Secret of the Dragon's Claw

Broom Closet The shoreline on the north coast of Cornwall was historically less favorable for smugglers, because there were fewer gently sloping sandy beaches, and many of the suitable coves were too exposed to the wind, making approach more hazardous. The heavy surf, for which the area was infamous, was another problem. Still, the promise of easy money during these times of stringent rationing, made black market goods quite appealing. Lamken and Tabitha scoured through one cave after another, but found nothing. Undaunted, they continued their search. After a light supper, the pair made their way towards Newquay, planning to spend the night there. They lost track of time, so fully involved in the challenge. Finally, taking a break, Lamken and Tabitha were sitting by the seashore by Crantock Bay, only a few miles from their final destination of the day. It was midnight, as they gazed out to sea. There was an unidentified craft offshore, which suddenly began signaling with lights, which snapped on and off in Morse code. Tabitha looked across to the Newquay side of the bay and one of the big hotels had lights on in the windows, which flashed on and off as well, spelling the word YES. The pair watched in amazement and watched this take place, back and forth, where lights continued flashing from the boat! “A German U-boat?” Tabitha whispered. “Perhaps,” Lamken replied, but he didn’t sound convinced. They decided to spend the night right where they were. The wizard built a small fire and they huddled together, gazing at the hypnotic dancing flames. “I am so pleased you finally returned, Master Rune,” Tabitha whispered. “If not for a red-haired boy with the heart of an angel, I would still be wandering the Isles,” Lamken replied. “I hope my redemption lies ahead.” “Sir Osbert has forgiven you,” the woman pointed out. “Now the crystal holds promise of Elizabeth. I think the signs are fairly obvious. Soon you shall be free of the curse.” “All in good time, lass,” he said after yawning. “All in good time.” They drifted off to sleep. The next morning, by rowing-boat ferry, the pair crossed the river that separated Crantock from Newquay, and strolled up to the hotel to see if they could figure out where the lights came from. It didn’t seem possible that all the guests in the bedrooms could have taken part in a plot to make the signals, so Lamken looked for lights on the outer hotel brick walls. There were a few hidden among the ivy leaves, but he wasn’t sure they might have spelled out the dotted letters. One of the hotel gardeners spotted them snooping about and asked them to leave at once. “I think it was black market smugglers,” Rune decided. “They were arranging for their contraband to be delivered at a certain time.” Tabitha listened, but didn’t comment. On the way back, Lamken stopped to talk to the old ferryman. Rune related what they had seen the night before, but the aged geezer was very taken aback and refused to discuss it further. In a broad Cornish accent the boatman warned, “Listen to me, you’d best not go poking your nose into other people’s business or you might get hurt.” Lamken said, “No bother. We know when to look the other way.” He smiled and waved, taking Tabitha’s hand. When they were out of earshot of anyone, Rune whispered, “That hotel is nothing more than a front for smugglers, or worse. I plan to visit their cellar tonight!” Tabitha wanted to object, but never got the chance. Lamken opened his hand and Bunty’s crystal was throbbing with green light. It was obvious to them both that Elizabeth was nearby. That evening, right after a quick supper at a nearby pub, Lamken and Tabitha made their way back along the road to Newquay. The town was situated in an area of natural beauty, with scores of nearby smuggler caves and soft, golden sands stretching for several miles in either direction. Once inside the hotel, Tabitha went to inquire about a room, while Lamken searched for the correct doorway leading down to the cellar. He found it quickly and was successful in picking open the lock. Then the wizard joined his assistant in the lobby. “We have a room on the second floor, Father,” Tabitha announced for the proprietor’s behalf. “Well done, daughter,” Lamken said in character. “Let us retire.” They headed for the stairs, but once out of sight of the front desk, Rune reached out, grabbed Tabitha by the elbow, and steered her towards a door at the end of the hallway. They both slipped through, the door closing quietly behind them. Phssst. Lamken lit a match. Carefully they proceeded down the rickety staircase. There were low ceilings, wobbly walls, and creaking steps. In fact, Lamken turned to look at Tabitha and grinned. “Seems like there should be witches and wizards gathering here, with all this atmosphere,” he whispered. She nodded nervously. They reached the cold stone floor and discovered a candle. “How convenient,” Tabitha said. “We’re looking for a smuggler’s tunnel, secret passageway, or hidden room,” Lamken restated for their mutual benefit. “Do you see anything out of the ordinary?” The girl ran her delicate fingertips over the surface of the stone wall, while closing her eyes to concentrate with her acute sense of touch. Secret passages usually were protected by hidden doors, which were camouflaged so they appeared to be part of the wall, or as an architectural feature, such as a fireplace or built-in bookcase. Some entrances were more elaborately concealed, and could only be opened by engaging a hidden mechanism or locking device. Other hidden doors were much simpler, such as a trapdoor hidden under a rug, which could easily conceal a secret passage. Tabitha stopped suddenly. “Did you find something?” the wizard asked. She flicked her fingernail along the leading edge of one brick, which looked exceedingly smooth on three sides. Click. The distinctive sound of a mechanism engaging made Rune grin with delight. “You are indeed most gifted, lass,” he said. The stone wall swung open, revealing a dark passage beyond. Tabitha swirled her wand counterclockwise, casting a spell. “Illuminare!” An orb of energy burst from the tip and traveled along the narrow hallway, effectively lighting their way. There didn’t seem to be any monsters or hideous villains waiting for them. “Ladies first,” Lamken offered. “Not on your life,” she replied. “I’m not that brave.” He chuckled and stepped inside, following the floating beacon before him. After about thirty feet, the subterranean passageway opened into a large vault-like room, which was lined with planked shelving. It was immediately obvious this storage area hadn’t been used or visited in decades. The smell of rotting wood was powerful and inches of dust encrusted everything. There were ancient kegs and crates stacked in several corners and all sorts of contraband were stacked on each level of shelving. “It’s only an old smuggler’s den,” Lamken decided disappointedly. Unable to contain her curiosity, Tabitha went to look at some of the bottles. The wizard was dejected and started to leave. “Wait a minute, Master Rune,” she said. “What is it?” he asked. “This bottle is labeled,” she replied. “So?” “In Latin, sir. The contents are black lichen.” Rune spun back around. “You’re not serious?” Tabitha nodded. As a reflex, Lamken pulled the gem from his pocket. In a searing flash of blue light, the crystal levitated up from his open palm and floated towards a dark corner. It hovered before a narrow broom closet, vibrating with barely-contained power. The wizard stopped breathing. “Go on, Master Rune,” his able assistant coaxed. Very slowly, the wizard approached the rickety door. The handle was rusted and worn. Carefully, Lamken pressed his thumb down against the trigger and pulled. It was locked. “Bloody hell!” he exclaimed. Tabitha gently pushed him aside and cast another spell. “Clavis Locus!” Click. “There. I th