The Dark Piper
One night, in Hamelin, a festival was going on. It was the anniversary of when the Pied Piper saved the town from rats. Of course that would've never had happened if it wasn't for the witch trials since not only did the people kill innocent women but also killed A LOT of cats. Fireworks were flying, kids running around playing games, and food was ripe for the picking. "Welcome to the annual Pied Piper Festival." said one barmaid.
"Try our savory bread and sample our sweet dessert wine." said another.
Nearby the bar, they were playing a simple puppet play of the even and 2 gentlemen were talking about the real man. "Our hero played his flute and lured the rats into the river with his song saving the town of Hamelin."
The man next to him asked, "Sir, how can we believe these events actually took place here a few hundred years ago?"
Then black smoke explosions came out of nowhere that nearly blanketed the festival scaring everyone. Then out of nowhere, a man showed up wearing a purple cape, cap, and a skull mask and had a scar on his face from his left eye to his chin. His eyes were glowing red, though that might be a trick of the mind. "I have returned." Everyone saw him and gasped. It was the Pied Piper. "For what you have done to me, I will see Hamelin burn to ashes!" Then he got his flute out and started to play a tune. Then behind him rats came in by the thousands and started to attack everyone.
Prologue
Its 2003 in January, roughly a month since the Snow Queen/Snow White incident and Charlotte, now 17, was watching a movie on her portable DVD player. She needed a break but even that doesn't last. She was watching the Pied Piper from 1986, but in this version it was wood stop-animation and instead of taking the kids, the Pied Piper turned everyone into rats after one of the headmen killed a lady that fell in love with the piper and vise versa. As it hit its climax, where the Piper was in the clock tower silently talking to the god Saturn, holding an hourglass, Mildrid came in with her purse. "Charlotte sweetie, I need a favor."
Charlotte put her movie on pause and asked, "What is it Mildrid?"
She replied, "My husband is under the weather and I have to take care of him. And what's worst is that he got a case. So I was wondering if you can take his place for him."
Charlotte closed the player. "Of course I will. Truth be told, I need to get out of the office and to get Kurt off my back. May I have his badge please?" Mildrid gladly gave it to her. "And where is the place I'm going?"
Mildrid gave her a letter. "This was sent in and since this is more up your ally it's why I'm asking you. And since you're going to be a temporary inspector, you can't use your earpiece I'm afraid." Charlotte handed it to her.
Soon enough, Charlotte was on a horse on her way to Hamelin. It took her 5 days but she made it. She opened the letter and read it. 'Inspector, you are summoned here today by Duke Alfred on an unusual matter. Three days ago, during the festival plague infested rodents mysteriously attacked out town. Residents fled in fear and our town was badly damaged! A piper shrouded in darkness is behind this destruction. Reports indicated that he is still in Hamelin. Reports indicate that he is still in Hamelin. Find out his motive and capture him before all the towns of Europe are consumed by plagued rats.' Charlotte folded up the letter and put it in her jacket pocket just in time.
Chapter 1
She arrived at the town and it was really empty. She took out Bahnoir's journal, which was already set up for this case, and took notes. The Dark Piper Note: If I am to hunt down the Dark Pied Piper I will need to get past this tree and go into the town. She parked her horse, got off and saw a glowing cat on he fallen tree. "Welcome Fabled Inspector, would you like some help?" it asked.
Charlotte was taken back. "You might confused me with Bahnoir, but I'm his replacement since he's sick. Maybe we can be partners."
The Cat jumped on her shoulder. "I would like that. Heard rumors that he was always depressed."
Charlotte replied, "Well he's not always depressed. When he's with his wife, he's more chipper. Oh and how can you talk?"
"I assumed you've seen weirder things and this is counting as the norm for the time being." said the cat.
Charlotte said, "True that. I've seen a cursed Princess, a Frog prince, a ghost ballerina, and an Evil Mirror. Yeah this is considered normal for the time being. After this do you wanna come home with me?"
The Cat shook its head. "Nope. I'm feral. Not meant to be a family pet. Just be happy I'm asking if I can help you."
Charlotte saw sparkles near some barrels but when she went to the area, she didn't see any parts. "How am I gonna do this?"
The Cat said, "Instead of looking for parts, I'm going to tell you a list of things you need to look for and when you touch them, they're going to disappear. Then when you get them all I'm going to tell you a special item you need to get." The Cat look at the area and its eyes glowed yellow. "Look for these items: carved pumpkin, Lit cigar, dead leaf, keys, scorpion, sea shell, wine bottle, brush, snail, dragonfly, pocket watch, and top hat. 2 of those items you have to make yourself." Charlotte worked on the ones that don't need combos and then worked on the last two. She used a knife nearby to carve the pumpkin, and got a match and lit up a cigar. After that the cat said, "Now get the axe. You'll need it."
Charlotte picked up the axe, went to the tree and made a path by chopping it into 2 pieces. Then she saw a mouse. Soon mice from behind walked into town and Charlotte saw someone. "Is that the dark piper sanding in the distant fog?" she asked.
"Only one way to find out." said the Cat.
Charlotte walked into town and saw him, along with some mice, took the path on the left. "The dark piper! He is leading the rats with his magical flute." But she saw something jiggling in a red suitcase. She opened it and it was just a rock. Thinking 'what the hell' she took it. Then she took the same route as the Dark Piper.
It was a tight walkway but she saw the Dark Piper on a stone bridge archway. "You must be the Inspector famous across of Europe for solving fabled legends and hunting down arcane relics." He said.
Charlotte yelled out, "Wrong person dude! I'm only a fill in."
The Dark Piper smirked. "Even a better target. I am the Dark Piper and I have with me the magical Pied Piper Flute. Listen to my tune and feel the power of my wrath!" Then he started to play his flute and rats appear blocking the walkway and the Dark Piper got away. "I'll be watching you."
Charlotte groans. "Reminds to me to kick Bahnoir's ass when I get home. Can't you hunt these rats?"
The Cat answered, "And get myself sick? You must be joking. Even if they weren't sick, I can't hunt all of them and none of the other cats are going to take the risk unless you want to quarantine the place."
Charlotte rolled her eyes and then saw someone in a window in a small apartment like house. "Is someone from the window staring at me?" She got out her journal to make note. Dark Piper note: I saw the Dark Piper! His magical flute summoned vermin to block me further. There must be a way to get past these rats! "So any bright ideas?" She put the book away.
The Cat said, "Explore the areas as you usually do. Though your 6th sense might make you run around a lot."
"It's alright. Not the first time and it won't be the last." Charlotte looked at some flowers nearby and found a hand shovel and took a bucket of water that was next to the door. She went back to the town square and put the fire out that was blocking the other path. Once the fire was put out, she walked down and the path leads her to the stables and the clock tower. She looked up at the clock tower and saw the Dark Piper. He quickly ran inside the clock tower. "The Dark Piper dashes to the clock tower. I must find a way to get up there."
The Cat said, "To get up there is a puzzle itself. By the end of the night you'll find out the truth."
Charlotte asked, "What truth?"
"Keep an eye on the clues of how the people acts. Sometimes it's not what it seems." the Cat replied.
