Spirits Bay Part 2: Boiling Water
With the help of the receiving device, Rob followed the coven car unobtrusively through the Knee... until the car finally parked in front of a trucking company. Two dark figures got out and hurried down the street. There was no sign of Mister Sapchevsky. Rob slowly crept up to the men. Every twenty steps he scribbled an R on the ground with chalk. Then he approached a small windowless shed. Carefully he pressed the handle. When he went in, two hands grabbed him and pulled him in.
Smith: Now! Come on! Get in, get in!
Rob: (strained) Ow! Let go of me! Ow!
A man named Smith, pulled Rob in and threatened him with an abomination blade to his throat, Smith had gray hair and had fiery red eyes.
Taylor: What the hell! What's this kid doing here? These guys are the purest plague.
Smith: What do you mean you know the boy Taylor?
Taylor: Yes boss! It's one of those amateur detectives. Hey, why did you follow us? Where are your friends?
Rob: I'm not telling you anything.
Taylor: Talk! Boy!
Smith: Save yourself the trouble, Taylor. The kid's not gonna tell us anything or just tell a bunch of lies for time. The Coven is probably on their way here by now. We're taking him with us.
Taylor: What for? Why don't we just kill him?
Smith: Not yet, not yet. We might still need him. Tie him up and blindfold him. And then we're out of here. Boy! You'll regret messing with Rashura.
Rob: The Coven will catch you!
Smith: (laughs) No it won't, kid. But we're going on a really nice journey together now.
Rob: What?! (Taylor laughs)
XXX
James had a nightmare, he saw his birth parents. How they burned in the fire of his home that used to be his home. Everything burned down and eight-year-old James ran into the basement. He crawled into a corner and cried. He was crying when suddenly he heard Matt calling his name. Then James woke up, he and Matt were in Sapchevsky's clock room.
Matt: James! (Pat) James! (James groans) James! James, wake up! Hey! Hey! James!
James: (dazed) Matt. Where... where... where... where have you been? What... what... what happened?
Matt: Rashura caught us. And then he put us here nice and neat in Mister Sapchevsky's clock room. Come on! Come on! James, we gotta get out of here. We have messed with a demon.
James: What? Huh? Did you just say demon?
Matt: Yes! Where is Rob?
James: He is following the gang.
Matt: Does that mean we don't have a car?
Matt took his scroll out of his pocket and wrote something. Then he put it away again.
James: Yep! Did you manage to attach the tracking device?
Matt: Yes! But when I wanted to hide again, this... this thing was waiting for me. That ... that wasn't a witch James. That... d... that was an evil demon.
James: Mhm!
Matt: He had no face. Just... just a horrible, distorted grimace. And he... ...he knocked me down. When I waked up, I was lying next to you.
James: (sighs) Matt! A demon wouldn't knock us down or stun us with a potion. All this is... (sniffs)
Matt: What's... what's wrong?
James: Don't you smell it?
Matt now went to the front door and opened it. When he went outside he was startled, the house was on fire! And with it also the forest.
Matt: The... the house is on fire!
James was feeling it now with fear. His breath became faster and he had a small panic he didn't show it.
James: We have to get out of here. Come on Matt, out the window!
They climbed through the window and ran out, they kept running but they saw the forest burning and the fire enclosed them, James was getting more and more scared. He had flashbacks of his parents' accident.
Matt: Go James! (strained sounds) Come on, faster! Come on! The forest is also on fire. This demon wants to burn down the whole area. We are trapped by the fire. W... w... what do we do now?
James: (yells out) Move aside Matt!
A young witch fled towards Matt. But they could not recognize him. On the way he dropped something. Matt was able to jump to the side due to James' warning.
Matt: That was close! Where did that guy come from? He runs... he runs to Sapchevsky's car.
James: What is this?
James saw a strange mask lying on the floor. He picked it up. But he had no time to look at it. They had to get out of here.
Matt: This devil flees through the hell of flames and lets us burn here!
James: Matt! Come on! Through the coal hatch into the cellar. It's our only chance!
Matt: Yes!
James: Come on!
They ran to the coal hatch and opened it. James went in first and then Matt.
Matt: Go! Now do it! (Flap is closed) So! Good! Down the stairs! Everything coals! We can't stay here. If they start to burn, then ...
James: Wait I'll do a Light spell, there Matt! A door! Get in there!
They went into the chamber, and realized that it was a pantry.
James: Oh! A... a filled pantry. And at the top of the ceiling is a barred air shaft.
Matt: Great! We're trapped. Let's call the coven!
James: We don't have internet down here.
Matt: Yeah, then... then... then I guess we die now.
James: You were right Matt.
Matt: What?
James: Rashura was actually a demon. Look what i found outside..
Matt: A... a wooden mask.
James: Mmm! It's a demon mask. Maybe from Spellstorm. The God of vengeance or death, Bali, is often depicted with her tongue out.
Matt: God of Death? This is exactly what I wanted to hear in the last seconds of my life James.
James: This guy. I'm, uh... I'm sure he started the fire. Have you seen his face before?
Matt: No way James! I...
Suddenly the boys heard how the house of Sapchevsky above them crashed. The boys were frightened.
Matt: What...what was that?!
James: The... the house above us collapsed.
Matt: Come on, come on please read it! I am dead!
James: (sighs) The evidence points to the contrary. And if we have a little more luck now and the exit of our air shaft hasn't been buried, we'll survive until the coven gets us out of here.
Matt: At least we don't starve... HELP! HELP! HEEELP!
James: Matt, no one can hear us!
Matt: Oh, I don't care! Help! Get us out of here! Help! Help!
James: Matt. Think! No one knows we're here. We have to wait for the Coven Guards to arrive and put out the fire. And then they have to get us out of here somehow. That could take... that could take days.
Matt: No, they must have read it. Tell me James, Sapchevsky was supposed to call the coven after our visit. Why didn't they come, but this... Taylor and his accomplice?
James: At this point, I have absolutely no idea.
For two hours, James and Matt listened to the crackle of flames smothered under the surge of water from the firefighting team. They themselves could do nothing but two hours, James and Matt listened to the crackle of flames smothered under the surge of water from the firefighting team. They themselves could do nothing but wait. James flashbacks got worse and worse, but he kept his cool, the flashbacks were not the first time he got them, after some time he could handle them.
Matt: James?
Matt: We... we're going to die down here.
Suddenly Matt heard a voice that sounded very familiar.
Luz: James?! Matt?! Where are you guys!
Gus: Maaatt!
Eda: Helloooo?
Matt: James! James! They have read it!
James: Huh?
Matt: Hello? HELP! LUZ! GUS! WE ARE DOWN HERE!
Amity: Matt?!
Matt: Here! Down! Get us out of here!
Eda: (muffled) Are you buried? How many of you are there? Is anyone hurt?
James: (shouts) There are two of us. We're trapped in a room about 20 feet below the surface. No one is hurt. We have enough breath and water and some supplies, but we can't get out.
Williow: (muffled) Here is a kind of brick chimney with a grate. That should be your air shaft.
Luz: (muffled) Don't worry, guys, we'll get you out of there.
