6th of Reaping, 585, Earthday

The Seekers had gathered for their weekly midday at their regular table at the Inn of the Shadows. They had not had much action for quite awhile. The dining room of the inn was rather empty for an Earthday, just a few regulars and a couple of others, who did not appear to be villagers.

Much time had passed, incredibly quickly, since the Seekers had last done any business. Stories had come through the village about heroic work being done by some of the Heroes, at least those who were still active.

"Says here that three of the Heroes, Mindbendurr the illusionist, Quintos the fighter, and Gideon Trueflight, the rogue, have been all the way to the Mountain of the White Plume," announced Cassandra as she perused the weekly copy of the Chatwin Chronicle, the publication put out by Artemus the Bard of Chatwin. "We little guys can't seem to catch a break anymore, what with those guys getting all the big jobs. Now, if something strange were to go on in this village, well then."

"Now Cassandra, you can't be wishing ill on our own village can you?" demanded Lwcynda.

Sheepishly Cassie replied, "No, but if something does not happen soon, I may have to go to Narwell for some real action.

Kellay, the young girl whom the Seekers had befriended some time ago, and who had attended these luncheons on an irregular basis, blurted, "Narwell! No, not there. "

"Why? What have you got against Narwell? Big city, plenty of action -"

But Cassandra's inquisition was interrupted by a voice, a well spoken male voice. "I am sorry to intrude, and I do not mean to appear rude, but I could not help but hear you both to mention Narwell. "

Everyone's attention was now drawn to what turned out to be a young man, maybe twenty, extremely well dressed and well groomed. He was a bit on the short side, 5' 5" or so, but he stood upright with a dignified air about him.

Cassandra put on her most lady like air, "Why yes, we were discussing Narwell. Know you of it?"

Know you of it? the other females at the table, made the finger down the throat sign to each other. Either they were embarrassed, as women, at Cassie's obvious fawning, or they were upset she'd gotten off the mark first.

With a professional eye, Kellay gave the man a once over, unconsciously noting everything of value readily visible on him. She then blinked and mentally shook her head, steering her thoughts away from business.

The gentleman paid no particular attention to any one of them. He appeared to be talking to the three of them, as well as to the others. "Yes, I know of Narwell. I reside there. That is, I used to reside there, until the situation became difficult-" He broke off here, his shoulders stooping, the features on his face dropped. He stood silently next to their table.

"Well what exactly do you mean when you say the situation got difficult?" Lwcynda said, "Here, have a seat and tell us more."

The introvertive mage had remained quiet as usual throughout the females' discussion, satisfied to split his attention between their words and his chestnut-stuffed quail, a specialty at the Inn of the Shadows. Although a bit more attentive at the arrival of the gentleman, Andremar was caught unaware with a mouthful of dressing when Lwcynda suddenly shifted to make room for the young man. Slight of build he toppled off the end of the bench seat and landed on the floor.

"Lwy-PHin-da!" he exclaimed with more surprise than distress ... and only a small spray of half-chewed stuffing. "Er, nepht time, ah, give me, um, phum warning."

Cassandra rolled her eyes into her head at her friend's dilemma, slightly embarrassed by his clumsiness. Trying to maintain her cool demeanor, she said, "Yes, do sit down," with the `do' drooling off her tongue. She did her best to ignore her bosom companion still on the floor.

At the sight of Andremar's topple, Grummie's face blushed noticeably. He nearly gagged on a mouthful of honey mead as he fought back the laughter. For so very long, he had little else to amuse him, save the misfortune of his wizardly friend, and his own clumsy tendencies.

Lwcynda said, "Oops, sorry Andremar, I will try to be more careful to alert you in the future."

Andremar climbed to his feet then moved his platter and cup down the table to a vacant spot. A swallow of his watered wine, which Cassandra had already watered down, let the mage choke down the remainder of his mouthful.

When he finally looked up to speak the others were carrying on the conversation without him. Accepting the inevitable he settled down to listen; that and finish his quail before it got cold.

Grummie, too, gathered and composed himself quickly, with a hearty "GULP" and a cleared throat. He then motioned to the barkeep to bring over beverage for the visitor. He didn't want to seem too anxious, but the pawn shoppe business was growing old and stale. He needed excitement, and new inventory. He had recently installed his cousin, Rafur as proprietor of the shop, and knew he would do well keeping things in order, should he need to leave. He sat quietly, and listened, allowing the ladies to lead the conversation.

Kellay pushed her chair back just a bit, staying out of the stranger's direct sight. She was reasonably confident that they'd stopped circulating her picture around Narwell, since it'd been over two years since her last... visit. Still a little cautious. One could never be too careful around the former Narwell citizen. She listened silently.

The dapper young man sat down with flourish, his cape draped over the back of the chair.

He waited for the wine which Grummie had ordered to arrive. And, with an equal flourish, he took the goblet in his right hand, gaze first at the pewter craftsmanship, noted the `feel' of the item. Then he turned his full attention to the wine. He waved his left hand over the top, direct the aroma towards his waiting nose.

"Hmm, firm bouquet," he noted.

Then he allowed his nose to get closer, till it was over the top. He inhaled deeply, as if he might drink it this way. "Ah, what a fragrance."

He took a mere sip. With his mouth half open, he continued to inhale and exhale. He closed his mouth tight, and appeared to push the liquid about in his mouth, he cheeks pulsing in and out. He began to look around, then at the floor, as if he was in need of something. But, not seeing whatever it was, he swallowed the wine.

"Yes, very good, very good indeed."

"Yeees," said Gork, "Good and cheeeep." Somehow this show was lost on him.

But, the young man had everyone's attention. "Where to start? Where to start? Hmmm, well, first of all, my name is Blaine, Lord Blaine actually. But my given name is Jennison. And, as I said, I hail from Narwell. I came to this village looking for someone, er someones? Is that a word? Oh well, a group of someones actually."

He could see the confused, bemused, and just plan dumb looks on the face of his audience.

"Oh, well, I was looking for some women."

Cassandra had been fondling a wine glass, and almost dropped it. "Some women? Well, there are three of us here. Won't we do?" He facial features rose in anticipation.

"No, I'm afraid not. I had some particular women in mind."

Cassandra's face fell, She gulped from her wine glass. "So who, or what, were you looking for?" Her tone was beginning to lose its purr.

"Hmm, oh, oh yes, well I was looking for some women I had met a few years back. Called themselves the `femmes fatales', or something like that. A group of adventurers, though funny thing, one of them was a man. I always wondered why they used the moniker femmes when was one male. Odd name really when you thing about -"

Cassandra remembered why she had sworn off men - everything was a story with them, an unending story. "Whatever. You were looking for them because?"

"Hmm, what? Oh yes. I was looking for them. I was looking for them, because I am in need of their help. But from what I have learned, they have disbanded, retired, lost the thirst for adventure, not at it anymore. I always thought once an adventurer, always and adventurer, but I guess in their case no. wonder why they would give it up. They seemed good at it -" Jennison, Lord Blaine seemed off on another tangent.

Grummie studied Lord Blaine briefly, then interjected, or rather... interrupted his windbag response, "Well sir, da Femme Fatale we are not. But mayhaps we ken be of service. Would yea care ta enlighten us to da task you had at hand, for we be known to enjoy a bit of adventure and reward on occasion." The gnome awaited the man's response, all the while very watchful of the Femmes Fa'Drool... shaking his head and rolling his eyes at them

He was not totally oblivious to the silence of most of those around him. The gnome's words broke his verbal train. "Oh, did I run off again?" Seeing nothing but blank stares, save for Gork, who eyed the young man intently, Blaine suddenly looked younger. In almost a boy's voice he said, "Sorry, I never wanted to be a lord, just kinda got stuck with it."

The goblin offered consolation, "That's O Keee, I neeever asked to be a gobleen either. But theeese people," his small arm waving over the Seekers, "are good peeeple. They helped me, I sure they will help you. What your problem anyway."

The young man, slugged back the wine, then made a face. "Don't really care for this stuff at all, though I am supposed to. Rather just have some ale, and watered down at that." He took off his cloak, opened the neck of his fine silk shirt. "Where do I begin?" he asked no one in particular. "OK, let's try this. I owe money, lots of money. I owe taxes, and I have some `other' debts. Narwell is looking for me, as is a certain person who lives in Narwell. My only hope is an old mansion, family inheritance of sorts. If it has some value, I might just be able to get myself out from under."

With that he caught the eye of one of the serving girls and asked for some ale, "You'll all join me, of course?" He did not wait for an answer. In moments a pitcher of the amber liquid arrived, and he busied himself pouring mugs for whoever would take one.

When the ale arrived Cassandra treated it the way she usually treated Andremar's.

Kellay arched an eyebrow and looked over at the "lord." Against the good sense that was telling her not to draw his attention, she asked, "What exactly do you need us for? What's so hard about just selling the deed ta the place and holding a property auction or something."

Drist had stayed silent and had been content to listen to the man talk until Kellay spoke up. Drist set down his drink and looked over at the man. "Kellay has a point. Why would you need the help of adventurers to deal with what sounds like personal financial business? Is there something about this estate that worries you enough to ask for outside help?"

Blaine was pouring a mug of ale as the elf spoke, "Something which worries me?" he said fragilly, as he began to miss the mug till the splash of the liquid caught his attention. "Yes, you might say that."

Cassie's pulse quickened, an eyebrow raised, as it had been a long time since she had 'visited' an old manse. Remaining outwardly calm, she took a strong pull on the mug of ale she was offered, allowing the other's questions to be answered.

Grummie shifted his eyes toward the guy and smirked at the mention of owed taxes and his obvious flight. Somewhat answering Drist and Kelly, but still asking for answers, he commented, "I suspect we need ta know more about dis person who be looking for yea. Were dey hired for a bounty? Who is dis person, and what talent have they in their task? At what length would dey go ta find yea? Ifen we represent ya, and your efforts, might we too be target of dis search?" Grummie glanced at Lwycnda, expecting her typical barrage of questions, and wondering what suddenly came over him to interject.

"Dis person?" Blaine looked quizically, as he was mopping up some spilled ale. "Oh, the man to whom I owe money. Yes, him, well, you know, gambling debts."

Quiet as usual, Andremar was satisfied to watch and listen. He had just about finished his quail when his cup of watered wine, having been gulped in haste to clear his throat after reseating himself, was empty. When the young lord offered a round of ale Andremar instinctively looked at Cassie and then Lwcynda and was surprised that neither of then have giving him their typical warning frown. They seemed to be intently focused on Blaine so Andremar lifted his hand with the others when the barmaid surveyed the table.

It did not take long for the ale to arrive. The cup set before Andremar was smaller than the others, ... , and it was only half full of one of the inn's weaker brews. A long time customer of the tavern, Cassandra had obviously imprinted the serving wenches with how much alcohol the young mage was allowed.

The thought of voicing an objection fled Andremar's mind even faster than it occurred. He knew that his chances of changing the serving womens' minds, after Cassie had made it clear how things would be, were next to impossible. Accordingly, using a thin wing bone as a toothpick, he settled back with his "cup" of ale and let the young man speak. His only contribution was when he leaned over to Drist to whisper, "We need to know of this fellow's relatives; the lad may be here without their knowledge."

By now the young man had poured ale for all who would have one, sopped up his mess, and sat back down. He drank about half a mug in a very relaxed and professional manner. As he spoke, his voice took on a more mature tone, not the snooty one he had started with but not that of a young boy either. He began in a round the table style, first towards Kellay. "There can be no property auction till I know what the property might be worth, as a property, and for whatever it might hide." To Drist he said, "Yes, there is something about it that worries me. From little I know of the place, I'd say it is haunted." To the gnome he offered, "The one to whom I have gambling debts goes by the name of Scar something or other. Youthful exuberance led me to go beyond my better judgement, and my uncle refused to bail me out." He drank the rest of his mug, and refilled it, offering to top of anyone else who would have some.

Lwcynda interjected, "By the way, do you know who we are? I am Lwcynda, and this is Cassandra and here is Grummie and Drist and Andremar and our new friend Kellay. Oh yes, and here is Gork. We are the Seekers. We like to help people but haven't really handled any property settlement. Now, about this person who is looking for you, is it a male or a female? Why is he/she looking for you? What about your mansion, why don't you just go there and get whatever it is you need? Is someone trying to kill you? Do you want to hire us? If so, what can we do to help? You really must give us a few more details if you want some help."

