Chapter 5: The Witch's Castle

Upper Town

"That was a stupid...hehehe...immature and an unnecessary...hehehe... thing you did, Edgar," Emmy scolded through small giggles as the group walked towards the Upper Town.

"Then why are you laughing?" Edgar shot back with a smirk.

"I'm not...hehehe...laughing," Emmy replied trying to look serious. However, the small giggles escaping through her tight lips revealed her true feelings.

The group had caught up to Edgar and had headed towards the Upper Town or Highyard Hill. Layton gave up on scolding Edgar for putting the cherry bomb in Greppe's soup, while Luke laughed along with Edgar and Emmy tried to be professional, but failing.

The Upper Town is the richest part of Misthallery with large avenues, big houses and a large plaza with a marble column in the centre of the town. Further ahead, up some stairs, was a large wooden dam, which presumedly provided the town its water. Behind that was a larger stone dam which held the Misthallery reservoir.

There were a few people milling around. Some of the residents, some of them tourists.

Edgar felt something run across his foot. He looked down and it was that grey mouse again scurrying away. There's something really strange about that mouse. This was the third time Edgar had saw it in under twenty four hours. However, Edgar decided not to voice his concern to the others.

"Wow! All of these houses are huge!" Emmy said in awe of the Upper Town.

"Yes, this does seem to be quite a nice residential area," Layton commented also admiring the area.

"Reminds me of Pall Mall," Edgar added remembering the place where he used to pick pocket rich people.

"The police station is nearby," Luke said making Edgar sweat a little, "as is the excavation where they are searching for the Golden Garden."

"This is definitely a place for tourists, then," Edgar commented trying to act natural.

Luke gestured towards the plaza with an open hand.

"This is the Grand Plaza and beyond that dam is Barde Manor," Luke presented.

They made it to the far end of the plaza and climbed the long stairway to the wooden dam. The dam itself was covered with moss; obviously not been repaired for quite some time. They turned left at the dam and followed the cobblestone path beside a river. In the distance, Edgar could see tall mountains covered in trees and shrouded in mist.

It was nice up here. Peaceful, quiet and relaxing.

Something Edgar never really experienced.

Passing a small dock which, judging by a small sign, was owned by Bucky, the group had reached the reservoir dam. In Edgar's opinion, it looked more like a fortress than a dam with its turrets and tower and a large heavy-looking wooden door. A small man-made stream flowed out from under the door which flowed into the small dam. The group crossed the stone bridge over the stream.

"What a well-crafted dam," Layton said admiring the structure, "So this is how water flows into town."

"I hate to think what would happen if it breaks," Edgar mumbled.

They walked up to the Barde Manor Gates which are now in disarray. The rusted blue gates look like they were going fall off at any moment. Tree roots had grown around the gate and fence twisting the metal and damaging them even more. Behind the gates was another stairway which would take them to the Manor grounds.

The group stared at the rusty gates for a moment before Emmy broke the silence.

"Whoa... well, at least this place isn't dilapidated and ostentatious," Emmy said with a slight frown.

"This all happened within a year," Edgar said in disbelief that it has gotten so bad.

Luke seemed to ignore their comments.

"We'll need to go up the stairs," he calmly said making his way though the gates.

The others gave concerned looks to each other before following Luke.

The manor grounds were not better with overgrown shrubs and trees littering the once beautiful garden. The group had make it through the maze of bushes and stinging nettles.

"Ow! Ow!" Emmy cried out having been stung for the sixth time.

She noted how Edgar wasn't getting stung with slight annoyance. Edgar noticed her curious glare and gave her a smirk.

"Leather jacket and jeans. Perfect for people who don't want to get stung," he said slyly.

Emmy only mumbled something about the manor and how it better be worth it.

They eventually made it to Barde Manor.

The manor was just as run-down as the rest of the grounds. It was built on an elevated plain and looked to be three or four stories high. It was made out of orange and brown bricks and purple roof tiles which must of looked magnificent when it was first built, but now all that colour has drained away and a dull hue was left behind. A tower, as tall as the house, was attached to the main building by a bridge and, like the house, was covered in large tufts of moss. The mist surrounding the house made it look haunted and was very spooky to look at.

"It's not as bad as I thought," Edgar admitted making the others give him strange looks.

Edgar noticed this and gave them a deadpan look.

"I'm from Lambeth. Trust me, any house with more than four windows is luxury," Edgar said making his way to the front door.

The others decided to not comment.

"Luke, do people really live here?" Emmy asked Luke who looked nervously at the manor.

"Of course they do!" he answered firmly before looking anxious again, "I think."

"You think?" Edgar questioned. He would of questioned further, but he noticed Layton was looking at something. He turned to where he was looking and saw what Layton saw.

On one of the first floor windows there was figure staring down at them. Before he could get a better look the light in the room was turned off and the figure was gone.

He met Layton's gaze and nodded in agreement. There is definitely somebody living there.

They walked to the door and Layton knocked on the Oak door three times. The knocks echoed eerily through the silent house.

Emmy shivered a little.

"Creepy... Well, looks like no one is home, right, Professor?" she inquired looking at Layton.

"Hold on, Emmy," Layton replied, "I'm sure Edgar and I saw someone in one of the windows upstairs."

This shocked Emmy, "What!?" she cried out, "then that is horribly creepy!"

Charles raised his eyebrow at her.

"Emmy... you're not scared are you?" Edgar asked with a smirk.

Emmy's nervousness turned into agitation as turned around to face Edgar.

"I'm not scared," she denied, "as the Professor's assistant it is my purpose to..."

Edgar heard a loud creak and the door open slightly

"Err... Emmy behind you," Edgar interrupted pointing his head towards the door.

It was her time to smirk.

"Really Edgar," she said while rolling her eyes as she turned to look behind her.

"Is that the best you can- kya!" Emmy screamed and jumped onto Edgar when she saw the face of an old man poking his head through the door.

