Xan is a 12-year-old peasant boy living at Harwood Abbey in England, 1184. Though young, his courage and good sense have won him respect from the monks at the abbey.
Today, Xan has traveled to Clovis (the large manor village next to Harwood Abbey), where Lord Kensington rules from his manor. Last week, Lord Kensington's priceless red ruby collection was stolen from his manor's vault.
"I cannot believe this has happened!" the tall lord declares in dismay after Xan arrives. "My magistrate has thoroughly investigated this matter and has narrowed the list of potential villains to only five suspects."
"Who are they, my lord?" asks Xan, respectfully.
"You are but a child... what aid can you give?" Lord Kensington says, shaking his head.
"I would like to help if I may, my lord," Xan replies sincerely.
"Very well," the lord says with a sigh. "There are only five suspects, but who knows where in England they now walk... with my rubies. The five suspects are... BART, a wise old fisherman; SMITHY, a gifted swordsmith; NIGEL, a brave and fearless knight; THOMAS, a strong carpenter; and BRIGHAM, a cunning merchant.
Lord Kensington writes down each suspect's first name on a piece of parchment and hands it to Xan. "Keep these names well, child" he says. "If you discover the suspect, return to Harwood Abbey and tell the monks his name. They will know what to do."
"I will solve this mystery, my lord!" Xan declares. "With the assistance of a friend and the grace of God, I shall track down these suspects and question them."
"Do as you will, child," the man responds glumly. "The rubies were stolen six nights ago... on the very day of Saint Nicholas, the gift-bringer. If only he would help get back my rubies..."
TRAVEL WITH XAN ACROSS ENGLAND USING THE INTERACTIVE MAP TO FIND THE GUILTY SUSPECT! EACH WITNESS WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION THAT WILL EITHER CONFIRM OR CONTRADICT SOMETHING ABOUT EACH OF THE FIVE SUSPECTS. THE SUSPECT WHO IS LYING IS THE THIEF!
XAN RECOMMENDS THAT YOU BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY IN HARDONBURY...
