Caroline Hartley and the Secret Castle Adventure: Book Three of the Four-Part Caroline Hartley Series

By D.J. Robinson

Caroline Hartley has a magic key. It has allowed she and her brother Martin to secretly step through an attic door and time-travel back to 1912, at a castle they have been staying at in Central Europe. In the present, their father Chris has had an IT presentation brought forward a week at the United Nations in Vienna. This has resulted in the family leaving the castle early and returning to Bratislava, where Chris lives.

The Hartley children would love to return to the castle as soon as possible, as they would like to use Carolines magic key one more time. Both wish to time-travel back to 1912 so that they can go on more adventures with their friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781532048401

D.J. Robinson

D.J. Robinson is a native British English teacher who lives in Bratislava, Slovakia. D.J. Robinson writes British English lesson plans for teachers and students worldwide who are learning English. The webpage is www.newsflashenglish.com

Book preview

Also by D.J. Robinson

Caroline Hartley and the Magic Key

Book One of the Four-Part Caroline Hartley Series

Caroline Hartley and the Dreadnought Battleship

Book Two of the Four-Part Caroline Hartley Series

Caroline Hartley and the Great Adventure

Book Four of the Four-Part Caroline Hartley Series

Caroline Hartley

and the Secret Castle

Adventure

Book Three of the Four-Part Caroline Hartley Series

An adventure story for children and adults

D.J. Robinson

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CAROLINE HARTLEY AND THE

SECRET CASTLE ADVENTURE

Book Three of the Four-Part Caroline Hartley Series

Copyright © 2018 D.J. Robinson.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-5320-4839-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-4841-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-4840-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018905130

iUniverse rev. date: 06/25/2018

Contents

Central Europe

Chapter 1 Vienna Calling

Chapter 2 Vienna Zoo

Chapter 3 The Pavilion, the Schnitzel, and the Elephants

Chapter 4 The United Nations

Chapter 5 The United Nations Coffee Shop

Chapter 6 An Afternoon in Vienna

Chapter 7 The Fairground

Chapter 8 The White Horses

Chapter 9 The Castle Beckons

Chapter 10 Trams, Trains, and Feet

Chapter 11 Return to the Secret Castle

Chapter 12 Morning, Sweetheart

Chapter 13 The Cunning Plan

Chapter 14 Arrival

Chapter 15 Welcome Back!

Chapter 16 A Walk in the Forest

Chapter 17 The Hunt

Chapter 18 The Hunt for Manfred

Chapter 19 The Forest Clearing

Chapter 20 Forest Fruit

Chapter 21 The Old Forge

Chapter 22 The Castle

Chapter 23 The Dinner Party

Chapter 24 The Pack of Cards

Chapter 25 The Toothpaste

Chapter 26 Breakfast M’ Lady?

Chapter 27 Return to the Lake

Chapter 28 Fishing, Reading, Relaxing

Chapter 29 The Fish and the Hotdog

Chapter 30 The Dive

Chapter 31 The Rain in Spain

Chapter 32 The Discovery

Chapter 33 Dinner for Six

Chapter 34 The Crystal

Chapter 35 Idle Gossip

Chapter 36 The Telephone Call

Chapter 37 Breakfast

Chapter 38 The Servant and the Trunk

Chapter 39 The Strauss Estate Farm

Chapter 40 The Limes

Chapter 41 Making Hay While the Sun Shines

Chapter 42 Can I give you a leg up, Miss?

Chapter 43 The Water Mill

Chapter 44 The Dinner and the Attic

Chapter 45 The Servants and the Keys

Acknowledgements

About the Castle

About the Author

For my deceased parents

Central Europe

The story so far…

Just before Caroline Hartley departed England to go on her summer holiday to Slovakia, with her divorced father and younger brother, an unusual envelope arrived at her house in Welwyn Garden City. The mysterious envelope, addressed to Ms C. Hartley, had a Zurich postmark on it. Her mother, thinking it must have been for her ex-husband Chris, who had a bank account in Switzerland, suggested Caroline give it to him, which is what she did when she arrived in Slovakia.

