Author's note: Hello again, Fanfiction! Firstly I am really sorry that I haven't updated in at least three months but after my last update life got so busy and I found no time to write. Then I had writer's block so it was a while before I put my fingers to the keyboard for chapter 11. Therefore I have made up for it by treating you with a nice long chapter (cross my heart-last mega, mega long chapter…I'm sorry! X'D) Anyways to everyone who has reviewed so far you have my heartfelt thanks for your continued support. If there is anything you think I can improve please let me know-constructive criticism is adored! XD And to those of you who wished me happy birthday a huge thank you to you as well! Anyway I'm back on Fanfic and ready to write! So without further ado…chapter numero once.
Please enjoy, guys! Plant peace for the planet, see you around and keep safe and well! Abbie XD XD XD XD
Chapter 11- The road to Blood Manor
"So…let me just get this one little thing straight-you want the private and confidential files of the late Baron Augustus Reinhold that haven't been touched or read by anyone in St Mystere, as per the late Baron's wishes? I mean, not even any other members of the Reinhold family have read his files or entries!"
The professor nodded in response as Luke and Flora looked up at the tall man with expectant eyes.
"Well…yes, good sir," the professor answered truthfully, "I wouldn't request or even dream to pry into the late Baron's life if it wasn't such an urgent matter."
The man behind the desk pushed his glasses further up his nose, scowling bitterly at the three as if they were vile distractions from his other extremely important duties which, in his opinion, were exactly what they were.
"So…um…," Luke started in a tone that carried a sense of uncertainty as the man's unsettling gaze fell upon his face, "w…will you let us, please? What the professor said is true- in fact I suppose that you could say that the situation is a matter between life and death, if you would prefer it to be made simpler.
Flora nodded in response to Luke's comment, determination illuminating her youthful face.
"Life and…death?" he repeated scornfully as he glared at the teenager with disgust, "well if it was that serious a matter then I would be considering the nearest place of refuge and safety-not casually flicking through a deceased man's diaries to read up all of the juiciest gossip and information about his life when he would be wise to be worrying for his own!"
The boy quickly retreated behind the safety of his mentor; it was all he could do to stop the anger bubbling inside of him at the man's pretentious attitude. The professor sighed but refused to accept defeat for the time being, not when there were so many questions to be answered that could help shine golden rays of light and hope on the entire mystery.
"So…you are saying that we may not access such material?" Layton enquired as he placed a hand to his chin, "It really is vital and will prove necessary in our—"
"Are you the genuine article, the real Professor Layton?"
This question succeeded to discombobulate even the professor as a doubtful expression enveloped his features.
"Well…yes-of course I am," he answered uncomfortably, "but—"
"Then why are you asking such a ridiculous question to which you have been given an incredibly simple and obvious answer?" the mayor snapped, waving his hand in a dismissive manner, "Get out of my sight! The answer is 'no'! Now I strongly suggest that you leave this place and carry on with your little 'investigation'—"
"Please, Mr Rodney, you need to understand—"
"I shall be addressed as 'Mayor Rodney', thank you very much-and as the mayor of St Mystere I strongly advise you to stop poking your persistent noses into the affairs of our humble village. It was perfectly peaceful and quiet until you…you… civilians came along!"
The professor sighed and pulled the brim of his hat further down his face; there was no way that the persistent determination of the mayor could be broken. Luke opened his mouth to protest at the man's rude behaviour but Flora interrupted him.
"Mayor Rodney, there is really no need to speak to the professor and Luke like that!" she exclaimed, feeling rather hurt, "After all they are the two people who saved the Reinhold fortune and all of St Mystere from falling into the wrong hands of evil criminal masterminds-and they have kindly volunteered to help save the village from the Sorceress of –I mean 'She-who-brings-darkness-to-the-world'—"
"Well…they're doing an exceptional job so far, aren't they?" Rodney interrupted in an acidic tone, "So far almost every house in this village apart from the 'Crummeatrice Inn' has been reduced to nothing but rubble, half of the inhabitants have been claimed by her and her vile creatures and Lady Dahlia has now been abducted by this…monster. I think the evidence is clear that they're doing a terrific job! You promised to help us, Professor Layton! We trusted you after the events that happened two years ago, when you found our Golden Apple, but this…this is different!"
"Mayor Rodney—"
"You let our dear Lady Dahlia be taken away by the sorceress! If you can allow that to happen then I strongly advise you to drop this case and leave this village to the mercy of 'She-who-brings-darkness-to-the-world'!"
Flora sighed sadly, peering at his thin rimmed spectacles and the twisted scowl that had returned to his face.
"Mayor Rodney, you had your mind erased when the sorceress made you try to harm us yesterday," she explained slowly, "It is true that the sorceress attacked last night with these horrific creatures called 'Death dogs'…but no one could do anything. As for Dahlia…we will find her and restore peace to St Mystere but…you may not believe me when I say this…but Bruno has been betraying us to the sorceress all along! He was just arrested by those inspectors from Scotland Yard in London!"
The confidence and anger on the man's face immediately vanished and his aburn hair hung untidily down the sides of his face. A pained expression crossed his face as he sighed deeply and began fiddling with the silver buttons that kept his cream cotton shirt securely fastened.
"I…I am sorry. I never knew. As the mayor I spend much of my time in this building," he replied, gesturing to the cluttered state of the once majestic town hall, "Incredibly it has succeeded in surviving this long…only one can wonder how long it will be before this building joins the wreckage…but Bruno? Who'd have thought it…?"
"We're very sorry that the truth had to be exposed like this. However, the promise that we made to this village still stands; our devotion is focused on defeating this sorceress before any more harm comes to this village."
"Y…you're right, Professor Layton. I should be sorry-I strongly want to assist in these matters but…I am not suited for this job. At times I strongly advise myself to give up my position and devote myself to the people, like Crumm and Beatrice: they're a smashing pair of villagers and are very kind and considerate. You yourself, Professor, are a very kind hearted man and only want what is right for this village. You put up with moaning souls like me who can't even be brave enough to lift a finger for the sake of this village. I am incredibly wrong to doubt you. I know that you mean well and you will solve this…mystery, or whatever you call it, eventually."
"Mayor Rodney, there is no need to put yourself down," Flora responded gently as she lightly stroked the man's smooth fingers as he drummed them repeatedly on his oaken desk, "We all have to help each other in these circumstances…but you want this sorceress to be stopped as well, don't you?"
Rodney slammed his hands on the desk, causing a small crack to accompany all of the other countless scratches and marks, which were still existent despite how many times the desk was polished. Flora squealed in shock, taking a step away from the battered desk.
"Of course I do-I would strongly advise that she take this village hall in exchange for her downfall!" he exclaimed enthusiastically, "Yes! Yes! If there was a way in stopping her, or anything that I could do to help bring about her downfall, then I would strongly advise you to tell me what I could do to help you…as long as it is sensible…"
Luke breathed a sigh of relief as Flora locked eyes with Rodney.
"Well…Mayor Rodney," she started carefully, still unsure whether his answer would be different, "it really is vital that we see Papa's files; there is some crucial information that we need in there and it could help us in…finding out more about this…sorceress…"
Layton raised his eyebrows slightly at Flora's words but it couldn't be considered a true lie by anyone; it could provide them with more information about the Sorceress of Darkness, although their real reason for viewing the restricted (or so they were made out) files was to find out more about Seryna and possibly some information about her friend, Connie. Nevertheless, Flora couldn't help but feel slightly guilty as she uttered those words; a true lady didn't lie but this lie was the only key they had to acquiring some necessary information that could help in bringing about the sorceress's downfall. Rodney also seemed to sense the pleas and distress in her voice and let out an exasperated sigh.
"Well…if it really will be of use to you in this mystery and help you as you say," he started, finally realising how desperate the group were to view the baron's files, "then…I suppose that there is nothing I can do to dissuade you…Very well. You may view them at your leisure-but there is one condition that I must strongly suggest that you take."
Flora let out a squeal of pleasure and would've thrown herself at the skinny robot in a grateful embrace, had the oaken desk not have been standing as a firm barrier between the two. Luke and the professor let out a quiet sigh of relief that he'd finally agreed to let them view the files, although Layton placed a hand to his chin in curiosity when the mayor 'strongly suggested' that they take his condition.
"Of course, good sir," he answered with a thankful smile, "As for this condition then we shall gladly accept your terms. What is it you require us to do?"
For the first time a small smirk slowly crept onto the mayor's lips.
"The condition is this: since you are the Professor Layton and a puzzle extraordinaire-you will have to find the baron's files yourself. It should be no challenge for a great and intelligent man like you."
"Hang on!" Luke protested, "How do we even know where his files are?! You're the one that runs this place, Mayor Rodney!"
"Of course I wouldn't expect you to know, boy," he replied, the same smirk still on his face, "That is why I'm going to give you some hints as to where the baron's files are located in this room. All that you have to do is listen carefully and use what I have said to find the location of the baron's files in this very room. I'm sure even a five year old could do that!"
Luke felt his cheeks flushing a little but nodded in understanding as the professor's eyes quickly scanned the room before they returned to focus on the still smirking robot just a few paces away from them.
"Well…since there is really no choice then we accept the offer," he answered, "Very well. I'm ready and waiting. When you're ready to begin please let me know.
Rodney smiled and peered up at the ceiling, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk so that its deep, distracting echoes fought valiantly to adjourn the professor's mind as the robot opened his mouth to speak.
"I'm more than ready-in that case I guess we can start," he announced, chuckling darkly under his breath.
Puzzle 16-Find the files (40 picarats)
In front of you are several boxes of sets of files labelled from left to right in the following order:
Top shelf: 24,19,53,67,26,78,69
Bottom shelf: 3,92,39,63,46,93,73,96
The files that you are looking for are two files away from a set of files with 3 in them, three files from a set of files with the number 6 in them and four files away from a set of files with the number 9 in them. All of the following files can be found on a single shelf. Knowing this where are the files that you need?
(Get this right and you will have 620 picarats)
"Hmm...," Layton though aloud, a smile spreading on his features, "if what you say is true then I do believe that the files have to be the ones labelled '92'. That is the only set of files that suits all of the conditions."
The mayor's mouth dropped open and the robot had to rapidly steady himself, since he'd almost fallen over in disbelief. His wide eyes resembled two lustrous marbles as he stared questioningly at the professor, not bothering to tell him how low his expectations had been from the beginning.