Matt: (shouts and laughs) Thank you!
The coven rolled in and cleared the debris over the basement entrance for hours. For once, Hunter did not arrest Eda. When the two detectives finally emerged into daylight, they were greeted by a flurry of flashbulbs from the waiting press, who couldn't resist publishing the poignant reunion of the Jones family and their lost sons for their newspaper. But one was missing.
Totis: James! Matt! Where is Rob!?
James: He wasn't with us dad. He left in Matt's car before the fire.
Maria: We don't know where he is. In the Crystal Ball, they kept talking about two survivors and we thought...we thought... (crying)
James: No, no, don't worry Mum! Rob wasn't here. He was following a suspicious car. If you call him with the scroll, then...
Totis: (interrupts) James! We've called everybody with the scroll so many times it should be glowing. He didn't answer! You and your damn detective games!
James: I would not worry about it. There must be a simple and logical reason why he does not answer.
Totis: And which one?
James: Um…
XXX
After Rob did not return even by late evening, James went to Bonesborough to the coven station. There he tell Hunter about their whole case. The next morning, a Sunday, the two boys were at the Owl House with Luz, Amity, Willow, Gus and Eda with King, James had also told them about their whole case and Luz and her friends now wanted to help too. James even showed Luz and the others the photo they had found in the plane. They were in the living room when James his scroll rang and it was Hunter he had interesting news to tell. Hunter was on speakerscroll so everyone could hear him.
Hunter: (talking through the Scroll) We found Matt's Abomination car James. It was parked in the industrial area outside Bonesborough in front of a hall belonging to a forwarding agency called Orient Import.
Matt: Yeah, and, uh, what about Rob?
Hunter: Hm, still no trace, but we keep searching. We have located Rob's scroll, but...
James: (interrupts) Really? Where?
Hunter: It was in a bush by the side of the road. Either Rob lost it or the kidnappers threw it away.
James: (sighs) And Mr. Sapchevsky?
Hunter: We found him, too. The kidnappers simply dropped him off on the way.
James: Aha.
Hunter: He was able to give us a pretty good description of Taylor, but that was all. They asked him for a piece of paper.
James: And?
Hunter: He told them everything he knew. Then they threw him out of the car.
James: Hm!
Hunter: Sapchevsky walked home, but what he found there you know. He suffered a shock and is now staying with friends.
James: His emergency bunker saved our lives.
Hunter: Yes! (laughs) You were very lucky. Because of...um, yeah.
Luz: You can feel free to mention our name.
Amity: (whispers) Prick.
Hunter: Whatever, tell me James, you told me last night that when that guy Taylor took the records of your investigation from you, you didn't hand over the photo of the Hexes Hold'em group. Uh, can you send that to me?
James: Wait I'll send it to you, forographed it a few days ago, i sent it!
Hunter: Yes, wait! Yes, there it is. I've got it all. OK! Um, please hold for a moment. Call Coven Guard Madhu in my office, please!
Madhu: You wanted to see me Golden Guard?
Hunter: Yep! Look at this language in the photo here. You're from Spellstorm. Can you translate that?
Madhu: It is Follo, Golden Guard, a language spoken in South Spellstorm.
Hunter: And what does it mean?
Madhu: They mean something like "Rashura does not forgive".
Hunter: Thank you! You can go. Did you hear that, James?
James: Mmm, every word.
Hunter: So, what do you guys think?
James: I wonder what Mister Shreber actually died of.
Hunter: Titan, James you have a real dirty mind. But Shreber had a heart attack. Unfortunately, nothing unusual from a chain smoker.
James: Yes, thank you! Will you call us when there is something new?
Hunter: Yes, maybe when I have time. Goodbye!
James: Bye! (hungs up) Okay guys, I think we're going to go out there now outside of Bonesborough where Rob disappeared and look for him.
Amity: But the coven have not found anything there.
James: We can no longer rely on the information from the Coven.
Willow: Why not?
James: That's what me and Matt were talking about in the emergency bunker. Mister Sapchevsky called the coven to let them know about the break-in. And who came rushing in? Taylor... (Matt sighs) the fake coven guard.
Matt: Yeah!
James: How did he know that Mister Sapchevsky had called the coven?
Luz: Hm! Because someone had told him. Bam! Best detective!
Eda: And you actually think that someone from the coven has a hand in this? So that doesn't surprise me.
King: Haha you are detectives and are friends with a criminal.
Eda: Shut up, King!
James: In any case, we need to look around in the industrial area itself. Come on!
Gus: Yeah! Detectives work!
Luz: Wohoo, lets go and find Rob!
XXX
In the industrial district outside Bonesborough, 3 groups flew sticks with the Palismen over the place. James and Matt flew with Luz while the others flew on their palismens. Suddenly James startled.
James: Down there, Luz!
Luz: Wha-
Matt: Yeah! I see it to!
James: There! On the sidewalk is an R painted with chalk.
Luz: Alrighti, come on guys!
All three staffs flew down to the R. Everyone got down from their palismen.
Gus: Back there! Another R!
Amity: Rob laid a trail for us. That way!
Luz: Wowi, Robby such a smart witch.
James: I know right? Guys. Look at the building across the street.
Willow: Orient Import! On the bottom is also an R.
Matt: Yeah!
Amity: Let's go over there.
Matt: Yes! There at the back of the shed wall. Another R.
Gus: Come on, come! I look through the window.
Luz: You're too little, I'll do it.
Gus: Okay.
Luz looked through the window.
James: And?
Amity: What do you see?
Luz: Hm, an office. Hm, no one seems to be in it.
Matt: Maybe they have lunch break.
James went to the door and tried to open it.
James: Oh, closed! I think now your lock opener spell is in demand Matt.
Matt: Again?
Willow: You really want to break in?
Amity: Hm...i don`t know.
Luz: Guys, I know it's criminal, but we have to find Rob!
James: Exactly! Matt?
Matt: Yes, I know. Resistance is futile. I do it. But... but only for Rob, alright?
James: Do it now!
Matt made his spell and unlocked the door. They walked in the room. Everyone spread out to look for something.
Matt: Hm, lots of folders on the shelf. What does it say? (reads already) "Importe Spellstorm, Importe Stomachtroit, Importe Bonesborough, Importe Latissa". Well, that doesn't sound very interesting. But... but this folder da guys.
Gus: (reads already) "Princess"
James: Ho! Let's take a look at it. (Folder is opened and browsed)
Luz and Amity: And?
James: A secret fan is apparently hiding here.
Willow: Why?
James: Lots of photos in transparent films.
Luz: Oh!
James: A woman, and always the same.
Gus: Hmm...
James: Nothing else. None, names, no explanations.
Amity: The woman seems somehow familiar to me.
Matt: Guys! Guys this woman we have seen before. In the photo of Mister Shreber. She is the fourth in the round of the Hexes Hold'em player.
Luz: Yeah, your right!
James: Yeah!
Willow: Guys! There! Next to the table on the floor. Another R.
James: But Rob is not here. There are no hiding places here.
Gus: We should disappear from here as soon as possible, otherwise we will probably be caught.