Charlotte went to the stables and saw a scared horse popping his head out of the window. Town Mysteries note: The Horses are stirred up! This is not normal. What is behind these stable doors? She found a gold bell near a broken carriage and inside the carriage, she found some bolt cutters, and a box buried in a bigger box. She used the hand shovel to uncover it and it was a puzzle. The objection is to get the horse from the Frog Prince forest to the stables. First she defeated the ice wolf, then put the bridge in place to cross the river, get rid of the rats, and get pass the guard. Once the puzzle was solved, the box opened and got the stable key. She unlocked the stable doors and all the horses ran out in a frenzy. "That was close."
Charlotte walked inside and saw smoke coming from the ground that was covered with hay. Town Mysteries note: There is a billow of black smoke from under the stable ground. Could there be a secret passage below? She found a ladder and went back to the apartment house. She used the bolt cutters on a sealed chest by cutting the wires and opened it. The Cat eye's glowed as usual and said, "Look for Tarot card, ruby bracelet, brush, musical note, sun, coin, snail, watch, nail, butterfly brooch, bone, and walking stick." Charlotte got all the items including putting together 2 of them and the cat said, "Now look for a bronze scepter." Charlotte got it.
Once in her bag with the bell, she used the ladder to reach the window and used the rock to smash it opened. Inside the room, there was a small library, a picture of the duke, a table with a small tea set and a box not opened, and the butler knocked out. Then Charlotte found a newspaper on the floor. "After the great fire, Hamelin was rebuilt on top of the old city's remains. Come believe many treasures are still in buried below." She turned to the Cat. "Is this the reason why Dark Piper is here?"
The Cat replied, "Part of it.
Charlotte picked up a chisel and checked the butler and he was out-out. Duke's Manifesto note: The Duke's Butler is unconscious! I must find a way to wake him up. Then she saw sparkles at the bookcase and went to it.
The Cat said, "Look for lock, cup of milk, playing card, old bill, bow tie, camera, cigar, flower, sugar cubes, precious ring, elegant hat, and round glasses." She found the items and made sure she got the first 2. Then the Cat said, "Now get the vermin repellent."
Once Charlotte got it, she got out of the house, and used the repellent on the rats that were blocking the path. They went away and she can finally move forward. She arrived at a 3-way crossroads. One path went to town, another was a gate to the Duke's house, and next to the small graveyard was a small gate to the lake. Charlotte saw a figure near the Duke's gate. Then he turned away. "A bulky figure stands behind the gate! Who could he be?"
The Cat said, "It doesn't look like the Dark Piper. He's too tall."
She saw a loose slab near the lake gate and once it was out of the way, she got a small ink jar of invisible ink. After that, Charlotte investigated a statue near the gate and saw a mini-game. She had to connect all the buds to bloom into flowers. She solved it and got a ruby eye as a reward. After that she went into town and saw a girl on the second floor or the morgue building. The girl closed the shutters. "The few inhabitants who are locked up in their homes are likely afraid to roam the rat-infested streets." In the area there was a pharmacy, a toy maker shop, and the morgue. She went to the door and it was chained up but she saw a doll head. She took it and also took the hayfork. Finally, she went to the gate and opened it.
Chapter 2
Charlotte walked to the lake and saw 2 people on horses talking. She couldn't hear them but one of them was the Dark Piper. He stopped her, threw a box in the lake and the 2 ride off. Dark Piper note: The Piper spoke to a mysterious figure and they both left hurriedly. He threw something of value onto the lake. Near her feet was a horse figurine. She then made her way back to the stables but stopped at the town square cause on one of the statues has an eye; a sapphire eye. She used the chisel and got the eye. Then she arrived outside the clock tower and the stables. There on the ground between the 2 buildings, was a small coffin and a doll missing its head. She put the head in place and got a coin out of it.
Then she walked inside the stables, use the hey fork and it showed a trapped door. "This is where the smoke is coming from." Then she used the horse figurine and saw sparkles.
Once inside the horse room, the Cat said, "2 little birds, broom, long shovel, whip, pepper, wooden fork, letter, horse head, horseshoe, sharp knife, pear, and watering can." Charlotte got them all including the first 2 and then the Cat said, "Now get the gold coin."
Charlotte got the coin and quickly went back to the street area and saw a vending machine. She placed the coins in, pulled the lever, and got tonic water. She quickly went back to the butler's house and used the tonic to wake him up. He opened his eyes and gently got up from his seat. "Thank goodness you came Inspector!" But then he noticed Charlotte wasn't the one he was waiting for. "You're not the inspector."
Charlotte said, "I'm not, but I know who you're talking about. He's sick so I'm filling in until he gets better."
He continued, "Then allow my to introduce myself. I am Gerald, personal butler to Duke Alfred. It is I who sent you, or in this case your colleague, the request to investigate this town. An hour ago, a shrouded figure knocked me unconscious as I was preparing to leave and meet the Duke."
Charlotte asked, "Are you alright now?"
He nodded. "But do not concern yourself with me. The Duke is waiting. He informed me earlier that he must speak with you at once. You will find him residing in a grand mansion on top of the hill not too far from here." The Butler handed her something. It was a white swan disk. "You will need this item to access the Duke's estate." Then he left the room and the door locked behind him.
Duke Manifesto note: The butler asks me to visit the Duke. He is at the mansion past the graveyard. The Cat said, "That story doesn't make sense."
Charlotte said, "I know. We saw a figure at the windows and it was no hour getting up there. I walk fast when it comes to investigations. For now we trust no one."
She saw sparkles at the china cabinet and the Cat said, "Sealed envelope, painting, tea spoon, antique gun, big spider, fork, stamp, rope, scissors, B, fountain pen, and golden key." Once she found all of that, the Cat said, "Now get the raven disk."
Charlotte got it and went out the window to see the door was now opened. "Must of left in a hurry." Once inside, it looked like a hoarder house. "Great. First my great aunt and now a stranger's."
The Cat asked, "This isn't your first time at a hoarder house?"
"She's the only one in prison since she actually hid dead animals and one dead body, her husband." said Charlotte. "And she wasn't a teacher." In the center of the room was a statue of a raven. Grails note: I discover a large mysterious raven statue here. It appears to hold a powerful grail inside. Then she found a book nearby that documented 4 grails: a flute, the raven, a cloak, and a key that can unlock anything. Near the book was a long hook and she took it. Then she found another book and when she opened it, she found a shiny button. She looks closer at the raven statue and saw 4 small ones. Each one was missing an eye. "Only have 2 of them. Need 2 more."
The Cat said, "Don't worry. You'll find the other 2."
"Let's hope." she said.
Charlotte went back to the gravesite and looked at one of the trees and inside a tree hole she saw something. She used the long hook and got the police key and used it to unlock the police box in the town's square. There she got a light bulb, and went back to the apartment, put the bulb in place and the room light up. She then saw some sparkles near a small desk and the Cat said, "Look for tea, lamp, mouse, stick, mask, letter, handcuffs, ink pen, hourglass, skull, red candy, and pipe." She got them all and then the Cat said, "Now get the rat knob. We're going to need it at the stables."
Charlotte ran back to the stables and put the knob in place to open the underground gate. She walked down the ladder and saw the secret room. "Holy cow." Town's Mysteries note: The smoke is caused by a combination…and what is causing the smoke? The room had a small desk of vials and stuff, a sitting area, a cage where a box was locked, and a statue holding something but nothing was in her hands. "How many secrets does this town have?"
