All of our adventures seemed to start with us travelling on a vehicle of some kind. This time, it was a horse-drawn cart, plodding steadily along the icy country roads. Professor Hershel Layton and the farmer who had kindly given us a lift sat in the front, while Flora Reinhold, my little brother Luke Triton and I sat on the straw in the back part. The straw was actually quite nice to sit on, and Flora was already asleep. Luke was dozing peacefully, his head rested on my lap. The chickens tethered next to me clucked drowsily. The sun was low in the sky, but the late afternoon light wasn't enough to warm the snow-covered hills too much.

I should probably explain about myself, and how I fit into the story. My name is Charlise Triton, and I'm twenty-three years old, ten years senior to Luke. I study archeology under Professor Layton at Gressenheller University in London. I have subtly followed my brother and the Professor on their adventures, preferring not to get caught up in it too much. I had seen Layton adopting Flora in St Mystere, witnessed a death-causing box being opened in the supernatural village of Folsense, and watched as an enormous mobile fortress tried to destroy London. And now, Professor Layton, Luke and Flora had found themselves in another adventure, in which I had come along for the ride.

"So, Professor," I said. "Why are we traipsing through the countryside on such short notice?"

"Patience is a vital virtue for all ladies, Charlise," he answered, turning to smile at me. "You will find out with Luke and Flora when we arrive."

"Where?"

"You'll see." Layton turned away. "Ah, we're almost there. Down this way if you please, my good man." The farmer nodded, and directed the horse down a small lane to the right. Twilight was upon us now, and I was glad Flora and Luke weren't awake to see the eerie shadows cast by the trees.

The lane twisted and turned, finally ending at a huge manor house. It was plain spooky, with the moon rising behind the trees and the dark spires of the manor's towers blotting out many of the stars. A light drizzle threatened rain. The cart pulled up beside the doorway, and I gently shook the two teenagers awake. Professor Layton helped Flora and I down, and let Luke jump down as he wished.

The cart rumbled away down the road as the Professor knocked smartly on the manor's front door. A smartly dressed butler opened it promptly. He was a small, thin man with smile lines and a bright grin on his face.

"Another guest!" he squeaked. "How delightful! Please, come inside!"

"You must be Wadsworth," smiled Layton. "My name is –"

"Don't tell me!" Wadsworth put his hand up theatrically. "I don't want to know! Your fake name for tonight, however, should be introduced."

"Ah yes," said Layton complacently. "I forgot about that; thank you for reminding me. My name is Mr Green. These are my wards, Freyja and Nathaniel, and Nathaniel's sister, Jennifer." I smiled at Flora and Luke's expressions at their new names. I really didn't mind mine. Jennifer was a perfectly respectable name for anyone.

"Very good, Mr Green!" Wadsworth stepped aside to let us through. He took our overcoats, tried unsuccessfully to take the Professor's hat, and showed us into the library, where five adults were waiting, delicately sipping at glasses of champagne.

"More people?" sniffed a tall red-dressed lady who looked like she was trying to look my age but actually looked her own – thirty at least.

"I believe we are the last," said Layton. "If the butler's locking the door was any indication."

"He locked the door?" A military-type man with a startling brush moustache raised his equally astonishing eyebrows.

"I told you it was a conspiracy," muttered an eccentrically dressed, somewhat elderly lady with winged spectacles.

"There is not enough substantial evidence," argued a young man with a loud bowtie, round spectacles, and holding a clay pipe in one hand.

I noticed that one person had remained silent. A haughty lady wearing a black evening dress and blood red lipstick looked on at the conversation almost sulkily. When she saw I was looking at her, her scowl deepened.

I couldn't help a cold shiver running down my spine. Who were these people? Why were we here?

It wasn't long before I found out.