844 Imposter?

The group reconvenes the next morning after having spent the entire day spying on people... They'd not discovered anything during the afternoon, but as soon as it hit nighttime and people started drinking they were given a wealth of information.

Mathias and Barnock heard of the various people that'd gone missing, some older than others, but most disturbingly, even a few babies had apparently been abducted as well. The duo wanted to do something to help, but felt finding Tyrael, Leah, and Adria was most important than that... Sure, a couple lived could be at risk here, but the world might be at risk as Adria had the Black Soul Stone.

Unfortunately, neither was actually suited to spy-work as both stuck out like sore thumb... Mathias due to how handsome and nobles he looked, along with his powerful magical aura. And Barnock, a 7ft armoured giant who could probably intimidate even a dragon. It was fairly obvious what they were attempting to do as they stayed silently sitting in a corner of the room alone, occasionally sending glances at people nearby, causing them to stop talking about whatever had caught the duo's interest.

Jerma came back with small bits of information such as the locations the people went missing as well as the current consensus around it. Most had thought the thing responsible was a monster of some kind, though, when Vengerberg requested assistance and got sent a Witcher called Eskel, they determined that a monster couldn't be responsible at all.

The next day Mathias and Barnock ignored information gathering and instead started searching within and around the city, they didn't know if Tyrael could be captured, or simply just comatosed outside in the wilderness.

Unfortunately, even after days of searching they'd not found anything within or outside of Vengerberg... That is, until Jerma stumbled across an interesting piece of information... As the abductors seemed to be targeting young children, the officials in Vengerberg gathered all of them into one heavily fortified spot.

They were being kept in the City Lords manor within the courtyard with Eskel and hundreds of guards protecting them.

Barnock "What good is this information? It pertains to nothing relating to Tyrael." he states, slightly hesitant as he did actually want to help.

Jerma "Well, I just thought that... These abductors might have something to do with your friend, perhaps if you managed to capture them they'd be able to lead us to him?"

Mathias "I don't know, that's a stretch... They seem to be targeting children, where would Tyrael fall into that?"

Lennon "I... I think that even if Tyrael isn't involved, we should help." he stutters out.

...

Mathias rubs the bridge of his nose and sighs, "Fine... But while Barnock and I deal with this, you must continue searching for Tyrael."

Jerma nods, "I will... Oh, by the way, I actually already have a plan to find the abductor..."

Barnock takes a swig of his ale and gestures it towards her, "Say it then."

Jerma "I have no doubt that the abductors will attempt to capture a child tonight... Their pattern has been to kidnap one person per night, no more, no less. This means that they're likely going to find a way to get past the guards and Witcher stationed there...

Mathias "Hm, but how? Anything short of an army would most likely fail... Unless?"

Jerma nods, "I think they're using magic... It'd explain how they're able to act so quickly and escape just as easily. I'll not say anything on the matter as you're the expert in that regard Mathias." she says.

Mathias nods, "I have a few ideas he mutters, going over a couple plans in his head."

Barnock stands after downing his ale and pats him on the shoulder, "Let's get to it then," he looks at Jerma and Lennon, "And you... Get searching for Tyrael." he says before leaving.

They all leave for their respective tasks with Mathias and Barnock heading towards the Lord's manor to stake the place out. Almost immediately they were stops by guardsman who threatened to have them arrested if they came any closer, irritating Barnock and forcing Mathias to try and negotiate with them.

Mathias "Wait, I need to speak with the Lord of Vengerberg to discuss the recent abductions that've been happening." he says while showing his palms in a pacifying manner.

"Oohh? Who're you to request an audience with Sir Bartosz?" they ask with a sneer.

Mathias thinks for a moment before replying, "A representative for the Holy Empire in magical and supernatural matters." he states with confidence, causing the guards to go slightly pale.

"You w-what? No, you're lying... You'd be wearing the Holy Empire's robes if that were the case!" he exclaims, drawing his weapon.

Mathias shakes his head and sighs, "Sheath your weapon before you offend me. I am not wearing my uniform as I am undercover in order to not alert the criminals abducting innocent civilians."

The guards back away and the one who'd been speaking immediately runs off, leaving the other looking pitifully at them.

"I-It was our mistake... I-I have a family to feed. You understand surely?" he says.

Mathias shrugs and waves him off, "Begone, but if you actl like that again I'll not only have your job, but your head."

The guard nods and runs to where the other had left. Mathias releases a breath he'd been holding in and looks to Barnock, "Let's go, perhaps we could strike a deal with this "Lord Bartosz" to see if he'd be willing to assist us."

Barnock nods "Just show some magic and they'll likely listen, can't fake that after all." he says with a chuckle.