Ag's Diary (19/4/735 - excerpt 3)

 

Excerpt from the journal of Joybringer Aghub Bazaap, written on the 19th day of the 4th Moon of the Barovian year 735.

Investigating the castle further, at Strahd's invitation, we encountered a young woman who claimed to have fled the village. She seemed in no distress so we left her and continued exploring. Zynmar and Jerious appeared to have gotten themselves lost somewhere, but they seem capable of taking care of themselves so I didn't feel an immediate search was warranted.

I found some valuable books and "borrowed" a couple. We then found some speaking statues; they seemed confused but potentially helpful if we but knew what to ask of them. Worth returning to if we have the chance. We saw a strange creature apparently made of blood, but it fled. We followed and saw signs of ghostly apparitions, but my lady's power tells me it was not a ghost we encountered. Of the blood creature we saw no further sign.

And then Strahd struck down the young woman and left her to die at our feet.

Fortunately I was on hand to revive her, by Lliira's grace, and quickly spirited her out of the castle and away - though she remained unconscious. She had wanted to avoid returning to the village, but under the circumstances it seems the best place for her - I feel confident I will be able to defend her from whatever enemies she has there.

Halborin accompanied me; Kromgarn and Keyra remained behind to look for our missing companions. We shall reconvene in the village, if Lliira wills it.