Episode 3:The sunken Village
James sat alone in the headquarters and was bored. Matt was on a date with Skara, James had no idea how this pairing came about. But he was happy for his non-biological brother, Rob was in town with Luz, Willow, Gus and Amity. James did not want to get involved in this group, so it was better to sit alone in the headquarters. Bounty chirped happily as always. James would also find that the three could solve a new case again. Since the last case with the chessboard is a month ago. Suddenly, the scroll rang, James answer and hoped for a new case.
James: Yes? James Jones on the scroll.
Viney: James? Here is Viney. From Hexside.
James: Whats wrong?
Viney: Now that it's semester break, I'm not in Bonesborough, I'm currently living in a small town called Boneslake i live here over the holidays.
James: Okay.
Viney: Are the other two also there? Rob and Matt?
James: Nope.
Viney: Um, I have a case for you guys.
James: Oh really.
Viney: Here, in Boneslake, strange things happen. Really scary things, I mean.
James: Aha. You might pique my interest if you were to go into some detail, Viney.
Viney: Um, so there's a lake here.
James: Yeah.
Viney: And the people in Boneslake avoid him. They are somehow afraid of it. No idea. Anyway, I was at this lake.
James: Aha.
Viney: At night. And suddenly the water started to glow.
James: What?
Viney: Yes, to shine properly, as if it were suddenly lava. Or so. And the water is not boiling water.
James: Really?
Viney: The lake glowed and... Dung! My uncle is coming. I have to put an end to it, I'll call again. (hangs up)
James: Weird...
XXX
The road that winded through the narrow valley was little more than a muddy path. The green of the wild meadows passed by the Abonimation Car was deep and wet. Matt couldn't remember the last time he saw a building or even a person on the street. Matt is quite nervous because he recently passed the driving test for Abonimation Cars and he can summon and drive it now.
Matt: [with a shaken voice] Without off-road vehicle... this road is a nightmare. The whole area is a nightmare. We are in the middle of nowhere. If you ask me, friends, then... then it is the most comforting nothingness of all time! [complains] It's a great weekend. Really great! I wanted to go out with Skara this weekend and drive her around. But noo!
Rob: Oh no! Yes, great! Now it's the bleakest nothing of all time, Matt!
James: [very shaken up] I think the two of you have nagred enough.
Rob: What?
James: After all, we are not here for pleasure in this titan-abandoned area.
Matt: [very shaken up] Di... Di... Did you hear that, Rob?
Rob: Yes!
Matt: He even admits it! Titan-abandoned!
James: We have taken over a case. And the fact that Viney lives in a titan-abandoned area in the middle of the forest away from the big cities has no influence on the fact that we have agreed to accept this case.
Matt: Yeah, yeah whatever.
Rob: Now drive a little slower, Matt!
Matt: There is no other way!
James thought of Viney's second call. Her voice had sounded quite normal and there had been no more talk of the glowing water. The first detective immediately understood that Viney was not alone and could not speak freely. So he had pretended on the scroll that the Mystery Trio were friends of her who wanted to visit her in Boneslake. On the spur of the moment, James had agreed and had the exact way to Boneslake described. The Boiling rain shower was over, but the sky remained gloomy.
Rob: It's about to get dark.
Matt: Mhm.
James: According to the map, we are already very close. The only thing that irritates me is this mysterious lake that Viney was talking about. He is not on the map here at all.
Matt: Oh... And why not?
Rob: May I give a quick tip?
James: Yes?
Rob: The lake turns out to be a carp pond and the mysterious glow as atmospheric pond lighting, Viney as a weirdo and our new case as a failure.
Matt: [laughs] Yes.
James: Fall over me, make me a snail, if we should have driven 700 miles for nothing, but please only if you have a reason to do so, OK?
Matt: Hm.
Rob: [despirited] Wait. I take everything back.
Matt: Whats wrong?
Rob: James?
James: Huh?
Rob: Take a look! At Right!
James: Where?
Rob: [slightly annoyed] There! There's actually a lake in the back.
James: [surprised] Strange. Wait... [looks at the map] It doesn't even exist on the map. It is so big that it should definitely be on it.
Rob: [whispering] Look. There. The light. There, in the middle of the lake.
James: I can't believe it. And it moves very slowly. It seems to float.
Rob: [whispering] It's scary.
James: Stop the car, Matt.
Matt: Ok, if absolutely necessary.
The engine stops
Matt: And now?
James: Now we get out. Come on.
Rob: What?!
James: Go!
Folding car doors, frogs croaking.
Rob: [whispering] That can`t be.
James: Ohh, this light. It seems as if it came from the lake itself.
Matt: [quiet] It looks like... as if the water were shining.
James: Yeah..
Matt: And... [frightened]
Rob: [whispering] What do you have, Matt?
Matt: [whispering] Back there! There is a man standing on the shore in the back.
Rob: Yes. I see him. He`s old.
James: [whispering] What is he doing now? [scare the boys] He goes into the water. One step at a time.
Rob: Tell me, is he stupid? The water is not boiling water, but nearly no one on this Isles can swim.
Matt: [calling] Hey! Hey, you there! Hello! Come out! Hello!
James: He does not react. He goes on and on.
Matt: [almost panicked] I have to help him!
Rob: Matt, you... you can't...
Matt didn't listen to Rob, even though he can't swim properly himself. Can he still lift himself over the water. He jumped into the water.
James and Rob: Matt!
Matt grabbed the man and tried to persuade him.
Matt: Hello, can you hear me?
Paul Prook: [moaning, incomprehensible] Charly... Boy...
Matt: No, no, my name is Matt Jones. You need to get out of the water immediately. Otherwise you will drown.
the man stammers incomprehensibly
Matt: Come. I'll help you. We have to go to the shore.
Matt brings the man to the shore.
Paul: [stammering] But... It's time. The light... Now it's over.
Matt: What is your name?
Paul: Paul. Paul Prook
Matt: Aha.