James: Your right. Come on, guys!
Matt: Yeah!
XXX
Rob woke up with a pounding headache. He was nauseous. He was blind and could not move. After the first shock, he realized that he was lying tied up and blindfolded in a stuffy hot little room that swayed slightly he was in a ship on the Boiling Water. He tried to push the blindfold up over his eyes by rubbing his head against the mattress.
Rob: (quiet) Oh, damn it!
Angelica: If I were you, I would stop.
In front of Rob sat a young woman with blond hair and green eyes. She looked cold at the tied up Rob.
Rob: Who are you? What are to do with me?
Angelica: It depends entirely on you. If you do what we tell you, we might let you run.
Rob: How, maybe? (Angelica laughs) Can I have something to drink? I... I'm sick.
Angelica: Just don't get seasick here.
Rob: What are you gonna to do with me?
Angelica: Counterquestion! What was on the note from Mister Sapchevsky's watch?
Rob: I don't know anymore.
Angelica: This is very unfortunate. Then we will probably let you burn with a stone on your feet in the Boiling Water.
Rob: Wha-at?
Angelica: Smith!
Angelica called for his accomplice and the slightly older Witch came in.
Smith: You called?
Rob: No!
Angelica: Our young friend here doesn't want to work with us. Bring him on deck!
Rob: No! Wait... wait, wait, wait... I'll tell you... I... I'll tell you.
Angelica: (laughs) So?
Rob: Moby Dick and a number, but I don't know it anymore.
Angelica: Moby Dick? Do you think i`m stupid?
Rob: No, that's some code.
Angelica: Did Ishmael say that?
Rob: No he...
Angelica: (whistles and laughs) So you know Ishmael.
Rob: No! No, no, that's not true! That...
Smith now walked up to Rob and grabbed him by the arm. That hurt Rob.
Smith: Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
Rob: Ouch, ouch, ouch! You... oh, you hurt me!
Smith: Hm? What?
Rob: (strained) We have... we have this... this Ishmael only seen one time.
Smith: Oh really?
Rob: Yes!
Angelica: Let him go! You can go now!
Smith: All right!
Smith went out to the deck and closed the door.
Angelica: What do you know about us?
Rob: I have no idea who you guys are.
Angelica: Alright! Then I will give you a few names now and you will tell me what you know about them.
Rob: Okay...
Angelica: Shreber?
Rob: He was a former fighter pilot for the Coven. He instructed us to find something, but we don't know what it is.
Angelica: And?
Rob: It has something to do with the plane that was in his garden.
Angelica: And?
Rob: Uh, that's all I know.
Angelica: Taylor?
Rob: T... T... T... Taylor, this is the witch who pretended to be a coven guard to get our documents.
Angelica: And?
Rob: He stole an Abomination Coven Car.
Angelica: And?
Rob: He lured Mr. Sapchevsky out of his house.
Angelica: And?
Rob: That's all I know.
Angelica: Ishmael?
Rob: He told us that... that we should look for a piece of paper on the plane. That was the pawn note for the watch.
Angelica: Moby Dick?
Rob: (desperate) This is the name of the white whale in a book from the human Herman Melville.
Angelica: Ahab?
Rob: The captain who hunted the whale.
Angelica: Ishmael?
Rob: I've told you that before... oh, you, oh, you mean... you mean because... because of the book? Ishmael is the narrator of the story, but that's probably not his real name. And in the end, he's the only survivor, I think.
Angelica: What does the word "Kerral" tell you?
Rob: Nothing. Who is that?
Angelica: Anudhara?
Rob: Also nothing.
Angelica: Rashura?
Rob: That's you guys, right? It's some kind of organization that's after what Mr. Shreber has hidden, right?
Angelica: Ishmael? (Rob sighs) Ishmael!
Rob: (almost crying) I... that's all I know!
Angelica: Then listen to me now! You will find Ishmael and take him to a place I will tell you. You have three days to do that.
Rob: How? You let me go?
Angelica: Yes! And to make sure you don't let me down, we make a trade.
Angelica got up and took a syringe in her hand, then a potion that was purple. She filled the syringe with the potion. And went to Rob, then she took his arm and injected the unknown potion.
Rob: Ouch, my arm! What was that?
Angelica: I injected you a potion to get you to work with us.
Rob: But...
Angelica: It works slowly but reliably. Today is Sunday. When you come back on Tuesday, I'll give you an antidote and you'll stay alive.
Rob: (breathing frantically) Poison?! You gave me poison...?!
Angelica knocked on the door again, Smith again came back in.
Smith: Yes?
Angelica: Bring the boy back to the Isle!
Smith: Understood!
Rob: Are you crazy?!
Smith: Come now!
Rob: What happens if I can't find it in time?
Angelica: Make an effort to find him.
Rob: But...
Angelica: And don't go to the Coven! No one but me can give you the antidote.
Rob: (breathing frantically) But... I...
Smith: (clears himself) By the way, Taylor just called. Someone burned Sapchevsky's house down.
Angelica: Damn it! Who did that now?
Smith: That doesn't matter now. We bring the boy ashore and disappear.
Smith scuffed Rob.
Smith: Let's go! Get up!
Rob: Yeah! Yeah!
Smith: Will it be soon man? Fucking move now!
XXX
In the meantime, James has contacted a scientist whose specialty was Follo, a Spellstorm language. After sending her the back of the photo with the Follo text, James, Matt, Luz, Amity, Willow and Gus were eagerly awaiting her recall, all were gathered at the headquarters and sat on the two couches except James, Luz watched and fooled around with the cute bird Bounty, while Amity watched her with her eyes in love because of her dorkiness. When the Crystal Ball rang.
Matt: Turn on the amplifier James!
James: (to Matt) Yeah!(takes the call.) Yes? James Jones, Mystery Trio?
Amrita Chakonor: (talks through the scroll) Hello James! Here I am again.
James: Miss Chakonor! That was really fast. And? Were you able to translate the text?
Amrita: Yes! It is called "Star of Kerral".
James: What? Doesn't it say something like "Rashura does not forgive"?
Amrita: Excuse me? No! Did anyone tell you that?
James: Yes, but that's not so important. Do you know this star?
Amrita: I've heard about it. But who would say something about Rashura? Thats just disrespectful.
James: Why? Who is this Rashura?
Amrita: Rashura is a cruel demon.
James: Aha!
Amrita: He was defeated by the Titan and had to flee. So he now lurks in a grotto and waits for the completion of his revenge.
Luz: Such, a lovely Boy.
Amrita: Nowadays it is considered extremely reprehensible to call this name, since the Titan and Belos themselves forbade it. That's why you've never heard of him. He was removed from every story in history. Only the older ones know about him. And it should stay that way.
James: Aha!
Amrita: It surprises me that someone has given it to you as part of a translation even though it is not there.
James: Yeah! Uh, what is this star of Kerral?
Amrita: Kerral is a town in Spellstorm. And the star of Kerral is a huge red sapphire.
Willow: Uh, I thought sapphires were blue.
Gus: Yeah! I also thought that!
