June 17, 2025 • 26 mins
The moment has arrived. It’s time to see if the treasure is buried at the park. Will Marie, JJ and Christian be able to dig it up and not get caught? And what kind of treasure is so important that somebody went to so much trouble to hide it?
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Previously on Adventures on AA Way Island, Marie, JJ, and
Christian were disappointed to reach a dead end when they
discovered that the library was not the location of the map.
After Marie's 10th birthday party, Safos revealed critical
information about the history ofAA Way Island.
(00:21):
There was a second, nearly identical location that the map
was referencing. With New Found Hope, Marie and
her friends prepared to go thereand finally dig up the treasure.
Welcome to adventures on AA Wei Island.
(00:47):
Hi AA Wei Islanders, we'd like to tell you about our friends at
the Curious Kid Podcast. The Curious Kid Podcast is
hosted by a dad and his two curious kids, Olivia and Noah.
They cover all sorts of fun topics like baseball, seashells,
(01:09):
birds, fireworks, and the planets.
There's a new topic for each episode and listeners get to
suggest the topics. The Curious Kid Podcast has over
300 episodes to enjoy. They release a new episode each
and every Sunday, so we hope you'll check out The Curious Kid
(01:31):
Podcast and enjoy it as much as we do.
Chapter 2 The Destination revealed Part 3 School the next
day dragged on forever. Marie alternated between looking
up at the classroom clock and ather smart watch.
(01:52):
Over and over again, she silently willed time to move
faster. It did not oblige.
When the bell finally rang, Marie retrieved her digging
supplies from her locker and rushed to find JJ and Christian
at their usual meeting spot outside the school.
(02:13):
Ready. Marie asked.
Yep. Christian replied with a
determined nod. With that, the three best
friends began their short walk to the park.
Marie was awash in emotions. Just days ago, they thought the
mysterious map led to the library, but with Sophos's help,
(02:34):
they realized the landmarks drawn in pencil matched to the
park instead. The pavilion, the circle of
flowers, Grandma Oak, and the flagpole.
Now as they walked, Marie felt amix of excitement and
trepidation. She was thrilled that they
(02:54):
figured out the map, but she wasalso nervous.
What if the treasure wasn't still buried there after all
this time? Or if it was, what was so
important for somebody to go to so much trouble hiding it?
Before she knew it, they were atthe edge of the park.
(03:17):
Here we go. JJ said eagerly.
The three began to trek across the grass to the center of the
park where the pavilion, GrandmaOak, and circular Flower
planting were. The flagpole stood as the 4th
beacon, the AW Island flag blalling lazily in the afternoon
breeze as if it were a hand waving them over.
(03:42):
Marie, JJ, and Christian broke into a jog, stopping a few feet
from the base of the flagpole. The earth around it had been
recently turned over and neatly edged by the groundskeepers.
A worried thought darted throughMarie's mind, but JJ beat her to
voicing it. What if the groundskeepers dug
(04:02):
up the treasure long ago? JJ asked.
It's possible, Christian said, but two feet down is pretty
deep. Only one way to find out.
JJ said resolutely. Marie didn't speak at first.
Her feelings were so intense, nowords seemed adequate.
(04:22):
She wanted the treasure to be there so desperately that it
almost hurt. She needed it to be there.
She would be utterly gutted if it was not.
But this was it. The moment they had been working
toward, the time for answers wasfinally upon them.
(04:43):
She took a breath and repeated the clue they'd found on the
map. Find the big three.
Ignore the rest. That's the location of the
secret chest. Go to the flagpole 2 feet to the
north. Dig inches down to the 24th.
The three dropped to their knees.
(05:05):
Marie took out the gardening gloves and trowels she'd brought
from home. Christian also produced his own
trowel. JJ took out a tape measure too.
Which way is exactly N? JJ asked.
Marie had a compass app on her new cell phone.
She opened it and studied it fora moment before pointing that
(05:27):
way. That is due N.
JJ carefully measured 2 feet N from the flagpole.
Christian immediately began to dig there.
What if someone sees us? JJ asked, nervously, glancing
around. Luckily, the park was almost
empty at the moment, but gettingcaught digging was something
(05:50):
Marie had already considered in the many days leading up to this
moment. If anyone asks, I think we
should just tell them we're digging up something that a
friend buried here for us a while ago, She said.
It's technically kind of true, and it sounds believable enough.
(06:11):
Good idea. JJ said, a bit relieved there
aren't many people here right now anyway.
Hopefully we can get this done quickly.