"Too much to count in my opinion. Though I have for 4 years, news travels fast for us feral animals." said the Cat. "But there's a big one you're going to find soon."
Charlotte moved a cloth away from some chairs and found a phoenix plate. "Where does this belong to?" She put it in her bag and then went to a small desk. There were 3 chemicals and a puzzle. "Rotate each disc until the liquids merge in the center." After a few twist and turns, she solved it and got a jade eye since the center of the box look like a rat.
Then her 6th sense told her to go to the town entrance and when she arrived, she saw sparkles at her first location. The Cat said, "Green chameleon, ten, spider, coin, feather, bracelet, screwdriver, rope, button, carrot, harmonica, and glove."
Charlotte said, "I'm starting to hate spiders."
She looked for all the items the Cat told her to get, the Cat said, "Now get the decoder."
Charlotte then got an idea why she needs it. "One mystery will explain all."
She made it back to the toy store, put the button on the nutcracker that was guarding the doorway, and a compartment opened where the hat was. There was a crystal eye, the last one that she needs. Charlotte ran back to the apartment, went inside and put all 4 jewels in the eye sockets including the raven disk, and the statue started to shake. She saw something opened on the base of the statue and it was the Ravenlore whistle. As soon as it was in her hands, it started to glow and a raven appeared and flew out of the window. "Whoa."
The Cat said, "That was Ravenlore, a raven that has been here since the first Pied Piper. Though very stubborn, he has chosen you be to his master for the night."
Charlotte said, "He's not very choosing since the butler has the statue first."
The Cat replied, "Aww, but he's a stubborn fellow and only choose the masters that are worthy of him. Somehow, after 100 years, you are worthy of him. One blow of that whistle and he will appear and help you depending on the area. But to give you a hint, he can only appear to help you 4 times."
Charlotte nodded and remembered the lake. She ran to the lake and saw the box was still there. She got the whistle and when she blew it, the raven appeared, for the box, and carried it to her feet and then went away. "3 more visits." She opened the box and got a gold chalice. "More answers at the secret room in the stables.
Chapter 3
Charlotte made it back to the town's square but when she arrived, she saw the Dark Piper She walked to the middle circle on the ground and he started to speak as he held a leaver nearby. "Wannabe inspector, this town has many secrets. You are about to witness one." Then he pulled the lever, the ground under her gave out and Charlotte and the Cat went down.
Charlotte woke up and saw they were in an underground cave with a wall and door that look ancient. "I'm REALLY starting to hate that jackass." Charlotte stood up and dusted herself.
The Cat was next to her and luckily he landed on his feet. "You are not the only one. Would've been best if he was a rat then I would have the hunt of the century." He jumped back on Charlotte shoulder. "Now how are we going to get out of here?"
The 2 looked up at the whole and Charlotte said, "Well it's not much of a big drop compared to the Back Forest with The Frog Prince. All we need to rope to get out." She found scissors on the floor and took it. Then she gently pushed open the doors and inside there were 2 more. One was a skull theme and the other one required 6 disks. on a chest nearby she found a pearl and a small flag. "What's the secret behind those doors?"
The Cat said, "Something that isn't involve with this case as of yet. There's a series of doors behind those and the final door mustn't be open…yet. Unless you want greed to take control."
Charlotte realized that the Cat was dead serious and understood perfectly. Also in the room was statue number 2, The Piped piper statue. It looked just like the raven but this time there was a young man playing a flute and over him was a rat. She saw it was open. "Well now we know where he got the flute." She found rope behind the statue and took it. "Now we can get out."
She made it back to the drop-off where she saw sparkles. She went to the area where there was a chest and the Cat said, "Look for frog prince, golden egg, ring, clover, walnut, heart medal, bone, baroque cross, horseshoe, brown glove, unicorn badge, and mouse." Charlotte got all those things and then the Cat said, "Now get the black swan emblem and we can go to the mansion on the hill. But we still need to get some stuff."
Charlotte said, "I know my 6th sense tells me to go the stables." She got the rope and managed to catch the edge of the hole with the hook and she climbed up back to the town square.
Then she went to the stables and saw sparkles. Once in the small area the Cat said, "Look for mouse trap, pot of daisies, rake, lizard, wooden chalice, bracelet, cork, saddle, leather belt, rope, leather belt, big spider, and glass bottles." Charlotte looked for what was listed and then the Cat said, "Now get the rust remover." Once she got it, he said, "Now back to the sewers."
Charlotte went back down to the 'secret lab' and put the chalice in the statues hands. The cage under the statue opened, but the box there still needed a special key. "She tried the key next to it and it didn't work. "I'm guessing the pharmacy?"
The Cat said, "Right, but we can't go there yet, we have to go back to the apartment." Charlotte ran back to the apartment and saw sparkles near the drawers on the first floor. The Cat said, "Look for jester bear, map, pearl bracelet, lizard, maple leaf, necklace, crystal ball, magnifier, key, antique sword, sheriff badge, and screw." She got all of that stuff and then the Cat said, "Now get unicorn plate. It involves the door down below."
Charlotte got it and then went to the second floor through the window. "Doesn't the guy have a key so we won't go through the window?" On the table the shell was still there and when she out the pearl in place, she got the clock tower key. "YES!"
Cat said, "Finally! But we need rust remover too. No doubt he nearly killed the door."
Charlotte said, "Well I would've done the same thing, but it's never permanent."
Charlotte left the apartment and made her way up to the gates for the mansion. She put the 2 swan pieces in place and the gate opened. As she walked up, she saw a carriage there. "Red flag number 1." She found a pickaxe and took it and then saw a puzzle at a tiger statue. After she fixed it and cleaned it, she got a silver bell.
Once she put it in the bag, she walked up to the mansion where the Duke was there waiting for her. "Inspector, it took you long enough. I have been waiting impatiently for your arrival!" he said. Then he saw that it wasn't the inspector he was waiting her.
Charlotte held up her hands. "Before you say anything. Yes I'm the not the inspector you were waiting for. He's sick and I'm filling for the time being. But I already encounter the Dark Piper."
The Duke said, "Very well. I understand that you've uncovered an ancient city beneath Hamlin. More importantly, wall carvings substantiate the age-old rumors of a secret vault containing invaluable."
Charlotte said, "Yes sir. But I think that's the least of our problems. "
The Duke ignore her. "Ignore the Dark Piper for now. I will have my Viceroy take care of him. Remember find a way to access the vault!" Then he gave her something. "I found this dirty Wolf Plate in my collection. Take it with you."
Charlotte took the item and as she walked away, she got the journal out. Duke's Manifesto note: The Duck asks me to find a special key in the Vault. I don't know how it relates to the Dark Piper. Nevertheless I must go. Charlotte said, "This is getting fishy."
The Cat asked, "Delicious fishy or stinky fishy?"
Charlotte answered, "Like eating and getting a parasite fishy. So bad you go the bathroom and won't get out until 4 days later and 3 Pepto-Bismol bottles and 16 chewable later."
The Cat was dumbfounded. "Wow that's fishy."
Charlotte made it back to the pharmacy and used the key to finally unlock the door only to find a dead body and judging from the body, it was from no plague. "Broken window, body a bit yellowish. Rules out suffocation, but dead either way. The body smells like it's been here a few days, and there isn't a rat bite to be seen."
