Play@YSDC

Deep in thought, Lepus clutches the stick protectively, before coming to a decision and tossing the stick contemptuously at the soldier's feet.

"Take the damn thing then!"

William gingerly picks it up.

OOC:   I can't tell for sure if the conversations about the dream and the stick are happeing at once. If so, then William will quickly excuse himself, not wishing to subject Georgina or Lady Highdark to the turn his temper is likely to take.

"Dreams do have meaning," says Henry. "They are often the way the mind sorts things out and tries to make sense of them, though sometimes dreams make little sense afterwards. And Lepus is right, there is a pool of evil beneath HIghdark Hall. We will need to do something about that."

William:
It is notable that Lepus grows calm, and walks with greater ease than before. Contrariwise, William now has a noticeable limp, and a more churlish nature than usual. He withdraws from his companions with the barest trace of a civil departure.

Having overheard some portion of his guests' conversation, Lord Highdark grows pale, and softly murmurs, as if to himself, "I had thought it sealed forever."

"Sealed, Monsieur Highdark?" Vincent inquires. "What is zis?"

"Seals have a way of weakening over time," says Henry. "Please, my Lord, tell us what you know about it and what was done to seal it. We can help makes sure it remains sealed. Your family's safety is at stake."

Lepus massages his legs, chuckling as he feels the life coming back into them. Knowing the effects of the cursed stick first hand, he resolves to keep a close eye on the gallant soldier.

His ears prick up at the mention of a seal. Clearly the noble master knows more than he's admitted until now. The wanderer keeps his own counsel about this and listens to what the man has to say.

William withdraws to his room for now - stewing with resentment over matters once gain having taken a turn beyond his ken, so that he must defer to natural philosopher and the magicians. He demands some refreshment from a servant on the way, hoping some drink will ease the pain in his leg.

With a deep sigh, Lord Highdark sinks into a chair, with a dejected look.

"The Altumbers," he begins, speaking slowly and softly, "have not always been held in high esteem. It is for that reason, I suspect, that my forebears caused this estate to be erected in an isolated and lonely place. The land was granted to my ancestors for services rendered to the Crown, before and after the downfall of the savage reign of the tyrant Cromwell. It was a evil, bloody time, as is well known, with scenes which might have come from the very pits of Hell. Brother fought brother, and not even my own family was entirely spared from the internecine slaughter.

"Rumors of witchcraft, of murder most foul! There is, no doubt, much that is yet unknown even to myself, but it is said that our line is under a curse for these crimes.

"More than half a century ago a ceremony was performed, or so the tale goes, which protected us from destruction by this foretold doom. The details of the ritual, and of the form which our supposed destroyer will take, are lost in the fogs of time; but there is a prophecy, whispered from father to son for generations, less than half-understood by any.

"'The Ancient One will rise, and devour the house of Altumber'

"I had thought this so-named 'Ancient One' eternally imprisoned, as much so as Lucifer and his angels; but what you say leads me to suspect that all was in vain."

Lepus ponders deeply upon Lord Highdark’s words. He fingers his beard, dislodging numerous crumbs and other less mentionable particles.

“Did not the twins speak of a friend arriving soon? ‘tis my belief that the fae that dwells within the doll is connected to this disaster. We should scour the library once more - mayhap we can find references to this ritual.”

“The caves could also show us the way, yesno? We can explore the small tunnels now we have the ken to shrink ourselves...”

He looks expectantly at Henry.

“But first, let us act upon what we already know and deal with the governess, hm?”

"Yes, now that we know what to look for, some further research in the library is in order," says Henry. "We will need to be careful how we deal with Miss Rye, and we will need the captain with us, as he bears the stick now. If she can indeed pass through walls by some other means, he will be the only one who can pursue her directly."

The intrepid adventurers, no doubt glad of a more peaceful pursuit than confronting unnatural beings, peruse Lord Highdark's extensive, if eccentrically arranged, library of family chronicles, local history and legends, and what-have-you.

The soldier and the Gypsy both fail to locate anything of interest; the former, perhaps he is in a state of choler, the latter, perhaps because his wit is more attuned to matters other than the printed page.

Be that as it may, Doctor North and Vincent's efforts have not been in vain.

The natural philosopher happens upon a old and curious volume of local lore, entitled An Account of the Pre-Edenic Era, Heretofore Unbeknownst to the Many; Or, The Bellwether of Lucifer Described. The anonymous author writes in a most peculiar style, as if seized by madness whilst engaged in the book's creation. However, through careful study, it is possible to derive some sense from it, as the miner extracts precious minerals from a great mountain of rock.

In brief, the author claims that the Earth is far older than generally suspected, and that, long before Adam drew breath, it was inhabited by dreadful beings whose origin is unknowable. As a single example, the area where Highdark Hall now rests is said to have been the demesne of a vast creature, dwelling in subterranean waters, which emerged from time to time, to claim as sacrifice other ancient animals of that time.

It is fortunate that the party of adventurers includes one whose native tongue is French; for it seems the library also contains a slim volume of strange poetry, written in a little-known variant of that tongue, from which the Frenchman is able to eke out some meaning. It appears to relate to the antediluvian being described in the other book, to which the unknown author reacts with a mixture of terror and ecstasy, offering these verses as a way to soothe its fervid lusts.

Lepus squints at at the arcane tomes, shaking his head as he listens to the others' translations.

"'tis a strange tale, yesno? This doggrel, does it sooth the beast? Does not stop it though, hm?"

Pondering for a moment, he proposes a course of action: speak to Miss Rye and tie up that loose end (assuming that she is not allied to this monster). Following that, brew up a weak version of the shrinking potion so that they can fit down the small tunnels whilst retaining their wits and investigate the strange green glow.

"Indeed, by all means let us drink potions to make ourselves smaller and weaker," snaps William.

"That is a point," says Henry, though he chafes at how William delivered it. "The tunnels were small, but not so small that one person couldn't fit in them without being reduced in size. The potion may not be necessary to explore them. The poem should prove useful to calm the beast down. It won't defeat it, but it may at least prevent it from attacking."

"Oui, oui." Vincent pockets the slim volume of French verse.

There being no apparent objection to beginning further investigation with an interview with Miss Rye, although how to proceed thereafter has, it seems, led to some contention within the group, the aforementioned governess is directed to present herself to the party. When arrangements are made for the temporary care of the twins, she presents herself to the adventurers as requested. The Portrait Hall on the second floor, a large room containing several paintings of Lord and Lady Highdark's ancestors, is used for this purpose, it being a room large enough to afford room for all, easily accessible, and yet secluded enough to allow a reasonable amount of privacy.

Miss Rye enters. As always, she is neatly but simply dressed, and carries herself with the proper combination of dignity and modesty required by her position.

"Yes, my Lord and gentlemen?"

Having had first-hand experience of the sticks effects, Lepus pays no heed to William's ranting. He does however concede to his argument that the potion would have an enfeebling effect on them. Perhaps it would be useful to have a bottle on hand though, just in case they get stuck when exploring the narrow tunnels.

Upon her arrival, the wanderer bows to Miss Rye.

"Ah, wondering we was, whether thou wouldst join us in a toast to celebrate the return to health of the young master. Shall we call for the bottle thou didst pour for him t'other day so that thou may drink from it, hm?"

Henry quietly gestures for Ivan to circle around behind Miss Rye and block the door. He himself moves to a position where he can stand in her path in case she tries to flee in a different direction.

"I am afraid you are mistaken, sirs," Miss Rye replies, without an change in her quiet demeanor. "I never indulge in strong drink. Nor would it be seemly for me to act as a serving wench, or engage in familiarity with one of higher station."