The old man was short and his face was almost concealed by his long white hair and white beard. The only part of his face that can be seen was his long nose which poked out from under his long eyebrow hair. He also wore a blue boiler suit and orange baseball cap.

"What do you young'uns want?" the man said gruffly. Something about his voice seemed off, but Edgar couldn't put his finger on it.

Emmy having noticed that it was only another person and was still holding onto Edgar's let go of him with embarrassed huff and red cheeks. For good measure she gave him a sharp punch to the arm.

"That was not necessary," Edgar mumbled rubbing his poor arm.

"Pardon me, sir. My name is Hershel Layton. Is Arianna Home?" Layton introduced himself politely.

"What business is that of yours!?" the old man rudely replied.

"We are investigating the Spectre. And who might you be?" Layton asked politely, despite the old man's rudeness.

"Who do I look like!?" the old man cried out gruffly.

"Honestly, you look like what Father Christmas would like on the other 364 days of the year," Edgar quipped causing Luke and Emmy to giggle slightly.

The old man wasn't amused.

"I'm the gardener, Seamus! The mistress has no interest in meeting the likes of you. Now go away!" Seamus shouted slamming the door in their faces.

"Well that was a waste of time," Edgar mumbled.

"Maybe not. Emmy, Edagar, did that seem strange to you?" Layton asked as the group walked away from the door,

"Which part?" Emmy quipped. Edgar just nodded in agreement.

Layton gestured to the overgrown garden.

"That garden is in disarray, despite having a gardener. Do you think he is just poor at his vocation?" Layton inquired.

"Well he looked old," Edgar interjected, "maybe he can't do it anymore?"

Layton crossed his arms in consideration.

"Hmmm... maybe."

"I heard that Mr. Barde's servants were all let go after his death," Luke added.

"So, do you think this fake gardener is holding Arianna hostage?" Emmy asked in shock.

"He better not be," Edgar growled as he looked around the manor.

'Maybe there is another way of getting in,' he thought as looked at all the windows.

His eyes landed on the tower joined to manor and smirked.

"Over here," Edgar said with determination as he jogged towards the tower with the others following behind.

Coming closer to the tower, the group could see a door at the base of the tower. A possible entry way.

"There we can get inside through there and cross the bridge into the manor," Edgar said pointing at the tower.

Emmy and Luke agreed to the plan, but Layton was hesitant.

"You three seem quite eager to go breaking into Barde Manor," Layton commented as they walked closer to the tower.

'Old habits die hard, I guess' he internally quipped.

Emmy turned to Layton, "A young girl could be in danger! This is your duty as an English gentleman, Professor!" she told him.

"You can't just turn your back on this, can you, Mr. Layton?" Luke added.

"We just check in and see if anything is alright. God knows what would happen if we don't," Edgar joined their argument.

Layton looked at their worried faces and sighed.

"...very well, let's go."


Barde Manor

The inside of the manor was a little bit nicer than outside. Cobwebs hung in the ceiling rafters and there was the odd dust bunny. However, the corridor they were in was fairly clean and had a nice view of the run-down garden. The group had managed to break into the tower and climb the slippery stone steps, over the bride and into the manor.

Luke pointed to a close door at the far end of the corridor.

"This door should lead I to the main part of the house," Luke told them.

Luke tried to open the door, but it was locked.

"Hold on, I've got this," Edgar said taking out his lock-picking tool kit from his jacket pocket and kneeling in front of the lock.

He noticed the others' strange silence and looked back to see the group staring at him weirdly. That's when he realised he just took out incriminating evidence right in front of them.

He looked down at the tool kit and then back up to meet their gazes with a smile.

"Don't worry. This is part of the training at Scotland Yard. We need to be handy in all kinds of skills," he lied confidently.

They stared at him for a moment before nodding; seemingly believing him.

'I really need to be more careful,' Edgar internally scolded himself.

Layton glanced at the door's lock.

"I don't believe that this is a typical lock, Edgar," he said, "the lock is some sort of puzzle."

"Ah ok," Edgar said happy to find an excuse to put his tool kit away, "but I'll have a go at it anyway."


(Puzzle Start)

The lock was enclosed in a brass frame with three wooden panels. The larger one at the top contained a number of symbols in a maths formula rather like an algebra question. It looked like this (A.N: Sorry I had to write out the symbols instead of actually having them. Each symbol is worth a digit. If you need a reference then check out puzzle 47):

Star x Star = Club

Star x Club = Diamond, Spade

Spade x Crescent Moon = Circle, Upside Down Triangle

Underneath that panel were two smaller square panels which looked it can be moved up and down to reveal a number from 1 to 9.

Above the left panel was the symbol of the crescent moon while the right panel had an upside down triangle above it.

'I guess I have to work out the equations in order to get the value of the crescent moon and upside triangle which will unlock the door,' Edgar thought.

If we start with the first equation. Since the result is a single digit, the star symbol must be either 1, 2, or 3. It can't be 1 becaus is 1 which doesn't fit. If the star symbol was 2 that would mean the club symbol would be 4, but then the next equation, 2 x 4, would not produce a two digit number. This mean the star symbol represents 3 and the club symbol represents 9. Additionally, the results of the second equation must be 27 making the diamond symbol represent 2 and the spade symbol represent 7. This makes the equations now look like this:

3 x 3 = 9

3 x 9 = 27

7 x Crescent Moon = Circle, Upside Down Triangle

The only number left that could represent the crescent moon symbol is 8. This makes the circle symbol represent 5 and the upside down triangle symbol represent 6. Making it now:

3 x 3 = 9

3 x 9 = 27

7 x 8 = 56

Edgar slid the number 8 in the left panel and the number 6 is the right panel.

He pushed the handle and the door opened.

(Puzzle Solved)


"Et voila, madame et monsieurs," Edgar said opening the door with a flourish. He held the door open for them.

As Emmy walked by she quietly said, "Show off," with a friendly smirk.

