Play@YSDC

"This way, please," said Henri, turning down the right corridor and walking backward along it, passing various suits of armor, until they reached a corner where a guard stood on a landing of a spiral stairway made of stone leading both up and down. The corridor made a right turn at this point as well, though that branch did not have alcoves or armor. "These stairs lead up to a tower, where prisoners of high birth can be kept. It is currently unoccupied. Below us is the dungeon, for prisoners of lesser status. It too is empty...for now." He glanced over at Gui.

Gui affected to ignore the glance in his direction though his jaw tightened as attempted to keep his smile in place.

Jacques:

Jacques smiles at no one in particular. "A very positive incentive to walk the honest path."

Gui affected a bored yawn, while rolling his eyes at anyone who was looking.

Elizabeth smothers a smile.
“Henri, will we be allowed a sneak preview of the stage for tomorrow’s performance?”

"The stage has already been constructed to the players' specifications and is currently in storage, Mademoiselle," said Henri. "The storage areas downstairs are not part of the tour. It will be moved to the Great Hall shortly before the performance tomorrow evening."

Jacques:

Jacques doesn't look very excited by the whole play discussion.

"And what's around this turn to the right?" He asks politely.

As they continue, Elizabeth says to Gui in a low voice,
“If you see any useful routes that might lead down to the storage area, could you let me know?”

"The hall to the right leads down the east wing of the chateau," said Henri. "It goes past the kitchens, to the southeast corner, where there's another set of stairs. This way, please." He continued his backwards walk around the corner and down the hall.

Jacques:

Jacques follows along. "I must get in some practice with the sword this afternoon. I am getting soft."

Gui yawned while racking his brains. Where was Seigneur Éclat-Cœur when you needed him?

Not for nothing was he known as the best sword, the best shot, the best sailor and the best kisser in the kingdom. He could show that pompous braggart a thing or two, thought Gui…

“When was the chateau built?” Elizabeth asks Henri. “And does it have many ghosts?”

"The Chateau was built back in the days of Charlemagne," said Henry. "As for ghosts, well, some guests have reported they've heard someone - or something - moving around behind the walls."

”’Something’, monsieur?” said Gui. ”That makes it sound as if whatever is making the noise is not human.”

"Ah, well it could be rats crawling around back there," said Henri, giving Gui a knowing look. "While the Duc has a number of cats prowling around to reduce their numbers, there are always places too small for them to fit."

Gui gave Henri a flat look. He guessed that the servant was talking about him but wasn’t going to rise to the bait.

”lf there are passages in the walls then it is unlikely to be ghosts. Most likely servants scurrying to do their master’s bidding, than a spectre haunting its former home.”

"Most likely," said Henri. "If it isn't guests poking about where they're not supposed to go."

He continued down the hall past several doors on the right, from one of which came the tempting smell of food.

Jacques:

"I've never seen a ghost," Jacques adds conversationally (but reflexively he kisses his St John's Cross ring), "But they are said to be unquiet souls who have been forbidden the reward of Heaven yet not claimed by Hell." He looks at L'Argot pointedly.

"On the other hand, I have seen a lot of rats..."

”I always say that the measure of a gentleman is the company that he keeps,” replied Gui with a sly grin.

Elizabeth hides a smile with her hand. Touché she thinks. Aloud she says,
“Is that the way to the kitchens, Henri?” Pointing towards the appetising smell.