The Cat asked, "Not your first time seeing a dead body?"
Charlotte shook her head. "Nope. But this is the first that's this 'fresh'." She found insecticide, a small ship, and a stone carrot. She went back to the cemetery, gave the stone rabbit the carrot and got 2 keys out of it: a diary key and a cabinet key. Then her next stop was the lake and she used the insecticide on the spider and got the address book. After that Charlotte went back to the pharmacy, used the key to unlock the diary in the dead-man's hand and poured the invisible ink on the page and got some answers and then she rip the page from the book,. Town's Mysteries note: From this entry, it seems the smoke can cause rats to become infested with plaque! Who would want to poison this town?"
The Cat asked, "Did you really have to end it like that? We already have the answers."
Charlotte said, "Yeah but that's how the inspectors are suppose to do it until we're for sure who's the bad guy. Learn that from some of the great mystery detectives ever."
"Sherlock Holmes?"
"The Thin Man. Sherlock already knows after he talks to 2 people. The Thin Man does it like it's just another stroll in the park with his wife and kid with him, including his dog and not even trying." said Charlotte.
She used the other key to unlock the cabinet and got sparkles. The Cat said, "Opened lock, grinded medicine, feather duster, stripped towel, stamp, hourglass, harmonica, grey powder, cork, metal cross, poster, and magnifying glass." Charlotte got those items and then the Cat said, "Item of the day…oil." And she got it.
"Time for the clock-tower." She rushed to the clock tower, free the lock of the rust and used to the key to get inside. Once inside, she found a skeletal half mask on the ground, took it, put the bells on the statues and as soon as the stairs appeared, rat came through the open window and blocked the path. The Dark Piper note: The Piper doesn't want me snooping around this abandoned building. I'll need to remove these pesky vermin to explore further.
Then she saw sparkles at a worktable and when she got closer, the Cat said, "Look for Brass nut, circle, snail shell, small gear, lock, long spring, ruler, handle, dry sponge, clamp, feather, and bowknot." She got all that and then the Cat said, "Now get the lamp." And she got it.
Chapter 4
Once she got what she needed, she went to the door on the right, after she used the oil to make the lock work, she used the scissors to cut a hanging cloth and get a bottle of sour milk, and when went to a small desk in the room, put the encrypted receipt, put the decoder on the paper, place the address book on the stand, and opened it to where the clue leads. It leads to a picture and a code for the morgue lock. Town's Mystery note: The note matches the name of the Viceroy. He was the one who ordered the poison! Discover his whereabouts. "5 cat food cans saying the Viceroy is the Dark Piper."
Cat asked, "We know the dude but who is controlling him?"
"That's what we need to figure out. An something tells me the answer is so far away, it can be right under our noses." said Charlotte. She went back to the town entrance and found a loose brick on one of the walls and used a pickaxe and once it was out of the way, she got a sea serpent plate.
Then she went back to the lake and put the lamp on a small cave nearby. Then there was sparkles and the Cat said, "Look for Buried pine cone, rowing boat, cricket, half lime, tied chain, potato, butterfly, straw hat, bat, mint leaves, grapes, and chick." Charlotte got all of that, and then the Cat said, "Now look for mirror with moon engravings. You're going to need it."
Charlotte got it and made it back to the morgue. "9190." Once the door opened, inside was a dead body, but was made properly, a dead ill rat in a jar, and sparkles near the instruments table. First Charlotte got a screwdriver and then went to the table. The Cat said, "Look for winded soldier, scissors, scalpel, hand drill, test tube, ink pen, magnet, white feather, hammer, wool glove, oil lamp, and magnifier." Once all that the Cat said, "Now careful for this one. You need to get embalming acid."
Then she made her way back to the mansion. But before she went back, near the fountain, there was a ship bottle, but without a ship. She gently put the ship she found in the bottle and a secret compartment opened and got a golem plate. "Hey this one looks like the same character from the Hobbit."
The Cat asked, "Good book?"
"There's 3 sequels, a few side stories, 2 cartoon movies, and about 6 live actions movies. I say it did pretty darn good." she said.
Then she made it back to the mansion and saw a pot near a statue and the Duke was still there. "Did you find the key yet?"
Charlotte said, "Not yet. But I'm one step closer into solving my case. If you have something to say, say it now."
The Duke smirked. "I'm as innocent as a child of the Wild West." Charlotte knew he was lying. No kid in the Wild West was a goody-2-shoes. Just asked James Brown Miller or as the papers would call him Deacon Jim Miller. She pored the milk in the pot and a eagle plate floated to the top. "Impressive sleuthing skill there, Inspector."
Charlotte didn't say anything and left the mansion. It didn't talk her long to get back to the underground and went to a knight statue. On the bottom of the statue there was 2 slots. First she put in the mirror and then the scepter, and then on the knight's chest plate there was a blue crystal. "How many of these do we need?"
The Cat said, "For the first key we need 2."
Charlotte walked up to the locked door and put the keys in place. "Eagle, sea serpent, golem, wolf, unicorn, and phoenix." Once all the plates were on the door, it opened. She walked through it and saw 2 statues, a chest, and another door with and X across it. On the wall at the left of the door, Charlotte saw something blue growing from a crack. She used the embalming acid on the rock and got the second blue crystal. Charlotte put the crystals on the statue on the right and a puzzle opened.
The cat said, "Move the horse figurine to collect all items on the board."
Charlotte did that and got the key. Now the moment of truth. Charlotte went back to the mansion but this time the Duke wasn't alone. A bodyguard and his butler was there. "The vault key!" Yelled the Duke. "The legend is indeed true. Inspector, I'd like you to meet the Viceroy. He may resemble someone you're looking for." Then behind the Duke, the Dark Piper appeared but then removed his cloak and hat and it was the same man from the picture in the address book. Charlotte was played like a fool. "How easily you fell for my ruse!"
"I knew all along. Even before I step up here the first time." said Charlotte. "So you already knew?"
"We know all about the rich underground city but needed someone intelligent like you to help us accesses it." said the Duke.
Charlotte said, "You won't get away with this. Karma always bite someone in the ass sooner or later."
The Duke ignore her. "Now with the vault key and the townspeople fleeing in fear I will have the treasure all to myself!" Then he said. "Jon take care of our inspector!" Then the bodyguard grabbed her and dragged her as they walked back to the vault entrance.
Standing in front of the vault door was the Duke, the butler, and the Viceroy. The Duke was demanding for the second key, the butler had no choice but to stand by the Duke, and the Viceroy was just humming a simple tune. Charlotte looked at the Cat and all it did was meow. Apparently the Cat didn't want the 3 to know about that fact that he can talk. 'This is going to be hard. I'm seeing sparkles.' she thought.
She saw some nearby and when she got near them, the Cat spoke to her through in her head. Charlotte acted like she didn't hear anything. 'Look for complete puzzle, 10:10, tortoise, wheat, telescope, pink flowers, map, star emblem, old fork, ancient sword, broken flute, and fleur-de-lis.' When she found all those things, he "said", 'Now get the skull with the thorn crown.'
Charlotte got it and when she walked back a room, she saw the skull theme door. She played the skull on the door basin and it opened. Once inside that room, she saw the 3rd statue. Grails note: This mysterious structure likely holds something of value inside. She closed the journal, found a book of pied piper, a wooden dragon on a broken sword, and sparkles near a small bush of crystals. "Do what you did before incase they hear anything. Can't risk loosing you to these greedy bastards " whispered Charlotte.
