As there was nothing he could do about it, he quickly showered and left the bathroom in time for the two ladies to start busily fussing around him. He noticed that Ravenscort was casually dressed in denim jeans, sneakers and a long sleeved cotton jumper. Gone was the warrior and in his place was a rather ruggedly handsome thirty-something man.
The two women provided him with similar attire and sent him to try them on in his room. The clothes fitted well over his now toned physique, but the sneakers were a little tight. One of the girls disappeared to find suitable replacements, whilst the other provided several changes of underwear and clothing. In less than half an hour, the men were fully restored and clean and Peter and Ravenscort outfitted in suitable and fashionable clothing.
The ladies left to do their magic on Nightjar. The clock in the room said seven-thirty and so, with thirty minutes before dinner and the briefing, Roger decided to put the television on. Without thinking, he used the remote and began to flick through the channels. Ravenscort, reclining in an armchair, suddenly shot to his feet and cried,
"What in the name of all that is good!"
Peter, realising that Ravenscort had never seen television before, came to the rescue.
"Don't worry, Roger. He's never seen a television before. He lived overseas for most of his life. It's alright, Ravenscort, this is television. You'll enjoy it. Just sit back. This is entertainment here."
It did give Peter a little satisfaction to see the startled look on Ravenscort's face. At least it had wiped off his previous smirk.
Twenty minutes later, there was a gentle knock on the door. Opening it, Peter was surprised to be faced with a very stylish looking young lady.
"Ready for the briefing?" asked Nightjar, and the others quickly joined her and made their way to the Lower Hall.
****
The Lower Hall was of a substantial size. When the castle wasn't booked out by film crews it served as the cafe for visitors and had a definite rustic charm. It was dominated by two particular features. The first was the very large fireplace that held a roaring fire. The smell of burning wood and the snapping and cracking as the logs were consumed produced a warm and homely atmosphere. The second was a pair of enormous antlers that hung high on the wall. The span must have been three meters and Peter could only guess at the size of the giant creature that they would have been attached to. It was clear that this was no hunting trophy. No such beast had lived in recent times.
The room had one long table down the centre and the other Vikings were already sitting enjoying a glass of wine or ale. Debbie Mathers and her assistant, John, were sitting at the head of the table and she indicated for the group to join them. They filled the spare places and a waitress hurried to provide them with drinks. Peter was offered wine or beer, and he didn't hesitate to have a drink. No one questioned his age and in his mind he remembered the face he had seen in the mirror and he let it pass.
Dinner passed pleasantly with chatter and eating. They had forgotten how long it was since they had last eaten and they set to with gusto. Peter felt himself taking fleeting glances towards Nightjar as she sat between Roger, formally known as Hardgrist, and Ravenscort. No one seemed to pay heed to her eyes as they were used to strange sights on a film set. However, Peter found that her presence invaded his thoughts. She really was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She was perfect in every way.
The person who did attract attention though, was Ravenscort. Debbie Mathers seemed captivated by the trekker. She took every opportunity to converse with him and it was clear that she could see him in a leading role in the film. She did seem to be quaffing quite a few glasses of wine during the meal and, as the drink began to take effect, she seemed to become even more interested in the warrior.
At the end of the meal she rose to address the gathering. Glass in hand, she welcomed everyone and informed them that the next day would begin with breakfast at 6.30am sharp and wardrobe and makeup at 7.30am. Apparently, some fairly standard fight scenes were to be shot on the steep internal steps leading up from the courtyard and all those staying in the castle were to be used. The more complex work would be filmed later and stunt performers might need to be brought in. She did point out that, from what she had seen at the re-enactment, she didn't feel this was likely.
"I have every confidence that you will all do yourselves proud." she added. "Costumes will be a little different, but the basic weapons are the same. Those that have your own swords are welcome to use them, but we can provide others if needed. I am so glad you have decided to join us. This will be a great opportunity for you to be part of such a major film project. Now I would suggest we all get some sleep. It is an early start. I will see you all in the morning."
She made her way to leave the room on slightly wobbly legs, but still managed to touch Ravenscort on the shoulder as she passed him.
"Good night, warrior!" she mumbled and then left.
The others followed suit and in a short time all were in their rooms, either in bed or preparing. The castle was dark and the building creaked as the falling temperature shortened the timbers. Out of the window Peter watched the moon rising above the trees and he listened to the call of the night birds. He remembered all that had happened to him in such a short time. What about Nightjar and Ravenscort? How they were feeling in such a strange land. Were the wolves still hunting for him? He relived his experiences with Gorn and how he had tried to take the moonstone from him in the Gill, but in the end he returned to his bed listening to the noises of the ancient castle.
He was awoken by the sunlight through the window. He hadn't thought that he would have slept, but, for the first time since his adventure started he had had a dreamless, deep and refreshing sleep. It was morning and he could hear the sounds of the others getting ready for the day. He jumped out of bed and checked to see if the bathroom was free. It appeared the others had already been in, so he quickly took a refreshing shower, dressed and was ready for breakfast and the start of the new day.
