Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

V iolet

The island embraced us with a warm tropical breeze that carried the faint scent of coconut and sea salt. My feet sank into the loose grains as we stepped onto the sandy shores of Mount Tambora. The distant crash of waves against the rugged coastline echoed in the background, adding a soothing rhythm to the vibrant atmosphere. Everything about it screamed vacation to me. It was wrong that we were there to handle a case.

The town that sprawled before us was a riot of colors and sounds. Brightly painted buildings lined the narrow streets, adorned with vibrant murals depicting scenes from local folklore. Market stalls brimmed with exotic fruits, handcrafted jewelry, and colorful textiles. The locals were dressed in traditional attire and chatted animatedly in a melodic, unfamiliar tongue.

Aislinn's stomach growled audibly, drawing amused glances from Fiona and me. "I don't know about you two, but I could use some food," she remarked unapologetically, her eyes fixed on a bustling cafe nearby. "Let's grab a bite before we do anything else."

Fiona nodded enthusiastically. "Agreed, but we should check into our hotel first. I want to drop these bags so we aren't hauling them around."

Fiona's phone chirped with a message. She chuckled as she read it aloud. "Grams says to check in first and chat with Bartleby. Her timing is impeccable, as always. I swear she's got some sixth sense."

Aislinn smirked. "I think she's a direct line to our thoughts. Her timing is too perfect."

I nodded in agreement, my eyes alight with curiosity as I surveyed our surroundings. "Let's head to the Supernova Inn, then. I'm intrigued to meet this dwarf manager anyway."

We navigated through the lively streets of Mount Tambora, soaking in the vibrant sights and sounds. The Supernova Inn stood out among the colorful facades. The sight stopped us in our tracks a half block away. We stood there staring in disbelief at the rundown building before us. It looked as though it housed more rats than the London sewers. The facade was weathered and worn, with peeling paint revealing patches of aged brick beneath where there weren't giant holes. The remaining windows were coated in filth and would block all light from entering.

"Are you sure this is the place?" Aislinn asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

I glanced at the faded sign above the doorway. "According to Grams, this is where we're supposed to stay," I replied, skepticism evident in my tone.

Fiona wrinkled her nose in distaste. "Looks more like a haunted house than a hotel. I thought magical beings had stronger senses of smell. How can one possibly own and run a place like this?"

Aislinn shook her head. "I don't know about this, guys. It looks... questionable."

"We don't have much choice, do we?" I said, eyeing the tarnished brass doorknob warily.

Fiona sighed. "Let's at least take a closer look before we decide," she suggested, stepping forward cautiously. "We can always look for another rental if it's as bad inside."

Reluctantly, we approached the entrance, wary of the unkempt surroundings and the dilapidated appearance of the Supernova Inn. I felt the wards before we encountered them. Bartleby was protecting this? It wasn't worth it.

My jaw dropped when we crossed the property line. The place underwent a complete transformation. "It has to be a glamour," I mumbled.

Fiona and Aislinn both nodded in agreement as they continued staring. I couldn't blame them. The sun casted a golden glow over the elegant fa?ade of the building. Its exterior was adorned with intricately carved wooden panels painted in vibrant tropical colors. There were deep blues, emerald greens, and sunset oranges. They mirrored the lush surroundings of the island. Tall palms swayed gently in the warm breeze, their fronds casting dappled shadows on the welcoming entrance.

The entranceway itself was framed by lush tropical foliage. Vibrant blooms of bougainvillea and hibiscus climbed the walls. A stone path lined with polished seashells led up to the ornate wooden doors. They were engraved with intricate patterns reminiscent of ancient island motifs. Lanterns hung on either side, their soft light casting a warm, inviting glow.

We walked forward and entered the open front doors. Inside, the Supernova Inn was a cozy haven with rustic charm. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting tropical scenes. Soft, ambient lighting bathed the room in a warm glow. Aislinn immediately spotted Bartleby, the dwarf manager, who greeted us with a broad smile and twinkling eyes.

"Ah, welcome, welcome weary travelers!" Bartleby exclaimed jovially. He had a melodious accent. "I've been expecting you. Isidora sent word that you'd be arriving soon."

Fiona chuckled. "Grams always has her ways of keeping us on track."

Bartleby nodded knowingly. "Indeed, she does. Now, let me show you to your rooms. We have much to discuss, I believe."

Anticipation buzzed in the air as we followed Bartleby through the inn. The adventure had only just begun. With each step, we inched closer to uncovering the mysteries that awaited us on Mount Tambora.

Fiona grinned. "Your place is incredible, Bartleby. Who handles the magic around here? They've done an outstanding job."

Bartleby chuckled with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I get spells and potions from witches. It's just a bit of this, a bit of that. I was reluctant to portray such a rundown establishment, but we have to keep this little oasis hidden from prying eyes."

