"The more we see of Vallaki, the better I like risking the road to Krezk," Ismark says. "If the life of a Vallakin noble is anything like what we had in our village of Barovia, the Baron and the Lady will be bored and eager to see us dance around in whatever perverse games they play against each other. If Wachter is on the side of Von Zarovich, then I would not want to let her know Ireena is near, nor myself for that matter. However, if you wish to linger here in pursuit of a pearl, Ireena and I should be able to present ourselves with the niceties of our caste such that either the Baron or Lady Wachter will feel compelled to respond in kind, despite whatever secret contempt they hold for us as poor, backwater nobles."
Ismark turns even paler than usual at Petrovich's news. It seems the priest speaks of someone other than the nightmare Van Zarovich. "How is this? We have only just arrived in Vallaki. Nobody should know us here. Where are these catacombs? I will see what Ireena says." He looks around for the stairs to the undercroft.
"Well then," says Ismark, "it looks like Krezk it is. It is the last piece of civilization I know of here in our miniature county. I don't think it's much farther than the winery was. We can set out at once if we have enough daylight remaining."
She had moved so quickly, by the time Ismark reacts, Ireena and the apparition are vanishing beneath the water. He cries out is alarm and rushes forward until he's waist-deep in the pool himself, calling out for Ireena and splashing around. "Where has she gone?" he shouts. "What does this mean?" The terrible voice from the heavens startles him off of his feet, and he falls down in the water, struggling against his heavy armor to get up again.
