No one knows exactly where the aliens came from. They claim to have a supreme, vast empire across the universe with great kingdoms and cities on numerous planets they’ve conquered. Once in a speech to the citizens of Cashes Dade they displayed a massive picture of the spiral galaxy of stars showing bright, intense white clusters showing where their empires were established. One of the students sitting in the audience during this speech was Casey Cardade, and through his bored gaze he noticed something mysterious…
It’s time for the next mystery challenge. The aliens’ intense fountain lights are making students really sick across Cashes Dade. Todd Mardade and six other citizens are developing a plan to destroy it. The rest of the people are building up weapons and supplies in their massive underground network in the mountains to prepare for war. Meanwhile Cade, Blake, and Drew are getting ready to return from their mission to attempt to destroy the crystal crown located in an alien school in Marcaydas. The crown lights are giving students a deadly illness. The kids are trying to figure out how to destroy it, but the problem is the crown is set on top of a giant statue that’s floating high in mid-air. How can they reach it? Find out what happens in the first book of the series called:
MYSTERY OF THE ALIENS’ DAYLUSTAR STATUE
In this mystery challenge, see if you can find the key word in the prophecy at the end of the post that offers another clue about what’s really going on with the aliens’ intense, destructive fountain lights. Can you figure it out? Leave a comment below if you think you know. The words in the previous three mystery challenges, along with this one, and the next two will form the sentence that reveals the answer for the mystery of the alien lights. The key clue for this mystery challenge is to figure out what the aliens are looking for…
Casey Cardade is a sixth grader with short, kind of choppy dark hair that slants slightly and falls low over his dark, deep set eyes. He’s a quiet, intense, mysterious kid who doesn’t say much, but when he does you better listen, because he does not like to repeat himself. He is great at making furniture and carving in intriguing designs. No one ever knows what the designs are supposed to be, yet they always look just right for whatever the furniture piece is. He sat back in his chair, gazing with an icy stare at the distant stage as the alien messenger continued the aliens’ message to Cashes Dade:
“You cannot even begin to imagine the vast knowledge we hold. Your students should follow our One Way because we know the way to succeed, and it’s not by exploring new ideas, trying to be creative, trying to find new ways. Every planet we conquered has a different light in a different colour. This light will shine through everything; all the towers, structures, landforms, forests, and ships glow with this light. The dark powers of this land will defeat you because you all try to go your own ways instead of being united in our One Way. We bring in ships from every planet we conquered to this land, bringing in every power we have to help your countries. There is a cancer still among you, but soon our lights will burn it out completely…”
One day Casey was working on a black marble table in his parents’ shop. He carved in a spiral design, showing numerous stars in various shapes and sizes. In fact each one was slightly different. Later that afternoon, two aliens entered the shop to inspect the business and collect their share in the profits. They walked slowly around the shop while Casey worked hard and fast to put the finish on it, making the surface smooth and shimmering. Casey didn’t notice them because he was too focused on his work. Legend has it that a cow once entered the shop and Casey still didn’t look up. No one really knows whether this really happened. When they saw his table, they stopped and stared. Casey watched as their crescent moon eyes went really dim, almost dark. Then they looked away. That night, the fountain lights mysteriously shined directly into his room and he came down with the illness. Within the spiral design on his table, he had also carved various clusters that were all the same exact shape. The stars glowed various colours in different lights, but the clusters all shined with the same white light, all moving in the same direction, as if searching, searching in the direction of earth…
Several ghosts whispered in the gloomy dark. They were answered by another whisper, sounding human. Cade, Blake, and Drew jogged fast down the wide, dim underground tunnel lit by dingy dark orange lanterns swinging slowly back and forth. Several lights flickered in slow bouncing rhythm around the corner.
“Hurry, hurry,” Cade whispered. They pushed into the chilling air. Whispers echoed ahead of them.
“I can’t hear them,” said Drew. “Did you hear anything they said?”
“I think they’re asking how long you should wait to swim after you eat,” Cade answered as they moved around the corner.
“Ghosts can’t swim,” said Blake.
“Yeah they can,” said Drew, “they just…you know…” Blake and Cade glanced back at Drew curiously trying to interpret his awkward stretching moves. The tunnel came to an end, splitting out left and right. The kids stopped and gazed down both halls barely lit by a single row of dark orange lanterns. Deadly whispers played out from both directions.
“Which way?” asked Blake with his arms out wide.
“I’m not sure,” Cade answered. He gazed down the left tunnel where the ghostly whispers echoed out in a slow bouncing rhythm. Then he turned down the right tunnel where the ghostly whispers shot back and forth between the walls. They listened close in the chilling silence and began to hear the whispers more clearly:
“The signs are almost complete…”
Its time to check out the next suspect. We’re on number five of seven. If you haven’t already, take a look at the previous four Character Fun Facts Features. You can go to the page LIST OF POSTS and scroll down to see every feature discussing the suspects. It’s important to remember there is no significance to the order of the suspects in these posts because they are being presented in alphabetical order by first name. Jonathan Cayson is one of the seven Cashes Dade Army Leads. One of them has to be the spy, because someone was seen talking to the dark spirits in the tunnels, getting ready to give away Cashes Dade’s key secrets. They couldn’t be seen or heard clearly enough to be identified, but a dark orange star patch was seen on their shoulder marking them as one of the seven leads. We will have seen five of the suspects after this post, with two more to be revealed. Have we seen the spy already? Or is the spy yet to be revealed? Leave a comment below what you think so far. Tell us if you think one of the five suspects we’ve seen is the spy and why. Let’s check out his profile and an intriguing story about him to find out a key question; was the person the kids heard whispering in the tunnels Jonathan Cayson?
Jonathan Cayson is tall, thin, and strong with short, dark smooth hair. His face his completely smooth shaven.
He’s calm, quiet, smooth, and kind of secretive.
He likes mountain climbing, and loves to point to a distant peak and declare he will go there, and see everything for miles.
He talks calmly and quietly, but has a bright intensity.
He takes the fifth position in the formation for the army leads.
He’s good at scouting, seeing what the enemy is doing and reacting.