Indeed, Christians seem to be making fast work of the upper
layer of dirt. It was soft and crumbly, having
already been turned over recently by the groundskeeping
staff. Marine joined him in digging.
(06:33):
Before long they were reaching the entire length of their arms
into the hole, pyramids of excavated dirt all around them.
They had to widen the top of thehole so they could fit their
upper bodies inside too. So they began to work one at a
time, taking turns. This was a lot more digging than
(06:55):
Marie had anticipated. Using the tiny trowels made the
job even more time consuming, and once they passed the
recently turned soil, the groundwas heavily compacted and much
harder to Pierce. Every inch took effort.
We need to dig 2 feet. Can you measure and see how
(07:16):
close we are? Marie asked JJ.
Yep. JJ replied, rubbing her dirty
hands on her jeans before picking up the tape measure.
She carefully unfurled it into the hole. 23 inches.
She exclaimed. We're almost there.
Just then, a voice spoke from behind them.
(07:38):
What are you kids doing? The trio had been so focused on
their task, none of them had noticed anyone approaching.
Marie's heart sank. She turned to look up at who was
speaking, squinting into the sunlight.
The figure looming over them wasbacklit and hard to make out at
first, but then Marie noticed the tan work jumpsuit she wore.
(08:02):
It was one of the groundskeepers.
The woman peered down at them, hands planted accusatorily on
her hips, awaiting an answer. We were digging something up.
Marie stammered, her cheeks flushing with guilt.
I can see that, but you are not supposed to be digging anything
(08:26):
up here at the park. The woman said emphatically.
We work very hard to make everything neat and orderly for
park goers, and you 3 are makinga huge mess.
As the groundskeeper spoke, the sunlight blinding Marie's view
shifted again, dimmed by the slow arrival of another person
(08:48):
in a tan jumpsuit, casually carrying a rake.
Marie focused on the figure's face, then gasped.
It was Safos. That same mysterious man from
the library now looked down at Marie with a smile.
He gave her a quick wink and a small shake of the head back and
(09:09):
forth, just like the detectives in her favorite mystery novels.
Marie took that shake of the head to mean she should not
reveal that she knew Saphos. What do we have here?
Saphos asked kindly. A friend left us something here
to dig up, Marie said, trying toremain calm.
(09:31):
We're almost done. Can we please finish what we're
doing? We promise to put all the dirt
back in the hole. Marie looked up at the female
groundskeeper imploringly. No, you can't, the woman said
firmly. Beyond the mess, it could be
dangerous for you to be making such a deep hole.
(09:53):
You need to put the dirt back immediately.
To his credit, Christian kept digging while she and JJ stared
at the two adults standing over them.
Marie knew the moment JJ recognized Saphos too.
Hey, aren't you? JJ began, but Marie cut her off.
(10:15):
Yes, JJ, he's a groundskeeper too.
She stated firmly, trying to keep JJ from blowing Sappho's
cover. Marie's heart pounded in her
chest. They were so close to finding
the treasure, she felt certain of this.
They just couldn't give up now. Please.
(10:36):
Marie begged, not knowing what else to say.
We just have one more inch to go.
JJ said, desperation in her voice as well.
One more inch, you say? Saphos repeated thoughtfully.
JJ nodded. Yes, just one more inch.
Saphos turned to the other groundskeeper with an easy
(10:59):
smile, holding his palm open in a friendly gesture.
Vivian. He said warmly.
I think we should let them finish.
You remember what it was like tobe young and have an important
goal. I'll stay here to make sure they
are safe and put all the dirt back when they are done.
(11:19):
Vivian hesitated for just a moment.
Her eyes shifted from the mess to the kids and finally back to
Safos. After a moment, she dropped her
hands from her hips and her facial expression softened.
In that case, I guess it's OK. She said without a glance back.
(11:41):
She turned and walked away just as Marie returned her attention
to the hole. Christian called out.
I just hit something. Seconds later, after digging a
bit more and tugging a bit, he pulled out a small glass jar.
The metal lid was covered in rust, and whatever was inside
(12:02):
was hidden in a cloth. Well, it's not a treasure chest,
but it is. Christian began quickly.
Saphos cut him off, a sudden urgency in his voice.
Fill up the hole and take the jar home.
Do not open it here. There was something about his
tone that made Marie not question the instructions.
(12:26):
She began shoving the piles of dirt back into the hole.
JJ and Christian did the same, quickly, quickly.
Saphos urged them on. Marie glanced upward and saw the
reason The other groundskeeper, Vivian, was quickly approaching
with another adult in tow. Go now?