"W…w…why, yes. Th…th…that is correct…how on earth…how could you—"
"You said it yourself, Mayor Rodney," Flora answered with a secret triumphant smile, trying not to laugh at his goggle-eyed expression, "He is the genuine puzzle extraordinaire after all, just you like you said earlier!"
Rodney's smirk had now leapt off of his face and had swiftly settled onto the other grinning teenager's face as he casually rested his arms on top of the desk and smiled sweetly, savouring their triumph over the conceited robot.
"My…my…my…my humblest apologies," he stuttered as a sheen of sweat broke out on his brow, "I'm…t…t…truly sorry…I strongly suggest that I was too…judgemental…"
"It is quite alright, Mayor Rodney, there is no need for apologies," Layton assured him politely, "However, since we have fulfilled your wishes, may we please view the baron's files now?"
Rodney sighed in humiliated defeat and waved his hand towards the full shelves behind him in an apathetic manner.
"Of…of course. Take as long as you need when reading them. I hope that they contain the vital information that you are looking for. However I strongly advise that you handle them very carefully; these files are at least a decade old and are quite fragile and precious. There are about…um…three boxes with 'set 92' stamped on them. I strongly suggest that you read only what you came for and none of the other files; otherwise I shall be forced to strongly suggest that you leave the building. Is that understood?"
"Certainly, good sir, but we shall try to be as quick as possible with our search. Thank you for giving us the privilege."
The mayor merely shrugged his shoulders and stepped aside to allow the group to pass. A fire of determination blazing inside of her spirit, Flora shot an appreciative smile at the man and hastily ran over to the bulging shelves, her eyes gradually becoming larger as she took in the vast majority of files that were arranged in a neat fashion following each other in a set numerical order. The professor smiled after his adopted daughter as he and Luke resolved to immediately follow her eager lead towards their desired location.
"Well, Professor? Do you think that we'll really find what we're looking for in one of these files?"
Layton adjusted his top hat and tilted his head backwards slightly in order to get a more accurate figure of how many files, parchments and rolls of paperwork the town hall held within its four seemingly senescent walls. He winced a little when the high numbers flashed repeatedly in front of his eyes, an uncomfortable sensation of doubt in his mind as he bit his lip to ease his discomfort.
"I believe that it is most likely, my boy," he answered as Flora frantically began searching for the files labelled 'set 92', "However there are an awful amount of files here to view...so I think we may be here for some time…"
"Well…it will certainly be worth it if we can find out some useful information about Baron Augustus Reinhold and Seryna's friend, Miss Connie!" Luke chirruped enthusiastically before peering at Flora with a hint of sadness in his eyes, "She's…been through a lot in the past few days. It must be so…terrible for her to be seeing all of her friends and family disappearing like this…and to be betrayed by one of the people whom she loved deeply in her heart. It's just…not fair, Professor!"
Layton sighed as the distressed and bewildered expression of shock and utter betrayal that had been worn by the girl less than an hour ago froze all of his previous thoughts. Luke was right; it wasn't fair at all to allow such a young and innocent girl like Flora witness such tragic and heart wrenching events. They could've left the village that previous night, never witnessed the horrific things that happened to St Mystere and its people-but then where would it have left them? Many if not all of them would've perished by the flames or by the death dogs—no, by the robots, or St Mystere would've been reduced to ash. Wouldn't the anxiety and worrying about what would be or what was happening have a worse emotional outcome than knowing the truth? The guilt to go with it, knowing such a thing could've been prevented, or less lives could've been lost, weighed an unbelievable amount of heaviness on their conscience-at least if they were here they could stop some of the other terrors that were to come or lighten the outcome at the very least. Seeing the look on Flora's face made Layton's mind up immediately: they would stop at nothing until St Mystere was safe and the case was closed. It was his duty as a true gentleman to the village-and to Flora.
"I know, my boy. No one deserves this…I just hope that no one else is harmed. The toll of events has clearly left its mark on all of us and seeing Clive in that state just made my efforts to keep you all safe seem utterly worthless—"
"He's safe at the inn with Emmy and my parents now though, Professor. No one else will be harmed. Besides if we can find some more clues to shine a new light on things then this case looks on the way to making your 'endless solved cases' list!"
The professor laughed a little, knowing deep down that his apprentice was trying to raise his spirits and make him feel better.
"Indeed, Luke. Indeed. Now come; we don't want to keep Flora waiting any longer."
Having made their way through the variety of bulging boxes filled to the brim with dusty parchments and items, which had been randomly scattered around the room in a mixture of different sizes and colours, the professor and Luke finally found Flora. The girl was already hard at work, her quivering arms burdened with a huge ashen coloured box almost identical to two other crates of a similar size that balanced precariously on the edge of a nearby table. Layton smiled thankfully at her, delighted to see her eagerness in the current situation.
"I see you've already started searching," he pronounced as Luke ran to the opposite side of the table to examine the crates in more detail, "Have you found the ones we're looking for?"
Flora nodded sincerely, her proud smile lighting up her features.
"Yes, Professor!" she answered, dropping her box to the ground with a resounding thud, "There has to be at least a dozen different files on different subjects in each box though! Where do you propose we start?"
"Well…I suppose we could each search through one box each and see if any of the files in there yield any useful information for us. Flora dear, do you want to look through that one whilst Luke and I search through one of these on the table?"
The girl nodded and let herself fall into a small wooden chair with images of flowers expertly carved into it as she randomly selected a file from her box and began flicking through it hungrily. Luke had already settled himself into a similar wooden chair and was busy scanning through the dates written on each file in elegant handwriting preserved in a bold black ink. The professor peered over the crates, deciding which one would be best to examine first.
"Go ahead, Professor-pick the one you want," Luke told him as he squinted to read the first lines of a decaying yellowing file with text that was barely visible to the reader, "So…if we find any mention of Flora's sister or of Miss Connie then we just let you know?"
"That seems to be the best option, Luke," he answered thoughtfully, having carefully selected a thick file bound in a torn dress of leather from an arenaceous box with a sombre appearance, hinting that it hadn't been in the best of care over the years.
After gently removing the dust using the sleeve of his jacket he carefully opened the file and began to read, too engrossed in the words to think about sitting down. The particular file that he had chosen had several different pages all filled with the same neat handwriting, which danced in graceful ink strokes across the tough pages of the file. At the top of each page Layton could just about make out the minuscule, yet expertly handwritten, ink scrawling specified dates across the pages but this didn't seem to be of a great help either. The professor stared hard at the pages, his eyes searching for the slightest word that could be of help to them in their queries only to find that his efforts were fruitless; there were articles and diary entries dated back to just under a five years ago, which the professor quickly recognised as the exact same files that they'd encountered two years ago when they had been searching for the golden apple. Repeatedly flicking through the pages once more, to make sure that he hadn't missed anything important, he sighed sadly and gingerly placed the large file down next to him on the table. He placed a hand to his face, taking deep regular breaths to ease the throbbing pain in his mind as he continuously searched for answers. His assistants didn't seem to be having much luck either; Flora had thrown the file that she was currently reading to the ground in exasperation whilst Luke was repetitively banging his head against the hard wooden table in extreme frustration.
A scowl painted itself on the girl's face as her eyebrows curved downwards and she screwed her hands into tight fists, succeeding to destroy an unserviceable scrap of paper locked in her vice grip. She closed her eyes and let out a long and impatient sigh as she yanked another file from the crate and threw it vigorously onto her lap.
"Now, now, Flora dear," Layton reminded her gently as he proceeded to carefully draw out another file from the crate in a way that was completely contrasting to how she'd handled the precious files, "Please have patience; I'm sure we'll find something soon enough."
Flora bit her lip and averted her gaze to the ground, warily tapping the ground with the edge of her leather boot.
"I…I'm sorry, Professor. I know. You're right. I just…want some answers…and we haven't even started in searching these files yet! To search each individual one, thoroughly reading each of the pages, would take us days! Besides we promised the others we'd be back in a few hours. It wouldn't be fair to keep them waiting after all that they've been through today…"
The professor smiled kindly at his adopted daughter and nodded in response.
"Of course-we'll search through a few more files and if our search remains futile then we'll simply try again tomorrow-and see if we can find any other clues in the process," he explained as he began perusing his second file, "How about you, my boy? Have you found anything yet?"
"No, Professor. Not even the tiniest snippet of information relatively linked to this current mystery or what we're looking for," he answered in a fatigued tone, still hammering his head against the sharp edge of the table as if it would inexplicably provide him with all of the desired information.
Luke continued his method of 'finding the answer', as Layton winced every time the boy let out a drowsy muffled moan, before finally absorbing the fact that abusing his head in this way certainly wasn't doing any favours in their investigation. He rubbed his head wearily with the back of his hand before gradually allowing himself to sit in an upright posture. His eyes were glazed with exhaustion and he had the same impatient attitude as Flora's as he weakly reached across the table for a second file and began skimming through the pages with his strained eyes.
"There has to be something in here…," Flora murmured inaudibly to herself, licking her dry lips as she peered across at the professor.
"Hmm...I wonder…," he muttered, speaking to no one in particular as he flicked through the pages, "I'm sure there will be something if we just search harder—"
"Professor! Flora!"
The teenager's enthusiastic energised voice rang through the seemingly time-worn room, instantly bringing the feeling of optimism and attainment to the current melancholy atmosphere that loitered through the air. The girl's head shot upwards in realisation, an anticipative expression unfolding on her face. Her file flew to the floor as she darted over to the exultant form of the jubilant boy in the corner. The professor abandoned his current place and quickly approached his apprentice, an identical smile to his daughter's spreading across his lips.
"I take it that you've found something that may help us, Luke?" he asked in a warm tone that failed to hide his relief and anticipation.
The boy's head moved so dynamically that Flora expected it to fall off within a few seconds.
"You bet I have!" he announced haughtily, refusing to wipe the victorious smile off of his face, "What other reason is there why I'd have called you when I knew that you didn't want to be disturbed?"
Flora's smile widened as she placed a smooth hand on his shoulder and fixed him with a look of gratitude.
"Well? What did you find out? What does it say? What does it mean?" she babbled quickly in her haste of eagerness.
Layton chuckled as Luke held the precious file close to his face so that the professor and Flora could distinguish the text written on the page.
"See for yourself," he told her, clearing his throat, "Baron Augustus Reinhold had this to say ten years ago:
'July has finally come, gracing us with her beauty. The gardens of Reinhold Manor have never been so beautiful before: the flowers are already abloom and carrying their delectable scents across the garden. The birds and animals are all singing in the trees. The sun's rays light up every nook and cranny and seem to vanquish all evil and darkness from this land—if only that was truly the case.