Jonathan owned the library in Cashes Dade. He dreamed about collecting the best and rarest books of the world, and loves to read and discover new ideas.
One night, well before the first alien attack on Cashes Dade, Cade and Blake went to a special game night at the library run by Jonathan. They gathered with the other kids in the grand castle reading room where shelves of books rose up high up terraced walls. The shelves stood on numerous levels like giant steps moving out further and further in wide circles. The massive room was dimly lit by a few single blue candle lights.
Jonathan stood on a high balcony under heavy shadow as the kids played the game trying to find a new book Jonathan claimed he had discovered. Three clusters of blue glowing candles cast a single glow over the balcony where Jonathan stood. They followed various clues hidden in the books. The clues were hints at various book titles to look for in the stacks. After awhile, Cade and Blake looked over the clues they had found to that point:
“The colours blend into one.”
“The citizens marched together for peace.”
“A recipe for cake.”
“Mary ran, John ran, Katie ran, they all ran.”
The kids looked them over for several long moments. Then Blake’s eyes lit up. “I got it!”
“Already?”
“It’s talking about the balcony where Jonathan is. The three lights are blending together making one light, see? All these clues are talking about coming together as one. Let’s go.”
“Race to the top.” The kids scrambled up the shelves. Blake bit his lower lip as Cade moved fast ahead, staring intensely.
“You know, we could have just taken the stairs.” Cade flashed him a puzzled look. “Yeah, you’re right. This makes much more sense.” Cade nodded and smiled. When they reached the top, they looked around in the still, bright glow and found a single book titled:
“Signs in the Dark”
The final clues are Jonathan’s three best known quotes:
A quiet eerie whistling alien ship drifted slowly across the night sky, powering through the rough clouds mostly hiding the moon. The grand alien complex lit up in fiery green lights through the tall crystal windows. The alien structure had two high towers with a massive curve-shaped complex in between. Alien horns blared out across the mountains where Cade, Blake, and Drew were hiding down in the underground with the rest of the people of Cashes Dade. Blazing red triangular shaped alien ships flew in from various directions. Several aliens in glittering blue and white crystal suits stood on the balcony, staring down intensely with their burning white crescent moon eyes on the gathering crowd of dark spirits below. At the same time, Cade Mayson and the other two ghost strikers were struggling to find their way to a key point among the mountain maze. What are the aliens meeting for? What are they getting ready to do? While the aliens may be planning a major attack from all sides, Cade, Blake, and Drew are running out of time to figure out which mountain they can find protection from the aliens…
Its time to check out the next suspect. We’re on number four of seven. It’s important to remember there is no significance to the order of the suspects in these posts because they are being presented in alphabetical order by first name. Christy Caldade is one of the seven Cashes Dade Army Leads. One of them has to be the spy, because someone was seen talking to the dark spirits in the tunnels, getting ready to give away Cashes Dade’s key secrets. They couldn’t be seen or heard clearly enough to be identified, but a dark orange star patch was seen on their shoulder marking them as one of the seven leads. We will have seen four of the suspects after this post, with three more to be revealed. Have we seen the spy already? Or is the spy yet to be revealed? Leave a comment below what you think so far. But before we check out her profile and an intriguing story about her, it’s time to reveal the answer for the last mystery challenge. If you haven’t read the previous post called WHY DID THE ALIENS GO AFTER DAMIAN CASHDADE? check it out to see if you can solve the mystery for the post and perhaps even figure out the greater mystery of the alien fountain lights in Cashes Dade. Here is the answer: The key word in the prophecy was: students
Someone else is with Cade and his friends getting ready to make their move, Christy Caldade. Does she know anything about what the aliens are secretly planning? Is Cade about to walk into a trap? Dark spirits are waiting…
Christy Caldade is short and thin with cropped blonde hair.
She is calm, quiet, and secretive.
She is really into mountain climbing, but doesn’t talk about it much or where she’s climbed.
She’s relatively quiet and shy, usually not saying too much and always talking in a soft, quiet tone.
She takes the fifth position in the formation for the army leads.
She has great battlefield vision, especially in confusing situations, and is great at spotting key details.
Christy owned a business of special medicines and bath products. Her dream is to have a great business that has all kinds of rare and special minerals that have great medicinal powers.
On a Saturday, several months before the first alien attack, Cade and Blake were playing around in the city, getting bored. They happened to be close to the Caldade Rare Treasures Shop and thought it looked pretty interesting. They decided to enter, but they had to enter the same way they always do, by bursting in like they’ve just escaped from a monster outside. When they pushed open the two glittering blue crystal doors with fancy designs carved across it, the two kids almost ran into a black marble table of fine minerals.
“HEY, hey,” Christy hurried over to the kids with a wide-eyed, anxious expression. “This is a quiet store,” she whispered. Cade and Blake slowly nodded, before turning to eachother, each flashing a look that said, “Looks like we have a new challenge.” Blue shimmering lights spilled in through the dark blue stained glass windows too dark to see through from the outside. Cade walked over to another table full of various glittering gold stones. He pointed excitedly. Blake half jogged over, bumping into another table, drawing looks from several old ladies sitting in a dark corner.
Christy glanced over at the kids from time to time while she whispered with someone in the far corner. Cade tapped his fingers on the next table anxiously in the unsettling quiet. Blake bumped into another table. He watched curiously as a lady stared at a row of soap bars for what seemed like an eternity.
“Hey, look at these,” Cade whispered, making his way to the soap table. Picking up several shimmering, sharp ones he said, “These could go pretty fast.” He started tossing them in the air. Christy placed a dark sheet over the corner table, then rushed over to them.
“You’re supposed to smell them, not throw them,” she said. Blake picked up a bright green one, sniffed it, then fell back against the wall.
