Ayeee, you better go back to the top.

Ayeee, you better go back to the top.

OoOoOh! Omg I just had a revelation! What if me and one of the CBers who stayed in the room were working together?!? I got some CBers out of the room, so maybe with less people there, the murderer would kill again? idkkk

Part Twenty-Seven

~

Back in the library, Gracia was growing restless. She glanced around the room. Hollyshock was immersed in a book, looking very comfortable in her armchair, and Evergreen was looking at the various artifacts on display. Bluebell, however, was seated on the ground by a bookshelf, shifting uncomfortably with a closed book next to her. It looked as though she had been trying to read, but couldn’t concentrate.

Gracia stood, stretched, and walked over. “Hey Bluebell,” she greeted, and her friend looked up. “Want to go for a walk or something? I don’t think I can sit here any longer.”

Bluebell nodded gratefully, standing as well. “Yes, definitely. Holly, Ever, want to come with us?” she called. Both of the other CBers shook their heads. “Guess it’s just us, then.”

The two left the library and began wandering down the hallway, stopping occasionally to look at a suit of armor or examine a tapestry on the wall.

After a while, they turned into another hallway branching off to the right. This one was a little darker, lit only by occasional candles set into the wall. The rest of the castle was primarily lit by sunlight, but this hallway had no windows. Or, Gracia realized, doors.

“Huh,” Bluebell commented, “I didn’t know this hallway was here.”

“Look, it’s a dead end,” Gracia pointed out.

They continued the short distance to the end of the hallway, which did indeed stop. On the wall facing them was a large portrait of an old man. He had grey hair and a kind, wrinkled face. He wore robes of gold, though the color was faded in the old painting.

“Who do you think it is?” Bluebell asked, her voice echoing in the quiet hallway.

Gracia stepped closer and examined the gilded frame. “There’s no name,” she said. “We could ask Goldie later.”

“Good idea,” Bluebell said with a nod. After looking at the portrait for a moment more, they retreated out of the hallway.

“Do you want to swing by the kitchen for a snack?” Gracia suggested, and Bluebell nodded.

It didn’t take long to reach the kitchen, and they each grabbed a banana. They ate their food quickly, then left. Upon exiting the banquet hall, they decided to simply wander around the palace for a while. They meandered in and out of different rooms, chatting amiably, until they reached a certain spiraling staircase that looked all-too familiar to one of them.

“Where does this go?” Gracia asked. “I’ve never seen in before.”

Bluebell frowned, looking up the stairs. “I have. I found it with Dusk, during the scavenger hunt. It leads up to this… tower room.” She hesitated as she remember her and Dusk’s agreement not to say anything about their experience, but forged on. “It was strange. The door was locked, but someone was inside. They tried opening it, but it didn’t work. I think it’s locked from our side.”

“And you didn’t tell anyone?”

“No, we both had this bad feeling. I’m sure Goldie knows, but it seemed like something to keep to ourselves, you know?”

Gracia nodded slowly. “I suppose that makes sense. Can we go up and look?”

“Sure,” Bluebell replied. She led the way up the stairs, and they soon reached the wooden door. Just looking at it sent shivers down Bluebell’s spine.

Gracia started forward and grabbed the handle, attempting to turn it. Just as before, it didn’t budge. “That’s odd-” she began, then stopped as she heard the footsteps. Coming from inside the room, they grew closer and closer until they stopped, right on the other side of the door. The doorknob rattled as whoever was inside fruitlessly attempted to open it.

Gracia stared at Bluebell with wide eyes, but said nothing. The movement of the doorknob continued, growing more and more violent until suddenly, there was an agonized, ear-piercing scream. The ground started to shake, and the scream continued. Bluebell lunged for the wall, leaning against it for support, but Gracia lost her balance and tumbled down the spiraling stairs. Bluebell shrieked, her voice mingling discordantly with the ever-present scream from behind the door.

After what felt like forever, the scream tapered off, and with it the earthquake. As soon as the ground was steady, Bluebell rushed down the stairs after her friend. She found Gracia at the bottom, sprawled out and clutching her arm, which was bent at an odd angle.

“Gracia!” she cried, running to her side. “Are you okay?”

Gracia nodded, and Bluebell helped her sit up. “Not really, but I’m alive. That- ouch!” she yelped as Bluebell touched her left arm.

“I’m sorry!”

“It’s fine,” Gracia responded with a grimace. “I think I sprained it or something. Help me up?” With Bluebell’s assistance, she stood, gingerly holding her arm. “So what just happened?”

Bluebell shook her head. “I have no idea! That definitely didn’t happen last time. Do you think we should tell the others?”

“No,” Gracia said decisively. “I’m getting the feeling we shouldn’t, at least not now.”

