This choice: They search the room to try and find any clues about what they should do next. • Go Back...Chapter #4Check the Room for Val- I Mean 'Clues'. by: Drakin   "Let's look around," Tabatha suggested, "Maybe we can get a better idea of who lived here."
The others nodded and split up to search the far corners of the room. Only John seemed like he wanted to say something against it, but even as a knight the dragon understood the value of information gathering over rushing blindly into some strange situation. So with Cassy searching what looked to be a writing desk and dresser area, Marty checking through the closet, and Tabitha examining the bed, John shrugged and headed for the bathroom.
It was, as expected of such a huge bedroom, quite the huge bathroom as well. Gleaming white tile covered the floor and every wall, gleaming metal faucets, a tub set into the floor that looked like it could hold ten adults with ease. It certainly was a bathroom fit for a king. John didn't know what he expected to find looking around in there but at least they were covering all their bases then.
Taking the moment to glance in the mirror John admired his reflection. His scales shone a deep forest green in the bright room and his twin horns were still bright and shiny despite their long days on the road. The only thing he didn't quite like seeing in the mirror was the second chin that he'd been growing over the last year or so. The added weight was certainly becoming a hindrance and yet he could never bring himself to do the added training necessary to loose it.
Though the more he looked at himself in the mirror though the more he questioned why he had to loose it. He was strong and brave and could hold himself well in a fight. A few extra pounds wasn't going to change that.
And a few more wouldn't hurt either...
John blinked. Did he really just think that? "I gotta get a hold of myself," he muttered as he turned to continue searching the room. Though what he failed to see was the reflection in the mirror didn't turn with him and instead watched him a moment longer with a soft smile before fading out.
*****
Cassy searched through the desk and dresser, likewise uncertain about what she was looking for. So far the writing desk had turned up nothing but the usual writing supplies and she'd found a number of lace scarves, fancy gloves, and a box of makeup supplies in the dresser. It was all normal for the most part until she happened upon the jewelry box.
Inside was mostly average stuff, a pearl necklace, some fancy earrings, a jewel brooch. but what really caught her eye was a necklace. The jewel in the center was a sapphire and as large as a chicken egg, surrounded by fancy woven gold designs. It was remarkably beautiful and eye-catching.
Now Cassy had never stolen anything in her life, so when she began to put the necklace in her pocket she wondered what the heck she was doing. She rationalized such a beauty didn't deserve to stay in a box gathering dust, but should be shown to the world, possibly in a museum or something. But a deeper side of herself knew she only wanted it for herself and she felt ashamed. Yet try as she might she couldn't bring herself to put it back and it soon found it's way to her pocket.
As she continued to search the necklace was rationalized again and again in her mind even as she slowly started to forget about it.
*****
Marty looked through the closet with some amazement. The walk in was easily a room unto itself, lined with a couple hundred clothes on either side. Most were fancy dress clothes, for both genders weirdly enough, but there were a few day clothes and more casual day wear hung up as well.
The far wall had a collection of various shoes, from the ordinary every day to the fancy dress shoes to a pair of simple sandals. The latter he'd picked up and was examining when there was a call from Tabitha in the bedroom. Not thinking about it Marty shoved the sandals in his satchel and hurried out to join the others.
*****
Tabitha had been examining the bed and the tables beside it when she discovered a book in one of drawers. Pulling it open and flipping through she soon discovered it to be a diary of sorts and called the others over.
"I think this is the diary of whoever lived here," she explained when they gathered around the bed, "This could tell us loads about whoever lived here."
"Well, go on, read it," Marty replied feeling a little eager as John and Cassy gave him a 'tisk, tisk' sort of look.
Tabatha flipped through the diary to the last few entries. "This seems to be where things got interesting. Clearing her throat she began to read aloud.
'January 21st, 960...'
"That's just forty years ago," John mused as he got the glares this time for interrupting. Tabitha cleared her throat and began again.
'January 21st, 960.
