While The Kraken was hunting far away, the kids hid their Aqua-Sleds and quietly searched the small island. They kept a careful lookout for their father the whole time. But he seemed to be nowhere near the ugly old house or the rickety bridge.
Mariner: He must have gone into those hills on the other island past the bridge. No place else he could be.
Paladin: Man! That's a big area to search in the dark.
Mariner: We should come back when it's daylight. We can look around then and not worry about getting caught.
Faith: Best idea you've had all night! Let's go home now.
The ghoul Antwon May crept back into the shadows and listened to every word the children spoke. He wouldn't show himself yet. No, he'd wait until these pests braved the inside of his house. Then he'd reveal himself.
He'd bury those spoiled brats just like Faraz had buried him, doomed to haunt this crumbling hell hole forever. By the time Faraz found his precious children, it would be far too late!
Mariner: Nah. But there might be ghosts ... and evil spirits too!
Paladin: Cool! That's even better. I'll go in if you go in.
Mariner: Deal.
Faith: I don't believe in evil spirits! The house is probably just full of dust and bugs.
Paladin: Could be rats.
Mariner: Yah, could be rats.
Faith (shivering): Gross!
Mariner: You're the Genie-Girl. Just blink your eyes and clean up the dirt!
Faith: Not funny! Have you thought about broken boards and stuff like that, Genius? It's dangerous!
Paladin: All we have to do is watch where we step, Faith. We'll be careful.
Mariner: Wow! Look at this place! I bet it's been here for centuries.
Paladin: Smells like it too--like rotten dead things. Hey, what's in that jar? ... Guys, I think it's a giant centipede!
Faith: Yuck! I told you there'd be bugs!
Paladin: Maybe I'll take it home for my collection.
Mariner: Don't take anything away from this house! The whole cottage feels cursed! I'm telling you, there is Evil here, and I need to find where it's coming from! Come on, I'm going upstairs.
Mariner: This painting must be of the family who once lived here. I think they all died in their beds. The plague probably. And they were gone long before Lost Cove was destroyed.
Mariner: Check under the beds. Evil always haunts spots where horrific deaths occur.
Paladin: How do you know that?
Mariner: I can sense Evil, Paladin. It's in my nature.
Mariner: Death Devils!
Mariner: We need to get out of here now!
Paladin: Holy crap ... he's right!
Paladin: Faith, run now!
Faith: What? What did you see?
Paladin: I said run!!
Faith: OMG!
The children rushed downstairs and fled towards the door. But an angry ghoul blocked any hope of escape.
It was too late.