Edgar chuckled at her quip.

The entered the first floor landing near the spiral staircase. At one point it must of looked exquisite with its oak furniture, paintings and a chandelier hanging above the staircase. However, it looked like it hasn't been cleaned in ages judging by the old spiderwebs hanging of the chandelier.

As Edgar walked further in he noticed a framed photograph hanging on one of the walls.

"Hey Luke," Edgar said catching the boy's attention. He pointed at the photograph.

"Who are they?" Edgar asked curiously.

The photo, with its colour starting to fade, was of two young children. The elder of the two was girl about seven or eight with a brown hair in a bob cut tied up with a pink ribbon. She wore a white cardigan, a pink dress. The younger child was a boy about five or six who also had short brown hair and wore a blue cardigan. Both children were smiling happily as they posed for the photo.

"That's a picture of Arianna," Luke explained, "it must've been taking a while ago."

"Who is in the picture with her?" Emmy inquired also looking at the photo.

"That is her brother, Tony," Luke answered.

"There are two children here," Edgar said in surprise as he turned to Luke, "where is he?"

Luke sadly shrugged, "I don't know."

Layton looked around, "There is no sign of him, either. Perhaps he is with Arianna," Layton suggested.

They walked to the end of the hallway to find a large oak door. Beside the door was an assortment to toys scattered around. They looked to be recently played with.

"This may be Arianna's room," Layton said as they walked closer to the door.

"Let's find out," Emmy said as she opened the door.

The room was large and seemed to be the cleanest place in the entire manor. It looked Victorian in style and everything you would expect of a rich person's room like a grandfather clock, a grand piano and giant four poster bed. Honestly, Edgar only thought rooms like these only belong in films.

Sitting on a chair by the window was a young girl around eleven years old. Edgar instantly recognised her as the girl from the photo, Arianna. However, as she turned to face the intruders Edgar could see she looked much different. Gone was the sunny expression and the happy smile and what was replaced was a cold, stern face that held no trace of joy.

She stood up, shocked to see the group before her face grew dark and a shadow caused by her fringe covered her eyes menacingly.

"How'd you get in here?" she demanded, "Who are you!?"

"My name is Hershel Layton. I hope I didn't frighten you. Please believe me when I say we mean you no harm," Layton introduced.

"You broke into my house to tell me that you mean me no harm?" Arianna said doubtfully.

"Well, we would of rung the doorbell, but we would of lost the element of surprised" Edgar joked. However, it wasn't his usual way of joking. It was more kinder as if he wanted to make her laugh or at least make her smile.

Arianna did neither.

"I know how this looks. Please forgive us. We do have a reason. Could we speak with you for a bit?" Layton requested as Edgar coughed in embarrassment at his failed joke.

"I'm listening," Arianna agreed reluctantly.

"Is the gardener keeping you here against your will?" Emmy asked with concern.

"Excuse me!?" Arianna shouted, insulted by Emmy's question, "I don't know what you're insinuating, but Seamus works here!"

"It's alright. You don't have to protect him. We can help you," Edgar kindly said.

Arianna turned to Edgar sharply.

"He is not doing anything. Get that through your thick head." she angrily said through gritted teeth.

"Right. I'm sorry. I believe you," Edgar gulped.

Once again, Edgar retreated at another failed attempt to talk to the girl. Emmy would of made a snide comment if the situation wasn't so hostile.

"I'm sorry about our assumptions," Layton apologised, "We'll seek the Spectre's flute elsewhere. Thank you," he said as he started to turn away from Arianna.

A brief expression of surprise crossed her face.

"Wait, what? The Spectre's flute?" she inquired.

"You're father, Mr Barde, bought it at the black market a year ago," Layton explained.

"We think the Spectre destroying the town is being summoned by whoever is playing this flute," Emmy continued, "We are trying to track it down."

"Summoning a Spectre with a flute!? Hah! Absolutely preposterous!" Arianna declared.

'She really hit the nail on the head there,' Edgar thought dryly.

"We distinctly heard a lovely melody when the Spectre last appeared," Layton informed, "We believe that there is definitely a connection between the two."

"I don't know anything about a flute. Now, please leave," Arianna demanded firmly.

"Arianna, people are in danger. If you know anything, please tell us," Emmy pleaded with the young girl.

What Arianna said next chilled the group to the bone.

"I am a witch... I bring disaster to those around me. If you remain here, disaster will find you as well."

She said it so firmly that Edgar would of believed her.

Luckily he didn't.

Edgar walked towards the young girl and kneeled down so he was eye level to her.

"Arianna, you know that's not true. There is no such thing as witches and if there were you wouldn't be one of them. If you tell me what is wrong; I will do anything in my power to help. But please don't call yourself that. Please let us help you," Edgar told her firmly, but comfortingly. Like a parent convincing their children that the nightmares they dream will not harm. The others were shocked the Edgar could even be like this.

Arianna's stoic face dropped for a couple of seconds as she stared at Edgar's concerned expression. It was as if she was considering telling them what's going on. However, she denied the help and her stern gaze returned.

"Go away!" she demanded firmly and Edgar took a couple steps back.

"Why are you doing this?" Luke stepped up, "Arianna, we both know you're not a witch!"

"What!?" cried Emmy in confusion, "Hold on... Do you two know each other?"

"That would of been useful to know," Edgar scolded Luke who flinched from his tone.

"Luke and I were friends... before all of this happened," Arianna explained.

"Arianna, we're still friends! I don't think you're a witch!" Luke protested.


- Flashback over one year ago -


Barde Manor was holding a party with Misthallery's most important residents attending. This included Luke's parents, the Tritons, and Mr Barde himself.

In the corner, sitting by himself, was a slightly younger Luke who looked uncomfortable and bored at such a formal party.

"Adults talk about the most boring things. Don't you think?" a girl's voice caught his attention.

He looked up to see a smiling Arianna looking at him.