Amrita: No, there are also red ones. This stone is also called the burning crystal because the light refracts so strongly in it that it looks as if it is in flames.
James: Oh man!
Amrita: It belonged to the crown treasure of a rich witch of Spellstorm and was lost along with some very valuable gems in the seventies.
James: Aha!
Amrita: Actually, almost no one outside Kerral knows about this story. It is very unusual that you have something to do with it. And I can only warn you.
James: Warn? From what?
Amrita: From the one who gave you the wrong translation.
Matt: What?
Amrita: I don't know what his purpose was, but Rashura is something very evil. Better not get in his way.
James: (sighs) Yes Madam! Thank you very much! You helped us a lot.
Amrita: I wish you good luck! You will need it. (hungs up)
Amity: And now?
James: Now we know what we are looking for. So Mister Shreber actually had a treasure, the Star of Kerral. But what do Ishmael and Madhu and all these people have to do with it?
Matt: This Coven Guard Madhu definitely knows something and doesn't want us to get into it. But we have to find Rob.
Suddenly the Crystal Ball rang again.
Gus: Who could that be?
James: (softly) Oh, amplifier! (Answers) Yes? James Jones, Myster...
Rob: (talks through scroll; interrupts frantically) James! James, it's me. Rob!
The hole Group: Rob?!
Rob: Tell me, is Matt there too?
James: Yes! Luz Gang is here too! Were all looking for you!
Rob: Gosh, I'm so glad to hear your voice.
Amity: Rob, what happened? Where... where... where are you?
Rob: Yeah, look, I'm in a little village called Wartclaw. Yeah, on a farm. Bonesborough is totally far away!
Luz: What?!
Rob: At least there's a scroll cell here. The coven and Hunter are picking me up in a bit. I don't get in until tomorrow, and I only have until Tuesday. You know what? You have to find this Ishmael right away, immediately, you guys hear?
James: Huh?
Rob: Now! Oh crap! Now I'm out of Snails too. Damn it! Those criminals, they have...(call ended)
Matt: Rob is alive!
Willow: Yeah!
Gus: That is the important thing. But, um... but what did he mean he only had until Tuesday?
James: Where did I put that piece of paper?
James searched for a paper on the mess from the desk. When he finally found it, he pressed a number into the Crystal Ball.
Matt: What do you want to do?
James: Wait! (calling on the Crystal Ball)
Ishmael:
Ishmael: (talks through scroll) Hello?
James: Uh, Mister Ishmael?
Ishmael: Yeah?
James: Listen, we absolutely have to talk to you, today if possible! Can you come here?
Ishmael: You've got to be kidding. I am not in Bonesborough. I'm not going to fly a thousand miles...
James: (interrupts) But it's important. Something happened to Rob and he said we have to find you. Besides...
Matt:
Matt: (interrupts) Hello? Sir? Rashura almost killed us Friday night. Our friend was kidnapped to Wartclaw. We now know that this is about... ...the Star of Kerral, also known as the Burning Crystal... And Mr. Shreber told us to find it. We absolutely have to meet you!
Ishmael: Out of question! Stay out of this! It is far too dangerous for you kids!
Matt: But... but, sir, it's... it's... (Ishmael hungs up)
Luz: What do we do now?!
James: Exercise patience...and wait for Rob's return. Unfortunately, I don't see any other option.
Matt: Oh man, Great!
XXX
When Rob returned to Bonesborough, he was immediately taken to the toxicology department of the Healing Coven clinic. When Maria and Totis left the room to talk to the head of the Healing Coven, the three detectives and Luz, Amity, Gus and Willow were finally able to tell each other about their latest experiences. Rob was lying in a bed and was completely pale, the fear of dying from the poison was killing him.
Rob: So, s... s... s... she asked me so many names, I couldn't remember what I had already told her. (sighs) It's all crazy, isn't it?
Luz: Yes, that's right Rob.
Rob: This woman…
Matt: What?
Rob: ...on the white yacht, yes, that was the fake nurse who gave the poison to Mister Mason in the hospital. I recognized her by her voice. And if she doesn't get back to me by tomorrow, then you'll need a new card from the day after tomorrow.
James: Bullshit! We will find a solution. This Madhu is our most important lead now. We'll get to him right away.
Gus: Yeah, man! Don't give up dude!
Rob: Then please hurry guys!
James: Yeah!
Rob: This beast has given me some unknown poison. No one here knows what it is...and there is no antidote in all of Boiling Isles!
James: Don't give up!
Matt: We can do it.
Luz: Don't worry you are not gonna die!
Amity: Not under our watch!
Willow: Yeah!
Rob: (sighs) Hurry up, please!
XXX
When Coven Guard Madhu entered Hunter's office without a mask and caught sight of Matt, James, Luz, Amity, Gus and Willow he showed no surprise, just eyed the teenagers briefly and turned to his superior. Hunter himself was in his Golden Guard uniform. He didn't mind James and Matt being there, but Luz and her friends, he didn't really want to see here. Amity, in particular, was wearing her overprotective girlfriend-mode and looking dark at Hunter.
Madhu: You wanted to see me, sir?
Hunter: (sighs) That's right! Please sit down. The boys and..Um, the others, want to ask you a few questions.
James: (clears throat) It's about the translation you gave us.
Luz: Yes, because it is a wrong translation! You liar!
James: Let us the talking please, Luz.
Luz: Sorry, James. You're the pro!
James: So Madhu, you said the words are "Rashura does not forgive". But that is not true. We asked an expert on Follo and she told us that it says "Star of Kerral". Why did you tell us something else?
Amity: Exactly!
Madhu: Because the fate of the star of Kerral is none of your business.
Willow: Huh?
Gus: What?
Matt: Ah! But Rashura is our business?
Madhu: Rashura is also none of your business. Catching Rashura is the job of the Coven.
Hunter: Um, wait a minute! Who or what is the star of Kerral?
Luz: Ha ha, we know more than you.
James: A very valuable sapphire. It disappeared many years ago. We suspect that the people called Rashura are after it. To get it, they have poisoned Rob.
Matt: Exactly!
James: Since I know where the stone is, I am willing to work with Rashura if they give us the antidote to save Rob.
Willow: Hold up! You know where the stone is?
Matt: And you say that? Just like that?
James: Why not?
Madhu: Uh, the boy is talking nonsense. The star of Kerral is lost. If that's all sir, I'd like to go back to my work.
Hunter: (sighs) Yes, do that. We'll talk about this later.
Madhu quickly rushed out of the office.
James: Well! We have to go also now, Golden Guard. Thank you for making this interview possible. Come on guys!
Hunter: Um, uh, uh, wait a minute! You can't just...
Matt: (interrupts) Uh, when James sets something in his mind to, he does it. See you later, Hun- uh Golden Guard!
Hunter: Wait a minute! If you already have to go, please take Rob's scroll with you.
James: Uh, thanks!
Hunter: Byeeee!
They walked out of the office and closed the door and stood in the hallway from Coven Station.
Amity: He is so annoying…
James grabbed Matt and also pulled the others in the direction Madhu was going.
Matt: Why are you suddenly in such a hurry James?
Gus: Yeah man!
