1. Folly

I've just realized I'm the biggest fool on earth.

Grandma Grace died from cancer, so I went with the Holts to her funeral, that's when I made my biggest mistake.

During the funeral, some of the people attending were invited to Grandma Grace's will reading, including me. It was said that we are part of the greatest family ever, the Cahills. I know that. And I know that I'm part of the dumbest branch of four branches of Cahill; the Tomas. The Holts, my mother's family, are also part of it. I've been living with them ever since my father's death and my mother's disappearance. Life with the Holts s like hell. I get constant beating from Hamilton "Hammer" the oldest son and Madison, one of the twins. Reagan, the other twin, is nice to me, though.

And then we were given the choices; one million dollars or a clue.

You see, the whole Cahill family are into this scavenger hunt for 39 clues that might make the finder the greatest man of history. Many have searched for the clues and failed to find even one—even died in the process, but now it's practically under our noses. But the compared to one million dollar, why choose the clue and risk your butt?

Reasonable people should have chosen the money. I should have chosen the money, buy a nice little flat far from the Holts and the other Cahills and live peacefully on my own, but no, I have to pick the clue.

That's what my mistake was.

What got into my mind? I wouldn't stand a chance, I might even get myself killed considering how ruthless the other competitors are. They would do anything to be one step ahead. And I definitely lacks support. Everyone went as a team—except cousin Irina Spasky and Alistair Oh, but they are all experienced—and they all have resources. Ian and Natalie Kabra have money; The Starlings sure have people backing them up; Jonah Wizard the rapper has fame; Amy and Dan Cahill were close to Grandma Grace and she must have given them a lead or two, The Holts at least have on another although I wonder why the Holts have to take the clue. They are too stupid; well Reagan is rather smart, but nobody listens to her.

And when the Holts enrol their 'family' team, they definitely leave me out, despite I've been living with them for ten years.

I don't even know where to start.

RESOLUTION

The fine print to guess,

Seek out Richard S…

What the hell is this supposed to mean anyway?

"Miss Cailin Kahl, isn't it?" I see Mr. William McIntyre, Grandma Grace's solicitor, approaching me.

"Yes?"

"I wish you luck," he says.

"Thanks."

Then Mr. McIntyre leaves. The other teams also have left. I am alone. I sink deeper into the sofa, clutching my lucky wooden sword, hoping it might give me some inspiration.

2. ALLIANCE

I fell asleep.

How can it be? I look around the room. I'm all by myself; in a recently dead woman's house, no less!

Why the hell it's so hot here? I mean, this place is air conditioned, isn't it? Even though it's not, it can't be THIS hot! I turn to the window. I see smoke. I look out, then I see flame tongue licking this house to ashes.

Then I realize I'm caught in a fire.

Uh-oh, what should I do?

I run to the door. It's locked.

I'm doomed.

I ram the door as hard as I can, yelling for help. The fire hasn't reached this room, but it will. And I have no means to escape. The fire is still burning right below the window, so there's no way I can jump out. If I open the window, the fire might burst right in. I'm hopeless. There's no use hitting the door or screaming till my voice is hoarse, there's nobody here.

I know I'm dying, and I haven't even started with the hunt yet.

And then the door is slammed open.

A lean figure was standing at the door way, small fires are burning on the hallway outside. And then the figure holds out its hand to me, "Let's get out of here!"

I don't even bother to look who my saviour is.