Paul: I'm from Boneslake, Charly. Behind the next hill.
Matt: Help me, friends, he thinks I'm Charly.
James: Alright.
Rob: Charly? Come. Come up, Mister Come, we'll take you to... to the car. OK?
Matt: Yes, we carry you.
Rob: Come. Very carefully. Here. To the car.
Matt: So, now we have it.
the car door is opened
Rob: So, and now you get in.
Everyone moans, the car doors are closed.
Rob: How is he doing?
Paul: Boneslake...
James: Is he doing well, Matt?
Matt: I do not know. He has to get out of the wet stuff. This is the first and... and so do I.
Rob: Yeah, yeah.
Matt: Mr. Prook?
Paul: [moaning] Yes... yes...
Matt: Why did you get into the water?
Paul: [Paul Prook stammers something incomprehensible]
Rob: What? What? What is he saying?
Matt: I don't understand a word. He lives in Boneslake, friends. That's where we want to go anyway. I'm going now, because... slowly I really freeze.
James and Rob: Okay.
XXX
The road went straight for a mile. Then she made a wide arc around a grassy hill. Suddenly, the village came into view. On an old, weathered sign stood Boneslake. The houses were all built of wood. It was to be guessed that they had once looked radiant and stately. But that was many decades ago. The paint had long since peeled off and the wood had become dark and stained.
James: Where should we take you, Prook? To your home or...
Paul Prook still stammers incomprehensibly
Rob: None of this is helping, James.
Matt: Brings nothing at all.
James: Stop at the restaurant there, Matt.
Matt: Okay.
Rob: I'll go in and ask, maybe they know something.
Matt: [while Rob is still talking, stuttering] Oohh... Yes, OK. R... hurry up, please.
Rob: Yes. See you soon.
Rob got out and walked into this old-looking restaurant. A few old people were in there.
Rob: Good evening. I wanted to...
Joe Rincox: Did you get lost?
Rob: Uh, no, no Sir, I, I didn't get lost, I, I need your help, very urgently. My brothers and I have just picked up an elderly gentleman who lives here, Paul Prook. Do you know him?
Joe: Paul? Sure, I know him, but...
Rob: Good.
Joe: ... you not. Who are you?
Rob: Yes, that's not important now. Mr. Prook has fallen into the mountain lake...
Joe: What?
Rob: ... we rescued him from the water. He's not doing well at all. He urgently needs to go to a healer.
Rob: Is there a healer here in Boneslake?
Joe: [startled] What? Where is Paul now?
Rob: He's outside in the car.
Joe: Danny! Come on!
Danny: OK.
The two witches ran outside to Paul.
Rob: Uh, maybe you know, sir, if there's a healer here?
Leo: A healer, um, she doesn't come from here, but...
Rob: Do you know where she lives?
Leo: Sure.
Rob: Then please get her here quickly.
XXX
Together, the men took the old man to his house, which was just a little further down the street. The three detectives followed them. Joe and Danny took Prook off, put him in his bed and covered him up to his chin with a thick down duvet. Again and again he was shaken by tremors. Then finally came the healer. Her name was Jenny Clawway. After James explained all the facts to her, she made a serious face.
Paul Prook is still stammering, a clock is ticking very quietly
Jenny: Good. That's all I need to know from you. It was nice that you took care of the old gentleman, but now I have to ask all of you to leave the room immediately! [very strict] Get out of here!
Joe: Yes, yes, OK.
Jenny: Go, go! Hey – you there!
Matt: [bibbernding] Uh... do you mean me?
Jenny: Go to the warm shower immediately, otherwise you will be sick.
Matt: Yes, the... i... I'm going to be... make. Thank you.
Danny: Alright, alright.
The 5 people walked out of the room. Now Joe was looking serious.
Joe: So, boys. Now listen to me.
James: Huh?
Joe: Do you think I'm stupid?
Rob: What?
Joe: You guys don't tell me the whole truth, you're up to something. And it's best to tell me right away what it is.
James: We are welcome to exchange us in more detail another time, sir, but now our brother urgently needs to go to the hot shower.
Matt: Yes.
James: Come, Matt.
They leave the house, a door closes
Joe: [from the background] Hey? It's not that simple!
James: [shouting vigorously] You should not leave your gastronomy unattended for so long! There are still a few guests sitting there!
The Mystery Trio goes in Matt's Abonimation Car. Matt drive off.
Rob: [mad] Such a piece of shit!
Matt: I just want to get to Viney quickly. Where... where... where does she live again, you said?
James: In the town hall. At least that's what she claimed on the scroll.
Matt: Okay.
James: First drive straight ahead, we going to find it.
Matt: Ähä..
XXX
In the dim light of the street lamps, no one could be seen. But the three detectives got the feeling that shadows were moving on all the windows of the houses and that no one had missed their arrival in Boneslake. The street led to a square where there was a small, white-painted wooden church. Right next to it was the stately town hall, on the front of which a large clock had stopped at five to twelve. Matt parked his car in front of the building. And the three question marks got out. Suddenly, the front door of the town hall was torn open and a girl fell into the street.
Viney: There you are finally!
James: Um, yes.
Matt: Hi.
Rob: Hello!
Viney: It's good that you're finally here. Were there any problems? Titan, what happened to you? Did you fall into the water somewhere?
Matt: Yes, s... s... so... similar, I... It would be great if we... we could tell you all this later? I have to warm up first.
Viney: Oh, sure. Come into the house
Viney immediately showed Matt the bathroom on the second floor. And he hurried to get under the hot shower. The others climbed the narrow steps up to the third floor, where the guest room was located. James and Rob purr, a door is opened squeaky
Viney: So, that's it. Not pure luxury, but...
James: Oh, that's enough.
Rob: Yeah.
James: Oh, I have to sit down first. Ah. Oh, what a day. First 700 miles by car and then...
Viney: Yes, exactly, what actually happened? Why was Matt so wet?
