When Angels Sin

25. The Black Islands

The Black Islands - Kassarath

Mikal

It was said that the Black Islands beyond the Black Sea were dark and haunted by demons. For centuries, banished sinners and outlaws had been sent there as a punishment, to be devoured by dark spirits and bleeding mountains. But as Mikal made his first step into the eastern lands, he realized that whatever he had heard about the Eastern Kingdom of Kassarath was completely untrue. Rather than being a kingdom of darkness and evil, this was truly a kingdom of light.

"Holy Heavens!" Hilda gasped as she leapt from the ship and landed next to Mikal. And he could not blame her. The sun shone perfectly in the cloudless skies, bathing everything beneath it in dazzling gold and silver. Everything seemed to glitter and sparkle, from the long running streams and the countless azure springs, to the shimmering marble fountains and the gilded city walls.

Mounting their Pegasi, they flew speechless, awed by the breathtaking beauty of the city before them. And as they finally arrived at the castle gates, the King was standing in their reception, dressed in extravagant scarlet robes, his long black hair matching his sleek black wings, and his deep black eyes further lined in black paint.

"We finally meet again, my boy," King Serenus smiled as he greeted Mikal.

"It is my pleasure, Your Grace." Mikal bowed elegantly. And just as he got up, King Serenus had pulled him in his arms and landed a kiss on his cheek. Mikal tensed, unaccustomed to such familiarity, and he quickly took a step backwards as Serenus released him.

"King Serenus," Hilda stepped forward at once, wasting no chance to announce her presence. "I have heard all about Your Highness and Your Great Kingdom. It is such a pleasure to finally meet Your Grace in person."

"And who are you?" Serenus eyed her curiously.

"I am Hilda of Grytia, prime advisor of the high ruling council of Nordenland and sole heiress to the city of Grytia and the Grytian gold mines."

"Why Lady Hilda, of course," Serenus smiled before he landed a kiss on her cheek as well.

"Your Grace, allow me to introduce my father, Lord Frederik of Grytia, owner of the great Grytian gold mines. And this is Lord Bernard Nordstrom of Nordenvania, no need to mention of course, the great renowned Lord and Guardian of Nordenland. And this fine young Knight here, is Sir Vilfred Nordstrom, high member of the ruling council and the greatest swordsman in Nordenland."

Mikal rolled his eyes as Hilda decided to take it upon herself to lead the introductions, furthermore labelling Vilfred as the best swordsman in Nordenland! Everyone knew no one could rival Mikal when it came to swordsmanship.

After the greetings were over, they were taken to their chambers to rest after the long journey, only to be invited a short while later by King Serenus to join him in his favorite hot spring. Mikal was not pleased, nor was anyone. They had only just arrived, and they needed to rest. But no one could refuse an invitation from the King. Unwillingly, Mikal followed the others to the spring, yet as they reached the place, they were grateful for Serenus's invitation after all.

Located on a high secluded hill within the castle grounds, it was literally a piece of heaven. Weeping willows and exotic plants framed the large silver spring while black rocks lined its bed. Tiny bubbles escaped to the surface of the crystal clear water, its heat breathing out thin shrouds of translucent smoke. The tinkling of water and the chirping of exotic birds filled the air with soft melodies, soothing even the most restless of bodies and minds.

"The water in this spring is magical," King Serenus said as his guests joined him. "Sitting here for just a few minutes is much better than a whole night sleep."