Chapter 13

When Sarah arrived back at the Chalet in time for Sunday Mittagessen, she discovered that since Joey had left with Miss Maynard for the Sonnalpe, there had been nothing but trouble from Cornelia. First she had argued with Frieda Mensch, an event in itself as quiet Frieda had a reputation as a peacemaker, then she had been taken by Matron from the table at Frühstuck. Although the girls were unsure as to why, they informed Sarah that Cornelia had been sent to bed until one.

Cornelia was remarkably subdued when Matron brought her down, and Sarah was almost certain that she was planning something, especially when that young lady went for a walk with Marie von Eschenau that afternoon. But, she realised, if Cornelia were indeed planning mischief, it would hardly be something that the Slayer would have to deal with, and so she put the thought out of her mind.

Cornelia's quietness did not last however, and she continued causing trouble, earning herself many punishments from the Mistresses. She was sent to bed many times, as this seemed to be the only thing that would subdue her, however she would always find someway of causing disruption. Singing so loudly on one occasion that she disturbed all the lessons, and on another occasion, placing wet sponges in the middle of all the bed's in her dormitory, an antic which made Sarah glad that she was not in the same room as Cornelia.

The majority of the school were not concerned with Cornelia's mischief making. Being of the opinion that she would sooner or later get her comeuppance. The main reason for their disinterest, however, was the prospect of visitors to the school, in the form of some of the old girls, and a half-day holiday from work on the coming Friday.

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All through the Friday, the old girls arrived, Gisela Marani, Bernhilda Mensch and Bette Rincini arrived in the morning, and Wanda von Eschenau with her betrothed, Friedel von Gluck arrived in the afternoon.

Sarah had been aware of a cold feeling in her stomach ever since she had risen that morning, which she inexplicably felt was somehow to do with Cornelia. Unsure as to whether she was doing the right thing, she decided to stay close to the American girl as much as possible during the day, and then discuss her feelings with Rosemary the following day. Thus, she was nearby when Herr von Gluck, Joey and Grizel were discussing the cleft. She bit her lip silently as she realised that very soon there would be people exploring the caves, and made up her mind to go and deal with whatever was in the caves that weekend.

It was fortunate, in a way, that all Sarah's good intentions disappeared the minute she dropped from her balcony and started for the fence. The day spent in the open air had made they Slayer extremely tired, and reasoning that the explorers were not going to be arriving until at least the next day, and that in all probability they would wait until the Monday to start their explorations, she wearily made her way back to the building.

Just as she prepared to jump back up to the balcony, however, her quick ears caught a noise from the direction of Le Petit Chalet, and with her heart in her mouth, Sarah made her way over to investigate.

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Although she had mentally prepared herself for most things on the way to the Junior Chalet, Sarah was not expecting what she saw. Cornelia was creeping towards the gate.

Breathing a small sigh of relief that the noise had not been caused by anything inhuman, Sarah quietly started tracking her form mate. It did not take her long to realise where exactly Cornelia was heading. Sarah had caught a gleam in the young American's eyes when Grizel had indicated the direction of the cleft to Herr von Gluck, and having trodden the path many times herself, Sarah was certain that the cleft was where Cornelia was heading, although for what reason, Sarah could not fathom.

Realising wearily that going missing from her bed was not the way to keep herself from being noticed by the Mistresses, Sarah turned around and made her way back to the school. She did not go straight back to the Chalet, however, but made a diversion via the Kron Prinz Karl, intent on persuading Rosemary to come and collect her before Frühstuck the following morning, so that she stood more chance of finding Cornelia before anything untoward could happen to her.

She sprang up onto the balcony of the hotel and made her way silently to the window of the roof which she shared with Rosemary. But as she peered in, her heart sank. The bed was empty.

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Worried, Sarah dropped back down to the ground, intent on seeing if there were any tracks which may give a clue as to where her Watcher had gone. Finding none, she resignedly turned to make her way back to the school, but stopped when she caught sight of a light out of the corner of her eye.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Sarah realised that Herr Braun must be again working late at his accounts, and she made her way over to the window.

Herr Braun looked up sharply at the tapping on the window, and gave an exclamation of surprise when he realised that it was the Slayer. He immediately opened the window to let her in, ushering her over to a chair.

"But, Fraulein Sarah. I was not expecting to see you toni…"

"Where's Rosemary?" Sarah interrupted, not caring about manners in her worry about her Watcher.

"Ah!" Herr Braun exclaimed, shaking his head. "I was to bring a message to you on the morrow. Mrs Kitwood has had to go to Innsbruck and is not due back until Monday. The Council were able to obtain a contact in the city, and so she has gone to investigate the recent deaths."

Sarah breathed a sigh of relief, then closed her eyes as she realised that without Rosemary in the area she would not be allowed to leave school. Dejected, she looked down to the ground, before turning back to the window - intent on getting back to school.

"What is wrong, Fraulein?" Herr Braun sounded concerned. "Perhaps I can advise?"

Hearing the question in his voice, Sarah turned back to him with a smile. "One of the girls from school has gone to investigate the cleft." She looked up at the hotel proprietor with a sad smile. "I was hoping that Rosemary would call for me before Fruhstuck so that I could get to the cleft as soon as possible. But now I'll have to wait until after prep. I'm not sure I'll get there in time."

Herr Braun saw the gravity on her young face, and he too realised the seriousness of the situation. He felt a plan forming in his mind, and although he had not yet worked out the details, he rose and placing a fatherly hand on Sarah's shoulders, spoke in a comforting voice.

"Fear not, meine kind. Return to school and I shall see if it is possible to bring you from the school."

Sarah, nodding although she had little hope of Herr Braun being able to do as he had said, simply turned, climbed out of the window, and back to school.