About seven or so months after the Festival of Ashar comes the Festival of Children.  At this festival, everything is aimed towards the enjoyment of the children.  Face painting, puppet shows and sweet snacks are everywhere.  The party decides to go to the festival, probably the last they will attend as children.

Upon entering the festival, the party is overcome with emotion.  What sights and sounds!  The town has really outdone itself this year.  There are streamers, banners, and even fireworks.  As they approach the theatre, an older lady comes up to the party offering flowers.  Shem takes them and thanks her for the beautiful gesture.

Carla, one of the kids from school next approaches the party with a marionette in hand.  “You guys need to meet Knuckles”, she says.  Not to be outdone, Nathaniel takes the marionette from her and agrees to meet her at the theatre later.  Just then, screams can be heard and the town guard begins to rush over to one of the side streets.  The party eagerly follows.

At the scene of the crime there is a body in a second story building.  The body has had its throat cut and a smile painted on his face to make him look like a clown.  There is a little girl across the hall clutching a doll. Her name is Katrina.  After searching the room and talking with Katrina it is determined that the killer is still here because nothing indicates he has left.  A bloody knife is found under Katrina’s bed and blood spatters are on her clothes.    After questioning her she finally relents and says “He will get me if I tell you!”  Who is he and why will he hurt Katrina?

During the questioning, the party determines that the doll has something to do with it.  Katrina tells stories of it coming to life and talking to her.  The animated doll is more than likely responsible for the man’s death.  Nathaniel has possession of the doll a couple of times but always relents and gives it back to the child.  Eliad tries to bribe her with a wondrous dollhouse he buys for her, but nothing will get her to give up her doll.
Otto, the sheriff, informs the family that they will have to leave the crime scene and stay at a friends.  The family decides to stay at the Johnson’s house.  While there, Shem decides that the only way to get the doll is to steal it.  He begins to look for opportunities.  Otto comes by and tells the party that a suspect has been arrested and is in jail.  Nathaniel is dispatched to go investigate the suspect, while Hennet and Eliad return home to get everyone’s gear.  Shem waits patiently for an opportunity to steal the doll.

At the jail, it is easily apparent that all Otto the Incompetent has arrested is a drunk.  He had absolutely nothing to do with the killing.  The gear arrives and they set off for the theatre to meet Carla.  Hennet and Nathaniel go to the theatre while the others go to pick up Shem.  At the Johnson’s home, Shem uses the other members of his party to distract everyone and finally steals the doll.  They then set off for the theatre.

At the theatre, Hennet and Nathaniel surprise Giseppe, the puppet master.  He screams, “Figlio, don’t let them get me!!!” and runs out the back.  Suddenly puppets jump to life brandishing pins and razors.  The two mighty fighters quickly dispatch them.  Giseppe must be behind all of this - "To his workshop!"
 
 

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