James: So...
James and Rob took turns reporting on the events so far and Viney listened excitedly with her mouth open.
Viney: Oh... That cannot be. Paul Prook...
Rob: Mhm.
James: Do you know him?
Viney: Yes, he is a friend of my great-uncle. And he just climbed into the water? The lake is freezing cold. Maybe the coldest lake, well, it's probably the only cold lake.
Cedric: [calling] Viney!
Viney: This is my great uncle. [calling] I'm up here! [quiet] Don't be surprised about him. He is a bit unworldly, but otherwise quite ok.
Rob: [quiet] Why do you live with him? You actually live in Bonesborough as well.
Viney: My parents were of the opinion that I needed a break from the big city. So they shipped me to Boneslake for two weeks. Oh yes, my Grunkle thinks you three are friends from Bonesborough who visit me. He doesn't have to know right away that you are detectives.
James: Aha.
Cedric: Viney. Imagine what I just heard, the old... Oh. Your visit is already here?
Viney: Hello, Grunkle Cedric. Um, that's James and Rob from Bonesborough.
Rob: Hello.
James: Good evening, sir.
Cedric: Shouldn't there be three?
Matt: Here I am! Oh, oh, sorry!
Viney: Matt had to warm up, uncle. He is...
Cedric: Did you fall into the water? Then you were the three boys who rescued Paul from the lake? I was just in the restaurant and Danny and Joe told me everything.
James: In fact, it was Matt who saved him.
Cedric: Thank you, my boy.
Matt: No problem.
Cedric: Don't worry about Joe. He's just a bit rough, but basically a good guy.
Matt: Mhm.
Cedric: So. Now you have to rest, don't you? I leave you alone. If you are hungry, get something to eat, there is enough.
James: Thanks.
Viney: Finally we are among ourselves. What do you think? Can you solve the case? Do you already have a theory of where the strange light in the lake comes from? I immediately thought this was a case for the Mystery Trio. So I called you right away. There is certainly something creepy going on here. And that's what you three specialize in.
James: Thats right, Viney. A mysterious light, a strange village and a tired old man... That sounds like a case for the Mystery Trio.
XXX
It was almost noon when the Mystery Trio struggled out of bed the next day. James decided to visit Mr. Prook first to inquire about his health. On the way there, the three of Viney wanted to know a lot.
Rob: Um... what does your great-uncle do for a living, Viney? Or is he already retired?
Viney: Didn't I tell that?
Rob: No.
Viney: He is the mayor of Boneslake.
Rob: Ahh...
Viney: That's why he lives in the town hall building.
James: Aha.
Viney: But, that sounds better than it is. Boneslake is home to only a hundred people or so. Sooner or later, everyone will become mayor here. And he would have been retired a long time ago. But, there are hardly any younger people in Boneslake who could take over the office. My mother always says Boneslake is dying out.
Matt: Ah.
Viney: About half of the houses in the village are already empty. And in the other half live old people who hardly go outside the door. Is really creepy sometimes, full of ghost town-like.
Rob: Really?
Viney: Yes, the old ones gradually dies, and no one comes to it again.
Matt: Do... don't the witches here have children?
Viney: Yes, but they have all moved away. This is the house of Mr. Prook.
Matt: Huh. I'll ring the bell.
Short ringing, steps, a door is opened
Jenny: Oh, the youthful heroes.
Viney: Hello, Jenny!
Jenny: Viney, how nice. Come in.
Rob: Yes.
Jenny: You probably want to inquire about Paul, right?
Matt: Yes, how... how is he doing?
Jenny: He has a fever.
Rob: Oohhh...
Jenny: Not life-threatening, but Paul is an old man.
Matt: Yeah, yeah.
Jenny: The fever weakens him a lot. Most of the time he sleeps. I was with him all night. Well... Paul no longer has any relatives, like most here in Boneslake. I will probably bury them all gradually and eventually be the last.
Rob: Oh.
Jenny: I've only been living here for a few years, but, but sometimes I have the feeling that Boneslake has been burdened with a kind of curse.
James: Um... Could we have a quick chat with Mr. Prook?
Jenny: I cannot be responsible for that. He's not doing well at all. And when he wakes up in between, he just talks confused stuff.
Matt: What do you mean by that?
Jenny: He constantly talks about a Mara and her children. And then he seems to think of me as a person named Charly.
Rob: Huh... He also called you Charly all the time.
Matt: Yes, Charly... Do you know who he might mean by that?
Jenny: I don't know who Charly is. But I've heard people here talk about him many times. [quieter] No one talks openly about Charly.
James: Aha.
Jenny: But when people get sick, have a fever, or when they struggle with death, they sometimes say things that they would otherwise be silent about. And some have spoken of Charly.
James: Hm.
Jenny: However, I have not been able to find out who Charly is.
Rob: And, what do people say?
Jenny: Some are afraid of him. Others ask him for forgiveness.
James: Forgiveness, for what?
Jenny: I don't know. For me, Charly is the ghost of Boneslake. He haunts people in their worst dreams. And sometimes, if the fever does not go back, he brings them death...
XXX
That evening, the three detectives and Viney decided to go to the lake to find out more about the mysterious glow. When they arrived, however, there was nothing to see of the light. A strange silence lay over everything. And Viney winced anxiously every time a frog squeaked in the immediate vicinity or a swamp bird made itself felt. Matt looked at his watch. They had only been here for half an hour. Nevertheless, it seemed to him as if half the night had already passed. And then it happened. The Mystery Trio and Viney are terrified
Matt: [whispering] The yellow light. It floats above the water... and glides slowly towards the middle of the lake.
Rob: [whispering] Yes.
Matt: What do we do now?
James: [whispering] Waiting and see.
Rob: There. In the center. Glaring light. Looks like the lake caught fire.
Matt: Yeah.
Viney: [loud, frightened] Guys, do you see that? Do you see that? What should we do now? Now say something, you are detectives. You have to know what to do...
