While the party was regaining their bearings along the shores of Lake Zarovich, Mordenkainen appeared and revealed a troubling truth. Although the adventurers believed they had only been gone for a few hours, an entire week had passed since their encounter with the Nightwhisper. The archmage examined Anne’s body and identified her as Ezmerelda. He theorized that the Nightwhisper had somehow taken control of her, using her as a vessel to carry out Acererak’s will.
The party made camp on the lakeshore before beginning their journey back to Vallaki. During the night, they were attacked by a aboleth that had claimed Lake Zarovich as its lair. After a fierce battle, the party emerged victorious and continued on their way.
Upon returning to Vallaki, they informed the Baron of their discoveries. They recounted their battle with the Nightwhisper and revealed that Ezmerelda had fallen during the conflict.
Grateful for the information, the Baron rewarded the party with a horse and carriage. He also shared disturbing reports from across Barovia. Over the past several days, acolytes loyal to the Marshals of Dread had been raiding villages and Vistani camps, appearing to search desperately for something or someone.
The party quickly came to a grim conclusion: the Marshals were searching for the newly acquired fragment of the Voidgrave Rune now in the party’s possession.
On the eve of their departure south to investigate the attacks, a new threat emerged from within their own ranks. Kordyc, having chosen not to resist the curse that afflicted him, began his transformation into a werewolf.