The Forgotten Mage's Diary

Part Twenty Two: Murder Mystery

Elena was so glad to be home but she kept having nightmares of her kidnapper and when her dad died. As much as she wanted to leave Areagore she had to avenge her dad first. Elena woke up from another nightmare, "Ahh! DAD! NO, DAD! I'LL HELP, I CAN HELP! PLEASE LET ME-" Cole walked in, "Another nightmare?" He sighed and walked over to her. Her breathing was heavy, "S-sorry, we need to catch this guy...soon." Elena said. "Yeah, I know," Cole hugged her," We're going to the palace again to try and uncover some more hints okay?" Elena nodded to confirm, "Okay." Monica stormed up the stairs, "WHO IS THIS?!" she pointed to a newspaper where a man was shown - Elena's kidnapper. 

"How did you find him?!" Elena exclaimed. "He's complaining about how his sister ran from home! She's blond with blue eyes, she wears a purple cloak, black combat boots, and a red skirt. Sound familiar?" Elena gasped, "H-He's looking for me? Please no! We have to tell someone!" Cole nodded, "All we have to do is prove you're Bernard and Claire Andersen's daughter, right?" Monica shook her head, "But isn't this guy the assassin or something? Shouldn't he be afraid of publicity? And why does he want Elena so bad anyways? I feel like this is super suspicious..." The other two nodded in agreement. "Elena's the best detective, we need her for the case...how do we deal with this? We can't bring her outside so how does she help solve the mystery?" asked Cole. "Yeah, I can disguise myself for the time being. He's really weak though. He hasn't slept for a long time because he's hiding from the authorities already. He's not even allowed out here so why is he here at all?" Elena wondered. Monica replied, "Like we said earlier he must be a part of the Dragon Resistance, that means he's trying to wipe out the other magical races. They believe that dragons should run Areagore and that's what started the war. The Dragon Revolution wasn't pretty so you can understand why we're trying to avoid another one at all costs." Elena chanted a small charm, her hair turned brown, she got freckles, and her eyes turned green. "Woah! I didn't expect you to do it now! You could've waited..." Cole said. "Sorry, I thought I should just get it done now. Heheh..." Elena mumbled. "Yeah, yeah. We have to meet the king so let's GO ALREAAADY!!!" and with that Monica shoved everyone out the door.

This time Elena just teleported them to the castle, she's getting pretty good at magic! "Hey Cole? Aren't dragons not allowed anymore, weren't they banished?" questioned Elena. "Well....I'm your dragon, I'm technically like your pet or your property. I can't really be banished but I can't leave your side either." he responded. "Okay, well I'm glad you don't have to be banished or anything!" she sighed. Cole nodded and gave a faint smile. "Hurry up you two! King Aaron is WAITING!!!" Monica shouted.

They quickly rushed into the castle and met with their king. "I've gathered as much evidence as I could, I hope it helps...I'm afraid I can't stay. I have to go take care of my royal duties.." King Aaron led them to the castle's library where he spread various pieces of proof and evidence. "Thank you, your majesty..." Elena approached a pile of papers. "Ah, yes...but...um.. who are you?" he asked. Cole replied, "That's Elena, she's got a criminal after her so she disguised herself." Monica followed Elena, "Where should we start? Not like I want to help or anything.." her voice trailed off. King Aaron chuckled and left the room.

Cole shuffled through some more files, "I'm so lost.." he grumbled. "Hmm, the murderer must be from Ludenville...it's a..man. He has...no, I need to see the crime scene for that..." Elena mumbled as she scanned through evidence. "WHA-WHAT?! HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT!?" Monica exclaimed. "They had separated the crowds according to family members, gender, and etc. My dad was shot from this direction-here." she pointed to one of the pictures. "That indicates he's a man without a family and isn't related to the royal family. I need to visit the crime scene in order to search for hair, fingerprints, or -if I'm lucky, any sign or hints towards the murder weapon. I also need to compare both attacks. I need to look for any similarities between my father's death and our former king's attack, for all we know they could be different attackers..." Elena calmly stated. Cole and Monica stood there completely blown away.

"Elena, no wonder that guy kidnapped you! I didn't know you were such a good detective. We should take you to the crime scenes to look for any further clues!" Cole was beaming and practically jumping with joy. "Oh, I'm ecstatic! We can catch this guy and protect Areagore! I can't wait Elena, you can join Areagore's military and we can all-" Elena quickly cut him off, "I'm...just trying to avenge my father...I don't plan on staying here." Cole frowned, "If you leave...I will be banished. The king already knows I'm a dragon and he only lets me in his castle for your sake...dragons aren't even allowed to do most of the things you've enabled me to do Elena." She sighed, " I told you earlier to find a better master, a better friend. I'm only here because of my dad...I don't think I ever once thought of staying here for life. I don't belong here, all of this has been for my dad. Not you or Monica or even King Aaron! I-I...I..."

Elena quickly covered her mouth before she could continue her sudden outburst. "I-I think I s-should go." Elena shuffled out of the room and pulled her cloak's hood over her head in order to avoid any eye contact. Cole and Monica could only stare, "Stop running away Elena. We have to solve this case! TOGETHER!" Monica shouted. Elena stayed  quiet, 'together' still didn't feel like an option. "It's okay, Elena. We can work this all out together but we have to solve this mystery first. You can't leave anyway...I didn't tell you earlier but that spell...only very powerful witches and wizards can perform it. You aren't even close." Cole stated. Elena just kept walking, she'd find a way- alone.