James: [energetically whispering] Are you stupid to scream around here, Viney?!
Viney: Um... sorr-
Matt: [startles, whispers] The light! It is extinguished. Now it's dark again.
James: [angry, whispering] Damn crap! You did a great job, Viney!
Rob: [whispering] Quiet! Do you hear that?
Matt: Back there! There's something in the back! Two black figures. [anxious] Monsters!
Rob: Oh, Matt!
James: Nonsense! That's two divers.
Rob: Yes. One pulls something behind him on a rope. That... yes, this is a rowing boat.
Matt: Yes!
Rob: Man, they come here!
James: Behind the bushes!
Matt: Yes! Come on!
The four hid in the bushes and listened to the two figures.
Joan: Oh, now say something, Carl.
Carl: Wh..., what can I say? I think you're hysterical.
Joan: There really was something, believe me! Immediately after you turned on the light under the boat.
Carl: Yes, and, and, what do you propose now, Joan? Should we cancel the action?
Joan: Oh, no one speaks of demolition, Carl. We came here to unravel the mystery of Sandra and find her silver box. And so will we. But, we have to be more careful.
Carl: W... we are super cautious. That's why we dive at night. Already forgotten? Because, because during the day the old man always sneaks around here.
Joan: Perhaps it is this Joseph that we should be wary of? Uh... Sanrda obviously wanted to keep something secret from him. I am not prepared to recklessly jeopardize the contents of the silver box. The people of Boneslake must not get behind what we are doing here. So we have to be even more careful. OK?
Carl: Hach... Yes, good, good, good, Joan. Let's get the boat into the scrub and come back here tomorrow evening.
Joan: Yes, that sounds reasonable.
The two divers hurriedly weighed the rowing boat to the shore and pushed it into a dense scrub of blackberry bushes. Then they shouldered the compressed air bottles and walked uphill until they disappeared behind the next hill. The three detectives and Viney breathed a sigh of relief.
Rob: Man, well, that just went well again. What do we do now, James?
James: Um, the first thing we do is look at this boat that the two divers have hidden. Come, Friends.
The four hurtily ran to the spot, tearing a few bushes to the side.
James: There it is.
Rob: And?
James: [whistles at first] Look at that.
Matt: What is that?
James: This is a halogen spotlight. A waterproof halogen spotlight to be exact. And an equally waterproof cable leads to this thick car battery. Humph... Well, Friends, I'm afraid we've already solved the mystery of the glowing lake in a very unspectacular way.
Matt: Really?
James: If I am not deceived by everything, the spotlight was simply attached to the bottom of the boat and switched on.
Viney: And why the whole thing?
James: Probably to look for a silver box on the bottom of the lake, which a certain Sandra has hidden there.
Viney: And what happens next?
James: Yes, we need to do some research. About the lake, about Boneslake, about a woman named Sandra, a man named Joseph and a silver box. And then I would be interested to know what could still be seen on the water when the lake shone so brightly. I couldn't see it clearly, but it looked almost like a monster head.
Matt: A monster head?
James: Yes.
Matt: What do you mean by that, James?
Viney: [laughs] I know what you saw, James. This is a weatherfairy.
James: Huh?
Rob: How, a weatherfairy? The things are usually attached to church spires and nowhere else.
Viney: It is. On the spire of Titans Heart, the church of Boneslake.
James: Wait a minute... Are you saying that there is a church over there in the water?
Viney: Exactly.
Rob: Huh?
Matt: What?
James: Now I understand. Friends, this lake is not a natural lake, but a reservoir.
Rob: Ohh...
James: Once upon a time, there was just a river here. That's why the lake is not marked on our old road map. When the map was printed, the lake didn't even exist, am I right, Viney?
Viney: That's right.
Matt: How, are you saying that in this valley, through which there used to be only one river, there was a village?
Viney: It, it's still there. It was flooded by the reservoir and is now under water. Only the weatherfairy on the top of the church tower still stands out.
Matt: That's incredible.
James: But, tell me, Viney, when did you actually want to tell us about the reservoir?
Viney: Tell? That's no secret. Everyone here knows that the Boneslake is a reservoir.
James: We are from Bonesborough, Viney. Especially because of you. Do you realize that the fact that we are dealing with a reservoir here could be extremely crucial for solving the case? I just can't believe it. First this shouting earlier and then you also contain us important information before...
Rob: [James talks in between] Now stay calm, James.
Matt: [mad] Stop James!
Rob: Yes, it's enough. Viney, what happened to the people who lived there?
Viney: They were relocated to the new Boneslake, which was completely rebuilt. This is the Boneslake you know.
Rob: Mhm.
Matt: It's completely crazy. And when was that?
Viney: Before... about fifty years ago.
James: Viney, there must be some kind of archive about Boneslake in your town hall, right?
Viney: Sure, there is. There are shelves full of files.
Rob: Aha.
James: Excellent. We need to learn more about the village and the lake. And above all, we should try to find out who Sandra and Joseph are. With a bit of luck, something about the two is listed in the archive.
Rob: Yes, I agree, but you could have done without the "we", James.
James: What?
Rob: Because uh, after all, the area of research falls within my area, doesn't it? Or should you no longer have the text of our card saved on your natural hard drive?
James: [annoyed] Mmmmm...
The others laughed.
XXX
The next afternoon, James, Matt, and Viney entered the filing room at Boneslake Town Hall, where Rob had been eagerly studying papers and documents for several hours.
Rob: [murmuring quietly] That's awesome. OK, that's the biography here...
A door is opened
Matt: [cheerful] Hello! Here we are again!
Rob: Where have you been for so long?
Viney: Hello.
James: [facilitated] Phew... We have circumnavigated the whole lake.
Matt: Yep.
James: We thought, maybe we'll discover something revealing, but nothing.
Rob: Mhm.