"All they talk about is politics. And the weather, too!" she giggled.

"Yeah," Luke agreed, happy that he had somebody his age to talk to.

Arianna grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the manor's balcony.

"Let's get out of here," she told him.

The two children stepped on to the balcony and gazed at the night sky which was dotted with beautiful stars.

"Wow..." Luke gasped as they stargazed. Enjoying the crisp night air.

"I know. Amazing, right?" Arianna said also enjoying the night.

"Looking up at the stars reminds me not to take things so seriously. Sometimes, the world can seem so big...and scary," Arianna said.

"I know," Luke agreed, "But we're all so small when you think about it."

"I'm Arianna. Maybe you and I can be friends. Deal?" she said turning to Luke and holding out her hand.

Luke looked at the hand for a moment before nodding.

"My name is Luke. Luke Triton!" he introduced himself, accepting the handshake.

Suddenly, a shooting star flew by making the children turn to the sky again.

"Did you see that, Luke?" Arianna asked excitedly.

"Wow...what did you wish for?" Luke asked back.

From then on a friendship was born. However, both children were unaware of the tragedy that will befall them.


- Flashback End -


"Arianna, you're not a witch! Stop saying that!" Luke demanded, upset that his friend has shunned their friendship.

"Luke," Arianna said quietly, "I am cursed. everyone is right to fear me..."

"Arianna!" Luke cried out in anger.

"Go away," she screamed back.

Edgar was going to intervene when he heard the door open from behind him. Rushing in was Seamus who growled when he laid eyes on the intruders.

"What is all this!?" Seamus demanded, "How did you whippersnappers get in here!? Miss Arianna, are you all right?"

Seamus pointed sharply at the door.

"Out! All of you! Before I call yer mummies and daddies!" he threatened.

"Mummies and daddies?" Edgar asked confused by what he said, "Hold old do you think we are?"

Layton, sensing it was time to leave, ushered the group out of the room.

"Emmy, Luke, Edgar, come. Let's go," he said.

"But Prof!" Edgar protested. He didn't want to leave the poor girl alone. Especially in this state.

"Edgar, we can do this later," Layton said calmly.

Edgar looked at the fuming Seamus to the upset Arianna who has returned to her seat by the window.

Reluctantly, he left.

As the group left Barde Manor, they inquired Luke about what was wrong with Arianna.

Luke explained to them that Arianna was sick. Very sick. Her father had called in all the best doctors across Britain, but none of them have been successful. She didn't have long to live.

Edgar didn't bother listening to the rest of the conversation. Everything seemed to zone out and he was left with his thoughts. He was heart broken that someone so young was dying.

It brought back painful memories. Memories he didn't want to visit every again.

The beeping of the monitors.

The distinctive smell of hospitals.

Tears stinging his eyes.

'Please. Not again. I can't go through that again,' he begged to himself.

"Edgar!" a voice broke him from his thoughts.

He looked up to see that they were near the reservoir dam. He didn't notice that he had travel so far. He looked to see the concerned faces of Layton, Emmy and Luke staring at him.

He cleared his thought, "Sorry. What were you saying?" he asked nonchalantly.

"Are you o.k? You seemed to zone out," Emmy asked.

"I always try to zone you out, Emmy. You rarely have anything interesting to say," he quipped with a smirk.

Her concerned face was replaced by a furious expression. Before she could start a fight, Layton stepped in.

"We were planning on interviewing the people in the Upper Town if they can provide any information about Arianna," Layton explained.

"Great more bloody interviewing," Edgar sighed as they walked towards the Grand Plaza.


Highyard Arch

The group split up again and decided to rendezvous at the Grand Plaza to share what they uncovered.

Despite his original reluctance, Edgar was more than happy to interview this time as he approached a pretty woman who might have been in her thirties, but she looked much younger. She was petite with short brown hair and small blue eyes. She wore a blue dress with a large darker blue bow.

"Excuse me, madam," Edgar greeted politely and may or may not have used his most charming smile.

"Hello. Nice weather today," she friendly greeted back. She sent him a delightful smile that made Edgar's heart skip a beat.

"Indeed. You're very lovely. Oh, pardon me. Slip of the tongue. The weather is very lovely," he said making the lady giggle behind her hand.

"Why, aren't you a charmer," she said.

"I was wondering if I can ask you a couple of questions regarding Barde Manor," he asked politely.

"By all means, ask away," she agreed.

"Are you aware of the circumstances that has occurred at the Manor?" Edgar inquired.

"Well, Mr. Barde died about a year ago, and the house has been closed off since then," she answered with a sad frown, "I heard all the servants left town. I hope the poor girl is all right."

"Have you heard of the rumours spreading around about her," Edgar questioned further.

The lady's face turned sour when he asked that.

"Those are nothing, but childish pranks," she answered, "even this whole Spectre business. People need to be more rational. If you're looking for information, I suggest you stick with asking those who aren't superstitious. I saw a friend of one of the Barde children walking west of the Grand Plaza. You might speak with him. I wish adults weren't so superstitious! I mean, really!"

"I quite agree, madam," Edgar nodded and took note of what she said.

"If only I could speak to my husband like this. Don't you go falling for any Spectre hoopla!" the lady continued.

"Oh, your married. And to think I was going to ask you to join me for a candle lit dinner," he said giving her a half smile.

"I'm sorry to disappoint," she said with a giggle.

"I don't suppose you would leave him for me, would you," he asked half jokingly.

She giggled again, "How could I run away with somebody who I don't even know their name," she asked with a lovely smile.

"My name is Edgar and if you have an other information please don't hesitate to tell me," Edgar introduced himself.

"And my names is Mimi and I will," Mimi replied.

"Thanks for the help," he said with a small wave as he headed back to the Grand Plaza.

Edgar walked back to the plaza and spotted Layton and the others waiting for him.

"Hey, I might have a lead. Somebody mentioned about one of the Barde children having a friend nearby," Edgar informed what Mimi told him.

