For the right price

"Nothing you say can change my mind," Fiona countered. "Look, I have money. I'm more than willing to pay someone to take me there."

"Put away your money, it will be of no use here. No one will be willing or foolish enough to take you across those dangerous waters," the old man scoffed.

For him the conversation was over as he started to read his book while rocking occasionally in the wooden chair and muttering to himself.

He had no patience for arguing with stubborn young people that refuse to listen to reason.

It was disheartening to see adventurers and thrill seekers come to this side of the world only to throw their lives away and for what, some stupid misguided legend about a hidden fortune.

Seeing the conversation deteriorate rapidly and not wanting to lose another paying guest.

Maggie, the old man's wife and sole peacemaker at the inn said cheerily, "Frankie you old goat, stop scaring the young miss. I'm sorry about my husband's behavior but he means well, will anyone else be joining you?"

"No. I'm here by myself," Fiona replied vaguely. Maggie sensed her unease and left it alone.

"That's a pity. A lovely young lady such as yourself shouldn't be traveling alone without a chaperone but I guess times are changing. Will you like to sign the guest book now?" inquired Maggie.

Now that Fiona got her purpose out of the way there was no real reason to hesitate anymore. Besides, she liked the cleanliness and ambiance of the inn.

Even though it was outdated and a tad bit more expensive than the other inns in the area she felt safe here with the old couple.

Fiona took up the pen and leaned over to side her name in the gigantic guest book, with thick yellowed pages.

A reminder that this was a privately owned family run inn, passed down through generations with lots of history and sentiment attached to this historical landmark.

That night felt freezing cold as the temperature steadily dropped to -6.

Fiona could see her breath every time she exhaled. She watched the frost on the windowpane thicken until she drifted off to sleep.

The cold always made her want to pee more and each time she got up to use the toilet, it was harder for her to go back to the same dreamscape.

Since she was enjoying before she woke up. This dampened her spirits and made her feel cross as she tossed and turned in her bed at the inn.

When sunlight flooded the room and woke her, not even the usual putting a pillow over her face could help.

As she heard the loud shrill cries of seagulls outside competing with the deafening roar of the sea.

Hopping out of bed grumpily, her sole mission was to tie the window shutters that banged against the wall.

Due to the fierce wind that blew angrily from across the ocean floor. The closer she got to the window the more she smelled the sea and couldn't resist looking outside.

No way was she going back to sleep after seeing the crowded harbor. Cruise ships anchored beside small ferries.

While fishing ships and streamers buffered to and from across the harbor that was slowly awakening and bustling with early morning activity.

Fiona ate breakfast quickly and went down to the nearby docks to make inquiries amongst the locals about a boat ride to the forbidden isle.

She walked along the wharf stopping to ask but kept getting rejected by amused sailors and their captains.

Although it was disheartening, she was nowhere close to giving up yet, but desperation had started to set in.

She was tempted to ask the provision boats if they would consider giving her a ride amongst their crates and warehouse supplies when she heard a small distinct voice.

"My lady?"

Fiona turned to see a scruffy, red headed little boy no older than ten beaming at her.

"I think my older brother will be willing to take you over to the forbidden isle," he mumbled, feeling self-conscious in the presence of a young, beautiful stranger. "Please follow me."

She had a hard time holding on to her wide brimmed hat that protected her pale skin from the sheer radiance of the sun as the wind continued to pummel her from all sides. The sun kissed little boy was obviously used to it and paid no mind to the wind.

As he led her down a winding path away from the harbor the wind almost blew away her hat twice.

She was so busy battling the wind and trying to keep up with the young lad who moved so fast that in no time they passed through a meadow near a cliff.

Then descended down a narrow-pebbled path that led downwards to a small cove. There a teenaged version of her red headed tour guide was diligently patching up an old boat.

After a short, muffled conversation between the boys the older of the two turned to speak to Fiona.

"Want to sneak out to the forbidden isle, don't you? I'm afraid today isn't a good day for it."

Fiona stared incredulously at the clear blue skies. The waves were a bit higher than yesterday but surely that was nothing out of the ordinary.

She was still perspiring under the heat of the sun, and it seemed like a great day to take chances.

"Whatever do you mean," she asked.

"Look, out there, it's very windy and the waves are very rough and choppy."

"I see," Fiona replied but she really didn't get it.

She stared confused, at the crystal blue waters with the usual touch of froth and wondering what he was getting at.

Seeing her confusion, the boys both grinned at her with their wide, toothsome smiles identical.

He spoke again, "For the right price, I'd be willing to give you a tour of the harbor. Even though no one is allowed to go near the forbidden isle. It wouldn't be our fault if the wind happened to suddenly blow us off course now, would it?"