Ghosts of Gauntcliff: Chapter Two

[Ken of Ghastria]

Melmoth answers-
''She died. She was fine when she went to bed. When she missed her duties the next morning, some of us went to check on her. She was stone-dead, there in her bed. Not a mark on her, and she hadn't seemed ill. The look on her face...I'll not soon forget that. Pure terror. The boss said it might have been a seizure of her heart. Makes sense, I guess."

"Yes, most tragic," says Primeiro. "I am sure her death has weighed on him quite a bit." But no so much that he thought to mention it to anyone else, he adds silently. "Excuse me, Melmoth," he continues, slowly standing up again. "I want to see how the others are faring and whether we'll be heading back to the chateau soon."

With that, he sheaths his rapier and returns to the ruined abbey. Once he sees the others, he checks to make sure that Melmoth hasn't followed him, then he says, "That thing at the bottom of the pit isn't the only surprise. A scullery girl named Maggie died mysteriously prior to our arrival. Not a mark on her, says the effervescent Melmoth. Found in bed one morning, her face frozen in a mask of terror. Sancerre, apparently distraught, claimed it was a failure of the heart. Now, under other circumstances, I might attribute this to a woeful choice of evening entertainment, but after this afternoon's events....." He lets the thought hang in the air.

"What think you gentlemen? Continue poking about here, or return to the chateau? Considering what we've found and what Melmoth has revealed, I've grown somewhat concerned about Madamoiselle Vaughn's safety ... although some of you would know better than I whether there is cause to be concerned, yes?" Although Primeiro phrases these comments as a question, his body language suggests that he has already decided on a course of action.

[RocEter]

With that, he sheaths his rapier and returns to the ruined abbey. Once he sees the others, he checks to make sure that Melmoth hasn't followed him, then he says, "That thing at the bottom of the pit isn't the only surprise. A scullery girl named Maggie died mysteriously prior to our arrival. Not a mark on her, says the effervescent Melmoth. Found in bed one morning, her face frozen in a mask of terror. Sancerre, apparently distraught, claimed it was a failure of the heart. Now, under other circumstances, I might attribute this to a woeful choice of evening entertainment, but after this afternoon's events....." He lets the thought hang in the air.

Thom doesn't look up at Primeiro as he continues his search dangerous traps or hazards. "That is indeed surprising, Primeiro." He says "Perhaps the creature from the pit was never really trapped down there and it was responsible for the death of this maid. Have you stopped to think that perhaps Denys did not want to cause his guests any unwanted worry? He could know more then he lets on but we have no proof of such and that girls unfortunate death doesn't change that." He says in a neutral tone.

"What think you gentlemen? Continue poking about here, or return to the chateau? Considering what we've found and what Melmoth has revealed, I've grown somewhat concerned about Madamoiselle Vaughn's safety ... although some of you would know better than I whether there is cause to be concerned, yes?" Although Primeiro phrases these comments as a question, his body language suggests that he has already decided on a course of action.

Chuckling lightly Thom shakes his head. "You needn't worry yourself about Everline young man, she is capable of handling herself if she is in any danger, that I can assure of you." He says with a note of confidence in his voice. "She has more tricks up her skirts and sleeves that no man wants to be a part of." He says. "Now, listen closely. I don't want to have to explain this again. We are going to go about this investigation of ours, subtly. Meaning no asking Denys any direct questions or letting him know we even suspect something is wrong. That would include question his staff directly, as well." He says with a no nonsense tone. "Let me finishing searching this place for any more hazards or possible traps, by then I should have an idea as to what use you can be. In the mean time don't go running off to play the hero! Your rapier maybe in need here."

[Ken of Ghastria]

Chuckling lightly Thom shakes his head. "You needn't worry yourself about Everline young man, she is capable of handling herself if she is in any danger, that I can assure of you." He says with a note of confidence in his voice. "She has more tricks up her skirts and sleeves that no man wants to be a part of." He says. "Now, listen closely. I don't want to have to explain this again. We are going to go about this investigation of ours, subtly. Meaning no asking Denys any direct questions or letting him know we even suspect something is wrong. That would include question his staff directly, as well." He says with a no nonsense tone. "Let me finishing searching this place for any more hazards or possible traps, by then I should have an idea as to what use you can be. In the mean time don't go running off to play the hero! Your rapier maybe in need here."

