Phillips Harbour
Thursday, October 22, 1868. Morning.
Miss Townes, Mr. Shaft, and Caliban took a little time to return to Shaft's houseboat and clean off the dust and soot from the fire. Miss Townes also changed the dressing on Caliban's neck. It had started to pain him again, but based on her examination the wounds are healing as well as can be expected. The infection is clearing up and no new one has set in.
Most of the townspeople are still in shock from the fire. Many have retired to their homes to rest, having been up before dawn to fight the fire. Others stand on the street in knots and clusters, talking or whispering amongst themselves. The rumor that something unnatural must have started the fire is spreading faster than the flames did. The firefighters from Innsham were surprised that the fire had neither been extinguished nor spread through most of the town by the time they arrived. "All o' you did a good job containin' it; 's strange that it hadn't burned itself out by the time we got here."
On top of all the other strangeness that's beset the town this month, the mood is grim indeed. While there had been some grumbling against Mrs. Everchild while she was alive, on account of her support of Madame Mysteria, after her death she has been adopted as one of their own. "A sweet ol' lady, always a kind word and a fresh pie for anyone." Now the townspeople are looking for someone to blame. As Caliban, Mr. Shaft, and Miss Townes walk to the church from the docks, some cast suspicious looks and drop their voices as they pass. They catch a few words from one man whispering not-quite-quietly enough: "monkey .... jumpin' in the flames ... Devil hisself!"
Dressed more respectably, though not in Sunday best, the monkey turns an aggrieved eye up toward his master and makes small ooks. A roll of his eyes toward the whispers suggests the source of his unhappiness.
At the chimp's noises, the speaking man hunches his shoulders, and the knot of people he's with all turn their head to eye the Englishman and his companions. Slate shows an equine indifference to it all.
Bernice looks quite bewildered, casting her glance around worriedly. "I don't understand," she frets, wringing her hands as the trio walk along. "All we did was try to save poor Islington.. and it was Caliban who was able to do it! We did our best to help!"
"They're just shaken up, Caliban," Herbert whispers, then turns to Miss Townes. "What they'll remember is that he ran into the fire. They probably didn't even notice Islington."
The monkey hmfs. He adjusts his natty fez and walks after his master in dignified silence.
Her mistress's words provoke a sympathetic nuzzle from Slate.
Behind them, they hear one of the townspeople murmur something like, "Islington? What's that?"
When they arrive at Rev. Milton's house near the church, where Rev. Hale has been staying, they can see through the window that the reverend has more than the usual number of guests this morning. Several people are seated in the parlor; judging by the number in clerical garb, the clergymen from the Inn are paying a visit. The heads of the assembled are bent forward in earnest conversation, low enough that it cannot be heard from without.
"It looks like the exorcists.. witchhunters... whatever they are are visiting as well," Herbert notes. "Do you think we should wait for them to leave?" he asks Bernice.
The ape scratches behind an ear. "Ook, eek," he observes to his master and Miss Townes.
Slate swivels her head towards the house, and whickers.
The doctor glances through the window, shading her eyes against the sun's glare. "Exorcists? Witchhunters? I haven't heard much about these people yet, now that you mention it. I was going to suggest the possibility we were interrupting something, and wait for it to finish."
Bernice pauses at Slate's whickering. "Mm... I sure hope not."
Slate paws at the ground, glancing around at the other people in the street. Traffic this morning is less purposeful than usual, with more people lingering and talking.
"St. John's activities have drawn them here, I think," Shaft notes, looking to the horse and to Caliban, wondering what they said. "If they become involved, I think it may count as a rule viola-" he starts to say, then follows Slate's glance. "Ah, perhaps loitering together out here is not wise just now."
The ape scratches under an arm as he considers the suggestion. He makes little ooks around the yard.
"Ah, good thinking, Caliban," Shaft says, and starts looking around for Prayer.
If the four of them had been attracting some attention before, they're garnering a lot more after Caliban and Shaft begin to examine the yard for Prayer. Slate whickers again, nervously.
The doctor nods. "Let's move along then, I don't want to bother anyone."
The mouse is not in evidence, but a burly figures inside the house shifts in his chair to look out the window.