The Cat nodded and when she got close, he "said", 'Look for colored mask, golden teeth, golden heart, garnet buttons, eight, old diary, sickle, chess piece, pomegranate, scissors, ladybug, and five nuts.' Charlotte got them all and then the Cat "said", 'Now get sledgehammer.'
Once she got it, Charlotte made it back to the hole and saw the bodyguard there making sure she doesn't leave. "Crap." she muttered. She saw something red glowing in the rocks and used the hammer to get a red crystal out of it's hiding place.
Then she saw some sparkles at the small treasure chest and once close the Cat "said", 'Look for honey, flute, magic lamp, firefly, ladybug, bell, dry sunflower, turtle, crimson butterfly, pinecone, parrot sculpture, and maple leaf. Once you get all that look for a compass.'
Charlotte nodded and did just that. Then she made it back to the vault gate and as she glared at them, she went to a chest there, found a map of crossed out areas and put the compass on the lock. There she got a bone. But before she left she looked at the map and then looked at the Viceroy. The Viceroy just glared at her. Neither of them say anything to each other. In a way they were recreating the scene from the Pied Piper movie Charlotte was watching back home. Only this time, Saturn and the Piper were bitter enemies. Charlotte got up, went back to the bone room and put it on the skeleton and got the second red crystal. She went back to the vault door and put the 2 on the second statue and solved the puzzle getting the last key.
Chapter 5
Charlotte bitterly gave it to the Duke. He put the keys in place and the doors started to open. "Yes! Yes! The treasures here they are all mine!" yelled the Duke.
Then the Viceroy asked, "Duke Alfred, how about a Romani tune to celebrate? I learned it from my mother when I was only a little child." Then he grew mad. "That's right, my gypsy mother." The Duke grew scared. "She and the rest of my people died at your hands once you decided we were worthless to you. I've been waiting patiently for the say I could avenge my people. It is time for you all to die!"
Then he got the flute, played a tune and sickly rat ran into the room and attacked everyone, but somehow not the detective. But the reason why the rats didn't is because, Charlotte got her raven whistle and the bird chased the rats inside the vault room where the Viceroy was already inside. He turned away as the door closed and locked a second time. The Dark Piper note: The Viceroy slayed the Duke and his men then hid inside the vault I must apprehend him!"
Charlotte closed the book and the Cat asked, "Are you alright Charlotte? You're not smitten by him are you?"
Charlotte said, "Let's change the ending of this Pied Piper tale and as of now, just so you know I actually like girls." She looked at the Cat. "No judgments from you CAT. I'm in no mood for jokes, slang words, or hate."
The Cat was wide-eyed. "Wow. Permission to ask one question."
Charlotte said, "Granted and no bull-crap remarks."
"Okay. When did you find out you are into girls?" the Cat asked.
"Since I was 15 and 1/2 years old and apparently everyone new what I was a bit early." said Charlotte. "But lets continue with the case." She investigated the body of the Duke and got the key to his mansion. "Sad really. I would've love to see this man turn into a rat and then drown."
Then her sixth sense told her to go to the lake. On her way back she saw the bodyguard dead. The 2 shook their heads and got out of there. She made it to the lake and saw sparkles. at the small cave. Once near it the Cat said, "Look for Bait, deer skull, white rose, frog, strawberry, small key, dart, hook, rope, green caterpillar, moon, and fresh cherries." She found all that and then the Cat said, "Now get the book of rats."
Charlotte did and then made her way to Duke Alfred's house. She used the key to unlock the door and went inside. "Nice place. Little dated but nice place." She went to a stack of drawers, took the dart that was on top of it, and used the screwdriver to open one of the drawers and got the burnt half mask. Then she went on the second floor and entered the room on the left. Inside was a bedroom, a work desk, and 3 small statues but one was incomplete. She went to the desk and found something interesting. "Seems he knew about the vault and tried to petition but was denied." Then she found a book near the bed and it was a hit list and a journal. "So the Viceroy wasn't lying about the slaughter."
She closed the book and went to the bed where she saw the sparkles. The Cat said, "Look for finished painting, rocking horse, metal jug, bow tie, globe, antique spectacles, silver ring, red purse, pipe, ruby earrings, gun, and sock." Once that's done the Cat said, "Now get the workshop key."
Once Charlotte got it, she quickly ran to the toyshop and unlocked the door. Inside was puppets, wood, tools and such. But what caught her eye was an un-open box and a door with 2 locks. She already has the dragon, but she needs the knight. Then she walked back to the town-square and saw something in one of the light post. She got her raven whistle and the bird broke the light lamp so she can get it. "One more visit to go."
The Cat said, "Actually, you have 2 more."
"What? But you said I had 4." said Charlotte.
"Like I said, it's been a long time since I've seen anyone worthy of the whistle. The raven must of liked you since you knew already who was doing what." said the Cat.
Charlotte said, "Well I'll let this one slide. But next time please remember." She used the dart and got the white crystal. "I need 4 of these to open the door."
Then her 6th sense told her to back to the clock tower and when she arrived she did see sparkles on the workbench and the rats were gone. The Cat said, "Look for blue tea," He laughed a bit at that reference as well as Charlotte. "repaired bear, hourglass, sticker, heavy hammer, ruler, metal protractor, ace, decorated flask, pipe, oil can, and screw driver." Once those items were found the Cat said, "Now get the Rat carving, though it looks more like a statue."
Once she got it, she went up the stairs, she used the flag she found and unlocked the hidden door. Once inside it was obvious there was more secrets. Town's Mysteries note: The Viceroy hated the Duke and his 'kind'. He vowed to destroy him and the others, but why? The Cat look at the note and asked, "Really?"
Charlotte said, "It's not my book. Remember I'm just a fill in." On the desk, in the room, she found a metal vase, in a small chest she found a wooden knight, and took a blueprint that was on the wall next to another door that was locked.
Then her sixth sense told her to go to the fountain near the mansion and when she arrived, she didn't see anything. But when she gave the fountain angel the vase, it rise up and now there were sparkles. The Cat said, "Look for Pearl, yellow duck, gingerbread man, book, sticker, tortoise, mushroom, bow tie, red petals, matchbox, precious tiara, and x mark." Once she got all those items, the Cat said, "Now get tongs. You're going to need them."
Charlotte rushed to the morgue and used the tongs to get the gold lock. Then she went back to the toyshop. Once inside, she put the blue prints on a stand and a compartment opened and got a diamond lock. Then again her sense told her to go the ally-way near the apartment. She arrived there and saw sparkles at the chest. The Cat said, "Look for flower vase, pixie, rope, black feather, gecko, rose, hammer, dice, cat statue, cloth, spider, and stamp. After that get the silver lock.
"Now we can unlock the last statue." said Charlotte. Soon she was back in the mystery vault but first she had a 6th sense to deal with.
At the crystal bush there were sparkles she had to do first. The Cat said, "Look for finished carving, crystal star plate, candle holder, arrow, puppet head, matches, scorpion, and don't worry it's dead, unicorn, iron ladle, rusty mug, withered leaves, and bronze hourglass." Once that was done the Cat said, "Now get the miniature hat."
