Book the Second, Chapter the Eleventh: A Lengthy Trek

[SunlessNick]

"They must surely have been shown the way enough times to know it," says Eliza. "Could they wish to show us something?"

[jp1885]

"Let us find out, yesno?" says Lepus, shambling after the animals.

[Mr. Handy]

"Indeed, let us follow the goats," says Henry, also walking after them.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Seemingly pleased by human company, the animals wend their way through the small community and across a grassy field, to a simple farmhouse, somewhat isolated from the rest of the village, where they settle themselves down with evident comfort. The crude structure is without windows -- hardly surprising, such a costly luxury not congruent with the evident poverty of the place -- and only a single small door, of primitive construction. Smoke arises from an opening on top of the farmhouse; one could not dignify it with the name of chimney.

[jp1885]

Lepus approaches the structure carefully, lest the smoking 'chimney' denote a living being; possibly responsible for the deserted village; within.

To be sure, he mutters an incantation to detect evil.

[SunlessNick]

"Hello? Is someone within?" calls Eliza. She has seen enough of this world to know that a lady's voice would be taken as less of a threat, even if that estimate should change at the sight of her.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry waits for a response, aware that the chimney smoke means recent - if not current - occupancy.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

There is no trace of evil to be perceived about the place.

In response to Eliza's words, a high-pitched voice answers from within.

"Go 'way! I shan't be took, I shan't!"

[SunlessNick]

"I do not mean to take you anywhere," says Eliza. "But I have seen the state of things in the rest of the village. Perhaps my companions and I can help you, yesno?"

[Mr. Handy]

"We're just travelers, and we come in peace," says Henry. "We've milked your goat, and she and her kids are here now."

[jp1885]

"Aye," Lepus concurs. "Wanderers we be. Mayhap we can help? What has occurred here?"

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Peeking through one of many holes to be found in the rude structure is a tiny gray eye, which observes the visitors for some time. After a while, it withdraws, followed by the opening of the hut's simple door. Revealed is a girl, dressed in rags, who cannot have yet reached a decade of years. Peering fearfully at the visitors, she speaks in little more than a whisper.

"You not be them as took all bigger ones. I be smallest. 'Spect them dint want such. Come to fetch back, have you?"

[Mr. Handy]

"We would like to help you get the bigger folk back," says Henry. "Do you know who took them, and what they looked like?"

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

With a trembling voice, the girl-child replies "Oh, all white and fog-like they was, 'cept red coals where should be eyes. Moved as snakes, quiet, all slow, but none could run. Wrapt round and round, then gone, all save I beasts."

[jp1885]

“Which way did they take the folk?” asks Lepus.

He considers the girl’s description: has he heard of such things before?

[SunlessNick]

Eliza waits for the girl to answer Lepus's question before asking, "When did they do this?"

[Mr. Handy]

"Perhaps they are some form of ghost?" says Henry. "But what manner of ghost can carry people away?"

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

In response to these inquiries, the girl makes reply in a thoughtful and subdued manner.

"To east, must be, or else would fall into sea, and none did, to my eye. Walked and walked they did, silent like. Called out I did, but none did answer. Was yester morn came they, just 'fore chores, and seen them again not since."

When Doctor North offers his speculation, her eyes grow wide.

"Oh, please not they be ghosts, sir. Ghosts be sad and no terror to such as will hear them. If these be ghosts, they be most wicked ghosts, and not such as known afore."

The girl's curious description does not seem to match any arcane tale with which Lepus is familiar.

[jp1885]

“East it be then,” says Lepus.

“Dost thee have everything thy need child? Be there anything we can do afore we departs?” he asks.

[Mr. Handy]

"You are no doubt correct, Miss," says Henry, "They do not sound like any ghosts of which I have heard. You have your goats, and here is what's left of their milk. I'm sure there will be food around too. We will have to head east and try to pick up the trail."