Book the Second, Chapter the First: A New Century

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you, Lord Highdark," says Henry. "I believe I shall examine the Druid Stones now. How may I get there from here?"

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

It is a simple matter to direct Doctor North to the Druid Stones. By taking the walking path directly behind the manor home, one soon comes to a crossroads. Directly ahead, the path continues on to the Misty Tarn, where there is a small boathouse and dock for those who wish to sail to the islet in the center of that lake, upon which grows a very large, ancient oak tree. To the right lies a small chapel, and a modest residence for the purpose of accommodating visiting parsons. To the left, the path climbs a hill to reach the Druid Stones.

[Rooter]

In the root cellar:

Nothing so foul-smelling and strange could be good, Vincent considers. He murmurs an incantation to detect the presence of Evil.

Spoiler:

-1 HP

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The uncanny power of the spell reveals that a being of dull but all-encompassing malevolence lies at some distance below the root cellar, near the northwest corner of the room.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry ascends the path to the Druid Stones.

[SunlessNick]

William makes sure to circle the Hall so as to be seen returning from a different direction than the one Lady Highdark rode out on. Upon arrival he will enquire as to the whereabouts of his fellow guests.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

As luck would have it, Captain Palliser comes upon Doctor North as he is on his way to the Druid Stones. No doubt they will exchange such information as they possess, and decide whether Captain Palliser wishes to accompany Doctor North on his excursion. Captain Palliser will, of course, be informed that the Frenchman is exploring the basement at this time.

[SunlessNick]

William will accompany Lord Dunwich, reasoning that the excursion will serve to distance him from what befell Lady Highdark.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

As has already been indicated, the Druid Stones stand upon a rise which provides a view of the Misty Tarn. The explanation for the lake's fanciful name is evident. Even on a clear, warm day, such as the gentlemen are currently enjoying, wisps of fog drift over the surface of the water.

The stones themselves form an irregular circle, although a few have fallen through the course of time. What people might have erected them, for what purpose, and using what methods -- for they are obviously quite heavy, and stand about twice as tall as a man -- remain matters of speculation. Like the much larger and more complex Stonehenge, some of romantic fancy have suggested that they were raised by Merlin's enchantments; others, that they are erected by the giants said to inhabit the world before the Flood. A few suggest that they are the result of Druid ritual, or witches' black magic. There is, of course, no real evidence for any of these hypotheses.

All is peaceful and calm here. The only sound is the distant cry of birds.

[Mr. Handy]

"Perhaps we should find Monsieur de Labrousse and bring him here," says Henry. "He may be able to tell if there is something mystical about this site."

[Rooter]

In the root cellar:

Perturbed by his findings, Vincent retraces his steps back up into the house to see what the others are doing; and perhaps it is nearly time for déjeuner?

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

After enjoying -- if that is the correct word; this English food! -- a light repast, Monsieur de Labrousse is informed of the current whereabouts of the other two guests, and is able to join them after a brief and pleasant walk. They are investigating the Druid Stones, having as yet come to no conclusion about them.

[SunlessNick]

Has Lord Highdark or one of the servants accompanied William and Lord Dunwich? If not, William will describe what occurred with Lady Highdark when Vincent arrives. "The man in rags spoke of Newgate or the gallows, so one may assume he was a criminal. But even a criminal does not deserve to be hunted for sport like an animal."

[Mr. Handy]

"Indeed," says Henry. "That's even worse than her being a highwayman, which is what I had suspected when you first mentioned the pistols and the male riding clothes. You did well in stopping her this time, but she will try again one of these days. We need a permanent solution. Blackmail is one possibility to stop her from hunting men, but she would be a very dangerous woman to cross. She would most likely kill anyone who attempted such a thing. And then there are her companions. I don't think they would stop, even if she did."

[Rooter]

"Oui, and there is an evil presence at work in Highdark Hall," Vincent adds, explaining his discovery beneath the house. "This may be influencing the behavior of Lady Highdark and perhaps the twins also, non?"

[SunlessNick]

William seems not to entirely follow Vincent's explanation, but takes it seriously enough. "Lady Highdark's behaviour, however villainous, can have little bearing on the other matters we are investigating. This malevolence you sense may, and as you say, may be influencing her also. It should be our priority. Though I confess I must defer to the two of you as to how to proceed against it."

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, I think you are right about that," says Henry. "I shall have to see if I can locate the source of the odour." He fills in Vincent and William about his deductions. "That mysterious doll may be influencing the twins, and they apparently found it here. Can you sense anything about these stones, or the site in general?"

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

There are no servants, or anyone else, within earshot, so the three guests may discuss matters in full confidence. After some time, however, they can see, from a distance, Lady Highdark, now dressed in proper female attire, slowly riding back to the manor home. It is evident that both she and her mount are not in the best of condition. Near the house, a servant helps her dismount and limp inside.

[Rooter]

Vincent shrugs. "It is not so easy. I must rest soon." But he murmurs the syllables of another incantation to Detect Evil here.

Spoiler:

2 HP remaining.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The Frenchman is able to determine that a source of evil was located among the stones a few years ago, but that it has been moved to some other place since then. He is clearly in need of time to recover from the effort involved.