The monkey, after a little perusal, hunkers on his feet and shakes his head up at his master. "Eek ook." He nods toward the door pointedly.
Herbert looks up from his search, and nods reluctantly. "We should gather what we need, presuming we will be on the hunt today, and then regroup."
Bernice is ambling down the street already. She glances over her shoulder briefly. "Sst. Horse sense is generally good sense, gentlemen."
Caliban ambles after the others, glancing back at the house with worry furrowing his brows. "Eek eeeek eek," he says to Slate.
"Let's go, Cal," Herbert says, and begins to walk along after Bernice. "Should we meet again at The Babbage or somewhere else?"
Slate flicks her tail, strolling casually beside her mistress.
The monkey gives Slate a curious look askance.
The young woman gives her companions a moment to catch up. "Well, if we can't see Rev. Hale, then I suppose I should proceed with my part... I was going to head for the Deep Wood. I think it's time I spoke with them again."
"Don't forget your rifle," Shaft notes. "Where can we contact you later?"
Caliban ooks a bit dismissively, to judge by tone, but nods reluctantly at the horse.
Bernice nods brief agreement with Slate, sighing a little and taking a furtive glance around to make sure they're not being observed even now. "I'll try to return to the inn. The Babbage might be watched by now."
"Very well, we'll check for you there," Herbert says. "Be careful of the three men we saw with Hale, for they are staying at the inn."
Townes nods solemnly. "I don't know how long the safety afforded by my relative disassociation can hold, if it hasn't broken already. I'll be back when I can, with news hopefully."
The ape winks up at Bernice. "Ook."
Back at the boathouse, Mr. Shaft and his Companion dig through boxes, looking for anything potentially useful in the upcoming battle.
"Ah, the Spirit Stunner," Shaft says as he digs out the odd device. "I'll charge this up. Wish I'd had it ready when that girl appeared."
The ape gives his master a look. "Ook!" he complains, pointing at himself, and pretending to brandish it.
"Yes, you can carry it," Shaft says as he connects it to a feed from the Analytical Engine's main batteries. "You have a longer reach than I do. I can carry the flashbulb reflector and the pistol. We might want to bring some glue-tape and handling gloves as well, in case we need to set up a trap or distraction."
The ape gives his master a wry look, which is common when he's misinterpreted his simian friend, but nods. He peers into the opened boxes and then fetches out a small black-enamelled box with a covered lense on one end. "Ook?" Caliban suggests, holding it up.
"Your camera?" Shaft asks, then nods. "It might be useful, especially if we have to resort to... unusual tactics to prevent St. John from achieving her goals," the man says, and glances up at the Spirit Lamp while the stunner is charging. "I wonder if a Unicorn would be attracted to the Lamp?"
Caliban looks thoughtful, then shakes his head. "Eek ook," he says, moving his arms around in an hourglass shape.
"Well, Miss Townes has been to the woods and not been accosted," Herbert points out. "If anyone is able to get close to a Unicorn, it would be her I imagine."
The monkey nods, then shrugs up at his boss.
Thinking a bit, Shaft notes, "I suppose we should bring some first aid supplies as well. Possibly something to eat."
"Ook!" Caliban says enthusiastically, as he goes to prepare the supplies. With most likely, an emphasis on the latter.
While the two are making their preparations, a squeaking from one wall attracts their attention.
"Prayer?" Shaft asks out loud, trying to find the source of the squeak.
As the ape is stocking a picnic basket with hefty sandwiches, he looks up. "Eek?"
Squealing, a white mouse bolts out of a crack in the wall, followed by the much larger brown shape of a rat.
The ape drops the sandwich fixings and jumps after the rat! "EEEEEK!"
Herbert kneels down and holds a hand out for the mouse.
Prayer jumps gratefully into the Englishman's palm, while the chimp intercepts his pursuer.
The sandwich is a mess, but the ape looks smug as he holds up the struggling rat. He glances over at the machine, shifting his grip so the rat can't bite, and looks at his master. "Ook!"
"Uh, don't pack that sandwich," Herbert says, setting Prayer atop a worktable. "Just toss the rat.. or bring it to Islington, if he's in the mood for one."
