Book the Second, Chapter the Seventh: Clouds of Battle

[SunlessNick]

"We should observe them to make certain they leave in truth," says William. "I do not trust those last words of hers."

[jp1885]

“Aye,” concurs Lepus. “The Lady is not to be trusted. Even if she does leave, old Lepus reckons we shall meet her and her monstrous children again...”

The wanderer will see the pair off the premises before returning to check up on the Altumbers and their staff; all the while keeping his senses open for the next attack.

[Mr. Handy]

"Indeed," says Henry. "I wonder why she did not make a female creature first, given her attitude toward men. She will need another laboratory to build one, but it seems she already has somewhere in mind. She may be mad, but she is brilliant enough to be able to do it."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

It may be observed that the remarkable pair are seen traveling eastward, just as the chariot of Phoebus Apollo is seen rising from that direction, so that the shadows of the two are cast upon the grounds for a considerable distance. When last seen, they have gone beyond the limits of the Altumber burial ground, at least as far as the extreme border of the Highdark estate. The shadow of that somber and imposing monument known only as the Tomb lies heavy upon the grassy expanse of the burial ground, causing gravestones to vanish in the darkness, while many a towering yew stands guard over those who rest there.

Upon making inquiry as to the well-being of the inhabitants of Highdark Hall, it seems that there have been no fatal consequences. As might be expected, Lord Highdark remains in a somewhat agitated condition, although this is relieved to some extent by spirits and rest. The yet-unnamed girlchild and mother are doing well, now that Georgina's unexplained conversations with the empty air have ceased, and she has no memory of them. The day being the Sabbath -- which, combined with the rising of the Sun, may explain the current lack of any further preternatural threats -- Georgina expresses a wish to have the Reverend Mister Frye christen the infant this very morning, a ceremony to which all are welcome; although, curiously, she had not yet announced what name she will bestow. (Tradition suggests that the child bear the same name as her maternal grandmother; to wit, Constance; although this is a custom often observed, as the Bard would have it, in the breach.)

[SunlessNick]

William will endeavour to learn whether Miss Rye remains among the living.

[Mr. Handy]

"Christening the child is the best idea,' says Henry. "Once she has been christened and has a name, it will be too late for the enemy."

[SunlessNick]

"Then we must be vigilant both before and during the ceremony," says William. "All our armaments must remain to hand, even within the Church itself." (With that in mind, he reloads the pistol he fired at Miss Ravenscroft's pistol).

[jp1885]

"Aye, 'tis wise to do so on both counts."

Lepus chuckles mirthlessly.

"Mayhap they should christen the child Silveroak, yesno?"

[Mr. Handy]

"No, I wouldn't recommend that name," says Henry with a laugh. "I'm partial to Elizabeth, myself, for obvious reasons. And there is one on the father's side of the family."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

William will endeavour to learn whether Miss Rye remains among the living.

More than one servant attests to the fact that Miss Rye was buried, without ceremony and in an unmarked grave, somewhere just beyond the Altumber burial ground. It is remarked that the grave is a very shallow one, as if the gravediggers wished to expend as little effort as possible.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The ceremony of christening proceeds in the customary manner, directed by the Reverend Mister Frye. It is, of course, necessary for that pious gentleman to make inquiry as to the name to be bestowed upon the infant. It seems that the choice is left entirely to Georgina, as her husband is unusually indulgent of her whims.

"Artemis," the young mother answers. "She shall be Artemis."

The Reverend Mister Frye makes so bold as remark "That is hardly a Christian name. However, it is well to pay honor to the virtuous pagans in harmless ways. So be it."

Once the ceremony is ended, Georgina grows pale, and needs to be escorted within the manor home, where she collapses into a swoon. It is thought that this is a result of the natural infirmities of childbirth, as well as the recent events troubling the estate. The infant remains in the care of Lady Highdark, who dotes upon it as in the manner natural to grandmothers of all times and places. Lord Highdark seems much relieved from his recent shock, and even the twins are unusually well-behaved.

Soon after the christening, the tiny fellow who calls himself McGee leaps down from the crown of a tree, out of sight of all save the adventurers. Approaching them most stealthily, he remarks in a low voice, "'Tis a day of celebration, it seems. Will not one of you fine gents invite a poor thirsty soul inside for a dram of the waters of life?"

[SunlessNick]

When last seen, they have gone beyond the limits of the Altumber burial ground, at least as far as the extreme border of the Highdark estate.

More than one servant attests to the fact that Miss Rye was buried, without ceremony and in an unmarked grave, somewhere just beyond the Altumber burial ground. It is remarked that the grave is a very shallow one, as if the gravediggers wished to expend as little effort as possible.

We may want to look into this.

--

Anyway, William will relate to the others that Miss Rye is no longer among the living. He will refrain from detail, merely saying that there was a representative of death present (the one with whom Georgina was speaking), and that he took it upon himself to contest with her for the souls of those present in the house. However, he was vanquished, and thus compelled to nominate one to be taken.

Did Georgina eat or drink anything shortly before the Christening ceremony?

[jp1885]

Lepus listens to the gallant soldier's story, nodding as if conversing with the embodiment of Death is a normal occurrence.

"Aye, I hear she be fond of a wager. Thou did well to lose only the challenge."

The wanderer unobtrusively attends the christening, worried that the state of the young lady is somehow linked with the Fae Lady, resolves to check up on her. However, the arrival of McGee puts paid to this plan for the moment.

Lepus scrutinises the fellow, knowing how inviting certain entities into homes can have consequences.

"Ah, 'tis not our place to invite thee into another man's house, but mayhap we can hold a celebration of our own. Let us warm our toes in, say, yon orangery. Let old Lepus bring out some whiskey and mayhap some cake!"

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, I am concerned that Miss Ravenscroft may use Miss Rye's remains to build her female monster," says Henry. "She was last seen going east. Was the grave in that direction?" He nods after Lepus speaks. "Yes, it is not our house, so we cannot grant you permission. We are guests here ourselves."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Did Georgina eat or drink anything shortly before the Christening ceremony?

Being of a highly pious nature, that young lady is in the habit of fasting upon the Sabbath, during the light of day.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"Yes, I am concerned that Miss Ravenscroft may use Miss Rye's remains to build her female monster," says Henry. "She was last seen going east. Was the grave in that direction?"

It is a fact that the burial grounds lie in that direction.

He nods after Lepus speaks. "Yes, it is not our house, so we cannot grant you permission. We are guests here ourselves."

Having received such answer, the diminutive fellow proves to have an excitable temper.

"Oh ho, so old McGee's not good enough for the likes of you, eh? Come and say that to me like men, if you have the belly for it."

With that, he raises his tiny hands and hops about, in the manner of one about to engage in fisticuffs, cutting a figure not without a comic aspect.

[Mr. Handy]

"On the contrary," says Henry. "Were this our house, we would gladly invite you inside. We simply need to ask permission from the lord of this manor first. Seeing as you are contributing to its defense, he should be amenable."

[jp1885]

"Aye, and 'tis my belief that thou be too good for them, not 'tuther way around! Still, the noble scholar be right - thou art helping us, so thou should join us inside for yon celebration."

[Mr. Handy]

"I just remembered something," says Henry. "Artemis is the cat's name."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Somewhat mollified by these gentle remarks, the little fellow lowers his fists.

"Fair enough, then. Let us make haste, then, and speak to this high-and-mighty lordling. Come, we burn daylight."

McGee marches, at an impressive pace for one of such diminutive size, toward the manor home.