He stopped by a teal door on the first floor, slipped a card inside the slot, and pushed the panel open. I dumped my suitcases in the corner and grabbed my crossbody bag. It had the usual stuff inside. My wallet and lip gloss. But it also had a few potions and enough room to add whatever else we might need. After Fiona and Aislinn left their luggage, we turned and joined Bartleby at the door.

This seemingly humble establishment held more secrets than met the eye. With Bartleby's hospitality and the enchanting surroundings, we were eager to uncover what Mount Tambora had in store for us. "Can you answer some questions for us before we head out?" Fiona asked.

Bartleby dipped his head. "I would be happy to."

Bartleby walked down the hall and returned to the front area. When we reached the desk, he gestured toward a seating area with plush armchairs. "Make yourselves comfortable, my friends. Can I offer you some refreshments? Perhaps a taste of our island's finest coconut water?"

Fiona and Aislinn exchanged a glance before nodding eagerly. "Yes, please!" they chimed in unison.

He hurried over to a bar through a side door. We watched as he spoke with a tall, slender woman who I swear was an elf. She had that look about her. She grabbed four glasses, added ice, and filled them with a cloudy liquid. Bartleby carried the tray back and handed out the beverages.

As we sipped our coconut water, Bartleby regaled us with tales of the island's history and its mystical allure. "Mount Tambora has a way of capturing the hearts of those who venture here," he explained. "It's more than just a place—it's a gateway to the extraordinary."

Aislinn leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "Do you know anything about the local legends? We're here on a bit of a quest ourselves."

Bartleby's eyes twinkled knowingly. "We have legends aplenty, my dear. But some are best discovered firsthand." A soft chime sounded, and Bartleby excused himself to attend to another guest. As he disappeared into the depths of the inn, Fiona let out a satisfied sigh.

"We might be on an investigation, but being in a locale like this is exactly what we needed," she remarked as she scanned the room. "A little slice of paradise to unwind while hunting down our next lead."

Aislinn nodded and a mischievous grin played on her lips. " And who knew we'd find it tucked away in what looked like a rat-infested shack?"

I chuckled and watched Bartleby hurry back to us. He was smiling as he sat down and asked, "Isidora never mentioned the reason for your visit. Are you here for a vacation?" We nodded, and he continued, "Well, you've picked an interesting time to visit. Things have been... peculiar around here lately."

"Peculiar?" Aislinn echoed, feigning curiosity.

Bartleby nodded solemnly. "Indeed. The other day, a local fisherman found all his nets tied into knots overnight. No one's been able to explain it." I hoped to hear more about the island legends, but this was interesting too.

Fiona raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with amusement. "Sounds like mischievous spirits are at play." I could tell she was thinking about Metis and what we knew about her. She wasn't whimsical like that. She was all about destruction and chaos. And she had zero respect for mundies or their way of life.

Bartleby chuckled nervously. "That's not all. The baker down the street swears he's been hearing whispers in the night, but when he goes to investigate, there's no one there. He insists his bakery is haunted. He will wake up to flower angels or stacks of leftover pastries on his floors."

Aislinn leaned forward, her expression intrigued. "What kind of whispers? What are they saying? Have you seen ghosts there?"

Bartleby shrugged helplessly. "Hard to say. All he mentioned are eerie mumblings. His wife said it sounded as if the wind was speaking. I haven't seen anything myself. But I don't leave here all that often."

I couldn't resist probing further. "Any other unusual occurrences?"

Bartleby scratched his chin thoughtfully. " Well, the local cats have been acting quite peculiar. Normally, they're lazy sunbathers, but lately, they've been prowling around like they're on a mission. And they spend much of the night yowling at one another."

Fiona stifled a laugh. "Perhaps they're searching for answers to the mysteries of Mount Tambora."

Bartleby chuckled along, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. "Indeed, perhaps they are."

We subtly probed Bartleby for more information to gauge the extent of the island's peculiar happenings. His tales were a mix of curiosity and caution that added an air of mystery to our supposedly relaxing vacation. Not that we needed anything else to do at the moment. Artemis would have our hides if she knew we were getting distracted by this. After a while, Bartleby excused himself briefly to attend to a guest's request. It left us to ponder the island's enigmatic atmosphere.

"Well, this is certainly shaping up to be an eventful trip," Aislinn remarked. She'd finished her drink and set aside her empty glass.

Fiona smirked. "Someone should have told us Mount Tambora had such a mischievous side."

A sense of excitement mingled with the mystery that surrounded us. Despite our hidden agenda, our encounter with Bartleby provided unexpected insights into the island's intriguing secrets. "It doesn't seem as if the inn has been affected by the hijinks on the island. It's a good thing. This place is quite charming. I'd hate to see it ruined by some bored spirits," Aislinn observed, taking in the ambiance.

