Weeks had gone by after the event at the castle. The crew, thankfully, had peaceful sail over the sea. The weather was beautiful; sun shinned high, lightly blue skies, bright white clouds. The waves were low and the water was a shimmering dark blue. It was the perfect day and nobody could be happier. No rough winds as a gentle breeze pushed them along. No rough waves and no dark skies. It was the perfect day.

On the boat, everyone was relaxing, laughing and having fun as they didn't have to do a thing. Alfred sat up atop of the mast once again, looking out his small telescope, hoping to see something. And Arthur was in his quarters, looking at his map and the one Lewis had given him. Dressed in his pirate wear, Arthur looked from map to map, trying to line everything up to see if the map was even true. Everything was lining up; Everything accept that one island. He checked all of the maps he owned and none of them had this island on it. It must just be a mistake. It had to be. The artist accidentally drew the island in the wrong place, right…?

"ARTHUR!" Arthur snapped his head up as the young boy called out his name. Sighing, he rubbed his one free eye and stretched his arms lightly before walking back out on deck. "Look, Captain!" Arthur looked up towards the cry to see Alfred smiling down at him and pointing out at sea. He moved his eye down to the sea only for it to widen. Land. They were coming up on land. But, he was just looking at a map! There's no land in sight for a couple weeks! No map had anything! None except… except the map Lewis gave him… The island was… real? "Are you goin' to land there?!" Alfred shouted down. Arthur walked to the front of the ship to get a better look as they approached. The island was, just like the picture, looking to be about half the size of the large island they were just recently at. The whole island looked to be covered in trees except a small spot that looked to hold a small village. By the looks of it, they had a small port, only able to fit a ship a fourth the size of his own. It couldn't hurt to just look, right?

"Take the ship as close as you can to the island up ahead, boys!" At the sound of their captain, all the crew on the ship scrambled up and instantly got to their jobs. Working the ship over they got it as far as they could before stopping it and setting the anchor. Looking around, there looked to be no one else out at sea and no one on the island had seen them. Alfred quickly climbed down from the top of the mast and ran over.

"Do you know this island, Captain?" Alfred looked up at him as Arthur looked out at the island

"No. Not at all." Arthur quickly turned around and walked into his cabin to grab a couple of things. Alfred blinked, looking out at sea then back at the island. Arthur didn't know about this land…? Maybe that's why he had to call him out here… Alfred slowly turned away from the island and walked over to his sleeping quarters to prepare himself.

Once the ship was secure Arthur, Alfred and 3 other crew members loaded into a small boat and were lowered down into the sea. 2 of the members rowed the boat over to the island while the rest sat in silence. Why? Why was this island not on any of his other maps? Questions racked Arthur's brain as he kept his eye on the island. He was going to find out everything he can before he leaves this island.

Quickly, the boat arrived at the small dock, having the 3rd man jump out and stand on the dock. He grabbed the rope attached to their small boat and pulled it closer before tying down and letting everyone else climb on up. The group of 5 walked deeper into the island and into the village. There was some people out and about, but not many, and out of those people, very few noticed them.

"Hello?" A very quiet voice called out. The group quickly turned around to see a woman in a little bit of run down attire compared to other islands. Arthur looked around before looking back at the women.

"Hello." Arthur nodded.

"We don't get visitors often… What is your purpose being here?"

"Ah, you see. We were sailing and we happened to stumble into your island. So, we have come on land to see what was here." Arthur looked around once more, noticing the bright green environment around the village. They must be taking care of it… Everything looked healthy and lively, almost unrealistic…

"Well, there's nothing much." She smiled lightly. "It's just our little village and the forest surrounding it and the rest of the island."

"I see…"

"Oh, but if you wish to stay for a little, we do have a small house." She smiled once more. "We always love visitors and we would love it if you could stay longer." Something was off… Arthur could feel it… It wasn't the fact that the island was healthy. It wasn't the fact that this lady was so kind. It was this…. aura… that the island was giving off… Something was here… This island had a secret… A old, deep secret… Snapping back from his thoughts, Arthur nodded lightly with a light smile.

