Page 33 of Isle of Beasts and Shadows

“Guidance?” Jonathan gave a self-deprecating chuckle. “I’ve merely followed where you two have led. But I must admit, it’s been an honor.” The camaraderie between them felt like a solid anchor amidst the uncertainty of their mission. The memory of battles fought side by side, of nights spent strategizing around campfires, seemed to bind them closer with each passing moment.

“An honor that will soon be tested,” Airella said as she scanned the approaching coastline with her mismatched eyes. The sight of Aramore’s majestic towers filled her with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. She turned toward them, her expression solemn. “We’ll need each other more than ever once we reach the king.”

“Whatever awaits,” Jonathan replied, his voice steady with resolve, “we face it together.” His words carried the weight of their unspoken promises, a pact forged in the fires of adversity and tempered by trust.

They sealed their pact with a nod, a silent understanding that bound them as a trio against the impending challenges. The ship continued its journey toward Eldaraya, the city of their destinies looming ever closer. The bond they shared felt like an unbreakable shield, ready to face whatever trials lay ahead.

Deep within the ship’s underbelly, Duran stared into his reflection, his features warped by the rippling surface of a tarnished mirror. The dim light caused shadows to dance across his face, accentuating the lines of tension etched into his skin. His eyes, usually so sharp and commanding, now flickered with an unfamiliar darkness, a haunting void that seemed to consume the surrounding light.

“Your resistance is futile,” a voice hissed through him, one that clawed at the edges of his consciousness, insidious and cold. It was a voice he had heard many times, one that carried the weight of ancient authority. Father’s essence swirled within Duran, gripping tighter with every passing moment, like icy tendrils wrapping around his mind, squeezing out his own will.

“They think they can prevent the humans from coming to the isle,” Duran spoke, his voice no longer entirely his own. The words dripped with a venomous conviction that sent shivers down his spine. “Fools. They do not understand the hunger that drives us, the necessity of our survival. We need the humans to thrive again.”

“Indeed,” the dark whisper agreed through Duran’s lips. “The Miscreants require sustenance, something to reign over. Centuries ago, we indulged too freely, and our prey vanished. But now... now the feast shall begin anew.” The voice within him seemed to grow stronger, feeding off Duran’s own growing resolve.

“More souls will come,” Duran continued, his eyes glinting with malice. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, as though they carried a dark promise. “They must. The isle thirsts for lifeblood, and I will permit no one to disrupt the flow.” He could almost taste the desperation of those who would soon arrive, unaware of the fate that awaited them.

“Ensure the king remains pliable,” Father commanded, tightening his hold. The pressure in Duran’s mind increased, and he felt his own thoughts slipping further away. “The humans will settle the isle, whether or not they wish it.”

Duran’s hand clenched the edge of the table before him, the wood creaking ominously under the pressure. The room seemed to close in around him, the walls echoing the dark intent that filled his mind. “It will be done,” he affirmed, his resolve as cold and hard as the sea below. The future was set in motion, and Duran knew there was no turning back.

Chapter 21

“Are you ready?” Jonathan held out his gloved hand to Sirius, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. Sirius responded with a slight grin, his anticipation evident. Their three-week journey to Eldaraya had finally ended. As Jonathan gathered the articles of armor, he playfully remarked, “Put this on. You’ll fit right in with the crowd.”

Sirius willingly traded his tattered cloak for the gleaming silver chest plate, though he couldn’t help but express his uncertainty, “Yes, but this armor...”

“Feels odd, right?” Jonathan interjected, sensing Sirius’s hesitation. Sirius glanced over at Airella, who couldn’t contain a small chuckle at Sirius’s new appearance. With a reassuring smile, Jonathan continued, “As an inhabitant of the island, Sirius, you must explain to the king that it is unfeasible for our kingdom to establish civilization there. Just maintain your composure and avoid giving him any reason to lock you away.”

Jonathan took the lead, his confident stride echoing through the wooden ship as Sirius ducked his head while stepping out of the inner chambers. Airella trailed close behind, her presence adding a sense of calm amidst the tension.

The soldiers, clad in armor, couldn’t hide their unease as Sirius locked eyes with Duran. The intensity in Sirius’s gazespoke volumes, a constant undercurrent of anger simmering beneath the surface. It was a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking on the island.

A significant portion of Duran’s men had fallen victim not only to Zol, but also to other malevolent creatures that prowled the island. As Sirius addressed Duran, his words carried a weight of both promise and threat.

“As we agreed, I will refrain from harming your people and will aid in preventing them from settling on the island. In exchange, I seek to understand your kingdom’s ways and you will maintain secrecy about my presence,” Sirius concluded before breaking his intense gaze.

With a deliberate step, Sirius disembarked from the ship onto the weathered dock. His eyes scanned the bustling marketplace of Aramore, the towering structures, and the distant silhouette of the grand castle that dominated the skyline.

“Just follow my lead, Sirius. We’ll guide you straight to King William. It’s only a matter of time,” Jonathan reassured, his voice filled with a blend of determination and anticipation.

Sirius followed behind him, weaving through the crowd as he pushed past citizens who shot him deep glares or shivered in fear. The peasants whispered amongst themselves, their voices gradually rising in curiosity and concern as they trailed the large group of soldiers. Soon, a ripple of gasps spread through the crowd like a sudden gust of wind, each gasp a testament to the shock that gripped the citizens.

In a swift and dramatic turn of events, it was Duran who deftly maneuvered behind Sirius, pressing a dagger against his throat in a calculated move that seemed to suggest a hostage situation. With a deft motion, Duran removed Sirius’siron helmet, revealing his golden eyes and silver hair to the astonished onlookers of Eldaraya. Though Sirius gripped his scythe tightly, an unfortunate twist of fate caused it to slip from his grasp as Duran presented him before the stunned crowd.

“This Miscreant,” Duran declared in a booming voice that echoed across the square, “has taken the lives of our own people, and who knows who else! If we do not act now, he may come for your children next! He will devour them whole, just like this witch!” His accusatory tone pierced the air, adding Airella to the chaos that unfolded. As Duran pointed towards her, she involuntarily took a step back, her eyes wide with disbelief and fear.

Sirius then cocked his head back with a sharp and sudden motion, showing that he had knocked a tooth from Duran’s mouth once he heard the successful sound of a loud crack.

The citizens, as well as many of the soldiers, trembled with fear as Sirius picked up his scythe from the ground. Sirius paused and scanned over the people in shame, his eyes revealing a mix of regret and determination. He took a moment before he pulled the rest of his armor from his body; the pieces clanging softly as they fell to the ground. The people surrounding him confirmed their suspicions as they beheld the dark, decaying flesh of his chest, which starkly contrasted with the living beings around him.

Jonathan watched in confusion as Sirius took his cloak from Airella and draped it behind him with a sense of finality. Then, Jonathan took ahold of Airella’s left shoulder, his touch gentle yet firm, as he guided her through the towering kingdom gates, a silent promise of protection in his actions.

Sirius looked back to Duran, who was being helped back up to his feet by concerned onlookers. The man, despite his injuries, emitted a sinister and bloody smile towards Sirius.

“No use, it’s over,” Sirius murmured as Airella glanced in his direction, her eyes reflecting a mixture of worry and trust. He saw these two not just as companions but as his steadfast friends, individuals who had selflessly come to his aid countless times already.

Now, as the weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders, it was time for them to confront the king and the challenges that lay ahead.

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