Journey to....Mysterious Island: The Chow Chow Club

Gratefully accepting the dark red, heavily starched men's shirt from Bardhaven (how did the man tolerate wearing something that could essentially stand upright of its own accord?) after Professor Avalanche and his dear Pixie crashed into us and aided our escape, I followed the group into the caverns of the volcano. Bless those dear souls who shared their last bits of clothing with the nearly-itchysporkchowchow-soup members of the team. It should be noted that dear Kiralette looked none to happy about going in there, but she did indeed follow along as well.

That we all survived the last several hours is testament to the tenacity that is representative of Caledon. Here we were reunited and pushing forward with the expedition. Barefoot and wearing very few clothes, but alive and relatively well. Gnarlihotep had returned to us with a strange look on his face and a very primitive map of the island. I was only able to study it for a short while as Lady Darkling and Bardhaven took control of the map and the situation.

Gnarli's little Sherpas were milling about with a number of packs on their backs. The little one, whom I had earlier in this journey chastised soundly, timidly approached me. Bless him. He had several of my scientific instruments, my journal, pen and ink, and my Claymore. In his beak...my dirk! He must have picked it up as we scurried from the fires and pots. I smiled at him, promised him some lovely fish at the end of this expedition, and told him that he would be most welcome to come to live with me at Loch Avie if he should desire it. Despite his shortcomings, he was doing me good service....and Nellie might enjoy a new friend (or dinner - may need to rethink this).

As we entered the caves, I saw that Lady Darkling noticed the same strange organ music that I had heard days before - and now again. Looking around Lady Amber also seemed fairly entranced, and in fact, almost everyone seemed to hear it now. It was deep and dark...coming from the belly of this beast. I sensed a change, however, and saw Darkling leading us along as if hypnotised. We all followed her. It seemed the right thing to do. With my dirk tucked into the pocket of my newly acquired shirt, and my Claymore in my hands, I walked along through the pressing heat. The heat was growing as was the music, and some deep rumbling sound....a different sound than we had heard from Phillip before now.

As the passage grew wider and an opening was spotted, I moved forward to see what had been found. Gasping, I realized that we had found the portal by which the lava and ash were sent forth from the sim. The height was dizzying, and all that I could see from my spot along the trail was a fragile rock bridge which would apparently lead us further down into the beast. Suddenly Gnarli went quickly past me stating that he needed to be at the back of the group for a rest. Gabrielle, Terry, and Oolon were looking all around the chamber apparently not fearful of the heights.

Just as I noticed that Darkling was against the wall and as still as the stone, the mountain groaned loudly and spewed forth a huge magma ball. It flew past us – but only barely. I heard screaming. Most of us had run for cover back through the passage from whence we came. Darkling, however, stood with her back ramrod straight against the wall where she had been since we found the bridge. She was screaming. No! She was singing….with a very odd quality about her voice. Singing as I had never heard her sing before. I might have sworn that someone else was singing with her; however, looking around I noted that the rest of our crew was gathering their belongings, their companions, and their wits about themselves, but no one was singing.

Soon Bardhaven came forward and took Lady Darkling’s hand. They exchanged a few words between them and then started moving forward to the bridge. Her singing began again. This time, I joined the eerie song. I did not know the words, but somehow the strange melody came easily to me, and provided a strong counterpoint to the music of the mountain.

One by one, as the mountain shook all around us and the bridge crumbled away, we made our way across the bridge. The molten rock below us was churning and boiling. I attempted to commit as many details of the scene to memory as possible for there was certainly NO time to sketch it or to take any readings with my equipment. Professor Krogstad and Lady Kate would be expecting some sort of report if I ever made it out of these caves.

Incredibly we all made it across the great chasm without injury. Gnarlihotep went forward to discuss the map with Darkling and Bardhaven. Kiralette was close at hand. The poor thing still had the memory of her burning, injured hands, and we were now placing her in much greater danger. Indeed, I think she may have found more adventure than she was looking for. As the four of them talked quietly of the right route to take, Terry and Oolon seemed to be taking some scientific measurements of their own, sampling some of the rock and muttering something about ancient energy sources. The Professor was assisting Miss Fuchsia along the trail. Amber, Gabi, and I were standing nearby awaiting the decision of the navigators. Whether it was fear or some strange connection to the mountain, I realized the three of us were all now singing and swaying (nearly dancing) as we waited.