Luz: Whats wrong, James?
James: We could ask Madhu the same thing.
Amity: Why is that? Hey, look through that window! He's talking in his office at the scroll.
James: Come on, guys!
James went to the door to eavesdrop on Madhu.
Matt: (softly) Ey James! You can't listen at the door. If someone sees that.
Luz: Well, i feel now uncomfortable.
James: (quiet) Quiet!
Madhu: (muffled) Listen! This James Jones told me he knows where the stone is. Mhm! Yes! How should I know? He wants to work with Rashura. Yes, exactly! He wants to tell them. Yes! Yeah, that's... yes, that's probably the only way. I'll take care of the master detectives.
Suddenly James' scroll rang and it was unfortunately set to loud.
Gus: (quiet) Your Scroll! Turn it off!
Madhu heard the ring and opened the door. He saw 6 teenagers eavesdropping on him.
Madhu:
Madhu: You overheard me?!
James: Uh... Let's go, guys! Go!
The 6 teens ran outside, Madhu shouted something else after them
Madhu: Stop! Stop, stop!
They ran outside to Matt's car which he got back. Everyone got in and Matt started his car. And drove off.
Willow: Guys! What if this guy comes up behind us?
Luz: I don't see him yet!
Gus: Shouldn't we talk to Hunter?
Amity: Yeah…
Matt: If we tell him that Madhu belongs to Rashura, then he can arrest him or... or do something to save Rob.
Luz: Exactly!
James: And what? Do you think Madhu carries an antidote around?
Matt: Oh, that darn scroll! Who had called, James?
James: Oh, the number was unknown. I could...
Suddenly the scroll rang again. Unknown.
James: (answers the call) Hello?
?: (with distorted voice.) Cafe Bonesborough. Bring the stone. At midnight. No coven or your brother will die.
James: Understood, we will be there! (hungs up)
Matt: Who was that?
Luz: Yeah! Tell James!
James: Rashura I think. We are to be at the Bonesborough cafe at midnight and bring the stone.
Willow: Hmm.
Matt: What?
XXX
Around midnight, the large parking lot in front of the cafe was empty. Matt let his car roll out, turned off the engine and headlights, and glanced at his wristwatch.
Luz: I'm sooo nervous! Oh my Titan!
Matt: Just a few more minutes. (sighs)
Amity: But what do we do if it's just a stupid trick and nobody shows up?
Gus: Yeah…
Willow: They will come. After all, they want the stone.
James: Exactly!
Matt: James look! Someone is actually coming back there. I wonder if that's our man already.
James: Come on, let's get out!
Everyone got out and walked up to the guy. He had a scarf in front of his face. But for James he still looked familiar.
Elijah: Good evening! Call me Elijah. I have come to warn you, comrades.
James: Really? From what?
Elijah: From the path you are going. It will only bring you disaster.
Luz: And, uh, which path is that?
Elijah: The Leviathan soon sinks into the depths of the boiling sea. No one can follow him there. Not Ahab and not Ishmael. Do not try!
Matt: The Leviathan? What is that?
Gus: I dunno.
James: Moby Dick, the whale. Are you saying we should stop looking for the star of Kerral, sir?
Elijah: It is a blood stone you are looking for.
Amity: Huh?
Elijah: Achieved through guile and deceit at the cost of a life.
James: Hm!
Elijah: He burns. He glows in unholy fire. Forget him! Do not follow this path or the curse of the Leviathan will hit you.
James: Good, I understand! Thank you Elijah!
Elijah nodded to the teenagers and disappeared into the night.
Luz: Elijah?
Matt: What was that? Did you know this man?
James: I'm quite sure that was Ishmael, but...
Suddenly, the teenagers saw an Abomination car parked in the parking lot next to Matt's car. And then Taylor came out of the car. He walked straight to the teens.
Matt: (startled sound) Taylor!
Taylor: The stone give it to me!
Luz and her gang had never seen Taylor until now. They made a fighting stance, but James held them back.
James: First the antidote.
Luz: Yeah, you dumb dumb!
Taylor: (laughs) No, kids! Give me the stone and I'll give you the antidote.
James: And who can guarantee me that it really is the antidote?
Taylor: Nobody! So, give me the stone, we'll disappear and you'll never hear from us again.
James: I'm afraid Madhu gave you the wrong information. I don't have the stone.
Taylor: Uh... (stammers) You don't have it?!
James: No! But I know where he is. And I'll tell you when you give me the antidote.
Taylor: Where is it?!
James: First the antidote!
Taylor: (laughs) You're smart, kid. You know we can't just kill you when the answer is in your head. But have you thought about your friends and your brother?
James: Do you really want to commit murder for the stone Rashura?
Taylor: In all seriousness, I would only make up for what has been neglected so far for some unknown reason. You are witnesses, and witnesses should be not left alive.
Matt: Um, James!
Gus: Yeah, James! Thats getting a little bit risky!
Taylor: Your only luck is that you don't know half as much as you think you know. So where is the stone?
James: In a place called Moby Dick by Ishmael. Since I consider it unlikely that he speaks of a real whale, I suspect that it is a ship. Which ship this is exactly, however, eludes our knowledge so far.
Taylor: Okay! Then I'll just have to take on this Ishmael after all. He won't like that. (laughs) Have a good night!
James: Wait! What about the antidote?
Taylor: We are fair! You told us where the stone is, so you also get the stuff. Here!
Taylor tossed an orange potion to James. James fortunately caught it.
Matt: But, how... how... how... how are we supposed to...
Taylor: (laughs) Good luck!
Taylor laughed and got in his car and drove away. Left the distraught teenagers behind.
Amity: Okay guys, come on!
Luz: Huh?
Amity: We are going to Rob, in the clinic!
James: Good idea! Come on!
XXX
After Rob received the antidote and was released from the clinic the next day, the third detective did not miss the opportunity to go back to the junkyard. Here James and Matt with Luz, Amity, Willow and Gus were cleaning the plane.
Luz: Finally we have you again Rob!
Matt: Yeah!
Willow: How are you now?
Rob: Better, definitely better. I'm traumatized for life but yeah.
Gus: You really believe that this Elijah was Ishmael James?
Luz: Elijah is also a character from the book Moby Dick. I had to read the book at home at school, it was much better than expected.
James: In the novel Moby Dick, Ishmael and his friend are harassed by a man who disturbs them with strange chatter.
Luz: Yeah! Right!
James: His name is Elijah and he wears, like our Elijah, a black scarf.
Gus: Oh!
James: This connection is very obvious.
Amity: But... but this Elijah warned us. We should not look for the stone.
James: Yes, but immediately after the warning he gave us the hint that we have to hurry because the ship will soon sink into the depths of the boiling sea.
Rob: I think we should call Ishmael.
James: Yeah, I tried that earlier. His scroll is turned off.
Matt: Surely something happened to him. Rashura has probably already caught him.
Willow: You think?
James: Or he didn't want to talk to us.
Matt: By the way. I, uh, I talked to our grandpa on the scroll this morning...
James: Yeah?
Matt: ... because he was a friend of Harry Shreber.