"Ah, yes," Layton said, "Luke and I met him. He told us how he hasn't seen friend Tony in a while. He also told us he followed Seamus on his trips to the market, but ended up losing him."

"What about you, Emmy?" Edgar asked.

"Well, I did meet someone with an even bigger ego than you. But other than that nothing," she told him. Something in her tone suggested she really disliked the person she talked to.

"I see. Well, I suggest we head to the market to see if anybody can tell us anything," Layton suggested.

Yet again they headed to the market.

However, they were stopped by Mimi who caught their attention.

"Hey, Edgar. Good timing," she called out.

"Oh, have you reconsidered leaving your husband for me," Edgar said with a smirk causing Mimi to giggle.

"Wait what!?" Emmy asked in shock.

"Unfortunately not. I have some information that may interest you," she replied with a sweet smile.

"What a shame," Edgar sighed ignoring Emmy's agitated glare.

"The old man from Barde Manor just went down the canal," she informed, "you were asking about Barde Manor, right?"

"Indeed. Let's head that way," Layton said as the group started to rush to the market.

"Thanks, Mimi," Edgar said with a wink as she waved them goodbye,

As the jogged down the cobbled streets, Emmy turned to Edgar.

"Isn't she a little too old for you," Emmy scrutinised, "and married."

Edgar gave her an innocent shrug, "Age is just a number, Emmy. Also there is always divorce. Why are you jealous."

"You're such a pig," Emmy sighed.

"If you say so, princess," Edgar replied.

"You do know she's married to Greppe, right," Luke joined the conversation.

Edgar turned to him in shock, "What!? Really?"

Luke nodded.

"That poor, poor woman," Edgar gave a fake sigh making Emmy groan in annoyance.


The Market

"So you haven't seen him," Edgar asked Marilyn who sadly shook her head.

"Sorry, Edgar. I haven't," she said.

The search of Seamus at the market has been unsuccessful. Layton, Emmy and Luke went to ask Crow at the black market while Edgar asked around above ground. Apparently none of the other market children had seen the old gardener meaning they had met a dead end.

"Well thanks anyway," Edgar sighed and made to turn away when he spotted Gus. The obese boy seemed to be upset about something as he shuffled across the market.

"What's wrong with him," Edgar asked Marilyn as he pointed his head towards Gus.

"He's upset that all of Aunt Taffy's sweets are sold out," Marilyn explained as she also looked towards Gus.

"Sold out?" Edgar inquired, "how did Aunt Taffy sell out of her sweets? It's barely been an three hours since we left and she had plenty the last time so checked."

"Oh, this one kid bought them all about twenty minutes ago," she answered.

"One kid bought all those sweets? Who were they?"

"I don't know. I see him around sometimes, but he's definitely not local."

"Interesting," Edgar wondered, "thanks Marilyn. I promise I'll buy something next time," Edgar said making his way towards the group's rendezvous point.

"Um Edgar!" Marilyn called out, making the boy turn around again.

"I-I-I w-w-was just w-w-w-wondering if that girl, Emmy was it, is your, um, g-g-girlfriend?" she asked nervously as she played with her hair.

Edgar was taken back by that. Do people think that he and Emmy are a couple? Do they act like a couple? Would he mind dating her?

'I mean sure she's quite beautiful, intelligent, independent and, judging by the punches and kicks she had given me, can totally beat anybody up. But she's... she's... she's just not my type,' Edgar internally debated.

"Um... no we are not. Why do you ask?" Edgar asked hesitantly.

Marilyn seemed to brighten up when he said that, "No reason. Good luck on your investigation," she said with a big smile.

"...Thanks," he said noting her change in mood, her red cheeks, and her steady gaze.

'Marilyn can't actually have a crush on me, can she?' he questioned himself before it dawned on him.

'Oh no,' Edgar thought.

'But she's too young for me,' he knew how hypocritical that sounded after his encounter with Mimi, but that was different he didn't actually mean it.

'Emmy might have a point about leading girls on,' he thought sadly.

He pushed those thoughts aside as left the market.


Lower Town

Edgar had met up with others in the Lower Town. They had nothing on the whereabouts of Seamus and it seemed they had lost them. However, Crow did tell him about a strange boy who comes down to the market once a month. Edgar mentioned how a boy had bought all of Aunt Taffy's sweets, much to Emmy's dismay, and suggested it might be the same person.

Before they could investigate further they heard a loud commotion nearby.

"What's going on?" Emmy asked looking towards the noise.

"Let's head east and find out," Layton suggested.

They walked towards the commotion. Emmy noted that Edgar was unusually quiet.

"Is everything all right?" Emmy asked with genuine worry.

Edgar looked at Emmy and remembered the incident from earlier.

"I-I'm fine, princess," he quickly dismissed and walked faster.

Edgar's small stutter confused her.

The group had made it to where a small crowd had gathered by a building. They tried to push through to see what they were seeing. Emmy saw what it was first.

"Professor!" she called out.

"What is it, Emmy?" Layton asked his assistant.

She pointed to the wall and that's when they saw it.

The same mark that was painted on Brock's door before it was destroyed.

It was the witch's mark.

Painted in red beside it was the a message in a language Edgar couldn't read.

"A witch's mark," Luke said, "Those appear if the residents speak ill of Arianna."

Layton hummed before noticing something on the ground beneath the mark. It was a sweet wrapper.

"Just as I suspected," he said cryptically.

An old man with a long face, small glasses and a purple cap came up to them. Edgar thinks his name was Thomas or something.

"Whoever lived in that house slandered the Barde name," Thomas explained, "Typical. When Mr. Barde owned the land around here, folks complained quite a bit. Who can blame them? But that's no reason to be bad-mouthing his little girl."

Thomas turned back to the crowd, ending the conversation.

Layton had gathered the group to discuss what they have learnt.