Finally we were all moving again. Shortly we came to a fork in our pathway. Lady Darkling continued on down a path with Bardhaven, Kiralette, and Gnarli following. I was, however, drawn down the other path. I felt sure the music was coming from that direction….and now I heard drums. Amber, Gabi, Oolon, Terry, Alfonso, and the Pixie followed along with me, as did a few of the pengi. The others must have been behind Gnarli (I hope).

Moving along as quickly and quietly as possible, we noted that the music was growing louder and louder. The mountain seemed to be vibrating with this sound rather than the flow of magma and rock.

Suddenly, the space opened up before us. Through the haze and smoke, I saw rock, poles, a platform of some sort, movement…..Blinking, I rubbed my eyes with the edge of my shirt and looked again.

“Good Lord!” I cried “It’s a Gentleman’s Club!”

There it was laid out before us, here in the center of the volcano. Natives dancing everywhere. Beautiful Itchysporkchowchow women dancing around poles. Surely it must only be ritualistic dancing.

“Miss Bellambi, I believe you are right on the first count” said Professor Avalanche, “for I have never seen any ritual quite like this.”

Our mouths were agape as we took it all in….dancers, patrons, the drummers on the platform seemingly in a trance.

And over to the other side of the space…the organ! An enormous instrument carved directly into the mountain! And on the bench, a dark figure. Playing. Playing the terrifying music. A man? Yes I think so. Through the red haze of the room, I could just make out a light colored vest and dark closely cropped hair.

Who is this fiend? Just as we were about to approach the figure, the warriors descended upon us. Oh great….and Templeton was in the lead and heading straight for me.

Journey to....Mysterious Island: Cream of Duchess Soup?!?

Well now! What a revolting development this is! Sitting in a very large iron cooking pot with Gabrielle. Beady-eyed natives staring at us and licking their chops. Mind you, we have been in hot water together before with people staring at us and licking their lips, but not with this particular look in their eyes. Good Lord! What now??

Thankfully the water was not yet boiling, nevertheless, my head was pounding and spinning. Gabrielle seemed to have fainted dead away. My hands were bound and I could not check her pulse or look for obvious injuries, but I could see the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, her head laid back over the edge of the cauldron.

Shaking my head in an effort to clear it and remember how we got here, I suddenly had the strangest sense of deja vu. Wait! I felt this way earlier in the day, too. What in the world happened?

*cue the cheesy dream music. No. NO! Not the penguin NIGHTMARE music! Just put on the "hey, I'm having a flashback moment music" would you?*

Oh yes! Now I remember.

I was standing on the beach watching Lady Darkling as she struggled to "help" one of the sailors. Previously I been resting in the sun, but quickly changed into some adventure gear as the day progressed. I witnessed Dr. Sputnik and Miss Lightfoot as they circled around Darkling repeating the same Latin phrase in excited tones. It was not anything to do with the dying man laying under Lady Darkling....something about a... giant bunny.

Odd.

Suddenly I noticed the very large imprint in the sand. I ran to my little hut on the beach, grabbed my sketchbook, and began to make some notes for the Royal Society. Professors Krogstad and Nicholas would need to have a look at this. Dr. Sputnik was good enough to take the measurements; I jotted them down on the drawing as he shouted them out.

Then I heard my cousin calling for me:
"Eva? I have some important Duchy business that I would like to discuss with you!"

Bless her, she had brought the Dom Perignon out for our discussion.

Yes. Now I remember.....

We dashed-off into the foresty-jungley area surrounding Phillip trying to follow Gnarlihotep. My eyes were blurry, I admit it. But the figure standing in the bushes just did not look like Gnarli - even from this distance. Who on earth could it be?


"Gabrielle? Can you tell who that is? Could it be....a SAVAGE!?!"


Suddenly this feeling was upon me for the first time today....a flicker of a memory...

As the gentleman laid his coconut shell scooter to the side, I heard Gabrielle exclaim, "...A fine specimen of a savage too. Quite…well grown. Look, his name tag says 'Hi, my name is Templeton'. How friendly!"

Even as I suggested that the only way to secure our freedom might be a Duchess Sandwich, I was still attempting to make sense of what my mind was trying to tell me.

