Kai peeled back a layer of faded circus posters on the wooden board. He found a very old, yellowed piece of parchment hidden underneath the newer advertisements.
Vesper leaned closer so she could read the elegant handwriting in the dim light of the camp lanterns.
The record described a famous acrobat who tried to leave the wandering stage centuries ago.
The text stated the beloved performer was swallowed by the dark because the guardian of the family did not allow anyone to break their sacred bonds.
'A jealous guardian spirit sounds exactly like a crazy woman with an invisible weapon,' Kai thought to himself while tracing the letters.
'And Ariane just told me all about her special family rules to keep me safe.'
Before they could discuss the new clue, a soft voice drifted from the shadows behind them.
Ariane walked over holding a small silver tray loaded with fresh bread and warm roasted meat.
