Costica seems startled, either by the magic or by August's generosity. "
Thank you, young master," he says simply.
"
I can't honestly answer you, I'm afraid. I know only what I've heard from the older members of our village and the occasional visitor from the town of Barovia. The last one I heard about was, ah, 23 years ago, I believe. It may be he's found a new object for his affections, but I don't know."
"
I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question either, sir," he says turning to Isaac. "
I imagine the count might have one in his castle, but I don't imagine he'd let you poke around. Barovia's burgomeister might have some books."
___________________________
Just as the farmers make a hurried exit—Aswin crushing the table, or the sudden appearance of a wolf in the tavern may have had something to do with it—the barkeepers's son returns leading a tall, lean man. His features resemble nothing so much as a hawk's, with predatory eyes, a hooked nose, and stern mouth. His clothing is far richer than the farmers', and wears pieces of jewelry here and there.
"
Ah, speaking of the town of Barovia," Costica says, recovering from the shock Aswin gave him. "
This is Liviu, a merchant who is stopped in town for a few days. He has a message, I believe, from the burgomeister of Barovia that you might be interested in."
"
Mmm yes," Liviu says. "
I came from, mmm, Barovia town. The burgomeister gave me this letter, mmm, and said to give it to anyone who looked like they could, mmm, handle themselves in a fight." He looks the group up and down exaggeratedly. "
You should do, I, mmm, imagine. The job may suit you, mmm, particularly well," he says to Aswin.
Liviu digs through his jacket pocket and pulls out a letter sealed with red wax and hands it to Isaac.
The Letter:
Edit:
@Stack