The ape sulks. "Ook." He goes to check on Islington. "Eek eek!"
Turning his attention to the mouse, Shaft asks, "Are you alright after that chase? Need some water?"
The white cat had been napping on the Babbage -- at the moment, he seems a lot more comfortable surrounded on all sides by water. He awakens at Caliban's arrival with the rat. It escapes when the chimp attempts to hand it over, but Islington appears to prefer it that way, pouncing after the rat gleefully. Perhaps it makes a better diversion than meal, anyway.
Inside the boathouse, Prayer rests in Shaft's hand, tiny heart hammering. He nods twice in answer.
The ape goes to wash his hands before resuming the sandwich-fixing.
Shaft brings the mouse over to Caliban, where the food and water also happen to be, and sets the rodent down near the bread. He pours some water into a teacup saucer as well.
"Ook eek?" the ape inquires of Prayer, once he's back.
After lapping up some water, the mouse squeaks at Caliban.
"Good news?" Shaft asks, sounding hopeful.
Caliban engages in ooksome conversation with the mouse while slicing some more roast beef thin for sandwiches.
The mouse shakes his head.
"Is it regarding those odd clergymen?" Shaft asks next.
"Ook," the ape says, nodding.
Caliban listens closer. His eyebrows rise upward. "Ook ook eek," he says to the mouse, then turns to his master and tries to interpret. He pantomimes one person standing upright, points to Prayer, and signs the cross. Then he mimes two people facing this person, then flaps his hand in a talking gesture.
The mouse gives an alarmed squeak and a nod, then waits for Caliban to finish with his master.
"So two of the men are talking to Hale still?" Herbert asks.
Caliban shrugs at his boss. He indicates one of the men, then points to his eyes, then at himself and the master.
"The third man saw us and.. is looking for us now?" Shaft asks, eyebrows raised.
Caliban shakes his head, then waggles his hand, halfway.
Caliban turns aside to ook and eek at Prayer.
"Well, I assumed it was important for Prayer to run here," Shaft says.
The ape wipes his hands on a towel and fetches out a piece of paper. He starts drawing some stick figures on it. In the first diagram, there is a man with a cross in one hand and a tiny oval with a tail sticking out one end behind him, and three stick men also wielding crosses on the other side. He draws a line underneath this, then draws a stick figure man and a hunkered over stick figure with a tail - himself.
"But you don't have a tail, Caliban," Shaft points out with amusement.
Prayer gives an interested squeak, watching Caliban's efforts with some curiosity.
The ape wrinkles his nose at his boss. After moving a finger from the lower two figures, across the line, to the three cross-bearing men in a group, the ape pantomimes talking. Then he taps the lone cross-bearer on the left and mimes talking down to the ground, then points at the little oval. He moves his finger back down to the two figures under the line.
"They are talking to Hale about us?" Shaft asks.
This took half the paper. Caliban nods to his master, then moves the sheet up and, tongue sticking out one corner of his mouth, continues drawing. This time he diagrams a door closed on one side, then a door open on the other. Beneath the door closed, he draws stick figures of himself and his boss, then a stick figure woman and a small four-legged figure with a long tail, then a cross-bearing man with a tailed oval.
Under the other side, he diagrams a woman with a four-legged, horned companion, and another woman, this one with a companion represented as two upward curves joined together. Then a man with a larger version of these curves.
The monkey points at Hale's figure in the first half, then mimes talking, then points to the three cross-bearers. Then he points at the middle of the figures on the right, the one with a woman and the small winged figure.
"He's.. telling them about the Game?" Shaft asks, sounding shocked. "And pointing out Pau as one of the 'enemy' to boot?"
Caliban shakes his head once, then nods once, but looks at Prayer for confirmation.
The mouse shakes his head, looking rather appalled. He squeaks.
Caliban scratches behind an ear. "Ook eek eek?"
"Still, is he involving non-Players in Game affairs by sending them after Pau?" Herbert asks.
The ape rubs his chin, then nods to his master, gesturing generally at the right side of the paper. He holds up his hand in a 'stop!' gesture, then points to Hale's figure, then making the talking gesture, then pointing to Prayer, and from there, to himself and his master. "Eek eek," he says, pointing to himself and his boss and pretending to be furtive and hidden, then indicates the three cross bearers.