Peter was the last to reach the hall for breakfast and he ate with speed. He didn't have time to say more than 'hello,' before the group were sent off by a rather subdued Debbie Mathers, with the various members of makeup and wardrobe. The next half hour was spent with a variety of preening and polishing to get the appropriate look for the scene to be filmed. Costumes were fitted and, at the end of the time, the group appeared much as they had after the skirmish at the re-enactment. The major change was that the Vikings had now become Scottish marauders. Nightjar, Ravenscort and Peter had similar costumes to their everyday dress and they were equipped with their own blades and the addition of small round shields.
Roger had proven to be an affable character with a wicked sense of humour. He, Ravenscort and Peter had hit it off almost immediately. It appeared he was a mechanic, had his own workshop and, basically, was a little disappointed with all that life had brought so far. He had told them that this filming opportunity was just what he needed. He had experienced recent 'lady troubles' and his re-enactment hobby was the only thing that brought him pleasure in his rather humdrum existence. Peter had sympathised, but thought that he could have done with less excitement in his life.
The fight scene was to take part in the main courtyard. The area was filled with lighting gantries, sound booms and a host of people whose roles Peter could only guess at. It appeared from what Debbie Mather was shouting through a megaphone that the defenders, Peter, Ravenscort, Roger and the Vikings from the re-enactment were fighting their way back up the steep steps towards the entrance, whilst the others, a larger group of mainly professional and session actors, were to drive them upwards. Apparently Nightjar was not to be involved in this scene, and, in fact, no one had seen her since they had left wardrobe that morning.
Debbie wanted a dry run without the cameras and she arranged the defenders where she wanted them, seeming to spend considerable time sorting Ravenscort out. The attackers, she positioned at the courtyard entrance, and she indicated that they we
re to make their way across to the base of the stairs and then engage Ravenscort's group. There were to be two casualties on the attacking side, but the defenders had to retreat back through the gates.
Peter had a quiet word with Ravenscort whilst the Scottish invaders were being instructed.
"Just remember this is 'pretends'! We have to look like we are fighting, but no one is to be hurt and no one is to be killed! Do you understand?"
"I've got it, Peter. No one is to be killed and no one hurt."
Debbie positioned herself behind the cameras, reminded everyone that this was a run through, and then shouted 'action'.
The invaders ran screaming across the courtyard and advanced up the stairs. The defenders advanced down and all hell let loose. With great cries and crashing of steel on steel, and steel on wooden shield, battle commenced. The defenders seemed like men possessed and the attackers, lacking the advantage of fighting downwards, struggled to make any advance. There were shocked looks on their faces and, within moments, real fear as Ravenscort leapt up on the balustrade, waved his great sword in a sweeping arc and narrowly missed decapitating the luckless attacker. With a real cry of terror, he beat a hasty retreat, swiftly followed by the others.
"Cut! Cut!" Yelled Debbie.
Ravenscort, turned to her and shouted,
"I thought I wasn't to injure anyone?"
"Yes! No! I mean. No you are not to injure anyone. Let me explain!"
She led Ravenscort away for a quiet word. There was a lot of mumbling, and a rather confused looking trekker returned to his companions.
"Now that was fantastic, but I need the defenders to retreat. Do you get that?"
There were several nodding heads and Debbie positioned everyone, provided moral support for some very nervous attackers and got the crew ready.
"This time will be a take. Are we ready? Action!"
The attackers charged across the courtyard, shouting and screaming, but maybe a little less confidently, and battle commenced as before. The ferocity was somewhat subdued, much to the relief of the attackers, but Ravenscort, Roger and Peter valiantly beat them back for a while before retreating up the staircase.
Clearly Debbie was very pleased with what she saw, as she had a beaming smile on her face when she shouted,
"Cut! Cut! Brilliant everyone! That was great."
Similar scenes were filmed during the morning and when they cut for lunch everyone felt quite exhausted. Lunch was back in the Lower Hall and everyone trailed through needing a drink and refreshments. Debbie Mather led Ravenscort to lunch with her arm linked in his, chatting all the time.
It was when everyone was settled and there was an upbeat chatter through the meal that Peter realised that Nightjar was still missing. He turned to Ravenscort and asked,
"Have you seen Nightjar? I haven't seen her since we were getting costumed up!"
"No, Peter, maybe she is filming somewhere else."
"I don't think so. Debbie? Do you know where Nightjar is?"
"Oh yes. I sent her to have some special makeup done. She'll be doing some filming this afternoon. The makeup takes a long time to do so she won't be in for lunch."
On that news, Peter felt more relaxed and lunch passed quickly and he couldn't help himself from making a comment to Ravenscort.
"Debbie, the director, seems to be taking a particular interest in you!"
"Does she?" replied Ravenscort.
"Oh yes!" chirped in Roger.
"I wonder why that is?"
Peter smirked as he asked the last question and for the first time he saw a slight blush come to Ravenscourt's face. Roger just laughed heartily and said,
"You'll have to watch that one. I think she means business and I don't mean the film business."
