Play@YSDC

"It makes about as much noise as a knight would," said Leonardo. "As for who knows how to operate it, I do, and Mademoiselle Brook does. Of course, anyone intelligent could probably learn how to operate it with a little experimentation."

”In which case, Chevalier, it seems you are off the hook,” sniped Gui, as he examined the wall panel through which it appeared the automaton had been taken. He turned and smiled at the assembled people. ”Shall we go and take a look?”

Jacques:

"I believe I must pull rank and insist that I go first. We all saw the evidence last night of how dangerous the device may be. If someone has stolen it, they will know the penalty for thievery. Whether wielding a weapon themselves or through the device, they will not surrender willingly."

"Master, you are far too important to be taking such risks. You must remain here or perhaps advise the Duc of this. Ladies, I suppose I am wasting my breath suggesting you remain safely here."

Jacques draws his sword. "Someone will need to bring a candle or such like. And someone will need to open this hidden door for me. Perhaps I will get my sword practice today after all." He stands at the door, ready.

Gui bowed, more than happy to let Jacques put himself in harm’s way. He fetched a candle and candlestick from one of the tables in order to light their way.

”I believe the catches to open the door are similar in each room,” he said. ”It should just be a moment’s work to find this one…” and he started searching the wall.

"I shall remain here and summon a servant to report the theft," said Leonardo.

"Allow me," said Brook, flipping the hidden switch to open the secret panel in the wall that she had previously found. The candlelight revealed that nobody was in the secret passage either to the left or right. The footprints continued into the dusty hidden corridor toward the right.

Jacques:

"St John protect us all." Jacques pauses briefly to look both ways along the hidden passage, and listen for a moment. Then he wheels around to the right and starts creeping forward.

Elizabeth looks at Story and Brook, “Isn’t that the direction we came from?” She whispers. “Did we hide the Tardis well enough?”

Brook shrugged. "I don't know, I'm all turned round," she said.

"It's not hidden at all," Story whispered back. "It's rather big to hide. The servants moved it to our suite, so they already know where it is. Don't worry, nobody can get in without a key."

Gui stepped into the passage, following Jacques and holding up the candle to light their way.

Elizabeth grabbed a couple of candles and tapers and then, picking up her skirts, she stepped in through the secret door after Gui.

Brook followed after Elizabeth, and Story brought up the rear. The group followed the footprints around a couple of corners until they came to narrow stairs leading up and down. The footprints went down the stairs.

Jacques:

Jacques pauses briefly, holding a hand up for silence to listen, then after a dozen strained heartbeats starts down the stairs.

Gui rolled his eyes. Pausing for dramatic effect! Who did he think he was?!

There was only silence in the passages. Diego and Jean Luc followed the others through the secret passage and then down the stairs. The footprints led down some more secret passages, ultimately ending at a panel. Like the others, it had a switch to open it and a peephole through which one could look.

”Well, what can you see?” Gui urged Jacques, who was before him in the corridor. ”Whose room is it?” he demanded urgently.

Jacques:

Jacques takes a quick peek, intending to then get out of the way so others can look as well.

Through the peephole, Jacques could see that the panel would open out into an empty alcove, beyond which a hall stretched out to the left and right. Directly across the hall was another alcove, this one containing a suit of armor, but it was not the automaton.

Jacques:

Jacques politely steps aside so the others may have a look through the peephole.

”A corridor!” Gui exclaimed. He looked back at the others. ”Do we go through?”