Properly emboldened now, the young man continued. "Yes, you are right, I best tell you all, well, at least enough to give you some idea what the situation is. My uncle is a very important city official in Narwell. As the nephew of such a man, I have led a rather charmed life. But, my penchant for cards and dice have caught up with me. I am in to this Scar fello for a tidy sum, and my uncle refuses to do anything about it. Can't say that I blame him; he had been warning me for years now. And on top of this, since I am now twenty years of age, I have come into my inheritance - the old manse, the old family manse. Unfortunately, with the old manse comes the taxes owed on it. So, I have been hit by the double whammy so to speak. "

Cassandra had been idly sipping from a glass, not paying any attention to what was in it. Her focus was on the manse. "Please, if you will, you mentioned that this manse is haunted? No doubt it was the scene of some family tragedy or something?"

Blaine was taken aback. "How did you know? No, you were just guessing, weren't you? Most old family manses come with stories of hauntings and tragedies, now don't they?"

Cassie nodded in acknowledgement of a good surmise on his part. "so tell us about it. Have you ever been to it?"

Blaine took another pull on his mug, crossed his right leg over his left, and answered. "Yes, yes I have been there, a very recently. I know little of the so called tragedy, if there really was one. Supposedly a century or so ago, when it was the home of a great great uncle, a viscount I think, one of his daughter's went insane and bloodily murdered most of the household." He told this tale with a tone that said he was doubtful of its veracity. "Whatever, that was a long time ago. I was there only last month, and I must say, it was a somewhat disturbing experience. I was accompanied by some friends from Narwell. We had barely gotten inside the manor when something spooked the horses. By the time we rushed outside, they were galloping off. We managed to get them back, but never found out what had caused them to bolt. While we were outside, I looked up at one of the second floor windows and I saw what sure looked like a dark haired woman watching me. Some of us went upstairs to where I figured she had been, but the room was empty, the dust undisturbed. But scrawled in fresh blood on the wall were the words, `I shall not rest ere all my kin rest with me.'"

Here he took time to uncross, and reverse cross his legs. "Needless to say, we became quite nervous, especially when we heard a startled cry from downstairs. Rushing down and following footprints, we came to one of our mates pointing out what had scared him. Scratched in the dust were the words, `Soon, dear cousin, I come for you.' Without much further adieu, my companions left, heading for Narwell. Since there is little for me there but trouble, I detoured here to this burg. Some years ago, I did a favor for these Femmes I mentioned, and I hoped to find them, and maybe get their help. I can't hide here forever. I know that Scar guy. He's not one to let me get away. And then there's the law and those taxes. So," here he spoke directly to Lwcynda, "yes, I would like to hire you. I need some people to come to the manse with me, to see what we can find there. "

Grummie studied the scenario, and decided the entire situation; risk, reward and suspicion could be defined by good answers to just three questions.

"Okay good Sir. Answer me den dese three simple questions, and I ken state me position on dis venture, without further disturbin yea. Now, I may tread on yea toes, and ask that which you feel be undeserved of me to ask, but you be asken us to risk a quick trip ta da grave, so I ask yea to be frank and candid, please Lord Blaine."

The gnome wasn't one to speak in such long dissertation, but his accent had become less noticeable over the last few years. Where at one time he was almost impossible to understand, he felt newly exuberant and confident in speech.

He cleared his throat with the fine ale that was just served, then continued, "First, exactly how much da yea owe da bookie and in back taxes? I know yea think dis not our business, but we need ta know how much dey wants da money, an' ta what lengths they'd be going to ta get it."

Grummie paused before continuing with is informal interrogation, "Second, Who would benefit da most from your fear o'da property. Now think yea of yea kinsmen, o' land developers, an one and all, no matter how much yea think they true to you, or how much yea trust them. Someone may be goin' ta great effort to haunt yea to a quick sale, of little coin."

The gnome again paused, then furled his brown deeply as he leaned over the table, short of stature, but bold of intent, and asked plainly, "Last, since yea be in such dire need o' money ta pay back dis many and da taxes a'boot. What have yea ta pay for dis service? I mean not ta be bold and speak only of coin, but coin be yea nemisis already once. Lest we cover our tracks, we woulds be easy ta track by dis Scar fello, so I be expectin' ta have ta contend wid his thugs for dis be over wid. Not ta mention, da long arm o' Narwell government be involved, and dat ken be a hassle in and of itself for some of us..." He glanced quickly from Cassie to Kellay then back at Lord Blaine, awaiting response and other requests from the group.

Had the gnome been concentrating on Kellay, he would have noticed her flinch slightly at each mention of the "Scar" person. But, by now, the young woman managed to keep a serious expression plastered on her face, even as Blaine mentioned ghosts and hauntings.

So serious, or afraid, had she become, that she declared flatly, "There's no such thing as ghosts, so it's probably just the people who you owe or something trying to spook you." Kellay shrugged and leaned back in her seat, a nonchalant expression on her face.

"Ah," Andremar attempted to interject during a pause in the conversation, "my, ah, good sir. As our friend and companion here," with a nod indicating Grummie, "asks, is there anyone that would, er, lets just say profit by your, um, misfortune? Alone the same line of, ah, thought, does your uncle have any, ah, unfriendly associates that would make it worth the effort to, um, encourage your problem as a way to, er, embarrass or gain some power over him?" The young mage sat back and awaited Blaine's response, hoping that the others would not find his questions too dull.

Blaine considered the questions and comments of the three for some moments. He seemed to be going through a mental check list in his mind. His lips mouthed the word `no' a few times. "No, there is no other relative, least none that I know of, who might not want me to find the legendary family treasure." He shook his head `no' one more time.

"Now as to my association with Scar, I never made any mention of the possibility that I had some other funds. He naturally assumed that my uncle would cover my debts. I even think he was hoping that I would default, so he might get some influence over my uncle. But, my uncle has made it clear that I am on my own on this one. And, since I am twenty, I am legally on my own. Can't say I blame him. He has warned me on many occasions, but I have yet to learn my lesson. You think I would know better by now, but just can't seem to get it through-"

Cassandra's hand on his arm shook him out of, yet another, digression.

"Oh? Sorry, got away with myself again. Now, uh, oh yes, about payment." He looked directly at Grummie for this one. "Your assessment of my financial state is a pretty accurate and acute one. Presently, I have little, well all right, nothing with which to pay you. But, assuming the old manse had all that stories about it have held dear, the potential rewards there would more than compensate. I am prepared to offer you a choice. Regardless what ever pure wealth we find,- not counting family heirlooms. So gold, jewels, things like that would count as booty, a valuable painting of my great uncle Alfred would not- I would promise you as a group up front 2,500 gp value. Or, if you have the hearts of adventurers, or gamblers, 10% of the total booty could be yours to split." He sat back in his chair, re-crossed his legs, looked off in the distance, then focused in on one and all. "But, you have to make this decision before we set out."

Cassandra sat back with a smile on her face. She said simply, "Once a gambler .."

Blaine grinned.

Drist considered the chances of taking either one, and came to a final conclusion. "Though risky, I think it would be worth it to take the 10%. We are not, I think, in desperate need of money, and we may find many things of value on this estate that would be worth more than 2500 gp. What do you all think?" Drist glanced around at his companions.

Grummie pondered the answers, and the expression of their soon to be employer before responding, "Well, I be willin' ta accept da 10% agreement, but let me remind yea good Blaine sir, yea missed one question. Da first one. Ifen yea be no willin' ta say, den say so, or tell us what amount yea be owen?"

Blaine seemed impressed with the gnome's perception and perseverance. "Hmm, yes, I er, did, um, overlook that now didn't I? Well, let us say that I owe about what I am offering you. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 2, 500 golds. Now, as to the likelihood of Scar coming after me? Well, I am but one small fish in his ocean of marks. I doubt he'd come this way, not unless he had more than one fish to hook."

"Well I'm not much of a business person and I think I am more conservative than the rest of you. I will go along with the group but Mr. Blaine I don't understand why you would give us any of this treasure or booty that is in your own house. After all, don't you need it yourself?"

Blaine relaxed for the moment. "If only more people in this world were like you, kind, and may I say, pretty lady. But, if my own friends found this place disturbing, I cannot expect total strangers to venture forth for the sake of adventure, now can I?"

"You got that right," confirmed Cassandra. "Pro bono has never been our practice."

Andremar was characteristically uncertain about this whole thing- haunts and ghosts and all. He felt that 2,500 gp was too little to work up the courage needed to go into a haunted house. Hoping for the best, he responded, "Ah, the 10% seems best to me, ... , if we really want to do it, I mean,..."

Gork remained silent. He had never been the negotiator type.

Blaine looked from face to face. He spoke in a very firm manner, "So, I guess it is settled then. Ten percent of the booty will be yours to divided as you see fit once we have explored and exploited the manse. With that being settled, it is just a matter of when we can set off. Will you be ready by tomorrow morning, or will another day's preparation be in order?" He awaited an answer. But before anyone could speak he added, "Oh, never did mention it, but the manse is about half a day from here, northwest direction."

The gnome leaned back and took up his tankard again. Grummie appeared much more relaxed and satisfied with the answer given. He did, however, raise an eye at the mention of Scar chasing "more than one fish" at a time. He also glanced briefly at Kellay, having noticed her dislike of Narwell. Still, he was confident they could handle such a challenge, should the need arise.

"Well, ifen it be half a day travel, and we leave in da morning, we would arrive at da manse at dark, aye? Do we be wantin' ta camp near da place dat mayhaps be haunted? I be all for it, ifen da rest o' ya want to. Do we need ta explore dis haunting, and see ifen it be true? I for one would prefer ta expore it by day, lest we have ta discount da rumor."

"Day-time!" Andremar blurted out in response to Grummie's question. "I don't think that, um, darkness would be in our, er, best interests given the nature of the, ah, special challenges this house may, ah, provide." He paused for a moment to gather his wits. "Perhaps an early start in the morning, before first light, would get us there in time to take advantage of the daylight?"

The young mage pursed his lips as if he had tasted a bitter lemon and shook his head introspectively. He could hear himself falling back on a old nervous speech pattern, one that would sometimes takes over in times of stress.

His companions were long familiar with Andremar's trepidation, especially when it came to ghosts and such ("such" being anything more threatening than a cranky cat). He knew better than to try and fool them but hoped that his 'cautious apprehension' is not as readily apparent to Blaine.

Cassandra had known Andremar for long enough to anticipate what might follow. The night would not bother her. Rather it would invigorate her. It had been years since she had roamed rooftops at night - alone with the quiet; alone with her thoughts. Though human, she believed she saw things more clearly in the darkness than in the light. Or, was it that the darkness blocked out those things she need not see? Whatever. But, she knew what the night did to Andremar. OR at least, what he thought it might do. In truth, she had only seen him faint once, and that was after their foe had been defeated. And she knew that his spell craft was so very instrumental in their successes.

"Yes, my gangly friend's apprehensions are valid. It would certainly be best to get near our goal before darkness that we might observe it in natural light. We can then decide when might be a propitious time for entry." Blaine was not the only one with a 50 gp vocabulary, she thought. "So, we will set out in the morning? Let us get organized, equipped, and ready for travel."

She looked Blaine straight in the eyes. "You do know the way, do you not?"

Blaine almost backed up as Cassandra's light brown eyes darkened his world. "The way?" he asked feebly. Then he recovered. "The way?" firmly, "Yes, yes, of course I know the way," he responded in a dismissive tone. Speaking directly to her he said, "You just be sure you can keep up." For the moment at least he seemed much older than twenty.

Some time was spent in idle chatter, till each eventually left with his/her own agenda for the rest of the day. It was agreed to meet outside the inn in the morning near 9 AM.

7th of Reaping, 585, Freeday

It was about 8 AM on this drizzly morning when Cassandra arrived at the Inn. Her longtime companion, Andremar, accompanied her. She complained about being tired.

"Cassie, I Have told you this before," he admonished, "a good nights sleep is essential before a travel day."

She waved off his words with an 'I know, I know, but,' as she had always done. But it was difficult for her to start out on a venture without some sort of an edge. So, she had spent much of the past night on the roof of the Three Towers Inn waiting for this Blaine fellow to emerge, to show himself, to tip his hand, let the cat out of the bag, give the game away. But, with just a series of cat naps under her belt, and the pleasure of the great outdoors on what had become an increasingly damp night which had turned into a misty rain of day break, she had learned nothing. For the young man had retired to his room and apparently slept the sleep of the dead.

The two went inside. The rogue demanded the strongest tea available, the mage the weakest. Both settled down to some food. Andremar went on at length about his friend's nocturnal habits, reminding her that she was no longer a young girl, not like that Kellay person. "Now there's someone who can still hang out and have something left in the morning. But you, you need your sleep. You are not as young as you used to be." Which was true to some extent, for Cassandra had reached the ripe old age of 27. Andremar sounded so much older than his 25 years, especially since those druids had made it possible for him to talk like a man.

She took her friend's words in stride, nodding off till the steam of her tea woke her.