I've never seen our little Flora so happy before, yet she's completely oblivious to the truth. Ever since that incident several months ago, when she showed that the powers of the Reinhold bloodline flows the strongest in her blood, having shown this talent at such a young age, I have been fearing for her safety as has my dear Violet. We both feel terrible and indescribably mortified that we have kept the truth from Flora. Besides she is too young to understand for now and the last thing I want to do is frighten her, so the secret remains hidden. I cannot tell her about…Seryna. More importantly I absolutely cannot jeopardise our little Golden Apple falling into the same malevolent hands of the darkness because of her powers-I cannot and will not let her suffer the same fate as our first born, our…our dear little apple, Seryna. I will have to tell her the truth someday…but our kind usually 'come of age' when they reach sixteen. She'll understand then…and I, or one of my closest friends, shall tell her the truth about her powers and about her older sister soon after she has turned sixteen. For now all I can do is wait…
Worse, Violet is ill. She developed a strange and sudden illness without warning. The doctor came a few days ago and told her that she had a few months left to live, if she was lucky. I haven't dared to tell Flora yet, but why, Violet? Why does it have to be you? Why can't it be me? There will come a day when we shall unite with our little apple. Violet has requested some plans for her burial and I shall not rest until I have fulfilled her last and every request…it aches my heart…I feel I am responsible…having these powers. Perhaps our whole family would still be with us to this day…"
Flora blinked back the tears forming in the corner of her eyes as Luke spoke. The boy sighed sympathetically before continuing the baron's entry.
"'It has been six years now since we lost her. The memory is still fresh in my mind. We thought we'd never be happy again, but Flora, our sweet little darling, has kept us together to this day. It wasn't just ourselves, Seryna and my good friend Bruno and some of his robots that were affected by Seryna's abduction. I received some horrific news from Bruno this morning, concerning my daughter's best friend Connie Smith. The poor dear was only four when it happened, the same age as Seryna. I can still remember breaking the news to her: I remember the tears streaming down her face. I remember how her scream threatened to rip apart my soul. I remember hearing from her mother how Connie refused to surface from her room and would spend all of her time locked in there, grieving, even though she knew that the past couldn't be altered. She even went as far as claiming that her child had become mad but this fact was definitely not true. It took several years for the truth to sink in and Connie eventually accepted Seryna's death and agreed to start a new life. Unfortunately fate had other plans; mysteriously a fire broke out in her home several days ago. Her house was completely destroyed. She escaped with her life, but her mother wasn't so fortunate-and died in the flames. I must confess that I was speechless-she'd had her mother torn from her at such a young age after losing her best friend also. I volunteered to adopt her and treat her as my own, like our sweet little Flora, but I found that someone had already taken her in. She was a wealthy heiress by the name of Myra Blood with her younger daughter, Lily. I hear that she lives past the Reinhold estate, just over the bleak hills to the south of St Mystere and straight ahead, in the towering home of Madam Myra: Blood Manor. I shall have to write to her sometime. It aches my heart to think that an innocent girl is suffering-and I highly doubt that this fire was 'mysterious'. They are still watching me, waiting for the precise moment to exact their revenge on the Reinhold bloodline. All I can do for now is protect my family and my darling little Flora; I told Violet about my vision and she suggested that I write it out on paper. I cannot see how this vision will be fulfilled but I pray to the Gods that that day shall be soon…'"
Luke read the last sentence in a tone that was barely audible as he let the paper slide graciously out of his fingers. A stunned silence descended upon the group as the professor tried to comprehend the words that he had just heard from the Augustus's diary file. He placed a hand to his chin thoughtfully as Flora leapt to her feet, her fervent demeanour having returned to her once more. Luke stretched widely as he tentatively arose to his feet, trying to determine the exact emotions going on through his mentor's mind at that current time.
"Well, Professor? Do you think it was of any help? What about the baron's prophecy?"
"Oh yes, my boy, I do believe that this information shall prove to be extremely obliging to us indeed," he answered with a light smile as he prudently stroked the page as he absorbed the information, "As for his prophecy it is well worth considering; anything is possible in these current circumstances after all."
Mystery 8-Augustus's prophecy
Before Lady Violet died Baron Reinhold had a prophecy. This prophecy, obtained with his Reinhold powers that flow in the Reinholds' blood, vividly describes the end of this village. What exactly do his words mean and is he correct that this is what the future really holds?
Flora on the other hand looked as if she had just won the lottery; she was hardly managing to resist the urge to leap up and down on the spot and her eyes seemed paralysed with her stunned bewilderment that they'd found a vital clue in their mystery.
"Blood Manor! Past the hills to the south of the village!" she yelled elatedly, tugging viciously at the professor's sleeves, "That's near here, Professor! We finally have a lead! We just need to find directions then we'll get the others and we'll—"
"Please hold on a moment, dear," he interrupted her in a compassionate yet serious tone, "We don't know if she still lives there, let alone that she'd welcome a group of strangers into her home—"
"B…but, Professor! It's our best lead at the moment! It's at least worth a look, isn't it? Besides there is bound to be someone at the 'Crummeatrice Inn' who can perhaps give us some information about the whereabouts of Blood Manor! If she does still live there, which is most likely, then she could assist us in solving this case! It is at least worth a try! Please, Professor! Please, please let us investigate there!"
Layton opened his mouth to protest but the firm undying emotions attached to her face immediately caused him to close it again. His adopted daughter seemed so desperate and her intense enthusiasm made the professor feel that he'd be acting in a heartless manner to refuse her request. It was worth investigating at the very least-and it wasn't gentlemanly to refuse the request of a lady, let alone his own daughter.
"Well…I suppose it wouldn't cause any harm-and it is necessary to not leave out or overestimate even the tiniest possibilities or clues," he answered after hesitating for several moments, "Since I cannot do anything to make you reconsider and since it does sound like a newfound lead for us to follow then we shall venture there later today."
The determination on Flora's face was instantaneously replaced with a beaming smile of triumph, supplying rays of radiance and tenderness to the surroundings around her. Layton's worries were instantly evaporated from his mind upon seeing the expression of genuine ecstasy on the young girl's face. Luke's mood brightened mightily also, pleased that they were finally getting somewhere with their case, before the realisation of what their next destination would be sent an icy apprehension and dreaded wariness coursing through the boy's body. His eyes widened, his pupils gradually becoming larger and reflecting the fear that was steadily building up inside of him. It was most likely because of the name of this strange place words brought back fresh agonising memories, not because of the sudden eerie coldness that had rapidly proliferated across the room and demolished the short lived sense of warmth and confidence. Sensing his apprentice's distress Layton placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and peered at the two teenagers sincerely.
"L…Luke?" Flora asked uncertainly, "What's wrong? We…we have to head to Blood Manor if we want to progress with the case. I don't think that they'll be anything to worry about at Blood—"
"Please stop calling it that!" the boy pleaded as his face paled, "It's just…the name is really…freaky and unnatural."
"Luke if you're that terrified of going then we don't have to venture out there if—"
"No, Professor-we promised to do whatever we could to solve this case and this is our only lead. I'm just…scared. Why…why do you think it would be called that? Does it have a reference to real blood, Professor? Are there ghosts waiting to massacre trespassers? Do people going their get bled of their life and never come back alive? I just…I feel like something really bad will happen when we get there! This whole case is just…scarier than anyone imagined!"
The words triggered a similar reaction to the young girl standing next to him as her breathing quickened and she bit down hard on her tongue to trap the frightened whimpers trying to force their way out of her sealed mouth, her wishes to go there now long gone from her heart. Layton turned around to face the two children and knelt down so that he was the same height as them, as he always did whenever his assistants were terrified or reluctant to go on.
"It's okay, you two. We're all together in this case-and believe me when I say that you're not the only ones who are terrified of this whole affair. I'm frightened too but we have to keep going. It's unfair that you both have to suffer like this, being innocent young children, but I promise that we'll have this case resolved soon. However we cannot solve this case alone and I need both of your help if we are to solve this as soon as possible. I also need you to be brave. Do you think you can do that for me?"
The two teenagers nodded, still wearing a ghastly apprehensive expression.
"I highly doubt that the manor has its name because of that, Luke. I understand why you're so scared, yet I don't think this has anything to do with anything real like that," he assured them as Luke bit his lip, "Remember the kind woman who took Miss Smith in after the fire destroyed her home? She was called Myra Blood. The most likely explanation is that the manor just follows the name of the owner, just like Reinhold Manor here in St Mystere. There is nothing to fear, I promise you both. It is an unusual and unnatural name-but that is all it is: a name."
"I…guess so…," Flora replied hesitantly, tilting her head up to look into the professor's comforting eyes, "Well…okay. We've been through worse things after all. Right, Luke?"
The boy mumbled his answer quietly as his fingers tightened around Flora's wrist.
"Y…Yeah. We're ready, Professor."
A surprised but gratified smile crossed the girl's lips as she squeezed his wrist in response. The professor smiled in relief before quickly directing his attention to the bronze corroding clock that was held aloft precariously by several metal pegs, each of the hands crawling around the faded numbers like dozy snails.
"Well…it seems my predictions concerning the time were fairly precise. Since we've accomplished what we set out to find and have a new lead we'd better head back to the inn to reconvene with the others."
"Right, Professor!" Flora answered as she and Luke quickly tidied away the files and carefully replaced them in their correct crates on the correct shelves, "I just hope that Clive has…recovered a little."
"Me too," Luke responded as they followed the professor to the dusty yet sturdy door through which they'd come through, "I wonder what the others will make of this…manor."
"We can only hope that the information shall be useful," Layton answered as he stood aside to let them pass, "Thank you very much, Mayor Rodney. We couldn't have progressed without your help."
The mayor muttered a brief comment without looking up from his desk as the door slammed behind them. Only when the group was out of sight did the robot vigilantly lift his blanching face, his expression having taken on a severe and sinister look as his slurred words were barely greeted by the dismal surroundings.
"If you're going there-then may fate and all of your luck and puzzle solving skills get you out of there alive…"
"Blood Manor?" Emmy repeated uncertainly, frowning a little, "Where's that when it's at home?"
"Apparently we are to believe it is just past the hills and Reinhold Manor, to the south of St Mystere. According to Baron Reinhold it is a huge towering building but it should be fairly easy to find."
Clark perched himself on the edge of the flushed linen sheets of the mattress he had currently been lying on as he peered at the professor thoughtfully.