(12:46):
Saphos commanded. Christian tucked the glass jar
in his backpack and the trio scrambled to gather their
things. Meanwhile, Saphos began to rake
over the dirt pile. Instinctively, Marie LED her
friends away from the approaching adults.
As they hurried away, they heardSafa speak.
(13:07):
The kids are all done. They put everything back.
Marie didn't hear the rest of the conversation.
They continued to walk as fast as they could, cutting through a
few side paths, hoping to avoid being followed.
As they walked, they brushed thedirt off their clothes.
Luckily it had been dry, so mostof it brushed off pretty easily.
(13:30):
My house. Marie said breathlessly.
It was the closest of their three homes.
As soon as they arrived at Marie's house, Mr. Duguay
greeted them. How was school?
He asked, ducking around the doorway to the kitchen where he
was preparing dinner. Good, Marie said.
(13:51):
She ushered her friends immediately to the stairs,
hoping her dad wouldn't notice that they still were a little
dirty from digging. We have homework.
We're going to get started rightaway in my bedroom.
Mr. Duguay's right eyebrow raised in surprise because Marie
usually hemmed and hawed and procrastinated on her homework.
(14:13):
But he said no more and turned back into the kitchen.
Once upstairs, Marie grabbed A washcloth from the bathroom and
laid it out on her bedroom floorto protect the carpet.
The three friends sat in a circle as Christian took the
glass jar out of his backpack and set it on the washcloth.
(14:33):
Dirt still caked on the outside and the metal lid still bubbled
with rust. For a long moment, they all just
stared at the jar. Marie's insides tremored with
butterflies. They had done it.
After all this searching, they had actually found the treasure.
(14:54):
Part of her couldn't wait to open the jar and see what was
inside, but another part of her wanted to hold on to the mystery
just a moment longer. What if there was something
boring inside and all their effort wasn't worthwhile?
Open it. JJ whispered impatiently.
Christian reached out, dirt still crammed under his
(15:17):
fingernails, and carefully twisted the rusty metal lid,
which came open with a creak. Then he tipped the jar upside
down. A small linen pouch tumbled onto
the washcloth. Its fabric was worn with age,
and it was clearly holding something.
Breathlessly, Marie took the pouch in hand, opened the
(15:40):
drawstring, and peered inside. One by one, she removed the
contents. The first item was a tiny dragon
statue, no bigger than 1/4. Marie held it in her poem to
examine it closer. It looked to be made out of a
golden medal of some sort, with an aged verdigris green patina
(16:05):
that dulled its shine. The statuette was quite detailed
for being so small. Looking at it, Marie felt a
sense of Deja vu, like she had seen a version of this somewhere
else. In her excitement, she couldn't
place where. A dragon toy?
(16:26):
JJ said suspiciously. That's kind of weird.
I don't think this is a children's toy, but it is
strange. Marie agreed.
Next, she took out a small rectangular photograph that was
tightly curled with age. Ever so carefully, she unrolled
(16:47):
it. It was a picture of a group of
teenagers, clearly older than Marie, JJ and Christian, all
gathered around a picnic table in the park pavilion.
The photo was so small it was hard to make out their faces,
but every person clearly had onehand resting on the shoulder of
(17:09):
another, as if in a show of friendship or camaraderie.
Having been rolled up so long. The photo continued to try to
curl in Marie's fingers. She turned it over and there was
a year printed on the back. 2000, That's 25 years ago.
(17:30):
Christian exclaimed. Marie reached her fingers into
the little linen bag again and felt around.
There was one more item inside. It was a small bit of paper
folded up into a tight square. She set down the linen bag and
unfolded the paper. All three read what was written
(17:53):
together, forward and back. We tried our best to use our
skills and pass the test. Friends to the end.
Without a doubt, we're out of time.
Can you help us out? Find the symbol.
That's the key. The secret Club, The Chosen 3.
(18:14):
Maria released the paper and letit fall to the washcloth, trying
to make sense of all of it. JJ didn't mince words.
That's it, She said, obviously disappointed.
Why wouldn't they just tell us what all of this is about?
That was written 25 years ago. What are we supposed to do to
(18:37):
help them out now, If it's even possible?
Marie shook her head. I don't know.
Anger fueling her frustration, JJ stood up and grabbed her
things. I got to go home to dinner.
She said. Christian gave a resigned shrug.
Yeah, me too. They both left in a hurry.
(19:01):
Marie sat there staring at the three items.
A dragon, a photo, and another Riddle.
This certainly was the mystery she was hoping for.
But secretly she was worried. If those teenagers in the
picture had left that message asking for help, then maybe
(19:22):
they'd been stuck too. And if they couldn't figure out
the mystery and pass the test, how could she?
