The tall, imposing figure in the square turned his full attention to the party, his piercing gaze settling on each of them in turn. Finally, he spoke, his voice smooth and resonant, carrying an air of undeniable authority. “Allow me to introduce myself,” he said, a faint smile curling his lips. “I am Strahd Von Zarovich, lord of this land. It’s rare to have such... entertaining visitors.” The party stood frozen, the tension in the air palpable. Strahd gestured behind him, and with an almost lazy grace, he stepped aside to reveal a series of hanging stocks. Bodies dangled lifelessly from several nooses, their forms swaying in the chilling breeze. At the end of the row, a single stock stood apart, and in it was Pirate, a noose around his neck, his small frame trembling. “No!” [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] shouted, his voice raw with fury. Without hesitation, he drew his weapon and charged at Strahd. His attacks were wild, driven by rage, but Strahd moved with unnatural speed, evading each strike effortlessly. He laughed, a deep, mocking sound that echoed through the square. “Is this what you want?” Strahd taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. He gestured to the ground, and with a flick of his wrist, a sword appeared before [[Qwimby|Qwimby]]. “Pick it up. Show me what you’re truly capable of.” [[Qwimby|Qwimby]]’s hands trembled as he picked up the blade, his knuckles white as he gripped it tightly. He turned to glance at the party. [[Ellette|Ellette]]’s face was a mask of fury and worry, [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] looked ready to cast a spell at a moment’s notice, and [[Zara Blackwood|Zara]]’s eyes brimmed with fear. [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]’s hands twitched as if preparing to summon vines to hold Strahd in place. “Enough!” [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] roared, turning back to Strahd. With every ounce of his strength, he plunged the sword into Strahd’s chest. For a moment, everything was still. Strahd didn’t flinch. Dark blood began to seep from the wound, staining the blade. Above them, the sky darkened, and rain began to pour in cold, relentless sheets. Strahd threw his head back and laughed, a sound both chilling and triumphant. “How delightful,” he said, his voice growing fainter as his body began to disintegrate into dust. But as the ash cleared, the horrifying truth was revealed. Pirate’s small body was impaled on the sword, his eyes wide with pain and confusion. “No! No, no, no!” [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] cried, dropping to his knees. He pulled Pirate from the blade, cradling him in his arms as the boy’s life faded. Across the square, Strahd stood by the noose where Pirate had once been. He clapped slowly, his expression one of amused cruelty. “How entertaining this is going to be,” he said. “You’ve proven yourself quite the spectacle. But for now, I leave you.” His form dissolved into a swarm of bats, which scattered into the rain-soaked sky, leaving the party alone in their grief. ![[[[Qwimby|Qwimby]] and Pirate.jpg]] [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] rocked Pirate gently, his voice breaking. “Stay with me, kid. We’ve got you. You’re going to be fine.” Pirate coughed, blood staining his lips. He looked up at [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] with a weak smile. “I don’t remember much about my family... but you were the best dad I ever had.” With those words, Pirate closed his eyes. His body began to shimmer and crumble, disintegrating into dust that scattered on the wind. All that remained was the small training rapier [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] had given him. [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] picked up the sword, his hands trembling. He fastened it to his belt, his face a mask of sorrow and fury. “Strahd will pay for this,” he said, his voice low and filled with venom. The rest of the party gathered around, their own grief mirrored in their faces. [[Ellette|Ellette]] placed a hand on [[Qwimby|Qwimby]]’s shoulder, her voice soft but firm. “He will. We’ll make sure of it.” Together, they stood in the rain, their resolve hardening with every passing moment. Strahd had made his move, but Sordia Vignti would not rest until justice was served. [[Chapter 59. Rebel group]]