Play@YSDC

"We didna have much chance," says Alexander. "We had only time to ask about the stone before we were told to leave, and we didna get much answered about that either, nor could we press the matter further. I like dogs as much as the next bloke, but I'd rather not have them try to chew my face off."

Captain FitzWilliam nodded in agreement. ”Doctor Campbell has it right. They were in no mood to talk. They denied any part in his lordship’s death but got decidedly prickly when we started asking questions about Hob’s Field and the stone. They said was evil and we should stay away.”

"Hmm, just like the villagers. I'm sure they all know something but just aren't telling. I wonder if Melody and I might have better luck approaching the women." Isolde stands up and paces across the room and back. "It's so fustrating! But we have to tell Lady Amanda something in the morning. Anyone got any ideas?"

"It strikes me as odd that whenever there's one of these strange occurrences, the servants always clean up the evidence before we can see it, even after being specifically instructed not to," says Alexander. "I have to wonder if there are some among them who are responsible. They do have free access to the house, being already inside and knowing it top to bottom."

“Miss Melody,” said Captain FitzWilliam, ”Have you come across any of the staff behaving strangely?”

OOC,I'll have to npc Melody for now.

"No, I can't say that I have. They all seem fairly honest and genuinely concerned by what's going on. I don't think it's them."

She thinks for a moment. "Do any of you remember what the Reverend told us about the standing stone?" she asks.

"He did mention that one of the villagers had told him a story he had heard from his grandmother," says Alexander. "Something about pixies having been seen cavorting about the stone, then opening a door in it and entering it, and the witness was struck blind. I didn't think much of this tale, but even the most bizarre of legends may have a basis in fact. There could be a hidden compartment in the stone. We should examine it closely."

"Maybe we've had all the timings wrong. There could still be a supernatural aspect to all this but we've just been missing it because we've been in the right place but at the wrong time. Perhaps, when there's a disturbance at the house then something is also happening at the stone." Isolde smiles suddenly, "If they pulled the stone over and blocked the path to faeryland then no wonder somebody got rather cross!

I would like to discover if the disturbances are connected to the house or to Ursula; maybe by removing her from the picture, unless you have a better idea. We should examine the stone minutely; Melody and I can visit the gypsies and talk to the women this time and we can try to catch a disturbance in the act, as it were. Tonight if you feel up to it."

"The problem is that it will be freezing out there at night," says Alexander. "I don't think the disturbances are tied to Ursula, as I had a dream too, but getting her away from the house would be best for her safety if we can convince her mother."

The stone seems to be intrinsically linked to this mystery,” said Captain FitzWilliam. ”We should examine it closely in the morning, and not just the stone but the surroundings as well, to see if there is any sign of this ‘gateway’”.

Percy doesn't feel up to hiking across any more fields with his damaged foot. He elects to remain behind at the house and perhaps see if he can find anything about pixies either in the library or talking to the local staff.

"Poor Percy, you won't be up to walking anywhere tomorrow. What about tonight? I feel like staying up to about one to see if any disturbances happen." Says Isolde.

"Aye, let's hold our vigil again," says Alexander. "One of us should stay close to Ursula, as the disturbances tend to affect her, and she can walk in her sleep and have nightmares."

"Well I will stay downstairs even if Ursula cries out; maybe something is happening whilst she is having her nightmares." Says Isolde.

”Very well,” said Captain FitzWilliam, shortly. He felt absolutely exhausted but the sooner this was over, the sooner he could go home again.

Percy remains on watch upstairs.

Isolde slowly makes a circuit of the ground floor from the kitchen to the hall, library, study, billiard room and back again.