James: The boat is still in its hiding place, the boiling rain has washed away all traces, if ever there were any, well, so we don't know where Joan and Carl went last night. And you, Rob? Well, that looks a lot like work here.
Rob: So, um, listen, friends.
James: Yes?
Rob: Almost exactly fifty years ago, the Emperors Coven came up with the idea of obtaining part of its energy supply from hydropower plants and building dams in the future.
James: Aha.
Rob: The valley of the uh, Coldwater River proved to be ideal for a dam project, but unfortunately Boneslake was located in that valley. The village was to be flooded, but of course the inhabitants did not want that.
Matt: Aha. And then what?
Rob: Well, then, of course, the big poker began. The people of Boneslake were offered snails to give up their village and build a new one elsewhere or move away altogether, but the Boneslakers were a very strong village community.
James: That means, they resisted the reservoir project?
Rob: Well, so you can't exactly call it resisting, no. At the very first of many citizens' assemblies on the subject of dams, they decided that they would only be allowed to pass a unanimous decision. No one should be resettled against his will. Only when all residents had agreed to the dam project, they wanted to give the green light to the construction project and the relocation.
Matt: Aha.
James: And, and that worked?
Rob: After enough snails had flowed, yes. Finally, the dam was built and with it the new Boneslake.
James: Hm...
Rob: The inhabitants moved to the new village and the old one was flooded, but...
Matt: Hmm...
Rob: ... the population decreased from year to year, as if...
Viney: Yes?
Rob: ... a curse would lie on the village. In recent years, hardly any children have been born here and when they did, the young families have moved away.
Viney: Yeah.
Rob: Only the old ones remained and they are now gradually dying.
Viney: Exactly. That's exactly what I meant.
Matt: Creepy. And somehow also quite sad.
Rob: The crazy thing is, Boneslake currently has just 87 inhabitants. Most of them are older than 60, none are younger than 40.
Matt: Tss... A village full of old people.
James: And, um, what about Sandra? Did you come across this name during your research, Rob?
Rob: Yes, it is, and I think that is written here, yes, exactly. There was a Sandra in, who died only three months ago. Her full name was Sandra Spencer, she was a rather inconspicuous, titan-fearing woman, but she was very musical. Every Sunday she played the organ in Titan Heart, the church of Boneslake, for titan service.
James: Oh...
Rob: She got married in her mid-20s and seemed to have been a good housewife from then on. She remained childless, and last winter she died of common cancer.
James: Hm...
Viney: Do you think the divers are looking for Sandra's hymnal?
James: Well... They are looking for her silver box.
Viney; Yes.
James: And there can be anything in that, but maybe it's a completely different Sandra.
Rob: Well, I don't think so, James. We are on the right track, because Sandra was only called Spencer until she was 25 years old. After that, she married and was henceforth called Sandra Rincox.
Matt: That can`t be! Then she was the wife of Joe Rincox, the innkeeper from this restaurant.
Rob: Joseph, his real name is Joseph Rincox. Joe is just his nickname.
James: Joseph?
Rob: Well...
James: The Joseph that divers should be wary of? From which Sandra wanted to keep something secret?
Rob: That is to be assumed.
James: [praising] Great... Good job, Rob.
Rob: Thank you!
James: Now we have more than I had dared to hope. Let's summarize. Sandra Rincox seems to have owned something valuable.
Matt: Mhm.
James: It was in a small, silver box.
Matt: Mm.
Rob: Yeah..
James: The divers are looking for it and Joe Rincox should not notice anything about it, so that he does not claim the box himself, because after all, it belongs his wife.
Matt: Yes.
Rob: Exactly.
Viney: A treasure! She has hidden a treasure and the old Joe should not find it, crazy!
James: We should first find out more about this box. The best way to do this is to recover it.
Matt: You mean, we... we should dive? But we don't have any equipment at all. And we can't really swim.
James: We can get them. I mean, why do you think we learn magic in Hexside?
Matt: Interesting. Humph. And, and how are we supposed to know where Sandra's home was back then?
Rob: Yes, uh by chance, an old, hand-painted map of Boneslake fell into my hands during my research well, here it is.
James: Show me...
Rob: So... Turn around... Here! Sandra Rincox lived in a small wooden building right next to the rectory at the church...
Matt: Next to the church.
Rob: Mhm.
James: So. We conjure up something to dive, also we could ask residents if they have something. And then it goes down into the depths.
Rob: Hm.
Viney: And, what about me?
James: [moans] You'll have to stay here, Viney. I'm sorry.
Viney: What?
James: We cannot risk being discovered a second time by your impulsive nature.
Viney: [furious] That is unfair!
James: Call it what you want!
Viney: Dude...
James: But if you want us to solve this case, you will have no choice but to ab stick to our rules.
Viney: [furious] I'm angry! I won't let that happen. Who do you think you are?!
Matt: Don't even try Viney! Once our James has decided something, so be it.
Rob: Haha!
Matt: This is as sure as the Amen in the church of Boneslake.
XXX
The sun was already low in the sky when the three detectives with Healing Potions give the air to dive, with an abonimation suit they will dive. Silently, they set off until they reached the shores of the lake. Matt and Rob stripped down to their underpants and slipped into the warming abonimation suit and with the Breath Potions in their hands.
Rob: Will you help me with the zipper?
Matt: Yes. Here!
Rob: Thanks.
Matt: Yes, and what if we meet Joan and Carl?
James: Oh, the danger probably does not exist. The two know nothing about Mr. Prook's accident. They still believe that old Paul is walking around here during the day and therefore do not dare to come here in daylight.
Matt: Aha.
Rob: Well, in half an hour it is already dark.
Matt: Yes, yes, one more reason for you to hurry. Judging by the church spire that protrudes from the water, I would estimate the depth of the lake at fifteen, to twenty meters.
Matt: Aha.
James: Depending on the height of the valley at which the church was built. The deeper you dive, the faster the air is consumed by the potions. So you only have 30 to 40 minutes anyway until the first potion no longer works. Maybe that's enough. You know where to look.
