Shadowed Reckoning by Olivia Huntington

Author:Olivia Huntington
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: World Castle Publishing, LLC
Published: 2023-09-11T23:29:31+00:00

Chapter 7

John traced his finger along the ancient sea chart, following the scattered chain of islands until he reached the small one marked only with a skull symbol. He and Talia had spent weeks pursuing whispers and myths about the Amulet’s location. All the fragmented clues pointed here — to this remote and notorious island.

“The Isle of Exiles,” Talia confirmed, frowning over John’s shoulder. “Those banished from proper magical society end up there. Smugglers, thieves, mercenaries — anyone running from the law.”

She tapped the skull symbol grimly. “They say only the most ruthless survive there long.”

John nodded slowly, already lost in thought planning their approach. The Isle’s infamy would make access difficult, but he refused to be deterred. Not when this was the closest they had come to a solid lead yet. After months of fruitless searching, the possibility of finally achieving his goal thrummed through John’s veins. He could almost feel the cursed Amulet within his grasp.

“We’ll need a discreet way in,” he mused. “A smuggler willing to pose as traders...”

“Leave that to me,” Talia said with a sly smile. “I still have certain contacts from my...past life.”

John quirked an eyebrow at this oblique reference to her mysterious history but simply nodded. When Talia had first appeared promising help, he had suspected deception. But the months since had proven her loyalty beyond doubt. Whatever secrets lay buried in her past, he trusted her completely now.

“I knew I recruited the right partner in crime,” he said.

Talia’s smile widened at the compliment. She rose and donned her traveling cloak. “Be ready to leave at dusk. I’ll handle the rest.”

John spent the intervening hours preparing for their infiltration of the lawless isle. He carefully checked his wand, sharpening it to a fine point, and strapped on his mage dagger — goblin-forged steel. His potions kit was fully stocked with medicinal tonics and toxins to cloud enemies’ minds or strengthen his own. And he cleaned his enchanted seeing glass, which enabled sight through solid objects — an invaluable aid for stealth.

Satisfied he was ready for any threat, John made his way as darkness fell to the appointed seaside rendezvous point — a small, deserted cove. The only sound was the hypnotic lap of waves against rock. High above, seagulls circled and called mournfully. A fitting dirge for a voyage to the damned Isle, John mused grimly.

He tensed as footsteps approached from behind. But it was only Talia, accompanied by a grizzled, weather-beaten old sailor. His wrinkled face looked tough as old leather, weathered by decades of harsh sea winds. A curved dagger hung from his belt next to a flask of rum.

“John, meet Captain Rask,” said Talia. “He’s agreed to smuggle us to the Isle aboard his ship.”

The captain spat on the sand. “Normally, I steer clear of that accursed place. But for the right price...” He eyed John and Talia shrewdly.

“We’ll triple your usual rate,” John said without hesitation. The Ministry’s coffers funded this mission; gold was no object. And if this dodgy mariner could get them to the island unseen, it would be cheap.

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