This Islands Leader

A deep airy voice booms from a man in a dark black robe. "You have come ashore our island without permission and ask us to heal your captain. We also need to feed and house you and your crew, but you yell at us for simply laughing, do you have no respect?" The room suddenly feels cold and a shiver goes down my spine. But the man continues "That man only has tonight before he dies and if I had it my way I would take him now as a punishment for landing at my port!" He lifted his head and all I could see his black pupils, that menacing gaze was piercing my soul. I had to look away, I noticed all the cloaked figures had turned their heads towards this man was he the leader? I wondered. Bane got to his knees and kowtowed he stuttered out "We-we're sorry sir, she-she's struck by grief and p-panic she doesn't know what she's say-ssss-saying. Her father is all she has left in this w-world, please forgive us!" He practically yelled the last part. But was met with a gentle but firm reply that echoed throughout the room. "There is no need for any of that, please get up from the floor. It is my children that need to be forgiven, I am Aeon." The one called Aeon has now looked up, she has straight black hair that falls below her shoulders and beautiful green eyes that look like they glow. She has few aging spots, her voice sounds older than she looks and her eyes hold wisdom beyond her age. she was a middle aged woman in a green robe that sat on the throne in the centre to the right.

Bane hastily stood straight and bowed to her "I-it's a pleasure to meet you Aeon, W-we must still apologise do you happen to be the leader?" I scrunch my face in confusion, since I've never in my life seen Bane act so cowardly. The lady Aeon makes a motion with her hands as if to say don't worry about it and says "I guess you could say I am in charge of this island, the man next to me on my left is my husband Ignatius and these four on either side of us are our unruly children." She gestures to either side of her. No one else dares to speak, her aura is commanding but regal. "The one in the black" Aeon gestures to the far left " is Arius. It is unfortunate for you to have landed on his side of the island, this son of mine is not very accepting of strangers. Nevertheless he will accomodate you and your crew, for the duration of your stay you will all be safe you have our word. There are rules on this island one being where you dock, you shall stay. Unless invited to stay elsewhere by either of his siblings. Please do not take it upon yourself to wonder this island without permission from either of us"

My face kind of turned frightened at the thought of staying with that man, but I tried to mask it the best I could. I wondered if his siblings were any better, but I would stay where I was told if they could save my father. Bane was about to say something else to Aeon, but before he could say anything she spoke again. "I know why you're here, we will speak about this later as for the matter at hand. She gestured to my father's body, it is not I who will help him. In order for him to be healed you must convince my daughter Leora" she moves her hand to indicate that Leora is the one between Ignatius and Arius in a white robe and then continues saying "of course there will be a price for your father's healing, the one paying will have to negotiate that with her aswell." I clenched my fists but smile and drop my head in thought could they truly help my father? What would they want in return? I wondered. Before Bane could say anything in response I stood up straight and walked with determination to stand beside him and said confidently "I will pay the price, I am willing to pay any amount of money, please just help him!" Suddenly the room was filled with a light laughter. Another feminine voice spoke "You think something like money would suffice? You think money can pay for a life?"

As I looked in the direction the voice came from I was staring into the most beautiful cappuccino eyes. Her long waist length hair was silky white like snow my breath hitched in my throat. I stuttered out confidence wanning "I-It's my fathers leg that needs mending though?" She started looking at me almost dejectedly "Wasn't it you who so graciously stated how life was precious moments ago? or were you just saying anything out of desperation to get our attention? She said. Coming back to my senses I frown and responded a little annoyed "of course not, his life is precious to me-" she cut me off staring with a look of confusion. "So you meant only his life is precious? No one else matters?" I tug the end of my shirt trying not to get irritated with this woman twisting my words "that is not what I meant I-" she then raises an eyebrow and says "well it would do you well to choose your words wisely then" Aeon over praised her children when she called them unruly they were actually rude pompous asses "Well if you would just let me finish, then maybe I would've come up with the right words to satisfy you!" I say snarkily. The room is silent for a minute before the woman responds with a hint of glee in her eyes "Oh? I was waiting for you to finish. Since it seems this is how you speak to your saviour, I will make the price steep" I let out an audible gasp and my eyes widen "I- I'm sorry-" she cuts me off again and says with a smirk "A life for a life, this is my price."