Soul Interaction: Chain! (ENG)

32 • The Island of Thieves

Unexpectedly, the tavern became the refuge many chose. As a result, it remained in operation. All those customers, although seemingly frightened, could only bring in substantial profit. Through the commotion, as the crowd murmured, Herega overheard some words that drew his curiosity.
«What is this "Island of Thieves" you speak of?» He asked.
The young man thought he understood that the Keeper's murderer was now supposed to be in that place.
«So, you must be a tourist, right? The Island of Thieves isn't a real island; it's called that because it's far away and completely separate from this square. It's located in this land and occupies 70% of it. It is said to have been created by a sorcery by a powerful sorcerer named Meta. The mind of anyone who commits an illegal or morally wrong action becomes corrupted, pushing them into the island, with no chance of leaving. That's the story.» The woman replied.
Those words left Herega stunned. He had heard of Meta only in the book "The Great Aostran War" by Eimin Nustier, but although he had always believed in Meta's existence, he had never had concrete proof. Reaching the Island of Thieves would be the proof he had always searched.
«It could be quite dangerous to reach such a place. Moreover, once there, we wouldn't be sure of the actual powers of the place, not to mention not being certain we could even enter...» Herega thought to himself.
The idea fascinated him, but many factors needed to be considered.
«I didn't start this journey intending to turn back. Could you tell me how to get there?» He decided to take a chance.
Curiosity was his main trait. Even the most foolish person in the world would have understood that.
«Young man, you don't really want to go there, do you? It's considered the most dangerous place in Triosa...»
The woman was interrupted by the determined look in the young man's eyes. His gaze suggested a warrior spirit thirsting for knowledge.
«The only way to get there is to follow the eastern path from the square. Don't do anything reckless, you're still young.» She advised, but it was useless.
That thirst would not be satisfied simply by hearing some information about it. Seeing it would be the proper reward for his need. Realizing that the killer could no longer be in their company, they returned to the square.

«I'm not entirely convinced about going all the way there. It could be dangerous... Do you know what kind of people we might encounter?»
Eavelin's doubts had already been sensed by Herega. Moreover, he didn't feel completely safe going there himself.
«Did you hear what the woman said? Their minds are corrupted, so they won't be inclined to commit vile acts anymore. Leaving them there is just a punishment, not a prevention.» He replied, trying to convince himself too.
Those words made Eavelin feel a bit more secure than before. She decided to trust her companion's intuition.
«Alright. But let's be careful.» She said.
So, they began heading towards the so-called Island of Thieves, following the path.

They had been warned that the distance was considerable, but they had never expected it to be this far. They had been walking for two hours now, and both of them were starting to feel pain in the lower parts of their bodies.
«We've been walking for quite a while, huh?» Eavelin said, laughing to keep the worst thoughts away.
Herega hesitated a moment before responding; his words, about to be spoken, were interrupted by an unexpected clattering. They both turned and saw a young man, probably slightly older than them, on a horse, who stopped in front of them. He wore long leather boots and black pants with some rips. A mask covered his mouth, and he had black fingerless gloves and a green cloak with some black patterns, draping over his shoulders. Attached to it was a hood that obscured most of his face. On his back was a quiver, likely hiding a bow from the two's view.
«Where are you heading?» The young rider asked, keeping his gaze fixed on them.
Herega stepped in front of Eavelin.
«This path leads to only one destination, doesn't it?» He replied calmly, wanting to understand the rider's intentions.
«For your own sake, don't go near it.» He finished.
He turned, ready to depart. Herega stopped him just in time.
«So why are you going there?» The red-haired youth asked.
The rider seemed rather annoyed by the question. He let out a quick sigh.
«It's not the first time the Island's Keeper has been killed. Many before him met the same fate. There are good people on the island, except for a few. They reward adventurers who bring them the body of the killer. As I hope you know, those who are on the Island of Thieves cannot leave it. There's only one way that can happen: kill them. I will kill that person and bring him to those people to receive the reward. If you're wondering... I don't know what the reward is, but there are thoughts that, on previous occasions, it was something truly valuable.» The rider replied.
It was indeed a complete answer, and if he had decided to share it with them, it was probably because he knew they wouldn't survive in that place. He began to leave, but Herega stopped him again.
«Where are these people to whom we should bring the reward?»
This question once again annoyed the rider, who seemed increasingly reluctant to respond. The horse reared up, ready to depart. At that moment, the young man said:
«At the end of the commercial area, there is a populated one. If you follow the road straight, you'll find a ruined mansion. Then they will come to you. I'll say it one last time: turn back.»
Without waiting for another reply, the horse dashed off towards the Island of Thieves. Herega and Eavelin paused for a moment, sitting on the grassy expanse surrounding the path.
«Is it worth it?» Eavelin asked, looking at her companion.
The rider's warnings had transmitted some fear in her. However, Herega would never give up on that destination.
«He probably said that because he wants the reward all for himself. Don't worry, we won't interfere.» He replied.
She still wasn't entirely convinced but, despite that, she wouldn't leave Herega alone, and his curiosity was starting to be contagious.

So, they resumed their journey towards the island. The sun had just reached its zenith.