Gradually the other Seekers arrived, in various states of readiness. At 9 they began to wonder what had become of Blaine, till a wrapping at the window got their collective attentions. Blaine stood outside, obviously taking their arrangement literally. A muffled, "Ready to hit the road? " came through to the others.

And so, With Blaine just off the lead, they headed out of Chatwin.

"Ow fer did yee say it be?" inquired Grummie about a mile out of town.

Blaine, who obviously knew his way around horses, he rode a magnificent black stallion, answered, "It `be' about ten miles. Should be there by noon." Blaine turned over his shoulder so all could hear, "which will be none too soon as this weather is not too my liking." Indeed, the drizzle had picked up and was threatening worse.

They plodded on, seeing no other travelers on this morning. After about five miles on the regular road, one which would lead to the major artery of the Jewel River, Blaine took them on a spur northwest which eventually led them into the woods. After a mile or so, it was obvious to all that they were riding in a very wet area, almost marsh like in nature. And so they were. Blaine soon announced, "The manor will be coming into view real soon. Quite a view, actually."

Around another couple of bends, the trees fell away to reveal Mistmoor manor. It sat on the closest thing to a promontory that this wet area had to offer. Before them lay a broad hill that peaked about 20' above the surrounding terrain. The south and east sides of the hill were rocky cliffs. The road wound around to approach the manor from the north.

Blaine stopped them halfway round, so the party sat to the east of the house and grounds.

"That's it," Blaine declared. "Quite a sight, isn't it?" he asked modestly. The manor was a large two-story building of stout timber, with a stone tower built in its northwest corner. It seemed quite out of place here in this marshy woodland. "That's the main house there," he pointed out, indicating the very large building still a bit north of where they sat. "That there, indicating a lower building which ran north to south below the manor, "is the barn." All could see what might have been fine grounds in their day, still surrounded by a 4 1/2' high stone fence, covered in waist high grass. There were a few other out buildings, what looked like a fountain, and ten of so good sized trees on the grounds.

The party sat on their horses some 50 yards to the east of the grounds. The rain was picking up, and so were the winds.

Cassandra groaned and yawned, "Perfect. Just perfect."

"It sure ees," said Gork. "Meee like it when the sun don't shine" Always good to have a happy goblin around.

Grummie studied the sky and the terrain. "Well, best we stable da horses an' get indoors, aye? Be noon high, and da ghosties be long gone, I wouldst wager." He glanced at Blaine, awaiting further instruction, comment, or a taking of his bet.

Blaine replied in a shaky voice, "I, er, I hope you are correct. And, yes, let us put the horses in the stables, this time." He began to head his mount in that direction.

Lwcynda said, "Well Gork, I'm pleased that you enjoy this weather so much but I must agree with Grummie, let us get out of the rain. By the way Lord Blaine, will you be accompanying us inside the estate?"

Blaine answered, "Inside? Oh yes, inside, again. Well, ah, yes, of curse, er, course, yes, I will go back inside once again. As long as you all go, I will go." The tone of his voice offered little comfort that the young lord would be of much definite value to an adventuring party. Still, one figured he would at least stand fast this time.

With Grummie and Blaine at the lead, they rode the horses down a slight incline about 50' until they reached the formal grounds of the estate. The western wall was in good shape, made of large semi-rectangular grayish stones. There was a clear opening in this wall, about halfway between two of the outbuildings. Here they could see the hint of a path amidst the well over grown grass. As the horses' hooves touch it, the dull report of cobble stone was apparent. The path went some 20' before curving in a u shape both north and south.

The southern u led to a gothic style building decorated with gargoyles which took a central position on the southern grounds. A square wooden building sat at the south west corner of the grounds. It looked well the worse for wear. He reared his horse to the northern u past a very large tree, till he reached the fountain. It seemed made of marble, but no longer functioned. The water around it was brackish. "probably used to be quite beautiful." He pointed to the other out building which they had ridden by. "With all the ivy covering it, I'm not sure what it was.

From the fountain directly north was the rear of the main house as some stairs to a raised porch were a mere 15' away. There were two other paths from the fountain. One veered north east to another set of stairs. The other went south west to the side of the stables.

They chose the latter path which ended in a single door which divided the building about in half, 50' or so in either direction. .

Grummie asked Blaine, "Been in 'ere ave yee?"

"In there?" He gulped audibly. "In there? No, not in there. Not yet at least. We went in the front of the house. Guess I should have known we would not be staying last time."

Cassandra dismounted and went to the door. With a yank she pulled it open. "Woah," as she backed off, "really thick in there." After a deep breath she said, "Andremar, where's that lantern of yours?"

So urged, the mage rustled about his belongings and got out his trusty lantern. Course, this also brought him to his friend's side. "Here," he offered. Together they let the light do its things, as the stale air escaped. The interior was divided in two main areas. To the north, right, was wide open. An old carriage sat in the middle of this area, gathering dust. To the south, left, were an undetermined number of stalls. Across the way, a ladder led up to the loft above them. Little could be heard, save the dripping of some of this day's rain making its way in somewhere around the interior.

Hand resting on the hilt of his trusty yet recently unused short sword, Grummie maneuvered himself ahead of the light. He was trying to first study each room in darkness and under the benefit of his gnomish miner's vision. As the light came to bear, he studied the ground for tracks, and the structure of the building, for anything of merit or concern. He grinned noticeably and his teeth shone bright in the lantern-light. It felt good to once again be about the lands, seeking adventure and fortune, say nothing of the adrenaline that tinkled through his veins.

Drist too glanced around the interior of the building, carefully examining everything that can be seen with the combination of the lantern light and his elven eyesight.

Under the astute scrutiny of these two seasoned rangers, one thing became very clear. There were some foot prints, booted ones, near this entrance. One, maybe two people? Had come in and out this door, and walked to and/or from the ladder which went up to the loft. Which had been done first or last, and whether or not whoever/whatever was still inside was impossible to discern.

Cassandra examined the open doorway, and then the floor nearest the door. "Whoever it was, they did not do anything to the doorway. It seems safe to enter." She looked into the eyes of her trusted companions, "Shall we?" And then, "What about you, Blaine, care to quarter your horse?"

The young Lord did his best to be brave. "Ye-yes, su-sure. Right behind you, or in your midst."

Grummie had hesitated, wary of the footprints in what had at first seemed an undisturbed stable. His native suspicions once again festered, and his face was contorted with concern. Then, with a sudden shrug and a grin, he noted Cassie's clearance of the threshold, and decided to venture inward and onward.

Careful not to step on the "tracks", he moved in, glancing about, trying to stay ahead of the lamplight, scanning the nearby area of the stable in darkness. He moved toward the loft ladder and positioned himself near its base, but in such a way that anything thrown or dropped from above wouldn't strike him.

From there he smiled at his companions and waved them onward and inward. "Bring da horses in outa da storm." Holding his fingers up to his lips, he pointed with his free hand at the foot-tracks, then again, up the ladder and above head. "Then we ken go an' check da house out, aye?" He winked, and tried to hide himself from the site of anyone upstairs, if such a person was up there.

"Good idea," announced Cassandra, just loud enough to let anyone who might be lurking above to hear. Following the ranger's lead, she led her mount into the stables.

"Here, Baine, let me help you." She grabbed the reins of his mount, ensuring that the somewhat shaky Lord followed them in. Or, at least his horse did.

Blaine did, indeed, follow.

Once inside, Cassandra back away from the loft, and kept watch on the area above, just in case.

Lwcynda and Gork followed the others.

Andremar, lighted lantern in hand, follows the others. He walked as quietly as he could, hoping to avoid notice by whatever might dwell within this place. In almost in a whisper he said to h is nearby companions, "It just occurred to me that there might be a less-than-supernatural presence here. Perhaps some scoundrels are hiding here and reinforcing the belief of the curse with normal physical means. You might want to keep and eye out for signs of use by non-ghostly entities." ... "At least I hope so," the young man mumbled under his breath.

Lwcynda replied,"I'm sure you are right Andremar, I think we probably have to worry about both but for now do not get over anxious -- we are only beginning. I will try to ~detect evil~ now if you would like?" Lwcynda waited for a response from Andremar or anyone else who would like her to try the spell.

Lwcynda's question had done more to settle Andremar's nerves than anything else. He thought to himself, 'That's right, Lwcynda will know if there is a real ghost here and she is a priestess who can do something about ghosts even if the rest of us can't.'

His spirits improved, Andremar returned Lwcynda's smile. "Thanks Lwcynda. Knowing that you can use the spell when you need to is enough for me. I may not be the best, ah, judge of when it should best be used but believe that it will probably be necessary. I will depend upon your, um, judgement to use it when appropriate."

As they waited for the appropriate moment, they had time to examine their surroundings. Cassandra noticed an old lantern set on a shelf on the entry wall. Examining it and pronouncing it still fit to work, she lit it. It added to Andremar's already working beam, illuminating much of the immediate area.

In this added light, the full measure of the stables/barn could be taken in. To the south of the door through which they had entered was a half wall beyond which they could see an indeterminate number of stalls where they could house their horses. To the north, the area was fairly wide open for maybe 50'. Somewhere in the middle an old carriage sat. Along the west wall was the main, double, door. And there was a door in the north wall. The ceiling was about 15-20' above at its peak. The loft covered the entire stalls, and overhung the area where the Seekers entered by 2' or so.

No sounds came from anywhere, cept the beating of Andremar's heart.

Grummie kept his spot near the loft ladder and remained silent. He waved everyone toward the stalls, all the while holding one finger to his lips as if expressing a "shhhhhh".

Drist quietly began walking towards the nearest stall, his horse close beside him, still keeping an eye on the loft. If things continue normally, Drist will stable his horse and remove from the saddlebags anything he might need in the near future.

Andremar was not eager to break the silence and followed the gnome's directions. He acted normally, which for Andremar was nervously trying to see everything at once. He did his best to control the shaking in his knees so as not to make his horse nervous while he led it into a stall and secured it there.

Cassandra maintained her angle on the loft above. Once Drist had put his mount in a stall, she motioned him to her spot, then left him to watch the loft, while she stabled her mount and those of the others. Throughout this activity them barn appeared as a barn, with no out of the ordinary sounds.

Cassandra made eye contact with Grummie, and then announced, "Well, place seems to be empty. Shell we head up to the house?" The word 'up' had extra emphasis on it; her eyes and eyebrows rose with its pronunciation.

Grummie smiled and nodded silently at Cassie's innuendo. He motioned to her, hoping she would follow him as he ascended the ladder, as quietly and stealthily as possible. As he slowly climbed each rung, making sure to slowly put his weight on each one, avoiding creaks as much as possible, he held a dagger in his mouth, to keep his hands free.

Andremar was not sure what Cassie and Grummie suspected so, after placing his horse in a stall and securing its reins, the young mage moved to a position were he could see what was going on but kept him out of the way. He started to say something but one look by Cassie silenced him. She positioned his lantern beam so it was to the left of the ladder, not casting the climbers' shadows in front of themselves as a hindrance.

Cassandra mimicked the gnome's pirate like visage with dagger in mouth. She gave Grummie a two rung head start, then followed him up. The ladder seemed very sturdy. Grummie made his way to the top rung. His head and shoulders were above the floor of the loft; his two hands on the ladder rails. With one step he would be in the loft. Cassandra had just about caught up to him; her head was at the floor level, just aside the gnome. Both her hands were on the ladder rails as well. Andremar's light afforded some aid in that the central area, covered with loose hay, was illuminated for maybe 15'. Nothing was hanging from the ceiling, as the light hit it fully. From the size of the stall area below, one would estimate that this area extended much further than the lantern could light up from where it was. The did not seem to be anyone in their immediate vicinity, though scurrying sounds could be heard by the two bold buccaneers.

Grummie glanced down at Cassie, then down to Andremar where he once again held his finger to his lips, then pointed at the lantern, motioning for the light. He then turned upward and onward, ascending fully into the loft, determined to search its extremes before being secure in its vacancy.

While he may not be the brightest candle on the sconce, Andremar knew his friends well enough to accept obvious directions. Quietly (at least as quietly as the young mage could manage) he picked up the lantern and passed it up to Cassie, shielding the lens so that she and the gnome were not silhouetted by the light. He then moved (again as quietly as he was able) to a position that offered some protection yet gives him an avenue for casting should his magic become needed. Somewhere during his actions he actually remembered to breath.

Cassandra reached down with her left hand and took the lantern from Andremar. She then finished the climb. Once she had two feet secure on the loft, she unhooded the lantern, and directed the beam around so she and Grummie could better appreciate the heights.