She just turned 10. Marie picked up the linen bag,
about to put the items back inside when her father called to
her from downstairs. Marie, mom's home and it's time
(19:44):
for dinner. She blinked a moment, her
thoughts still a jumble. Coming.
She called back. She dropped the linen bag onto
the washcloth as she got up and headed down to dinner.
As they ate, she shared the details about her day with her
parents. Well, most of it.
(20:06):
She left out what they'd done and found in the park.
She wasn't sure why she was still keeping it a secret.
Whatever the mystery was about was probably long past, but she
still felt compelled not to say anything.
Maybe it was the fact that all of this started with her taking
(20:26):
that map without permission fromthe book in the Restricted
section. The book?
She exclaimed abruptly. Maybe that held another clue,
she thought. What book, sweetheart?
Her mom said, a curious smile onher face.
(20:46):
Oh. Marie said, stalling a bit while
she tried to figure out what to say next.
The partial truth seemed to be the best option.
The book in the restricted section, she said to her mom.
Dad said I could take it out when he was done with the botany
(21:08):
book, and I don't want to forgetit.
I returned that botany book a while ago, her dad noted.
We can go get the book you want tomorrow, if you like.
Yes, that would be great, Marie agreed quickly, already thinking
ahead. She felt much better having an
idea of what to do next. Good detectives always have a
(21:32):
plan. After helping clean up the
dinner dishes and load the dishwasher, she headed back up
to her room to get started on her homework.
As soon as she turned on the light, her eyes were drawn to
the items from the glass jar still sitting on the washcloth
on her floor. The little dragon was laying on
(21:54):
its side as if asleep. The photo had recoiled back into
a roll and the paper with the clue awaited refolding.
That's when she noticed it on the linen bag.
It must have fallen on its opposite side when she had
dropped it to go to dinner, because now, as clear as day,
(22:19):
Marie saw something she hadn't noticed before.
There was a design embroidered on the bag.
The stitching was almost the same color as the linen bag
itself, making it difficult to see.
Marie gasped. She recognized that symbol.
It was the same design that Saphos had on the handkerchief
(22:41):
tucked into his breast pocket, as well as on the ring he wore
on his hand. She sat down and picked up the
bag. She hadn't paid any attention to
the design before, she just thought it was the logo of some
brand name that she didn't know about.
But now it was just too uncanny that Saphos had worn the same
(23:04):
design that was on this old bag,that she had never seen him
before this adventure started, and now he seemed to pop up at
the most opportune times. Once more, the hairs on the back
of Marie's neck prickled. The mystery was even deeper than
she previously thought. Staring at the linen bag, she
(23:28):
studied the embroidery. Although it was very neatly
done, it also had a hand stitched quality.
As if someone had spent a lot oftime marking this bag with this
design, it felt very intentional.
Marie traced the careful stitches with her finger.
The design almost looked like a sun atop a butterfly with some
(23:52):
extra swooping lines. Suddenly, Marie heard footsteps
coming up the stairs. She grabbed her smartphone and
quickly snapped a picture of thebag symbol side up before
slipping the items back in the pouch.
She stowed it and the glass jar in her desk drawer.
Marie bunched up the washcloth and tossed it in the laundry
(24:15):
hamper in the hall bathroom and busied herself with laying her
homework out on her bed where she preferred to work.
But before she started, she sentthe picture of the bag to her
group chat with JJ and Christianwith the caption.
Have you seen this symbol before?
Neither responded immediately. She muted her messages so she
(24:38):
could concentrate on her homework.
An hour later, when she was done, she unmuted her phone and
saw responses from both friends.Neither recognized the symbol.
Marie went to bed that night feeling more satisfied, yet more
curious than ever. They'd solved the first part of
(24:59):
the mystery. They'd found the treasure.
But instead of being the end of the adventure, it was just the
beginning. There were more puzzles to solve
and more adventure to be had. She couldn't wait to get back to
the library. She'd check out the book that
the map had been hidden in. She felt certain it would hold a
(25:23):
clue to the next step. And if she was lucky, Saphos
would be back at the reference desk so she could ask about the
meaning and origin of the strange symbol.
The more Marie thought about it,the more it seemed like it might
be a coat of arms, but for what,she had no idea.
(25:50):
Finding the treasure has turned out to be the beginning, not the
end of the adventure. The new clue has plunged the
kids further into the mystery. JJ and Christian feel the task
is impossible and want to give up.
Marie has to decide. Will she continue to seek
answers on her own? Find out when the adventure
(26:12):
continues in our next episode ofAdventures on Awe Island.