As Chris opened the package, a large old key rolled out. It had been wrapped in an old piece of pink paper. There was a name written on it Caroline. When her father went for his glasses, Caroline instinctively picked it up. As she did so, something magical appeared to happen. A white glow rose from the key into her hand and then into the air above, causing her to drop it, while her brother Martin witnessed the moment.

On returning, her father thought his kids were playing a game. That annoyed Caroline, as she wanted to know who had sent her the key, who had written the note, and most of all, why someone would send her a key that, according to her brother, was magical.

The children’s adventures then took them to a castle in the centre of Slovakia. In it, Caroline and Martin discovered that the key fit a door at the bottom of a set of attic stairs. Curious, they ventured up them. They were drawn forward by a mysterious white beam that appeared at the top, just before the attic door.

Afterwards, when Caroline and Martin met Veronica and her brother Manfred, who also lived at the castle, they discovered they were in 1912. The magic key had led them into a world beyond the secret garden.

The Hartley children discovered Caroline’s magic key had a mind of its own. A number would appear in a small circle on the key a random moment after each of their visits to 1912. So far, none of the children had worked out why. Caroline had though, discovered that she was the one who wrote the name Caroline on a piece of pink paper.

Following their last adventure, when the Hartley children returned to their own time, their father advised them that his presentation at the United Nations in Vienna had been unexpectedly brought forward. This meant in order to go there they would be returning to Bratislava, where he actually lived, a little earlier than originally planned. The children were aghast at once again departing the castle.

Just as they were leaving, Caroline had had several twitches in her lower arm and hand. When she and Martin had looked at the magic key, the ‘5’ in the circle on it, suddenly flashed at them in green, changing to a ‘6’. Realising this meant they could once again return to the past. The children knew they had to return to the castle one more time.

Their father though wasn’t so sure about coming back to the castle at Zámočany. Only their friend Mike thought they would return to the castle…

1

Vienna Calling

Vienna, Austria

Summer 2007

A slight breeze could be felt on the top deck of the Twin City Liner as it sped its way along the river Danube towards Vienna. The catamaran skimmed along effortlessly upriver, towards the Austrian capital. En route, it passed some cyclists and fishermen who were enjoying the hot mid-morning summer sunshine.

The passengers on deck waved. They appeared relaxed, as they took in the view of the riverbank and the swampy forest beyond. Soon, the flat Austrian countryside transformed itself into a city landscape. Vienna beckoned its visitors…

For Caroline Hartley and her brother Martin, the riverboat journey was an opportunity to see Vienna. Their father Chris had been promising to take them there all summer. Today was their chance to look around the Austrian capital.

The Hartleys stood on the rear deck of the Twin City Liner, admiring the changing landscape. Chris wore his smart casual clothes, while Caroline and Martin both wore their favourite shorts and T-shirts.

Are we nearly there, Dad? asked Martin.

Almost, he replied. Maybe another five to ten minutes.

Brilliant!

Is Vienna different to Bratislava? asked Caroline.

Just a tad, replied Chris, motioning the point.

He added, It’s grander and is much bigger. It’s more like a capital city should be.

Is it like London?

Well, er, sort of. Though Vienna’s architecture, as you’ll see, is completely different.

I know what a tad is, said Martin, belatedly looking at his sister.

She looked at him: So what does it mean clever clogs?

It means a little.

Right, Martin. A bit like you then, added Caroline.

Ha, ha! Very funny, replied her brother, giving her a face.

Now, now, you two, said their father, quickly. Try not to squabble. We’ve got a long day ahead, remember.

I know, said Caroline, waving at some hikers, who were ambling along the riverbank walkway.

A huge long riverboat cruiser passed the catamaran. On its top deck were many older people, who appeared to be sunbathing.

Where are they going? asked Martin, waving at them.

To Bratislava, silly, said Caroline.

Are they, Dad?

They might be, said Chris. I guess they’re on their way to Budapest, via Bratislava. They’ll probably end up in Belgrade or the Black Sea.