"You know this savage from somewhere other than here. You have dealt with him before."


Mentioning something about the Liberace Deli - "Is that in the Bronx?" I wondered - his voice trickled down to a low pitched "woof" as Gabi and I stripped down to our corsets.

The effects of the Duchess Sandwich soon became obviously known, and I thought that we were going to win the freedom of Gnarlihotep, if he had in fact been captured by this man and his tribe. His tribe? Yes. I could sense the eyes hiding behind the bushes and trees. They were out there. He kept calling for things from the Liberace Deli. Mustard. Mayo. Large dill pickles. Boiling water. Double-sized pot. Really. I did not think this was the time to bring the ceremonial herb out, but.....

Wait!

Suddenly it dawned on me! I know this savage. I met him years before. Where? When?

I was on assignment with the Royal Society in Lauk....yes...in Lauk. I had been sent there as a novice scientist/explorer along with Professor Krogstad because of my adventuresome streak and my interest in other cultures. I was to study the yet undocumented nutritional habits of the Itchysporkchowchow tribe.

Having come into Lauk with high ambitions and lot and lots of tchotchkes to give as gifts to the tribal elders, we were fairly successful in our quest initially. They allowed us to study them from just outside the village seeming to enjoy the opportunity to have their pictures sketched for publication; even allowing the odd photograph to be taken with Professor Krogstad's new-fangled camera.

I suppose in my youth and inexperience I became too bold. I went into the village a number of times on my own, feeling completely safe in the presence of the young members of the Itchysporkchowchow tribe. The last time I ventured in...this man...this Templeton captured me. He bound my feet and hands and tossed me into a cook pot. This man!! I was lucky to get away that time....but that is another story.

What is he doing here on a mysterious island just off the coast of Caledon?

At the moment of this realization, I heard more than felt Gabrielle fall against Templeton's back. This pushed him into me. Gabi fell softly to the sand beneath our feet. She seemed OK. Just a little green about the gills.

Now what would I do? I confess my anger was barely held in check. I turned around to face Templeton and made some comment about an open-faced sandwich as I tried to keep him...erm...engaged needing to plot my escape and how to get Gabi out along with me.

I let my hand slide down my thigh and felt the comforting steel of the dirk held in place by my garter. Sir Telemachus and Sir Hotspur had advised that I should keep weapons by my side at all times. My father would have agreed, and this was the dirk he had given me so long ago before sending me on my way for Intelligence Service training. Bless him. But since none of them were around to keep me safe and out of trouble now, I would need to act quickly if Gabi and I were to get away. I hoped that my MI-5 training, and all the recent weapons work in the Loch would serve me well.

"Well you wanted adventure, Duchess." I could hear Lady Kate saying.

As Templeton was occupied with the rest of me, I slid my hand under the lace corset skirt. Rapidly pulling the dirk out of my garter, I tried to simply injure the man enough to get away. We would need to question him about his involvement in the appearance of the volcano. I struck him once on his thigh near his groin. He yelled out in pain, drawing several of the tribe from the bushes. Grabbing my wrist, he tried to make me drop the knife. I held fast and wriggled my way around to his back. He still had my wrist, but I was able to find the fleshy, exposed arse (never wear assless chaps in the jungle...good lord, who is this man's fashion consultant?). I lunged at it repeatedly. One hit. Two. Three. Four. Finally the wretched man released me as he grabbed his bum in pain.

Yelling Gabrielle's name and shaking her did nothing to rouse her. My poor Gabrielle. We had to get away. As I was bending to lift her, I was grabbed from behind. This time by several rather smelly men in matching bowling shirts. My dirk was now knocked from my hand, and despite my efforts to free myself - I did get several swift kicks to hit "home" on a few of the lads - there were too many. They had me. That wretch Templeton, yelled something about teaching me to sign my name to the check before dinner is over, and then hit me over the head with his coconut shell scooter.

Searing pain.

Then darkness.

Now here I sit in this pot of water. God! I hope some of the others miss us soon.

What did Templeton mean? Sign the check? Hmmm.

Journey to....Mysterious Island: Crash! HRONK!