Matt: Yes, yes, yes, let's go now, I don't want to lose so much time, we can talk later.
James: Yes, so, good luck, Brothers.
Matt: Mhm.
Rob: Yes, we can use that. Put on the divers abonimation goggles.
Matt: Ah, yes, yes.
Matt and Rob drank their potions and jumped into the water. When Rob and Matt were underwater, a new world opened up for them. The water of the reservoir was amazingly clear. And despite the fading daylight, they were able to see deeper than they expected. The first houses appeared in front of them. It was a bizarre sight. The old Boneslake looked as if it had only been abandoned yesterday. All the walls and roofs were intact. Even the streets and gardens were still vaguely recognizable as algae-overgrown outlines. The two felt as if they were slowly flying over the village. Then Titans Heart came into sight. Rob and Matt headed for the old wooden church. It went deeper and deeper. What had seemed clear from above with a remnant of daylight had turned into a confusing jumble of light and shadow. We went past alleys and gardens and finally both agreed to have found the right building for Sandra's house. They discovered a broken window upstairs. Matt carefully pushed out the remaining splinters with his elbow. Then the way to the interior of the house was clear. From now on, extreme concentration was called for.
James noticed the boat with the two divers Joan and Carl much too late. He had been busy for the last half hour using binoculars to follow the barely visible reflection of Rob and Matt's flashlights, imagining what strange world the two of them might discover down there. Near the weatherfairy, the rowing boat stopped. A few seconds later, the lake shone in glaring light. At that moment, the silhouette of a swimmer appeared. James recognized him. It was Matt who came up to him as quickly as he could. But, he was alone.
James: [quiet] Matt! Come here to me, Matt!
Matt: Oh...
Matt gets out of the water.
James: [quiet] Where is Rob?
Matt: [out of breath] Still down there.
James: Why didn't you stay together?
Matt: I had no breath left...
James: Psst!
Matt: [quiet, still out of breath] He... he still had breath. We stayed in Sandra's house... can't find the box in Sandra's house. Rob wanted to look even further. I was just upstairs when the light came on. It's Joan and Carl, but luckily they didn't see me. Oh... I... I made a big bow around the boat.
James: Aha...
Matt: But, Rob is down there now in the middle of the presentation plate. They will discover him!
James: How much breath does he have left?
Matt: Probably nothing by now.
XXX
When the lights came on, Rob felt like a rabbit in the spotlight. If he was discovered, they could forget about the search for Sandra's silver box. Suddenly, two divers appeared in his field of vision for Carl and Joan. Rob hit hard with his fins and headed for the church. Breathing became increasingly difficult for him. He needed air. But suddenly he thought he was hearing something. Human voices. He swam closer and saw candles burning through the church window. And there were people. They sat on the benches. A Titans service. Rob swam to the church door, pushed it open with his last reserves of strength and went inside. But before he could look for an answer, he saw Sandra Rincox. She sat on a bench and played the organ. What else had been in the archive documents? Sandra had sought refuge in church and music. The organ was her everything. As if in a trance, Rob swam towards Sandra Rincox, who was still reverently playing on the organ.
Matt: [spits at first] I've got him, James! He is unconscious. Pull it ashore!
James: [strained] I have him!
Matt: [strained] I take the abonimation mask from him.
James: (strained) Yes.
Rob: mumbles
James: Rob! Rob, say something, come to yourself!
Rob: [nuzzling] Oh... Titan...
Matt: Luckily, he, he's talking something. Rob! Rob!
Rob: [weakened nuzzling] Not so louuud...! I... Hear..
James: Rob!
Rob: Do you hear the organ?
Matt: What? The organ?
Rob: Hear the organ... Sandra she doesn't play beautifully...?
Matt: The lack of oxygen. He suffers from nitrogen anesthesia, deep intoxication.
James: Aha...
Matt: He almost suffocated!
James: Titan!
[Rob is still roaring]
Matt: Breathe. Breathe, Rob. Breathe. Come on!
[Rob breathes loudly]
Matt: Good job. Good, good, good.
Rob: [breathing] What... what... What happened?
Matt: You swam into church. Fortunately, there was an air bubble at the top of the nave. That's when you got to safety.
Rob: Yeah...
Matt: And, and there I found you too.
Rob: Oh... the... Organ...
Matt: Mhm...
Rob: The organ, I remember... The bench... The bench on which Sandra sat... The... The seat could be opened. The castle was dilapidated. And the box... at my... Diving harness. Here. Here it is.
[Matt and James are thrilled]
James: That can`t be!
Rob: I feel dizzy.
James: Rob, you are a genius!
Joan: May we also congratulate?
James and Matt are both frightened, in front of them stood Joan and Carl.
Matt: Joan and Carl!
Carl: You, you know our names? Very interesting. And now give us the box!
Joan: Come on!
Suddenly, the five were shot with a fire spell.
James: Mr. Rincox!
Joe: [threatening] Not so hasty, gentlemen. Hands up!
[a dog growls and pants]
James: No more spells! And please hold your dog back!
Joe: Oh, you're a very brave one. Don't even be afraid of my spell, are you? That was a warning shot. If the two figures here believe that they can so easily encroach on someone else's property. So. And now I want to know what is being played here. I know you from somewhere. We've seen each other before.
Joan: What are you even talking about?
Joe: I'm talking about your research, graciously. You and your three big-eyed accomplices!
Joan: So, if you mean the three boys, we don't know them at all. And, and I don't know what you mean by research. My brother and I were diving.
Joe: Hmm...
Joan: You may know that there is a sunken village in this lake.
Joe: Oh...
Joan: This is a great challenge for hobby divers like us.
Joe: Don't talk nonsense! Where do you want to dive on the Boiling Isles except here!
Joan: Umm..
Joe: I watched you with my night glass. At first I followed the three guys because I suspected that they were going to do something. And then I discovered them both in their boat. And now give me the box!