Little time was afforded to appreciation, however. The light had barely been exposed when both she and the gnome were under assault by some rather large spider types! Three incredibly large, huge even, arachnids leaped at them from beyond the heroes' line of vision. One landed squarely on the gnome, its `fangs' sinking into the tender flesh of his left arm. His gnome senses told him that there was more to this wounds than met the eye. Cassandra had no time to look to her friends for a second one landed on her right arm, sinking its teeth into her as well. The third one also attacked the rogue, biting her on the left arm, causing her to drop the lantern! Sparks shot from the fallen light source. Cassandra bent to regain the lantern, lest the entire barn go up in flames. She did so. And she managed to stamp out the few sparks that had lighted. But this was as the cost of yet another successful bite by bad guy number three, this time in her lower leg. With both of these, she could feel venom being injected into her already well damaged body.

In what little respite was afforded her, before the spiders' next assault, she said, through muffled, dagger filled mouth, "A jump seems in order????"

As soon as the spiders fell indo his line of view, Drist swiftly whipped out his bow and knocked an arrow. Stepping back he prepared to fire at whichever spider he could hit without harming his companions.

To Andremar's senses the shadows and confused light darted with fearful speed. He could only see some of what was attacking Cassandra and Gummie and it made his skin crawl. But he could not give into fear now, especially with his friends in trouble. Deciding that drastic measures were needed, he blurted out a short phrase to alert his comrades of his actions. "Slumbering them, Cassie needs help!"

He pulled a small component from inside robe. The young mage rapidly recited a short phrase of unknown language and flung out a small bit of dust or sand which dissipated rapidly. He hoped his spell found the right targets.

Through the pain of surprise and the sting of fangs, Grummie barely heard Cassie's suggestion, but he concurred. These things were quick, and there might be more of them, he thought. He scrambled to the edge of the loft, withdrawing from the beasties, but not fully turning his back on them. He was in search of a soft landing, hay bail, or if he could make it, perhaps he would leap into the wagon, hoping it might break his fall. As he searched he called out, "We're jumpin' down, mind yea our fall."

Grummie and Cassandra prepared to jump. Meanwhile the spiders had their game plan mapped out. The three multi-legged creatures swept and leapt in again, just as Andremar's spell went off. Since two of them went directly for the more tender target of the rogue, Andremar decided to center his spell on her. Cassandra had often considered herself to be a lucky person. But, on this day luck was not with her. Both monsters bit her once again! Both injected her with even more venom! And then, both promptly fell asleep.

The remaining spider went after the gnome, but this time the diminutive one ducked under its leap, and jabbed it squarely in its underbelly.

Drist waited for the spider cleared the gnome, then let fly with his arrow. It flew true to the marks, nailing the beast through and through. It teetered precariously on the edge of the loft. Drist had time for another shot. With painstaking patience, he took carefully aim and drilled the beat into oblivion.

Gork made a beeline for the loft. In moments he and Grummie had dispatched the two sleepers.

Cassandra felt numbing in her limbs, her upper body, heck, her boots for that matter. Grummie felt a bit of a tingle in his left arm.

Seeking to look as little like a hay-stack as possible, Andremar insured he was about to been the target of Grummie and Cassandra's next move. Hearing the slur in Cassie's voice, he looked to see if there was something soft where the young woman and gnome might fall. He figured on pushing something near if there was nothing there already, ... or at least calling for assistance if his 98 pound frame was not up to the task.

But sometimes, even gangly mages can ungangle (?) when the need arises. As Cassandra's ever numbing body slowly oozed itself off the loft, her long time friends was there to ease her decent. He caught her torso, and then lay the rogue on the ground.

Grummie clumsily clambered down the ladder, the full affect of what just happened had finally sunk in. He stumbled over to Lord Blaine's side, saying, "Yea nae have ghosts, but yea have da worst case o' spiders me have ever seen."

Blaine's eyes were wide with horror. That there were spiders were of little comfort to him. "Ye-yes," he stammered "but we were never in this barn. What we saw was up in the main house."

He then turned toward Cassie as he sat down. "Please, treat her wounds, she be bit much more than I be. Does we still have da potion ta help wid poisons? She may be needin' it worse than I."

Indeed, there was a potion of this sort available, having been tucked away in the pack of the ever reliable Gork for the group's safekeeping. The goblin came down to the floor level so the item could be found. Andremar held Cassie's head, as Grummie slowly poured the liquid into her frozen open mouth.

It took sometime, minutes passed, but then she began to loosen up. Still being coddled in Andremar's arms, her eyes regained focus. "Ah, I always knew you cared," she dead panned.

She sat up. She shook her head to clear it. "Boy, they sure gave us a licking," as she looked at the many wounds on her body. "Least I can feel my limbs again."

She turned to Grummie. "How you doing?"

He admitted that her felt some numbness as a result of his one wound.

Drist had been watching the loft. No new sounds had come from above. The spiders seemed quite dead.

Grummie was obviously humbled by this first, unfortunate and rather disheartening encounter. "Whew!" he addressed the others, still rebounding from the effects of the poison that coursed his veins. He sat and glared up at the loft above, wearily, yet still ready to engage if necessary.

Turning again to Lord Blaine, he said, "How much value to da estate be dis here stable? Me worry 'bout da presence o' more spiders. Might be more to yea pocket to burn it down, an' rebuild it. It be our mission ta make da place safe for yea, but a t'ousand little spiders may be up in yonder loft, and we ken not fight dat wid swords and spells!"

"B-burn it down?" bumbled Blaine. "Well, I guess it could be, if necessary." He seemed confused about the whole thing. "I guess it is more likely that the wealth, the real wealth, is in the main house." He kept looking up at the loft.

Grummie consulted with Cassie and Gork. Neither of them could recall seeing anything up above that hinted to a nest, egg sac or a huge web. Of course, they had not had much time to take the whole thing in. But, they also recalled that there were footprints which had led them to the loft, and those footprints were not spiders.

Andremar, with Cassie's health restored, rose as soon and his shaking legs allowed him. An after effect of suppressed panic (which Andremar claimed was 'merely the natural reaction of an intelligent mind when confronted with overwhelming danger'), he finally stood up and let out a long held breath. "The, ah, spiders - are they dead or do you think there are any left?" he asked the group.

Drist and Gork ahd been keeping a careful eye and listen on the loft, and nothing more had moved up there.

"They seemed agressive and, er, dangerous. Perhaps this might not be the best place to leave the horses?" The young mage wanted to make sure the others considered this since the horses were very important, ... especially for a quick getaway.

Drist also considered this. "Hmm, perhaps you're right. If indeed there are more of these spiders, it would be unwise to leave anything here, including the horses. Maybe if we continue to explore the grounds, we might find a more habitable place."

Lwcynda offered healing to anyone who would like it. Cassandra was given two cures at this time. (*)

Blaine thought about the grounds. "Well, there are other buildings about, but this is the probably the only one suitable for stabling the animals." Then he smiled. "Of course, we could bring them into the main house if you deem it safer. I can always pay to have it cleaned later. But, what we saw in the main house was more frightening than these spiders, so it is up to you. Maybe we should check the loft, now that we are forewarned of the possibility of danger?"

And so, the Seekers had to decide. Fully explore the loft? Or, off to some other building?

Grummie was still a bit undermined by his wounds, and was uneasy about returning to the loft, at least not yet. Still, he nodded and said, "Aye, should best check da loft, better dan ta burn down da place, I guess. Mayhaps da remains of the laddie dat left them footsprints be up there, a last meal for dem spiders." He shuddered as he considered the posibility. "And I be worried 'bout leaving da horses alone, anywhere, in or out. Da critters dat lurk in da manse, and on da grounds, may be much more grand than we have seen so far."

'Going back up, ah, there? On the list of things I would enjoy doing, that is definitely close to the bottom!' is what Andremar almost shouted but managed to avoid saying at the last moment. Instead, all that escaped from his mouth was a garbled "Urblup!"

When the startled members of the group turned to decipher his odd exclamation, the young mage was forced to compose himself. He intentionally spoke slowly. "We came here to, um, solve the puzzle of this manse. I think this is as good a place as any to start. Perhaps we (meaning someone other than himself of course) should see what happened to this, er, predecessor of ours and what clues he may have left for us?"

Cassandra had recovered from her wounds sufficiently to be willing to risk another foray above. "Let's hope something worthwhile comes of it," she said.

And so, she and Grummie gave it another shot, this time with Gork close behind, and with Drist's bow already trained on the seemingly safe air, and Andremar's compliment of spells also on alert. This time they got up quickly, Cassandra brandished a torch, "To ward any of them off, and it the barn burns, well, they'll be a hot time in the old town tonight."

This time there was no resistance as they searched the first part of the loft. This gave any others the chance to join them. And it remained quiet. As they reached halfway tot he back, now joined by Andremar and his refitted lantern, they could cast the light all the way to the rear wall. They saw two more spiders, but these two were as dead as the three they themselves had dispatched. And, other than some webbing, there was nothing else up there.

These two spiders had been killed by sword or dagger, and had been dead for a couple of days at least. There seemed to be no sign of any others. Otherwise, the loft contained hay and nothing else.

"Guess it's safe to leave the horses down below," concluded Cassandra.

Lwcynda agreed with Cassandra "Yes, looks fine for the horses. Now let's be off to the house."

Feeling much more confident about the safety of the stable loft, Grummie still had a couple of concerns. "Okay, so foots prints came in? Did dey go out? Drist, minda yea a check for prints going out, before we leave dis stable? Me fears he may have killed these here spiders, but nae made it out alive." Grummie then pointed at the rafters and dark corners, calling for light to be cast upon the darker shadows of the stable, making sure nothing lurked or hung above them. Lastly, he suggested, "And we still be needing to check down below, all the stalls, before we give up, and inside all da haybales, for hidden surprises!"

Drist, doubted that any tracks could remain after the Seekers and their horses had come through, nonetheless nodded towards Grummie and walked towards the entryway to see whatever may be seen. He was right. The seekers, their horses, and the scuffle with the spiders had done damage to the footprints. He was a bit disconsolate, then he recalled, "Hey, wait. When we first got to this door, I examined the footprints. One, maybe two people, and they came in and out. So, if we did not find them here, that was probably the order," he concluded astutely.

At that point, Drist began looking into the other stalls for signs of use, or if anything was still in them. He was joined in this effort by Cassandra, Gork, and Grummie.

Having little else to add, Andremar merely nodded his head at the others suggestions. He stood in the main area, glancing about nervously. Blaine stood next to him Kellay had remained mum throughout. Now she merely moved to the side door, and kept watch on the grounds.

It took another half hour, but eventually the stables were thoroughly examined. And, other than some old hay, a few mice, some well-ages reins, nothing of interest was found. It seemed a good a place as any to leave the horses.

Only one disturbing note. At one point during the search, Grummie felt a sudden pain where he had been bitten by the spider. (*). And then is was just painful, as if he had been recently wounded. His knowledge of poisons suggested that it had now passed through him, and there would be no further effects.

It was about 3PM. Cassandra asked, "Shall we head up to the main house?"

Blaine thought this was a good idea. "But, will we go in the front door, like my friends and I did last time, or try a different one?"

Grummie had been severely weakened by his ordeal with the spider's poison attack. While he didn't expect any further pain or injury, he was obviously tired. He stated, "Aye, we need be going on, and me suggest we go the same way they did, so we see what dey did. But I nay ken take da lead, me belly be weak, me knees flimsy and me head spinnin'. Me not me best, minda ya."

"You at your weakest is a darn sight better than many others I've known at the best," said Cassandra, "but you do have a valid point. Lwcynda? How about a little help for our comrade?"

The priestess administered a healing spell to the gnome. "See how that does, and if the poison has done its worst." The gnome did feel better, but he was fatigued.

With the horses settled in and feed bags on, the Seekers headed towards the main house. They took the path to the fountain, then around tot he left, out of the grounds. They made their way to the north side of the house where the main double doors stood.

Blaine said shakily, "Yes, these are the main doors. We went in there." His statement did not offer any confidence or strength to the party.

Cassandra examined the doors. They seemed well made, but were in no way dangerous. Drist noticed that there were lots of footprints, too many to do much useful examining.

Cassandra opened the doors.

The Seekers found themselves looking into a large entryway, some 20' square, with doors and a hallway leading out from it. Its sole adornment was a tapestry On the west wall. This wall hanging depicted a dark-haired female warrior type standing on a rocky outcropping. She held a banner aloft which sported a white pegasus rampant on a blue field. The room was thick with cob webs and dusk. Several sets of tracks led to and from the outer doors, the inner doors and the southern hallway.

Drist took a step forward and crouched down by one of the sets of footprints in an attempt to ascertain how long they'd been there. The best he could do was guess, "Somewhere over the past few days. No damp ones, so not during today's mist and rain. " After sharing this he then suggested that they might want to split into two groups, in order to cover more ground in less time.