'Dear Diary,
It's been a hectic six months but at last the castle is completed. Winthrop, the mage tasked with enchanting the castle, seems most pleased with it's design. Something about the passage ways and the walls being perfectly alined with... something. I'm afraid it was all far too complex for me to understand. But if he's happy all the better. He assured us the castle will be fully enchanted and protected by the end of the month, but I told him to take it easy and relax. No sense rushing the spells and making a mistake. Still such enthusiasm is endearing to see.
'January 28th, 960
'Dear Diary,
I had the strangest sensation I was being watched today. no matter where I went in the castle I felt eyes on the back of my neck. Winthrop says it's my imagination and the anti-scrying spells placed on the castle prevents any magical peeping toms. I've tried to put it out of my mind but I still can't shake the feeling something odd is going on.
'February 4th, 960
'Dear Diary,
Now I'm sure something is going on. Last night I snuck down stairs for a bit of a late night snack and the kitchen wasn't
where it was supposed to be. instead I somehow ended up in the grand hall. I tried to go back to my room but I kept
getting turned around. I finally managed to get back by dawn and collapsed into bed. I wasn't even sure if what
happened was a dream or not, but this morning I woke up and was still wearing my shawl I had wrapped myself in
before seeking out. I'm going to ask Winthrop about this today.
'February 7th, 960
'Dear Diary,
I know it's a little earlier than usual but I'm still feeling uneasy. Winthrop and I had a long talk two days ago. He explained how new magic can sometimes make a enchanted home feel disorienting and cause a few unpredictable results, but it should settle down. That I could understand, but then he went behind my back and hired a new servant girl to attend to me. I know he's trying to be helpful, but it just... I don't know. I know he means well but it feels...
'February 11th, 960
'Dear Diary,
Four days now with my new personal assistant Lina and I wonder about her. Not in a bad way, she'a always super nice and helpful and cheery, but just feels like she's trying to hard. Yesterday she brought me a plate of chocolate bonbons and said they were all for me. She's such a good cook, I ended up eating all of them just to make her feel happy.
'February 21st, 960
Dear Diary,
It's been a while I know, but I just feel like I've been lacking a lot of energy these days for some reason. It's harder to get up in the mornings, and even harder to stay awake through the day. Winthrop has been so nice, taking on the extra burdens of managing the castle while I'm having trouble like this. Hopefully it'll pass before long.
'March 7th, 960
Dear Diary,
I could swear I saw a stranger when I walked into the bathroom. It wasn't until after I yelled I realized it was my reflection in the mirror. What that really me? I hadn't put on that much weight surely. Sure Lina introduced me to the concept of 'Brunch' a couple weeks ago but that can't be it. My clothes are fitting a bit too snugly now anyway. I should ask Winthrop if he can fix that...
'May 6th, 960
Dear Diary,
Wow, has it really been a month since I last wrote an entry. That seems like so long ago somehow... Anyway, not much happening here. Winthrop has taken over nearly fuull time while I recover in bed... Come to think of it I can't seem to recall the last time I was out of bed... Weird... Anyway looks like Lina is here with afternoon tea. I'll write more later.
'July 9th, 960
Dear Diary,
Two months... That can't be right... What is wrong with me? I feel tired all the time now. I sleep whenever I can and yet I'm always tired. Lina says I need to keep my strength up and brings food whenever I ask now. Something feels wrong though... I'm not hungry all the time, but I feel like I could eat at any time now... Ooh... speaking of...
The last entry was so scrawled it was hard for Tabitha to make out.
'December 15th, 960
'Dear... Diary...,
Can't... stop... so... big... but... so... empty... Need... more... Must... have... morrrre...
"Ok," Marty muttered in the silence that followed, "Is anyone else really creeped out by this?"
1.) Suddenly there's a knock at the door, the servant girl has returned.
2.) There a noise from the bathroom. It sounded like shattering glass.
3.) Enough of this, best sneak out and find the treasure before they're discovered snooping.  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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