Stanislav heard a key inserted into the lock, and then the tumblers creaked as the door was unfastened. Someone entered, but it took some time for his eyes to adjust as the torchlight from the hallway flooded into his tiny cell.

His visitor waved a hand, and a small globe of light appeared, almost blinding him. The mage hunter shielded his eyes until they adjusted to the change and then stared in surprise as he recognized his visitor.

He struggled to his feet. "Matriarch," he said, his legs shaking with the strain.

"Sit, Stanislav," commanded Illiana Stormwind. "We have things to discuss, you and I."

He lowered himself back to the damp straw, keeping his eyes on her.

"It was Marakhova that put you here," said the matriarch, "was it not?"

"It was," he said, "I was accused of plotting against the family."

She stared at him a moment as if sizing him up, then turned slightly, pointing at the doorway and uttering a spell. Moments later, a thick wall of ice blocked all egress from the room.

"There," she said, "now we can talk in private."

"Why are you here, Matriarch?"

"To make you an offer," she replied.

"I'm listening," he said.

"I will release you," she continued, "and in exchange, I want you to do something for me."

He saw a chance at redemption, but then wondered what the cost might be. "Very well," he finally agreed, "it seems I have little choice."

"I will provide you with funds," she said. "I want you to travel the continent."

"For what purpose?" he asked.

"I want you to find Natalia."

"I won't bring her back here," he swore.

"Nor would I expect you to," she said, surprising him. "I want you to find her and keep her safe."

"I don't understand?" he said. "Why would you do that?"

"I'm an old woman," she confessed, "and have outlived most of my own family. Did I ever tell you the story of my son, Antonov?"

"No," he said, "but I fail to see what he has to do with any of this."

"He was a powerful Fire Mage," she continued, ignoring his comment, "but he fell into disgrace after visiting the estate of Baron Rozinsky."

Stanislav's eyes lit up, this was indeed something of interest. "The same baron," he said, "that Natalia's mother was indentured to?"

"The very same," she replied. "My son died later that same year, immolated attempting to cast a powerful spell. He never knew that he left a child behind."

"Natalia is your granddaughter!" exclaimed Stanislav.

"She is," Illiana confirmed.

"But why this plan? Surely you'd want her by your side?"

"I don't have much time left in this world," she continued, "and my enemies would attempt to use her against me. I would have her free from such interference. When I pass on to the Afterlife, I want assurances that Natalia will remain free of the family's influence."