Caroline decided to head up the stairs of the Catamaran.

Come on, Martin, she said. Let’s go up the front again.

Good idea, replied the boy.

Their father checked the time on his mobile, then followed.

The Hartleys stood looking out from the front of the Twin City Liner as it rapidly made its way towards its docking point in the centre of Vienna. Caroline watched the waves as they pushed out from the sides of the catamaran.

We’re going quite fast, she said.

We are, replied her father.

How long’s the journey?

It’s an hour and a quarter, Sweetheart.

Is that all?

Yep, that’s all.

It’s quite quick then.

It is.

So, it’s not that far from Bratislava.

You’re right, it’s not. I’d say it’s about forty kilometres.

Really? said Caroline, as she looked over the side of the catamaran. That’s about the same distance between Welwyn Garden City and London.

Yes, it is, said Chris, adding, The difference here being, there’s a border between them, and Bratislava and Vienna are both capital cities.

Do you think Welwyn Garden City might become a capital city?

Chris laughed, Erm, no, I don’t think so, Sweetheart.

Caroline smiled. Never say never, Dad.

Martin, who had wandered over to one of the sides of the catamaran, returned to where his sister and father stood looking out on deck.

He asked, How long is it till we get to the zoo?

His father replied, Well, I’m not sure exactly. Let’s wait and see, shall we?

Alright

Caroline added, I’m really looking forward to going there.

Me too, said her brother. I want to see all the lions, tigers, and monkeys.

Is Vienna zoo big, Dad? asked Caroline.

He replied, To be honest, I’ve no idea. It’ll be as much a surprise for me, as it will be for you.

A passing river cruiser sounded its horn as it passed their vessel…

The Twin City Liner arrived in the centre of Vienna, pulling up alongside an impressive docking station. The Hartleys were looking out at it and the city that lay beyond.

We’re here, Caroline, said Martin.

I can see that, she replied. I may be wearing sunglasses, but I can still see with them.

Their father then said, This way, you two.

He was carrying his laptop with him.

The Hartleys joined the other passengers, who were crowding around the exit area inside the catamaran.

Gosh! It’s like a rugby scrum, trying to get off this thing, said Caroline, as she walked down the ramp onto the shore.

The Twin City Liner is a popular tourist attraction in its own right, replied her father, as he led the way off it. I’ve heard it’s always full.

Do we need to show our passports again? asked Martin.

No, we did that in Bratislava.

Chris saw a sign. I think we need to go this way…

Outside the ferry terminal the Hartleys looked around.

Welcome to Vienna, said Chris.

It looks nice, said Caroline, while looking at a nearby flower seller’s stall.

I like it, replied her father.

Why don’t you live here? asked Martin.

I might one day.

Why not now?

Well… Chris had to think about that one. I kinda settled in Bratislava. I get more teaching work there. If the UN work picks up, I might reconsider. Until then, I’m happy with Bratislava.

I see, said Martin.

Turning around, the boy saw something he recognised.

Look, Caroline, he said. There’s a Burger King over there.

Where? she replied, looking. Oh yeah, so there is.

We can get a drink there.

Their father looked at them, and said, We didn’t come all the way to Vienna, just to go to Burger King.

I did, replied his son, smiling at him.

He added, I fancy a burger.

What, at this time of day? said Chris, looking at his watch. It’s not even lunchtime.

I can eat a burger at any time.

Liar, said Caroline, adding, Mum won’t let you eat burgers.

She does.

Occasionally

I like burgers. Have they got a McDonalds in Vienna?

They have, replied his father, adding, Look, if you really want one, we’ve plenty of time to eat a burger later, okay?

Okay

Chris walked ahead. Come on you two. Let’s cross this road. Then, we’ll head up that street over there, he said, pointing.

As they crossed the street, Martin said, Is this the way to the zoo?

Er, sort of, replied his father. First, I want to show you the centre of Vienna. We can go after that.

The children found themselves in a pedestrianized zone, full of shops.

This is what I wanted you to see, said Chris, as they strolled along.

What? replied Caroline.