"Are there no other leads, Hershel?" he asked attentively with interest, "It doesn't sound one hundred per cent promising in this current mystery, especially since a lot has changed since this entry was written. We don't even know if anyone is living there at present, let alone Miss Smith who may or may not be of help in solving this current case and the mystery of Flora's sister."
Layton sighed despondently and shook his head lightly.
"None other than that I'm afraid, Clark," he answered in a regrettable tone, "Consequently this is our only lead. It is vital not to leave anything overlooked. We need all of the clues and information we can get for this mystery to finally make sense. For I have a feeling that this mystery is going to get darker and deeper from here on out."
Luke grinned and nudged the professor playfully.
"Well, if that's your famous intuition talking then what you say is most likely true! After all, your gentlemanly intuition never fails you, eh, Professor?"
"Indeed, my boy. I suppose you can interpret it like that," he added with a light chuckle.
Flora smiled in response as she gingerly stroked her fingers across Melina's sleek glowing fur, sitting smartly on the supple mattress next to Clark's. Endless thoughts constantly whizzed through her mind, frustrating her that everything was yet to be answered. Brenda deftly refolded the velvet bandages by her side and delicately stowed them away into their proper homes inside the large medical kit lying just a few centimetres away.
"Well it seems like that's our next destination. When do you expect us to be ready?"
"There is no need of urgency, Brenda. We'll set out whenever everyone is ready to do so," the professor answered in a generous tone with a smile.
He crossed to the other side of the room and rested himself on one of the spare wooden chairs as Luke's eyes quickly surveyed the room with a look of concern.
"How's…how's Clive?" he asked with an edge of concern in his voice, "Is he feeling any better?"
The beaming woman next to him smirked widely and pointed to a darkly clad figure sprawled over the largest mattress, his attribute cap misaligned on his golden head. Not a single bloodstain was currently visible on its azure surface or on any area of his body, cleansing him from the pain he had previously suffered. Fresh garments covered his skin accompanied by a few velvet bandages which shook gently as he twitched occasionally in his peaceful position.
"I guess you could say that, since he's sleeping like a baby over there," she answered, laughing but trying to keep her tone as quiet as possible, "You should've seen your mum, Luke; she was like the founder of all nursing! She helped me to carry him back all the way to our room before she immediately set to work with that magical medical kit of hers and bathed and soothed his wounds to erase all of the blood before she covered the wounds in special bandages and carefully dressed him in a clean set of clothes. After that Crumm came up with a hot meal, which we ate whilst we waited for you to return. I'm sorry that you guys had to miss out; it was roast lamb chops…your favourite, Luke."
"Oh…it doesn't matter, Emmy," the boy answered in a cheerful tone, trying to drown out the loud complaints his stomach was making.
"I um…ate your serving of it too," she added as she patted her now protruding stomach, "Sorry? I guess?"
"Nngh…Greedy chops!" Luke declared in a tone of mock-annoyance, "Did Clive eat his, then?"
"Faster than you-and I'm not exaggerating about how shocked I was to see him eat like that. It was like…he hadn't tasted food in his life before!"
The professor smiled extensively, relieved to see the cheerful bubbling personality return to his assistant once again. Her traits now appeared more radiant and ecstatic than ever before, her smile more beautiful, her laugh much lighter and discerning. She seemed to sense this and beamed even wider, sitting up straighter and more confident as she took another look at the sleeping youth. Brenda rose to her feet and went to sit next to her husband as Flora breathed a sigh of relief.
"After that Emmy and Clive went down to the lobby to help Beatrice with the suitcases whilst Brenda and I stayed up here," Clark added as he shuffled to the side of the mattress so that his wife could accompany him, "He said he wanted to do something to get his mind active again and Emmy's protests of him getting some rest were ignored. During that time Leia came up with enough water to hydrate the Sahara Desert, having heard of Clive's condition. He quenched his thirst by drinking the whole lot even though Emmy told him he'd regret it if he drank so fast."
Emmy sniggered under her breath.
"I did warn him-and it wasn't long before fatigue overcame him just as I'd predicted! He's been sleeping blissfully for the last hour now. In the meantime Brenda was rechecking Clark's injury and I found some of those photo scraps which that camera-obsessed eccentric man lost so I've been trying to put those together as well."
When looking back at Emmy's frenetic passionate fascination/obsession with cameras herself, her previous statement about the 'eccentric camera-obsessed man' seemed quite absurd and showed how her views about obsession differed greatly to what other people would class as an obsession. If Luke had a scale on who had the craziest obsession with cameras then Emmy would no doubt be top of that scale every time.
"I'm so sorry to have kept you all waiting," Layton apologised, "but I'm relieved to hear that you're all alright and that Clive is recovering—"
"GAAAAAAH!"
The boy suddenly shot bolt upright from his serene rest, bone-chilling screams erupting from his mouth, his pupils diluted in fear. Layton found himself lurching off of his chair in shock as his chin slammed painfully into the hard floorboards below him. Luke and Flora almost leapt through the ceiling in horrified alarm as their hands immediately gripped the other's so tightly anyone would think that they were trying to tear the other's hand off. Emmy was already by the youth's side, having been fired across the room from an invisible gun, clinging to his arms and trying desperately to console him. Brenda dashed over worriedly to help her as Clive thrashed about wildly in his guardian's grip.
"EMMY! FLORA! LUKE! NO! SHE'S KILLED THEM! SHE'S KILLED THEM ALL, PROFESSOR! FLORA AND LUKE AND CLARK AND BRENDA AND EMMY ARE ALL DEAD! IT'S MY FAULT! IT'S MY FAUUUUUUUULT!"
"CLIVE! CLIVE, I'M RIGHT HERE! IT'S OKAY! NO ONE IS DEAD!"
Emmy reached for his wrists and gripped them excruciatingly tight so that he was forced to look at her. The youth's screaming had been replaced with a heavy panting as sweat dripped like precipitation down his pallid face.
"Clive, look at me!" she pleaded, giving his wrists a rough shake, "LOOK AT ME!"
A single glazed schorl crystal peered back at her, petrified, as his other eye shakily opened.
"E…E…E…Em…my?" he stammered, still distressed from the previous nightmare plaguing his mind.
"Oh, Clive! It's okay, it's okay, shh…shh, now," the woman cooed benignly, gasping with obvious relief, "No one is dead. It was just a horrible nightmare…you're safe here with us, I promise you."
She tenderly wrapped her arms around him in a cocoon of protection as he nestled deeper into her comforting figure. Her lips brushed against his frozen ears as she repeatedly whispered reassuring words to him in a mesmerising voice. Clive clung to her tightly and shook his head vigorously to be rid of the sardonic scornful voices that rang through his mind. A hushed silence full upon the room as Layton peered concernedly but thoughtfully at the still existent horrified look on the youth's face.
"Are…are you okay, Clive?" Brenda asked tensely as she placed her hand delicately on his forehead, "Do you feel like you have a fever coming? Are you still hurting anywhere?"
The others shot each other doubtful apprehensive glances as Clive placed a tremoring hand to his still throbbing skull, the shady blotches underneath his eyes seeming to weigh his face down with fatigue.
"Clive, what type of nightmare did you experience?" the professor asked inquisitively, "I'm sorry if it pains you to recall it but what happened in it? If my theory is correct then I think we may be onto something valuable here."
"We…we may?" Flora and Emmy asked simultaneously in the same incredulous tone at his statement.
Clive screwed his eyes shut in anguish as he tried to recall the key details of his nightmare.
"W…w…well I was…back there in the bottom of the tower…with those two hooded villains…it was worse…but miraculously I…managed to escape…and then as I freed myself and ran to the village square…I could hear all of you screaming…then you ran over to me, Professor. After that the s...s…sorceress appeared and gruesomely m…mutilated and murdered the rest of you and I just watched h…h…helplessly as she tore out Emmy's h…heart and I just s…screamed and then—"
"Clive…," Emmy murmured sensitively, trying to obscure the shivers running down her spine as she placed a tentative hand on her chest and began hastily feeling around to check that Clive's nightmare wasn't real, "We're safe now-and so are you. I'm perfectly fine and unharmed; I couldn't be better now that I have you back but this case really has shaken us all."
"I…I know…it was just a nightmare after all," Clive stammered in reply, now abstemiously relaxed as Emmy compassionately stroked and ruffled his smooth gilded hair, "It was just…so freaky and it seemed so real; in fact what I dreamt included the things I feared the most!"
Upon hearing Clive's second statement the professor let out a gasp of realisation and a knowing smile flickered onto his face. Clark tittered and smiled mischievously.
"Would you kindly tell us what it is that you know and we don't, Hershel?" he asked playfully as Luke looked at him in confusion, "From our days back at university I can tell what that smug look on your face means-tell us your thoughts, old bean!"
The professor smiled at his friend as Emmy, Luke, Flora, Clive and Brenda turned to face him, perplexity on their faces.
"Ah, your skills of perception haven't changed a bit since our Gressenheller days, Clark," he replied as Clive prudently forced himself into a more contented position, "You are correct. Clive, thank you for pointing that fact out to me; I believe you may have helped me answer one of the questions that has been troubling me for quite a while now."
"Um…you're welcome, Professor, I guess?" he replied, completely clueless and discombobulated.
"Professor, what do you mean?"
"Yeah, what mystery has been uncovered? Not one that I can obviously see…"
"Well, it isn't that obvious but it is when you think deeply about it. That way we'll get to the truth eventually."
He began pacing in the middle of the room, a finger to his chin as he addressed the group.
Solve the puzzle
"Firstly there are three people in this room who have had something in common with each other: Clark, Emmy and Clive," he explained as simply as he could, "What one thing do these three people have in common, Flora dear?"
The girl bit her lip and clenched her hands into fists as she racked her brain for an answer to the professor's question.
"Um…they all suffered some kind of injury? Mr Triton badly hurt his shoulder in the dual with the Death Dogs, Clive was harmed when he was locked at the bottom of the tower and Emmy suffered some emotional pain?"
Layton shook his head gently.
"You are truly correct when you say that all three of them suffered some kind of injury, both physical and emotional, but that's not exactly what I'm looking for. Think a little harder…"
"Sorry, I guess I was wrong," Flora admitted sadly as she closed her eyes in attentiveness, "Is it…is it because they all had those strange nightmares?"
"Excellent, Flora! Yes, that is what Emmy, Clive and Clark all have in common in this case. Now, you three experienced these nightmares yourself. What was strange about them?"
"Well…if you consider that they were absolutely horrifying…I guess that would make them stranger than normal nightmares?" Clark answered indefinitely as the sickened feelings and visions from his nightmare flashed before his eyes again.