Thanks for listening to Adventures on Awe Island.
Be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player so you
don't miss an episode.
Previously on Adventures on AA Way Island, Marie, JJ, and
Christian were disappointed to reach a dead end when they
discovered that the library was not the location of the map.
After Marie's 10th birthday party, Safos revealed critical
information about the history ofAA Way Island.
(00:21):
There was a second, nearly identical location that the map
was referencing. With New Found Hope, Marie and
her friends prepared to go thereand finally dig up the treasure.
Welcome to adventures on AA Wei Island.
(00:47):
Hi AA Wei Islanders, we'd like to tell you about our friends at
the Curious Kid Podcast. The Curious Kid Podcast is
hosted by a dad and his two curious kids, Olivia and Noah.
They cover all sorts of fun topics like baseball, seashells,
(01:09):
birds, fireworks, and the planets.
There's a new topic for each episode and listeners get to
suggest the topics. The Curious Kid Podcast has over
300 episodes to enjoy. They release a new episode each
and every Sunday, so we hope you'll check out The Curious Kid
(01:31):
Podcast and enjoy it as much as we do.
Chapter 2 The Destination revealed Part 3 School the next
day dragged on forever. Marie alternated between looking
up at the classroom clock and ather smart watch.
(01:52):
Over and over again, she silently willed time to move
faster. It did not oblige.
When the bell finally rang, Marie retrieved her digging
supplies from her locker and rushed to find JJ and Christian
at their usual meeting spot outside the school.
(02:13):
Ready. Marie asked.
Yep. Christian replied with a
determined nod. With that, the three best
friends began their short walk to the park.
Marie was awash in emotions. Just days ago, they thought the
mysterious map led to the library, but with Sophos's help,
(02:34):
they realized the landmarks drawn in pencil matched to the
park instead. The pavilion, the circle of
flowers, Grandma Oak, and the flagpole.
Now as they walked, Marie felt amix of excitement and
trepidation. She was thrilled that they
(02:54):
figured out the map, but she wasalso nervous.
What if the treasure wasn't still buried there after all
this time? Or if it was, what was so
important for somebody to go to so much trouble hiding it?
Before she knew it, they were atthe edge of the park.
(03:17):
Here we go. JJ said eagerly.
The three began to trek across the grass to the center of the
park where the pavilion, GrandmaOak, and circular Flower
planting were. The flagpole stood as the 4th
beacon, the AW Island flag blalling lazily in the afternoon
breeze as if it were a hand waving them over.
(03:42):
Marie, JJ, and Christian broke into a jog, stopping a few feet
from the base of the flagpole. The earth around it had been
recently turned over and neatly edged by the groundskeepers.
A worried thought darted throughMarie's mind, but JJ beat her to
voicing it. What if the groundskeepers dug
(04:02):
up the treasure long ago? JJ asked.
It's possible, Christian said, but two feet down is pretty
deep. Only one way to find out.
JJ said resolutely. Marie didn't speak at first.
Her feelings were so intense, nowords seemed adequate.
(04:22):
She wanted the treasure to be there so desperately that it
almost hurt. She needed it to be there.
She would be utterly gutted if it was not.
But this was it. The moment they had been working
toward, the time for answers wasfinally upon them.
(04:43):
She took a breath and repeated the clue they'd found on the
map. Find the big three.
Ignore the rest. That's the location of the
secret chest. Go to the flagpole 2 feet to the
north. Dig inches down to the 24th.
The three dropped to their knees.
(05:05):
Marie took out the gardening gloves and trowels she'd brought
from home. Christian also produced his own
trowel. JJ took out a tape measure too.
Which way is exactly N? JJ asked.
Marie had a compass app on her new cell phone.
She opened it and studied it fora moment before pointing that
(05:27):
way. That is due N.
JJ carefully measured 2 feet N from the flagpole.
Christian immediately began to dig there.
What if someone sees us? JJ asked, nervously, glancing
around. Luckily, the park was almost
empty at the moment, but gettingcaught digging was something
(05:50):
Marie had already considered in the many days leading up to this
moment. If anyone asks, I think we
should just tell them we're digging up something that a
friend buried here for us a while ago, She said.
It's technically kind of true, and it sounds believable enough.
(06:11):
Good idea. JJ said, a bit relieved there
aren't many people here right now anyway.
Hopefully we can get this done quickly.
Indeed, Christians seem to be making fast work of the upper
layer of dirt. It was soft and crumbly, having
already been turned over recently by the groundskeeping
staff. Marine joined him in digging.