Grummie found himself primarily interested in the tapestry and furnishings. He studied the material and workmanship of the piece, wondering how much it would "fetch" in the pawnshope. He liked the figure that came to mind, but it would not fit in his pack. Maybe later . . .

When he realized the level of greed that stretched across his face, he recoiled from the artwork and held his head a bit low. Addressing Sir Blaine, he inquired, "Do yea see anything amiss, or afoul? Be there anything missin' o' disturbed from yea last visit?"

Blaine eyes darted about, "Er, ah, well, didn't really stay to long to take in the surroundings, but nothing seems amiss." His voice hung in the air like a fog on the moors.

At the mention of splitting up Grummie frowned slightly then shrugged, "Nae be for me ta decide, but I be in no rush. Been hangin' round Chatwin too long anyway. And splitten up woulds't weaken us greatly. Dem spiders may hab me a bit jumpy, but I dare say I was glad yea arrows were there and Andremar's lantern too. We may find need for all our combined wit and muscle b'for we be done here. I'll go where yea want me too, and we ken split up if it be important to ya, but I woulds't prefer ta stay together."

Andremar looked up and his eyes focus on the group, the inward concentration of the last few minutes dissipating. "No," - a pause - "no Drist, I don't think we ought to, ah, split up now. In fact, we should not delay much longer. We only have, um, a few hours left of daylight and the thought of finding ourselves in the, er, midst of ghost at night is, well, less than appealing."

He swallowed hard. With as much courage as he could muster the young mage continued. "I think we should leave the horses here and head into, ah, into the house before it starts to get dark.." He shifted his robes, hiding the shudder that went through his body.

Grummie turned toward his friend Andremar with a wide smile on his face. He couldn't contain himself and chuckled heartily at the serious expression on his companions' face.

He strode over to the mage and glanced up, displaying a toothy grin. "My good Andremar, you ARE a bit upset, aren't you? Look around good sir. See that we are already in da manse, and da horses were left in da stable."

The gnome suddenly broke into laughter again. Then quickly clasped his palm over his mouth and muffled the noise. Amid small chuckles, he managed to continue, "Fear not good friend, we shant let harm take you away from us, lest we all go with you!"

Grummie smiled again as he glanced at the others, and winked playfully, in hopes the tension would be broken with a little laughter between friends.

Cassie nudged Andremar playfully. "Yep, those horses, they just keep popping up now don't they."

Drist nodded in agreement with Grummie. "Yes, you are right. I suppose we are not in such a hurry that splitting up is necessary."

"So, I guess we're staying together then," noted Cassandra, "but which way now?" She turned to Blaine, who still looked about, breathing quickly. "Didn't you tell us you saw a ghost?"

He nodded, or was he just shaking?

"Well then where was it?"

Blaine extended his left hand, "Through there," indicating the door on the left/east, "and upstairs. I saw someone at an upstairs window, and later we found writing on the floor in there." Blaine made no move to go towards this closed door.

Grummie turned to where Blaine was pointing and noted, "Well, let us be off. We should follow in da footsteps o' dose before us, aye? Let's see this ghost, shall we?" He turned and smirked at Andremar, hoping to catch his reaction, before he headed toward the east door, examining it closely.

The gnome didn't have to look far since Andremar was close behind, behind a few more of the party of course, so as not to be left behind. The gangly mage did not even react to Grummie's comment, intent as he was in trying to see everywhere at once and to look as small and inconspicuous as possible. And as for his expression, ... "pale as a sheet" was a perfect description. Mouth in a small "O" shape and eyes wide with fright. Yes, it was an expression Andremar exhibited all to often as far as the gnome was concern. At least Grummie could be assured that the mage was on his toes. Hopefully the lad would stay off of everyone else's.

Lwcynda agreed that the party should go where the ghost was last seen. She prepared her holy symbol. "I will ready a "protection from evil 10' radius" spell should we need it. Anyone in the 10' radius will be protected." She looked at Andremar and Grummie. "Maybe you two should stay close to me. Oh, and you too Lord Blaine. Andremar you will be able to cast spells from within the protection. By the way, Mayaheine has granted that the spell shall last double its usual duration should I need to cast it. But I suspect that we will not have need of the spell just yet, but I thought it might help ease everyone if I mentioned it now."

One glance at Blaine told everyone that he was competing with Andremar for the `white as a sheet award.' His was an extremely pale visage, but he took a deep breath and muscled up some courage. "Yes, the last strange occurrence was right through there. Best get to it." He silded up, still at the rear, but real close to the rest.

"I'm ready." Lwcynda declared.

Cassandra examined the double doors and pronounced them safe. So certain was she that she pushed them open.

The Seekers faced a very large room. Two long wooden tables with fine wooden chairs ran the length of the room east to west. A large fireplace sat along the north wall. At the far side there was a raised dais, with a smaller table and two chairs. Footprints led into the room. Two set headed straight to the middle where they appeared to end abruptly. Only one returned.

A timid voice from the rear spoke. "The dining room. I got to the center there," he indicated, "the message in the dust spooked me, I'm afraid, so those are also mine returning. Looks as I remember it."

Cassandra thought now might be an appropriate time to draw a weapon. A short sword deftly appeared in her right hand.

Drist, figuring that whatever was here might be better dealt with by Lwcynda's spell, decided not to draw his sword, but he nonetheless left his hand on his sword hilt, ready to draw at a moment's notice. Drist looked around the room for anything out of the ordinary.

"Well I guess we should move in a bit if we are to provoke the ghost into appearing. Let us continue," said Lwcynda.

Grummie drew his short sword and followed the group toward the center of the room, between the tables. He was ever cautious and aware of his position and proximity to Lwycnda.

To the cleric he answered, "Aye, we should follow close the footsteps, but I be warry of the end of the track. I suggest we stay away from where the footprints ended, at least for now. May be a trap in da floor o' something that ended those 1st set of tracks, aye?"

He then turned to Blaine and inquired, "What mean you by this message? Be there something written in da dust we not yet see? And what of these other footprints? Where dey here when you were, or did someone come wid ya?"

Blaine answered in soft voice. "There were three of us who entered this area. I went down the center. That set of prints which goes and returns is mine. I was following the other set, the ones on the left, which go to the center and stop. They just stop. I got to that spot and there I found the words, `Soon, dear cousin, I come for you' scratched in the dust. I shuddered, I think I screamed, and beat a hasty retreat." He hung his head in shame at this point, and began to kick the ground. "My two companions, one who had gone to the left of the tables, towards the fireplace, and the other who had gone right, heard my outcry and followed me. That was the last I saw of this room, or this house for that matter." He looked up, and then looked into the dining room. "From here, I see nothing different from what we found then. Can't see if the message is still there from here, but ..."

"Well, we could stand here forever," mused Cassandra, "but where would be the fun in that?" So saying, the wily rogue began making her way down the center of the room, carefully stepping where the footprints of Lord Blaine still showed through the dust. She appeared to be scanning the floor before her, lest Grummie's suggestion of a trap door become a prophetic fatality.

She stopped near the center. "Whoever the maid is, I would fire her. No one has dusted here in a long time. And, yes, the message is still here."

She bent low, "The floor beyond looks safe, gonna head for the head table." So saying, she stepped over the message and continued on towards the far wall.

When Cassie declared the area trap-free, Grummie stopped short in his trek to the end of the footprints. His face was obviously contorted with an inquisative expression. He stooped down to study the prints more closely as he stated, "Me tink, ifen da tracks no end in a trap, den dey may be false, aye? Dey lead good Blaine to da end, and dey be leadin' us to da end. What do we find there? A message! A threat!"

He smiled slightly, in apparent appreciation for the scheme that he believed to be at work in the manse.

Andremar could thing of nothing to add, accepting Grummie's proposal as reasonable and perhaps even the obvious course of action. He nodded in agreement, keeping his hands free for spell components and his legs ready to turn and flee.

Grummie scrutinized the prints into the room and lack of them exiting (the ones that Blaine, and now Cassandra, had followed). He suspected they might be fake in some way, and hoped to use his talents in tracking to prove or disprove this...

Drist walked into the room and carefully began looking around for any other signs of entry/exit by people, as well as anything else of importance. While he could not see any doors, he could see that there was a hallway around to the right, not that he could see round there from where he stood.

"Jest as aye thought," exclaimed the gnome, "deeze prints 'ere, da one wid no return," he indicated the ones on left of those made by Blaine and Cassandra, "des be avin a trick ta dem. Dey be made by walking in, and den be backin out! Whoever it be did nay disappear ner vanish. Dey back tracked, literally!" His chest pumped out proudly at his discovery.

Cassandra had by now made her way to the far wall where she climbed up to the raised dais. She turned to compliment the gnome on his find. "So, that's how it was done." She gave the dais the once over. "Probably the place for the guests of honor. Nice table and fine chairs, but no sing anyone's been up here for quite some time. "

Grummie found it difficult to conceal his excitement or compose himself after his discovery. He suddenly feeled very "BIG" for such small shoes. He grin projected new-found confidence and his stride bordered on "BIG HEADEDNESS".

He then recalled the encounter with the spiders in the loft of the barn, when he stated, "So, dis be false, but let us not take our guard down, for da next may be real."

As he walked the rest of the way to footprints he asked Lord Blaine, "So who be da relative that would leave such a threat for yea, assuming it was left by a dead one? Who woulds't it be referring to, and why would dis relative be after yea, in da afterlife, that is?"

Blaine hesitated, "In truth, I do not know. I know very little of this place and the relatives who inhabited it. I am as much in the dark as you are. I only hope to find the alleged fortune. But, the way this has gone so far, `fortune' might mean the good fortune to survive." He seemed very glum.

The gnomes' mind was a blur with possibility and conjecture. It was obvious to the gnome that someone wanted to scare Lord Blaine out of the manse, either not to sell it, or to sell it cheap and fast. Now, the group was tasked with finding out WHO would do such a thing, and why. He thought it might be interesting to understand this Uncle, Nephew, Aunt or whatever relationship the dusty message was referring to. Perhaps this elder had not really passed. Perhaps, they were a powerful entity when they were alive, enough to command the fear necessary for such a ruse.

Cassandra returned from the raised area to where the gnome stood at the message on the floor. "Whoever, why ever, whatever, we will find out." She glance east, "That way?" indicating what appeared to be a hallway off the side of this dining room, "or back into the main hallway and wherever that takes us." She looked back towards the double doors where Gork and Kellay still remained. "For there seems little else of interest in this room. That message is as clear as it can be for now."

Grummie sighed loudly, the worth of his discovery was fading fast. He glanced to next doorway and nodded slightly. "Onward I suppose," he said as he trotted onward.

Lwcynda said, "I'm ready too, let's move on." And she followed Grummie.

Andremar followed the others' lead and stayed close to Lwcynda. Perhaps this was only the effort of some con men but the young mage had not ruled out the possibility of dark influences as it was getting later in the day. He intended to be within the range of Lwcynda's protective magic if it became necessary.

Cassandra shook her head, as if in askance, for the word 'onward' did not really answer her question, especially as it was accompanied by some mental reference to a doorway. The only door way she had seen was back the way the came, yet she had offered the `onward' of the hallway beyond dining area proper. Sooooooo, since that hallway was closest to her, well, not really since she had come back to the writing now, hadn't she????? Soooooooo, she flipped a coin: "Heads, the hallway, since that probably conforms to `onwards'." And so she went.

The hallway around to the right of the dining area extended 20' to a wall. There was a door halfway along on the left. She gave the door the once over, declared it `safe,' and opened it. The room was 20' x 25'. A long table and several comfortable chairs furnished it. A bookshelf lined the north wall. A fireplace fitted itself into the east wall.

Andremar checked his `sand watch'. "4PM," he declared.

Grummie eyed the room briefly then said, "For more formal and private dining, ya suppose?" He then headed over toward the bookcase to briefly study its contents. He tried to see if he could read any of the titles, or discern their language at least. "Andremar, see anythin' of merit in da books," he asked the mage for assistance.

The gnome then felt behind the books, and made sure to wiggle every one of them, in case there might be a false book or some kind of hidden compartment. He had heard of such things, and was more thrilled with the idea of mansion passages and secret doors than he was of the value and content of the books.

Needing little encouragement, Andremar headed to the bookshelves to examine the treasures therein. "Good idea Grummie. I'll, ah, see what I can find."

Normally, the sight of these books would make him forget all else, even dinner. But the mood of this place kept the young mage at least careful. He vowed to not let his exuberance overtake reasonable caution. While keeping his eye out for a few books that he might 'just drop in his sack for later detailed perusal', he searched for titles which might give a clue to this place or for volumes that seemed incongruous with the rest of the library. He knew that such mis-matched tombs might contain other information or items of value.