“That was a strong one,” he whispered as Cade just placed his head in his hands. The two kids clumsily worked their way through the rest of the shop while Christy hurriedly took a blanket full of stones off a table and took it into the back…
The final clues are Christy’s three best known quotes:
More clusters of bright gold lights were lit up across the stadium as Damian worked his way up the field. The bright lights reflected across his short dark hair falling low almost hiding his intense eyes. His team was down 2-1 late in the game against their rival. There wasn’t much time left which meant only one thing: It was Damian Magic time. He passed to a teammate breaking open on the left, then he shot ahead, flying past the defenders, breaking wide open. His teammate passed him the ball. He worked his way toward the goal. He slowed down as three defenders closed in on him, then he gave a wink to someone in the far, dark corner of the stadium…
It’s time for the next mystery challenge leading into the next book in the mystery series called: MYSTERY OF THE BLOODY FRIDAY SPY Can you figure out what’s happening to the BlackStar Ranked Students of Cashes Dade? The aliens placed a mysterious fountain with intense, bright flashing lights that make a lot of students sick. This is what will lead to the event known as Bloody Friday. This is what will lead to the war. But there’s a key secret that will be revealed in the prophecy written near the end of this post. There is a word in the prophecy that offers another clue about what secret may be behind the aliens’ fountain lights. Can you figure it out? Leave a comment below if you think you know. The answer will be revealed in the next Character Fun Facts Feature. The key clue will be to watch Damian’s celebration and find out what the celebration is…
The three defenders closed in on Damian. He faked left, faked right, then sped off to the left, spun around, dribbled the ball between his feet, then slid back. The defenders went after the ball, but it wasn’t there. That’s when Damian flew past them up the field. He was like a blue streak. The goalie could barely react before Damian kicked the ball into the far right corner of the goal. Then he did his usual celebration, running in a spiral pattern first over to the sideline, picking up the Cashes Dade flag, then around the end of the field before circling in front of the goal and planting the flag on the field. He would finish with a salute to the crowd. A short time later, with only a few minutes left in the game, he stole the ball and flew down the field, passing back and forth with four other teammates. The goalie thought the player on the far left had the ball, but Damian did on the opposite side. The ball whizzed right past the stunned goalie. Damian did his usual celebration again, with his teammates flying around the field as well, lighting up the field, with his team winning 3-2. Then the alien fountain lights shot up high, appearing just behind the stadium. Damian gazed up at them in wonder before falling to the ground. He struggled to get home. He had the mysterious sickness…
Earlier that day, Damian met with a younger student who had already come down with the illness. What’s bizarre is that he met with the student in secret. Only after Damian fell ill did his family and friends find out when the student told them about the visit, but he asked that his name not be revealed. Damian visited him to see how he was doing, give him a cake from the bakery, and talk about soccer plays. The young student was really into soccer and ships. He would focus really intensely on a few subjects like that, things he was interested in, but struggled to focus on the subjects the aliens considered important. That’s why they called him lazy and distracted. But he would spend hours and hours watching the ships, figuring out their schedules, where they had come from, where they were going, and how they worked. He liked watching them dock and make their deliveries. He even wrote up a complicated, new schedule for them to make their deliveries and figured out better routes for them by studying the waves and weather patterns. Many Cashes Dade businesses have actually followed his plans, finding them to be much more efficient. But he also had an idea for a soccer play, where they would pass the ball back and forth so many times, so fast, that they would confuse the other team, and lead to a score. But there was something else the young student told Damian that was particularly mysterious…
Dazzling ripples will spread wider and wider out Yet the flying student will discover a reason for doubt Fast currents will split the waters of murky blue where blazing ships try to find their way through Glittering gold lights will reflect throughout the sea in a spiral design revealing all that we can be They’ll fly around so fast the ships will be lost Chilling, dark mist will fall forming a brilliant frost Watch the students who are seen as disruptive and loud They are the glittering gold lights blazing through the dark cloud He will see something no one else has yet seen Being a blazing light will lead him to understand what they mean The truth will be revealed when the spiraling lights conquer the sky The aliens’ claim of great superiority is actually a lie…
Just as Damian was about to leave the young student, he started talking about the ships, how they came in from all kinds of directions. But then he began saying something that Damian couldn’t quite figure out, something mysterious. He just kept repeating the same phrase over and over again: “They’re all glowing the same.” “They’re all glowing the same.” “They’re all glowing the same…”
Cade has always been like a ghost, well before he became a ghost striker. He, Blake, and Drew got parts in a school play led by Cashes Dade Army Lead Carlie Madsher. Now, having to run a play with these three kids will drive anyone crazy and you’ll soon see why, but could it drive someone to become a spy against their own country? One night Cade hung around after the play was over. He heard whispering in the dark school hall late that night so he crept down the hall and saw Carlie in a dark corner, meeting with someone he couldn’t see…
Its time to check out the next suspect. It’s important to remember there is no significance to the order of the suspects in these posts because they are being presented in alphabetical order by first name. Carlie Madsher is one of the seven Cashes Dade Army Leads. One of them has to be the spy, because someone was seen talking to the dark spirits in the tunnels, getting ready to give away key secrets. They couldn’t be seen or heard clearly enough to be identified, but a dark orange star patch was seen on their shoulder marking them as one of the seven leads. We will have seen three of the suspects after this post, with four more to be revealed. Have we seen the spy already? Or is the spy yet to be revealed? Leave a comment below what you think so far. But before we check out her profile and an intriguing story about her, it’s time to reveal the answer for the last mystery challenge. If you haven’t read the previous post called WHY DO THE ALIENS HATE CHASE’S GAME? check it out to see if you can solve the mystery for the post and perhaps even figure out the greater mystery of the alien fountain lights in Cashes Dade. Here is the answer: The key word in the prophecy was: hate Carlie Madsher met someone in the shadows. What were they meeting about? Why were they being so secretive?
Carlie Madsher is short with dark, intense eyes and short, smooth, blonde hair that falls low over her eyes.
She is anxious and often nervous, as well as impatient, always rushing.
She always wears the same worn out brown shoes.
She is always moving, always pacing around, and gets right to the point in conversations, but she’s quiet and shy.
She takes the seventh position in the formation for the army leads. She is great at scouting and visualizing. She can organize things and people really well. Carlie has always dreamed about writing and producing great plays. She also wants to be a great actor, shining on stage in the biggest shows. Her greatest dream is to have an iconic moment on stage that becomes legendary forever.