(06:33):
Before long they were reaching the entire length of their arms
into the hole, pyramids of excavated dirt all around them.
They had to widen the top of thehole so they could fit their
upper bodies inside too. So they began to work one at a
time, taking turns. This was a lot more digging than
(06:55):
Marie had anticipated. Using the tiny trowels made the
job even more time consuming, and once they passed the
recently turned soil, the groundwas heavily compacted and much
harder to Pierce. Every inch took effort.
We need to dig 2 feet. Can you measure and see how
(07:16):
close we are? Marie asked JJ.
Yep. JJ replied, rubbing her dirty
hands on her jeans before picking up the tape measure.
She carefully unfurled it into the hole. 23 inches.
She exclaimed. We're almost there.
Just then, a voice spoke from behind them.
(07:38):
What are you kids doing? The trio had been so focused on
their task, none of them had noticed anyone approaching.
Marie's heart sank. She turned to look up at who was
speaking, squinting into the sunlight.
The figure looming over them wasbacklit and hard to make out at
first, but then Marie noticed the tan work jumpsuit she wore.
(08:02):
It was one of the groundskeepers.
The woman peered down at them, hands planted accusatorily on
her hips, awaiting an answer. We were digging something up.
Marie stammered, her cheeks flushing with guilt.
I can see that, but you are not supposed to be digging anything
(08:26):
up here at the park. The woman said emphatically.
We work very hard to make everything neat and orderly for
park goers, and you 3 are makinga huge mess.
As the groundskeeper spoke, the sunlight blinding Marie's view
shifted again, dimmed by the slow arrival of another person
(08:48):
in a tan jumpsuit, casually carrying a rake.
Marie focused on the figure's face, then gasped.
It was Safos. That same mysterious man from
the library now looked down at Marie with a smile.
He gave her a quick wink and a small shake of the head back and
(09:09):
forth, just like the detectives in her favorite mystery novels.
Marie took that shake of the head to mean she should not
reveal that she knew Saphos. What do we have here?
Saphos asked kindly. A friend left us something here
to dig up, Marie said, trying toremain calm.
(09:31):
We're almost done. Can we please finish what we're
doing? We promise to put all the dirt
back in the hole. Marie looked up at the female
groundskeeper imploringly. No, you can't, the woman said
firmly. Beyond the mess, it could be
dangerous for you to be making such a deep hole.
(09:53):
You need to put the dirt back immediately.
To his credit, Christian kept digging while she and JJ stared
at the two adults standing over them.
Marie knew the moment JJ recognized Saphos too.
Hey, aren't you? JJ began, but Marie cut her off.
(10:15):
Yes, JJ, he's a groundskeeper too.
She stated firmly, trying to keep JJ from blowing Sappho's
cover. Marie's heart pounded in her
chest. They were so close to finding
the treasure, she felt certain of this.
They just couldn't give up now. Please.
(10:36):
Marie begged, not knowing what else to say.
We just have one more inch to go.
JJ said, desperation in her voice as well.
One more inch, you say? Saphos repeated thoughtfully.
JJ nodded. Yes, just one more inch.
Saphos turned to the other groundskeeper with an easy
(10:59):
smile, holding his palm open in a friendly gesture.
Vivian. He said warmly.
I think we should let them finish.
You remember what it was like tobe young and have an important
goal. I'll stay here to make sure they
are safe and put all the dirt back when they are done.
(11:19):
Vivian hesitated for just a moment.
Her eyes shifted from the mess to the kids and finally back to
Safos. After a moment, she dropped her
hands from her hips and her facial expression softened.
In that case, I guess it's OK. She said without a glance back.
(11:41):
She turned and walked away just as Marie returned her attention
to the hole. Christian called out.
I just hit something. Seconds later, after digging a
bit more and tugging a bit, he pulled out a small glass jar.
The metal lid was covered in rust, and whatever was inside
(12:02):
was hidden in a cloth. Well, it's not a treasure chest,
but it is. Christian began quickly.
Saphos cut him off, a sudden urgency in his voice.
Fill up the hole and take the jar home.
Do not open it here. There was something about his
tone that made Marie not question the instructions.
(12:26):
She began shoving the piles of dirt back into the hole.
JJ and Christian did the same, quickly, quickly.
Saphos urged them on. Marie glanced upward and saw the
reason The other groundskeeper, Vivian, was quickly approaching
with another adult in tow. Go now?
(12:46):
Saphos commanded. Christian tucked the glass jar
in his backpack and the trio scrambled to gather their
things. Meanwhile, Saphos began to rake
over the dirt pile. Instinctively, Marie LED her
friends away from the approaching adults.
