As a certain eerie calm, combined with denseness of the air, oft presages an approaching storm, so does a uncertain quietude hover over Highdark Hall and the Altumbers. One of mystic bent might venture to suggest that some premonition, as yet not understood, and, indeed, unacknowledged, lurks within the minds of said persons. Howsoever that may be, there is no overt threat to the household at this time, a welcome relief after the strange and ofttimes dangerous happenings heretofore.
A fair amount of time having passed, and, as always, Nature having sway over the mortal parts of persons, the happy but anxious-making news arrives that Georgina is with child, such a state always offering certain hazards to the mother-to-be, no matter welcome it may be. It being thought wise, she and her proud and solicitous husband Henry, have returned to Highdark Hall to await the outcome. Lady Highdark, having experienced the ordeal of childbirth more than once, is particularly eager to interview Doctor North as to the most modern methods of minimizing its risks.
The diminutive fellow McGee preferring to remain unknown to the Altumbers and their servants, elects to remain in shelter of his own eccentric choosing, rather than to join the adventurers as welcome guests.
Lord Highdark having caught word that the party desires to make extensive use of the services of his blacksmith, makes inquiry as to their motive. To be precise, he asks what the deuce they think they are playing at.
There is also the question to be settled as to the disposition of the strange and dangerous pebbles found on the little island in the middle of the Misty Tarn. There having been expressed some interest in obtaining a number of these for possible use as weaponry, the adventurers face the challenge of transporting them to a convenient place, given their number, hazardous nature, and the limited weight the only available boat can hold. If the help of brawny menservants is requested, this will again raise the curiosity of Lord Highdark. As accommodating as that gentleman may be, he does not often grant favors without explanation.