Session 10 - Attack at the Feast of the Occultation
General Summary
After setting up at the hostel, Vladimir, Vadim, and Vasilii visited St. Leo's Church together. While there, Vladimir expressed his interest in becoming a priest, claiming he had studied under Father Georgii - the priest at Bychii Brod, and that he was already baptized. The attendant priest - Brother Makarios - intrigued but cautious, informed Vladimir that he would need to learn the Irii language to progress further in the clergy. To support his studies, the priest provided him with a small cell at the church. He also informed Bishop Feofan about the talented new prospect. He also told him that the bishop was expected to make a very important announcement after services on the morrow.
While Vadim was meeting privately with the Bishop, Vasilii took the opportunity to question Vladimir about his sudden change in faith. Vladimir, however, responded only with a cryptic smile, leaving Vasilii without answers.
Later, Hrefna, who had been with Olga Gostomyslovna, met with Vadim and Vasilii to discuss the need for additional protection for their journey. She emphasized the importance of safely bringing Anastasiya Sviatoslavovna's childhood friend back to Bychii Brod, given the potential dangers along the way. The group weighed their options but postponed making a final decision until after the festival. Vadim retired to his camp in the woods, apparently after having been given an assignment by Nikifor Ivanovich.The Feast of the Occultation was held the next day. Vladimir was staying in his cell nearby, and went straight to mass, while the others gathered outside the cathedral for market day. Hrefna gravitated to a dark-haired foreigner, who was chatting with a local volkhvy. It turned out that he was a westerner named Radu, and that he was actually there seeking information about Miroslav on behalf of his father. Hrefna took note, and said she might be able to help. At this point the bishop existed the cathedral, and began to speak on its steps, promising to deal with the heathens who were attempting to lead the faithful away from the true path, a shocking event unfolded. Radogast - the older volkhv who had been chatting amicably with Vasilii and Hrefna, suddenly transformed into a bear and attacked the bishop, mauling him severely before fleeing into the nearby river. The crowd erupted into chaos.
In the ensuing panic, Vladimir was trampled by the fleeing masses, while the rest of the party managed to find the Rovers who were stationed as guards. However, the Rovers, under orders, refused to intervene in the chaos. Once Vladimir recovered, he used his abilities to heal several injured clergy members before reuniting with the group.
Determined to uncover more about the attack, Vasilii secretly followed the bear priest. When he caught up to him, as well as Radu, at Radogast's shrine, he engaged the priest in conversation, learning that he was a devoted priest of Veles. Vasilii attempted to convince him that peace between followers of the old faith and the Orthodoxy was possible. However, the priest dismissed this idea, insisting that conflict was inevitable.
Meanwhile, Vladimir visited Borislav, the jewelry merchant he had been working with. Borislav was visibly frustrated, as the recent attack had frightened away customers, significantly impacting business. Vladimir suggested relocating Borislav's stall to the city gate, but the guards had already cleared the area and closed the gates in an effort to capture the bear priest and prevent his escape.
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