As they hurried away, they heardSafa speak.
(13:07):
The kids are all done. They put everything back.
Marie didn't hear the rest of the conversation.
They continued to walk as fast as they could, cutting through a
few side paths, hoping to avoid being followed.
As they walked, they brushed thedirt off their clothes.
Luckily it had been dry, so mostof it brushed off pretty easily.
(13:30):
My house. Marie said breathlessly.
It was the closest of their three homes.
As soon as they arrived at Marie's house, Mr. Duguay
greeted them. How was school?
He asked, ducking around the doorway to the kitchen where he
was preparing dinner. Good, Marie said.
(13:51):
She ushered her friends immediately to the stairs,
hoping her dad wouldn't notice that they still were a little
dirty from digging. We have homework.
We're going to get started rightaway in my bedroom.
Mr. Duguay's right eyebrow raised in surprise because Marie
usually hemmed and hawed and procrastinated on her homework.
(14:13):
But he said no more and turned back into the kitchen.
Once upstairs, Marie grabbed A washcloth from the bathroom and
laid it out on her bedroom floorto protect the carpet.
The three friends sat in a circle as Christian took the
glass jar out of his backpack and set it on the washcloth.
(14:33):
Dirt still caked on the outside and the metal lid still bubbled
with rust. For a long moment, they all just
stared at the jar. Marie's insides tremored with
butterflies. They had done it.
After all this searching, they had actually found the treasure.
(14:54):
Part of her couldn't wait to open the jar and see what was
inside, but another part of her wanted to hold on to the mystery
just a moment longer. What if there was something
boring inside and all their effort wasn't worthwhile?
Open it. JJ whispered impatiently.
Christian reached out, dirt still crammed under his
(15:17):
fingernails, and carefully twisted the rusty metal lid,
which came open with a creak. Then he tipped the jar upside
down. A small linen pouch tumbled onto
the washcloth. Its fabric was worn with age,
and it was clearly holding something.
Breathlessly, Marie took the pouch in hand, opened the
(15:40):
drawstring, and peered inside. One by one, she removed the
contents. The first item was a tiny dragon
statue, no bigger than 1/4. Marie held it in her poem to
examine it closer. It looked to be made out of a
golden medal of some sort, with an aged verdigris green patina
(16:05):
that dulled its shine. The statuette was quite detailed
for being so small. Looking at it, Marie felt a
sense of Deja vu, like she had seen a version of this somewhere
else. In her excitement, she couldn't
place where. A dragon toy?
(16:26):
JJ said suspiciously. That's kind of weird.
I don't think this is a children's toy, but it is
strange. Marie agreed.
Next, she took out a small rectangular photograph that was
tightly curled with age. Ever so carefully, she unrolled
(16:47):
it. It was a picture of a group of
teenagers, clearly older than Marie, JJ and Christian, all
gathered around a picnic table in the park pavilion.
The photo was so small it was hard to make out their faces,
but every person clearly had onehand resting on the shoulder of
(17:09):
another, as if in a show of friendship or camaraderie.
Having been rolled up so long. The photo continued to try to
curl in Marie's fingers. She turned it over and there was
a year printed on the back. 2000, That's 25 years ago.
(17:30):
Christian exclaimed. Marie reached her fingers into
the little linen bag again and felt around.
There was one more item inside. It was a small bit of paper
folded up into a tight square. She set down the linen bag and
unfolded the paper. All three read what was written
(17:53):
together, forward and back. We tried our best to use our
skills and pass the test. Friends to the end.
Without a doubt, we're out of time.
Can you help us out? Find the symbol.
That's the key. The secret Club, The Chosen 3.
(18:14):
Maria released the paper and letit fall to the washcloth, trying
to make sense of all of it. JJ didn't mince words.
That's it, She said, obviously disappointed.
Why wouldn't they just tell us what all of this is about?
That was written 25 years ago. What are we supposed to do to
(18:37):
help them out now, If it's even possible?
Marie shook her head. I don't know.
Anger fueling her frustration, JJ stood up and grabbed her
things. I got to go home to dinner.
She said. Christian gave a resigned shrug.
Yeah, me too. They both left in a hurry.
(19:01):
Marie sat there staring at the three items.
A dragon, a photo, and another Riddle.
This certainly was the mystery she was hoping for.
But secretly she was worried. If those teenagers in the
picture had left that message asking for help, then maybe
(19:22):
they'd been stuck too. And if they couldn't figure out
the mystery and pass the test, how could she?
