Chapter 14

I walked around to see Ents were planting new trees to replace the ones that were destroyed. The dark elves were already placing protection around the place. I heard a familiar voice demanding that everything be done perfectly. Angharad was there with her assistant. She saw me and asked if I had actually cut off Nigreos' hand. I said I did but it is in briny deep. She waved her hand and summoned the council. After an hour of debate she got the hand. She used dark magic and made a map with dragon hide as paper that tells where Nigreos was at the present time. The landscape changed accordingly to show where she was. That meant that there was no place for her to hide. The council was pleased so I stepped forward to mention that there is a weapon called the crystal dagger that can defeat both of them but it in an island that mermaids can't go. The others said that they will send people to find it. I sat down till the meeting was over.

Angharad asked me where I had heard of it. I mumbled Tiamat. She walked off to find her and soon they came back excited. Angharad pulled out a red yarn and a silver ring with an inch cavity designated for a stone. She said a spell in Sanskrit and the yarn undid itself and melted into the pot. Angharad dropped the ring and Tiamat dropped a compass there was a black light that shot out. Angharad used a pair of tongs and pulled it out. She asked me to extend my hand. I did and she dropped the still smoking ring. The ring looked white hot but it was cool to the touch.

She asked Tiamat to show me what the dagger looked like and stepped aside. I stepped forward bracing for what trouble awaits me. She showed an island in the sea of Japan. It was covered in a dense fog. I was shown a rocky and slippery path to a hut in the mountains where it was. The dagger that had a blade made from a magical crystal. When the light hits it the dagger shines like a diamond. It gives off a type of warmth that was as inviting as a siren call. The dagger was protected by a samurai and a ninja. There were other beasts that lives there. There are several stops on the way there. These creatures exist to stop anyone from going forward. The island had several rules that these creatures enforced. Breaking any of them would result in death or captivity.

The first rule was simple not littering. The second was simple remain calm. There are those that feed off heightened emotions. The third was to keep walking forward and no matter what don't pluck any flowers, fruits or leaves from the greenery. The next was unusual. If anyone calls from behind. I shouldn't turn around. If I do then I will be ripped to pieces. If captured then the person belongs to island. There's no such thing as a rescue. The last was simple don't provoke the samurai and ninja. They can't do anything unless I give them permission. They will insist on fighting so keep saying no.

I promised to come back with the dagger and I only took Mini Excalibur and the mirror with me. Tiamat gave me the ring and showed me that the ring will help me get to the dagger faster and safer. I quickly slipped it on and lifted my hand. The gem began to glow and a thread that glittered like a ruby was seen for a brief moment. I flicked my hand and the thread reappeared and I grabbed it. The thread became more visible. I smiled and asked to be taken to the island. I promised to call when I get the dagger. Angharad waved her hand and the trees twisted till they shaped themselves as a frame for an ornate and ancient mirror. The place where the glass resides was empty. Soon a grayish black smoke appeared and I was asked to walk through it.

When I entered I found myself on the beach. There was a rickety staircase. There was no color anywhere. No matter where I looked everything was either black, white or gray. I waved my hand and the ring hummed before the red thread appeared again. I followed the direction it lead me to. The first stop was in front of a golden nine tailed fox. In-between each tail was a ball of fire. It stared as I walked forward but after a few paces it got in my way. I bowed and placed my hand on it to show what was going on. When I done showing the fox what going on it turned into a little boy and ran saying something in Japanese. The only thing I understood was Tatsuo, Agamoto and Ryu. These were names of people.

I heard screams and people were clearly running. I hide in the bushes and waited till it passed. When the coast was clear I got out and kept walking. Soon I saw that the path ended. I had to climb so I flew up. But the moment I did I somehow landed on the ground again. So I climbed like a normal person. When I reached the top I saw a bodies hung on trees. I walked forward minding my own business. I heard people calling me but I ignored them all. How on earth did they know my name. I kept walking and soon found myself being told to swerve in a different direction. I heard a woman say something stubbornly but I paid attention only to the ring.

I kept walking till I hit statue. It was a gargoyle. It transformed into a real life beast and breathed fire at me. I had no choice but to hide. It called out to me saying that I had to pay a toll to get through. I had to offer a reminder of a great pain. I gave him my wedding ring. It was a reminder of both Dracula and James. The gargoyle stepped aside and I walked forward. I heard the fox boy calling Agamoto. Then a deep voice answered him. I quickly ran in the direction that the ring showed me. I almost ran into a ninja who was practicing shuriken. I admired him for a moment but soon the ring on my finger became hot. I snapped out of it and walked past him only for the ring to point me in the Ninja's direction. I realized that he has the dagger in his robes. He has to give it willingly. This is not how I imagined it but let's ask the ninja to hand over the goods.