"Hmm…all nightmares are horrifying…as were the ones you three had. I'm thinking of something more to do with the content," he told him, "I'm sorry if it pains you to remember them."
"Ugh…people died in them?" Clive asked groggily in a wavering tone, not really paying proper attention.
"Yes, that happened in all of them-but what was it about the people dying that frightened you? Usually it is quite common to have a nightmare where someone close to you dies, but that isn't quite what I'm looking for. They were all very close to you, the people who died in your dreams. Therefore this was—"
"The nightmares were what we feared the most! Plus they had the Sorceress of Darkness in them in some form which was one of the things we all feared the most at present. In my nightmare for instance I feared the most that Clive would be tortured and mutilated or come back as a demon to kill us all. Clark's greatest fear other than the sorceress would be…her getting her hands on Luke again and harm coming to his family. A similar thing happened in Clive's, where he feared that we'd all die horribly at the sorceress's hands, as well as the fact that his previous ordeal terrified him to the bone so that was present as well."
The professor smiled proudly at them and folded his arms.
"That is correct; they were all of what you feared the most. Now the question, Brenda, is how did they get these nightmares in the first place? What did they all have before they suffered these nightmares?"
"I...um…wasn't there during the Death Dog incident with the sorceress…but could it be some kind of spell or curse?"
"I like your logical thinking, Brenda, but if that was the case I'd have thought she'd have cursed us all, not just a select few. It's something else…"
"Sorry. I'm not very good at this, Hershel…um…could it be that there is no explanation as to what happened and they just had the nightmares?"
"No; for the same thing to happen to three people it doesn't seem like a coincidence to me…"
The woman thought for a few seconds before clicking her fingers together triumphantly.
"Wait, I've got it! I think…didn't they all have the special water brought to our room before they went to bed? I don't remember anyone apart from Clive, Clark and Emmy having some after the incident because it was brought up by Leia whilst you were facing the sorceress. Emmy and Clark used it up after the incident and a fresh batch wasn't delivered until after we arrived back with Clive. Until then we would've had to make do with other things to drink and therefore not suffered any nightmares."
"I think you've hit the nail on the head, Brenda; that's perfectly sound logic. Yes, the water was brought up without us even requesting it and strangely just after drinking it Clark, Clive and Emmy fell asleep and then suffered these nightmares. Now, Luke, can you finish this off and deduce what was wrong with the water to give Clark, Emmy and Clive the nightmares?"
The boy placed a hand to his chin in a similar fashion to his mentor as he pondered over the answer.
"Err…the water was out of date?" he suggested weakly.
Emmy shot him an amused look.
"Is that the best that you can come up with to explain our nightmares, second assistant?"
"Hey!" Luke protested, stamping his foot in mock irritation, "I was…was just joking, Emmy! No…um…the true reason is…uh…it was cursed by the sorceress?"
"Possibly…but how could the sorceress have access to our water? The answer is much simpler than that."
Luke sighed and began muttering to himself before the answer hit him like a ten tonne truck.
"Ooh! The water must've had something in it to give them the nightmares! It could've been tampered with or something added to it!"
"Precisely, my boy," Layton congratulated with a smile, "That is the only explanation that seems most likely, especially since we didn't request the water ourselves and it was brought up to us."
"That's right: Beatrice's 'daughter' Leia is the one who brought it up to us!" Flora exclaimed before a pang of sadness hit her, "You don't think she…did it do you?"
"I doubt she knew what she was doing or that she was even herself at the time. However, I fear that someone wanted to give us these nightmares by delivering us the water in the hopes that we would drink it and become too terrified to progress with the case. As for what purpose I am still unsure of that but it could be personal gain, revenge or simply an evil act by an unknown someone."
Luke and Flora looked up with wide eyes, slightly disturbed at the professor's words.
"Who'd want to do such a thing?" Flora asked in a hurt tone, "The robots wouldn't dream of doing it themselves!"
"You are right there, Flora. This was done by someone else…and I doubt it was the Sorceress of Darkness; if she wanted to give us nightmares then all she had to do was cast some sorcery on us. She'd have no need to deliver water to us when all she had to do was utter a few words," he explained as he finally stopped pacing, "Therefore this means that since Leia and the robots have no intention of harming us now and since the sorceress is not involved in this particular mystery the person who did this would have to have access to the robots' controls and the tower itself. They would also have to know a fair bit of science, technology and mechanical skills for this to work. I have no doubt however that there is something in this water that was added and intended to give us these nightmares to terrify us."
"So…are we going to examine it or something, Professor?" Emmy asked in an interested tone, "I'd love to see how it works when those people on television use special equipment to analyse the clues!"
"Hmm…I'm no good at this sort of thing myself, Emmy," he confessed, "However, in the hands of professionals in this line of work it should be very easy to analyse the contents of this water to see if our theory is correct. I believe we can rely on Inspector Chelmey and Inspector Grosky to do just that-and we shall see if it has any significance in this case also."
Puzzle solved
"So…basically you think that the water we drank had some kind of chemical or substance dissolved in it and this had an effect on us and gave us these nightmares?" Clive confirmed as he scratched his head, "Well, if that is the case I am going to be extra careful the next time I think about picking up a glass of water!"
Emmy laughed and prodded him in the shoulder playfully.
"I can't say I blame you there, Birdie!" she replied heartily before looking up at the professor, "So, now that we've deduced something, I take it our next move is to head out to Blood Manor?"
A grimace crossed Clive's face as he shuddered anxiously.
"That's um…a pleasant name for a place…," he stated hesitantly, "Who'd live in a place like that?"
"My sister's friend Connie and her current carer who is a woman called Myra Blood. Connie's house broke out in a fire several years ago and her mother died in the blaze. Myra offered to take her in and treat her as her own with her other daughter, Lily," Flora told him quickly, "The manor is just to the south of St Mystere and over the hills."
Brenda sighed wearily and looked at the professor with a tired expression.
"It seems quite a long way to walk, Hershel. I don't think Clark or Clive are up to walking too far. Besides you, Luke, Flora and Emmy have been dashing about all day and are most likely exhausted like the rest of us. How long do you think it would take to get there on foot considering all of these factors?"
"I understand what you mean, Brenda," he answered kindly, trying not to appear too exhausted, "However the Layton Mobile isn't fit in its current state to take us anywhere…so we'll have to borrow a vehicle-but I don't think it is a gentlemanly thing to ask of someone…"
"Professor, didn't Inspector Chelmey say that he and Barton came in a car? Maybe if they need to go back to London to get some files or analyse some clues then perhaps we could ask if they'd give us a lift up to the manor. I doubt they'd refuse…"
The professor thought for a few moments before nodding in agreement with his apprentice.
"I believe he did, Luke. Well then, if they don't mind, that would be the best cause of action for now. Besides I would like to ask him if he can do some scientific analysis tests on this water too," he replied as he patted Flora on the head gently, "Okay then-we'd better go and find the inspector. It would be wise to gather a few things first; we don't know what shall lie ahead once we get to the manor."
Clive let out a whining moan as he heaved his bones off of his bed and began tossing random items into a dull tanned satchel without even thinking what effect on the investigation they'd have. Emmy sniggered under her breath and teasingly bombarded him with dozens of his brightly coloured socks, being stopped only when he threatened to take her camera hostage.
"Why do you have such a grudge against my camera, Illegal?!" she demanded in a slightly agitated tone although her lips were supressing a small smile, "I don't have a grudge against that cap sitting on your head right this moment!"
Luke and Flora took one look at each other and burst into silent fits of giggles; it certainly hadn't taken long for Emmy to start teasing Clive again, given the previous circumstances. Layton beamed at them as he carefully helped Clark to his feet and scribbled some quick notes in his diary.
"I don't have a grudge against your camera or anything, 'Old Emmy'!" Clive answered with a impudent grin glued to his face, "It's just that…well…your obsession with cameras is um…abnormally high?"
The woman slung her satchel across her shoulder, stroking her fingers possessively over the precious device at her belt. Luke and Flora rolled their eyes before running over to join the others.
"I'm sorry, did you say something, Birdie?" she asked sarcastically as she shot him a defiant glare, "Well, since you love my camera so much, then what do you say to a nice little puzzle about them? It should speed up the process a little, since you seem to be deliberately dragging your buttocks around!"
"Emmy! Is that really necess—" Layton began in an appalled tone before he was instantaneously interrupted by her bold snickering voice.
"You've asked for this one, Illegal! By the time we're finished here you won't dare say a word against my camera ever again!"
Puzzle 17- Camera chaos (30 picarats)
Four children go to the park. Three of them have brought their cameras and one has not. Unfortunately, the children are so excited that they end up mixing up the cameras. This is what they have to say:
Huh? I forgot my camera today...
This camera says A's name on the side!
Hmm…I didn't bring a camera today but I have one now!
I know my camera and this one certainly isn't the same!
Who has D's camera?
(Get this right and you will have 650 picarats)
Clive thought for a few minutes, ignoring Emmy's daunting smile, before a similar if not wider smile covered his face.
"Oh, I wouldn't bring your hopes up, 'Old Emmy'!" he announced conceitedly, "The truth is that C has D's camera. When you think about the facts logically it is much easier-now I get to dis your camera as much as I like!"
Emmy's smile vanished instantly and a ruby shade spread across her cheeks.
"Not bad, Illegal, but I don't remember you continuing to insult my camera being in the bargain!" she declared gleefully.
"Now that just isn't fair! You said—"
"I think it would be wise for us to move on now, since we're all ready to go."
The two peered cautiously at the slightly weary if somewhat amused expression on their mentor's face as Flora and Luke made exaggerated motions of checking their wrists for an invisible watch as the professor reminded them that a true gentleman and lady were always patient.
"Okay, we're coming now," Emmy answered seriously as she gripped Clive's hand and steered him out of the doorway as the others left, "This time they'll be no flying off on your own, Birdie! I'l be there to stop you!"
"I'd love to see you try, Emmy!" he responded in a tone of mock defiance, but the warm laugh that swiftly followed showed that he didn't mean it.
The woman returned the laugh to him and clasped his hand tightly in hers as they made their way down the corridor; it was really good to hear him laugh again.
"That can't be true!"
"He made us! Why would he be trying to kill us?!"
"Liars! You just want the Reinhold family fortune!"
