In a dark room inside the palace, Linus sat on the floor, silently watching the young man who had entered. Maurer stood by the door, hesitating, as if the words weighed heavily on his tongue.
Linus said quietly,
"Close the door and speak."
Maurer closed the door, then sat down in front of him, and said in a low voice,
"I… am not like them."
Linus stared at him, responding, "I know. I saw it in your eyes."
*
Maurer looked down at the floor, saying, "Ever since I was little, I've been treated like an instrument. I'm not allowed to make mistakes, I'm not allowed to refuse. Every order is carried out… even if it hurts."
Linus asked,
"And what do they do if I refuse?"
Maurer replied, his voice trembling, "Torture… isolation… food deprivation. Sometimes they leave me in a dark room for days."
*
Linus said, approaching him:
"Why are you telling me this now?"
Maurer replied:
"Because you are different. You are the first to enter the island and not see me as a threat… but as a human being."
Linus said:
"We don't judge anyone by their appearance… but by their actions."
Maurer stared at him:
"Then listen carefully… My family is planning to kill you."
*
Linus said sharply:
"When?"
Maurer replied:
"Tomorrow. After you go to sleep, the food will be poisoned, the doors will be locked, and the creatures will be unleashed upon you."
"Why are you telling me?" Linus said, getting up.
Maurer said:
"Because… I don't want to be a part of this. I don't want to be a murderer."
*
Linus was silent for a moment, then said:
"Are you risking your life for us?"
Maurer replied:
"Yes. And I'll do more."
Linus said:
"Like what?"
"I'll give you the Black Gem," Maurer said, opening a small bag.
*
He opened the bag and took out a shiny black stone, engraved with the family symbol: a line with a white circle in the middle.
Linus said in surprise:
"This is it?"
Maurer replied:
"Yes. One of six gems scattered across secret islands. Only the family knows where it is."
"And what does it do?" Linus touched the gem.
"It charges swords… It gives them superhuman strength. But they need resources to stabilize. They don't work without nourishment."
*
"Have you ever used it?" Linus stared.
"Once… in training. It nearly killed me. But I learned how to control it."
Linus said, "Why are you giving it to us?"
Maurer said, "Because it doesn't deserve to be held captive by someone who kills innocent people."
*
"So you're with us now," Linus said, putting the jewel in his bag.
"Yes," Maurer replied. "But we must leave tonight... before they discover what you've done."
"I'll wake the crew," Linus said, getting up. "We'll leave silently."
"Follow me... I know a way no one else knows," Maurer said, opening the door.