Charlotte asked, "It's for one of the statues in the bedroom?"
The Cat answered, "Yes and we need 2 more items."
Chapter 6
After getting the hat, Charlotte went to the statue, out the 2 half masks on, and when the chest opened to unlock the item she put up the 3 locks and Charlotte got the item. It was called the Skeleton Key, a key that can unlock anything with no problem. Charlotte said, "I wonder how this key was made."
The Cat said, "Its best if you don't. There's a reason why it's called a skeleton key. Now I'll tell you where you should use it. First stop, the underground lab." Charlotte ran to the lab and used the key to unlock the chest and got another white crystal. "Now the morgue." Charlotte ran to the morgue, unlock a drawer and got the book of poison. Then she saw sparkles. "Look for smiling doll, stitched cloth, drawer key, walking cane, compass, candle holder, tin mug, broken chain, beaker, engraved cross, telescope lens, and golden coin." Once that done the Cat said, "Now look for the glowing orb. After that off to the mansion." Charlotte got the item and ran to the mansion, used the rake to remove the growth and used the key to unlock the cellar door. Once Charlotte was down there, she found a painting piece. "Now inside the mansion." She went inside and used the key on a small locked box and got the book of maps. Then her 6th sense told her to go back into the bedroom and saw sparkles. "Look for magic orb, complete train, black ashtray, cricket ball, dog figurine, comb, Taurus, ink pen, photo, king, hanker-chief, and 5 marbles. Then get the star emblem."
She got all that she went to the clock tower went to the secret room, and put the books on their stands. "Rats, maps, pied piper, and poison." she said. Then the door opened and she went inside. Inside the room was 4 cages of explosives, the a broken flute, 2 stands for mice statues, and a canvas next to a blank canvas. She found a small wand on a table and then put the rat carving on the pedestal and a wall opened. Town's Mysteries note: The Viceroy was from a lineage of gypsies persecuted by the Duke and other nobles. He plans to wipe them all out but how?
The Cat said, "Now this is getting annoying. We already know on who, what, where, when, why, and how. What more are we looking for?"
Charlotte said, "Something to seal the deal." On the discovered wall, there was a newspaper-clipping showing that everyone KNEW about the Duke's actions but didn't trail him. Also she found another white crystal.
Then her 6th sense told her to go to the pharmacy and when she arrived, she saw sparkles again. The Cat said, "Look for noted memo, mixed chemical, rusty keys, tea leaves, sharp scalpel, syringe, dried flower, leathered belt, medical book, compass, short rope, and matches." She got all that and then the Cat said, "Now get a painting pieces. Somehow we're finding them out of order." She got it and then her 6th sense was telling her to go to the fountain. When she arrived the Cat said, "Look for treasure map, cacti pot, lotus leaf, short spear, glasses, old key, water pot, starfish, pumpkin, bird, small rat, and gem ornament. As a result, get the small glass slipper."
Charlotte got it and ran inside and went inside the bedroom and went to the 3 statues. "Hat plus wand plus shoe equals…the last paining piece." She got it. "Thank god I'm wearing tennies." She ran back to the clock tower, went to the secret room with the new wall, and went to the blank canvas. She put the painting pieces on the canvas and saw something interesting. "One of these things is not like the other. Finding all 8 to unlock a secret." She got a paintbrush and list off the stuff that was different but were the real parts. "No rose, no moon, no air-balloon, no orange, no top-hat, no red, no rabbit, and no dog." When all of those were found another secret wall opened up and it had the plans. While the last plague back at the 1300s only killed a 3rd of the population, the Viceroy's is going to kill 2/3 of the population. Town's Mysteries note: The Viceroy plans to send mockup Piper flutes to other towns and trigger another Black Plaque! I must stop him at any cost!
The Cat said, "Finally! A note that makes sense."
Charlotte said, "Say that again and I throw you out of the window." She ran back down the hole and back to the door, she arrived. She put the 4 crystals on the door and it quietly opened. Inside the Viceroy was trying to unlock another door and his back was turned to him. Charlotte picked up a rock and quietly walked up to him. He turned his head and just before he started to play a tune on the flute, she struck him. He went down and used a cloak he found and disappeared leaving his stuff behind. All that was left was the flute, the fakes, and a lot of rats. Apparently he found the last statue that had the last relic. It says, 'When I am wrapped around you tight, you will vanish from everyone's sight. On the floor she found a wooden sun and got it. Then she went to the sack and got a red ruby for the flute. The Dark Piper note: The Viceroy Piper is delivering the mockup flutes to other towns. Stop him now! Then she went to the flute that the Viceroy dropped. Grails note: I've found the Pied Piper's flute. I need to find a gem that can trigger it's power back again.
Charlotte put the ruby on the flute and played it. Luckily the rats didn't know a female from a male and when they heard a tune, they went away. The Cat said, "Guess they're not as smart as I thought."
Charlotte said, "Not like on TV and comics. I have an idea where he went, but we need to get a few things first." She ran back to the toyshop, used the star to unlock a box and got a faucet tip, and then use the sun, dragon, and knight to unlock the back room. In that room, it was confirmed that the Viceroy paid the toymaker to make the fake flutes. She put the glowing orb on the base near the desk and got a handsaw.
She rushed back to the mansion gate and it was chained. But it was no match for the handsaw. She broke the chains and quietly went up the steps. There at the carriage, the Viceroy was setting up for his travels. Charlotte blew on her whistle and the raven flew and got the cloak and went away. "My vanishing cloak!"
He turned his head and saw her. "Since you love rats so much, let's see if you can survive their bites."
She got the flute, started to play the music and all the rats were attack him. "Nooooooo!"
When the rats went away the Viceroy was hurt and knocked-out. She went to the body and picked up a locked piece for the other room in the mansion. The Dark Piper note: The Piper succumbed to the rats. I must destroy the crate of piper flutes. The Cat look at the body. "How the mighty has fallen."
Charlotte walked inside the mansion and used the disk, the Duke's emblem, from the Viceroy and went up to the second door. Inside was just a study/meeting room with a tea set and everything. She found a bucket and took it and then saw sparkles near the cabinet. The Cat said, "Look for ground coffee, Easter egg, clock, cello, silk pillow, fruit biscuits, globe, Fleur-de-lis, whiskey, paint signature, present, and knight statue." Charlotte got all that, and then the Cat said, "Now get the fire emblem."
Charlotte said, "I can already guess where this goes." She went down to the cellar, and filled the bucket with wine thanks to the faucet tap. Then she rushed back to the clock tower, being careful not to spill any of the win, and un the secret room, used the fire emblem to unlock a drawer and got the matches. She rushed back to the carriage and saw that the Viceroy was gone. The Dark Piper note: The Dark Piper likely scurried back into the clock tower. I must chase him down! She freed the horse, drench everything in the wine, and set it a blaze.
The Cat said, "Now to end this."
Charlotte ran to the clock tower and saw rats were blocking the door. But it was no match for the flute. Then again at the door to the room with the explosives. But when Charlotte went inside, she saw the Viceroy, hurt, and holding a candle ready to set this place a blazed. "I wanted to watch the Duke's other towns fall to ruin and be consumed by rats! You had to be in the way Inspector!"
Charlotte walked slowly to him. "Put the candle down. You prove that the Duke was crooked you had the rats kill him. You don't have to go through with this." she said.