Fiona nodded in agreement. "I wonder if the place is spared because Bartleby is a supernatural. It would be harder to get away with things while he was on watch. He takes great care of his inn and would stop any mischief immediately. "

Just then, Bartleby emerged from the elevator with a warm smile on his weathered face. "How are you liking your stay so far?"

"We love it," I replied. "It's like a hidden oasis here."

Bartleby beamed at us. "That's the idea, my dear. Now, would you like recommendations for activities? I can't imagine you three are just here for the sun and sea."

Fiona gave him a coy smile. "Did Grams tell you that too? We're the adventurous types. Always seeking out the mysteries of the world."

Bartleby's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Isidora only told me you're all very active. If you're after mysteries, you've come to the right place. Mount Tambora has many layers and more unexplored areas than residents. The island also has a way of revealing its secrets to those who are curious enough."

Aislinn leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "You've shared some intriguing stories already. Anything else we should know about?"

Bartleby hesitated, his expression growing thoughtful. "Well, there's the old legend of the enchanted caves on the island's northern side. Some say they're filled with treasures, while others claim they're home to ancient spirits." That's what I'm talking about.

Fiona's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Enchanted caves? Now that sounds like an adventure worth exploring."

"That's not the only legend." The ambiance of Bartleby's cozy inn seemed to shift then. "There's also the legend of the Forgotten God." Shadows flickered across the walls. They were cast by the warm glow of the candles scattered around, but it was early in the day, so it created an almost theatrical setting for his storytelling.

Bartleby leaned forward, his eyes glinting with mischief as he continued. "Some say the Forgotten God' s influence still lingers, and those who visit the volcano experience often find themselves seeing things. The legend seems to have grown over the past week or so, and the locals are now reporting strange occurrences. I haven't experienced anything myself, but I've seen the aftermath of the others."

Aislinn arched an eyebrow. "What sorts of other 'strange occurrences' are we talking about?"

Bartleby's beard quivered as he chuckled. "Just the usual mischief that makes the mundies jump at shadows. Items going missing, strange noises in the night, and unseen figures darting between the trees."

Fiona's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "And what's the general consensus among the locals? Do they believe it is this forgotten god?"

Bartleby scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Well, most chalk it up to superstition, of course. But there are those who've seen things they can't quite explain, and they're not so quick to dismiss the old tales."

I nodded, absorbing the atmosphere of mystery that seemed to permeate the area. "It does add a certain charm to the island, wouldn't you say?"

Bartleby grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Indeed, Miss Violet. Mount Tambora has a way of weaving its stories into the fabric of everyday life."

Aislinn's gaze wandered to the window, where sunlight shone on the swaying palm trees outside. "So, what's your take on all this, Bartleby? Do you think there's any truth to these legends?"

Bartleby's expression turned thoughtful. "I'm a man of logic and hard work. But I've seen enough in my time here to keep an open mind. There's more to this island than meets the eye. I tend to lean toward it being something else even though it's said that this deity once held sway over Tambora and its people. "

Fiona flashed an impish grin. "Sounds like a demanding landlord."

Bartleby chuckled, a sound as rich as the stories he spun. "You could say that, Miss Fiona. The islanders revered this god, believing their fortunes were tied to its favor."

My curiosity was piqued. "And what happened when they fell out of favor?"

Bartleby's gaze grew distant as if peering into the past. "Disaster struck," he replied solemnly. "The eruption of Mount Tambora centuries ago was attributed to the wrath of this god."

Aislinn's eyes gleamed with fascination. "Does that mean an actual temple is hidden in these mountains?" That seemed like a leap to me, but it was worth asking. If he knew, that would tell us where we were going next.

Bartleby nodded slowly. "There are whispers of a location near the volcano's edge, where the earth trembles and the air crackles with ancient power. It's a treacherous place, filled with both wonder and danger."

Fiona raised an eyebrow, her curiosity unabated. "You make it sound irresistible."

Bartleby offered a wry smile. "For those with an appetite for adventure, perhaps. But tread carefully, my friends. The secrets of Mount Tambora are not easily unraveled."

"Noted. We will be careful," Fiona said as she lifted one shoulder. "And regardless of legends, I think we're in for an interesting stay, wouldn't you agree?"

Bartleby nodded with a knowing smile. "Indeed, Miss Fiona. And I'm sure you three will make quite the impression on old Mount Tambora. Can I outfit you with supplies to explore the mountain?"

"That would be greatly appreciated," Fiona replied and stood with the dwarf. "Could you draw us a map of the area and where you think we should go?"

Bartleby nodded and grabbed a napkin from the tray. After he drew a crude rendition of the mountain, we followed him. He took us to his kitchen, where he filled our bags with water, snacks, and whatever else he thought we would need. I saw fruit and bread but didn't pay much attention. I planned on being back before we needed any of it.

Once we were all stocked up, we bid him farewell and stepped out into the day. We had no plan or strategy as we began our journey to discover the forgotten god. That would probably bite us in the ass later.