"'What use I can be'.... hmmm," muses Primeiro, inclining his head slightly. "You were doing relatively well, monsieur, until that moment. With that lack of artfulness, I now see why you so quickly rule out actually speaking to people to get information. Yes, please, feel free to complete your searching. I shall wait. As to your premature, willy-nilly elimination of any options beyond that point... we shall see." He takes a more relaxed posture. "And if the intriguing Everline is indeed in danger, I trust that her conjuring skills are as good as you imply."

[RocEter]

"You sound as pompous as you look boy." Thom says clearly annoyed that he will have to explain again. "I said no direct questioning. You do know what that means, yes?" He says pausing for a moment, then takes on a tone much like a professor giving a lecture. "You think I get this far or became this successful with nothing more than a mere dagger? I think not. A dagger, or a rapier for that matter, only gets one so far. You have to have wits! Something you seem to be lacking currently." He says pointedly. "Now, as I understand it you say you were studying at the University? Perhaps then you will be willing to assist Eustace in his studies? I also understand there is a library here, perhaps there you can find some more useful information. I trust you can do this with out drawing too much attention to yourself?"

[Ken of Ghastria]

"Ah," says Primeiro with a knowing smile. "The word missing from your vocabulary was 'accusatory.' As in 'Don't go asking any accusatory questions.' For example, 'Did you know that there was a creature at the bottom of the pit?' or 'What childhood factor turned you into the arrogant boor you are today? An abusive father, perhaps?' Yes, I won't be asking those questions. As for how you managed to live this long, I suggest that it's your fortune to have had numerous allies at your side. Alone in a dark Richemuloise alley... who can say?

"Now, if you really want to impress me, please go ahead with this searching you keep talking about. And I'd be delighted to explore the library. Splendid idea. I doubt you'll be calling upon my rapier, after all."

[PathOfDreams]

After Petrie has exhausted his efforts, he thwarts his searching and wanders haphazardly to the fringe of the ruins, towards the entrance. His ear is drawn to the spat between Thom and Primeiro.

"Laddies... please..." his tone is not loud though not subtle either. "I understand that we do not know one another well, but this is no way to start. We are apparently upon something for which it will take all of our efforts. It's obvious that both of you are intelligent enough to see even that."

"Thom, I believe your plan is what should be done, but you must understand that you'll not be my lord; nor do I expect these folks 'ere will tolerate such demanding gestures either, even the boy."

Petrie turns and exits the shambles, which they have been skulking around, and makes for the guide.

[steveflam]

Juergin is about to say something rude, but Petrie and Primeiro speak. Almost thinking bettor of it, he almost refrains but adds "Thom, you might think yourself learned and more intelligent than us, but that doesn't impress me. As Petrie says, you are not my Lord or Master and can not tell me vat to do or how to do it. I maybe twelve but I doubt you haff killed as many men as I haff. None of us are your "Boy" as you put it. We all are new to each other. I will go by my reasoning for now, not your condescending crap."

The young man waits to see what the group will do.

[RocEter]

"Ah," says Primeiro with a knowing smile. "The word missing from your vocabulary was 'accusatory.' As in 'Don't go asking any accusatory questions.' For example, 'Did you know that there was a creature at the bottom of the pit?' or 'What childhood factor turned you into the arrogant boor you are today? An abusive father, perhaps?' Yes, I won't be asking those questions. As for how you managed to live this long, I suggest that it's your fortune to have had numerous allies at your side. Alone in a dark Richemuloise alley... who can say?

"Now, if you really want to impress me, please go ahead with this searching you keep talking about. And I'd be delighted to explore the library. Splendid idea. I doubt you'll be calling upon my rapier, after all."

Thom bursts out laughing. "It seems you do got your wits about you and a razor sharp tongue too!" He says after his laughter dies down.

Juergin is about to say something rude, but Petrie and Primeiro speak. Almost thinking bettor of it, he almost refrains but adds "Thom, you might think yourself learned and more intelligent than us, but that doesn't impress me. As Petrie says, you are not my Lord or Master and can not tell me vat to do or how to do it. I maybe twelve but I doubt you haff killed as many men as I haff. None of us are your "Boy" as you put it. We all are new to each other. I will go by my reasoning for now, not your condescending crap."

The young man waits to see what the group will do.

"Ha, and I suppose you take great pride in that knowledge don't you?" Thom says about Juergin's kill count. "Either way boy that fact doesn't impress me at all. Actually I take great pity on you and your soul. I pray that the Gods will show mercy upon when your time comes." He says and falls silent for a few moments.

"You don't want to follow my plan? Then don't, no one here is going to force you to do anything you don't want to." He says.

[Ail]

Eustace chimes in.

