The Curse of the Gift

Part 3

We've been walking for quite some time now, and we're turning all the time. I counted at least ten turns already. I'm sure it's so that I can't remember the way, and to my great regret they succeeded. So already at the fifteenth turn I gave up and just quietly walked forward. The first shadow, (I decided to call him that for now, because he didn't introduce himself), keeps walking behind me and sometimes nudges me when I slow down a little. But this time not so hard, but I'm still trying to walk as fast as I can, except that I'm slowly losing my strength. Today feels like an eternity, and I can't feel my legs anymore.

After countless turns and climbs, we finally stop. The blindfold is gently removed, and it's as if I'm waking up from a dream. It takes me a few seconds to realize where I am.

When I focused my vision, I saw an ornate white house in front of me, and it contrasted quite vividly with all the other houses on the island. It turned out that we had gone a little beyond the city, and we were now on a rocky outcrop. When I turned my head, my eyes now widened not with horror, but with admiration. I had never seen anything like this before in my life. The house was on the cliff face, and now an immense ocean stretched out before me. It was already sundown and the sun was slowly beginning to set. It's an incredible picture of the horizon being swallowed by a fireball capable of incinerating you alive. But it's as if the ocean is calming it down, giving us all a brief respite and a breath of cool air. The ocean, in spite of all the chaos and horror on the island today, is now completely calm. It took my breath away, and I even briefly forgot that I'd been kidnapped and that a blade had been held to my throat a short time ago.

I'm interrupted by the quiet and very low voice of the first shadow. I shuddered in surprise, and after gaining full chest of air, I go inside the house.

Inside, the house was bright and spacious, and the ceilings were beautifully painted in gold. All the walls were hung with strange masks, various kinds of cold weapons, most of which I had never seen before in my life. Thanks to the large windows, there is a lot of light in the lobby. And the first thing that catches my eye when you go inside is a large staircase that leads to the second floor. Its railings are finished in gilt, and sparkle beautifully from the lighted lamps.

Where did he get so much money? Is it that profitable to sell slaves?

My dislike for the man grew even stronger. And now all this rich decoration doesn't seem beautiful, but rather the opposite. I'm starting to get sick of this place.

The old man only smirked at my displeased face and turned away from me.

As soon as the door closed behind us, three girls appeared in the hall. They were dressed alike: a knee-length beige dress of light fabric and a snow-white apron on top. As if on cue, they bowed their heads to us. The girl, though it would be more correct to call her a woman, who looked older than everyone else, was the first to raise her head.

"Greetings." She made another slight bow and held out her hand, and the old man immediately hung his golden cloak on it.

I think I can guess what this old man's favorite color is!

The woman looked very neat and well-groomed. Her night-black hair was tied tightly back in a long ponytail, and her little beady eyes were watching my every move. Her features were rather coarse, her cheekbones bulging, which made her seem very angry, as if she hated the whole world. Although, if I had to serve that old man too, I wouldn't be happy either. The other two very young girls looked exactly the same, except for the color of their hair and their facial expressions. They had a nicer, kinder expression.

"Get her ready." He gestured toward me, "And serve dinner in the dining room. "

"Where's Rory? " I couldn't stand it, so I finally spoke up.