"I think I have the solution to our little enigma here," Layton began.

"Really, Mr Layton?" Luke asked in curiosity.

"Let's look at what has happened since we left Barde Manor," Layton said.

"Why were we looking for Seamus?" Layton questioned.

"So we can clear Arianna's name," Emmy answered confidently.

"Correct! If we can prove that she is not cursed, maybe she'll help us," Layton said.

"Since Seamus is the only servant left, we thought he might give us some helpful information," Emmy continued.

"But then we lost him," Edgar pointed out.

"We heard that he was spotted in a boat, and that he frequented the market. So we tried to follow him, however we didn't find him," Luke piped up.

"However, we did get some good information there. Which person of interest was seen shopping at the market?"

"You mean the boy," Edgar answered with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes," Layton agreed, "Crow said he saw a boy buying food and everyday items. And there was Aunt Taffy's sweets."

"You think the sweets has anything to do with our investigation?" Emmy asked in confusion.

"Indeed. We saw the witch's mark. Did we see anything else there?"

The group thought for a bit before Luke answered.

"The sweet wrapper was lying there," Luke answered.

Edgar droned out the rest of the conversation.

'If the sweet wrapper was found there, that could only mean...'

'Which would mean...'

'Then that means he was...'

The group noticed Edgar's deathly silence. A shadow had cast across his eyes and his lazy smile had all but vanished.

Edgar was furious.

"I guess you've worked it out yourself, Edgar," Layton assumed looking at the teenager.

"Worked out what?" Luke asked in confusion, weary of Edgar's demeanour.

"Yeah, what is it?" Emmy inquired as well.

"I reckoned Edgar wouldn't take the news lightly. Let's go back to the Manor and I can show you what I mean," Layton suggested as he started the trek back.

"We're are taking Bucky's boat," Edgar stated coldly.

"I'm not walking up anymore bloody hills."


They found Arianna and Seamus staring out over the Barde Manor lake. Seamus was sat on the side of the dock letting his legs dangle in the air. Arianna seemed to be distant as if she was contemplating something.

The silence was broken by an angry Edgar,

"Oi you two!" Edgar shouted catching their attention, "I want a word with you!"

Arianna turned around furiously while Seamus growled at their approach.

"Why are you following me!?" Arianna demanded, "go away. If you do not leave me alone, I will not be responsible for what might happen."

Edgar was about to say something when Layton placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Edgar stared at Layton in anger for a moment before deciding to step back.

"You are not actually cursed, my dear. And we can prove it," Layton said, "Arianna, you are not at all what they say."

Luke merely nodded in agreement.

Layton stepped up to towards the lake and looked out at the scenery before continuing.

"The calamity witch is a myth. An interesting one, but a fabrication nonetheless. It was created to protect you, Arianna."

"What are you talking about? Protect me!?" Arianna asked in confusion.

"Yes," Layton agreed, "I understand why your protector kept you in the dark all this time. It was better all along that you did not know. The one behind the curse was none other than..."

At his pause, Edgar looked at the faces of everyone present waiting for his deduction.

Emmy.

Luke.

Seamus.

Arianna.

Layton reached out his hand and placed it on Seamus' shoulder.

"...you there, young man."

This caused Arianna to gasp and for Seamus to nervously scratch his beard.

"Seamus!?" Arianna said in disbelief, "That's ridiculous!"

"You are aware of the witch's curse... that bad things happen to people who speak ill of you? Well, it is not a curse - just a simple trick," Layton explained calmly.

"What do you mean?" Arianna pleaded.

"Seamus took note of people who said nasty things about you, and he then painted the witch's mark on their homes. Rumours of a curse then spread throughout Misthallery and the townspeople began to suspect you were actually a witch. It was Seamus who created the rumour of the witch's curse." Layton explained.

With every sentence Arianna become more shocked. She had no idea that this was taking place. She turned to Seamus with hand covering her mouth.

"... Is this true!?" she asked a timid Seamus.

Seamus didn't reply, but only lowered his head in shame.

"Seamus, I know you think you're helping Arianna, but you're acting like a child!" Emmy scolded the elderly gardener.

"Well," Edgar couldn't help but smile, "funny that you should say that."

Layton turned to Seamus.

"Seamus, why don't you show us who you really are?"

Seamus sighed and pulled his beard upwards. Instead of shouting in pain, the beard and then his entire face had lifted upwards to reveal that he was wearing a mask all this time. Beneath the mask was somebody Edgar had only heard of and seen in photographs.

For Seamus, the elderly gardener, was actually...

Tony Barde. Arianna's younger brother.

"I couldn't forgive the people who said mean things about my sister," Tony explained in his normal voice.

"Tony!? What have you done," Arianna said in shock. She had knew Tony had been posing as the gardener to keep other people away. But she didn't know that he was the reason everybody thought she was a witch.

"Professor, how did you know this?" Emmy asked getting over her shock of the reveal.

"There were many pictures of Arianna with a young boy," Layton explained, "but he was nowhere to be found, although we saw many signs of his presence."

"I thought it was unusual that they only thing that seemed to be in use was the toys by Arianna's door," Edgar admitted, "they seemed to young to belong to Arianna. Plus the way he talked was unusual as well." Edgar said remembering his odd accent and the fact he threatened to call our 'mummies and daddies'.

"I'm sorry my brother caused so much trouble.." Arianna apologised.

Before she could continue Edgar interrupted her.

"Wait one moment. I still have a bone to pick with you two!" Edgar said angrily.

"Edgar you surely can't be mad at them for tricking us, can you," Emmy said in disbelief attempting to stop him. However, Layton stopped her and gave her a knowing look.

Arianna and Tony we quite frightened of Edgar as he approached them. They can see on his face that he was beyond furious and looked like he was going to hurt them.

"I'm really sorry mister. I won't do it again. Please don't hurt u-" before Tony could finish his pleading, Edgar did something that nobody, but Layton was expecting.