After many days (God knows why it took so long since I can ride my horse or fly from sim -to-sim in a matter of minutes) at sea observing the volcano from the ever-shrinking distance and carefully taking measurements on the scientific instruments provided by the Royal Society Offices, we finally heard a sound from overhead. Well, we had heard many sounds coming out of the crow's nest, but I really should not repeat those in polite company. Mind you we discussed it no end around the card table in the evenings whilst playing, talking, and drinking, but that is another story.

"Land HO!"

Not generally being used to hearing that term used outside the context of one of Carntaigh's raves late at night, the first response from many of the ladies' lips was, "Yes?" Then realizing where they were, there were furious blushes from the ladies, and several coughs from the gentlemen.

"I beg your pardon." was naturally the next response.

Having sailed on numerous occasions with the Royal Society Expeditionary Group, in service of Caledon, and with a few close friends, I knew that the boy in the crow's nest was not addressing the group, but notifying us that he had spotted land. Really - we had been watching Phillip grow closer for days....but it was his job.



And so the group began excitedly preparing for our landing on Phillip. There was much debate about the best approach: immediate penetration, careful circling, dropping anchor and watching, jumping on dingies, &tc.

Suddenly a rather angry voice called out of the apple barrel: “Before you all go dashing onto the damn beach maybe you should let the kitten OUT of the bag before she FREAKIN‘ suffocates after all this DAMN time? JEBUS!”

Miss Kiralette? Many exclamations hit the air, which were once again, not repeatable in polite company.



Just as I was walking over to the barrel where the dear kitty was hiding...

CRASH!!

I found myself in a pile of arms and legs, and apples. It rather looked as though Dr. Sputnik had been involved in a Duchess, Duchess, Baroness Triple Decker Sandwich gone wrong. Kiralette's luxurious, if rather cider-scented, tail was wrapped around my head.

"Good Lord!" I exclaimed as I picked myself up on the deck and attempted to assist my fellow travelers as well as I could.

It was not long before I saw that the Baron had gotten himself together, walked to the gangway, which had just been lowered by Sparrow's crew, and said, "All ashore that's going ashore."

I shot down to my stateroom and grabbed my bow, and slid my dirk into my garter. Coming back topside, I picked up some of my equipment and gave instructions to Gnarlihotep regarding which other pieces of scientific machinery his young Sherpas should be engaged to carry.

We hit the beach en masse. The ground was covered in a thick layer of ash from Phillip and I took a few samples for Drs. Krogstad and Honeydew. We could see lava flows to the west of us and several decided that we would head that direction in the morning. Darkness was beginning to set in and we needed to set up camp.

The beach seemed the obvious choice for this since the volcano continued to rumble and the lava was still pouring out to the west and possibly the east (there was a red glow all around us). It was too dark also to run into the forest that stood just below the volcano (odd that a full grown forest was here on a newly created island....hmmm....what evil is afoot??).

The crew got camp set-up much more efficiently than anticipated given their laziness aboard ship. I suppose it could have been related to Lady Darkling's persuasive discussion with them earlier. I had seen her talking very closely to them and heard something about using their bones for some ritual or another if they did not get their arses in gear. She is a very motivational speaker.

Gabrielle busied herself setting up her tent and ensuring that her music player and cylinders were usable after the landing. Lady Amber was working on some sort of circle around her tent - perhaps getting ready to place an altar. I was not yet sure.

I found Dr. Sputnik and Miss Lightfoot working on his ETC - muttering something about the "confounded dust and ash", and working on a solution to keep this material out of the inner workings of the machine.

Mr. Abel and Miss Kiralette were busily shepherding the penguins as they brought our equipment out to base camp. Although I heard both of them excitedly chatting about getting on with the adventure and exploration of the island.

Bardhaven was pouring over what appeared to be the map and drawings that Kate Nicholas and Professor Krogstad had provided us. Dagger in hand, point twirling on his chin as he thoughtfully stared at the maps. What plans are being created?

My own tent was successfully in order. Gyroscopes, barometers, steam powered specimen collectors all seemed to be in order. What the dear little Sherpas apparently forgot on board ship were my personal essentials: hammock, mosquito netting, tea set, cask of whisky. Grumbling I determined that I would head back to the ship myself to pick up a few things and see if any of the penguins were at hand to assist.



