that I could trust Shevat. After all, he did let me pet his soft fur before the mission? Sounds like a fair deal to me. With him on me, I made my way up as quick as I could without making a sound.

 

Once we were finally inside, we carefully used the map which Shevat drew with Ireena's help, from memory and found our way to the corridor. Yshvara appeared to be in a hurry and already disappeared past the corner. Not knowing my role in this, I kept my distance to get away when necessary but just in range for when something were to happen. Shevat has already located where the prisoner is kept, so that's not the issue ... Until a real issue appeared. Just when she went past the corner, I heard some movement in the room next to me and soon afterwards, I heard the barking of the dogs. "Shit ..." I thought. I was freaking out at the spot, especially when I heard footsteps in the distance!

 

When I carefully looked past the wall, I noticed that it was Tibirin. I simply waved over to him, to let him know my position. I did hope that no one else would follow at this point ... Like those guards. I can't tell if I can make an escape quick enough to leave. So far, the coast seems clear and I noticed that Tibirin joined Yshvara at the end of the corridor, past the door from which the barking comes from. I stood on a rug to keep an eye on the stairs in the distance. If something were to come, I would at least catch a glimpse and make my way to safety. At this moment, I almost forgot that Shevat was on my shoulder. A small light in the distance caught my attention, it came from that strange, wooden doll that Yshvara carried with her. It was the magical light I saw. There was also something about a lock ... And the key wouldn't be a problem to her, at least, from what she said.

 

I wonder what that means ... Is Yshvara good with picking locks? Who knows. I know she is good at hiding stuff which I remember and really, really good at lying. I'll check that bag when she is distracted on the orb she probably put in there. Just to confirm she is a liar or not. Heheh! Well, maybe when we share a room again ... It was getting on my nerves to stand so close to the door from which the dogs yelled for attention! Why would anyone want to keep these creatures as pets, anyway?! They are so loud ...

 

A loud sound came from the back where Tibirin and Yshvara stood and I felt this odd sensation surrounding me ... Until suddenly the rug below my feet began to move and wrapped itself around me. YOU'RE KIDDING ME?! That's when I remembered that Shevat was still on my shoulder as a fragile creature and I really hoped that he wouldn't get squeezed in! Luckily, he appeared prepared for this and changed back into a human just to land with his full weight on my shoulder. The rug dropped us to the side and the two of us landed on the wooden floor. From there on ... Everything went so fast ... I saw how the rug was moving freely. I couldn't believe my eyes! It's an enchanted object?! Are you serious, Vargas?!

 

I looked from right to left, not knowing what to do when suddenly the rug curved itself around Shevat. I immediately took my sword and tried to make a cut in it but the fabric was clearly coated in a magical shield. From inside, I heard Shevat's groaning and I pulled back immediately. I recall a similar situation from back at the Durst mansion and knew better than to attack Shevat. I tried my best to find the edges and to pull in order to release the man from the fake, ugly piece of fabric. What is something similar will happen to him like it did to Naedithas? He's not half as strong as him! Moments later, another pair of footsteps came rushing up the stairs. Terrified to see a guard, I was instead shocked to see Naedithas' face. Why is he here?! With all of us inside this space, we are likely to face defeat!

 

It took a little but then Tibirin walked in our direction with the man of which I can only assume to buy that Shoemaker we seek for. Though even with his and Yshvara's help with the fight, it seemed like a helpless situation. And I could swear that I heard Ireena's voice in the distance as well! Who is she talking to?! Shevat was captured for so long and escaped for a brief moment. He appeared to have difficulties breathing and even coughed for air before he got sucked in again. I had no idea that he couldn't breathe inside of there! More concern washed over me as I tried to get him out. Not once did we have a possibility to attack the rug on its own.

 

They told me to focus on the guy and to help him escape, while they would help with the battle. I accepted the job and quickly moved him over to the room from which he came from. According to them, there is a passage leading to a closet from the other room in which we entered. Naedithas helped me with him until he took the job. From behind us, the rug took a hold of Tibirin and it didn't last long before a loud explosion from inside the carpet reached my ears. I saw how the carpet went flying to the side and landed on the ground. The battle was over ... In the back, I heard Ireena's voice again and a number of other unknown voices. Guards!

 

Quickly, we all made our way outside. Naedithas went out first, then Yshvara followed and when it was my turn, I looked down the window and saw that Naedithas was spotted by one of the guards. So was Yshvara but he had his focus on Naedithas. I tried my best to make a jump and land on the guard just to knock him out, but he was clearly prepared for an unexpected attack and dodged sidewards. Naedithas told me to move and I did hesitate what to do but then I went with it. He yelled something like "Come here you fake drunk!" and kept repeating it for a while as he aimed for Naedithas with his weapon. Huh? Drunk? Shevat joined us as a cat to distract the guard and soon afterwards, Yshvara joined us to put the man to sleep.

 

NOW WHAT DO WE DO WITH HIM?! He saw us all! We can't just leave him behind here! ... Wait, where is Tibirin? Are we losing this? What do we do about that guard?! Should we really kill him?!