Blake stood ready for the fight scene, holding his sword, staring down his enemy intensely. “Okay, scene two, start,” said Carlie from the high point at the back of the stage. “It’s time to face your death, for I will strike you with the sword of fire, and conquer your castle in the night,” Blake said with strong intensity. He and Devi started striking swords when Carlie shouted out, “BLAKE! STOP CHANGING THE LINES! THE LINE WAS, ‘IT’S TIME TO FIGHT.’ START AGAIN.” While they started the scene again, Carlie turned her attention to a strange movement in the upper flowing blue curtains along the side of the stage, lit up in dark orange lantern lights. She stared with a perplexed look, then gazed up to see Cade climbing up the various scaffolds on the side of the stage. “CADE! NOT AGAIN, WE TALKED ABOUT THIS!” She hurried over to fix the curtains. On the way she re-positioned several students practicing another scene. “Remember, be your character, become them. Tonight, I want you all to write five things your character thinks about a lot.” After a long night of rehearsing, correcting Blake’s lines, trying to tone down Drew’s way over-acting, and making sure Cade didn’t destroy the whole set, she sent all the students home. Cade was wandering the school halls late at night, when he heard whispering. He crept up the winding staircase. He worked his way in the deep shadows of the dark hall where only a single neon green light spilled into the hallway. He crept close and got down low, straining to hear Carlie whispering with one of the alien school leaders. What was she talking to him about? Why were they whispering? What were they hiding? All he heard was one line: “I agree, the best way is to expose them for what they are.”
The final clues are Carlie’s three best known quotes: “Let’s put it all together.” “Oh, this has turned into such a mud twister” “Let the show begin.”
Gold and red lit triangular crafts flooded the sky with brilliant flashing lights. Alien ships moved ahead in a cluster, blazing through the sky, with a sonic thundering pushing down on the Cashes Dade Army lined up in the hills. Then the alien ships suddenly spread out wide at an incredible speed. A crowd of citizens hurried across the wide field toward them. Several ships dropped down. That’s when Bennie Maysher led the charge to defend them and something mysterious happened that’s hard to explain… Its time to check out the next suspect. It’s important to remember there is no significance to the order of the suspects in these posts because they are being presented in alphabetical order by first name. Bennie Maysher is one of the seven Cashes Dade Army Leads. One of them has to be the spy, because someone was seen talking to the dark spirits in the tunnels, getting ready to give away key secrets. They couldn’t be seen or heard clearly enough to be identified, but a dark orange star patch was seen on their shoulder marking them as one of the seven leads. Do you think you can figure it out? Leave a comment below if you think you know whether Bennie Maysher is the spy. But before we check out his profile and an intriguing story about him, it’s time to reveal the answer for the last mystery challenge. If you haven’t read the previous post called WHAT’S HIDDEN IN BRENNAN’S PAINTING? check it out to see if you can solve the mystery for the post and perhaps even figure out the greater mystery of the alien fountain lights in Cashes Dade. Here is the answer: The key word in the prophecy was: aliens
Bennie Maysher is relatively short with rough, blonde hair. He’s always active, always moving, and quite impatient. He has a half-trimmed beard. He’s kind of odd, and always seems to be somewhat agitated, talking fast in short sentences. Bennie takes the second position in the formation for the army leads. He is a tough fighter who loves to charge out in battle. He is really good at overwhelming the enemy with power and speed. Bennie has always dreamed of being a great war hero, leading a great, legendary charge against all odds in battle. He is a master at riding horses and loves to challenge people to races. For him, the rougher the path, the better. He is really ambitious, always wanting to prove to others what a great rider and fighter he is. After seven protestors were shot dead by the aliens on what will be forever known in Cashes Dade as “Bloody Friday,” they declared war on the aliens. Brilliant lights of all colours shot out across the night sky in blazing streaks. The soldiers huddled down in their trench. The dark green grass and soggy soil lit up almost like during a bright sunny day in the spectacular lights. Bennie stared at the slowly approaching cluster of seven alien ships with a mixed look of awe and excitement. Their red and gold lights flashed in fast, rhythmic waves from the center ship out left and right through the other ships. The ground hummed in a low tone sounding close yet far away. In the distance an alien ship shot out a blue laser light striking the mountains with a brilliant flash. “They’re going to see them,” said a soldier to his left. “They’re getting ready to drop,” Bennie said in a low voice. At this time further back in the mountains, Cade, Blake, and Drew were traveling up the massively wide river with David and Callie on a small, dark boat. They could see the brilliant alien lights flashing across the dark water waves striking their boat hard from both sides. Dark spirits gathered at the far right bank. Cade pretended to try to take the oar away from Blake which was followed by fake crying. The kids spotted the dark spirits. Cade smiled, knowing they would never fall for their trap. Blake quietly drove the boat toward the left bank. From the shadows Cade waved goodbye to the ghosts waiting on the far side. Dark shadows stretched across the glittering waves. Whispers flew in the chilling dark as the dark spirits on the left coast waited for them to dock… After the ships dropped, Bennie in a sudden flash, grabbed a small flame shooter full of powder and jumped on his horse. He charged across the field. The seven hovering aliens ships glowed like burning red fires. The ground underneath hummed. They shot out a bright blue laser light from the center directly at him. He ducked out of the way slightly before it hit the ground. He charged ahead, watching the ships. At a rapid pace, from close and far away, the lasers shot out one after another in rapid succession. He shifted back right, before the next two lasers struck. He kept riding ahead as two more shot out at his left and right, followed by two more further to the left and right. Another one shot directly at him but he moved to the left just before it hit. Two more shot out as he moved back right. He kept dodging them, one after another, moving right before they hit or charging right between them. Then he held up his flame shooter, set the fire, and shot out the blazing dark orange light at the center ship where the fires exploded out, driving the ships back. Then he turned sharply and led the people across the field while the dark orange haze kept the ships back until the people were able to reach the underground. The soldiers couldn’t believe what they had seen. Was Bennie just lucky, or did he somehow know exactly how the aliens would fire on him? But how did he know?
The final clues are Bennie’s three best known quotes:
“I can’t stand the birds that never stop chirping.” “The battle belongs to the one willing to lead the final charge.” “Shoot first, and the rest will fall into place.”