Finding the ship essentially empty, and quiet, the temptation to remain on board in my stateroom for the night was too great. I slipped into my lingerie and slid into bed. Shortly I was sound asleep.

At some point in the night, however, I became quite restless - almost fitful.













A dream.....no wait!

A NIGHTMARE!



I woke up in a cold sweat. I was screaming! HRONKING!

What?

I DO NOT HRONK!

Then I saw him. That damnable little penguin who had been following me for the entire journey thus far. HE was the one who gave me nightmares! What is he doing in my bed??



GNARLIHOTEP ABEL! GET YOUR BLOODY ARSE ON BOARD THIS SHIP RIGHT NOW!!

Journey to....Mysterious Island - A Journey of Titanic Proportions

Watching from the bow of the ship, Aronnax, as the last of my equipment was sent below decks, I reminisced about the last time I sailed on her. It was another voyage for the Royal Society; a voyage that took us in search of Scylla and Charybdis. I shivered at the thought of the peril that we faced on that trip. Professor Krogstad barely made it back to Caledon with us in one piece as the angry heads snapped him repeatedly whilst he was taking measurements and recordings, and Kate nearly lost her life when she fell into the whirlpool.

Shaking those memories from my mind by taking the flute of Dom Perignon offered by Gabrielle, I went back to the work at hand. I carried a heavy small box with me to the prow of the ship. We were now underway to Phillip, and were making fairly good time at what the captain had estimated to me was about 5-10 knots at present. It seemed a good time to set up the theodolite for the accurate surveys we would need as we approached the volcano. I placed the box on the ground, walked as far forward on the prow as possible, and sipped the champagne. Mmm. Yes. The divine taste for which Dom Perignon is renowned. As the last golden drops fell from the flute onto my lips and tongue, I closed my eyes and felt the wind flowing through my hair and gown. We were not yet so close to Phillip that the air was intensely hot or acrid. As I stood there for a moment with my eyes closed enjoying the sensations taking over me, I heard what sounded like singing coming from - of ALL places - Phillip. I kept my eyes closed and concentrated on the sounds which were floating on the air. Low. Rhythmic. Enchanting. My hips began to sway almost involuntarily almost as if I had heard those sounds before. But how would that be possible? I had barely begun to attempt an answer to that question when I sensed a presence behind me.

Movement - slow movement.

Nearly silent.





Standing still with my eyes now open, I caught a familiar scent. A musky cologne. Then a whisper in my ear as he stood there behind me on the prow of the Aronnax.

"I'm the King of the World."

Turning my head slightly I felt and saw Lord Bardhaven standing just behind me. Darkened spectacles hiding his eyes as always. Breath hot on my cheek. Hands playing with my....... theodolite.



"Are you now? The King of the World?" I asked voice low and a bit husky from the salt air. "And when were you elevated to such great heights, laddy boy?"

The Baron merely smirked. Then responding in a low - almost hissing - voice, "It was merely a moment's dalliance as I saw you looking quite the siren here on the bow of the ship. But, surely Your Grace, you know I always have a thing or two in my pockets that may be pulled out as a situation warrants. Title is but one of them."

"To be sure. Satin ribbons. Hand-cuffs. Blindfolds. Cat of Nine Tails." I detailed.



Oddly, I realized that I had begun fanning myself furiously even though the breeze off the sea was strong. Anyway...

I turned to face him fully and took the instrument from his hand.

"Have you the pole in that pocket of yours, then?"

He curled up one corner of his mouth as he began, "Well now, Your Grace, perhaps you would like to place your....."

Interrupting, I said, "No. I doubt that you have the detachable model #657-03, which is the only one that will fit this particular...theodolite. Never mind searching through your pockets. Do be a dear though, ‘Mr. King of the World’, and hand that pole in the box out to me. I need to get the equipment set up."

Chuckling, the Baron deftly handed out the required piece of equipment. Just as I was setting the post, I caught sight of our illustrious Captain Sparrow sliding willy-nilly across the deck as he nearly fell over himself running down the stairs to us.

"Captain? Are you quite all right?" I said with an arched brow and a grin.

"Savvy! Without doubt, Yer Duchessness, Ma'am. Just thought I heard that we had high ranking royalty on board. I mean higher than yerself and the other Duchy-girl. And of course I was wonderin’ whether there might be more money to be had….I mean more make-up….or rather, whether further special accommodations needed to be made."