“I agree,” Bluebell said. “Now let’s get you to the infirmary.”

~~~

We're starting to really get into the mystery of the ski lodge! I'd love to hear people's theories.

@Jubi, it's great to see you! I love hearing all of your thoughts, thank you for sticking with it so long.

It's been a while, but there will be a new part soon! I've been busy with life and NaNo!

NOT MY ARM

Part Twenty-Eight

~

When the other CBers and Goldie returned to the palace, they were surprised to find everyone in the infirmary, crowded around a single bed. Agent Winter was the first through the door, and her face went pale.

“Who- is someone-” she began, but Holly moved so she could see the bed.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” Gracia said with a wave. She lifted her left arm, which was tucked into a sling. “Well, fine-ish.”

“What happened?” Dusk asked. She and the others formed a loose semicircle around the bed.

Gracia swung her legs over the side and sat up. “I fell down the stairs,” she responded without hesitation. On the way from the strange turret to the infirmary, she and Bluebell had devised a story to tell the others. According to them, Gracia had fallen down the main staircase.

“The nurse said she’ll be better in a few weeks,” Holly added. “It’s just a sprain.”

Goldie sighed and shook her head. “You all need to be more careful. We don’t want anyone getting hurt around here.”

“Aside from, you know, all the murders,” Jubilee interjected. Everyone looked at them. “What? I’m just saying.”

“Well, Gracia, I’m glad you’re alright,” Goldie said, backing towards the infirmary door. “If you need me, I’ll be in my bedffice, doing paperwork.” She paused. “Or you could just ask the nurse. You know what, yeah, do that. I’ll see you all later!” Goldie left, swiftly shutting the door behind her.

Agent Winter looked after her. “She is so weird.”

“Be nice,” Strawberri scolded. “She’s not that bad.”

Dusk shook her head. “I’m with Win. Something’s up with her.”

“You don’t think she could… you know…” Holly started nervously.

“What, be the murderer?” Jubilee finished.

“It’s a possibility,” Evergreen said, looking uncertain.

“I don’t think it’s Goldie,” Gracia said. “There were several instances when she couldn’t have been the murderer.

“She’s right!” Bluebell said. “Like with Dolphin. Goldie was with us all day—she couldn’t have slipped away to… to kill her.” 

“She could have had an accomplice,” Jubilee suggested, but Gracia was shaking her head.

“We’re overthinking it. Our goal should be to find and stop the murderer, not throw out accusations.”

Win nodded. “Agreed. For now, let’s say innocent until proven guilty.”

“But be cautious around her, just in case,” Bluebell put in.

There was a murmur of agreement, then the CBers lapsed into silence until Gracia spoke again.

“We should do something! I’d feel bad keeping you all cooped up in the infirmary.”

They all thought for a moment, then Evergreen said, “Oh, uh, how about carriage racing?”

“Carriage racing?” Strawberri asked. “What do you mean?”

Win rubbed her hands together eagerly. “Yes, continue! I’m intrigued.”

Ever crossed her arms. “Remember the golden carriages that brought us to the palace? During the scavenger hunt we found where they’re kept. Do you see where I’m going with this?”

Win nodded eagerly. “I think I do!”

“Are you suggesting we race the carriages around the palace?” Jubilee asked. When Ever nodded, they grinned. “I am so on board.”

“That sounds really dangerous!” Holly said. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea…”

“Don’t worry, you don’t have to participate,” Gracia told her. “You can sit out, with me!” Holly still looked worried, but she nodded.

Soon, remembering where to go from the scavenger hunt, the CBers found the row of golden carriages parked outside. After a quick investigation, Winter found the stables full of golden horses nearby.

“Jubi, do you and Strawberri want to get the horses and carriages ready?” Ever asked.

“Sure!” Jubilee responded, and Strawberri nodded eagerly. The two went off to prepare for the approaching activity, and the rest of the CBers continued to plan.

“Is everyone going to race individually, or will there be teams?” Gracia asked.

“Teams, I think,” Dusk responded, and the others nodded agreement. “Maybe teams of two?”

“That sounds good!” Bluebell said. “So Gracia and Holly are sitting out?”

They both nodded. “Yes, so we could be the judges,” Holly said. “Sit at the finish line to see who crosses first.”

“Excellent!” Win said. “Let’s have the finish line be… here?” She indicated the palace wall, where there was a tall stained-glass window.

“Perfect,” Ever said. “Once around the palace, first team across wins.”

The three carriages, each pulled by two golden steeds, were lined up before their invisible finish line. Strawberri and Evergreen were racing together in one; Agent Winter and Dusk were together in another; the third was manned by Bluebell and Jubilee. Hollyshock and Gracia sat together in the grass, watching the proceedings with interest.

“We probably should have asked Goldie about this,” Holly remarked.

Gracia shrugged. “She pretty much told us not to bother her. Besides, I don’t really think she’d care.” She stood and called out to the racers. “Is everyone ready?” The cheers in response told her they were. “Then on your marks- get set- GO!”

At her cue, the drivers took ahold the reins, and the carriages were off. It took the CBers a minute to figure out how to steer and control the speed. Jubilee was the first to get a feel for it, and their carriage quickly overtook the others.