Lwcynda joined him in the book search. The others kept vigil at the door, with Drist occasionally venturing back towards the dining room, lest some `unexpecteds' surprise them.

Of course, once he started in with the inspection of these books, little could stop him. Andremar was soon lost in fine tomes of the history of Greyhawk. He figured the books had some monetary value, but they would be more valuable as well kept treasures in the library of one who valued the past. The books were in good condition, just marred by some dust. Little evidence of their having been recently could be found, save for the finger prints of the gnome who busied himself in touching every book. Andremar continued to lose himself in these wonderful texts, till ---

"Me thinks I found me another!" exclaimed the gnome. For as he struggled to remove one particular tome, a squeaking sound caught the attention of one and all. A door was slowly swinging open in the north wall!

"Two for two," noted Cassandra. "The gnome is on a roll. If only there were a gambling establishment nearby---"

Drist raised an eyebrow slightly at the sight of the "hidden passage", but just shrugs and headed towards the bookshelves.

"Yippie!" Grummie strutted toward the new-found door, after making sure it would remain open. His grin was evidence of his inner pride, beginning to boil over onto his face. He took a position to one side of the door, and peaked into the room beyond (careful not to cross the threshold). "So, what hab we in here? A treasure trove, mayhaps? Cassie, would yea check da doorway fer us, lest it be trapped?" he inquired.

"Huh, What?" Hearing Grummie's exclamation, Andremar nearly dropped the tomb he had be examining. "Oh, something interesting." 'Perhaps,' he thought to himself, 'the really good books are in there.' The thought was sufficient motivation to cause him to set down the book (carefully of course) and prepare himself to support the others' entry.

Still aware of the suggested dangers in this place, the young mage, remained in the vicinity of Lwcynda and routinely glanced behind the party, not wishing their focus on the secret compartment to allow a surprise from another quarter.

Cassandra told Grummie that she would be glad to do the honors. She approached the now open door with a great deal of respect and gave in and the opening the once, twice, and even the thrice over. "Seems perfectly safe. Guess the protection was in its hidden nature." She took a look inside for good measure. "Sorry to dampen your enthusiasm, Grummie my friend, but it seems to be just a staircase," she announced, looking upward, "which seems to go to the upper floor. Can't see the top though. One of those which doubles back upon itself." She pondered the discovery for the moment. "Course, who knows what might be up there?"

A frown once again twisted the corners of the gnome's mouth downward, as he recalled the loft and the, "Spiders" he said in a whispered tone. "Me thinks we'd best investigate, and go up da stairs. Twas a hidden passage for sure, must be hidin' sumfin' important. But be on guard. I'll lead again, wid me trusty bow at ready." Grummie crossed the threshold and held his bow at ready, arrow notched and a slight tension on the string. He walked up the staircase sideways, keeping his back to the outer wall, and always looking ahead, upward, toward the next flight.

Since the stairway was dark, very dark, Andremar took a moment to re-light the lantern. He kept it shuttered at first to allow the dark vision of Grummie and Drist to `see' what they might. Neither `saw' anything in the dark, so Andremar unhooded the lantern and directed the beam upward. The stairs headed directly east to a landing some 10', then bore around to the west into further darkness. Grummie and Cassandra reached this landing.

Lwcynda began to follow, asking if the floor was dusty or clean?

"Seemed dusty, so unused," said Cassandra.

In a whispered tone (even though the others have already been speaking at normal level) Andremar said, "Well, ah, ready when you are." He joined Lwcynda and followed up to the landing. Blaine and the others followed.

Once again Grummie checked the darkness above, but found nothing. So Andremar directed the light's beam upward.

"Me thinks it be a large area," declared the gnome. He and Cassandra led the way up another flight of stairs. "Andy, yee be bringing thee light up `ere." Lwcynda and Andremar brought the lantern. The Seekers found themselves in what sure looked like a fine library.

The room was furnished with a comfortable chair, a cluttered writing desk, and several bookshelves. A tapestry which depicted a mighty citadel perched on a crag hung on the south wall. A lone door was in the middle of the west wall.

Everyone looked at Blaine, wondering why a passage would lead to a library. "Oh, yes, well, many fine mansions have secret passages. It would not be uncommon for the master of the house to slip away from those rather tedious or boring dinner guests, to retreat so to speak, to clear his mind, or to check on something. And, he might have ushered a special guest up here to conduct business." He could sense everyone's disappointment. "Yes, I admit my heart skipped a beat when the little one found those stairs. But I guess the treasure is much better hidden."

Drist, once the way was clear, stepped into the room and glanced around for anything unusual. He then continued into the room, looking for any lamps that might "shed some light" on the situation.

The elf sensed nothing out of the ordinary. There was an old, dusty oil lamp on the desk, and with a little prodding he managed to get it lit. The room seemed older, dustier, and much less used in this better light.

Grummie countered, "May still be treasure within. Secret library, or no, I plan ta search it closely. Ya wid me Andremar?" Grummie began at one corner and wiggled book shelves, tapped on walls and studied the furnishings, determined that something of greater interest would be inside the room.

Like a tourist the young mage gawked. He tried to see look everywhere at once, caught between his fear of ghostly possibilities and the marvelous treasures that lined the wall. "Books!" he exclaimed in a reverent whisper. The gnome should have had no doubt that Andremar was more than eager explore the shelves. At least he had the sense to give Cassie and imploring look, hoping that she would watch where he reached and keep him from springing any traps. "Books" he repeated, now a chant.

Even at the risk of leaving the range of Lwcynda's protective spell, should it become needed, the gangly mage stepped forward. He shone his lantern across the tombs and, like a child in a candy store, the young man had difficulty deciding were to start. Finally, Andremar proceeded to where Grummie had indicated, figuring that was as good as anyplace to begin. "Books", he said one more time, almost as if in prayer.

Cassandra accompanied Andremar on his journey through the candy store, focusing the beam of his lantern on the texts he specified. The books were old, very old, but dust was their only reflection of age. The topics ranged from history and battle tactics to a broad range of literary and philosophical works.

Drist was joined by Blaine at the desk. In the good light of the desk lamp, they examined the papers on the desk. They were 200 year old economic records for what then must have been a viscounty. Many of these transactions were for tens of thousands of gold pieces at a time. Blaine gave a low whistle, "Wonder how much of that money is left?" he said wistfully. His eyes looked glassy, then the focused in on the wall above the desk. "Hey, and old map." The date read CY392. "Look," he pointed, "no Chatwin, barely a Narwell or a Safeton back then." Indeed, the map suggested that much of the area well known to the Seekers was merely under a global jurisdiction of the `Viscount of Mistmoor.'

Grummie kept making odd sounds as his frustration grew. "Dere must be sumpting here. Dey must be hiding sumpting." But nothing had he found.

Drist and Blaine broke into a giggle. The others wondered what they had found. Blaine indicated something hanging on the wall to the left of the desk. Those who approached saw a glass and framed page. Titled "Ode to Tinkerpaws," it was apparently a child's poem about a pet cat. The handwriting suggested someone barely literate, and the rhyme consisted of cat-hat, paws-jaws, and the like. "Not very deep or philosophical, but good for a laugh," said Blaine.

Drist looked closely. "Seems someone took credit for it though," as he tried to make out a signature.

Blaine examined the same area. "`R', then maybe `e' or `i' and `ve' and maybe `r' with an `e' or `i' at the end." Everyone looked at him. "Sorry, but I have no knowledge of my long lost relatives, only that a great uncle or the like was the Viscount here. So who the great poet was is beyond me."

"Dere must be sumpin, dere must be," the mantra continued.

The other turned their attention to the whole room, lest the gnome start ripping through the walls. After a thorough search there seemed to be no mysteries to this room.

Andremar finished with the books. "Very nice collection. Not that I know a great deal about books in general, I'd say they would fetch a reasonable sum in a big city."

But, the room seemed to have no more to offer.

It was pushing 6PM by now.

"Well, here is some of your treasure, at least," Drist said to Blaine. Then looking around a final time, "I suggest we continue on. If it gets to be too late, we can return here and stay the night. This room seems as good as any. We should try to get as much done tonight as possible, though. We may yet find something of importance."

The gnome paused his search, just briefly... "Hey, Andy, Lwycnda, do one o' yea hab one o' dem spells dat finds magical trinkets? I always wished I knew how ta cast spells when it comes ta findin' product for da pawn shop. Anyways, wid all dese books, might it be faster ta use magic? Just an idea." Grummie shrugged and continued his search...

"Perhaps," the young mage said to Lwcynda, "we should wait until, ah, other priorities are taken care of?"

To the group Andremar said, "I agree with Grummie that there may be more here than meets the eye. Old records can reveal old titles, grants and deeds. It could be nothing but it could also reveal that our employer here gained more than he thought. It also may reveal the motive behind whatever agency is seeking to keep him from this house. However, these secrets might only be revealed only after a long and careful search of the records found here and until we are, um, secure in this place it seems wisest to continue on." He stopped as if a stray thought crossed his mind.

It might have been the look of Cassandra rolling her eyes into her forehead at the thought of Andremar spending forever in research.

The gangly mage shook his head as if to clear his mind, or rid it of the image. He picked up the lantern then spoke again as his thoughts suddenly clarified, primarily addressing Grummie and Cassandra, "Well, enough of my reverie. Before we go on should we shut the door at the bottom of the stairs?"

"Aye Andremar, and bar it too, I'd think. We nae want anyone ta come in behind us an' be clearin' out da shelves, eh?" Grummie said as he waited beside the new door, and glanced at Drist, "Would yea mind doin' da honors?"

Drist nodded and disappeared down the stairwell for a few moments. A resounding "Thunk" is heard as the door closes, and Drist returns a few seconds later. "Are we ready to go, then?"

Lwcynda seeing Grummie's dismay says to Grummie, "Grummie, if you like I will cast a detect magic spell in the room and see if there is anything magical. It won't find any hidden gems if they are not magic, but if you will feel better I shall try. What do the rest of you say?"

Grummied nodded in agreement with Drist and replied, "Nay Lwycnda, no need ta waste da spell. Good Drist is true.. er... is right, I mean. Best we search onward, and return here ta sleep da night, ifen we sleep in da house. Would probably be easy to defend, aye? And yea ken cast yea spell before bed, no?" With that, Grummie glanced at the only other door in the room and smiled at Cassie. "Tis yea turn again, my-lady." he said as he gestured at the door and smiled playfully.

Cassandra skipped joyously to the door. With a playful grin she listened, examined, and opened the door. All who wished could see the that the next room was a finely and richly furnished bedroom. A large and seemingly comfortable bed dominated the west side. On the wall beyond it hung a giant sized shield displaying the pegasus rampant. Various dressers and closets took up much of the remaining space. A fireplace sat along the north wall. Above it was a portrait of some sort.

"Guess we found a better place for rest. That bed looks like it could accommodate all of us," said Cassandra.

In awe, the gnome's small round eyes poked outward, as if they were about to leave his head. His gaping maw nearly allowed his jaw to drag along the ground. He stumbled into the bedroom, almost delerious in the sight and appreciation of the decor. The shield captivated him as he pondered it's ancient heraldry, power and use. He was truly amazed and somewhat oblivious to any danger that might lurk within. He stood amid the center of the room and slowly turned, taking in the sight.

Andremar shined his light about the room, highlighting the giant sized shield and the portrait. In hushed tones he asked Blaine, "The shield, is it a house crest? Why so, ah, large. And what of the portrait? Who is it on that canvas?"

Blaine answered, "No, that's too provocative to be the family crest. Must be recounting some great feat performed by the owner." With the help of the light, they took a closer look at the portrait. It proved to be of an attractive dark haired woman. "Can't say that I recognize her, but then again, she lived long before me in all likely hood. Probably the wife of the viscount, or, I guess whoever was the last viscount."

To regain the gnomes attention, Andremar whispered to him, though it was loud enough for Cassie, Kellay and the others hear it as well, 'Psstt, Grummie, the shield, the shield is extra large. Does it conceal something?" It was unusual for the young mage to have said so much with so few words but, absent the distraction of books, his attention is back on the house, the fact that it is now dark or nearly so, and that they have not yet disproved (as he fervently hopes they will do) the existence of ghosts.

Grummie snapped back to reality with a twitch and a blush. Once again, his 'appreciation' for the finer things in life caught him off-guard. He cleared his throat and approached the shield wall to study it further.

Cassandra saw Grummie move towards the shield and decided to accompany him, lest the large item become dislodged and the gnome become a pancake. While the though of a pancake breakfast did tempt her, one made of gnome would not be as appealing. The shield was a good 10' in diameter, and could only have been used by a giant, "er mayhaps me old friends big Jutos," murmured the gnome. It was fixed securely to the wall, and nothing Cassie could do seemed able to move it. Nor could they find anything odd about the wall behind it.