“No Captain. No one is higher than the Duchesses on board this ship.” Bardhaven crooned.

I scanned the deck quickly to make sure that no one had found my stash of ceremonial herbs and my hookah. Then I chuckled a little at Lord Bardhaven, turned and began to put the instruments use.

One again the music came to me. This time it seemed that the Baron and even our strange ship’s captain heard it on the air for they stopped their bantering and turned towards Phillip. The music was otherworldly and driving. My body longed to move to these sounds yet again, but my mind was more fully in control this time. Spinning on my heel, I turned and seeing that the good captain had a telescope on his person, I pulled it from his belt (oops that was apparently holding up his belt. “Sorry there Captain.”) and searched the island for clues to this music.

Lady Darkling had emerged from below decks with Miss Lightfoot. They were both now looking at the mountain. It was clear they heard the music as well since both of them seemed to be engaged in animated discussion and were spinning around together.

The ship was now fairly buzzing with activity. All our party seemed to be manning the rails anxious to see what might await us as we came nearer the island. One could almost hear the thoughts and questions in the minds of our group as they stood there transfixed:

What danger lurks within the lava flows and steam vents?
Who or what is creating the music that we keep hearing?
Is there an evil mastermind behind this sudden upheaval in the Caledonian Sea?
Will they be selling plots? Or subplots?
Who will serve tea?
Are the public restrooms clean?
Is there a public house?
Will there be trees to climb?
Will there be artifacts to plunder and sell at ridiculously high prices on the black market?
Dear God, let there be a higher form of life found here. I need more intelligent conversation.
Hronk!

Hronk? Well now that caught my attention. Turning slowly around I saw one of Mr. Abel’s young Sherpas standing there looking at me. Actually, he was staring at me as if I were a dish of fine smoked salmon with a little caviar and crème fraiche.

I will tell you, I felt more that a bit odd about the way he was watching me. “Mr. Abel! Would you please get Pengi here back below decks?”



Next time: A surprise guest.

Journey to.....Mysterious Island: Eva's Preparation

After completing my packing list whilst having tea with Gabrielle, I decided that I needed to get back to Loch Avie and have my own crates and trunks brought into the manse so that I could begin preparations for the journey to Phillip.

So many things were running through my mind.

Obviously the sudden appearance of Phillip seems to point to sinister things. I began to wonder who or what might actually be controlling this....the forces of nature. I heard rumors while I was riding around the Cay earlier that Baron Bardhaven - a member of my own court - might have planned this. Perhaps it is true, but I find it hard to believe that he would have done such a thing without first warning me, as he generally does out of respect (or just to see me squirm), when he has plotted some devilish event.

Now that my "invitation" to join the circus - or rather, the expeditionary team - to Phillip had arrived as predicted, I also wondered about the other members of the group. All are familiars:

Dr. Oolon Sputnik, whose powers as Timelord should offer obvious advantages. I understand that he is likely to bring his companion along. She is interesting and delightful by all accounts, and I certainly have no objections to this as long as she will pull her weight in the work of the mission.
Gnarlihotep Abel. A grand adventurer and the owner/trainer of what will be our Sherpa fleet. The penguins.
Lady Darkling Elytis. Despite her recent bouts of falling out of thin air, or off of roof tops, her powers of divination and other magik are well-known. And she has always been a bonny raving companion.
Lady Amber Palowakski. The spirits are strong with this one, too. This assumes that she does not dip into the imported or distilled spirits too often along the way. With the three of us (Lady Darkling, Lady Amber, and me) on board, the God and Goddess should never be far from the expedition's side.
Her Grace Gabrielle Riel. She is convinced to come along, and tells me that she has received her letter of invitation as well. She will bring fight and fire to this adventure - Phillip may have met his match. And she does have the music for the parties in the event that we need to entertain ourselves or the natives.
Zealot Benmergui, Baron of Bardhaven. Of which much has been written, but little evidence found. He who would lead this group to Phillip with uncertain motives.
And me. Duchess. Scientist. Distiller (that bit should also come in handy along the way). I have some knowledge of intelligence work and battles.

