Night had covered the island, and fog was creeping between the trees. The crew sat in a small circle inside the forest, far from the palace, breathing heavily after their escape.
"I haven't run like this since chasing the pirates in Chiron Bay," Darius said, lighting a small fire.
"Don't get too excited… we're still inside the island," Kallias replied, watching the shadows.
"Do they have creatures in the forest too?" Nikos whispered.
"Not creatures… but eyes," Morir replied quietly.
*
"Now we're outside the palace," Linus said, staring at Morir. "Tell us everything about the jewel… and the other jewels."
Moirir took a deep breath, then said, "The Black Jewel I gave you… is one of six jewels. Each one is hidden on a different island, and each island is protected by a special family or creatures."
Romulus asked, scribbling in his notebook, "Do you know their locations?"
"Only some," Morir replied.
"The others require deciphering ancient symbols."
"New adventures?" Darius smiled. "I like that."
"Don't talk like we're on a picnic," Kallias said sharply. "Every gem means double danger."
*
"Linus asked, "What exactly does the Black Gem do?"
"It charges swords, giving them superhuman strength. It can blast rock, pierce armor, and even repel creatures that are impervious to iron."
"And can it be used in more than one sword?" Nikos asked in surprise.
"Yes, but they must be fueled with resources...rare metals, thermal energy, or even engraved symbols."
*
"And do the other gems have different powers?" Romulus stared at the gem. Morir replied:
"Yes. The blue gem grants superhuman speed, the red one creates shock waves, and the green one controls plants… but each comes at a price."
Linus asked:
"And what price?"
Morir replied:
"Each gem feeds on something… some on resources, some on the balance of the place itself. If misused, it could destroy the island."
*
Darius laughed.
"So we're carrying a mobile bomb? Great!"
Callias sneered.
"Great? You don't understand anything."
Linus stood up.
"Enough," he said. "Now we know the gem isn't just a weapon… but a responsibility."
*
"Do you think the Markor family will come after us?" Nikos whispered.
Morir replied:
"Of course. Father doesn't forget… nor does he forgive."
Romulus said:
"Can they track the gem?"
Morrer replied:
"Yes… if we don't temporarily shut down its power."
Linus said:
"And how do we do that?"
Morrer replied:
"It must be buried in the ground, amidst insulating symbols, for a full day."
*
Darius said, rising:
"Then we won't use it now?"
Linus said:
"No. We'll hide it first… then we'll plan."
Kalias said, staring up at the trees:
"The forest isn't safe. We must move before dawn."
Morrer said:
"I know of an abandoned place… one of my brothers used for training. We can hide there."
Linus said:
"Guide us to it. We'll start from there."