She just turned 10. Marie picked up the linen bag,
about to put the items back inside when her father called to
her from downstairs. Marie, mom's home and it's time
(19:44):
for dinner. She blinked a moment, her
thoughts still a jumble. Coming.
She called back. She dropped the linen bag onto
the washcloth as she got up and headed down to dinner.
As they ate, she shared the details about her day with her
parents. Well, most of it.
(20:06):
She left out what they'd done and found in the park.
She wasn't sure why she was still keeping it a secret.
Whatever the mystery was about was probably long past, but she
still felt compelled not to say anything.
Maybe it was the fact that all of this started with her taking
(20:26):
that map without permission fromthe book in the Restricted
section. The book?
She exclaimed abruptly. Maybe that held another clue,
she thought. What book, sweetheart?
Her mom said, a curious smile onher face.
(20:46):
Oh. Marie said, stalling a bit while
she tried to figure out what to say next.
The partial truth seemed to be the best option.
The book in the restricted section, she said to her mom.
Dad said I could take it out when he was done with the botany
(21:08):
book, and I don't want to forgetit.
I returned that botany book a while ago, her dad noted.
We can go get the book you want tomorrow, if you like.
Yes, that would be great, Marie agreed quickly, already thinking
ahead. She felt much better having an
idea of what to do next. Good detectives always have a
(21:32):
plan. After helping clean up the
dinner dishes and load the dishwasher, she headed back up
to her room to get started on her homework.
As soon as she turned on the light, her eyes were drawn to
the items from the glass jar still sitting on the washcloth
on her floor. The little dragon was laying on
(21:54):
its side as if asleep. The photo had recoiled back into
a roll and the paper with the clue awaited refolding.
That's when she noticed it on the linen bag.
It must have fallen on its opposite side when she had
dropped it to go to dinner, because now, as clear as day,
(22:19):
Marie saw something she hadn't noticed before.
There was a design embroidered on the bag.
The stitching was almost the same color as the linen bag
itself, making it difficult to see.
Marie gasped. She recognized that symbol.
It was the same design that Saphos had on the handkerchief
(22:41):
tucked into his breast pocket, as well as on the ring he wore
on his hand. She sat down and picked up the
bag. She hadn't paid any attention to
the design before, she just thought it was the logo of some
brand name that she didn't know about.
But now it was just too uncanny that Saphos had worn the same
(23:04):
design that was on this old bag,that she had never seen him
before this adventure started, and now he seemed to pop up at
the most opportune times. Once more, the hairs on the back
of Marie's neck prickled. The mystery was even deeper than
she previously thought. Staring at the linen bag, she
(23:28):
studied the embroidery. Although it was very neatly
done, it also had a hand stitched quality.
As if someone had spent a lot oftime marking this bag with this
design, it felt very intentional.
Marie traced the careful stitches with her finger.
The design almost looked like a sun atop a butterfly with some
(23:52):
extra swooping lines. Suddenly, Marie heard footsteps
coming up the stairs. She grabbed her smartphone and
quickly snapped a picture of thebag symbol side up before
slipping the items back in the pouch.
She stowed it and the glass jar in her desk drawer.
Marie bunched up the washcloth and tossed it in the laundry
(24:15):
hamper in the hall bathroom and busied herself with laying her
homework out on her bed where she preferred to work.
But before she started, she sentthe picture of the bag to her
group chat with JJ and Christianwith the caption.
Have you seen this symbol before?
Neither responded immediately. She muted her messages so she
(24:38):
could concentrate on her homework.
An hour later, when she was done, she unmuted her phone and
saw responses from both friends.Neither recognized the symbol.
Marie went to bed that night feeling more satisfied, yet more
curious than ever. They'd solved the first part of
(24:59):
the mystery. They'd found the treasure.
But instead of being the end of the adventure, it was just the
beginning. There were more puzzles to solve
and more adventure to be had. She couldn't wait to get back to
the library. She'd check out the book that
the map had been hidden in. She felt certain it would hold a
(25:23):
clue to the next step. And if she was lucky, Saphos
would be back at the reference desk so she could ask about the
meaning and origin of the strange symbol.
The more Marie thought about it,the more it seemed like it might
be a coat of arms, but for what,she had no idea.
(25:50):
Finding the treasure has turned out to be the beginning, not the
end of the adventure. The new clue has plunged the
kids further into the mystery. JJ and Christian feel the task
is impossible and want to give up.
Marie has to decide. Will she continue to seek
answers on her own? Find out when the adventure
(26:12):
continues in our next episode ofAdventures on Awe Island.
Thanks for listening to Adventures on Awe Island.
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