The Viceroy said, "It matters not now with a drop of a match we will both parish in the fiery explosion." Then he dropped the candle onto the ground and everything started to burn. Charlotte wasted no time and used her raven whistle. The Raven appeared, with the cloak, and Charlotte wrapped it around her and the cat. "Nooo, don't go!" Charlotte looked at her hands and they started to disappear and the whistle and flute fell to the ground. She looked back at the Viceroy and he said, "This is not over."
"Seems like it to me." said Charlotte.
The Viceroy went to his knees and screamed as Charlotte and the cat disappeared outside of the clock tower just in time before the explosives went off. Charlotte removed the hood as she and the Cat looked at the burning clock tower. The Cat said, "He has no way out. It's the end of the Dark Piper."
Charlotte said, "You're right. Those that say 'it's not over' they never fallow through. Now the name of the Pied Piper is no longer tarnished."
Charlotte defeated the Dark Piper and foiled his devious plan to unleash infested rats across the towns of Europe. The duplicate flutes have all been destroyed, along with the original Pied Piper's Flute. Although the town of Hamelin will never be the same again, but because of her help, the townspeople will eventually return and rebuild the city that was once theirs.
The Midas Lair
After what has happened to the Dark Piper, Charlotte told the authorities about the hidden city under Hamelin. But while Charlotte and the Cat rested in their hotel room, something has happened. The police have barricaded the entrance to the ancient city below Hamelin the day after the clock tower was destroyed in a fiery explosion. However, not long after the sun sets behind the hills, the guarded policemen was nowhere to be found. Charlotte was summoned once again to investigate the ancient city only to discover a deeper secret within…and that she wasn't alone.
Charlotte looked down at the hole and the Cat was again on her shoulder. "You know I'm starting to hate going down holes."
The Cat said, "You and me both."
Charlotte went down the hole, and walked through the door only to find a policemen in stone. "You got to be kidding me." The Midas Lair note: The police officer has been petrified! Find the source of this sorcery. Charlotte saw the statue has changed and the flute was missing and she also found a half disk and took it. She walked through the main door and saw even the dead body was turned to stone.
Then she saw sparkles at the chest, near the one of the statues and the Cat said, "Look for crown, 3 daisies, large gear, stained hat, eagle symbol, broken axe, hammer, wasp, bad apple, spearhead, carving fork, and frog." She got all that and then the Cat said, "Now get the mirror shield."
Charlotte got it and then she saw a hidden door on the wall next to the main door. "This wasn't there before." In the little slot was a bone key. Then she went through the vault door and saw another new door. "Who was doing this?" She asked the Cat. "Does the Duke have any connections?"
The Cat asked, "Do I have to answer?"
Charlotte rolled her eyes and walked up to the lion statue and saw a red eye jewel in it's mouth. She took it and went into the bone room and saw 2 new doors. "Alright someone was here and I'm not liking this." She found a bone chest and used the bone key to unlock it and got a flute. She took the flute and put it back on the statue and out came a bag of sand and a blue jewel eye.
She took both of them and went back to the bone room and put it on the door that had a gorgon head and then it opened. But when it did, a man in a suit came out. "It was you who defeated him! The Duke was a trusted brother in our circle. Your investigation ends…now!" Then he lifted his arm and in his hand was Medusa's head. As soon as the head's eyes glowed, Charlotte held up the mirror shield and it protected her and the Cat. When the shine was gone, the man ran off.
When he was gone, Charlotte walked in the new room and it looked like a witches room only snake themed. The Midas Lair note: The stranger used Medusa's head to petrify the police officer. I must find a way to revert this process! Charlotte asked the Cat, "Are you alright?"
"I'm not stone if that's what you mean. But how did he get Medusa's head? She would be long dead and decomposed by now." said the Cat.
"Well if mythology is correct, the head still works after Medusa's dead. It's possible the only thing that will never decomposed. But thanks to the mirror shield, it's nothing but a rock now." said Charlotte.
"I thought that's now what's suppose to happen." said the Cat.
Charlotte replied, "At the same time, Medusa is over 3000 years old and there was big plot-holes in the myth."
"True that." said the Cat.
Charlotte found a disk on the ground and put it in her bag. Then she went up to a stone wall and it had instructions. A potion created from a mixture of magical herb, a rotten apple, and a fiend's teeth can soften the hardest of gazes. It's a riddle to reverse the effects of the Medusa's stone curse. When she walked out she saw sparkles at the crystal book. The Cat said, "Look for engraved stone, Greek statue, birdcage, broken ax, chameleon, footprint, bat, bird's nest, weather vane, striped snake, turtle, and green fern. After that get the Apollo chest key."
Charlotte said, "So we are going Greek." She walked out of the room and saw the man from before walked up to the vault, but when she got up to the door and into the room, he was no where to be seen. "Where did that bastards go?" She went to the new door, the same one at the vault entrance and put the color disk in place. The gate opened and when she walked inside, there was a huge tree, a garden, and a sword in a stone. But it was blocked by poison acid water. "Holy cow."
The Cat said, "This is only the tip of the secret that this place has."
Charlotte asked, "What more is there?"
"A whole lot." said the Cat.
Charlotte found a nose ring on the ground, and an herb she needs near some unfinished cupid statues. Then she went back to the bone room and put the nose ring on the door with bull and the door opened. Inside, it was a long hallway, but she couldn't go further cause of the intensity of the heat was too much to bear. "Have to make this visit short." she said. She found a jar on the ground and took it, put the sand in a giant hourglass, and got a vine crown and scissors.
After that, she saw sparkles near some nick-knacks. The Cat said, "Look for, pair of rings, diamond, clay pot, hourglass, violet mushroom, sundial, firewood, bronze wings, shell fossil, golden sun, bird's nest, and green topaz." Once she got all that, the Cat said, "Now get the fiend's tooth." And she got it. After that, she saw a puzzle in a shape of a reaper holding an unlit torch. The puzzle is to slide the right symbols to the right constellations. When she solved it, the torch lit up and she got it.
Then she went back to the gorgon's room, used the scissors to get the rotten apple. Once the cauldron was lit, she added all the items, and put the potion in the jar. Charlotte rushed back to the stone cop and used it. When the stone went away, he was fine. "W-Where am I? Where did that man go?" he asked.
Charlotte said, "You're still underground, he's gone, and you were turned to stone."
The cop was shock. "I was turned into stone?! The man who attacked me belonged to a lineage of Templers."
Charlotte groans. "That explains a lot."
The cop continues. "He's searching for an ancient mythical city that once held a powerfully destructive relic. You must stop him!"
"I plan to." she said.
Then the cop gave her something. "And Inspector take this item with you. I found it on my way here." He gave her a jewel key.
The Midas Lair note: The stranger is searching for a powerful artifact. I must chase him down. Charlotte then went to the dead body and used the potion to get a gilded gemstone. After that, Charlotte rushed back to the vault and used the key on the new door next to the lion statue. Inside, there was nothing but gold. "Well now I know what fairytale this is suppose to be." said Charlotte.
She saw sparkles at a birdcage and when she went there the Cat said, "Look for horned helm, crystal pendant, bone, pharaoh, turquoise diamond, black crow, heart gem, golden egg, small tree, vase cover, peacock, and bell." Once she got all that, the Cat said, "Now get the half gorgon gem."
