283 Skollwood Adventures Part 5: Candleligh (1/2)

While most of the activities on Skollwood island began at night, the scavenger hunt began during the day. Vy was dressed in her witch outfit, with the pointed hat and matching pointed shoes.

She had also purchased a wand from one of the other booths on their first day on the island. According to the seller who sold it to her, Vy could learn how to use it through their 'learn to be a witch' class but she would not be able to use it off the island.

For now, the wand was just an accessory she kept on her belt.

Vy was doing some stretches with her arms while she and the other participants gathered at the entrance of the corn maze. The hedges of the maze were all corn stalks trimmed of the same height.

It was at least a metre taller than she was so it would be impossible for her to look over them. It would make it impossible for her to walk on the hedges as well since it would not be able to hold any weight.

”Good luck sis!” Lycster cheered his sister on.

Since Familiars were not allowed to participate in the scavenger hunt, Aether was coiled up around Lycster's neck.

-Stay focused and be smart about your choices.- he hissed to Vy.

Vy nodded as she walked over to the starting point as a bell was being rung, getting everyone to huddle closer. At the entrance of the maze was the announcer who had previously been flying above them.

She hovered above ground on her board as she addressed the crowd.

”Listen up closely! These are the rules. Number one,” she lifted her right hand up to show the crowd the red metal band on her wrist, ”This red band must be on your wrist at all times. If you don't have it, you're out!”

The red metal band would prevent anyone from using their powers during the maze, this was to keep it fair for all who participated in it. Regardless of whether they had special abilities or not.

”Rule number two, no spells of any form are allowed to be used. If used, you're out!”

”Rule number three, participants are not allowed to attack one another.”

Lycster whispered to Aether, ”I heard it from Bonetimer that there was a brawl amongst participants a few years back. It resulted in several injuries and deaths.”

-Several? Seems like these scavenger hunts are more deadly than the average one.-

”Apparently,” Lycster looked around to ensure no one was listening in to their conversation before he continued, ”there were some deaths just because of the games itself. Bonetimer said that's how they get more sentient skeleton butlers on the island.”

”The butler told you that's how they genuinely get more sentient skeletons on the island?”

Lycster nodded his head vigorously as he looked out into the distance for his sister. He was avoiding all forms of eye contact with Aether in fear that he would give it away.

But the serpent was not giving up either. He extended his body even higher so that he would meet Lycster in the eyes.

-Say it to my face.-

The boy could not hold it in anymore. His face contorted and quivered as a smile formed on his face.

”But it is true though. That there were deaths during the games.”