Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

[Mr. Handy]

Henry looks at Elizabeth with worry, knowing that there is nothing he values more than her. He dreads losing her, but he does note that the old man hadn't said that he wouldn't get her back. That gives him hope and the courage he was told he needs.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

The watches are established, with Mister Witherly volunteering to take the third watch, thus relieving Doctor North of the burden of awakening then attempting to return to slumber, the fourth watch assigned with rousing the others at daybreak.

Spoiler:

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During the early part of the evening, when the adventurers have barely settled themselves, the sharp barks of a dog waken those who have managed to fall asleep. The animal is not yet visible in the light of the smoldering fire. As one would expect, this sound draws the attention of Lucky, who growls lowly. At the moment she remains by the side of her mistress, but it remains to be seen whether even Miss Carrow can prevent her from either rushing at or fleeing from her natural enemy.

[SunlessNick]

Ines huddles closer to the fire, clearly unnerved (though in a more natural way than her previous superstitious worries). She stares out into the night, trying to pinpoint the direction of the barking.

[Rooter]

"Ines!" Lila calls to shake her from her obvious fear. "Help Miss Carrow calm Lucky!"

[SunlessNick]

Ines responds to Miss Davenport's directive.

OOC:   Charisma = 9, +1 Animal Husbandry, + 1 True Innocent, -3 Fear of Dogs (there must be the risk that Lucky will pick up on Ines's own fear rather than be calmed) SunlessNick rolled 1D20: 10

It seems she is unable to help.

[Mr. Handy]

"Ivan," says Henry, coming to his senses quickly. "Hold on to the fox, gently but firmly." His burly servant had originally captured Lucky and was certainly up to the task. He just hopes he doesn't get bitten again now that the fox knows him.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

The mighty Russian has no trouble keeping the fox controlled. Used as she is to the humans in her company, she seems only to be upset by the approaching dog (as, it would seem, is Ines.)

Soon a mongrel appears. It is of medium size. Its fur is wet, as if it has just emerged from the waters of the Somme. As it shakes itself dry, as dogs do, it can be seen that it is rather gaunt, although not to the point of starvation. It stands near the fire, glancing about from time to time, barking occasionally, particularly in the direction of Lucky, although it does not approach.

[Mr. Handy]

"Perhaps it is hungry," says Henry. "We could put some food out for it. We might even be able to tame it."

[Rooter]

"I'm not certain if Ines would be comfortable with that," Lila says, passing a scrap of meat to the Gypsy. "But one must try to overcome one's fears."

[SunlessNick]

Ines does appear a little calmer now that it seems the dog is alone. She takes the proffered meat, and lays it down near enough to the dog that when she retreats, it will understand theintent of the gesture. While she manages to do it, she is visibly shaking afterwards.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

The dog devours the meat eagerly. When it finishes, it retreats to the river to drink. When this is completed, it trots back to Ines (stopping briefly to eye Lucky with a low snarl) and sits at her feet, a situation which she is certain to find somewhat uncomfortable. Given her fear of dogs, and the natural enmity between the vulpine and canine species, it seems that the mongrel's presence and apparent bonding with the Gypsy presents a problem.

[SunlessNick]

"I may as well take the next watch," says Ines with a somewhat forced smile. "I doubt I shall sleep for a time." (Nevertheless, she will decline should anyone offer to drive the dog away for her sake - for Lucky's sake, should it be deemed necessary, is another matter of course. She will move away from it once it's asleep, though).

[Mr. Handy]

"Well, we've made a new friend," says Henry, "though it could be awkward having it around."

[Rooter]

"Perhaps a name is in order," Lila suggests.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

The dog seems, ironically, most drawn to Ines, although it tolerates the company of the rest of the party. It must be noted that if either animal is unattended by its mistress it will tend to want to fight the other. Otherwise they may growl and bark a bit, but remain calm enough to be controlled. For purposes of naming it may be noted that it is male and that its fur is short and of a dirty white color.

Spoiler:

While with the dog Ines will suffer a penalty of -3 from Strength and Dexterity due to her fear of dogs.

The rest of the night passes uneventfully, as do the next two days of travel. The party finds itself in a wooded area to the northeast of Paris, which is still a day's ride away, at this unfortunately slow rate of travel. During this time Ines may attempt to train the dog, despite her fear, to perform practical duties (fetch, carry, et cetera) and entertaining tricks.

Spoiler:

If desired, training the dog to work requires a successful Charisma check, with bonuses for Animal Husbandry and the True Innocent, and tricks require a successful Wisdom check with the same bonuses.

If there is no objection, the same watches will be set as before. One of the drivers points out that, being not extremely distant from Paris, the paths that run through the woods are frequently traveled by all manner of persons.

[SunlessNick]

Ines is not enthusiastic about owning a dog, and presumably the rest of the company are not either. Might the coachmen be interested in a dog, for protection on the road?

[Victoria Silverwolf]

The drivers attempt to persuade the dog to join one of them instead.

Spoiler:

Two coachmen with CHA = 9, no bonuses.[dice]0[/dice]

The dog dislikes the first coachman who attempts to win his favor, but apparently the second one has a knack with animals. The mongrel takes a seat by the side of the driver, and with remain with him after the party arrives in Paris.

Spoiler:

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During the first watch of the night, when the driver (without the dog) is awake, an incident occurs. It is only discovered when the second driver happens to awaken past the time that his own watch was set to begin. It seems that the first driver is not to be seen. Upon examination, a set of footprints belonging to three persons can be seen going off into the woods. The driver, with the help of his new four-legged companion, wakes the others to announce that his fellow is missing.

[SunlessNick]

Phew. (Re the dog. Ines didn't want it around, but didn't really want it kicked back into being stray either).

Does it appear the footprints all went off together, or that one of them was being dragged? Is anything obviously missing from the camp? (The post comes to mind).

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Upon inspection, it seems that all three sets of footprints went in the same direction. Whether the driver went willingly or not would require a greater degree of examination and deduction than is immediately obvious. (That is to say, there is no clear evidence that he was dragged or carried.)

The mail is safe within the coach, which happens to be the one that the second driver commands. A quick search of the contents of the coach reveal nothing obviously missing.

[SunlessNick]

"We must follow," says Ines.