The school hall was completely dark as fourth grader Brennan Cairdade followed the alien messenger toward the dim green light barely spilling out into the hall. The messenger’s shoes tapped loudly across the dark marble. The door to the School Leader’s Office was just cracked open. Brennan gazed around with his strong wide eyes. His short sandy hair slanted to one side caught the glint of the fiery green light as the messenger opened the door and waved him in. The office was dimly lit by low hanging green-lit chandeliers lighting up the dark blue marble floor, walls, and ceiling. Brennan was directed to sit down on a small black chair in front of the glossy multi-crystal desk set before the massive white crystal glass window. Then the messenger began speaking in an elevated, solemn voice: “We found your drawings, and we have a message for you, that you best follow.” The large chair behind the desk spun around as the alien turned to face him…
The next six mystery challenges will each feature a student in Cashes Dade who has come down with the terrible sickness caused by the intense alien lights from the DadeLuce Fountain in Cashes Dade. This is what leads to the war that the next book will feature. Get ready for MYSTERY OF THE BLOODY FRIDAY SPY. The aliens claim that if a student gets sick from the fountain it’s actually good for them because they claim the lights reveal those students who are failing. They say getting sick from this shows these students that they need to improve and learn how to successfully follow their standard to do well in school. They say the lights even help show the way. Each mystery challenge will tell the story of what has happened to each student and show a prophecy that offers clues as to what might be the answer for them. The mystery challenge will be to figure out what is the key word in the prophecy that appears after the story. The answer will be revealed in the next Character Fun Facts. Can you figure it out? When you have all six key words they will reveal a message, a message that will reveal a key secret about the aliens…
“Your drawing is a waste of energy and time,” the alien messenger continued, as the alien’s eyes stared down at Brennan. He shifted in his chair nervously. “From now on, you must learn the concepts by writing out all notes and show what you understand by writing out your answers.” Then the alien reached out with his long arm and grabbed his pack. He took out Brennan’s paintings, placed them on a silver platter, and burned them.
Brennan was at Caysher Park when it happened. He was doing what he always did there, painting, that is, after stopping at Marshar Coffee Shop. He always did the same thing. He’d walk in slowly and quietly as if he was trying to sneak in, kind of looking around anxiously at the people sitting at the tables, before pacing up and down the front display case showing the various breads, desserts, and small candies. The shop owner would always smile and shake his head knowing he would pick something, then change his mind, then pick something else, then change his mind, then finally pick three things, usually from the small candies. Then he would get his coffee. He would explain all the details even though it was always the same and by the time he was done explaining, they’d hand it to him. Brennan was always quiet and mysterious, but also really friendly.
It took him awhile to settle into his usual place on a bench next to a small pool with shooting fountains on both sides. Through the waterfall ahead he could see the city towers and he began to paint. His hands flew across the canvas so fast, so smoothly as all these colours splashed across. He smiled as it appeared to be a mess until all the sudden the picture appeared. Then all of the sudden the bright green flashing lights of the alien fountain hit him, knocking him back. They appeared like a massive green star blurring everything else around into murky darkness. He’s been sick ever since, always alternating between chills and fevers, always shaking, feeling sick and dizzy. His parents saved his painting of the inside of the museum of Cashes Dade under eerie green light. But it’s more than that. If you look closely, you see what is hiding in the dark…
When you dream about what is new They will be hovering far above you When you look for new, great places They stare down at you with grim faces When you must see in order to learn They will only look to what you can earn The key will be turning your ideas into revealing fire The aliens will strike three times from a place higher What you think about must become a picture that’s clear Then you will know that they are the ones burning for fear The painting will reveal what Cade will see The aliens are not what they seem to be…
Dead whispers flew through the chilling dark. Alien lights roamed through the maze of mountains, searching, looking for the people of Cashes Dade with their bright dazzling lights shining down from the sky. Their ships moved through the sky above the clouds carrying the sound of eerie whistling. But they weren’t just looking for the people of Cashes Dade, they were looking for the ghost strikers. Dark spirits raced through the mountains. They hurried across the slopes to where the dark orange light shone as a signal showing where to meet. But they weren’t the only ones going for it. Cade, Blake, and Drew were flying through the underground tunnels, trying to find their way through the maze, hoping to get there in time. The dark spirits hurried to meet the spy, the one who would tell them where the people were hiding so the aliens could finish Cashes Dade completely. Ghostly whispers echoed in the dark. Will the kids get there in time?
The next five Character Fun Facts posts will feature the Seven Army Leads of Cashes Dade. One of them is the spy. They will be presented in alphabetical order by first name. Each post will feature either one or two of them with various information and stories about them. Leave a comment below if you have a guess whether you think Austin might be the spy, or do you think it probably is someone else? Maybe you will know right away, or maybe you will need to see all seven army leads before you can decide who it is. Can you figure out which one is the spy?
Austin Camdade is relatively tall and strong. He is determined and has a quiet intensity about him. He always looks like he’s thinking hard about something. He has short, somewhat rough hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He talks pretty eloquently and smooth.
Austin takes the third position in the formation for the army leads. He is a strong leader who does a great job of explaining where the enemy is and how best to attack them by finding where they are vulnerable.
Austin has always dreamed of being a great explorer. He likes climbing mountains and trying to find new trails, new ways to get to the top. He wants to discover new places and new minerals that could give them stronger medicines and weapons to defeat the aliens. He has great ambition, and loves reaching the highest peaks.
