Vavel: The Gossip Ghost

 “How will we get into the city?” Mozuta asked, breathing heavily. After their long journey through the darkness and over steep slopes, all he wanted was a hot meal and a comfortable bed at an inn.
“I’m sure Mr Twardowski has come up with a plan,” Leontina replied, biting her lip. At least, that was what she hoped. To enter the capital, one had to pass through one of the city gates. A unit was stationed at each one, and selected members inspected everyone who entered. Security was extremely tight due to the presence of the royal family and numerous prominent noble houses.

But neither of them had anything to worry about. While they were busy calming a vicious poludnica the previous night, Mr Twardowski had gone to visit an old friend to gather the latest gossip from Vavel.

“Dearest Anna!”
In the city of Vavel, as night fell, one of the sounds that pierced its silence was the cry of a small, mustached spider tapping at the window on one of the residences. A moment later, the window cracked open and the spider hopped inside. In a beautifully furnished room, a semi-transparent female figure sat in an armchair. She wore an elegant gown and had her hair styled in a high bun. Gold earrings adorned her ears, swaying slightly as she lifted her head to look at the spider approaching her. This woman was Anna Brancika, Mr Twardowski’s source of gossip from the capital.

“I bid a warm welcome to the esteemed wizard to my humble abode,” she said, bowing her head towards the spider, which was already settled on the small table in front of her armchair.
The spider glanced left and right at the lavish ornamentation, the gold candlesticks and the furniture, pieces so expensive they would make anyone's eyes pop out of their head. Very humble, he thought. He shook his head. He hadn’t come to admire the Lubomirski family’s wealth.

“I’d like to ask... Did you find out anything about that ball?” he began.
The woman sighed. “Well, not much. Since you, in your infinite wisdom, informed me that the ball's organizer might pose a threat to the current head of the family, I ordered my current grandson not to attend.”
The Spider stroked his mustache. He was slightly concerned. After all, the invitation contained precise details of the venue and time of the ball.
“But you needn’t worry. I asked him not to turn the organizer down. My dear Jezy will stay home and someone else will go in his place.” A cunning smirk appeared on her handsome face.
Mr Twardowski returned the smile.
What would he do without this sly woman?
“I have decided to lend you a hand," she said. "It is best to nip in the bud even the slightest rumor that could threaten the capital’s noble houses. Heaven forbid that some tragedy should befall our beloved king, or worse yet, my own magnificent family,” she declared, placing a hand upon her bosom.
“I am deeply grateful to you,” the spider said, bowing.
“I appreciate your gratitude. Please describe your companions to me. I shall ensure they pass safely through the Vavel gates.”
Mr Twardowski carefully described Leontina’s appearance and that of the boy accompanying her to Anna.

“Please direct them to our humble home. I will give them an invitation to the ball and ensure they are presented in a manner befitting the Lubomirski family, so that no one suspects they are outsiders.”
“Madam, you are saving my life.” He bowed again.
“Why, of course. Your power has often helped me to keep my beloved family at the pinnacle. It will never be enough to repay you, noble wizard. Though I must admit, I am not doing it only to help you. As you know well, everything I do, is for the good of my family. I will not allow a dragon or a vampire to disturb my family's peace and prosperity.” Her eyes darkened. The beautifully furnished room became so cold that frost began to form on the luxurious furniture.
Mr Twardowski shuddered. How fortunate that he was on friendly terms with Anna. He would rather not contemplate what might happen if she came to see him as a threat to the Lubomirski family. Even his immense wizarding power would probably not save him from her wrath.
“I am truly grateful for your help," he said. It was better to show too much gratitude than too little.
They chatted for a little while longer. When they had finished, Mr Twardowski returned to the moon to resume watching the world below, while Anna headed to her great-great-great-great-great-grandson’s chambers.
“Wake up, Jezy,” she commanded.
The man grabbed his pillow and buried his head beneath it, pressing it tightly against his ears.
“Oh, if that’s how you want to play it, my dear, then so be it.”
Suddenly, every object in the room began to shake. The pillow was torn from Jezy’s grasp and proceeded to smack him repeatedly over the head.
“If you don’t get up, listen to my new instructions and carry them out, this soft velvet pillow will turn into a candlestick. Or worse, a wardrobe,” she threatened, hovering over his bed with her arms crossed.
Jezy grunted. “Fine, I’m getting up.” He sat up and listened to his great-great-great-great-great-grandmother.