"So, it is the opposite then?" Shaft asks. "Hale is trying to stop these men from looking into our business?"
Caliban shakes his head.
Herbert sits on the edge of a table to think. "Are they questioning Hale as if he is under suspicion?" he finally asks.
Prayer shakes his head at Herbert.
"Are they trying to get him to help them in hunting down whatever they think is plaguing this town?"
The mouse nods.
The mouse eyes Mr. Shaft, then squeaks at the chimpanzee again.
"That's not good either," Shaft notes, scratching at his chin. "He'd be tied up trying to keep them distracted, and turning them down might draw suspicion upon him."
Prayer doesn't seem quite sure how to respond to this, or at least how to respond in a way that Shaft can understand.
The ape frowns thoughtfully. "Ook eek," he responds to the mouse. He taps Mr. Shaft's figure, looks up at his master, then points up to Rev. Hale's figure and mimes talking. Then he points at himself, then Miss Pau and Lei's figures, and pretends to whisper, finger held to lips in a 'shh' gesture, then sneaking furtively away.
"Is there anything Father Hale wishes for us to do, Prayer?" Herbert asks.
Caliban ooks thoughtfully at the mouse, ceasing his sneaking imitation.
The mouse nods to Shaft, then looks to Caliban to see if the chimpanzee will explain it to the man.
Caliban points at his boss again, then mimes talking, then points to Mr. Hale's figure.
Prayer's whiskers twitch at the chimp's ooking. He looks unconvinced.
"I can certainly talk to Hale in person," Shaft notes. To Prayer, he explains, "We now have the means to track St. John, and a good idea of where she is camped. We are preparing to search the area now, and will meet up with Miss Townes at the Inn before going ahead. If Hale can meet with us there, it might be best."
The ape holds up a hand. He points at the three crossbearers, then at his eyes and his boss, then waves his hand and shakes his head in a broad negation.
"Seeing us together would be awkward, but perhaps we can arrange for them to be elsewhere," Shaft suggests.
The mouse's ears prick at this news, looking delighted. He sits back on his haunches to gesture to the clock on the boathouse wall, then looks back to Shaft, all attention.
A reluctant nod. "Eek," the chimpanzee observes to Prayer.
"We don't know how long Miss Towne's preparations will take," Shaft says. "In the meantime, Caliban can warn the other Player and I can go to the Inn. Prayer should be able to fill in Hale on what we've told him without the others understanding. If Hale has a way to send them chasing wild geese - perhaps to go take a look at the cemetery - then Prayer can find me at the Inn and give me a signal as to whether Hale will be able to join or not."
"Ook eek eek," the chimpanzee says to Prayer.
The mouse's whisker's twitch, and he nods to Caliban. He points at the clock again, then taps his paw against the table once -- twice -- three times.
"Three hours, or three o'clock?" Shaft asks for clarification.
A shake, then a nod from the mouse.
Caliban turns the paper over and draws a table - a flattened oval on a stem connecting to a line floor - and a stick figure man. He draws a tiny tailed circle on the floor, then a woman nearby who has her hands clasped to her face. The ape underscores his point with a look of mock horror, tapping the tailed circle.
The ape then draws a rectangle with a triangle roof, a door in the rectangle, and a stick figure. He adds the tailed oval next to the figure's foot, and puts a tiny smiley face into the oval.
The mouse looks between the paper and Herbert, waiting to see if the man understands the point.
"I.. uh...," Shaft starts to say, then looks at the drawing a bit longer. "A man and a woman and a mouse mourning by a tree?" he asks, tapping the circular figure.
Caliban looks nonplussed.
Caliban shakes his head. He draws a little circle on the table, and a tiny but indubitable beer mug.
Prayer gives a mousy shrug, and quite fearlessly hops to the floor. Apparently, he trusts that the two of them will sort it out ... eventually.
"Ook eek," the ape says to Prayer, waving.
"Ah, you mean we should wait to meet with Prayer outside the Inn," Shaft says.
The ape beams at his master.
