Destiny Island

Chapter 51

Once they were finally able to get back their bearings, they were unsure whether they were better of in the giant land than they were in the place they found themselves in once they took a look at their surroundings. It was as if they had seen the sunny part of the island and they were going towards the shade more quickly than their minds were prepared to accept.

It felt to them as if their dream that was the wondrous magical island, was turning into a nightmare rather quickly. They could deal with Ci Nada and her attempt at hurting them, but they seemed unable to comprehend that one island could contain so many wonderful things and yet so many terrifying things.

Soon enough, they realized that they had found themselves in a dark marsh although they were pretty sure that just moments ago, in the giant land, it was daytime. It seemed like different laws ruled the different parts of the island so their mortal brains didn't have enough capacity to comprehend all the changing and shifting that came with the new territory.

Amber was tired of being brave and proud so she subtly came closer to Ignacio finding comfort in his strength, while Royce seemed to do the same by approaching Jade who was as unwavering as ever. It was as if the dark turn their journey was taking just managed to give her new determination to go on, no matter what.

It was as if Amber and Jade were learning two different lessons about life. While Amber was learning that it was okay to be weak sometimes and search comfort in others, Jade was learning that fears could be faced with a bit of determination and good friends on one's side.

As they squinted their eyes to see better, they noticed that the eerie light that was the reason they were alerted to the fact that they were in a marsh was the barely visible green light that seemed sick and unnatural. It gave the place the sense of foreboding that neither of them liked, but having in mind that they couldn't go back, they decided to move forward.

Howling and hooting sounds could be heard all around them and they wanted to reach the light, no matter how ghastly, as soon as it was humanly possible. Light meant shelter, or at least other rational beings that might offer them shelter or show them the way out of the gloomy place.

As they went on, the light started becoming more and more prominent in its green brightness. Soon enough, they could see a shape somewhere out there, shrouded in the strange light. It was difficult to see it clearly, no matter how much they squinted their eyes, but as they came even closer they finally saw it for what it truly was.

"That looks like a haunted house," Amber remarked unhelpfully.

The others silently agreed with her, but didn't want to say anything aloud, as if saying it would only make it true. After everything they had seen, they were sure everything was possible, but they hoped with all their might that the house was not haunted.

They all looked at each other and made a silent agreement to just get it over with, to knock on the door. In their minds, they reckoned that it couldn't be worse than the giants who wanted to prepare them for a scrumptious meal.

However, they didn't feel so sure when their knocking was answered by an old woman with green skin and a huge wart on her nose. It wasn't only her appearance that made them feel so unsure, but also the fact that she didn't seem all that pleasant or hospitable. There was an air of annoyance about her that told them, as clear as day, that visitors were not welcome.

"Excuse me, we are looking for shelter and maybe directions on how to leave...hm...how to leave this lovely marsh you have here," Jade said.

"Argh, did it have to be humans. I despise humans." The old woman grunted to herself.

At the same time, she motioned them to come in which they did cautiously. They didn't trust the old woman. She reminded them too much of every evil witch, from every fairy tale they had ever read, but it was better than staying outside. Humans or at least rational beings could be reasoned with, wolves and other possible wild animals not so much.

"Stupid Island Treaty is making me help these awful humans. It's unjustice, I tell you, unjustice!" The witch mumbled to herself.

"Would you like some food or accommodation?" She asked addressing them.

"That would be lovely. We do appreciate it." Royce said.

It was as if he didn't think his answer through. He heard the word food and lost sight of where they were and who was offering the food to them. The whole encounter with the giants seemed to drain him out of energy and he needed some sustenance.

That was one of Royce's flaws. When he was hungry, he wasn't thinking straight. It was as if his reason took a backseat and his stomach was in charge. The others had no choice but to agree with his answer, but they were much more cautious than he was.

As they set down to eat what everyone, but Royce hoped was regular food, the others paid close attention to see if the witch would eat the food as well. Once they noticed that she was eating the food, they joined in although not all of them were that hungry. They didn't want to insult their hostess, evil witch or not.

It felt to the others as if Royce had forgotten they had food in their bags and that the thought of homecooked meal, even from a witch was irresistible to him. He seemed hypnotized by it and Jade and Amber worried that it was a witch's trick, but looking at Ignacio they realized it was a normal occurrence.

Although they hadn't been on the road for a long time, they all felt very tired. So, immediately after the meal, they asked the witch to lead them to their chambers. The moment they arrived, it was as if sleep dust was sprinkled over their eyes and they were all asleep in a matter of seconds in the same huge room they were led to.

They didn't even have the time to think whether their slumber was a natural one, or perhaps caused by a special spice added to their meals. After all, a certain spice wouldn't harm anyone but put them into a deep sleep and who knew what could happen to one if they slept very soundly. So soundly, in fact, that it might be as if they were no longer on the same island.

As their unnatural snoring became more prominent, the old witch Mildred, started laughing evilly as was in her nature. Finally, after such a long time spent doing nothing to hinder goodness, it felt satisfying to be able to do something that would harm them in some way.

The moment she was completely sure they were in deep sleep, with no chance of either one of them waking up any time soon, she started preparing for the special visit. She lit a candle that cast a creepy shadow over the sleeping humans and started chanting:

"Light in the dark

dark in the light

come tonight and leave your mark

the being of wrath,

the being of pain

I give thee my own name.

Come to me I summon thee

From the darkness welcome me with your presence

Let dark erase the night

show yourself in your full might."

Mildred finished chanting, and the moment she did so, the shadows started moving. They started shifting and turning. Twirling and twisting, chasing each other and running away. Shifting into all the different shapes and sizes, until finally, a figure emerged. A shadow made of shadows, and yet much more compact was finally there.