Return to the drawing room

Following their encounter with the manservant and their subsequent departure from the Kitchen, the five former bus passengers, Kurt, Manny, Roland, Hal and Richard find themselves back in the drawing room of the Black Chateau. They are seated on the white chaise longue, or in the black chairs, or leaning against the sideboard containing the decanter. The sky outside the darkened window continues to hurl wind and rain against the layerred glass. The picture of the house hangs still hangs on the wall, and the child's doll rests on on chaise longue.

There are faint muffled sounds that carry through from the Kitchen, but the heavy metal doors hide much of what might be happening back in that direction.There is silence amongst the men for a moment, but an anticipation. Who will be the first to put into words the thoughts that must be occuring to them all? It seems they have things to discuss.

Richard, leaning against the sideboard and having serious thoughts about pouring another brandy, scowls slightly before speaking.

"There's clearly something very odd going on here, and as it seems that the only person present other than ourselves is an imposing but mute manservant, we'll have to look elsewhere for answers. That does suppose that answers are what we all seek; I for one do not wish to stand idly by while we all collapse and hallucinate!"

"Gentlemen, we need to get to the bottom of this, so let's see what we can fathom, yes? Our bus crashed off the road due to a post and chain wrapping themselves around the rear axle. An accident? Could be, the fierce weather we're experiencing could have washed the post down from an embankment above the road, perhaps something neglected since the War. The other facts are thus: we're sheltering in a bizarre building built atop an old chemical weapons facility. The building is owned by someone who appreciates art and architecture, although it seems the owner is not present. I believe we have explored the majority of this floor, and have not found much. Did anyone find a map, or plans for this building? Or does anyone have anything to add to what I have said?"

Manny says,

"Maps and plans would be useful, yes, because I feel there is something in the very walls of this house. But we must think about the visions we have seen. it is too many now to be coincidence. Are they linked somehow? It cannot all be ascribed to chemicals and head-wounds."

Manny waits, in a way he still wants to be convinced of a rational explanation, but the time for that has passed. All he knows is that he doesn't want to wait around to be served the stew they saw the manservant cooking

Kurt doesn't really have any answers at this stage. He probably need to discuss further with the rest before coming up with any ideas. It occurs to him that it is possibly some sort of device in the house causing the fits? He doesn't think he can rely on the others really. Not that he doesn't trust them - he just doesn't know them well enough. A couple of them strike him as a bit hysterical so probably can't be counted on if the chips are down. He's thinking they need to explore more of the property and will suggest that, but is open to other suggestions as well.