Gus: Aha! And?
Matt: Well, I asked him mainly for a person named John Fisher and if he could have an idea what the allusions to Moby Dick are all about.
Luz: Aha!
Matt: He didn't really have a clue, but he promised to call his friends to question them too.
James: Excellent idea Matt!
The group saw an Abomination car enter the junkyard. And a man known to the three detectives got out.
Rob: Hey guys! Look who is coming!
Matt: Hey? That's...
James: Mister Mason, Shreber's former secretary.
Fred: Hello!
Matt: Hey!
Fred: Dear Titan! The plane is even rustier than last week.
Rob: (laughing) What?
Fred: And who are your friends? Sorry I don't know you.
Luz: I`m Luz Noceda!
Amity: Amity Blight. Hello, sir.
Gus: Augustus Porter. But call me Gus.
Willow: Willow Park. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir.
Fred: The pleasure is all mine. I am Fred Mason.
Rob: Mr. Mason! So, are you okay now?
Fred: Ah yes, I am doing well. I was already at the weekend out from the clinic.
James: Great!
Fred: But, tell me…
Matt: Hm?
Fred: ...have you found out anything about the burning crystal yet?
James: No! All we know is that a whole bunch of people are after it.
Fred: Too bad! I only hope that Mister Shreber was not mistaken about you, guys.
James: We do our best Mister Mason.
Matt: Yes!
Fred: Did you find out anything about the people in the photo?
James: No, it's, uh, is unfortunately not that simple
Fred: Aha! Well, then... I guess I'll be going home. You'll call me when you find out something, right?
Matt: Yes, don't worry!
James: Of course we do!
Fred: Well, then, I won't disturb you any longer while you're working. See you then!
Matt: See you then and get well soon!
Rob: Yeah!
Fred: Thank you!
Fred got in his car and drove away.
Luz: Seems like a nice guy.
Amity: Yeah
Matt: James!
James: Hm?
Matt: What was that? Why didn't you tell him what we know?
James: Didn't you guys notice?
Willow: What do you mean?
Gus: Yeah!
James: He asked us about the burning crystal. But he didn't know anything about the stone.
Matt: Oh!
Rob: True! But... Wait a minute! Does that mean he is somehow connected to Ishmael?
James: He definitely knows something. It's interesting that he doesn't tell us.
Luz: This is getting more and more confusing, man.
Matt: Guys. The Crystal Ball rings. The lamp on the board fence flashes.
James: Ah, come on guys!
The seven teenagers went to the headquarters. Luz is still amazed at the secret hiding place of the three boys, also she is always surprised how perceptive and logical the boys can think. Especially James. He is probably the most intelligent boy she has ever met, a hundred times smarter than the arrogant smart guys from her school, back at home. When they went to the central office, everyone except James sat down on the two couches. James turned on the amplifier and answers the call.
James: Yes? James Jones, Mystery Trio?
Gene Raffer: (talks through scroll) Hello? This is Gene Raffer. I'm a friend of your grandfather, Ben Jones.
James: Mhm!
Gene: You're looking for someone who knows John Fisher and Harry Shreber,... ...well, knew them, I should say. The Old Harry has now also died now,.
James: Yeah, exactly!
Gene: So, I don't know this John Fisher, but I was in Spellstorm with Harry Shreber.
James: Aha!
Gene: In Cochin, Kerral.
James: In Cochin. Um, Mr. Raffer, do you know if Mr. Shreber or Mister Fisher were ever stationed on a ship called Moby Dick?
Gene: Phew, unfortunately I have to disappoint you. I... I only called because Harry Shreber was a buddy of mine.
James: Ah, I understand! May I still ask you one question?
Gene: Sure!
James: Do you play Hexes Hold`em?
Gene: Witches Hold'em? (laughing) No! Harry played, but I didn't.
James: Hm! Did you know some of his opponents?
Gene: No, uh, just the princess.
James: The princess?
Gene: Yes, hm! I don't know her real name. She was a local I think. Beautiful and rich. Harry just called her "The Princess.".
James: Hm!
Gene: Maybe she really was one.
James: Is she still alive?
Gene: I don't know. The only one who might know something would be Nathan Holbone.
James: Who is that?
Gene: A friend of Harry's. He was a mechanic on the Emperor's Coven Leviathan, which was also docked in Kerral at the time.
James: Leviathan. Yes, that helps us. Uh, do they happen to know where Mister Holbone lives?
Gene: Outside of Bonesborough, in the woods somewhere.
James: Thank you Mr. Raffer! Goodbye!
Gene: You're welcome! (hungs up)
Luz: Yes, we now know the name!
Gus: Whohooo, hot top!
James: Oh, that can't be! We are always looking for the right name of the ship and Ishmael has long told us it. We are so stupid!
Amity: Ah, the Leviathan. Ha! I have already found her on the Internet friends. There she is. Here, a plane carrier. Home port Bonesborough.
Matt: Oh!
James: Excellent Amity!
Luz: Somewhere on this ship is the stone. So we just have to get on board and look for it.
Willow: (laughs) That's no problem at all with a heavily guarded warship of the Coven, Luz. (Rob laughs)
James: We should have focused only on Ishmael from the beginning. Mister Shreber's riddle clearly referred us to him.
Rob: (sighs) If only he would go to his scroll.
Gus: So we now have four tracks.
James: Yeah, Mr. Mason, who may not have told us everything he knows, the mechanic Nathan Holbone, the Levithan and the princess in the photos, if she really is one.
Rob: Well, I can search the Bonesborough archives with Amity for reports about this lady.
Amity: Great idea!
James: Good.
Amity: Well, if she is or was prominent, there are certainly a few articles.
James: I inform myself about the Leviathan and try to find Nathan Holbone.
Luz: And what do we do with Mister Mason?
Matt and Willow: Yeah?
James: Hm! We will discuss this when we meet here tomorrow afternoon.
Luz: Alright!
XXX
A day later, Rob and Amity were in the Bonesborough archives. When they searched everything, they went back to the headquarters. The others were already there, Bounty greeted the two cheerfully.
Luz: Hey Ams, hey Ro...
Rob: Suicide!
Amity: Yep!
Matt: What?!
Rob: Yes, suicide! I have to sit down first.
Luz: (quiet) What?
Willow: Whats wrong, Rob?
Gus: Yeah! What did you and Amity found out?
Rob: Guys, the princess wasn't quite real. She was a gambler and appeared in Cochin in the seventies.
James: Aha.
Amity: Her name was Anudhara. Family name not known. She was called a princess because she claimed to be descended from the former rich witches of Kerral.
Rob: However, she was never able to prove it.
Amity: And then she disappeared from one day to the next.
Willow: Hm.
Rob: There was a rumor that she had gambled away her snails and jewelry in a single night and then committed suicide.
Amity: But her body was never found.
Luz: Welp, that was dark news.
James: Hm! The sapphire didn't belong to her by chance?
Amity: Well, so, uh, We couldn't find a connection between her and the stone. However, um, there's a strange side effect.
James: Yeah?
Rob: Anudhara,…
Matt: What?
Rob: ... means "Star".
