After spending some time decoding the journal, you are able to read the entries. 

(1 week before present):

I suspect that the manor in which the vampires reside is hidden somewhere within these woods. I can’t imagine why it hasn’t been found though. Perhaps a great illusion could conceal the place? I’m probably just grasping at straws. A spell of that magnitude would require more power than any vampire could conjure up alone. I’ll need some way to find the manor before I can start drawing conclusions.

(2 days before present):

I’ve come across an amazing discovery. Out in the woods, I came across a young vampire, clearly quite weak relative to the average vampire. It had massive gash marks across its chest, but it somehow remained alive. I shudder to think what kind of beast made such a wound. As I stood pondering what could have done this, I came up with the idea to heal it back to health, then dominate it. I could ask it for instructions on where the manor is located, or who the head bloodsucker is. 

(1 day before present):

The plan was a success. It seems I was right; a great illusion is what hides the manor. But what could the vampires have to generate such arcanic power? I must look into this further. I’ve made a map in the back of this journal, should I ever have a need for it. To most, it will lead to a clearing in the woods, but speaking the phrase “evanescet, apparent” should reveal the mansion. The vampire also told me about the prime vampire. Holstein von Nichts is his name. He is devoted to power and control, according to my little helper. After I extracted what information the young vampire could give me, I killed him. On his body, I found a small red amulet with a rune carved in it. It seems so familiar, but I cannot for the life of me remember where I’ve seen it.

Once the journal entries were deciphered, Vadania looked at the map again. 

"So... this is where Lohse went. And these red amulets... it seems these servants of Von Nichts are the wearers of the amulets. Do you think Skeer may be a moniker he gives to his servants? I wonder how long it has been since Lohse left and what befell her. Should we give chase and search for the manor ourselves? And what of Garet? Would it be too dangerous to bring him with us?" 

Vannithos glances over the diary and map as well, calmly considering. "If she went to investigate the manor recently, it is possible she became trapped but is still alive...I think it is best we keep Garel with us unless we have someone trustworthy to watch over him."

Vadania asks, "Do we have anyone we can trust to watch over Garel. I fear that vampires might come after him but we would also be bringing him right to the manor of the one who wants him most. I feel... conflicted."

"Well lets start with what we know, Lohse had captured someone with potential knowledge of this hidden vampire stronghold. She was able to get information that would suggest how to reveal its location. She did all of this while in the possession of that listening jewelry. Plus there seems to have been some sort of struggle in the hut, plus oddities like the lack nature's sounds and floating objects. Now we have a convenient map and floating breadcrumbs leading the way. Anyone else feel like there is a trap up ahead? But let's be honest, we are all hunters here, walking into traps is an efficient way to find who set them." Engelheart looks at Garel. "Let's be honest, he basically an honorary member of... what do we call ourselves? No matter, he kind of one of us and the safest place to be is training with the rest of us."

Vadania responds, "I'm... not actually a hunter. I am simply someone who was trying to help people with the Vampire problem... though I guess that doesn't matter anymore. This is smelling like a trap though, isn't it. I don't see any other way around it either. I guess... we should just go and hope for the best?"

Vorin adds, "This absolutely smells of a trap. If it weren't so out of our way, I'd say we should bring him back to the castle."

"So we use Garil as bait!" winking at the youth. Engelheart looks at the map, "I suspect this will follow to floating fungi in the back but let's check the map for sure." Engelheart will try to guess the distance based on the map if it's worth bring the cart or 'storing' it here.

(Obviously I do everything I can to let players come up with their own decisions and plans, but seeing as Emile is on vacation, it would be super convenient to explain Vannithos's absence as babysitting Garil. Of course, this is just a suggestion and it's no issue at all if you want to go a different route.)

Garil, who had been mesmerized by a floating pan, perked up at the idea of being used as bait. He turns to see Engelheart's wink and relaxes a little. "Maybe I'll finally get a chance to use this water Vannithos gave me!" He pulls out the vial of holy water, looking at it with great interest. 

As far as Engelheart can tell from the map, the manor is about 4 miles from the shack.

((I think it's fine to bot Vannithos as long as Emile has a way to jump back in whenever they come back from vacation.))