Ch.13b. No.5 (Joe)

[jp1885]

“Hello, what’s this?”

Joe examines the stone, attempting to swing it open.

[Philulhu]

”Crypt,” grunted Pombal shortly. As Joe pulled on the slab it swung outwards to reveal a space behind with a rusted ladder leading downwards.

[jp1885]

“Well I didn’t see anyone coming out of here, so I reckon if anyone did hit you, then maybe they’re down there,” muses Joe, rolling up his sleeves.

“So it’s time to return the compliment. Not very priestly, I grant you…”

[Philulhu]

There was no sound from the space below.

[jp1885]

“I’m going to take a look,” Joe says to Pombal. “Are you up to keeping watch?”

Squaring his broad shoulders, the priest leans into the aperture.

[Philulhu]

This is what the altar looks like: https://www.renderhub.com/32cm/old-stone-altar

The altar is about a metre or so tall. The central panel swings open to allow access but it’s a squeeze. The access isn’t big enough to walk into but Joe might be able to squeeze himself in so he can climb down the ladder (if he’s inclined to).

Pombal nods weakly.

[jp1885]

Lol a tighter squeeze I see. Post above duly modified.

Joe grunts as he attempts to clamber through the gap, which seems a lot smaller close up.

[Philulhu]

Joe just about managed to squeeze his body into the space under the alter and was able to find the steps down into the crypt below. It wasn’t a long climb, and he soon felt the stone flagstones of the floor beneath his feet.

The light from the aperture above was limited and he could barely see more than a handful of yards in any direction.

[jp1885]

Joe pauses, questioning the wisdom of plunging into the crypt without a torch.

He also wonders whether it is wise to leave a concussed Father Pombal on his own. Should he climb back up and get the fellow treated?

He stands still, listening out for any signs of movement before making a decision.

[3] = 3
Listen 65 d%: [ 3 ] = 3

[Philulhu]

Other than the distant ‘crump!’ of the artillery from the front line, all Joe could hear was the clicking of the talons of a crow perched on the broken wall of the church, studying him intently.

[jp1885]

“No one at home… At least I can put a stop to any shenanigans,” Joe tells the crow.

Shoving the stone slab back into place, he piles some rubble in front of it, before turning to assist Father Pombal.

“Come on, let’s get you looked at,”

[Philulhu]

With Pombal leaning heavily upon him, Joe made his way back to hospital.

As he approached the main door, the guard spotted him and rushed to his aid. “What happened, Father?!” he asked urgently. ”Has he been hit?!”

[jp1885]

"I found him unconscious in the old church," Joe explains. "I don't know what happened, but it looks like he's taken a knock somehow. Help me take him inside please my son; he needs treatment."

[Philulhu]

“I can’t leave my post, Father?!” said the soldier. ”Let me get you one of the orderlies!” He whistled and the one-armed orderly appeared in the hospital doorway, quickly moving to take the guard’s position supporting Pombal, who was clearly too woolly-headed to protest about the godless heathen laying hands upon him…

Dal grunted ”Follow me!” as he took Pombal’s not inconsiderable weight and lurched through the doors and into the hospital…

Please return to the main thread: http://www.callofcthulhu.org.uk/pbp/vie ... 58#p258767