Charlotte put the gemstone on a chest near by and got a small liar, and a small shovel. She took both and rust to the garden area. She used the shovel on a dirt mound and found a crowbar. "Why burry a crowbar?"
The Cat said, "Humans always puzzled me and this just proves it." Charlotte rushed back to the entrance and used the crowbar to list up a tile rock and got a chain for the main door the Viceroy was trying to open.
After that, Charlotte went back to the garden and saw sparkles. "You know this is getting repetitive if you're just listing me the items. Can't you just tell me the main item so we can move on?"
The Cat said, "Sorry Charlotte, but we must do it. If it makes you feel any better, even I'm getting tired of listing off items we don't need." Charlotte walked up to a bush of stuff and the Cat continued. "Look for sculpted log, ring, red berries, vase, cat statue, tree frog, scarlet macaw, wheat, hand print, stone hammer, turtle, and butterfly." Charlotte groans and got all those items. Then the Cat said, "Now get the fleur de lis symbol."
Charlotte walked to the gold room and put the new item on the wall that was missing one. As a reward she got a handle. Finally she can open the door. She went to the un-open door, and saw the man walking through. Then the door closed and a force field popped up blocking her path. The Midas Lair note: The Stranger locked up himself in a room with a protective barrier. I must find a way to reach the other room. "I'm starting to hate that guy." She found a statue head on the ground and took it and found a chest and used the key to unlock it to get a snake flute.
After getting it, she made it back to the gorgon room and used the flute to get the snake off a chest. Turns out it has 2 locks and she only has half of it. Then her 6th sense told her to go to the garden and when she arrived, she saw sparkles again. The Cat said, "Tradition doll, tribal mask, skull, hourglass, koi, pyramid capstone, Greek Lyre, sickle, gold chain, Athena plate, eagle flag, and crystal orb." After getting all of that, she got the last gorgon gem piece she needs.
Charlotte rushed back to the gorgon room and put both pieces on the chest and when it opened, she gently got the other half of another puzzle she needs. She had to get it out gently cause there was snakes there. Then she went back to the blocked door and noticed a caged door. She put the Zeus's emblem pieces on the door and it opened. When she walked inside, there was another statue body. "I don't know about you but I'm getting an Indiana Jones vibe right now."
The Cat asked, "Pardon?"
"Indiana Jones. An teacher/explorer trying to find treasures before the Nazis do. One of them involve the Holy Grail and the one guarding it was an immortal knight from the King Arthur ages. When he arrives there were millions of cups and if you pick wrong, you die." said Charlotte.
"Sounds interesting. What was the real grail?" the Cat asked.
Charlotte said, "I'm afraid I never saw the ending of the movie."
"What?" The Cat was shocked.
"When you work and do research you don't really have time for fun." said Charlotte.
The Cat said, "Tell that to the Shining."
"Shining?" asked Charlotte.
"Another book for another time. But just remember this: All work and no play makes you a dull person." said the Cat. Charlotte used the potion on the statue and the knight was freed. The knight looked weak. He seems to be gesturing the 2 to help him find his sword. Charlotte found a statue broken statue base and took it as well as a horn she found on the ground. Luckily it was light. Then she saw sparkles at the alter and walked to it. The Cat said, "Couple, lit candle, bust, jewel chain, cherries, golden flower, small tiara, gavel, crystal bracelet, heart diamond, scroll, and sun." She got all of that and as a reward she got a golden key.
Once back in the tree garden, and put the 2 instruments on the small cupids and the poison water went away. Now she can get the sword. She handed it back to the knight and he used it to get rid of the barrier on the door. Charlotte asked, "Who are you?"
"I was the guardian of the Golden King, sworn to protect his kingdom." he replied.
The Cat asked, "How long were you stoned?"
But the knight didn't answer. Instead he said the same sentence. Guess that's all he needed to say. She walked out of the temple, but when Charlotte turned around, the knight was gone. "Just like the movie." She went to the door and used the key to unlock it. But she was too late. Already the man was absorbing the golden touch. The Midas Lair note: The stranger is absorbing the power of the Midas King! I must stop him before he turns me and others into gold!
Then the Cat whispered, "Don't worry, it takes a very long time for him to get that power. We still have time to reveres it. See that king statue there?" Charlotte blinked once 'yes'. "We need the queen statue pieces to reverse the powers and it will turn him into gold instead."
Charlotte walked out of the room. "And I know just where to go first."
Her 6th sense told her to go to the treasure room and saw sparkles at the birdcage. The Cat said, "Cat statue, bird couple, coin, flower, empty nest, fancy pipe, black pearl, water, belt, ruby, clock, and shiny bullion." Charlotte got all those items and as a reward she got a mallet and chisel.
It didn't take her long to realized why she needs those. Just below the lion statue, there were crystals and in one of them was a necklace. She used her new item to get the necklace for the statue. "One more statue piece to go."
Her 6th sense told her to go to the temple and when she arrived she saw sparkles again. Once at the alter, the Cat said, "Galloping knight, 4 dragonflies, bell, gun, jolly roger, dried flowers, eagle, lychees, blue gem, lock, white feather, and miniature anchor." Once all those items went away, as a reward she got weights.
Charlotte went to the treasure room, and put them on a weight scale and a compartment opened and she got a coin. She rushed back into the hallway with the giant hourglass, and gave the reaper the coin and a star. The rushed back to the throne room and put the star on the chest, and got a statue for the temple. She ran back to the temple and put the statue on the alter. After solving a puzzle to unlock the box on the alter, she got the last statue piece. "Time to complete a collection."
She ran back to the throne room, saw that the stranger was still absorbing the magic, and put together the statue of the queen next to the king. The magic transfer stopped, turning the statue red and the red lights hit him and slowly the man turned into gold. "What's is going on?! Nooo!" Then he was turned completely into gold.
Charlotte showed no sympathy. Soon the cap walked up to her and saw the gold statue. "What should I right?" he asked.
Charlotte said, "Write down…the stranger tried to infused the power of the Midas King into himself, the ability to turn anything into gold with a single touch. His greed eventually led to his demise, as I was able to reverse the process before the power completed."
She left the temple and once she was out of the hole, more cops came in to investigate the new discovered rooms more clearly. As she walked out of town to her horse she turned to the Cat. "Are you sure you don't want to come back home with me?" she asked.
The Cat jumped off her shoulder and went up a tree. "Sorry Charlotte but I have to stay. There's still some rats out and about and this time I brought over a lot of cats for help. But it was a pleasure working with you detective."
Charlotte smiled. "Same here. Just promise me something."
"Anything."
"Keep the cat population steady. I know there was a Pied Piper for rats, but I don't think you should risk it, if he also does cats." said Charlotte.
The Cat said, "Well thought advice." Then he went away.
Charlotte shook her head and went to her horse. "Hey buddy. Think you can take me home?" She got on her horse and with the investigation finished, Charlotte made her way out of Hamelin and into the open roads towards home.
Epilogue
Now it's time for her next investigation and all I can say is that she is lucky she solved this case in one night. Evil wolves are running a muck lead by a women with a dark and heavy desire, a forgotten castle will rise again, and a hopeless romance doomed from the start will bring together 2 lost souls in the end. Her investigations continues…