Amity: Well, she herself was the star of Kerral for a time.
Luz: Wow, my smart girlfriend, found out so much.
Amity blushed at this comment.
James: Interesting! Hm, but hardly of groundbreaking significance.
Rob: Well...
James: After all, we are looking for the stone, not the lady.
Rob: Yeah, but...
Matt: Yes, but why did Mister Shreber leave us the photo? If it wasn't this gambler who owned the stone then?
Gus: I dunno, we have to find out.
Rob: Well, there's something else. Anudhara was one of the names that the fake Healing Covenist on the boat asked me for.
Willow: Oh!
Rob: Yes! So it definitely has something to do with it.
James: It doesn't help. This trail does not get us any further at the moment. So let's look at the Leviathan and Mister Nathan Holbone. The plane carrier is anchored in Bonesborough at the harbour a little further away from land. We should ask Mr Holbone for help. He knows the ship and maybe knows where the stone is hidden.
Amity: Uh, wait a minute, then you were able to find his address James?
James: Yep! He lives a little further away from Bonesborough quite alone, the drive there would take a bit long.
Rob: Oh!
James: And I have already logged in via scroll, which means that I have told him on the answering machine that we are coming. And since the journey takes quite a long time and I attach a certain importance to convenience, Luz called Eda to ask her if we can take her Abomination car, as hers is so much more comfortable than Matt's car. Even though I'm sure the car is stolen from Eda.
Luz: Yes it is, and I would say let's go guys!
XXX
An hour later in the evening, the group sat in Eda's car. Of course Matt was driving.
Matt: So I have to say, the car is really very comfortable.
Luz: I know right?
Amity: I don't want to worry you people, but for a long time a black abonimation car has been following us, not from my company.
James: Yes, indeed! Now he turns.
Matt: I don't like that at all. If this is Rashura, what else do they want from us? I thought they wanted to harass Ishmael.
Matt continued to drive for some time. When they finally reaches their destination. Saw the teens a slightly older wooden house alone in the forest. They got out together and walked there.
Gus: A single house. No car is parked in front of it and all shutters are closed. Are you sure that Mister Holbone is waiting for us James?
James: Not directly, but I hope that in the meantime he was at home and heard the answering machine.
Luz: Don`t worry guys!
Willow: Well, maybe he went shopping.
They went to the front door, Luz rang the bell. And then they heard footsteps, and the door was torn open.
Taylor: Ahhh,look at that! And there are finally our hostages.
Rob: (frightened sound) Mister Taylor! He has an abonimation blade in his hand!
Luz already had her glyphs ready and the others had also entered a fighting position.
Taylor: Oh, oh, oh, I wouldn't do that in your place. You don't want my colleagues to hurt poor Nathan Holbone.
Suddenly, several abominations also came up behind Taylor.
James: It`s okay, we surrender.
The others left their fighting position unsettled.
Taylor: Great! Then all in and no tricks!
The Abominations and Taylor led the seven teens into the living room, and there were Angelica and Smith. Tied up on the chair was someone the three boys knew.
Matt: Ishmael!
James: (quiet) Damn it Matt! You shouldn't have said that.
Matt: He is tied to a chair.
Angelica: So! Ishmael! Do you see Mister Holbone? You`re persistent lying has not helped you at all. We knew you were Ishmael. And our young friend here has just confirmed it.
Matt: The false Healing Covenist!
Smith: Put everyone on the couch too! And no stupidities please! Angelica, make a plant spell and lace them up! And take the scrolls from them if they have any! And from the human child you take the cards!
Angelica: (laughs) Understood!
Angelica made a plant spell and captivated the teens with it. After that, she took the scrolls off everyone and from Luz she took her glyphs.
Luz: Hey! Give my Glyphs!
Rob: You were the woman on the boat. (Smith laughs) Yes, of course! You are the one who poisoned me!
Angelica: But I also sent you the antidote. I would have been very sad if you didn't get it in time.
Smith: So!
Amity: Don't touch my girlfriend!
Gus: We aren`t scared!
Willow: Yeah!
Smith: Now that we are all so nicely assembled, perhaps Mister Holbone is finally ready to cooperate.
James: Just a moment! May I ask something first?
Smith: Okay, ask!
James: How did you know we were coming here?
Smith: (laughs) We found out that our esteemed Mister Holbone here was a friend of Harry Shreber.
James: But that doesn't explain how you knew we were coming.
Smith: So, and now you kindly shut your mouth and let me do my job here, yes? Mr. Holbone! Do you wanna now talk?
James: Are you Rashura?
Smith: (angry) Angie, shut him up already his cheeky dirty mouth!
Angelica: With pleasure!
Angelica took a sock that was lying on the floor and stuffed it into James' mouth. James tried to spit it out but it was too deep inside.
Smith: Now, finally, there is peace. How pleasant. No, I'm not Rashura. You can call me Smith. Rashura is the man I work for. So Holbone! If you don't answer my question in five seconds, I'm gonna kill one of these kids. Where's the stone?
Nathan Holbone aka. Ishmael: (groans) Leave the kids alone! The stone is in a storage room aboard the Emperor's Coven Leviathan.
Smith: Leviathan? And where is the ship?
Nathan: In the coven harbor of Bonesborough.
Smith: All right! And how do you get in there?
Nathan: As a civilian, not at all.
Smith: But you're not a civilian. You are part of the coven.
Nathan: Yes! But you don't have to enter the port at all. The Leviathan leaves tomorrow.
Smith: Oh yeah? And you think we're stupid enough to mess with an entire ship full of Coven Guards?
Nathan: That is also not necessary. The ship is out of service. There will be only a minimal crew on board.
Smith: All right, all right, all right! Angelica? I had a little look around here earlier. There's a windowless basement downstairs. Lock the kids in there.
Angelica: Mhm!
Smith: Holbone? You come with us and get the stone on the ship. (laughs) I really hope I never see you kids again...
Angelica took two of the seven teens and shopped them towards the basement. She made an Abomination Blade and shopped the others towards the basement.
Angelica: Go ahead! And no tricks! I can handle the Magic as well as a poison potion.
Rob: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!
Angelica pushed the seven teens into the basement all fell down the stairs. And she just laughed. Angelica then closed the door and locked it. Smith, Angelica and Taylor left the house with Ishmael aka Nathan Holbone. The teens were all lying on the floor.
Gus: Wait James! I'm captivated, but I... I try to free you from your sock with my teeth. Gus did it and it looked like he was trying to kiss James.
Willow: (laughs) Thats a great idea, Gus!
Gus did it and it looked like he was trying to kiss James. Gus made it and pulled out James mouth's sock with his teeth.
James: (blushed) I... I hope you never have to do something like that with me again. Nevertheless, thank you Gus!
Gus: You're welcome!
Rob: You know what guys?
Luz: Huh?
Rob: I can... I can move my hands.
Luz: Oh!
Rob: Yes! Turn around Luz!
Luz: Yeah!
Rob: I'm trying your... I am trying to loosen your plant bondage.
Luz: Okay.
Rob did it and managed to pull out the plan, after some time Rob managed to free Luz.