Edgar got on to both knees and hugged the two Barde children.

"I'm not angry at you for lying to me," he said softly, "I'm angry that you have been all by yourselves for all this time."

He released them a little so he could see their faces.

"What would of happened if they had been emergency or you accidentally burn down the house. I can't believe you didn't go to village and asked for help. I've seen the inside of your house you clearly can't properly take are of yourselves. What do you have to say for yourselves," Edgar said in a stern but caring tone.

Arianna recovered from his actions first.

"We just wanted to be alone," Arianna admitted quietly.

"Alone? You wanted to be alone!?" Edgar scolded.

"Nobody should be alone and you had no right keeping this from me. I could of helped," Edgar said with a concerned face.

Arianna stern visage dropped suddenly. It has been so long that anybody has bothered to care for them and he seemed genuinely worried for them. He's a complete stranger to them, but he has shown more concern than anyone in the entire village.

'Why?' she asked herself internally, 'What's his plan,' she thought angrily.

Arianna suddenly pushed away from Edgar's embrace and pulled Tony out as well.

"We don't need anybody! Not a responsible adult, not the police and definitely not you!" she shouted.

Edgar had to admit he was hurt by that.

She turned towards the others.

"As for you, I don't know anything about some stupid flute you are looking for. Please just go away!" Arianna screamed.

"Arianna..." Luke pleaded.

"Now!" she screamed again.

"We should go," Layton suggested, hoping to not cause Arianna anymore stress.

"Professor, please," Edgar protested standing on his two feet, "we can't just leave them here."

"I'm sorry, Edgar. But we have to retreat for now," Layton said calmly. He knew that Edgar didn't want to leave them, but they had no choice,

Edgar looked back at the two Barde children in worry. Arianna was almost in tears while Tony was not faring any better. Edgar gritted his teeth in frustration and forced himself to turn away.

Once again, Edgar reluctantly left.


The group had walked back to the Manor's front gates. They were all disappointed that it didn't play out as they thought they would and now they were trying to decide what to do next.

"Luke, do you know what Arianna is so afraid of?" Emmy asked the devastated Luke. Arianna's rejection had hit him hard.

"I think this is a good time to talk about that... and perhaps what we may be afraid of, as well," Layton suggested looking at Luke as well.

"You mean... the Spectre?" Luke replied anxiously.

"It's alright, Luke. Even I was a tad startled by the Spectre," Edgar said making Emmy roll here eyes.

"Edgar, you don't understand the true terror of the Spectre," Luke turned to teenager in anger, "The Spectre threatens to do more than just destroy our town. The Spectre can destroy the very fabric of our families. It ruins not just our houses, but our homes. When we become filled with fear, our hearts go cold. And I fear that has already happened..."

Edgar was slightly taken aback by Luke shouting at him.

"You think that this is something the Spectre can do this to people?" Emmy asked with concern.

Luke lost his anger as he turned back to the group. In a deathly calm voice he said, "The Spectre has been a part of Misthallery for generations. It hears all. It's listening to us now. And under the fog of its powers, the keepers of the town become nothing more than pawns. Like my father."

Edgar and Emmy shared a concerned look. The last time he was like this was when they were attacked at the hotel.

Luke turned to Layton with a small smile.

"Mr. Layton, you are everything I hoped you would be. I am glad that I chose to seek the help of an adult from outside of Misthallery. You have not disappointed me. The Spectre... the witch... Mr. Barde... This is all happening so fast."


- Flashback one year ago -


The body of Mr Barde was found on one drizzly morning. The nature of his death has remained a mystery. Some say suicide, others reckon something more sinister. It didn't matter for Arianna as she stared in horror at the body covered by a sheet the police had put over to keep away the prying crowd that had gathered. Her father was dead and that was all they is to it.

Mr Barde wasn't popular among the Misthallery's residents. A local aristocrat who bought people's houses and racked up the rent. He was even the one who polluted the scenery by constructing the factory in the east end of the Lower Town. He had plenty of enemies. The only tears that fell for Mr. Barde was his own poor daughter.

"Why, Papa?" Arianna begged quietly to herself, "how could you leave us?"

The unsympathetic whispers from the crowd swirled around her getting faster and faster.

"...glad he's gone."

"You reap what you sow."

"... Disgusting."

"Good riddance!"

"He deserved it!"

Arianna tried to cover her ears to drown out the mean voices saying awful things about her father. She knew he was not liked in the village, but they could at least have the decency to not say what they thought of him. Not now. Not in front of his already I'll daughter. It had become to much for her to take.

Luke approached her quietly, "Arianna? Arianna, are you all right? Is there anything I can do?" he attempted to comfort his friend. He tried to place a hand on her shoulder, but she slapped it away.

"Don't touch me! Go away!" she screamed at him, "Go back to your nice family and your perfect little house! I hate you! I hate everyone!"

"Arianna," Luke tried to convince her. That was before she turned to him.

Her eyes didn't hold the usual spark of joy or happiness. There was no emotion, no feelings not even a single tear drop any more. She was a shell of her previous self.

"Just go and leave me alone," Arianna demanded coldly.

The old Arianna was gone.

Luke left her looking devastated.


- Flashback End -


"Arianna was never the same after that day. It wasn't long until the Spectre began appearing. Ever since that day, it had been as if Misthallery was cursed," Luke said after explain what had happened a year ago.

"People have been getting sick. My mother disappeared," Luke continued.

"Wait what!?" Edgar exclaimed as he turned to Layton and Emmy, "you didn't tell me this," he said critically.

"This is new information to us as well, Edgar," Layton explained equally as surprised by what Luke said.

Tears began to form in Luke's eyes as was becoming more upset, "My father says she is traveling, but she wouldn't just go on a trip without telling me. I know her. My own father is lying to me. He's under the power of the Spectre, I know he is! The Spectre will take over the heart and soul of every man and woman in this town. And it's fear will then reach out and take over the entir-," before Luke could finished Edgar placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Luke. Please don't get upset," Edgar pleaded comfortingly, "I'm sure there is something going on and I promise you that I..." he turned to Layton and Emmy, "...we... we will get to bottom of this. So can you please be brave for a few more hours. Ok?" he said causing the other to smile as well.