“We’ve got to catch them!” Dusk cried to Win. She flicked the reins and they surged forward.

“That’s more like it!” Win said.

Strawberri and Ever’s carriage, though at first far behind, was gradually picking up speed. The horses fell into their stride, and the carriage passed Dusk and Win’s. Strawberri and Ever high-fived.

Up ahead, Jubilee and Bluebell, still in the lead, were swiftly approaching the first corner of the impromptu racetrack. Jubilee shook the reins to urge the horses to greater speed, then realized they were going too fast.

“Help me!” they shouted to Bluebell, and together they pulled the reins back and to the left. The carriage went careening around the corner, tilting onto its left wheels. The CBers shrieked, but the carriage righted itself, and they kept going.

Soon after, the other two carriages rounded the corner as well. They were nearly neck and neck now, each trying desperately to pull in front of the other. For a moment, it seemed that Dusk and Win’s carriage would take the lead- then one of the horses faltered, and they lost speed long enough fo Ever and Strawberri to pull ahead. Win’s groan of disappointment could be heard even over the rumbling of wheels and thudding of hooves.

Strawberri and Evergreen, for their part, were ecstatic. All they had to do now was pass Jubilee and Bluebell- and hold the lead until they reached the finish line. They rounded the second corner, determined to win.

On the other side of the palace, Hollyshock and Gracia were still sitting on the ground. Holly was braiding some blades of grass, and Gracia was listening to the faint sound of the race occuring on the other side of the large stone building.

“You know,” she remarked to Holly, “come to think of it, this isn’t really the best spectator sport.”

Holly nodded. “Agreed, seeing as we can’t actually see half the race.”

“Well, at least we’ll get to see the end. That’s always the interesting part.”

Holly made a small noise of assent and went back to braiding grass.

Back across the palace, where all the action was happening, Ever and Strawberri were gaining on Jubilee and Bluebell. The latter glanced behind her nervously.

“Jubi, can this thing go any faster?” she asked.

“Well, yes, but we’ve got two more corners, and you saw what happened the first time.”

“Fair enough.”

Evergreen seemed to have similar hesitations. Both carriages slowed down long enough to round the corner, then they were off again, urging the steeds forward.

Dusk and Winter, it seemed, though their carriage was maintaining a respectable speed, wouldn’t be able to catch the other two teams. They sped around the corner several seconds after the others.

Not much changed in the order of carriages until they rounded the final corner. The contestants could see the finish line, along with Holly and Gracia, who had stood to watch the conclusion to the race.

Inch by inch, Ever and Strawberri’s carriage pulled in front of Jubilee and Bluebell’s. They took the lead, both CBers’ eyes trained on the window that was their finish line.

“Faster, faster!” Strawberri cheered. Nervously, Ever flicked the reins, and they shot forward.

With only a few yards to go, Evergreen felt the carriage beneath her jostle. There was a thud, an ominous cracking noise, then a tumbling sensation as the carriage broke apart beneath her.

Agent Winter, seeing the collapse from further back, yelled. She yanked the reins to the side, swerving out of the way. She and Dusk leaped out before the carriage had come to a complete stop.

Jubilee and Bluebell, however, weren’t so lucky. They were almost directly behind the wrecked carriage, and so couldn’t stop or swerve in time. They hit the collapsed carriage at full speed, flinging them both out of their seats.

Holly and Gracia, horrified, rushed over to help their friends. Win and Dusk met them at the crash.

They found that Bluebell, fortunately, had landed in the grass and was therefore unscathed. Jubilee was alive, but out cold- they had hit their head on some piece of the wreckage. The horses were all okay as well, to their relief, but there was no sign of Strawberri or Evergreen.

Agent Winter knelt and started pulling away debris, digging to find her friends. The others quickly joined her, and together, they searched until they found the CBers. They found Evergreen first, her arms covering her head. She was alive and conscious- bruised and battered, but otherwise okay. The group panicked a little when at first they couldn’t find Strawberri, but there she was, trapped beneath one of the heavy wheels. She was also alive, but only semi-conscious. There was a bleeding gash across her forehead, and she mumbled deliriously as they pulled her out of the wreckage

The group sat for a moment, stunned, as the full force of what had just happened hit them. It was a miracle they were all alive.

“What- what could have caused…” Holly started, staring numbly at the wrecked carriage.

“Sabotage,” Win stated. She was angry, the others could tell. “It had to have been the murderer.”

Gracia sighed. “Well, no use worrying about it right now. Come on, back to the infirmary we go.”

~~~

Thank you all for being so patient and topping this thread! I very much appreciate it!

OH MY GOSH!  It's getting so good!!!  Your writing is so beautiful!  I'm enjoying this ski lodge so much!  This is so amazing and creative!