Murder In The Old Castle
370. Discoveries in the Forest
Ryan opened his eyes slowly, as he felt the sunlight hitting his face. Apparently he accidentally fell asleep in a place with leaves in front of the makeshift tent. His body felt very tired, the bones seemed to be separated from his body, and the muscles also felt stiff. He sat down to regain consciousness. Around the place it looked quiet, only the remnants of burned wood were still reflecting smoke. Where is the foreign figure who brought him here? He doesn't see her anymore.
Beside it is available drinking water that is filled in a plastic bottle of used mineral drinking water that has been dented. It might just be found out of the trash. However, it does not matter whether the water is hygienic or not. He took a small sip to relieve the thirst that made his throat feel dry. In addition to drinking water, he also noticed some strange fruits and meat that had just been roasted. Perhaps the figure was purposely preparing this meal for him. But where is he? Why did he leave her?
There was no reason not to eat the food, even though everything in his eyes looked disgusting. He had to eat in order to have energy, or even survive, he began to eat some foreign fruit that tasted very sour. The hull screamed as the fruit began to come in. He only ate two grains because the pain began to pinch the stomach. The color of the fruit was a blackish blue, shaped like a grape, but slightly larger. It tastes sour and a little. He also ate meat that seemed to be grilled carelessly without seasoning. It was tasteless and of course different from the steak he used to eat at restaurants. But he had no other choice. He did not want to die of hunger.
Once he felt enough, he stood around the place, looking for any information that he could use as a clue. This part of the forest looked silent and quiet, there was only the sound of the forest birds on the high tree branches. Ryan never knew this place before. Everything looks foreign. He could hear the sound of running water. Maybe this place is close to the river, making it easier to find a source of water. Ryan thought, if he followed the flow of this river, maybe he would reach the waterfall. However, he could not estimate the distance between the tent and the waterfall.
He felt astonished, it seemed like the figure had stayed in this place for quite some time. He saw the remains of bones under a large tree. He was grateful, because the bones were animal bones, not human bones as he thought. He is still imagined in one of the scenes of the film Wrong Turn that he had seen, where several psychopaths of human predators live in the forest and like to hunt humans. He still shuddered when he remembered the incident.
Curiosity made him enter the makeshift tent made of twigs and leaves. There was nothing special in it, it seemed like this place was only used for rest. Suddenly, he saw a necklace just put in the tent. Ryan took the necklace while frowning. It was as if he had seen it, but forgot where and when. The necklace was not a gold necklace, but an imitation necklace with a heart-shaped pendant. Ryan was surprised, as it turned out that the locket could be opened. When he opened the locket, he was more surprised because he knew the photo in the locket.
***
Juned and Jeremy have managed to find a tunnel under the castle that connects with the forest area. They continued down the tunnel, heading towards the bright light coming from the end of the tunnel. From that direction of light they could feel a fairly fresh air flow. After walking for a while, until they are also at the end of the barren. For a moment, they stopped in front of the gate that was shaped like the prison's bars. Jeremy looked towards the forest in astonishment, not at all expecting that underneath the castle was a secret tunnel connected to the forest.
"Well, yes" murmured Jeremy.
"Why why?" ask Juned.
"The "killer was able to safely go to the forest, then return to the castle without any other knowledge. Hopefully we get some important leads around here" Jeremy said.
The two of them immediately came out, directly stepping towards the quite silent forest. While walking, they kept watching the surroundings. The trees grow quite tall and tight. They had never passed through this area before, but they were sure that if they continued walking, it would lead to a waterfall.
"Jer ...."
Suddenly Juned sniffed like he smelled something. Jeremy did the same. They stopped their steps immediately, while being vigilant. Apparently they smell a very foul odor, even making them nauseous. That foul smell pierced quite strongly their sense of smell.
"You what is this? Like a carcass," said Jeremy.
"Yes, I smell the same. Let's check around this area. My hunch is not good. Lest the people we're looking for are dead" Juned said.
"Don't say anything! I'm sure Stella's alive. I know him. He's not going to die, for sure" Jeremy cut.
They immediately looked for the source of the pungent smell. They split up, in order for the search to be more effective. Juned searched around the bush and behind the rocks around it, because the smell was increasingly stinging from where he stood. While Jeremy moves further forward, breaking through the weeds that many grow around.
Moments later, Juned heard Jeremy's scream not far from where he was standing. Juned immediately acted swiftly, looking for Jeremy's whereabouts. He immediately picked up the gun in his vest, and checked around. Bad things can happen unexpectedly. He must take responsibility for Jeremy's safety.
"What's up ... What's up, Jer? What did you find?" ask Juned.
"I. .. I saw the policewoman tied up in a tree, motionless. Maybe it's dead. "
"Geez!"
Juned's mind went straight to Niken. Who else if not him? The two men immediately ran to where Jeremy found a female figure tied to a large tree. Indeed, the unmoving woman, with her head drooping face down it was Niken. Juned immediately acted swiftly. he checked the pulse that was on Niken's neck. Juned stuck his finger there.
"Still alive" muttered Juned.
Jeremy immediately breaks the bond that shackles Niken's body. Even though she was alive, she had lost her energy and strength. He was weak and could barely stand. They just put Niken's body on the ground.
"We have to take it to the castle immediately. He is alive and needs immediate help!" said Juned.
"But .... "
"We ignored Ryan's search. Our primary mission is to find Niken. The life of this woman is in danger and is in our hands. If we're late, he could die. Let's go back to the castle first. I'll carry him in the back because he can't possibly walk. You protect me if there's anything" Juned said, throwing a gun at Jeremy.
"But I .... " Jeremy caught a gun from Juned.
"Have not argued much! We have to hurry!"
Juned immediately raised Niken's body with the help of Jeremy. He put Niken's body on his back in such a way, so that it is easy to carry. Actually Jeremy feels a bit objected, because his personal mission to find Stella has not been fulfilled.
"Juned .. wait a minute!" said Jeremy.
"Where are you going?" ask Juned.
Jeremy's vegetables heard the buzzing of flies flying around the place. The smell of the carcass is also getting stronger. Jeremy leaves Juned for a moment, looking for the source of the fly's location. It seems, it's not far from there. He stepped while covering his nose, because the foul aroma more piercing. He suspected when he saw more flies flying from behind a thick bush that was quite lush. Suddenly his heart was racing faster. Slowly he shook the bush, to see what was hidden behind it.
"ough!"
Jeremy's stomach was nauseous at once seeing the scene shoot before his eyes!
***
