The party approached the ominous carriage with weapons drawn and wariness etched on their faces. The door creaked open, and out stepped a tall, pale-skinned man with a neatly trimmed beard and a top hat tilted at a jaunty angle. He wore an elegant black coat adorned with silver trim and carried a polished cane. Despite his stately appearance, there was an air of aloofness about him. He swept into a deep bow, his voice smooth and tinged with amusement. “Ah, esteemed guests of Barovia, allow me to introduce myself. I am Nord Vach Zistroh, humble emissary and raconteur. It was the Vistani who brought you here, as a means to entertain the lord of this land.” [[Ellette|Ellette]] stepped forward, her white hair almost glowing in the dim light, her anger barely contained. “Who brought us here? Where is this place? And why?” she demanded, her voice sharp as steel. Nord raised a placating hand, his smile unfaltering. “Who? The Vistani, of course. Where? Why, Barovia. And why? To amuse Lord Strahd Von Zarovich. He does enjoy a good tale, and you, my dear adventurers, are most intriguing characters.” [[Ellette|Ellette]]’s fists clenched. “Amuse him? Do we look like jesters to you?” Before she could press further, [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] stepped between them, holding up Pirate’s hat. “[[Ellette|Ellette]], take a breath. We need answers, not a fight.” Her eyes narrowed, but she stepped back, her anger smouldering beneath the surface. “Where is the nearest town?” she asked through gritted teeth. Nord tilted his head, as if pondering the question, then pointed north with his cane. “The village of Krezk lies that way. But I must warn you, the roads are treacherous, and the nights even more so. You’re in Barovia now, where shadows have teeth, and the lord of the land, Strahd Von Zarovich, undoubtedly already knows you are here.” As if on cue, a chorus of wolf howls echoed through the distant woods, sending a shiver through the air. “I don’t care,” [[Ellette|Ellette]] said, her voice cutting through the tension. She turned to her companions, her eyes blazing. “Let’s move. Krezk is as good a place as any to start.” Without another word, she led the way down the misty road, her determination unyielding. The rest of the party exchanged uneasy glances before following, the sounds of the wolves’ howls growing fainter as they pressed forward into the unknown. [[Chapter 57. Shadows over Krezk]]