THE 12TH ACCOUNT: GHOST ISLAND 7

The festivities began almost right away. The islanders were quick to prepare. They had been under the curse, wandering as spirits for fifteen years and they were just too ecstatic to celebrate. Of course, since all of us were hungry, we helped, Neville especially.

By afternoon, everyone was eating to their fill. The simple-minded pirates decided to stay on the island and live in normalcy. After all, their pirate ship disintegrated when the curse was broken and they thought it was best for them since they're cowards anyways. The islanders forgave them and welcomed them with open arms. They would be the island's new fishermen which they were, before they resorted to piracy.

There were many bewitching women on the island who tried to get Jacob's attention. However, Jacob stayed by my side the whole time since there were also impressive men who tried some of their suave moves on me.

When the sun began to set, the markings on their bodies vanished. Jaina went to our table and offered us the island's sacred wine because we are their esteemed heroes and guests. Jacob quickly drank the wine intended for me and shook his head.

"You already had enough last night," he reminded me.

I narrowed my eyes at him and he simply kissed the tip of my nose in response. I was still a bit embarrassed and not used to his public display of affection so I turned to Jaina right away to ask her some burning questions I had for a while.

"Would you tell us the story behind the curse? How important was that sacred pearl? Why did you call Elgo, young master?"

Yes, Elgo managed to avoid answering the question this whole time. Elgo sighed as Jaina began to explain to us, the islanders' story.

"The people of this island had served the deity of youth. He blessed us with long years. When we reach the peak of our youth, we stop aging. We are not immortals but we have lived for thousands of years. The pearl was one of the master's eyes that he left us when he perished," she began.

"Perished? I thought he was a god!" I blurted out.

"We were never sure what he was truly. He seemed eternal and powerful at one time but he perished and made us vow to take care of the island and what remains of him, his eyes-- the sacred pearl and young master's left eye. He is the Master's son, after all," she said and looked at Elgo.

We all turned to him as well. Elgo let out a small laugh. "See? I was not lying when I told you I have an eagle eye," he said and beamed.

"Yes, but you also did not tell us that you are a demigod," Gondro responded.

"Because I am not," Elgo answered. "I am only half-Him… whatever He was. I am not powerful. The only ability I have is my eyesight and that I do not age," he said and shrugged his shoulders.

"How far can you truly see?" I was suddenly curious.

He looked at the sea, "I could see far beyond the horizon. If I focus, I can tell you where the other countries are from here."

"Truly?" I exclaimed.

Elgo nodded and began pointing at the horizon. He started explaining where the countries were and how many leagues far away they were from us.

"Then, how come you did not warn us beforehand about the Gulf of Sirens and the other navy ships that were after us. We could have easily avoided them if you warned us ahead of time," Thaddaeus asked.

"As I have said, I am not powerful. I was no match with the sirens' whisper. Besides as I have said, I could only use the utmost of my ability WHEN I focus. Which seldom happens because focusing is not quite my forte! I love having fun. That's why I left the island," he answered.

"Young Master… do not tell us thou art leaving us again?!" Jaina protested.

Elgo sighed."I already have told you I am NOT your young master. You are all free to live however you wish. I do not want to be served. I want to be free. You have His other eye to watch over. I'll watch over this one," he said and pointed to his eye on the left.

"But, young master…" Jaina pleaded again.

"Stop calling me that! I am NOT your young master. My name is Elgo, call me Elgo," Elgo whined.

"Hold on," Tibet remembered something. "How come you can touch the sacred pearl, Elgo? You are not pure!!!" he said pertaining to Elgo's left eye and his merrymaking days with women. "And how old are you really? Why aren't you affected by the curse?"

"Technically this eye is my inheritance, not a sacred pearl. I'm way older than you, Tibet. I am His son so the curse do not apply to me," he simply answered.

"For all its worth Elgo, I am just happy you are part of my crew, whatever, whoever, or however old you are," Jacob replied.

"So am I Captain, so am I," Elgo answered.

After that, Jaina continued to make her pleas on Elgo but the latter was already determined not to stay. After a while, the pleas and the rejections became an adorable banter and now the two looked like they were a married couple fighting.

I was enjoying the company and the melodious laughter that was echoing in the night sky when I suddenly began to feel faint. I felt fatigued! My body began to feel a sudden discomfort and overall weakness. I could feel the sides of my spine aching.

Jacob noticed my pain so he asked, "What's wrong?"

"I feel feverish," I replied.

He immediately put his hand over my forehead. "You are burning up!" he said and immediately called for Gondro!

Gondro quickly took one of his medicinal concoctions and gave it to me. "Drink this, Miss Darling. It will cure your fever right away!"

I quickly did what he said because Gondro's medicines were all miraculous. If he says it will cure me right away, then that's true! However, after I did, my symptoms became worse.

"I don't think those concoctions will cure her. This is a spiritual sickness that resulted from the severance of her body to her spirit. Thou shall need a tear of Ezekra. It's the only way for her to be better," Jaina explained.

"How come you did not tell us this before?" Elgo scolded the beautiful priestess.

"I had just remembered. Centuries had already passed since the last possession," she reasoned.

"What is Ezekra?" Jacob asked as he put his arm around me so I could rest on his chest.

"Ezekra is a legendary sea creature. Young Master Elgo should be able to find her for you," Jaina said.

"What are we waiting for? Let's go," Jacob ordered and everyone stood up at once.

Jacob gently assisted me to stand up and carried me back to Labyrinth. He laid me down on my bed and put a cold towel on my forehead. He then ordered Gondro and Paco not to leave my side and to make sure that I am comfortable at all times. Then, he left my room to lead the quest to find Ezekra!