"How…how can this be true…he's—"
"Listen, fair folk of St Mystere. As much as it pains us to say it we're afraid it's true; Bruno Jackson is the one behind the 'Death Dogs' last night and probably an assistant in the rest of these cases concerning this 'Sorceress of Dark—"
"DON'T SAY HER NAME! ONLY BAD FORTUNE WILL OVERCOME YOU!" screeched the high pitched mystical voice of Agnes as her pupils diluted and she began swaying from side to side, "NO ONE DARES SPEAK HER NAME!"
"-ness. I'm afraid it is the truth."
Mumbles of dissent, treachery and disbelief unfurled through the room like a wildfire as accusations flew in all directions and some of the robots yelled angry curses at the people currently speaking. The professor's eyes widened and a small gasp of astonishment resounded amongst the group. Flora looked on the verge of tears at seeing the robots like this as she huddled closer to the professor and tried to blot out the agonising comments and outrageous allegations that rang in her ears. Bruno had done wrong but he couldn't have been behind the entire thing, could he? Luke, Emmy and Clive exchanged confused glances as Brenda bit her lip.
"I take it they've heard the news…about Bruno being the prime suspect," she stated awkwardly.
"That appears to be the case…," Layton answered in a heavy tone as he tried to make out the familiar figures of Inspector Chelmey, Barton and Inspector Grosky as they tried to calm the crowd of protesting citizens, "I'd better handle this in a sensible—"
"HEY! WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?!" Emmy bawled in a voice loud enough for the whole village to hear.
Every voice in the room was instantly silenced and every eye trained in shock on the confident yet demanding look on the woman's face. Upon catching sight of the professor and his assistants, mainly the newly recovered boy who had been presumably dragged to death by the creatures, the robots began chattering vigorously in stunned tones. Lowering his hat over his face to hide the expression of sheer embarrassment underneath the professor coughed quietly and wrapped a comforting arm around his daughter.
"That's better; we can finally hear each other now!" Emmy responded in a much quieter and satisfied tone even though her voice still echoed through the noiseless corridors of the inn, "Right, what's going on? Can someone please tell us?"
After a few moments of silence Crumm boldly stepped forward, anger and disgust on his wrinkled face.
"Pah! These 'inspectors' from 'Scotland Yard' think that the man who created us and treated us as his own, Bruno Jackson, is behind the events caused by 'She-who-brings-darkness-to-the-world'!" he spat furiously, "Of course, we find this hard to believe since their whole presence seems suspicious, but you should be able to tell us the truth-the truth that Bruno isn't behind this whole thing!"
Layton hesitated for several moments as dozens of pairs of eyes waited eagerly for his reply.
"Well…I…you see…we don't have proof that Bruno is behind all of the attacks…but he was certainly involved in the Death Dogs; evidence to support this was found in his clock tower which consisted of some chemicals, broken remains of some of the robots, my missing vehicle which I assume some of you may remember," he added, peering at Agnes and Simon who stared guiltily at the floor, "one of my companions, who had been taken by the creatures, but most importantly…the Death Dogs were robots made with his resources by his hand. I am exceedingly sorry that this is the truth…"
The next few moments carried an astounded, staggered silence of bewilderment that fell upon the inhabitants of the room like a ten tonne anvil as all quiet murmurs were effectively cut off by Layton's words. An uncomfortable sensation gradually settled amongst the robots, disturbing the atmosphere greatly. Luke squeezed Flora's hand reassuringly whilst the professor looked surreptitiously towards the ground, saddened at the robots' reactions. A quiet sniffle broke the everlasting silence, drawing Layton's attention to the small and innocent forms of Leia and Lucy. Beatrice wrapped her arms comfortingly around the two as Ingrid hobbled forwards, her face contorted with conflicting emotions.
"Why, oh why, would Bruno do such a thing?!" Beatrice wailed, blowing her nose with an abnormally large handkerchief, "He was so kind to us-to think he'd do something like this! Residents have been losing their homes because of these events and almost all of the residents have been flocking towards the doors of our inn! This is going way too far!"
Crumm nodded to back up her words, the tiniest expression of grief breaking through his face.
"Mummy, what do we do?! If Bruno is behind all of this then these nasty men will shut us all down forever!"
"Calm down, Leia. It will be okay; Professor Layton and his charming assistants will help solve this case for us and prevent the village from being shut down," Beatrice promised as she hugged Leia so tightly her cogs might've broken.
Layton lifted his hat reassuringly and held up his hand.
"I assure every citizen in this room that we shall do everything in our power to put an end to all of this madness," he told them in a sincere tone, "We shall also make sure that none of you or this village is shut down forever. We shall also find out soon enough what Bruno's true intentions were; I doubt he is the one behind this entire case."
The robots absorbed his words carefully before each one let out a sigh of comforting relief. Ingrid smiled widely and peered at them sympathetically.
"Well…best of luck to you. I know you shall do the right thing, Professor. It's such a pity what happened-and to think Bruno would try to take one of you! Are you alright now, sonny?" she asked politely as she gestured to Clive.
Clive blushed a little but managed a weak nod in reply as Chelmey began frantically waving to the professor.
"Layton!" Chelmey called in his usual gruff voice, having only just realised that they were there, "I'd like to talk to you about one or two things, if I may."
"Of course, Inspectors; ask us anything you wish-provided that I may ask you a few questions also," he answered as the robots parted to allow the inspectors and Barton to make their way towards the group.
Flora's eyes darted towards the small form of Barton, hastily scribbling notes into his notepad as usual. Grosky was just being Grosky; standing there smartly, wearing a completely blank expression with his chest hair poking out as the robots goggled at the group and waited for whatever information the inspectors wanted to share, even though it was none of their business.
"Well if you must-but allow me to start," Chelmey grunted in reply.
He snatched his notes off of Barton and began feverishly flicking through them and averting his gaze to his rather scruffy handwriting.
"Now, first things first, how is Master Dove faring after the current ordeal?"
This question greatly shocked Clive but he couldn't help feeling grateful and fairly pleased; Chelmey rarely ever showed his soft side so the previous events must've really had an impact on him.
"Oh, um…I'm a lot better now, Inspector. Th…thank you for asking," he stuttered in reply as the cut on his face began throbbing painfully, "If I may ask, where is Bruno? Where is he currently being held if you're not taking him to Scotland Yard for the time being?"
"Ho! Ho! Excellent question there, Dove!" Grosky replied in his usual loud voice, "We're currently using one of the rooms in this…err inn…to hold him. However we have made arrangements to have him moved to the Town Hall where we can easily keep an eye on him. Mayor Rodney is organising the transfer as we speak."
"I was wondering where he was also, but it's unlikely he'll escape?"
"Not on our watch, Layton. Sometimes I feel as if you underestimate the power of the yard—"
"Oh no, I have never underestimated how excellent the Scotland Yard force is when apprehending the criminals—"
"How is he?" Flora interrupted before she could stop herself, "Bruno, I mean. Has he answered any questions? Has he confessed to anything?"
Barton fiddled with his moustache slightly.
"According to the notes I made he confessed to helping construct the Death Dogs and hiding Master Dove in his tower," he explained, trying to make his tone sound professional, "He has not confessed to being behind the whole case though, or to abducting Lady Dahlia and the other residents. When we asked him for a motive he simply remained silent."
He paused for a moment before Chelmey whispered something impatiently to him. Fiddling through the notes he pulled out a small scrap of crinkled paper and handed it to the professor.
"He had this on his person. We thought it may prove as some clue or another but it appears to be a newspaper clipping. He said to give it to you if we saw you."
Flora, Luke, Emmy and Clive all huddled closer together as they tried to make out the small text, just about managing to make out the masthead of the newspaper.
"Thank you, Inspectors; I'm sure this clipping will help us later on in the case," he told them with a grateful smile as he handed the clipping to Luke, "I shall read it fully later. Perhaps if our search remains fruitless then it would be an option to visit Bruno and hear his side of the story."
A small smile appeared on Flora's lips as she prayed from the bottom of her heart that the kind loving man who had treated her like his own daughter was truly innocent. Luke tucked the clipping securely into his satchel before fastening it and turning back to the inspectors. Emmy coughed a little and peered thoughtfully at the staggering pile of notes held in Barton's weak trembling arms.
"Inspectors, you know that strange chemical that you found brewing at the bottom of Bruno's tower? Are you going to organise some analysis and lab tests to determine exactly what it is?" she asked in interest.
Grosky fiddled with his collar before managing a brief nod.
"Barton is going to take the sample back to the Yard to have some tests performed on it. Once the results are in he'll probably come straight back here; considering how fast and efficient the tests are I'd presume we'd have the results back in at least twenty-four hours."
Layton smiled with relief before he remembered what he'd wanted to ask the inspectors.
"I hope I'm not pushing my luck in any way," he started, "but would it possible to analyse another sample? We'd be most grateful if someone could do that, for I believe that there is more to this particular sample than meets the eye. Emmy, could you please run up to our room and fetch the sample for me. You already have the keys."
Barton handed her a small vial and the woman nodded and swiftly ran up the creaking stairs without needing to be told twice. Grosky watched her leave with a grin, proudly muttering about how not even she would beat him in a foot race.
"Well…I suppose it can't hurt-especially if it has anything to do with this case," he answered, "I'll see if the two samples can be compared; if they're a match then this will be of use. Why is this particular thing making you suspicious?"
"We thought it was just normal water. Emmy, Clive and I were the only ones who touched it though and we were the only ones who immediately afterwards had horrific nightmares including the things we feared the most," Clark explained to give the professor a break from talking, "Hershel thinks that this water is the cause of this-and if it matched the liquid found in the tower then we may be onto something."
The inspectors hesitated for a moment before nodding as the rest of the robots began talking in quiet hushed voices. They were suddenly silenced by the arrival of Emmy as she gripped the full vial of 'water' tightly in her hand. From out of the corner of his eye, Clive could just about make out Leia shoot a quick glance to the floor and shake her head as if trying to wake up from a dream before immediately regaining her normal composure.
"Here it is. Just please be careful not to spill it, knowing how fast you zoom down the streets," she warned Grosky as she carefully handed it over to him.
Grosky squinted at the vial, clueless, before thrusting it at Barton and smoothing out his hair.
"Well…since that's settled I believe that is all I wished to ask," Chelmey finished with a dismissive wave of his hand, "We'll continue from here. I'm sending Barton back to the yard in the vehicle we took to deliver those samples to the lab. Inspector Grosky and I shall remain here, questioning our suspect and searching for clues."
"Then I wish you both the best of luck in your search," the professor told them both kindly as he lifted his hat, "For now we have to focus on getting to our next destination—"
"Just where would that be exactly?" Chelmey asked in a half interested yet half suspicious tone.
