Book the Second, Chapter the Eleventh: A Lengthy Trek

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"Lord be with all," she answers. "If finds the folk, will bring back, hope."

The child seems calmer after this encounter, and a quick study of the modest home reveals sufficient provision for one of such modest size to keep body and soul together for at least a period of some days, allowing for the sure supply of fresh goat's milk.

Once set upon the barely discernable road -- or, more properly, footpath -- heading in the direction indicated, the adventurers, reaching a place of some altitude, discern, at a considerable distance, certain notable features of the landscape. To wit, a series of ancient stone structures, these being known, locally, as Mên-an-Tol, Men Scryfa, and Boskedan Stone Circle. These are at no great distance from each, it seems. Beyond these may be discerned the so-called Venton Bebibell Holy Well, and beyond that, an ennead of monoliths known as the Nine Maidens. There do not appear to be any other travelers in this windswept region.

Spoiler:

I mixed up east and west in my very first post in this thread. Since corrected.

[jp1885]

“There be many ancient places yonder, yesno?” Lepus muses.

“I detected no evil from the child; mayhap I can sense some slithering from the old stones...”

The hedge wizard extends his detect evil spell outwards in an attempt to pick up traces from the ancient monuments.

[Mr. Handy]

"Let's see if there are any recent tracks," suggests Henry.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

“There be many ancient places yonder, yesno?” Lepus muses.

“I detected no evil from the child; mayhap I can sense some slithering from the old stones...”

The hedge wizard extends his detect evil spell outwards in an attempt to pick up traces from the ancient monuments.

From this distance, all that can be determined is that some vague form of wickedness has, at some time, existed near the region where one may find Mên-an-Tol, Men Scryfa, and the Stone Circle, although it is not yet possible to say if it made its mark upon one or the other, or even two or all three. There is no such feeling of evil perceived from the Holy Well or the Nine Maidens.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"Let's see if there are any recent tracks," suggests Henry.

Upon close examination, it can be determined that many a pilgrim has set foot upon the path leading to the Holy Well. Whether this be recent or not is not so easy to say. There is also an abundance of such indications in the direction of the three sites which appear to be, at least partially, tainted with evil. The way that leads to the Nine Maidens is much less traveled, it seems.

[jp1885]

“Mayhap we should visit the holy well first; it’s waters might be of benefit.” Lepus suggests.

[Mr. Handy]

"An excellent suggestion," says Henry. "Let us go."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The adventurers take a path running to the southeast, which bypasses the other structures noted by some distance, until they reach the Holy Well. This proves to be a spring, surrounded by stone ruins directing its waters to form a sort of pool. There are also the remains of a small stone chapel, appearing to be a few centuries old, judging by the simple architectural style. Notable is the fact that there are many small pieces of cloth tied to the branches of the surrounding trees.

[jp1885]

Lepus studies the pieces of cloth, assuming them to be some sort of votive offering. Muttering an entreaty for aid in rescuing the villagers, he ties on a piece of grubby cloth to a branch.

That done, he approaches the well.

“Mayhap we should drink?” he suggests, fumbling about his clothing for a suitable receptacle.

[SunlessNick]

Eliza does the same as Lepus, presuming that all who drink must pay their respect (her gown is probably already somewhat tattered from her recent activities).

"It would be good to drink something not from that underworld," she says.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry does likewise with a piece of cloth, his no doubt finer than the ones that were there before, and walks up to the well. "Yes, let us drink," he says.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

A feeling of well being fills the three adventurers, as well as the notion that drinking from the blessed well has bestowed certain benefits to spirit, as well as to body.

Spoiler:

You may each use any one Preternatural Effect which is classified as a Blessing, just one time. Details as necessary. These are generally those that aid, improve, or protect a Recipient. Examples are Blazing Dexterity, Close Wounds, Consecrate Object, Cure Critical Wounds, Cure Light Wounds, Cure Serious Wounds, Death Ward, Delay Poison, Empowered Weapon, Exorcism, Fertility [!], Fire Shield, Ignore Pain, Increase Charisma/Constitution/Dexterity/Intelligence/Strength/Wisdom [one of these only], Incredible Constitution, Inhuman Strength, Lesser Restoration, Magic Circle, Neutralize Poison, Protection From Bullets, Protection From Evil, Protection From Serpents, Remove Blindness/Deafness/Curse/Disease/Fear/Paralysis [just one of these], Resist Cold/Fire [just one], Restoration, Sanctuary, Shield, and Unnatural Charisma.

[SunlessNick]

Eliza evidences both relief and joy at her reaction to the water.

If questioned,she replies, "[color=#0040FF]I know that I am not entirely a thing of nature. Yet I sense that the power infusing this spring has accepted me.[/color]"

Regardless, she says, "Now we must make our way to these tainted places."

[Mr. Handy]

"Indeed, but which one first?" says Henry.

[jp1885]

"The nearest?" Lepus suggests. "Save these ol' legs."

[Mr. Handy]

"A good suggestion," agrees Henry.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The nearest such locale happening to be that curious stone structure known as Lanyon Quoit, the adventurers journey to that selfsame place. Upon arrival, it proves to be a large flat stone, held above the Earth by a quartet of similar stones acting as pillars. The whole is tall enough for one on horseback to ride beneath.

Those familiar with the scholarly tome Antiquities Historical and Monumental of the County of Cornwall by the late antiquary and natural philosopher William Borlase will call to mind that gentleman's sketch of the monument.

[jp1885]

Lepus gingerly approaches the stones; such ancient places must be treated with respect and care.

Muttering cantrips of protection, he looks, listens and feels for anything amiss.

[SunlessNick]

Eliza walks around the monument, taking it in from all sides.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry, who is familiar with the book, admires the monument and studies it.