Shadow Island

Chapter Two

Luckily, we had taken the key with us, as we had already received it in advance. So Jonas fished it out, inserted it into the old metal lock, and turned it. We stood there a bit uncertain, expecting the door to open immediately, but nothing happened.

"What's going on? Do you need help?" Tim asked. Jonas didn't know why it wasn't working either. His face showed his inner frustration, which was hardly surprising. Determined, Jonas turned the key again, but still, nothing happened.

While Jonas struggled with the lock, I let my eyes wander over the ancient walls of the tower. I walked around it once and returned to the two, who had managed to unlock the door in the meantime.

With a loud creak, the door opened, revealing a wooden spiral staircase leading upwards through a dark tunnel. The ground floor was sparsely furnished—just a stone well and the supports holding the staircase. We climbed to the upper floor, where our room was located—the only one in the tower. But another door blocked our way.

"Well, if this doesn't work again, then...," Jonas muttered as he tried the key once more. This time he was lucky. With a soft click, the door opened. "Very good, God has answered our prayers," added Tim with a grin. I nodded and followed the two into the room.

The room on the upper floor was fascinating: In the center stood a large beacon, encased in a round, glass capsule that could be opened with the press of a button. A railing ran all around the room. In the corners were three beds, a wardrobe with two doors, a sink, a toilet, and a shower. Through a square window, about 50 by 50 centimeters, you could look out at the sea. The view was breathtaking, and I stood for a while, letting the panorama sink in.

While I was gazing outside, I heard Tim and Jonas behind me, immediately starting to search for the plan. We had been informed beforehand that there was a special plan for us, outlining what we were supposed to do. Even though the room didn't offer many hiding spots, it took a while until Jonas found the plan.

"Nice place," he said finally, pulling out a sheet of paper from a bookshelf that stood by the entrance. "Dear Ladies and Gentlemen...," he began reading aloud, "if you've decided to keep watch in the tower, here are your final instructions...." But I was no longer listening. My gaze wandered back to the window, where I spotted a sailboat in the distance, slowly shrinking on the horizon.

"Look at this," Tim suddenly called, holding up two keys. "Guys, does anyone actually want me to keep reading this, or would you rather do it yourselves?" Jonas asked, slightly annoyed. I had completely forgotten that he was still reading. Jonas had never been the best reader, even back in school.

"What are those keys for?" Jonas asked. Tim looked at the small labels on them and replied, "Well, this one's for the entrance door to the tower, and the other is for the capsule."

"Very good. Have you tested if they fit yet?" Jonas asked.

"No, but I'll do that now. Can you two grab the rest of the supplies from the boat in the meantime?"

Tim and I nodded, ready for the next task.