It's a cold blustery day, not exactly the sort to be hanging around outside and enjoying the weather. So Mr. Shaft is perhaps a little conspicuous, standing outside the inn with his hands deep in the pockets of his greatcoat. On the other hand, the inside of the Red Flag is crowded at the moment, unusually so for this time of day. Maybe it's not that surprising that Mr. Shaft might prefer the fresh air to the tumult of voices and suddenly suspicious glances that some of the townsfolk have been directing at him.
Not that everyone is hostile. A few folk make a point of stopping to thank the Englishman for his help that morning in dealing with the fire, remembering how handy his hose was in filling buckets, even if it didn't reach to the fire.
A little before three o'clock, Miss Townes comes riding down the street, mounted on her Morgan horse. The animal looks considerably more relaxed than it had earlier.
Upon seeing the equestrian, Shaft straightens up a bit, and also checks his pocket-watch.
The ape arrived on the scene only a little while earlier. He finishes gesticulating at his master, something about having talked to someone. A picnic basket stuffed to the brim sits on the ground nearby.
Townes herself looks, if not calm, then at least not so troubled as she was before. Spying the englishman outside the inn, the young lady lifts a hand, and offers a smile that's seemed rare lately.
"Well, it looks like Miss Towne's arboreal audience went well, at least," Herbert comments to Caliban.
"Eek?" the ape responds as he turns to peer at Miss Townes on her approach.
The doctor dismounts, trotting a few steps to close the distance. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting, gentlemen. Any news?"
Caliban wrinkles his nose. "Ook ook, eek eek ook," he informs Miss Townes gravely.
"Some, but hopefully we will soon learn more," Herbert says. "Did you learn anything from the trees this time?"
Not long after Bernice's arrival, the reverend John Hale makes his way down Main Street. His stern feature are set in grim lines, although he makes an effort to lighten them when he sees the people waiting outside for him. "Good afternoon Mr. Shaft, Miss Townes." He tips his hat to the lady. "Would the two of you care to join me for a short walk?"
"Certainly, sir," Shaft says. "A walk will take some of the chill out of me, I daresay."
Bernice listens to both the englishman and the simian, nodding in turn and chewing her lip. She starts to reply, then notes the Reverend's arrival, and pauses to return his greeting with a curtsey. "Good afternoon, Reverend. I'm very glad to see you. Yes, let's do."
The monkey doffs his fez in a polite greeting to the Rev, then picks up the picnic basket and falls in line behind the others.
"Nothing as healthful as good sea air," Rev. Hale agrees. He makes further small talk until they're a couple of blocks away from the inn and on one of the little-trafficked roads, then drops his voice. "We should make this brief; now is not a good time for us all to be seen together. I will get to the point: something must be done about St. John, as soon as possible. Prayer tells me you've a device that would let me track her, Mr. Shaft?"
"Ook eek," Caliban observes to the horse with the cameraderie of mutual beasts of burden.
Slate half-nods to Caliban, her ears pricked to listen to the reverend.
"Well, it has range limits, but is good enough to give warning of her approach," Shaft notes. "And we have a map provided by the Mikkelsens that notes the area they have seen her.. stalking about. It may be that her camp is there."
Caliban ooks curiously at Slate.
The doctor hurriedly nods her agreement. "That was what I was going to talk to Mr. Shaft about, Reverend. We knew she was taking shelter in the great old forest. I've warned them of the danger she represents, and they've withdrawn their protection from her, and will aid us when we strike. I'm sure they'll help us find her."
"So we are agreed that we should do more than simply locate her residence?" Herbert asks.
"Ook ook," the chimp says, nodding.
Rev. Hale blinks at Bernice's interjection. "My word. Well. That's an unexpected piece of good news. In St. Petersburg -- well, nevermind that. It seems that we have several leads on her location; excellent, we may well need them all. I believe it's too late to go after her today, but I intend to pursue her beginning at dawn tomorrow. I'll not mince words; I mean to kill her. Mr. Shaft, do you wish to join me? I will not blame you if you choose not to. She is the most dangerous human being I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. Insofar as she can be called human."