One time before Cashes Dade went to war against the aliens, Austin Camdade was leading some kids on a mountain climb, including Cade and Blake. They were trying to climb a small, but relatively steep mountain to the northeast of Cashes Dade. Cade moved fast up the slick scree and heavy dirt, practically jumping up, sliding back, then jumping higher up. He turned back to Blake with a confident smile, and twisted expression showing some kind of judgment/curiosity. “What’s taking you so long?” “I’ll catch up,” said Blake, gasping for air. “Maybe when…” Cade took another long drink of water. “Your pack looks a lot lighter than mine.” “Oh I see. You think youuuu…” Cade slid back a ways before digging in deeper. “It’s cool,” he said with a nod to the other kids on both sides. “You’re just making excuses.” “You only packed a few waters again didn’t you?” Cade kind of shrugged as he worked his way up through the thick soil. “You’re going to run out again.” Cade shook his head as he took another long drink. “Yeah you are, look at you. We’re not even halfway. You do this every time. We’ll get close to the top and you’ll be looking like you’re dead and begging me for one of my waters.” “No way,” said Cade, taking another long drink. Blake just shook his head. “Unbelievable.” He gazed up the slope when Austin said, “We’re going to turn this way, cut through there to the top.” Several kids gasped as he pointed to the thick cluster of small trees with the green pointed, needle-like leaves. “No one’s ever tried this way before,” he added with a smile. “Yeah I wonder why,” Blake muttered under his breath. Cade got down low, almost sliding up the slope like a snake trying to shield himself from the sharp leaves. Blake gazed up at the dark blue, flat clouds streaming across the sky before pushing through, clearing a path as he went, looking angrier and angrier the closer they got to the top. Bright lightning splintered across the sky in the distance beyond the peak. Austin stayed focused on the rough rocky slope leading to the top. Cade struggled to follow Austin pushing his way through the thick forest toward the rocky peak. He took another long drink as they struggled up the final slope. Chilling winds brushed down slope, pushing them back momentarily. An eerie whistling rushed across the sky. Austin gazed up toward the peak saying, “We’re almost in the clear. Soon we’ll be standing at the top.” Cade jumped from rock to rock while Blake propelled himself over one after another until soon they both stood at the top, gazing at the awesome views on all sides. Blake turned around to see Cade drinking from another bottle. “That’s your last one isn’t it?” Smiling, Cade pulled two more full water bottles out of his backpack. Blake stared in shock before shaking his head as he turned back to look out across the vast landscape. But his shock turned into a knowing smile when he took a sideways glance and saw Cade secretly handing several kids a wod of money…
The final clues are Austin’s three best known quotes:
“Exploring new places is the greatest adventure you can have.” “The best way to answer your enemy is to fight.” “Just keep climbing, higher and higher, until you are standing tall at the top.”
Then the alien turned to another one, slightly shorter with a wider face with the same stretched lines and half-moon glowing eyes. Incredibly fast monotone voices in some unknown language went back and forth between them. The other alien turned and walked fast back down the stairs while the first one stared down intensely at the kids. The kids sat nervously waiting for the slow footsteps walking up the steps. Finally, the alien messenger appeared in the dingy lights, growing colder and darker. In a solemn, elevated voice the messenger began: “You don’t live here, and this city is not located on the map. What are you doing here?” The two kids exchanged nervous half-glances. Cade shifted on the slick floor before answering…
Its time to go back into Carolmire, the kingdom where it’s always Christmas. There’s an intriguing mystery to solve. If you haven’t yet, check out the post, DARKCORNER LAND FEATURE: CAROLMIRE’S SECRET LIGHT to see the list of possible women who could be the secret singer and the prophecy that offers clues as to how to find her. Here is the link:
Christmas can be a great time and for many it can be a dark time, but with a distant light, a distant, mysterious hope. You can also check out the author’s facebook page to see more about his mountain climbs and there are weekly bible studies for anyone interested including a special look at the Christmas story in the bible that you probably have never seen before. Check it out here:
Leave a comment below if you think you know the answer to this mystery. Now let’s get back into the story. Can you figure out who it is?
“We just really like Christmas,” Cade answered. “Why are you trying to find the secret singer?” “We just want to know who it is, don’t you?” asked Cade. Blake flashed him a look that said, “What are you doing?” Cade flashed back a twisted, sideways expression. “You must never interfere with our business,” the messenger said sternly. “Two BlackStar ranked students like you should be focusing on your studies instead of exploring places you don’t belong. You know if you don’t raise your grades soon you will be sent to the Dathmore to perform the work we assign you. The fact that you believe you can find her reveals your poor level of intellect. Students like you cannot solve a mystery like this. You don’t have the intelligence or the work ethic. But more importantly, if you interfere with our business, there will be severe penalties…”
Dark orange slowly turned to dark purple over the distant snow-covered mountains behind Carolmire while the two kids worked their way up the rocky trail winding up the mountain running back and forth from the west side to the east side across the south side overlooking the endless white plain. Snow fell calmly from the rolling dark blue clouds streaming across the sky. The two kids stopped momentarily, a short distance from the peak. “We better hurry,” Blake said tensely. “Why?” asked Cade with a casual shrug. “Because she’s going to start singing soon,” Blake said, nodding to the creamy dark blue sky. “We’re only seconds from the top.” Blake gazed up the rocky slope with a doubtful expression. Dark blue shadows fell slowly down the steep slope, blocked at several rocky points. “We’re still an hour from the top,” Blake answered, nodding toward the trail winding back and forth multiple times up the final slopes. Cade gazed up the steep slope with a brightly intense gaze. Then he turned to Blake and slowly broke a smile. “Oh come on.” Cade smiled brighter. “No, Cade, no way. Look at all that snow?” “Fastest way to the top is…” “It’s too steep, with all that snow? You can’t…” “Okay, here we go,” Cade answered, talking fast. “You take the traaiiel, ch, ch, ch,” Blake watched confused as he made slow waving motions, “and I’ll go straight to the top, woooosshhhhh, and we’ll see who gets there first, cool, awesome, ready?” “Let’s go.” Blake bit his lips as he sprinted up the trail. As the trail cut back to the right he saw Cade sprinting up the slope, powering through the snow. Blake sprinted harder. Then he saw Cade slide back fast, almost back to where they started. Blake’s eyes lit up as he turned the next corner. He heard Cade yelling something, his voice rising fast up the slope behind him. Blake bit his lips tighter as he