"Well…we're going to head to this building called Blood Manor first," Luke answered for the professor.
The instant the words left his mouth the sound of a pin being dropped echoed through the room. The professor examined their surroundings, slightly disconcerted and uncomfortable by the sudden sheer silence, as almost every pair of eyes turned towards the group. They glinted in a horrified and astounded manner that sent a cold chill coursing through the group's veins. Several opened their mouths to say something before finding that the effort to protest was futile and pointless. Agnes began swaying like a pendulum again as Ingrid and Matthew (who had quietly snuck in during the previous conversation) gnawed at their nails with fright. Lucy, Leia and even Beatrice had lost their usual verve. Crumm's face gradually paled until he resembled a marble statue.
"You're…going…t…t…t…there?" Ingrid and Matthew stammered simultaneously in fright.
"That's…that's basically suicide!" Beatrice exclaimed, thunder-struck.
"No one who goes there comes back alive! You're doooooomed!" Agnes moaned in a deep voice.
"Please stay away from there!"
"God save your souls…"
The professor couldn't help feeling confused and incredibly uncomfortable at the robots' words. Emmy, Clark and Brenda placed a comforting arm around Clive, Luke and Flora even though they themselves felt unsettled beyond words. In the midst of the confusing and troubling scene the only ones acting in a rational manner were Chelmey and Grosky; both of them were rolling their eyes, scowls on their faces as exasperated sighs escaped from them both.
"Oh my sainted chest hair, here we go again," Grosky muttered impatiently, "We heard enough of this when going around the village."
The group rounded on the inspectors with questioning expressions.
"Inspectors, what do you think they mean?" Brenda asked warily as they continued to mutter and moan.
"Are the villagers…scared of Blood Manor?" Layton asked curiously as his mind raced.
"Pah! It's just a load of lame superstitious nonsense if you ask me!" Chelmey replied curtly, "They like to go on and on about some random drabble that this manor that you speak of is cursed and haunted by evil demons and is where the Sorceress of Darkness dwells," he finished, ignoring Agnes' shrieks about not speaking her name.
"Haunted? By…demons?" Clive murmured to himself as he felt the hairs on his neck stand upright.
"Where the sorceress dwells?"
"Apparently that is correct, Emmy. They never approach that place and talk about it with dread and fear."
Flora let out a small squeal and clung onto the professor's jacket so tightly she could've ripped the whole thing in half. Her face appeared drained of colour and her eyes widened as Luke grasped her other hand even tighter, trying desperately to disguise the shaking of his hand and the chattering noise that his teeth were making.
"I t…told you there was something b…bad about it, Professor!" Flora whimpered dreadfully.
"The sorceress could b…be there-what if we're walking right into a trap?!"
"Luke's right, Professor; something doesn't seem right about all of this!"
"At this present moment all I can say is that we'll find that out when we get there," Layton responded calmly to ease his assistants, "Inspectors, is there any chance Barton could drop us off at Blood Manor before he heads back to London? It's just to the south of St Mystere past the hills. Please. Some of us wouldn't be able to make it on foot and we would be eternally appreciative if you granted this request."
Chelmey bellowed at the top of his lungs to silence the babbling villagers before he mulled over the thought, his eye brows furrowing and a grimace forming on his lips.
"Well…I don't know…"
Grosky appeared to have made the decision in less than a second as he flicked his fingers and folded his arms.
"Hmph. Relax, Chelms, it isn't like they're going to crash our vehicle!" he assured him with a hearty laugh that did nothing in the slightest to reassure him, "Very well, Layton. Since it's on the way back to the yard and since you desperately need a lift to this manor then I suppose it would be granting you a perfectly harmless favour. You should all just about manage to fit in…but I suppose that there is one condition I should point out," he added after seeing Chelmey's look of slight disapproval.
Emmy, Luke, Flora and Clive all sighed in frustration whilst Clark and Brenda rolled their eyes, but the professor managed to keep a calm face.
"I understand, gentlemen. Please tell me what your conditions are."
"Well…I'm sure a great mind such as you has already managed it but I find that it would be inacceptable to ride the vehicle without solving at least fifteen puzzles."
Luke breathed a sigh of relief as Flora and the professor smiled.
"Well! Blow my chest hair; it looks like you've just about managed to do that! Well done, Layton!" he applauded before turning to Barton, "Barton, everything you need and the vials are in your possession. Take them back safely to the yard for us please will you? Oh and you'd better get the vehicle started for Layton and his troupe of assistants."
The constable's face turned a darker shade of ruby as he started shifting from one foot to the other uncomfortably. Chelmey raised his eyebrows and scowled which caused sheens of sweat to appear on Barton's brow.
"Oh for the yard's sake, what's wrong, Barton?!" he snapped agitatedly, "The inspector has given you an order so would you kindly follow it!"
"Um…well…err…you see, Inspector, the…thing is…," he faltered, appearing more restless than ever as if he was hiding some grave secret, "I err…well…used up all the fuel?"
It took a millisecond for the fact to register in Chelmey's brain and for the fury to appear on his face.
"You WHAT?!" he yelled, spraying the poor constable with salvia, "YOU USED ALL OF THE BLASTED FUEL?! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO EARLIER, YOU BUFFOON?! NOW HOW ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO GET TO THE YARD?!"
"I was…um…s…s…scared to…tell you b…b…because," the poor man stammered as he shook like a leaf.
"Inspector Chelmey, please don't take it out on Barton! I'm sure we can get this vehicle all fuelled up and fixed in a jiffy. I am an expert when it comes to machines and stuff like that after all!" Emmy told them with a wide grin, "Let me have a look. Just tell me the scenario and I'll see what I can do!"
Barton flashed an Emmy a grateful smile that was so wide his whole face appeared distorted as he mouthed 'thank you!' to her with a huge sigh of relief. Chelmey sent a stony glare at Barton but managed the tiniest smile of thanks at Emmy.
"That's very kind of you, Miss Altava," he answered, "However since this idiot will probably mess up the details I shall tell you the details about the fuel we need for our vehicle."
Emmy smiled and casually placed one hand against her hip whilst Clive tried not to laugh.
"Go ahead then, Inspector: Get ready to see the professor's number one assistant in action!"
Puzzle 18- Fuel for thought (40 picarats)
"The compartment which stores the fuel, or petrol if you prefer, when travelling is approximately 15 centimetres by 15 centimetres and can hold up to 60 litres of fuel. If I remember correctly by what the residents said they told me that this Blood Manor is about 70 kilometres away. Beatrice here, the owner of this shabby inn, has two different fuels on offer as well as a small component attachment which can hold up to 5 litres. For every 10 litres of fuel 1 the vehicle can move 25 kilometres. For every 15 litres of fuel 2 the car will move 40 kilometres. Knowing this, how many litres of each fuel will you need to arrive at the manor with at least enough fuel to travel the remaining 100km to Scotland Yard?
(Wording is slightly complicated but you'll have to read through it carefully to get the answer. Get this right though and you will have 690 picarats)
"Hmm…well…I do know one possibility…," Emmy murmured thoughtfully, not even one hundred per-cent sure herself after pondering over the problem for quite some time, "You'd never be able to do it with just a sixty litre fuel holder; that is where the five litre attachment component comes in: One possibility would be to use sixty litres from fuel two which allows you to travel one hundred and sixty kilometres. That uses up all the space of the component. However if you add five litres of fuel one to the attachable component and secure it to the fuel container this allows you to travel an extra twelve point five kilometres and one hundred and seventy two point five kilometres in total-which is just over the required distance needed to make both journeys!"
Chelmey's eyes appeared to bulge out of their skull. Even Grosky peered up at her gormlessly but admiringly. Barton squealed and saluted the woman until his arm looked like it might've dropped off.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Miss Altava!" he yelled excitedly as Beatrice quickly began pouring the correct fuels into suitable sized containers, "You have saved my skin from the inspector—"
"Not quite-when we get back all visits to the bakery will be restricted for a very long time," Chelmey grumbled under his breath before he turned back to Layton, "so since that's solved I guess you'll go and investigate at this manor? Best of luck to you-in coming back alive that is."
The robots recoiled slightly at his words but the group held onto their usual demeanours as Beatrice shakily passed the containers to the professor.
"I believe that this issue will be worth investigating," he answered as he kindly took the fuel from Beatrice's tremoring hands, "Good luck in your investigation too, by the way."
"Let me know if you find something…or if you're not coming back alive or anything like that or—"
"You have our word," Emmy cut him off as she tried to comfort the small frightened gazes that peered fearfully back at her, "We'll be going now then. We'll…see you soon…"
The residents simply nodded in reply, silent as they let the group pass. Chelmey's growing voice rang out about a dozen times louder in the frozen atmosphere around them.
"Go on then, Barton! What are you waiting for, man?! GO GET THE VEHICLE FUELLED UP AND GET LAYTON WHERE HE NEEDS TO BE-AND DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT STOPPING FOR A DETOUR OF THE BAKERY WHEN YOU'RE IN LONDON!"
"*Gulp* Um…of course n…not, Inspector…not…not at a…a…all…" he promised in a high pitched voice as he literally flew towards the door after the professor and out of ear shot of the frustrated inspector.
Luke and Flora failed to supress a hearty laugh as Barton immediately zoomed after them in a speed that was almost equal to Grosky's; Chelmey must've really terrified him, or maybe it was because of the fact that his bakery visits would no longer be classed as 'legal' in Chelmey's books from now on.
"*Puff* Well *pant* come along, Professor!" he panted as he lead them, rather quickly, in the direction of the vehicle, "The *wheeze* the road to *splutter* Blood Manor lies *puff* just ahead of the *pant pant puff* path!"
"So…this is *gulp* Blood M…M…Manor?"
"It's h…h…huge…and quite s…scary looking too!"
Clive placed a supportive arm around Luke as Layton followed suit with Flora, who was currently staring at the towering construction in front of them with horrifying dread swimming in her pupils.
"Indeed, Flora. It truly is a remarkable building in many ways in terms of its structure and appearance. Looks can be deceiving but once we get inside it shall be a perfectly normal manor-you'll see."
