Book the Second, Chapter the Ninth: An Orphan Misplaced

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Book the Second, Chapter the Ninth: An Orphan Misplaced; Or, The Wandering Lady

Enough time and care taken to restore the injured parties to the full enjoyment of Nature's endowments, there remains the problem of locating the female creature, lest she fall victim to the many traps laid for the innocent by Man and Nature. There is also the fact that Miss Ravenscroft remains in a state of blackest melancholy, neither speaking nor responding to inquiry.

[jp1885]

Pondering the whereabouts of the unfortunate female creature, Lepus tries to recall when he last heard her moaning.

“‘twas a loud battle with the brute, yesno? But did we not hear the girl-thing’s moans from yon moorland?”

[SunlessNick]

"We did indeed," agrees William. "It is the best place to begin. A discreet enquiry among the inhabitants nearby may tell us if she has been offered shelter, or else if her cries have been heard - either would likely become a matter of rumour."

[Mr. Handy]

"Then let us be off," says Henry. "She may have left tracks as well. She's stronger than she looks, and she would have left deeper impressions on the softer ground."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

There being general agreement that the moors would be the logical place to begin their search, the adventurers make preparations to explore that desolate place.

William's inquiries yield the information that the sole inhabitant of that portion of the moorland within a reasonable distance of the estate, as far as anyone knows, is an aged hermit, known only as Old Longbones, dwelling in an isolated shack of primitive construction.

Spoiler:

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Whilst Ivan is kept busy assembling such equipment and victuals as would be required for a stay of uncertain length of time upon the moors, the others observe the area nearest the estate and make certain deductions. To wit:

Doctor North, accustomed to reading the language of Nature, observes a number of wildflowers scattered about, in a rough trail leading in a northwesterly direction.

William, more used to keeping watch over the affairs of men, makes note of the fact that several stones, previously left scattered about after the renting of Duncan's Cairn, are no longer present, and that there are depressions in the moor indicating that heavy weights were dragged away, also in a northwesterly direction, on some sort of conveyance; but one, it seems, neither drawn by horses nor possessing wheels.

Attuned to the ways of creatures of the air, Lepus observes several flocks of birds flying in the selfsame direction, in contrast to their normal patterns of migration.

[jp1885]

Lepus points the stem of his pipe towards the northwest.

“Let us away, yesno?” he says, making a mental note to pay his respects to the hermit when he can.

[SunlessNick]

"Agreed," says William. "With all three of our trails leading in the same direction, it seems we may put our trust in Providence.
It is to be expected that after the destruction of the cairn, some of its material may be taken away for use in building. Perhaps the female creature seeks to make shelter, or perhaps she is aiding this hermit in doing so."

[Mr. Handy]

"Indeed," says Henry. "The hermit is apparently the only one living in these parts, so if anyone has seen her, it would be he. Let us go visit him first. The wildflowers may also have drawn her, as she may remember appreciating such things from her former life, at least on some level."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Heading in the direction indicated, it is not so very long before the adventurers catch sight of a simple wattle-and-daub structure, of no great size, half-hidden in a low depression. A small pond lies nearby, possibly indicating the reason its occupant has selected this location. There are a few goats about, of the kind more favored as a source of milk than meat, a number of scrawny hens and an equally bony rooster, and a small vegetable garden. Smoke emerges from a hole in the roof of the structure. There are no windows, and a single door of simple construction. There is no one currently outside the structure.

[SunlessNick]

William rides up to the structure and dismounts, going to knock on the door.

[jp1885]

Lepus follows, his keen senses on the alert for danger.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry and Ivan also approach the structure.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"Who's there?" The voice is a deep, strong one, easily heard through the closed door. "Go away! Leave me in peace!"

[jp1885]

Lepus bows.

“‘tis but a fellow hermit with, alas, a small company. There be a father in search of a lost daughter; hast thou seen a girl come this way?”

[Mr. Handy]

"Once we have found her, we shall depart with her," says Henry. He describes the female creature's physical appearance.

[SunlessNick]

"She has received a great shock, and may appear afraid or addled," adds William - "we seek only to return her to a place of safety."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"Stuff and nonsense, I say. Now off with you, and leave an old man in peace!"

There are sounds within, as produced by the striking of wood upon metal, and the pouring of liquid from one container to another.

[jp1885]

“We seek only the girl. If thou hast not seen her the we shall leave thee to thy labours.” Lepus replies. “Thou has my word as a practitioner of the magick arts.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Perhaps she did follow the trail of wildflowers," suggests Henry. "If he cannot help us, we should try that next."

[SunlessNick]

William briefly displays the look of a man who might wish to break open the door to investigate directly, but it passes and he accedes to the others' suggestions.