drew near to the next turn. He made a sharp turn back to the right. Cade slid fast about 20 feet. Citizens began singing “Joy to the World” from beyond the mountain top, sounding faint and ghostly. Their voices echoed sharply back and forth as Blake reached the top to watch Cade climb 30 feet, only to slide back 10. Finally, as chilling darkness fell over the mountain, Cade fell across the top, looking almost dead. “See…I…told…you…like…only way.” Blake just stared at him in disbelief. “Cade, you’re not even making sense.” “Well…I am…but you’re…down there…” Blake just shook his head. “We need to get ready,” Blake said, walking over to the northern edge overlooking the Christmas city glowing like a dream in the cold, dark night. More and more citizens came out of the mines and entered into the singing of Christmas carols on the narrow twisted streets. “It’s almost time I think,” said Blake glancing back toward Cade who slowly approached. “We’re not the only ones who think so,” he said quietly, pointing to the mountain left of Carolmire. Several bright lights roamed back and forth from the aliens’ neon green shining tower. A sonic boom shot across the dark rolling sky. The kids ducked down behind several large rocks. “Be ready,” said Blake. “I’m ready, won’t need to tell me twice.” “I’m just saying, you might be tired after all that sliding.” “No way,” Cade shook his head sharply. An alien ship lit up in glittering gold lights hovered over the top of the city. Neon green candles glowed in the windows of the general store. Bright blazing blue candles lit up the entire castle. Gold-lit candles glowed in strong flashing lights throughout the grand square windows of the hotel. Gold candles remained still in heavy clusters of various citizens’ balconies. Dark orange candles shined with slow burning lights in the grand windows of the restaurant. The ship’s lights began to grow dim within the dark haze of the night sky. “Be ready,” said Blake, “should be any time…” He turned to Cade, who was leaning against a rock, asleep. Blake kicked him. Cade woke up to a haunting, but beautiful voice singing Silent Night. “It’s on, it’s on,” said Cade, clapping a few times. The kids stared out at the dreamy city. The singing came soaring out from the clocktower where dim gold candles shined. “We know she’s not there though,” Blake said in a low voice. “She’s somewhere else.” Both kids scanned the various homes lit by gold and multi-coloured candles swaying in the chilling song. They looked around at the small shops and prominent places. Then Cade took out the prophecy. Blake lit up a bright sparkling candle. “What is the two?” Cade asked. “It’s about a light.” “Who’s they?” The two kids stared at the lines while the singing swayed over the dreamy lights. The alien ship slowly circled around the city. “It must be the light and the singer,” said Blake. The ghostly, yet sweet voice kept singing, sounding distant, yet sharp and clear. The music soared over the dream-like lights blending with the towering Devas Evergreens with their spiraling branches rising in high twisted cones. Breaking moonlight fell through the one Devas Evergreen glowing neon green in various points just over the kids, the light spilling down through the branches from the top slowly down to the bottom as the peaceful singing played on. “Aaaauuuurrrrrggghhhhh,” said Blake, holding his head in agony. “What happened?” “I can’t stand trying to figure it out their way, trying to break down every line, every word, it doesn’t work.” Cade turned to Blake with bright intensity. “Then we figure it out our way.” Blake slowly looked up, then answered, “Right on.” The kids turned back to the prophecy copy under bright flickering light. Her song swayed, rising and falling over the murky flashing lights. “I think we need to look at the whole picture.” “What do you mean?” “I mean, what does the entire prophecy say?” The kids read over the lines, then looked down at the musical city below, then they read the lines again, then gazed back down at the musical lights. Her ghostly, yet hopeful singing swayed through the neon green candles glowing in the windows of the general store. The bright blazing blue candles lit up the entire castle. Gold-lit candles glowed in a strong flashing light throughout the grand square windows of the hotel. Gold candles remained still in heavy clusters of various citizens’ balconies. Dark orange candles shined with a slow burning light throughout the grand windows of the restaurant. “The prophecy’s talking about lights blending, connecting,” said Blake talking quietly. “I think it’s talking about two lights that will meet.” The kids stared more intently at the quiet singing city. Dark orange candle clusters shined brightly through crystal grand windows of the playhouse. Single candles in the simple windows of the grand home across the top hill remained still in the chilling music. Then Cade started gazing out across the lower mountain slopes. Breaking moonlight cast sleek shadows over the creamy slopes, falling from the top all the way down to the city entrance. Chilling winds whistled across the slopes on all sides. “I got it,” said Cade with eyes lit, “I got it. It’s an echo. She’s singing from one place but making it sound like it’s coming from another place.” “So where is she?” asked Blake. Just then several alien ships emerged from the dark rushing clouds. “She’s at the hotel. The lights are blended together in there just like in the restaurant.” “Let’s go,” said Blake. He started to turn, but Cade pulled him back as several bright lights lit up in the sky. “What are you doing?” “I think the aliens figured it out. Look.” The two ships dropped low in the sky close to the hotel. “We have to get her out of there.” “It’ll take an hour to get down there,” said Blake. “Not my way,” said Cade gazing down the north slope. “Oh come on…” Cade slowly broke a smile that looked almost evil, and crazy. “You’ve got to be kidding.” Cade turned to him with a confident smile. “There’s no way.” “It worked on the way up.” “How do you know we won’t hit any rocks?” “I know, trust me, it’s obvious.” Alien lights shot out toward the hotel. “Come on,” Cade urged. “This is our chance.” Blake sighed heavily and started pretend-writing on the prophecy copy. “What are you doing?” “Just writing my will…” “Come on, we need to go.” Cade jumped down and began his slide down the slope while Blake closed his eyes before starting his. The kids started to gain speed surfing down the snowy slope toward the quiet, still hotel. “So how do you know we won’t hit any rocks?” Blake challenged. “I saw the shadow go all the way down the slope,” Cade answered calmly. “THAT’S IT?!?” “We’re almost theeerrrrreeeee.” Cade and Blake turned sideways as they eventually slid into a snow drift at the city park right in front of the hotel. The kids gazed up at the alien lights moving in together over the hotel. Then they drifted apart, searching the grounds. “Now, go, go, go.” The kids sprinted to the entrance while the alien lights moved back toward the entrance. Slow burning dark orange candles lit the narrow black marble halls with brightly coloured carpets. “To the top floor windows,” said Blake. Cade nodded while they sprinted up the winding steps of the grand center room. They ducked the roaming alien lights. The ships drew in closer. The floors and walls rattled under the pressure. Just then they heard the singing as the lady turned to see them approaching. It was Annie Carabright.