The main shopping area. It’s the Oxford Street of Vienna.

Oh, I see, said Caroline, looking around.

She added, It’s packed.

It’s normal, Sweetheart.

Gosh, is it really?

If you think this is busy, you should be here at Christmas. Then, it really is packed.

What do they have at Christmas then? asked Martin.

They have a Christmas market.

Do they?

Yes. Several actually. Vienna is famous for them.

Can we come again at Christmas?

I think you’ll have to talk to your mother nicely.

Caroline then said, I’d like to see the Christmas market here. If it’s like the one in London, it’ll be cool.

The Vienna Christmas Market is meant to be the best in the region.

Chris led his kids over to where some street artists were performing.

This is the heart of Vienna, he said. Over there is St Stephens Cathedral.

Caroline had spotted some horses and carriages that stood nearby.

Look, Martin, she said. Do you see what I see?

Oh yeah, he replied.

She wandered over towards the horses. Martin followed her.

As they walked, he said, They look like the ones at the castle.

His sister replied, Yes they do. Don’t they?

Chris, who had watched them go over to the horses, strolled over to join them.

As they stood next to one of the horses and carriages, he said, Nice, aren’t they?

Yeah, they are, replied Caroline, as she patted a horse.

I didn’t know you were into horses, Caroline?

Didn’t you?

She looked at her brother, giving him the eye.

The carriage driver, who was dressed in a special uniform, was feeding the horse some sugar lumps.

Caroline looked at her father.

She said, My friend at school has some horses. She lets me ride them occasionally.

Does she now? replied her father. You never mentioned that before.

You never asked.

Can we have a ride in one of these carriages, Dad? asked Martin.

Chris looked at the price, which was discreetly advertised nearby.

On seeing it, he said, Er, maybe later, Martin. We’ve still got a lot to see around here.

Oh, right, replied the boy, gormlessly.

Caroline spotted a crowd of people.

What’s happening over there? she asked.

Dunno. Let’s have a look, shall we? suggested Chris.

The three of them wandered over to where a street magician was entertaining the crowd.

Wow! He’s really good, said Caroline, as she watched in amazement at what the magician was doing. How does he do it?

It’s real magic, said Martin, dumbstruck with the tricks he saw.

Chris added, Yes, I must admit, he is good.

Changing the subject, Caroline said, By the way, Dad, what time is your presentation at the UN?

Three o clock, Sweetheart. So, we’ve plenty of time to look round the zoo.

Great!

Is the zoo far? asked Martin.

Chris replied, pointing, No, we just need to head down the stairs of that U-Bahn station over there. We’ll be there in a jiffy.

Brilliant!

2

Vienna Zoo

Caroline, Martin, and their father Chris, found themselves on an underground platform underneath Stephansplatz in Vienna. The tube station formed part of the city’s modern U-Bahn system. Quite a few people stood on the platform including some tourists.

All the signs are in German, said Martin.

Of course they are, replied his father. We’re in Vienna, where they speak German.

Martin was looking at a map. It showed the U-Bahn layout including the station names.

Where are we going? he asked.

We’re at Stephansplatz, replied his father, pointing at the map. We’re going one stop to Karlsplatz, where we change lines from the U1 line to the U4 line. We then take the U-Bahn to Hietzing.

I see.

Chris walked over to a ticket machine. He looked at the different types of tickets.

Which one are you getting? asked Caroline, who was also looking at them.

Her father replied, I thought we might get three 24-hour tickets, Sweetheart. Then, we can go anywhere on the U-Bahn, tram or bus network in Vienna for up to 24-hours, without having to worry about getting any more tickets.

Oh! That’s a good idea.

I find it useful when I’m in Vienna.

After getting the tickets from the machine, Chris handed them to his kids.

He said, There we are. Don’t lose it, Martin.

The boy responded, Don’t worry. I won’t.

Just then, a train rushed into the underground station. It whooshed past them, before stopping. The doors opened and its passengers alighted.

The Hartleys hopped on.

Once they had sat down, the doors closed and the train departed.

Nice train, said Caroline.