"Gentlemen, no need to waste time arguing. Thom, please, do your trap checking, we'll see afterwards if we have time for anything else.

Everyone else, please don't do anything rash that can endanger us again, as I have done. There is something dangerous down there, we don't want to free another."

[ewancummins]

THE BATHS

Beneath Everline's anxiety, a little flame sparks. This one has nothing to do with magic.

'Are you chattin' me up or sayin' I'm a rodent or a lush, guv'?'

She does not say the words out loud, but a small, razor-sharp smile slithers past her mask of genteel nobility.

"Very well," Everline says, and gestures with a gloved hand. "After you, sir. Do please lead the way, and I shall follow."

As soon as Sancerre's back is turned, Everline shakes one arm and lets a dagger's hilt slide into her palm. She chastely crosses that hand over the other, hiding the blade -- and also hiding the hilt to the wand she has gripped with the other hand. She waits for the nobleman to go into the next room ahead of her before she steps through the door.

The passage slopes downward and curves to the left. Everline finds steps, but these do not appear to have been cut by tools; rather, these are shelves of flowstone. She has seen natural stairs like this before, in another set of caves.

As she descends, the air becomes warmer and moister. The footing gets a trifle slippery.

Sancerre's voice echoes in the tunnel,
"Watch your step, my dear. I will have a handrail installed very soon. The holes have already been cut in the walls. You can use those as handholds if you wish. The slope is easy, as you see, but one slip..."


He chuckles.

"...And we might end up tangled together at the bottom. It's not far, now. Soon. It wouldn't hurt you. The fall, I mean. Just a little tumble."

At the bottom of the stairs, Denys turns round to look up at Everline. In the ruddy lantern light, his face seems flushed.

"You are the first woman down here. In fact, you should be the last woman who ever enters here."

Denys motions to the wider passage behind him.

''This way."
He steps into the wider passage, and the light recedes with his footsteps.

""Come on then, just a little further. You can rest your feet in the waters. Trust me, you'll feel wonderful."

[Rock of the Fraternity]

"The 'last', you say?" Everline repeats, following Sancerre at a smooth, slightly predatory pace. "So, you intend to have men clean down here after your guests, also?"

[Adam]

Bennedict stamps his cane in irritation against the stone ground. "If we are quite done measuring our manhoods, perhaps you could see to this trap search you seem intent on completing? This is hardly our first investigation, and I have no interest in being told how to conduct the business which is my livelihood. You need not worry, however. I am not going to scandalize Herr Sancerre by implying he knows anything about this unless some hard evidence appears to replace this conjecture, evidence I would like to have a chance to gather from this place. Once we are certain it is safe, I'd like to look around this area and try to banish the spirit in the pit."

[ewancummins]

"The 'last', you say?" Everline repeats, following Sancerre at a smooth, slightly predatory pace. "So, you intend to have men clean down here after your guests, also?"

He laughs.
"Of course. Cleaning a cavern? That is not women's work."

[ewancummins]

The 'Old Abbey' Ruins


A search of the ruins reveals no traps, although the party does find several areas of loose masonry and a few small, shallow pits.

Now, as the search winds to an end, the late afternoon sky turns hazy orange and fat drops of rain begin to fall.

Most of the roof and upper floor have long since collapsed, so the ruins only provide a few areas of shelter from the rain.


Melmoth enters, water drops pouring off his wide-brimmed hat.

''The beasts won't enter this place. I'm taking them to a sheltered cave mouth, not far. Smells like the rain could get heavy."

[Ken of Ghastria]

Bennedict stamps his cane in irritation against the stone ground. "If we are quite done measuring our manhoods, perhaps you could see to this trap search you seem intent on completing? This is hardly our first investigation, and I have no interest in being told how to conduct the business which is my livelihood. You need not worry, however. I am not going to scandalize Herr Sancerre by implying he knows anything about this unless some hard evidence appears to replace this conjecture, evidence I would like to have a chance to gather from this place. Once we are certain it is safe, I'd like to look around this area and try to banish the spirit in the pit."

"Well said, monsieur," says Primeiro calmly. "My skills and sword are at your service." He looks back to Thom. "I bear you no malice. Let us proceed together to uncover whatever mysteries this place holds."

Melmoth enters, water drops pouring off his wide-brimmed hat.

''The beasts won't enter this place. I'm taking them to a sheltered cave mouth, not far. Smells like the rain could get heavy."

"Wonderful," Primeiro says. "So, gentlemen, what say you? It seems our choices are to return to the chateau immediately or remain here for some unspecified time, underneath the dubious cover afforded by these ruins."