The Ocean Guide

I went to see Lord Chamberlain with my head bowed and asked about the Ocean Guide.

"Well, I see you've come to your sense and realize I belong in the Castle and not on some leaky ship," he laughed.
"Yes," I agreed.
"Good! Go search the Rusty Safe and the Dragon Head. I'm sure I saw it somewhere around there!"
I set off but found nothing so I returned yet again.
"I guess you could try the Floating Barrel or," he smirked," the Ghostly Chest."
I glared but did as he suggested. I finally found it in the Ghostly Chest. I smiled but that instantly faded as I realized it was broken. I returned to Lord Chamberlain and told him.
"Go search the Sunken Chest and talk to Anabel, she may have the Shiny Lens," he said and I knew I was dismissed.

"Anabel, have you seen a Shiny Lens," I asked.
"Sure, I have one here," she smiled and opened her hands to show me.
"May I have it," I asked hopefully.
"If you search the Glass Painting and the Gnome Road Sign," she giggled, "Oh, and I need some Fairy Dust, a Web of Lies, a Warlock's Ritual and a Bloody Tooth! I have to make sure the Iron Knight doesn't board that ship!"
I rolled my eyes but did as she asked. She gave me the Shiny Lens, laughed and went into the Dark Tower to talk to the Iron Knight.
 

I returned to the Lord Chamberlain to let him know but he just shrugged me off. I stuck my tongue out at him and ran off to the Lighthouse Keeper. He asked for all manor of crafted things. He wanted a Wild Necklace, a Burden of Obedience, a Blessing Pendant, a Time Flow, a Buckle of Full Moon, an Emerald Tablet, a Vulture's Claw and a Bouquet of Fear. What did I get in return for my trouble?

"I'm sorry, dear," he said with a smile, "I just can't help you today. Perhaps if you go talk to Professor Pinfeathers again."
I wanted to claw his eyes out but he really was kind, sort of! I headed back to Professor Pinfeather's and asked what I should do next. He suggested I talk to Skull Pete and Salty. I headed to Skull Pete and he sent me on several missions. He asked me to search the Boatswain's Bag and the Ship Compass. He then sent me to the Pulley and the Gnome Safe. When I returned he asked me to find four ship supplies and 10 Simple Food.

"What? I need that food! Flutter eats that much in an hour," I cried feeling helpless.
"Oh, I have a Spring Butterfly too. She's so pretty. Sadly, eats like an elephant," he said with a grin.
I couldn't argue so I set off in search of food and supplies. I found the first set of supplies at the airship station. I continued my search but came up empty handed. It wasn't until the airship returned that I realized I would have to get them from there. I sighed and played the waiting game. Finally, I got the last bit of supplies and headed back to Skull Pete. He gave me the Digital Detector and I was almost finished.

I skipped towards the Tavern and Salty. This was going far better than I had initially thought! I was making progress! We would be able to sail today! I gave a small cheer of triumph and entered the Tavern. My joy vanished and my heart sank. There was Salty but he looked devastated.

Continued...

"What's wrong, Salty," I asked pulling up a stool.
"I don't have anything for you, Rahia. I'm sorry," he sobbed. His whole body shook and I realized that my initial sense of dread had been correct. Midnight Castle was stopping in my tracks. I wouldn't be able to go after the Ghostly Messenger today. I was well and truly stuck until the next rumble.
"It's okay, Salty," I soothed, "It just means we can play dice a little longer."
"Really? You're not mad," he beamed.
"No. If I've learned anything in my time in the Castle, it's patience."
"Wonderful," he dried his eyes and headed towards the dice table, "Let's play. It's on me!"
"Great," I forced a smile on my lips and sat down to play.

When will the next rumble be? How long will I have to wait before I can go after the Ghostly Messenger? I sighed and settled my heart. It didn't matter! I still had to figure out what had happened to Nimie! There were still adventures to be had in Midnight Castle. There were still mysteries to solve! Hopefully, I would solve the case of Nimie!