Lwcynda entered and had a look about in the dressers. While looking about she says, "My this is a wonderful room and it may well suit us to sleep here, but it's still a bit early yet. Gork have a look under the bed over there please." And she returned to looking through the dresser.

Her search revealed lots of rather fine men's clothing, most of it well, well aged. "Good quality though," she noted.

Gork had a look under the bed. "Mee seee dust, lots of dust, not much else," he reported.

Drist once again searched out the light source for the room before continuing his exploration. There were, surprisingly, some logs in the fireplace, but no signs of a recent fire. He found an oil lamp on a night table long one side of the bed, and lit it. He did the same to one on a dresser. When he had finished lighting up the room, he looked for exits. The door on the south wall was all he could find.

Grummie found the shield interesting as both decorative and possibly a historic piece, considering the massive battles it might have endured. His mind was a-blur with the amazing possibilities. He turned to Lord Blaine and smiled, "Aye, Blaine... Yea manor be worth quite a bit, in me reconing. Others may not see da value, but in da antique business, dis memorabilia of a by-gone era would fetch many a platinum, me thinks."

Blaine seemed unimpressed. "Yes, I dare say that shield will fetch a fair price, but it is certainly not the hoped for treasure. "

The gnome sighed, visions of his pawne shop and the fun he always enjoyed bartering antiquities with the traveling nobility. He again returned to the current reality with a mental jerk, a smile already stretched across his face. "Well, shall we move onward? Or is there more to see here dat I be missin.?" He moved over to the yet unopened door.

Cassandra knew her role in this movement. She joined Grummie at the door, checked it, and pulled it inward to open it.

Andremar moved to take his place towards the rear in preparation for the door opening but his eyes keep drifting back to the picture. His curiosity peaked, he shook his head and mutters something like "it killed the cat" but still he stepped to the picture and, with a deep breath, lifted one corner outward, looking behind it.

The picture did not so much lift as it did pull away, as if on hinges! In the lantern light he saw another lantern, then another person. Seemed familiar to him. Gradually it dawned on him that he was seeing his own reflection! He mouthed allowed, "A mirror." As the others turned towards the sound of his voice, they saw Andremar, make that two Andremars [or is it Andremaris? My latin is getting rusty], both seeming to hold back the portrait, both holding a lantern, both holding a staff etc., etc., etc. !!!!!!!!!

"Gulp," gulped Cassandra.

Grummie had seen mirrors before, but they were all small. Mostly hand-held silver-handled types, used by fair ladies to brush their hair. He had never seen anything quite this big. And at first, he thought there were two mages standing before him, replicated by some archane device.

Once he realized what good ole' Andy had discovered, he smiled widely and approached, taking a much closer look. "I did be missin' sumfin, didn't I!" Curious, the gnome pondered what use such a large mirror would have, and why hidden behind a portrait.

In curiosity, he reached out to touch it, and nearly did so before jerking his finger back, as if in fear. He suddenly envisioned himself magically trapped within the portrait... his mind was wandering again. Needless to say, he turned to his companions and said, "Mayhaps yea should look at it fer traps and make sure it not magical or dangerous, first."

Andremar, who had frozen at the sudden appearance of the threat opposite him, finally exhaled and took a breath. He took a few steps back and then turned around, a sheepish expression on his face. "The wall, the outside wall I mean, ah, the mirror is mounted to the outside wall."

Seeing vacant expressions around him the young mage realized that his explanation was lacking. He continued his rambling discourse. "If the mirror hid something it would have to be very small since it is against the outside wall. We could check it for traps or a release. If nothing is found, I could check it for magic but, again, we may want to wait until our investigation is complete or, um, stalled." Stopping for a breath, he continued "What do you think?" He seemed blissfully unaware that there were two of him, and both were acting out.

Cassandra looked very confused as she saw and heard two, yes, two, Andremars giving this very insightful speech. "Stereo???" she asked everyone. "and why is that one raising its staff?"

For there were two Andremars, both of which were in the room, not in the mirror. Both were standing in the room, seemingly identical. Course, there was one braving the staff over the other.

"Well if the Andremar in the mirror is ready to fight our Andremar maybe we better rethink this. Maybe the one from the mirror will detect magic or evil so we will be able to tell which is which." If this comes to a fight Lwcynda will cast these spells and see if either can help them differentiate the 2 Andremars. Wouldn't want to get the real Andremar killed."

Grummie frowned but agreed, "Aye, tis best ta wait and save da spells, me guess." He sauntered back over toward the door, shrugging at Cassie as he passed and peeked through the newly opened portal.

While Grummie looked out into a `T' shaped hallway, one Andremar brought that staff to bear against the other. Fortunately the other Andremar dodged the blow. Cassandra rushed over and pushed the portrait closed, "Lest any more unwanted extras join our band."

With a depth of misunderstanding that only this young mage can achieve, Andremar dodged in panicked confusion. He attempted to block the blows with his own staff while seeking the aid of his friends. "Ah, ... ah, ... ah, ... Help!" He succeeded in squeezing this one word out and tried to keep from tripping over his robe while dodging the blows of this mystical, yet strikingly handsome, foe.

Grummie, finally cognizant of the situation, looked back just as the swinging staff missed one of the Andremar's. His eyes bulged and jaw dropped again, as if in astonishment. The magic of the mirror confused him, not once, but twice... And he paused, dumbfounded, unable to determine which Andremar would be the truthfully friendly one.

In the split-second it took him to absorb what was happening, Grummie dashed toward the two of them and called for help, "Quickly, grab dem, bind dem, gag dem, and blind them's eyes." At his height, he was of perfect level to grab one of them by the knees, and he dashed toward the one he first saw as the aggressor, swinging the staff.

He hoped to incapacitate them both, thus giving more time to study their similarities, and perhaps differences, or question them... and attempt to find the true Andremar.

Grummie managed to get a `toe hold' on the staff wielding double. Cassandra offered encouragement, confirming that the one crying for help sure sounded like her best friend, "Whines like Andremar," she noted.

"I suspect that the one dodging the blows is our Andremar -- I will cast a hold person at both of them for now," Lwcynda announced.

As the priestess prepared her spell, the staff wielding double rapped at the toeful gnome, bopping him on the head. Cassandra used this as her chance to slip this uninvited guest a welcoming stab in the back. The sword found its way through the back and out the front. As she removed the blade, the now limp body fell over, enveloping the gnome on the floor. Lwcynda had no need to use her spell.

Cassandra turned to the remaining Andremar. "Tell us where I met you, please?" she asked sheepishly.

"On a troop ship crossing Wooley Bay," he answered.

"What????" a panic stricken Cassandra exclaimed.

"Just kidding. We, er, um, met in, ah, Nyssia, where I, um, took after that er, um, big half orc fellow."

Relieved, Cassandra hugged her friend.

"Urmph, urumph," urmphed Grummie.

"Hrmp, Grmp, .... Get this off me," Grummie fretted and managed to roll the body of the skewered mage off of him. Stumbling upward to a stand, the gnome rubbed his head, finding a bloody gash, then swooned again nearly toppling to the ground. "Lwy... c..nda. Have yea a bandage?" He obviously didn't care for seeing his own blood.

The gnome steadied himself against the nearby wall, trying ineffectively to shake of the affects of his concussion. He rubbed at the growing goose-egg on his noggin' as he squinted at the body on the floor. He glanced up at the living Andy and smirked, "Me hopes dey not know what each other knew, like they looked akin to one another." Realizing he wasn't making much since, he shrugged and knelt on one knee. "Me not feel too well."

After a most thorough squeeze by Cassandra and a quick check of his pouch and other valuables (by now he considered this habit to not be an insult but rather a complement to Cassie's skills) Andremar leaned over with the others to help the Gnome. "Ah, sorry Grummie. I should have known, er, better. Sometimes curiosity just gets the best of me."

Cassandra just laughed at this remark.

Once the gnome was up Andremar turned to search his double. To his, and everyone else's surprise, the double had vanished! Poof! Gone!

Seeing Grummie bleeding Lwcynda will bandage him and administer a cure.

Drist, seeing that the crisis was over, relaxed his stance and took another look around the room. Once everything looks to be in order, Drist took a step out into the hallway and looks around for all the usual things; doors, stairs, wall hangings, and the like.

The hallway was singularly unadorned, running east to west at least 30' in each direction. Directly across form the doorway in which the elf stood another hallway ran south for about 40'. About 15' along this hallway there was a door on the left/east. And the elf could see a door at the end of this one as well.

The mage decided against using his ~detect magic~ at this time. "That was definitely odd." Andremar's understatement underscored the even. With a sigh he moved back to his place and prepared for their entry into the hall. "Ah, should I shade the lantern?"

Grummie blushed and winced as Lwycnda bandaged his head, and tended his wounds. He smiled up at her as she finished, "Thank you kindly, good lady. Me be in yea debt, and I be treaten' yea to a fine meal when we get back home, if yea wouldst do me dat honor, m'lady." He didn't wait for a response, apparently determined to repay her kind gentle heart and hands. He only bowed and waddled toward the open door.

Peering out, he glanced up at Andy and Drist, "Nae, we might be needen' da light, don't yea think? Best to see where we headin' and avoidin' any pitfalls. And I say we head for da doors we ken see. Onward straight ahead, aye, and first one we come to, eh?" Grummie moved out into the hall to make way for the others, winking at Cassie, then glancing back at the next closed door.

Cassandra moved due south along the narrow hallway to the nearest door. Checking it and declaring it safe she opened it up. It appeared to be another bedroom, well furnished and in good order, without any portraits this time.

Grummie drew his short sword from its scabbard and moved into the bedroom, keeping near the walls, and inspecting them closely. "Search under da bed too," he mentioned.

So in they went, all except for Gork and Blaine who kept guard at the door, each looking an opposite way along the hallway. "And, just in case we find a portrait of any sort, Andremar, keep you hands off of it," cautioned Cassandra. They made their way over, under, and through whatever furniture they could find. It seemed that this room was less well done than the previous one, but still in good order. No hints as to who might have resided here were left behind.

"What might a room like this be for?" someone asked of Blaine.

"Hmm? Oh, well, could be a young man's room or a guest room. Probably not someone who stayed here on a permanent basis, since there are no personal marks or clues."

As they finished with the chamber, they noted that it was about 7PM

Lwcynda realized the time, and that they had come a long way this day. "Well it is getting a bit late. I wonder if we should stop and eat and maybe settle down for the night? Perhaps we should go back to the library. What do you all think?"

"Yes, it is getting late. We can return to the bedroom and library and set up for the night, then continue our search tomorrow." Said Drist.

Attempting, albeit unsuccessfully, to stifle a yawn, Andremar agreed. "I don't like this place. I do not like the idea of spending a night here but it seems inevitable. If the library is the most secure place, perhaps it would see wise to barricade ourselves in there for the even while we are not too exhausted to set our defenses."

A victim of Andy's yawn, Grummie soon followed with his own mouth-gaping copy. "Stop dat," he said in a tired chuckle.

They headed back to the corner room, the one the had entered having come up the stairs from below. It seemed just as they had left it.

Andremar realized that they would be turning in for the night soon, he talked it out with Lwcynda and suggest between them that Detect Magic and Detect Evil be cast to ensure this room was as safe, in the relative sort of way any room in houses of this sort could be deemed safe. His experience with portrait had been a temporizing one.

Grummie overheard the two spell-slingers chatting about the defenses and he interjected, "Best not loose all yea spells tonight, ifen yea have a limit. If dere be a spirit roaming about, fake or true, dey might be haunting us this eve. Then again, I know little o' magic, so you know best, but me have a sneakin' suspicion dat our night is not yet nearly done."

With that said, the gnome consulted briefly with Drist and Cassie about posting shifts and watches. "Best we stagger ourselves out, letting the mages get good sleep in the night. Lets give dem da first and last shift, so dey not be interrupted much, me hopes. What say yea?"

The three, as well as Gork and Blaine agreed to shifts, so that the stairs could be monitored and the door, which could be locked from the inside, be watched.

Lwcynda agreed with Andremar "Yes we should make sure the place is secure at least at the beginning. As Grummie says you never know what may wander through during the night."

To Grummie she said, "Do not worry yourself overly about us being depleted of spells -- we will only be using those that check for dangers, so that we should have enough offensive spells should the need arise. Besides we can always use our swords too." She smiled ...

So they used their detection spells throughout the study library, and for good measure in that master bedroom next door, where Andremar had been beside himself earlier. The only thing detected was a strong sense of magic from behind the portrait, but that was no surprise to them now.

