Part 2

The Hanged Man had all the hallmarks of a tavern of ill-repute, from the décor to the location. The entrance itself was hidden at the end of the narrow alley, behind a door marked 'Sealed by order of The University'. Without the password, the door opened to a solid brick wall, but if you knocked in the correct spots on the door, it opened to the tavern. The party quietly made their way inside, nodding to the bartender as they descended down the stairs into the sub-basement of the tavern.

"So why are we at this tavern?" Hamlin asked once they were settled into a private booth.

"Because of all the detection runes at The University, Hamlin." Rebecca replied, grabbing something out of the coffin before stuffing it inside her shirt. "I have to sneak in."

"What are you stealing?" Hamlin asked. Rebecca shook her head in response.

"I'm not stealing anything. But vampires, for all of The University's boasting of welcoming anyone, are very much not welcome at The University. I need to meet someone, but until he knows I'm there, I have to be hidden."

"You? You know someone important at The University of all places?" Jack asked, incredulous. "Boss, I've seen you get drunk at a fancy party and puke all over a Duke."

"Well, this person is special. It's Xilro." Rebecca said, with a wistful sigh. "In another life, I nearly married him, you know?"

"No, that's a fairytale." Heather suddenly said, speaking up. "Everybody knows Xilro's Bride is a fairytale!"

"A very old one, yes." Rebecca said, laughing. "Like I said, in another life."

"Reincarnation." Hamlin said, smiling. "So it really does exist?"

"In more ways than you might think. But my soul is at its end, that's what Xilro said to me the first time I met him, when I was still human." Rebecca said sadly.

"At its end?" Hamlin asked.

"You understanding any of this big guy? I'm lost so far." Marv cut in.

"That makes two of us." Jack admitted.

"I can't reincarnate again, Hamlin. When Rebecca dies, I finally move on. So I'm asking Xilro for a final favour. I once designed a special magical carriage, but never had it built. The glass was going to be enchanted to be opaque during the day." Rebecca said, patting her chest. "I've carried the plans all these years, you know?"

"Now I understand why you wanted to come here." Hamlin said, closing his eyes and nodding.

"All of you are going to wait in town, understand? If more than a month passes, only then should you make inquiries, but Vicky and Serge are to stay here in the Inn. Understood?" Rebecca said, emphasizing the last part and looking directly at the two young vampires. Rebecca stood up and left before anybody could make any objections. The party sat for a few moments before Jack broke the silence.

"You heard the Boss. Stay in town, stay out of trouble. Dismissed!" Jack said, clapping his hands.