As I went about the house thinking about this motley crew, and collecting the items I needed, I decided that there were a few things to do before heading to the dock.

Calling on my Knight, Sir Telemachus, I requested some instruction and sparing with the new bow that I had just received from the north lands.

I certainly want to be prepared for any eventuality. Who knows what lurks underneath that mountain?

Sir Tele is a fine instructor - and perhaps was not running as fast as he normally would have - but I think my skills with this bow are improving.

Once that was completed and Sir Telemachus was thanked and charged with care of the Loch in my absence, I returned to my private chambers to check on the readiness of the crates and changed into some proper adventure attire.

Bows, pistol, Claymore, sword, dirk, whisky, ladies spy camera, clothes....

Then decided I should swing by the offices of the Royal Society for a few pieces of equipment and to determine if Kate had any of the data from Phillip interpretted as yet.

Yes - I believe we will need some of this equipment.

Ah yes, the hygroseismogrometer...just what we need on the island.

Here is the data I was looking for, along with several files on the team members. I note that Lady Darkling's file is quite a bit thicker than I would have imagined. I really had no idea that she had been published so frequently. I really must sit down to some herbal tea with her and discuss these articles.

Some of the data requiring further study, although I did sign off on this yesterday.

This was on the desk as well plus several other notebook entries, which may be found at the Offices of the Royal Society.

In a few hours we will be underway......

Journey to....the Mysterious Island: Eva Plans Her Adventure

Running Bucephalus wildly through the streets and greens of Caledon to get to the sight of what Kate described in her message to me as a bloody large, fire-spitting volcanic island just north of Caledon Cay, my mind was racing. Bucephalus and I had to jump over any number of objects and people in our way as everything and everyone had been dropped when the earth began to quake and the smoke and fire were seen. In fact, I barely made it over my friend, Sir Amplebeak Tinlegs, as he appeared from out of nowhere in our path. Shouting apologies behind me, we kept moving toward the growing haze and heat. What a sight we must have been as I rode hell for leather astride the horse in my silk day gown, ribbons and laces streaming behind me.

We pulled-up fast as we hit the dock area and scanned for Lady Kate and Sir Adso. Finding them at the front of the crowd, I urged Bucephalus on through the throngs staring wide-eyed and mouths agape at the newly created island in the middle of the sea.

“Insula magna atque ignea!” Kate shouted, now sounding more like herself. Adso was taking notes like mad in his leather-bound notebook. Kate was standing at the Royal Society’s base camp on the dock monitoring the seismodysgraphic, lavadralic and geometaphysicagorical instruments. She estimated that further quakes would shatter all of Caledon asunder “real soon”. Something must be done. She and I were in obvious agreement with that notion. Sharing with me that she had been developing a plan for the scientific exploration and observation of the island, she huffed that she had needed to spend nearly all of the reserve funds of the Society on bribes to get Hatshepsut out of St. Petersburg.

Just as I was about to offer funds from my private accounts, Lord Bardhaven stepped forward, looking rather dramatic in the glow of the nearby volcano. The shadow and light gave him a vaguely seductive appearance as he approached us with the flash of a smile. I let him speak wondering what he may be planning.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of my cousin, the Duchess of Carntaigh. She appeared well, if rather flushed from the heat and excitement. (Come to think of it, I have seen her look that way several times before.) I nodded to her and she gave me a look that told me she had just heard the same offer come out of the Baron’s mouth as I did.

I couldn’t help but overhear that you are a bit strapped for operating funds, vis a vis, an expedition to dear Phillip out there.” he intoned, a genial, friendly smile on his face, white teeth reflecting volcanic hellfire. “I think I could see my way clear to underwriting such important work pro bono…of course, quid pro quo, ipso facto, there would be certain…accommodations I would demand, ad nauseaum, habeas corpus, e pluribus unum.

Kate rapidly took the Baron up on his offer thinking she had no other choice. I smiled knowing that my adventure was at hand. As Lord Bardhaven turned to speak to one of the urchins groping him and trying desperately to entice him to drink the cranberry juice and tea they were selling as Lava Lightning, I spoke rapidly to Kate.

“Grafinya darling, now that the Royal Society is funded for this expedition and research, I want you to ensure that I am among the group.”

