Book the Second, Chapter the Eleventh: A Lengthy Trek

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"If you think the Raven is trustworthy," says Henry, "Eliza and Ivan should have no trouble hoisting the stone."

This is indeed as true as true can be; however, the various manipulations of the monument performed by the mighty duo fail to produce any noticeable effect; save, perhaps, the salubrious action of exerting the bodies of said persons.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"Does he know aught of the missing villagers?" Eliza asks.

As if the presumed entity hears and understands this inquiry, answer follows.

will fly and tell

[jp1885]

Lepus reverently gathers up the avian bones and, handing them to Eliza, bids her to throw them into the air with all her considerable might.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry observes the outcome of this scientific experiment with interest.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The skeletal remains soar into the air, for all the world as if they still held living flesh, then vanish from sight. At the same moment, another message comes forth from the polished stone.

pass through the gate then speak to the maidens

Once this is spoken, the image within the rock disappears, and the surface of the stone becomes rough and weathered, in the same manner as the other faces.

[Mr. Handy]

"Now we need to find a gate," says Henry. "The Boskednan Stone Circle could be it. The stones are called the Nine Maidens."

[jp1885]

“Aye,” replies the wanderer. “Old Lepus agrees.”

[SunlessNick]

Eliza gazes in wonder at the flying bones. "What a thing it must be to see the world as such a creature," she says. "To the Maidens, then."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The Boskednan Stone Circle and the Mên-an-Tol Stones being located not very far apart, it is no great matter to arrive at both nearly at the same time. The former, as described by the late antiquarian William Borlase in his Antiquities, historical and monumental, of the County of Cornwall, a work now some half a century old, consists of nineteen standing stones. The reason why the whole is known to Cornishmen as the Nine Maidens is a curious question. The latter is simpler in form, if more unusual. It is made up of two standing stones surrounding a circular stone, the said round structure containing a hole in the middle. The opening is of no great size, being about half a yard in diameter. To one of whimsical imagination, when seen from some distance, it might be said to resemble the number one hundred and one, rendered in digits.

[jp1885]

Shambling over to the stone circle, Lepus bows to each of the ‘nine’ ladies in turn, all the while subtly checking for evil influences.

“Good morrow fair maidens,” he says, both vocally and mentally.

[Mr. Handy]

"We may need to pass through the round stone at Mên-an-Tol first," suggests Henry. "It resembles a gate."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Shambling over to the stone circle, Lepus bows to each of the ‘nine’ ladies in turn, all the while subtly checking for evil influences.

“Good morrow fair maidens,” he says, both vocally and mentally.

There does not seem to be any response to this greeting, save for the far-off cry of some raptor. Nor do the arcane senses of the hedge wizard reveal any trace of evil intent; or, indeed, of intent at all, as far as may be determined.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"We may need to pass through the round stone at Mên-an-Tol first," suggests Henry. "It resembles a gate."

This suggestions begs the question Who shall bell the cat?

[jp1885]

Nonplussed at his lack of success, Lepus agrees with Henry’s suggestion.

“I shall do it,” he volunteers.

[SunlessNick]

"Mayhap we all should," suggests Eliza. "It it proves to be another portal like those we have encountered, it would be safer to face what is on the other side together."

[Mr. Handy]

"Then let us pass through one at a time," says Henry. "It may be too small for us all to go side by side. I shall follow after Lepus."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

This curious procession, witnessed only by the cloud-shrouded sky and the wind-swept moor, does not produce any immediately noticeable effect. The adventurers find themselves simply on the other side of the hollowed stone. Whether or not this seemingly simple task has produced any changes in their circumstances remains to be seen.

[jp1885]

“We did as the Raven bid us and passed through the gate,” muses Lepus. “Mayhap now be the time to speak to yon maidens.”

If the others are in agreement, the hedge wizard shall again approach the maidens and repeat his greetings.

[Mr. Handy]

"Indeed, let us approach," agrees Henry.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

As the adventurers approach the nineteen standing stones, ready to attempt another form of communication, if any be possible, there arises the question of directing their greetings. Addressing all at once does not produce any particular effect, it seems, save for a vague feeling that there are listeners somewhere about. After some thought, it seems clear that one must treat the stones as individuals; however, the traditional name of the place raises a question. Of the nineteen, which are the nine? And what might be the consequences of speaking to one who is not included in that smaller number?