This issue being settled, the adventurers prepare themselves for the night's encounter. As previously decided, Miss Carrow will carry the Bell of Repulsion, Miss Davenport the blessed iron dagger found at the Scottish castle, and Ines the enchanted mirror. The others will be equipped as usual.
Upon arrival at the standing stones, just after sunset, it may be noted that no birds or insects, nor any other fauna, may be found in their immediate vicinity. Lacking their song, the site is unnaturally silent. A ray of moonlight strikes the stones in such a way that the interior is illuminated, as if with fairy fire. For a while all seems peaceful.
Then, with startling suddenness, a translucent figure, appearing to be made from the moonlight itself, appears within. With extraordinary swiftness it approaches the party. There is barely time enough to see that it takes the form of a man with hair and beard nearly to his waist, dressed in a ragged robe. His mouth is open in a silent scream and his eyes burn with rage.
The notion that the restless dead have a peculiar attraction for those of Gypsy blood proves to be true. The spirit flies to Ines as swiftly as an arrow. Although it does not appear to attack in any obvious manner, it seems to inflict damage through sheer malevolence. One can almost imagine beams of pure hatred blazing from its glowing eyes.
Ines suffers from this preternatural attack before she is able to wield the mirror.
She collapses to the ground, very badly hurt, although there are no evident wounds.
Fortunately the mirror is unharmed by her fall, although someone will have to be daring enough to brave the wrath of this spectral figure to retrieve it from the ground.
Miss Carrow struggles valiantly against losing her courage, but the hideous appearance of the apparition is too much for her delicate nature. She falls to the ground as well, insensate to the chaos surrounding her.
The bell remains, useless, upon her slender finger.