Looking as though she thought of denying this “request”, she then seemed to think better of it and nodded her agreement stating that she and Adso would stay in the Cay and monitor the situation from here. She murmured something about a pyschological study of Caledonians related to the stress induced hysteria that has been so evident over the last hours as well.

“Oh and Kate?”

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“Do make sure that Gabrielle is part of the team. I may have to drag her along, but she really needs to join in on this. I think it will do her a world of good to think of something other than parties and social events. That girl is firey and I would have her on my side in any battle…and this looks to be a battle against nature….or some force equally as strong.”

I knew she would readily agree for she has as much respect for Gabrielle’s ability and natural talent as I do.

Settled then.

I whistled for Bucephalus who came trotting through the crowd now surrounding the Baron, who looked most distressed to be touched by so many with so much dirt under their finger nails. Seeing that he could use a rescue - and since it was on my way - I rode through the group and dispersed them long enough for my dear Lord Bardhaven to move to his carriage. Lady Bardhaven would never have forgiven me if I had allowed him to be late for his dinner were it in my power to prevent such a thing. And in this instance it was.

Bucephalus and I found my cousin. She is quite athletic and limber even in her long gowns and petticoats, so I helped her up onto the horse and took her to her cottage where we washed our hands and faces, sat down to tea and began to make our packing lists.
My list:

Binoculars
Notebook
Seismograph
Pith helmet
Butterfly net
7 pairs of silk stockings
7 corsets – nighttime wear
4 corsets – day wear
thongs
calipers
dirk with garter
garter belts
Cask of Uisge Beatha
Silk sheets
Champagne
Grammaphone
Guns and amunition
Ornithopter
Leather adventure gear

…..and so on…prepared for any eventual need


We know the call will come, we simply don’t know when. But we will be packed and ready to go. Now to call the stable hands to bring our trunks 'round.

An itch that needs to be scratched

Caledon has been so lovely of late. Summertime events. Relay For Life now successfully completed. Dancing and talking with friends. Carriage rides through the towns. Picnics on the green. Despite all this, you may have noticed that many of my recent activities have taken me further afield and into different circumstances. Although, I continue to enjoy planning future events - really now, those of you who know me know that I LOVE planning events for Loch Avie and for Caledon - and spending time with my wonderful friends and neighbors, I find that I have a desire or need to have an adventure. Here or elsewhere.

Perhaps because I am descended from the warriors and strong women of old and those who fought bravely at Culloden, and having been trained by my father and his clansmen (as his only heir) in the finer points of exploration, intelligence gathering, and combat, I find my mind drifting toward some greater adventure. Or maybe it is the scientist in me that needs something greater to occupy my time. Just a mid-year itch? Who knows?

I decided to have a walk the other day to clear my mind and try to determine the cause of this wanderlust.



As I roamed around the Loch, I found Professor Krogstad (Sir Adso), digging in the glen near Nellie's cove.



Excitedly he told me that he believes that he has found remains of a Bronze Age person right in my back yard! I am so pleased for I delight in history and discovery, too.



He has certainly found his adventure for some time to come. Perhaps he will need some assistance from me, although, he assured me that Lady Kate Nicholas is planning on assisting with this dig personally. I suspect they have begun to unlock some mysteries, and I am sure we will all know more about that soon.

Last evening I found myself again searching....seeking....planning. What would I do next?

Where would I travel?

The others in the Royal Society seem to be well occupied at present. Perhaps I should contact Sir Telemachus regarding the combat system testing. Perhaps I should contact Colonel O'Toole to see where the Explorers are headed next. Perhaps Her Grace Primverness and I might take another run together somewhere. The possibilities are really endless. I simply must find the key.

Suddenly as I paced the upper level of the manse, an enormous shock-wave hit the Loch. As I was righting myself and trying to return my bookcases to their previous state, I heard what can only be described as a low-pitched rumble. The kind of rumble that one feels in one's bones. I was fairly vibrating from it. I looked out the windows and around my surroundings finding that Nellie was extremely upset and and thrashing about in her cove. Lady Kate and Sir Adso were quickly covering the dig and heading to the Royal Society Offices. Then climbing to the top of the tower, I saw what appeared to be smoke and ash billowing over Caledon from the direction of the Cay.


What is God's name has happened?

Perhaps my adventure has found me.

It begins here.