Destiny Island

Chapter 46

Humans, stunned by the interior beauty of the magnificent castle were barely able to follow Vulluin Miramys as he led them through the castle. Even though beauty was everywhere they looked, they were unable to note all it's magnificent since they were in a state of trans by all the brilliance of it all.

Finally, they came back to their senses as they were being led to a chamber that radiated light the strongest light they had ever seen long before they actually entered it. It was the brightest and the largest chamber in the castle. There, they saw something they didn't expect to see inside a castle, or anywhere.

There was a strange oval object which they couldn't identify, floating around the room emanating huge amounts of power. It was the type of power that they had never felt before and that made them stand there in awe wondering what could produce such a vast amount of energy.

"Tearh fo straeh reah ym aelp

Leaver ruoy morf rof lla ot ees 

Sa I yas os ekam ti eb." The elf said.

As he said those words the ovals started floating closer to each other and piecing themselves together until finally, they made one fascinating whole. The whole was the most mesmerizing thing they had ever seen, and they couldn't tear their eyes from its beauty.

The huge oval-shaped object with a vast number of different colors swirling around in it, in a perfect harmony of movements synchronized by the centuries that have gone by since their dance first began. There were a few swirls of red, green and blue spinning around each other, spiraling in their perfect never-ending dance. On the edge of what the humans saw as an enormous precious stone, there were tinges of black that didn't feel like they belonged there.

"In every being, young or old, there beats a heart that is center of their very existence. What has been revealed to the rare few is that every place contains a heart of its own that gives life to all there is and would ever be. The heartgems are hearts of places of smaller size, the inhabitants of which you might have encountered on your journey so far, the fairy yellow gem, the Naiad green gem... Once the magic words are uttered they come together as one. What you see before you is the heart of Ynit Sed Island, of this island.." Vulluin Miramys said.

"You came looking for our assistance but strange are the path's of destiny since it would seem that we need to offer assistance to each other. The whole island is in need of your help perhaps even more than you are in need of guidance." He went on to say.

"Recently, we have noticed traces of darkness staining the heart of the island and while some darkness is necessary for there would be no light without darkness it is rapidly spreading, and we are worried that it may corrupt the other magical inhabitants. If spread further, balance will be no more." Vulluin said.

"But how can we, mere mortals help you with that?" Amber asked.

"As you do not reside here, you will be able to clearly see the truth unblemished as it is by different emotions and memories. Thus, you can see more clearly things that the magical inhabitants are bound to overlook by accident, thinking it couldn't be so." He replied.

"We can't even control our own powers let alone help someone," Ignacio said.

"If we are right, you will come across the solution of our problem on the journey that is ahead of you. All we ask of you is that when the time comes you do what needs to be done." Vulluin said.

"We aren't killing anyone, are we?" Ignacio asked.

His tone of voice seemed neutral, but Amber could see right through him, it was obvious that he was thoroughly annoyed but at least he didn't lash out, he managed to control himself.

"Of course not, we would never ask something like that of any living being." The elf said.

The expression that crossed his face spoke volumes, was offended by the fact that something as vile as that even occurred to Ignacio.

It was obvious that Jade and Amber were willing to help. After all, there were magical beings asking for their help. However, Ignacio and Royce were suspicious of the elf who seemed to know more about them than they would like.

"Let's put it to a vote?" Ignacio said.

He was sure Royce would agree with him and then it would two votes against two and maybe they could convince one of the girls to change her mind. What he didn't expect was for Royce to change his mind and vote with Jade thinking that they couldn't just deny help to the ones who seemed to desperately need it. With a loud puff, Ignacio accepted his defeat.

"Alright, we are in!" Ignacio said.

"Very well," the elf replied, "As a show of our utmost gratitude, we would like to offer you some accommodations for you to recuperate after the long travels you had.  If soft beds and a bath are what you wish you will receive it." 

"We would be honored," Amber said before Ignacio had the chance to say anything.

There they were in a palace conversing with an elf and Ignacio was addressing the elf as if he were a mere peasant. Still, it was obvious that even Ignacio was content with the offer feeling much better they did decide to help the elves out.

Before dinner, they tried to practice their magic a bit more, but after almost burning down the palace they decide against it and instead rested up and perused the wonderful bathing house that was located in the castle.

Only when their bodies touched the precious liquid did they realize how much they missed the water, how energizing it. Also, they realized how much they stunk having not bathed for a while. They let the cooling embrace of water wash away all the filth from their bodies, but also all the negative emotions. It was quite a cleansing experience for most of them. For Ignacio, it was just a way to wash off all the dirt and blood that stained his skin.

"You know, in the adventure books I have read, they never say anything about the stench and filth that being an adventurer entails," Jade said. 

Surprisingly enough, instead of overreacting about the filth she just shrugged it off with a contemplative look in her eyes as if she was too busy thinking about the reasons why none of those books talked about it. So busy was she with that task that she even forgot to complain about it too much.

Amber was impressed because she could still clearly remember how much Jade had overreacted just a while ago when they went exploring the caves, although that did feel like a lifetime ago. It was as if they had all been in a cocoon and were only now allowed to finally achieve their true form.

It was such a huge change that it was both impressive and terrifying. However, Amber refused to worry about which one was the prevailing one and just enjoy the refreshing bath.