At that point, there was a call for actors to return to the set and they all trooped out to the courtyard. The afternoon sun still warmed the air, but the courtyard was partially in shadow. The tall stone walls dominated the scene and Peter wondered how many real battles the walls had seen. How many men and women had fought and died during the castle's long history? Time seemed to almost ripple and he caught a sight of bloody wars and fighting around him. He got his concentration back and listened to the instructions from Debbie Mather as she organised the next scene. This one involved the capture of one of the attackers and him being dragged, kicking and screaming, as he was thrown into the dungeon.
The cell in the castle was very real and was far smaller than Peter had ever imagined. The dungeon was at ground level and a narrow passageway led through the massively thick walls. The luckless prisoner was thrown in and the door slammed shut. The darkness was complete and Peter hardly dared imagine the fate of others who had been housed there, many years before.
The victim was quickly released, much to his relief. It was crowded in the corridor as cameras and lights had to be in position. This filming took considerable time as different takes had to be done to enable various camera angles. Just as those involved were tiring, Debbie announced that there would be a tea break before they filmed the last scene of the day. This was what Peter was waiting for, as he knew Nightjar would take a part in this one.
It was getting dark at this point and the Lower Hall was bathed in firelight and electric lights. By now everyone was beginning to flag, with the effects of a long day wearing on them. Tea and coffee were well received, as was the rather choice selection of cakes. Roger, Peter and Ravencort chatted together and wondered what the last session would involve; they hoped that it wouldn't last too long. The prospect of a warm shower, good meal and a few drinks was very tempting.
After about ten minutes the electric lights went out! The hall was lit only by the firelight. Silence descended on the hall and suddenly the atmosphere seemed to change and there was a chill in the room. High above in the minstrel gallery there was a movement. It was hard to see what it was at first, but, bit by bit, a figure became visible above them all. A woman appeared and she seemed to glow. A pale light seemed to emanate from her body. This ghostly apparition made the group hold its collective breath as it advanced further into view. The vision was of a woman child. She had an ageless quality and she was dressed in an ivory gown. The face was almost translucent and she had large eyes that held such grief. No sound came from her lips and no footsteps could be heard as she advanced across the gallery. Was there sobbing? No one was quite sure whether it came from the woman or the observers.
The vision continued to move across the gallery and no one in the hall could take their eyes off her. She was lovely, dreadful and totally captivating. No one was sure how long she gazed down on the people below, but she continued her journey, and within moments, began to fade from view.
Everyone was stunned. Silence filled the gap that the vision had left.
The lights came on. Dazzled by the brightness, the actors and crew covered their eyes and suddenly there was a cry.
"Cut! Cut! That's a take. Well done everybody. That's it for the day. We will meet again at seven-thirty for dinner and then a briefing session. Thank you once again. A very successful day!"
It was only then that it dawned on everyone. What they had witnessed was the last filming session of the day. Peter suddenly realised that the woman in the minstrel gallery was Nightjar. This was her role.
"Wow!" said Roger. "I never saw that one coming. That was some performance."
"I'll say!" said Peter. "Frightened the living daylights out of me!"
"She is a bit of a strange one, your Nightjar." muttered Ravenscourt.
"She's not my.. Oh never mind!" Peter replied.
Still shocked, the three made their way back to their rooms to prepare for the rest of the evening. Peter decided that he needed to have a word with Nightjar, but he thought he'd wait until later after dinner.
The rest of the evening passed without event. The dinner was enjoyed by everyone and the vibe within the group was very positive. Debbie Mathers seemed very pleased with the progress. She laid out the plan fo
r the following day and everything was so busy that Peter had almost forgotten what a predicament they were in. Almost, but not completely. He needed to have a good talk with Nightjar and Ravenscort. They had recovered from the recent attack by the once-wolves and now he felt it was decision time.
He caught up with Nightjar as everyone was leaving the hall.
"That was a brilliant performance this afternoon!" He said as they made their way up the staircase to the accommodation block. Nightjar was wearing jeans and a blouse and a gentle smile came to her lips as she replied to Peter.
"Why, thank you, kind sir. I like to impress."
"You always do that!" he muttered back, blushing slightly. "We need to talk with Ravenscort. Much as I am enjoying our stay here, we only have a few more days and we need to have a plan."
"You're right, Peter. Have you thought about what you want to do?"
"Not really, but somehow I feel we need to take the fight to whoever is after us. From what we know, if it is Brother Gorn, he is still hunting for us. I am getting tired of running."
"Look, I agree with you, but we have only been here two days now. We have the rest of the week. Why don't we sleep on it tonight and tomorrow evening we can get together and decide what to do?"
"Okay, but we must remain alert. I do not think Gorn will take long to get back on our trail. He wants the stone and I don't think he will give up until he gets it."
Nightjar took Peter by the arms and looked into his eyes. There was real concern on her face.
"Do not worry too much, Peter. Ravenscort and I will keep our eyes open for any sign of trouble. I am sure we will be okay, at least for the time being."
Without warning, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and went into her room. Peter just stood where he was with a shocked expression on his face.
The Moonchild (The Moondial Book 1) Page 12