The girl shuddered as a black crow swooped over the rooftops above them, cawing a carefully orchestrated melody of death. Clark held Brenda's hand even tighter as an unnaturally bitter breeze whistled around the manor, sending the ornaments balancing precariously on the tarnished tiled roof above spinning uncontrollably until they threatened to surrender with their dizziness. It truly did appear majestic, fit for a monarch, but there was an unmistakeable feeling to the manor that sent warning bells ringing in Layton's ears. Dark coloured sections of slate surfaced the endless rooftop, blackened wisps of smoke from the tall spacious chimney swirling gracefully through the disturbed air. The bricks that coated the building and formed its main structure were all tinged with a rather disturbing scarlet failing to remain hidden through the opaque shadowy layers. The minute streaks of light piercing the melancholy clouds could be identified from where the group stood but even these failed to penetrate through the translucent windows, let alone bring brightness to the gloomiest and darkest areas of the manor. Stained vivid pieces of glass formed majestic mosaics around each of the windows, mainly showing the faces of animals and humans whose faces were twisted into sneers of hate and mockery as they glared evilly at the group from their current positions. Ivy snaked up the walls and wrapped itself around the corroded stone statue standing with an unemotional expression at the corner of the garden. Emmy and Clive swiftly focused their attention on the garden, unnerved by the statue's persistent icy stare. Blood Manor clearly didn't have a gardener, judging by the state of the thick jungle of foliage that greeted them from either side of the manor; the branches of the trees were extended and crooked, clawed hands ready to swipe up their wandering prey. The flowers were shrivelled and wilting in fear of the building it guarded, the fauna completely overgrown, every inch of the murky grass smothered in weeds. A small balcony was just about visible just below the rooftop, providing an exquisite view of St Mystere at least. The path that lead up to the manor doors was cobbled and had made out of a variety of different pebbles but neither Luke nor Flora felt like skipping down them playfully, being too wary of the dark demeanour of the manor. The door, which beckoned them from the end of the path to their doom, was of a strong metal decorated with cracked glass panes under a curved archway that seemed to intimidate them even from the groups' current distance.
Even Emmy couldn't crack a smile or a joke about how lame and unfashionable the manor appeared; she didn't seem to have the courage. The professor's eyes widened and his pulse quickened slightly but he was trying his hardest to appear brave for his assistants' sakes. Clive shivered a little but wrapped his arms around his waist for comfort as he tried to blot out the high pitched chattering of teeth on nails from either side of him. Nothing could make them change their minds now though-there was only one way forwards and that was into the manor. Besides they were probably just overreacting or it was designed that way simply because that style appealed to the owners.
"I'm afraid…I'm afraid that this is where I must leave you, Professor Layton," Barton stammered in an apologetic and sympathetic tone, "The inspector will have my stash of cakes if I keep him waiting too long. Good…good luck in your investigation and f…f…farewell…"
"Thank you very much, Constable Barton. You have been most helpful to us."
The constable drove away after some hesitation, watching the group in the rear view mirror sadly but afraid himself of the unknown dangers that lurked in the manor he had just left. Silence fell upon the group as the constable left which was broken only by Clive's quiet cough.
"So…um…what's our next move?" he asked, swallowing hard.
"Well of course the most logical explanation would be knock on the door and ask if the manor is haunted. Isn't it, Illegal?" she asked in a sarcastic but fairly cheerful tone in an attempt to lighten the situation, "So I guess it would be wise to go and knock on the door, wouldn't it?"
"Please, Emmy. It's really kind of you to try and make us happier but do you really think this is the right attitude to be taking at this current time?" Flora asked in a frightened voice.
"Flora's right, Emmy, but I appreciate your concern," he added in a kind manner, "I suppose that the door won't open by itself so we'd better alert the owner to our presence."
The teenagers bit their lips simultaneously as Brenda weakly raised her hand.
"Um…Hershel? Do you think it would be safest for us to check that the door isn't booby trapped in any way? If there appears to be nothing dangerous then we can try entering the manor then."
The professor nodded and smiled at her gratefully.
"That is a most sensible suggestion, Brenda. However I cannot risk you and Clark being put in that position. I cannot risk you both getting hurt; it isn't what a gentleman would allow."
"Oh, Hershel, you worry too much!" Clark responded with what was meant to be a jovial laugh, "We'll be fine. Besides, I highly doubt that there will be anything but it's better to be safe than sorry."
The professor nodded, knowing he couldn't dissuade them, as he anxiously watched the pair walk assertively hand in hand down the cobbled path in front of them, his pulse racing.
"Please be careful!" Luke called worriedly after them, only to be assured by his father that they always were careful.
Emmy held a hand to her face and sighed.
"Yeah sure, says the man that got himself a neat injury on the shoulder and wound up as a stone statue a year ago," she muttered quietly in a jokey manner under her breath before immediately returning to her serious demeanour.
Flora watched them, her muscles tensing up in fright as she imagined some unknown force to instantaneously drag the two adults underneath the earth in a manner of seconds. What were they getting themselves into? Her panic was short lived, fortunately, for a high pitched whistle from the other side of the path brought her back to reality. Clark was waving frantically, as if trying to make it one hundred per-cent clear that they were both alive in case the group hadn't noticed. Both of them wore expressions of obvious relief nonetheless.
"All clear!" Brenda called with her thumbs up, "I'll knock the door whilst you make your way over."
Sighing thankfully Luke and Flora quickly followed the professor down the path to join them accompanied by a somewhat relieved Emmy and Clive.
"I guess imagination can certainly get the better of you at the best of times," he panted as a low knock echoed around the whole building once the steel heavy knocker carved with a demon's face collided with the door.
"Well one can never be too careful," Layton told them with a small smile as he grasped Flora's hand and waited expectantly and anxiously for someone to arrive.
Within a few moments of the knocker sounding the door was carefully opened by a tall woman, an expression resembling surprise and disbelief etched into her face.
"Oh! G…Good day to you!" she responded in a generous gentle voice, "Who…who might you be and why have you ventured all this way to Blood Manor?"
The professor peered at the woman carefully, rather taken aback by her beauty. Although it wasn't considered gentlemanly to guess a lady's age he would have thought she was in her early thirties at most. There was an expression of undeniable tenderness radiating from her youthful face and her rosy hued lips appeared to be fixed in a permanent benevolent smile after recovering from her brief moment of surprise. Thick waves of chestnut brushed against her narrow shoulders and draped elegantly down her back. She was clad in a scarlet robe that fell to her ankles, embellished with embroidery and fine sparkling jewels. The crimson coloured powder applied to her cheeks seemed to illuminate her pale complexion and the dazzling shine of her brown eyes seemed to light up the whole atmosphere around her immediately.
She was very beautiful and seemed incredibly friendly but as memories of Augustus's notes flashed through his mind the professor concluded that she was too old to be Connie. He was still thinking about the poor girl until the woman's eyes shone in his direction, a questioning glance locked deep inside of them. He coughed quietly before raising his hat politely and returning her warm smile.
"Good day to you, madam," he greeted her courteously, "My name is Professor Hershel Layton and I am currently travelling with my assistants. Who might you be, madam?"
The woman smiled nervously as her eyes swept across the entire group, settling for the longest period of time on Flora, before she averted her full attention back to the professor.
"I must say that no one has ever spoke to me in such a gentle manner!" she laughed, straightening her satin dress, "My name is Myra-Myra Blood. I am the current owner of Blood Manor."
She paused for a few seconds before glancing around quickly and addressing them in a hushed tone.
"W…Why did you venture out to these parts?" she asked uncomfortably, "It is very rare that people dare to cross the borders to this place. Haven't you heard the stories about the supposed evil behind this manor?"
"Many people have mentioned it, yes: the residents of St Mystere, the nearest village to here, speak about this place with dread and fear and won't even set foot on the path to your manor. However we are not ones to judge a book by its cover," Layton assured her kindly.
Myra seemed to relax a little at his words before an intrigued expression covered her face.
"Then…why did you come here, if you're not afraid? There has to be some reason?"
"Ah, well we are currently investigating the Sorceress of Darkness," he explained seriously, "She has been running St Mystere into chaos. Do you know anything concerning her?"
At the mention of the sorceress the smile on Myra's face immediately vanished and her eyebrows curved downwards, furrowed. A sigh of anger or sadness escaped her lips and she closed her eyes as if in severe pain.
"Her? Oh yes…oh yes I know all about her. She…she's ruined our very lives!" she hissed through gritted teeth.
"You…you mean she's been doing bad things to you as well?" Emmy asked in a sympathetic tone.
"Yes…and I have no idea why or how to stop it!" she answered as a tear ran down her cheek.
Layton placed a hand to his chin thoughtfully before turning back to Myra with a curious but gentle face.
"Madam Blood, does Connie Anthea Smith still live here?"
Myra's face paled and her eyes widened for a moment before her presumed hesitance was rapidly replaced with a questioning glance.
"Why…why yes, she's been living here for at least seven years now. She...lost her mother in a tragic accident so I adopted her and treated her like my own. She…she rarely leaves the manor even nowadays and rarely has the opportunity to meet with friends. Do you…know her by any chance?"
Layton nodded.
"We…we do know her. Is there any chance we could see her?" Flora asked hopefully.
The woman raised her eyebrows as if asking for an explanation as she peered cautiously at Flora once again.
"I was wondering if we could talk to her about the Reinhold family; it would prove to be of great help in our case against the Sorceress of Darkness," Layton continued for Flora with a benign smile, "Besides I hear she is an incredibly considerate and intelligent young lady; we would very much like to meet her, only if that is okay with you of course."
Myra paused for a few seconds, mulling over the thought, before her friendly smile returned to her face and she clasped her hands to her chest.
"Of course, Professor-I think she might feel better after company. She's never interested in meeting other people…but I believe it may be good to get some of the darker details off of her chest. The poor dear, grieving over her mother—"
"She was good friends with Seryna Reinhold as well, wasn't she?"
Her face turned whiter than chalk and her eyes glinted suspiciously at them.
"How do you know…how do you know so much about her? Why are you so interested in her? I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable!"
"Baron Reinhold is a…ah…friend of mine. We found out these facts after reading his files. We were told that they would help us in this case. I have no intention of making the poor girl uncomfortable; you have my word on that, Madam Blood."
"P…please; call me Myra," she answered hesitantly, "W…well yes…Seryna was her best friend…and she cared deeply for—well, I'll let her tell you herself. If this mystery sheds any light on Seryna then I imagine Connie will be more than willing to help."
She opened the door a little wider and gestured to the lavish hallway behind her.
"Please come in and make yourselves at home. It's…not often that we get visitors so this could be classed as an honour!"
Covertly satisfied and relieved at how the encounter had started out the group quickly followed Myra into the hallway of Blood Manor. They peered around in wonder, their eyes being averted by the beautiful furnished decorations that the vast hallway held, remaining completely oblivious to the malicious pair of eyes that watched them acrimoniously from the darkest corner of the hallway…