Luz: Ha, great Rob! So, and now you. Come!
Luz also freed Rob, the two teens made her go straight to free the others. When they were all free, Matt went to the basement door and opened them with his door lock opener spell.
Matt: So, we are free!
Amity: Good job, Matt!
James: We must immediately go to the Coven port. Come on, guys!
They ran off when Willow saw an article on the table about the Leviathan.
Willow: Uh, wait a minute friends, wait!
Gus: Whats wrong?
Willow: That's strange. Here on the table, here is a newspaper clipping.
James: (annoyed sound) We have to go Willow!
Willow: Yes, wait a minute James! Here... I think we have a real problem.
Luz: Huh?
Willow: Here... here it says: (reads already) "Plane carrier Leviathan is sunk". Listen to this!
James: Yeah?
Willow: (read on) "Next Saturday, the ship Leviathan, one of the largest plane carriers from the Emperor's Coven, will be used for a peaceful purpose after countless missions."
James: What?
Willow: (read on) Ten kilometers off Bonesborough in the Boiling Sea, it will become a new home at a depth of thirty-five meters as an artificial reef in the boiling water."
Amity: Oh no!
Willow: (read on) "For this purpose, it was completely gutted, provided with explosive charges and is now being sunk. The spectacle can be followed by Coven members and other interested parties on observation ships."
Luz: Yes, but... but if Ishmael knew that...
James: We lost two days. Maybe he originally thought we could still do it. But now...
Amity: (interrupts) When the criminals actually go on board, they all die the from explosion. Because of a stupid gemstone that no one needs.
James: And I think Ishmael knew that when he lured they away from here. We...
Suddenly, the teens saw like at the front door, none other than...
Gus: Madhu! How do you suddenly come from? Moment! You were that earlier in the black Abomination Car that followed us, right?
Madhu: (laughs) Hm! You get it boy.
Rob: What?
Madhu: I think it's now time for some explanations. I work for a secret Spellstorm organization. I am trying to solve a case more than three decades old and the trail has led me here.
Luz: Oh!
Rob: We have to go to Bonesborough immediately. The criminals want to get the stone on the Leviathan. The ship will be blown up tomorrow morning.
Everyone went outside and saw Eda's car gone. And it was already night.
Luz: Eda's car! These criminals stole the car! Oh no, Eda will kill me!
Madhu: Then you kids will drive with me. Come on!
Matt: Mhm!
Madhu: We discuss everything else along the way.
James: Alright!
XXX
The teens got into Madhu's car. And had to squeeze in. Madhu drove off when they had been driving for a while. And did they know that they only arrived in Bonesborough harbour in the morning. Rob finally broke the silence.
Rob: Tell me, uh, Madhu, this old case you just talked about is about the star of Kerral? What does your secret organization have to do with a jewel theft?
Madhu: The stone belonged to the treasure of a very rich witch.
James: And was stolen along with some other jewels.
Madhu: (laughs) Some jewels? When the theft was noticed, the treasury was almost empty.
Amity: Oh!
Madhu: The value was immeasurable at that time. The rich witch immediately lost not only his fortune but also his power. He retired and died a few years later.
Luz: And... and have the thieves ever been found?
Madhu: No! They thought, however, that someone who knew the palace very well must have been involved in the robbery.
Matt: Mhm!
Madhu: Of course, everyone was questioned, their homes searched. However, nothing was found.
Willow: Hm! But there was still a suspect. The lady who called herself Anudhara.
Madhu: Yes! But she was able to prove that she had inherited her fortune. There was no trace until one night in Cochin.
James: Humph! In the Anudhara lost the star of Kerral at the game Hexes Hold'em.
Madhu: Ah, not quite!
Gus: Huh?
Madhu: The stone was lost as a stake, but Anudhara did not lose it. She was the one who won it.
Amity: She won it?
Matt: What? And... and then who lost him?
Madhu: A coven guard named John Fisher.
Rob: Fisher! The man with the watch. So he had stolen the treasure of the Rich Witch.
Madhu: That's what we suspect. And we know that he was carrying the sapphire with him when he left Cochin three weeks later. Anudhara, however, had disappeared without a trace and never reappeared.
Rob: Do you think he killed her to get the stone back?
Madhu: Maybe. Some time after his return to Bonesborough, Fisher had an accident and died. And the stone disappeared again until your Harry Shreber started his strange game and bequeathed you his riddle text.
James: Hm! Do you know who Rashura is?
Madhu: Unfortunately not!
James: Hm! And how did Taylor know that Mister Sapchevsky had called the Emperor's Coven in Bonesborough? Did you talk to him and give him all the information he needed?
Gus: Yeah, exactly!
Madhu: You're on the wrong track boy. But if you enjoy it, you can continue to suspect me.
Luz: Now stop it! The only thing that matters at the moment is to prevent the explosion. Everything else we can clarify later.
Matt: Yeah!
Madhu: That's right! I will contact the Coven immediately by scroll.
XXX
But all the attempts Madhu made failed. It was already early morning when the three detectives and the four friends and Madhu arrived in front of the covenhafen off Bonesborough. Here the teens suffered a bitter defeat. Only Madhu was allowed to pass through the port. James, Matt, Rob, Luz, Amity, Willow and Gus boarded a steamer accompanying the Leviathan at the nearby tourist port so that onlooker tourists could witness the blast from a safe distance. The seven immediately rushed to the bridge to the captain.
James: Captain! You have to listen to us! On board the Leviathan are people.
Gus: Yes!
Amity: You must immediately look for a white yacht that is near the Leviathan. Your crew is either already on board the plane carrier or on its way there. They do not know that the ship is to be blown up.
James: Exactly! You must either intercept them or stop the Coven from blowing up the Leviathan.
Rob: Yeah!
Captain: I was once on the ship captain and...
Matt: (interrupts) The Leviathan! There... it is in the back.
James: Yeah!
Captain: Yes, there it is. But there is no boat near them. Well, what do you say now, you seven prophets of doom?
Luz: Um...
Captain: You're surely just crazy.
James: I very much hope we were wrong sir.
Captain: And now make sure you get out of here! Access to the bridge is strictly prohibited for unauthorized persons. Out now!
Willow: But...
James: Alright, come on, guys!
The seven went back on deck and walked towards the tourists.
Luz: And what do we do now? In a few minutes...
Suddenly, the seven teens saw and heard. How an explosion happened on the Leviathan. And then came several explosions on the rusty ship.
Rob: The Leviathan. The bow, it lifts!
Gus: It... it sinks.
James: There! Guys! Behind the Leviathan. A small motorboat.
Luz: Oh no!
Only now did they see it. The inconspicuous little motorboat, which had been hidden behind the Leviathan, and which was now seized by the pull of the sinking giant, and silently glided into the depths behind him like a diving seagull. Then the Boiling Ocean was still again and only a few large air bubbles, which swelled to the surface and burst, revealed what had just happened here.
END OF PART 2!
Wow, what an episode. Personally, I just love Smith, Taylor and Angelica. And I hope you can forgive this cliffhanger! See you later! And stay tuned! Write me a review.