"We will gladly stay a night. Please, lead us over to the house." The girl nodded with a smile and turned around quickly, leading them over to the small hut. Arthur followed quickly as the rest of group slowly followed, wondering why Arthur had agreed. They weren't going to stay long… right? Alfred quickly ran up to Arthur and pulled on his coat. Blinking, Arthur looked down to see Alfred looking up at him.

"Why are we stayin' here, captain?" Alfred whispered.

"It's just a night. You and the crew get settled while I do some walkin' around." Arthur whispered back with a slight smile. "I just want to get to know the island a bit more, hm?" Alfred blinked, but nodded as he looked back down. The girl led them over to a small house that looked to be kept nicely even though no one lived there. Opening the door, the girl let them inside. It wasn't too big, but it wasn't too small. There was 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room; just enough to live. Arthur turned back to the girl with a smile. "Thank you. It was a pleasure to meet you." The girl smiled back with a nod. Arthur glanced back at his crew, only for them to nod and get to doing something. Arthur turned to Alfred as he looked up at him. Arthur removed his pirate hat and handed it to Alfred. Alfred blinked, but instantly got the message. He nodded and ran off into one of the room. Arthur smiled and stepped outside with the girl, making her blink.

"What is it, sir?" She cocked her head to the side a bit.

"Do you happen to have an elder in this village I can talk to? I would love to know about this island more." The girl blinked, but nodded.

"Oh, yes. Of course we do. But, are you sure you want to talk with her?" Arthur blinked at this. Why would she asked that?

"Yes, I do." The girl looked at Arthur, eye to eye. She couldn't believe it. Why would someone want to see her? Maybe it was because he was an outsider… Yeah… The girl lightly nodded before turning around and leading him deeper into the village. As they walked, Arthur looked around. People glanced at him every now and again, but that was about it. The small houses and such were neatly kept and well cared for, as well as small plants here and there just like the normal trees and plants. The girl led Arthur over a larger house than the rest of the house and knocked lightly.

"There is a man here to see you, elder." The girl explained.

"Let him in!" An old voice called from island. The girl looked back at Arthur with worried eyes. She mouthed 'good luck' and walked back into the village. Arthur blinked but slowly looked back at the door only to blink. The door was already opened. Pushing the door open a bit more, Arthur walked into the house. It was lit brightly and had the sweet smell of tea. Smiling lightly, he shut the door and walked farther into the house and into the family room area. "Come in, take a seat." Arthur blinked only to look around the room. Quickly, his eye fell upon an old woman sitting in an armchair peacefully. Slowly, Arthur walked into a room, noticing an empty chair and a small cup of tea on the stand next to it. "Well? Take a seat, Arthur." Arthur's eye widen and looked back at the woman only to see her smiling. Slowly, Arthur took a seat in the chair and looked at the woman. How did she know his name...?

"Who are you?" Arthur asked, keeping his eye on her.

"You can call me Mary, hm?" She smiled, picking up her tea and taking a sip. Arthur glanced over at his cup only to slowly reach over and grab it. "Don't worry. I didn't do anything to it." She smiled. "I just want to talk." Arthur glanced back at the women only to look back down at his cup. Slowly, he brought the cup up and took a small sip only to blink. It was a very new and interesting taste, but he liked it... "I'm glad you like it." Arthur looked back at the women with a nod.

"How do you know who I am?" Arthur finally questioned. Mary smiled lightly.

"You're not the only one who knows magic, Arthur." Arthur blinked at this. He wasn't…? "I taught myself, just like you, but I can do more." She winked only for a book to begin to rattle in the bookshelf behind her. Arthur looked up only to watch as a book was pulled out of its place and float over to him. Slowly, it was placed in his lap, making Arthur set the tea down. "That's the book I used." She smiled. Arthur lightly felt the cover only to open it up. He skimmed some of the pages before smirking and lifting the book with his own magic and placing it back.

