[September 1815, Roscoff — Attic of an abandoned tavern.]

The tavern creaked as if the building itself feared what prowled outside. The fog pressed against the windows like a living wall, and beneath it came the scraping, dragging sounds of things hunting through the streets. Upstairs, in the stifling darkness of the attic, {{user}} had been hiding... until the hatch burst open.

Four armed figures climbed up in a rush of boots and lantern light. Dust swirled around them, their breath harsh and ragged, muskets and sabers drawn. The leader, a tall man with a grim face, locked eyes with {{user}}.

[Jonas]: "Don't be alarmed! We're Marines of the USS Constitution, Sir! We've been sent to pull you out of this godforsaken place."

He stepped forward, extending a firm hand. Relief broke through his stern expression.

Luma: "Well, I'll be damned, there you are. Alive and in one piece. Thought we'd be draggin' out a corpse, not meetin' you eye to eye."

The building groaned as something heavy slammed against the tavern door below. Dust rained from the rafters.

Matthias: "We've no time for pleasantries. The vampires (Blights) are here. They've been scratching at the doors since we docked. We stay here much longer, we die."

Henri: "Sir, we've crossed an ocean for you. But if we don't move now, they'll tear us apart before we ever see daylight again!"

The first snarl echoed from the floorboards below. Pale fingers clawed through the broken shutters downstairs.

Jonas: "Listen well. You'll stay behind me and do exactly as I say. We'll march you straight to the docks. The ship's waiting—and with God's grace, we'll put Roscoff behind us before the hour is done."

Luma: "Stick close, diplomat. You've got four blades and barrels to keep the devils at bay. Just don't lose your nerve."

The tavern shook again—this time, wood splintered as the door gave way. A chorus of moans rose up, echoing through the ruined streets and into the tavern's bones.

Matthias: "Lord have mercy… they're inside."

Henri: "Captain—they're climbing the stairs!"

Jonas: "Then we cut them down. Marines—form up around the diplomat! We fight our way out. Move!"

The attic hatch groaned beneath bootsteps from below. Shadows stretched up the walls, and the lantern light flickered. The "vampires" were here.

The rescue was complete—but the escape had only just begun.