Matt: [in a scuffle] We don't think about it!
Joe: [in a scuffle] You have no idea what you're talking about, boy!
James: You mean, because the box actually belonged to your wife Sandra?
Joe: What? I... uh... so, I mean...
Carl: Hey, wh... who are you, guys?
Joe: What do you guys know about Sandra?
James: Take your finger down, Mr. Rincox. Then I am ready to share my knowledge with you. If we want to find out who has a legitimate claim to the contents of this box, sooner or later we will have to talk to each other anyway.
Joe: Fair enough. Speak, boy.
James: A few days ago, my friends and I were hired by Viney, Cedric's grandniece, to investigate a mysterious occasion.
Joe: Investigate?
James: Yes. May I give you our card? Wait, I light up with the flashlight.
Joe: [reads] The three investigators. We take care of every case. Mystery Trio. First detective James Jones, second detective Matt Jones, research and archive Rob Jones. Thats a joke!
James: The fact is, we came to Boneslake and by chance observed the mysterious light phenomenon here at the lake, which Viney had already seen and therefore brought us here. Paul Prook also saw the light. He was so upset by the glowing water that he climbed into the lake and almost drowned if Matt hadn't saved him.
Matt: Yeah.
James: The next day we found out that the mysterious glow comes from a very strong lamp attached under this lifeboat. The boat of Carl and Joan, who have been diving in the lake for a few days. You are looking for the silver box of Sandra Rincox, née Spencer, your dead wife.
Joe: And, uh, who are you two?
Joan: Ok then. My name is Joan Menog, and that's my brother Carl. Our parents died when we were very young. We were taken to an orphanage. But we only spent a few months there until we were adopted by the Menog couple and moved to Bonesborough. After we finished Hexside, we got a message from the management of the orphanage. In it, we were told that at that time, even before our adoption, a package had arrived for us. A packet full of snails.
Joe: Snails...
Matt: Aha.
Joan: Yes, it was, there was a short letter. In it, the management of the orphanage was asked to keep the snails for us until we were old enough. Well, the letter was not signed and the package had no sender. The administration of the orphanage complied with the request of the anonymous donor and kept the snails for us.
The Others: Aha.
Joan: We tried to find out who the noble donor was, but we didn't succeed at the time.
Carl: Until, until we... Until a letter reached us a few weeks ago.
James: Mhm.
Carl: Again, the orphanage had forwarded him to us. And again, there was no sender. In, the letter said that a woman named Sandra Rincox had hidden something for us at the bottom of the reservoir. One, one silver box. It is destined for us, but if we want to look for it, we should beware of a certain Joseph. In addition, a photo was enclosed, on which Sandra and the box could be seen.
Joe: What? Oh, that's not true!
Carl: No it is true!
Joe: My wife died three months ago. She had Common Cancer, she certainly didn't dive to the bottom of the lake to hide something.
James: Her wife hid the box 50 years ago, before the village was flooded.
Joe: What? At that time?
James: Yes!
Joe: B...but
James: Say, Joan, how much money did the unknown donor leave for you back then? It could also have been an unknown female donor...
Joe: [aggressive] Give me the box!
Matt: No! (fights back)
James: Do what he says, Matt!
Joe: [screams] Give to me!
Matt: Yes, alright. But only under protest Take the box!
Joe: Finally. [hastily takes the box] So. You better all go home now. [angry] And never come back here!
Carl: What's in the box?
Joe: It's none of your business. [Dog barks] What do you have? Zero? On foot here!
Cedric: Yes, Joe. It's their two buisness.
Joe: Cedric? What are you doing here?
Cedric: My niece led me here.
Viney: Hello.
Matt: Viney... You here too?
Cedric: I realized right away that Viney was hiding something from me. She didn't want to come clean at first, but then she told me who these three guys really are and what they've been doing here since Friday. A lot of things became clear to me.
Joe: What did you realize, Cedric? Did you have something to do with it?
Cedric: Sandra confided in me.
Joe: Confided? What does that mean?
Cedric: Before she died, she asked me to do something. I should contact Joan and Carl and tell them about the silver box hidden at the bottom of the lake.
Joe: What? But... why... do you know what's in here?
Cedric: I have no idea. But it doesn't matter in the end. Sandra wanted Joan and Carl to have the box.
Joe: What?
Cedric: That was her last will and testament, and I didn't want to deny her that. She was already too weak to do something. So I helped her and wrote the letter to the orphanage.
Joe: You? Yes, but, why didn't she...
Cedric: She was afraid of you, Joe. She didn't dare tell you about the box, she thought you wouldn't grant her that wish. She urged me to warn Joan and Carl about you.
Joe: I think this box contains the truth.
Cedric: And Sandra wanted Joan and Carl to know it. Grant her that wish, Joe, please!
Joe: All right. Yes. Here! Take the box! Come on, Zero. Heel!
Matt: Yes, but... Mr. Rincox...
Cedric: Let him go, boy.
Viney: Have I made everything worse now?
James:
James: No, Viney! It was right to tell your uncle everything. I'm sorry for the way I treated you, it wasn't fair.
Joan: I only understand half of what's going on here. [opens box] Uh-huh... but... What is this? A book! Wrapped in waterproof foil. „Diary of Sandra Rincox."
XXX
At Town Hall, in Cedric's study, Joan opened Sandra Rincox's diary and began reading it aloud.
Joan: A year ago, we, the village community, decided that only a unanimous decision would be valid regarding the dam project. [Sandra's voice starts, gets louder and louder] But one is still against it and wants to pay us, despite the snails that the Construction Coven is willing to pay...
Sandra: ... But one is still against it and despite the snails that the Construction Coven is willing to pay us, he does not want to leave his home Charly. He wants to stay with his children in the house where his wife recently passed away. I can understand him. He believes the memory of them will be washed away by the water of the river. He is far from ready. Everyone in the village seems to believe that Charly will change his mind, that he is only playing poker to knock out even more Snails. But you only have to look him in the eye to see the truth. Charly will not leave.