“We have to get you out of here,” said Cade. “They’ll find me,” she said, nodding to the searching lights. “We can get you out,” said Blake. “Right, Cade?” Cade looked around outside as the lights grew stronger. Then his eyes slowly scanned the grand top floor room until stopping on a grand piano in the corner. Talking fast Cade answered, “I know how we’ll escape, I know how we’ll escape, I’m going to play, just play us out, get ready, let’s go, let’s go, let’s go.” “Woah, slow down…” “I’ll start playing, you guys get ready, hide by the front entrance, I’ll join you and then we get out when they all rush to here.” “They figured it out, remember?” said Blake. “They’ll know you’re here playing the piano, they won’t think it’s coming from the restaurant.” “I know, I have a different plan, trust me, go now, wait for me.” “This better be good,” Blake whispered as he and Annie made their way for the entrance and hid down behind a large couch. Then the song began, it was Silent Night. The ship descended to the street. Cade played strong and fast, with an added echo to the song as he played the keys. The place vibrated to the fast-paced rhythm of the strong, fast playing. The dark orange lights swayed to the energetic, strong, yet peaceful song. “Why do you sing secretly?” Blake whispered. “For them,” she nodded toward the restaurant. “My music brings them together and shines a light on them instead of me. It highlights how special they are, how talented they are, like tonight, the chef and his wife realizing what a great restaurant they have, and for the rest of them over there singing and dancing, they realize how great they are. You see, we all have a great destiny, like the two of you being led here to save me with your bright determination, so my music can continue bringing light to them. Sometimes our destiny may be hard to see in the heavy darkness, but it can still shine if you go deep enough to find the light that only shines in the deepest dark.” The ship reached the ground. Several aliens quickly walked out. They headed down the street for the entrance while the Silent Night played on and on, the bright, hopeful notes rising higher and higher around them. “He’s out of time,” Blake whispered. “No I’m not,” Cade whispered behind them. “How did you…” “Same way she did,” he answered. “I played it so it would echo long enough for us to escape.” The aliens rushed in, then up the steps. The two kids and Annie snuck out, then hurried down to the restaurant and slipped inside. All the people were sitting still just listening to the bright keys playing the song echoing out through the city. Cade, Blake, and Annie each smiled as they saw all of the citizens of Carolmire sitting together, listening to the same song, feeling the same peace, singing the same song but in their unique voices, joining in the magic of the Silent Night.
Blake walked into Cade’s room, a few nights before Christmas, and was hit…with a soccer ball. “What was that for?” “You weren’t supposed to open the door right then,” Cade answered with a shrug. “So you hit me with a soccer ball?” “No, I was trying a new trick shot.” “What kind of…” Blake stopped for a moment, gazing around at the numerous coloured candles lit up in Cade’s room taking up literally every space in his room. “Seriously Cade? What is with all the lights in here?” “It’s Christmas,” he answered with a half-smile. “So? You’ll go blind.” “I’m trying to see something.” “Do you realize how hot it is in here?” Blake asked, wiping the sweat off his forehead. Cade just shrugged, gestured for Blake to move to the right, then kicked the ball at the door. It hit the door hard, then bounced off the corner bookshelf, knocking several candles to the floor, before sliding past the goal on the right. Cade sighed heavily, turning away dejected while the a small fire started among the candles on the floor. “Uh, Cade?” “I can’t believe it.” “Cade?” “Should have gone in.” “Hey Cade, you might want…” “I think I need more speed on it.” “CADE, YOUR FLOOR IS ON FIRE!”
Blake still has dreams about that day, several weeks before Christmas, when he came home to an empty house. At least, most of his house was empty, except his room. All that he had was still there, but with something else that wasn’t there before. On his desk, which was covered with various folders, papers, and textbooks that he planned on studying at some point…later…maybe. Then he saw it, placed on top of the mess, was a note…
Blake is not as into decorating for Christmas as Cade. He kind of prefers darkness, but Cade gets after him a lot, and I mean a lot, about decorating his room. So as a joke, Blake sets up two candles with a pile of tinsel between them. But it’s not just the simple set up. These are candles you have to see to believe. The colour is best described as pale yellow. They are moldy, crusty, and old, burning with a really dim orange light. They also lean a lot to the right, yet somehow don’t fall over. The wax seems to be melting all around making the candles look like they are tired of standing.
In their new home, Cade and Blake have a new tradition of decorating the tree by making it kind of a race. They each get a box with the same decorations. When the clock starts, they have to get all of their decorations on their side of the tree. Whoever gets theirs up first wins, but they have to stay on the tree. It gets pretty intense. Cade tries to shake the branches while Blake tries putting his decorations on. Blake plucks needles off the tree and throws them at Cade to distract him. But I can’t tell you how many times each of them has won, they won’t let me reveal that to you for some reason. They’re really secretive about this competition.
I’m not kidding about how secretive they are about this. Both kids circle their home several times making sure no one is hiding outside, getting ready to spy on their competition because of course lots of people must be dying to watch Blake and Cade decorate their Christmas tree, right? They then put up dark curtains, or blankets over the windows to make sure no one can see. They struggle to get the curtains or blankets to stay up. They keep falling. Finally they figure out to just temporarily tape them to the walls around the windows. You would think they would remember to do this first every time now, but they never do. They still struggle until finally realizing that they won’t hold up without tape. Then, the competition begins.
Blake walked slower than he ever had before across his room toward the note. He didn’t know what was written on it, and he hadn’t really thought about it yet, but somehow deep down he knew what it was. He felt an anxiety he had never felt before or since. But he had to read it. His house never felt as silent as it did when he read that note…
Cade casually spun around, walked slowly over to where Blake was standing, watching the small fire spread in his room. Then Cade took a bucket of water barely visible behind ten colourful candle lights and put out the fire. Blake just shook his head while Cade smiled brightly. “You do realize you have like every candle in the world in here, right?” Cade’s smile faded. “I still don’t have the two I’m looking for…”