"Well, I certainly can't let you face her alone," Shaft says. "I'm not without resources that could be useful. And St. John has shown herself to be human enough to use fire."
The young woman's round face is grave, and for the nervous rubbing of her hands, her green eyes are steady and serious. "We've all got a stake in this, sir. She's got to be stopped, and I don't think she'll stop any other way. So long as we don't endanger the forest, I'll help anyway I can, with bandages or bullets."
"I'll admit that surprised me. An unfortunately effective way of dodging the prohibition against Players trespassing." Hale looks rueful. "Fortunately, your resting place is relatively secure from such attack. My acquaintences from out of town will be staying with us and the Miltons tonight, and nevermind the crowding. I daresay we'll be ready to repel her even if she is bold enough to try the some trick twice."
"Will you be able to get away from those three without raising suspicion?" Shaft asks the Reverend.
Hale nods to Bernice's words, at first not registering the final part of her offer. To Shaft, he says, "If I leave early enough, yes. Going off alone to meditate and pray is not unusual in my line of work. Even under circumstances like these."
The ape suggests, "Ook eek?"
"We should meet outside of town then, if possible," Shaft suggests. "What say you to the intersection of Phillips and Blackwood?"
Bernice asks, "If I may... who are those men, Reverend? What do they think they're here to do?"
The reverend takes a moment to visualize the location, then nods. "That should do well," he says to Shaft. "Miss Townes, they're witchhunters. They are here to seek out the Devil's minions and put a stop to them. They are men of good character, but unfortunately narrow views on the world. I must caution both of you: stay out of their way. You do not want to get their attention. It is my hope that they can do some good against the Openers -- perhaps even St. John, should I fail. But as Players, we are also in danger from them, should they learn of our dealings. Even I must take extra care with them about." He looks grim.
"It may be possible to distract them," Shaft says. "Certainly, they will need to be waylaid on All Hallow's Eve."
The doctor looks discomfitted. "I.. I see. Do they carry weapons?"
Hale nods. "They do, Miss Townes. The priests are armed only with spiritual weapons, but their men are usually carrying pistols. They've rifles in their luggage as well. But those are not the weapons you should be most worried about.
"Their true threat is in the court of public opinion. You do not want them stirring the entire town against you. When that happens .... " The reverend exhales. "I had best be getting back. Be careful; the two of you have been seen much together already, and people talk. Keep low, act normal. It is more important than ever now. I shall see you at dawn, Mr. Shaft ... " He trails off, giving an odd look to Bernice. "Ah ... Miss Townes -- did you say earlier that you meant to come?"
The young woman nods, and pats the side of her mare. "I understand, sir. And yes, sir." She gently directs Slate to turn a bit, revealing the butt of her rifle slung in a holder along the saddle. "I have to be there, the woods know me, and I intend to see to its well-being and safety, both with this hunt and from the hunt. If we take care of them, they'll take care of us."
"Ook eek ook," the ape observes philosophically, looking over at Slate.
"Having a sharpshooter to cover one's back is a definite advantage," Shaft notes.
Bernice ventures a slight smile, though whether it's at Shaft or Caliban, she doesn't make clear.
Hale looks more surprised than anything else. "If you are certain, Miss Townes. St. John is not to be underestimated, and I fear she may have weapons at her disposal that we cannot presently imagine. I hesitate to involve anyone else, much less a woman ... but I am not such a fool as to believe I can succeed alone."
"I have something for you, Miss Townes," Herbert notes before everyone splits up.
"I won't claim to be the bravest, strongest, or most capable, sir," murmurs Townes, stroking her mare again and looking away. "But I won't be a liability. I'll bind wounds, speak to the forest, or speak using Old Henry if I have to. I'm here to the end, and I'm not alone. None of us will be." She looks askance at the englishman.
Herbert produces a small box from his pocket, and opens it to reveal four frosted glass spheres, each about an inch across and with a stiff wire protruding. "Flash bulbs. At night, they will blind an animal with nightvision for some time. You only need to pull on the wire - a real pull, not a mere tug."
The doctor looks surprised, but grateful, delicately accepting the box and smiling warmly again. "Every edge will help, Mr. Shaft. Thank you. I'll see you all again soon."