[Turn the page] July 27, at dawn. I don't know where to start. I woke up at midnight from the shouts and screams outside the door. Then I saw the reflection of the fire in the night clouds. I looked out the window. Up on the slope, Charly's house was burning. It burned so brightly that I immediately knew that any help would come too late. Joseph came back. So white in the face and as disturbed as I had never experienced my husband before. I asked him what had happened. Charly's house is on fire, he said completely tonelessly. Oh my titan, I shouted. And what about the children? The children are safe, he whispered. But Charly thought they were in the house. He ran in, mad with fear, he couldn't get out and then the roof collapsed. After that, Joseph remained silent and did not look me in the eye. He did not answer my questions. I'm afraid of him now.
[Turn the page] February 12. Now I know the truth. All Boneslake wanted the dam, all Boneslake wanted the snails, the new houses, the move to another village, the new life. Only Charly doesn't. He was not persuaded. So Danny, Cedric, Jack, Bradley, Paul, and Steven decided to do something, she and Joseph, my husband. They wanted to invite Charly for a beer and set fire to his house behind his back. Mara was supposed to take care of the children. No one should be harmed. It was still a cruel plan. Without a house, Charly would have had no reason to vote against the dam. He would have consented. He would have realized that it would be better for everyone. But the plan did not work. Charly had argued with the others and went to the toilet. But he was so angry that he never returned.
Instead, he left the pub through the back exit and went home. He arrived just in time to see it go up in flames. Charly thought his children were still in the house. He rushed in to save the children and died in the flames. When the others in the pub realized that Charly was not returning, it was already too late. Everyone knew about the plan. Everyone, really everyone, knew that Danny, Joseph and the others were planning something. No one opposed them. No one did anything, not even me. All I did was pray. But by this time, Boneslake had already become a titanless place. I am guilty. We all are. No one talks about it, no one accuses the other, no one wants to repent, no one talks about Charly or the twins. And if it does, then there is talk [in a tearful voice] of a tragic accident. The inhabitants of the village count the days until Boneslake is finally flooded, until the water finally buries the last bad memories under it.
[Turn the Page] March 7. I can't live like that. I have to do something. I know I can't make up for anything, but maybe I can do something better. I secretly drove to Bonesborough and went to the bank. I took off everything snails that I inherited from my parents and sent them to the orphanage. It is intended for Charly's children. They should have it when they are old enough. And they should never know who sent it to them.
[Turn the page] 23 March. Joseph has found out that the money has disappeared. He is angry. As angry as I have never experienced him before. I can't tell him where the money is. He would force me to reclaim the snails from the orphanage, so I'm silent. [Turn the page] 26 March. Since my last entry, I have not let go of the thought that Joseph could discover this diary. It was reckless of me to write everything down. But this book [Joan uses again] is the only place where the truth still exists...
Joan: ...I will hide it in the church from now on. I can lock the flap of the bench in front of the organ. No one, except me, has the key.
Joan, who had read the last half hour in a calm voice from Sandra's diary, closed it quietly. The three detectives, Viney, his uncle Cedric, Joan and Carl sat together in the study of the town hall and listened to the cracking of the fire in the fireplace. For a long time, no one spoke a word. Eventually, Carl broke the silence.
Carl: [clears itself] What, what has become of the others, Cedric?
Cedric: They are already dead. Only Paul, the man who jumped into the lake three days ago, is still alive besides me. He's doing a little better, Jenny says. I was with him today. He is the only one of us who has been at the lake every single day of our lives since then. There he talked to Charly, to your father. He still believes that it was Charly's soul that he saw in the water and that Charly's ghost would have come to fetch him. I think Paul is waiting for him to finally follow him.
Joan: This is a sad story.
Cedric: What are you both going to do now?
Carl: We, we, we will drive back to Bonesborough.
Joan: Yeah..
Cedric: And after that? I mean, I'm partly responsible for your father's death, as are Joe, Danny and Paul.
Joan: Our father is Richard Menog, the man who adopted us when we were babies. Charly is, yes, a name we have never heard before. It's good to finally know where we come from and who sent us the snails back then. But in the end, it remains only one story. We don't have anything in common with Boneslake, you know, Cedric?
Carl: Thank you for fulfilling Sandra's last wish and writing this letter.
Joan: Yes.
Cedric: You thank me. In doing so, I committed a horrible crime.
Joan: Yes. And if I understood the story correctly, you paid for it. You and everyone else.
XXX
Not only the twins Joan and Carl left Boneslake. The next day, the Mystery Trio also started the return journey. And at Cedric's express request, Viney was also allowed to go back home. Viney's uncle had known from the beginning that Boneslake was not the right vacation spot for his niece. And so that morning Viney sat in Matt's Abonimation Car. On the bumpy main road, the four were on the lookout for the residents of Boneslake. But no one met them. The village still seemed to be extinct. But then someone came to meet them. Jenny was walking on the street. Matt stopped next to her and Rob cranked down the window on the passenger's seat.
Rob: Jenny! Good morning!
Jenny: Hello! Are you leaving us?
Rob: Yes so is it. And uh, Viney, we'll take her with us right away.
Jenny: What a pity. Did your research lead to anything?
James: Yes, they did. The secret of Boneslake has been revealed.
Jenny: Oh, really?
Viney: Yes. It's best to ask my great-uncle. Maybe he wants to tell you about the secret. And a little bit of company will do him good, I think.
Jenny: Company never hurts. You're right, Viney. Great. Then I wish you a good trip.
Matt: Yes. Greet Paul Prook from us.
Jenny: Sure thing!
Matt: Mhm. Goodbye!
Viney: Goodbye!
Rob: Byee!
James: Goodbye!
When the four told Jenny to look up again one last time. They drove off, they left Boneslake, and couldn't wait to be back home.
End of Episode 3!
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