Luke looked up at the usually uncaring teenager. He wiped away his tears and gave a determined smile.

"Good lad," Edgar said ruffling his cap brotherly. Funny how yesterday Edgar didn't want anything to do with them and now look at him. This better not ruin his sly and uncaring image he has built up over the years.

"I sensed Clark's unease as soon as we arrived," Layton admitted, "He certainly isn't acting like himself."

Layton closed his eyes and began to think deeply. Silence fell as the group waited for Layton's next plan of action. Edgar contemplated telling a joke just to lighten the mood.

Finally, Layton opened his eyes.

"It seems that all of this began with Mr. Barde's passing," Layton said.

'He has a point,' Edgar agreed in his head.

"We need to look into the details surround his death," Layton continued.

'Good plan,' Edgar agreed again, 'but why do I have a dreading feeling?'

"We must access the police reports," Layton finished,

'Ah... that's why,' Edgar thought in realisation. Luckily the others didn't notice his widened eyes and him gulping.

He was so close. He had to remain calm. They are only going to the local police station. That won't recognised him.

"I hope you don't mind, Edgar," Layton voice caught his attention.

"Huh?"

"I know Scotland Yard has instructed you to keep a low profile, but I feel like this necessary," Layton explained.

Edgar looked at each of their faces. They were expecting an answer.

"No that's not a problem," Edgar responded, "just make sure your you don't mention who I am."

"Of course, I wouldn't want to ruin an investigation led by Scotland Yard," Layton agreed with a smile.

If only he knew.

They made their way towards the police station. Emmy was walking beside Edgar as Layton and Luke walked ahead.

"Hey," Emmy said catching Edgar's attention, "that was very nice of you comforting the Barde children and Luke. I didn't know you were able to do that," Emmy complimented surprising Edgar slightly. Mainly she would act cold towards him.

"I was doing what anybody would... or at least they should be doing," Edgar admitted shyly causing Emmy to giggle.

She looked towards Luke up ahead.

"Luke really looks up to you as well the Professor," she turned toward Edgar again, "I think I like your caring personality. Who knew that big, bad delinquent had a soft side," she admitted happily smiling at him.

Edgar gave her a slight glare.

"Don't get used to it, princess," Edgar said going back to his aloof manner

Emmy just giggled.


Police Station

Edgar was trying to look inconspicuous by hiding behind a magazine he found in the waiting room. As expected, the station was abuzz with police officers running about and doing whatever police do. Luke sat next to him on the bench while Layton and Emmy inquired at front desk. The officer at the front door wouldn't have let them if it wasn't for Emmy's demanding tone scaring him into submission.

'I guess she does have some uses,' he thought humorously.

Layton and Emmy came back from the front desk. Judging by their faces they were unsuccessful.

"There is a problem," Layton told Edgar and Luke, "they will not allow us to see the records without the chief's permission and he won't be back for a while."

"How long's a while?" Edgar asked.

"Ten hours at most," Emmy replied.

"Ten hours! Which way around the world is he getting here!" Edgar said in shock.

"And this is just a hunch, but even when the chief does return, he may not show us the records unless we can connect Barde's death and the Spectre," Layton added making the whole situation worse.

Edgar sighed in frustration.

"Well I guess we have to think of another," Edgar suggested, thinking how he was going to convince the others into breaking into the station records.

"We'd be better off going all the way to Scotland Yard," Emmy exclaimed.

'What!?' Edgar thought in shock.

"What do you mean?" Edgar asked trying to keep the shock from his voice.

"The officer at the front desk told us that they send a copy of their records every year in case they get lost," Emmy explained.

Oh no.

"Wait... why not!?" Emmy getting and idea, "Professor, I'll go back to London and search for the files in their archives!"

OH NO.

"Emmy, I doubt Scotland Yard will grant you access to their files," Layton tried to reason.

"Luckily for us we have a trainee detective on our team," Emmy pointed at Edgar, not knowing the disaster she has unleashed on Edgar.

OH NO, NO, NO.

"Well I suppose," Layton began to agree, "I would be grateful, Emmy. Does that sound alright with you?" Layton asked Edgar politely.

'Actually, that won't be alright. Do you know why. It's because I lied to you, Emmy and dear innocent Luke about working for Scotland Yard so you don't know that I am actually number 1 on the Scotland Yard's most wanted list and by going back to Scotland Yard you'll be throwing me to the wolves and those wolves will throw me in prison for a very, very long time. So sorry about that. Maybe we can come up with another plan,' Edgar internally explained.

"Yeah sure. That's sounds like a plan," Edgar answered out loud with a strained smile.

"Excellent," Layton said with a smile.

He turned back to Emmy, "If you don't mind, can you drop by the university to pick up my notes and the recent newspapers?" Layton requested.

"Notes and newspapers. Will do," Emmy nodded.

"We will meet you two in the library to discuss what we have learnt," Layton said as Emmy and Edgar made their way to the exit. Edgar reluctantly doing so.

"The library, got it. We'll be back in a flash," Emmy said her goodbyes, while Edgar gave a short wave.

"Come on, my scooter is at the entrance to the village," Emmy said cheerfully as she started to jog. Edgar jogged beside her trying to match her enthusiasm.

The only thing that went through Edgar's head was:

'Well... I can certainly say that I am completely and utterly fu-'


I may need a couple of days to recover from writing anymore. I can barely feel my fingers from all the typing. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Writing out that puzzle was a bother, but worth it. Hopefully it would look alright when it publishes.

Next time: Edgar and Emmy's trip to London and Scotland Yard. Hopefully, Edgar would survive the visit. Hopefully.