Yes, it is, added Chris.

Martin was looking up at the tube map.

After we change lines, its seven stops, he said.

How do you know that? asked Caroline.

I just counted them.

At Hietzing the Hartleys got off the U-Bahn train.

We’re nearly there, Caroline, said Martin.

She replied, I can see that.

They followed everyone else up the stairs of the station.

As they did so, Chris was looking at the architecture.

Speaking to his daughter, he said, Did you know this U-Bahn station used to have only one passenger?

She looked at him.

How can an underground station only have one passenger?

Simple, replied Chris. "That’s because this used to be the private railway line of the Kaiser or Emperor, as he’s known in English. This was his private station."

Really?

Sure

Chris added, He used it twice.

You’re joking?

No it’s true, Sweetheart. I read it on the internet.

Outside the U-Bahn the Hartleys headed towards a tram and bus stop.

Martin saw a sign that said ‘Zoo’.

Pointing at it, he said, Look, Dad. The zoo’s over there.

So I see.

They walked over to some traffic lights that changed.

Come on, let’s cross, said Chris, leading the way.

The children found themselves walking up a long driveway that was lined with trees.

Martin starting singing a song he had remembered.

"We’re goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo.

How about you, you, you?

You can come to, to, to!

We’re goin’ to the zoo, zoo zoo…"*

As he repeated the song, his sister joined in.

What about the next bit of the song? asked Chris.

Martin replied, I don’t know anymore.

Me neither, added Caroline. Do you, Dad?

Chris laughed. I used to. To be honest, I’ve forgotten it myself. Wasn’t it some 60s song?

Dunno? said Caroline. I wasn’t born then.

Nor was I, added her brother.

They walked on, singing the words they did know.

"We’re goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo.

How about you, you, you?

You can come to, to, to.

We’re goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo…"

At the zoo entrance the Hartleys lined up behind the small queue of people, who were waiting to pay to go in.

When they reached the ticket kiosk, Chris said, Guten tag. Good morning.

The ticket lady realised he was English.

Good morning, she said. How can I help you?

Could I have one adult and two children’s tickets, please?

Chris handed her a note.

The kiosk lady handed the tickets over, together with the change.

Bitte

Chris then asked, Is there a map of where all the animals are?

Moment, she replied, giving him a free map of where everything was in the zoo.

Danke

The Hartleys passed through the turnstiles into Vienna Zoo.

A path that was covered by trees lay in front of them. Martin ran along it, ahead of his sister and father. He turned and then ran back to them.

We’re here, Caroline, he said.

She replied, So I see.

Turing to her father, she said, Where are we going first, Dad?

He replied, Up to you, Sweetheart. Where would you like to go?

I want to see the elephants.

Martin added, I wanna see the lions and the tigers.

Well, said Chris, looking at the map. I think we’ve got plenty of time to see them all.

Let me see, said Martin, looking at it.

Caroline added, There’s a sign over there, showing us where the different animals are.

Martin looked.

Pointing, he said, The elephants are that way.

Right, said Chris. Let’s go find an elephant or two, shall we?

The children soon found the elephant enclosure.

Martin ran up to it and looked through the bars.

He said, Look at the elephants. They’re huge.

Caroline replied, Yes, they are quite big.

Chris added, I think that’s because they’re African elephants.

Are there any others? asked Martin.

Yes, there are Asian elephants.

What’s the difference?

An Asian elephant is smaller. African elephants have got larger ears.

Dad, said Martin. Can I go for a ride on an elephant?

I’m not sure they do elephant rides.

If Martin’s going on an elephant, then I want to as well, said Caroline.

Tell you what, let’s see whether they offer rides later, shall we?

Alright, replied Martin, smiling.

At the lion’s enclosure, the Hartleys watched them laying there in the hot summer sunshine. One was growling at another. Some lion cubs were playing together.

They’re really cute, said Caroline.

That one’s called Leo the lion, said Martin, pointing, as he watched a large male lion walk around its enclosure.

He added, It’s just like my cuddly lion I’ve got.

