As the dust settled from their battle with Ordulf, the assassins barely had time to savor their victory before Vatum dropped a grim revelation—they had been set up. While Ordulf had been a legitimate target, the contract itself had been a trap, orchestrated by someone within the Vernai who wanted them dead. And, since the general hadn’t finished the job, a squad of Red Mantis Assassins was already en route to ensure their demise.
With little time to prepare, the group took a brief moment to catch their breath before their pursuers arrived. Led by a cunning Kitsune named Talaro, the assassins confronted the party, accusing them of executing an unlawful contract. But the battle that followed would be anything but lawful.
As steel clashed, Vatum cast off his human guise, revealing his true form—Vatumledor, a mighty dragon. The sudden revelation shattered the confidence of the Talaro’s group, their focus shifting entirely to the dragon. Their mistake was fatal. Vatumledor, along with the group, tore through them, ending the fight almost as quickly as it had begun.
With the immediate threat vanquished, the group regrouped and spoke at length with Vatumledor. He urged them to return to Ilizmagorti, where they would need to uncover the traitorous Vernai member who had orchestrated this betrayal—not just against them, but against Blood Mistress Jakalyn as well.
Knowing they would be hunted still, the assassins took precautions. Using fallen bodies, they staged a convincing scene to make it appear as though they had perished in the chaos. Satisfied with their deception, the group set out once more, their sights set on Ilizmagorti, where answers awaited—and vengeance loomed.