Cassandra realized she was hungry. "Before we settle in completely, maybe we should eat something. We do have rations out on our mounts. And, come to think of them, shouldn't they be checked on before we set down?" She prepared to head out to the stables, "Anyone wanna take a walk. Don't all jump up at once."

Smiling slightly, Drist stood. "I think I will go with you. I would also like to check on my horse, and get a few things."

"Meee toooo," added Gork, "meee neeeeed fresh air."

Grummie sighed, and let the weight of the day settle upon him as he prepared for the watch and a hopefully restful night. He nodded at Drist as the elf offered to accompany Cassie downstairs again. He found himself settled and restful as he began searching for a good place to bed-down.

So, as most of the party did its best to make themselves comfortable and secure in the corner room, Cassandra, Drist and Gork retraced their earlier steps, down the hidden passageway, through the sitting room, into the dining hall. They had a torch with them for guidance. As the moved through the dining hall, they were surprised to notice that the massage, the one Blaine had told them about, and the one which they had seen earlier this very day, had been rubbed out!

Drist took note of whatever footprints were there, but he could not notice any new ones. Hs concluded that whoever or whatever had done this had either flown, or safe stepped in those prints which were already there.

They moved out into the main hall, through the double doors, and out into the night. While there was no moon, the sky had some brightness to it, enough so that they could navigate the grounds to the stables with little difficulty.

They found the stables and their horses pretty much as they had left them. NO spiders had come along, no new prints, nothing amiss. It was an easy task, then, to retrieve some rations, supplies, bedrolls, and whatever else they needed. Gork got some water for the horses, and saw to the fixing of the feedbags. They gave them a rub down for good measure.

They left the stables some thirty minutes later. As the walked along the path towards the central fountain, Drist held out an arm to stop the party. "Up there," he indicated with his left hand, "do you think our friends are moving about?" he asked. For, there was a light apparent within a rather large window on the far left side of the upper floor.

Cassandra answered, "I hope not. They should know well enough to stay put for now. And we are in the front of the mansion, no the rear."

They stood for a few moments, gazing up at the lighted window, but no shadow or other indication of movement did they see.

"Of course," said Drist calmly, "if it is not our friends who put the light there,"

"Then, who did?" Cassandra wondered, finishing the elf's thought.

Unable to answer the query now, they returned to the front of the mansion, retraced the same old steps once more, and eventually found themselves back with party intact.

"Did you guys go anywhere while we were gone?"

"Nay, me be jest lying `ere, waiting fer de food." Answered Grummie.

"That's right," confirmed Lwcynda, "we've been just settling in. Why?"

So Drist and Cassandra told them about the light in the window.

Grummie smiled and stood, stretching his back. "Well, a brief rest be better den none, me guess. Was affeared dis would happen, but ney expected it so soon." He started donning his belt and sword again. "Best we be checkin' into it, swiftly too. But me suggest we go silently, straight to dat light. Nea check other doors, just go straight a-down da hall and right fer where da light seemed ta be comin from. Silent like... Cassie an' maybe Drist out a'front. What say yea? Tarry not, least da creapin' spirit get away!" He chuckled lightly under his breath, apparently unconvinced of the haunting of the manse.

"Well I guess we might as well see who decided to come visiting." Said Lwcynda.

And so, though sleep tugged at their eyelids, curiosity lifted their feet. They headed through the master bedroom where the mirror lurked behind the portrait, and out and down the hall south to its end. Turning right/west they passed a door, and came to a grand opening, a balcony like area which looked down upon the lower level. Across this opening there was a long wall with door in the center. Drist and Cassandra estimated that they had come about the end of the building, and that door might well be the one they sought.

They worked their way around the open area, ignoring other doors, and proceeded to this one. Cassandra gave it her usual once over, then once again for good measure. The door seemed normal in every respect. No light came from beneath it, and no sounds came from within.

They carefully opened the door. The room was obviously a large library, [#25] lined with bookshelves and furnished with chairs, a table, and a couple of writing desks, all concentrated about a fireplace to the south. A large bay window dominated the south wall. Both Drist and Cassanrda figured that window was the one they hasd seen from the garden below.

And, this guess seemed all the more certain by a candle, a semi burned down, and still burning, candle, which sat on a small table near that window. A lone empty chair rested next to the table. This particular furnishing was about 25' to the south of the door.

Squinting, as if this effort would somehow produce better vision, Grummie peered into the dark corners of the chamber. Suspicious as usual, he slowly began to move toward the northern extreme of the room using his tippy-toes, and his sword hilt grasped firmly in one hand. As he moved past each obstruction, bookcase, and piece of furniture, he motioned to the others that the path was clear and they could advance further into the room. The gnome blocked the candle's effect with his back, so his infravision could be useful. He worked his way north through the dark recesses of the room, then around and down the west wall until he finally arrived at the candle-desk His night vision found no warm blooded beings.

Drist had stepped cautiously into the room, looking for any signs of recent inhabitation by whoever lit the candle.

Eventually, both Drist and Grummie met up at the desk. There they found the candle was half burned. Next to it were a quill and ink. A book lay opened to one of its last pages.

By now Lwcynda had joined them. On this last page was the hand written script in ink of what seemed to be the beginnings of a poem, or at least part of one. Titled "Thrice Cursed," what had been written mentioned something about the Mistmoor family and three curses, or three beings cursed. The poem covered only about half the page, and was apparently unfinished.

Andremar had entered about 5' into the room, Cassandra at his side. Blaine and Gork stood guard just outside the door way.

Andremar's lantern began to dance along the area Grummie had inspected. He and Cassie could see the full extent of the library, books upon books, upon bo-

"What the?" said Andremar, apparently taken aback by something. "Er, ah, Cassie, please tell me you saw that?"

"Saw what?" asked the wily rogue.

"Something, or someone, in that corner there, and now poof! Gone!"

Cassandra rubbed her eyes, and smiled, "Yeah, I saw something, but maybe it was just a shadow."

Andremar let out his breath, "Yes, just a shadow."

"Probably," said Cassandra, "cause there sure isn't anything there now."

Andremar's lantern, the light now fully exposed, could discern nothing more in the northern area.

Grummie frowned at the corner Andremar thought he saw something lurking in. "Well, ifen dey not been anythin there awhilst ago, but there bes now, den let me check da bookshelves in dat corner fer secret doors and such as we found earlier." So, saying, the gnome abandoned the book, and marched over to where the two friends stood.

Grummie sheathed his sword and started to study and fondle the wooden planks of the walls and floor, trying to find any secret compartments or triggers.

Lwcynda and Drist remained at the table. The priestess examined the book more closely. "Seems like a personal diary," as she flipped through previous pages, "only it's all poems. Handwriting's the same throughout. Like a family journal through poems." She continued to look through the book.

Grummie made a concerted effort to find a passage, pushing here, touching there. Andremar continued to light the area, and Cassandra looked for tricks and traps. After the gnome had looked for a bit, he commanded, "Will yee be quite, stop yer munching. We be back ta our room soon enough, we be eatin then." Cassandra and Andremar gave each other a look, as if the little guy had flipped, for while they were hungry, they had no food between them. It had been left back in their soon to be bedroom.

Cassandra asked, "Are you hearing things, as we've been seeing them? Cause neither of us is munching."

The gnome interrupted his search to give them both a recriminatory [hey it's a word!] look. "Well, if yee not be a munchin, den what's that munchin sound I bee hearin?"

Eyebrows raised, the other two had no choice but to amuse Grummie by listening as if there might be some truth to his claim. And, sure enough, Cassandra had to admit, "I think he's right. I hear something like munching myself. Coming from the rows of books here somewhere."

Grummie smirked at Cassie and Andy, as if to say, "See! Told ya". Then he drew a dagger from his belt and placed the tip to the wall. He placed his ear to the hilt of the dagger and listened, as if tuning the wall through the blade. He then moved the blade about, from wall to wall, shelf to shelf, listening through the length of the dagger attempting to trace the source of the munching noise.

Amid survey, the gnome noticed his friends looking at him quizically, half-smiling. He dutifully looked up and answered, although no question had been asked, "Tis an old' miners trick me learned from me Pa. Good fer finding water underground. Trust me!" He then returned to his funny search.

Cassandra and Andremar gave each other raised eyebrows, but allowed the gnome to `listen' to his dagger. Cassie had to bite her tongue to keep herself from offering her sword as if he had someone on `call waiting.' Both watched the gnome move along, and both listened as well. The munching sound got louder and louder, till Andremar could not contain himself, and pulled a book from the shelf.

It was immediately obvious to all three that something had been munching at, or through, this particular tome, since it had a hole clear through it, front cover to rear. "Waist of a good book," noted the mage, "and not even on food. Looks like general geography. Hmph"

With this clue in hand, it became a mere matter of time till they worked their way a few more books, holed through, to one which had a hole in the rear cover, but not the front. And Grummie's dagger was all a tingle!

By now, Drist had moved over to these three, wondering what they were up to. Andremar held this particulary book in his hands, rear cover up. Grummie's dagger pointed at the leaves. Hand on his sword hilt, Drist waited expectantly for whatever type of creature might be revealed

Andremar carefully placed the book on the floor. With his right foot, he opened the rear cover, revealing a hole in the pages, from which was appeared to be the tail end of a wiggly creature. "Ooooooh, nooooooo," exclaimed the mage, "a bookworm. Yuck. Icky poo! It will eat the whole library if we let it." Reacting instinctively as he spoke, the mage grabbed the thing by this exposed tail and pulled. Out came a worm all right, a fat, plump, wiggly worm. Andremar threw it to the floor, and squished it under his left boot, this before anyone had a chance to react.

He continued to squish, muttering, "damnable creature, bane to books," till Cassandra grabbed him round the waist, and pulled him back. A puddle of stain was all that remained.

The mage regained his composure. "Oh, sorry, but the books . . ." he said.

"Thank you, " said a voice.

"It was nothing," said Andremar.

"Who said that?" asked Cassandra.

"Why it was, er, ah, it was . . .?" wondered Andremar.

For in truth, everyone had heard a voice, maybe female, express thanks, but there was no one there to say it.

Needless to say, Grummie removed the hilt of the dagger from his ear, and held it in front of him frantically. His face turned as pale and white as the cleanest of bed linens. His eyes darted about the room wildly, and near-panic was on his face. "Who said that, show yea-self," he exclaimed!

As he backed away from the corner where movement had been seen before the gnome urged Andremar, with a stutter in his voice, "Hood yea lanter, just a bit, an..an..an, er.. cast a shadow inta da room again, but nae make it all dark."

Andremar did as he was requested. The light was hooded, and Grummie and Drist used their infravision to scan this area of the room. Cassandra listened carefully for footfalls.

Nothing was seen; nothing was heard. They felt they were alone. Whatever, or whoever, had spoken to them was no longer here.

"Least it was grateful," said Cassadra.

Grummie's fear relaxed as did his posture. He began to wonder if someone were still playing tricks on them. He remembered the alterior-motivation of Sir Blaine' kin that might attribute to the voice. Suddenly, the gnomes nerve and resolve were once-again hardened and firm with suspicion. "They not be no ghosts here! Just a'cursed scoundrel wishen' ta take Blaine's legacy from him. Show yeaself, I ask yea, ifen yea not be too much a scoundrel ta do so." He waited, hands on hips, very put out by the trappings of the hidden rogue that plagued them.

Alas, if there was a hidden rogue, or ventriloquist, or whatever, no more sounds did occur. At least, not for now.

Seeing that Grummie's efforts to address the mysterious voice came to nil, Drist took a final look around the room, making note of the area, then turned back to the others. "I don't think we can gain anything else by staying here. I suggest we return to our beds for the night, and continue our search tomorrow."

Lwcynda agreed that they should go back to bed adding, "I hope we will have better luck finding things tomorrow. I wonder what or who would be so grateful that the worm was removed? Could be the librarian who is haunting this place."

Grummie mumbled under his breath as he returned to the open poem book. Frustration was evident on his face, as he was certain that someone (of corporeal flesh and soul) was out to foil their plans, disguising the ploy as a haunting. He thumbed through the book, asking Andy if he noticed anything remiss or unusual.

Andremar turned his way through a few pages. "Fairly nice handwriting. Nothing special about the ink or the style. As Lwcynda surmised earlier, same handwriting throughout. Not relating to magic. Doubtful that it has anything to with spells. Seems to be the ramblings of youth, maybe female," he mumbled on.

Cassandra continued to check the walls and shelves for any sort of switches, tricks, traps, which might explain the voice or the disappearance of whatever, but came up empty.

Fatigue was slowly but surely overcoming one and all, even the ever energetic gnome. With great reluctance he allowed the others to drag him back to the room which they had prepared for the night. Some supper was finally eaten, and shift sleep and watches were taken. The night passed quietly, surprising them all.

On to the next day

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