Yes, I believe it is, added his father, smiling at his son.

Once they had seen all the lions, Chris took his kids round to see the tigers. After that they went into the bird house. Having seen the many species of birds, the Hartleys headed towards the hippopotamus pen.

There’s my ex-mother-in-law! said Chris, jokingly.

Caroline looked at him.

She said, Is that what you think of her?

I think most mother-in-law’s look like that.

His daughter laughed. She saw the funny side of his joke.

Martin wasn’t paying attention.

Can we see the monkeys next, Dad? he asked.

Sure, said Chris. But first, it might be an idea to see the sea lions, as they are on the way.

The Hartleys arrived at the sea lion enclosure, just as some keepers were about to feed them.

Look at that one eat its fish, said Martin, who was avidly watching.

I think it’s hungry, replied Chris.

I like the tricks they do, added Caroline.

Inside the monkey house Martin imitated the monkeys. As he walked along the row of cages the boy began singing a song he knew…

"Hey, hey we’re the monkeys.

We’re just monkeying around…

We like bananas

As well as, playing the clown."

That’s very good, Martin, said Chris. But I think the lyrics are not quite like the original.

I only know the first line. I just made the rest up.

Oh I see.

One monkey shoved its bottom against the glass of one cage Caroline was standing next to.

Charming! she said, backing away.

Monkey’s like to show off their bottoms, replied her father. It’s a sort of attraction.

Perhaps he fancies you, Caroline, said her brother.

She replied, I’m not into monkeys, Martin. I prefer elephants.

They watched some monkeys eating some bananas.

Further up, as they walked along the cages, Martin began sniffing the air.

He said, It’s a bit smelly in here.

His father replied, I think some of the monkeys are probably due to be cleaned out. Look, the keepers are in the next cage doing just that.

When they got to another cage of smaller monkeys, Martin said, I’ve just thought of another song.

Oh, which one have you thought of this time then? said Chris.

It’s the one I learnt at a Cub Scout night recently.

Caroline looked at her brother, And?

Martin started his song…

"I like bananas, monkey likes his grapes.

I like bananas, monkey likes his grapes.

I like bananas, monkey likes his grapes.

That’s why they call me, Tarzan of the apes!"

The boy did his Tarzan act.

His father watched, nodded his head, and said, Very good, Martin.

He was sure the lyrics weren’t quite right, but omitted telling his son this.

Chris added, You’ll make a good singer when you grow up.

Caroline did her Veronica impression and rolled her eyes upwards.

When they got outside the monkey enclosure, Martin said, Dad, I’m hungry.

Are you?

Chris looked at his watch. Yes, I suppose it is lunchtime. It might be an idea we get a bite to eat, seeing as we’ve a busy afternoon ahead of us.

Well, you have, said Caroline. We don’t know what we’re doing.

You are going on a magical mystery tour.

Are we?

Chris laughed.

No idea! he said. But, you’ll soon see…

3

The Pavilion, the Schnitzel, and the Elephants

The Hartleys discovered that Vienna Zoo, in its old part, was divided into a circle. In its centre stood an old domed pavilion, which had a circular terrace around it. The children found themselves standing next to it.

This should do, said Chris.

What should? asked Caroline.

This café. We can have lunch here.

What, in a zoo?

Why not?

Funny place to have lunch.

That’s true.

Chris walked slightly ahead of his kids.

Still, he said. Let’s see what they’ve got, shall we?

They walked up some steps onto a bar terrace, where there were some tables and chairs spread out around the circular terrace.

We can look out at all the animals, said Martin.

Choosing a seat, Caroline said, We can sit here, Dad.

He replied, If you like.

They sat down and relaxed.

Some menus were on a table. Caroline picked one out and read it.

It’s a bit limited, she said.

Martin was looking at the menu his father was reading.

I want a burger, said the boy.

Chris looked at the menu.

He said, You might be a bit disappointed. They don’t appear to have any burgers on the menu.

The boy looked at him in horror.

"What do you mean no burgers?"

His father replied, There are no burgers on this menu.

We need to go to another café then.