"It's a wonderful book, but I'm afraid I have this book in my collection." The elder blinked at this. "Is that the only one you have? That's saddening. My collecting is many times bigger than that shelf of yours, I'm afraid. It isn't the spells that are produced, it is your magic capability. From the feel of it, you have a strong amount. But, it's just a bit lower then me." Mary stayed quiet before smiling lightly.

"Ah, and that's why." She chuckled. "Well, then I don't have anything to give you. From afar, you seemed much weaker than me." Arthur chuckled as well.

"Ah, that's a condition I have for being clumsy with magic." The elder stopped laughing and looked at Arthur in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Arthur sighed lightly and took another sip of his tea.

"I would rather not talk about it… It's not somethin' I want to remember…" Mary nodded and placed her cup down. Arthur did the same. It got silent.

"I know why you've come here, Arthur." Arthur blinked and looked back up at Mary. "You feel something, don't you?" Slowly, Arthur nodded. "The thing is, that is not me." Arthur blinked. Mary smiled lightly before reaching over and grabbing a smaller book with her hands. She flipped through the pages quickly before stopping suddenly. "This is what you are feeling." Mary handed the book over to Arthur, making him blink. He directed his eye down to the paper, blinking once more. On the page was a very poorly drawn humanoid creature with a long snake like tail. Arthur looked back up at Mary.

"What is this?" Arthur asked.

"That is a curse. An old, deep curse that runs along the first family on this island." Mary explained. Arthur raised a brow as he closed the book.

"A curse you say?" Arthur asked. Mary nodded.

"Of course. It's a strong one so you can feel it."

"What is this curse?" Mary smiling lightly before clearing her throat, beginning the tale.

"It all started long ago. A family had just settled on this island, as they no longer wanted to live on mainland Europe. There was no signs of human life, so they declared it the perfect home. Working hard and long, the two built up a large house and began their life here, on the island. But, another family had their eyes on this island as well. They loved the scenery as well and wanted it as theirs. Quickly, the two families met and began a fight about who will live on the island. The second family's wife got so upset that she placed an immediate curse on the family. The two fell to the ground, screaming in pain. Their feet painfully merged together, growing scales. Skin fused together, in between their fingers. Skin ripped apart on their neck, having blood slowly run down. Their ears painfully grew and spread out into anything but human ears. They were thrown into the ocean and never seen again. The second family claimed the island as their own and has lived on this island forever since." As Mary told the story, Arthur thought. He tried to imagine it and tried to understand it the best he could.

"So, the second family placed the curse just because they wanted the island?" Mary nodded. "Did the first family have any children?"

"Some say they did, but no one can prove it as no one has seen them since." Arthur sighed at this. Curses 101… never have children if you are curse. Curses effect your whole family from that point onward.

"But wait… If they were thrown into sea, why is there magical properties on the island? You said it wasn't you… Could it be…?" Arthur looked up at Mary to see her smiling.

"Just because they were thrown off the island, that didn't stop them from living close by. The family was said to live in the water near the island." Mary looked around before reaching back over to the shelf and grabbing a small rolled up piece of paper. She handed it to Arthur, making him confused. "This is yours. You can use it."

"What is it?" Arthur slowly began to unroll the paper.

"A map of the island. A better one than what you have. Somewhere on this island is a small grove which the family is said to sometime visit. I am too old to keep looking any longer and all my time I have never been able to find this grove. Maybe you can, Arthur." Arthur blinked and looked up Mary. "You told me your magic power. You are strong then I. Find this grove, and you will see. You will see that creature for your own eyes." Glancing back down at the map, it was a simple map on the island. Trees and forests littered the island. The only placed with little to no trees was this village. Nothing stood out to him that would indicate a grove… That must be why is hasn't been found.

"I might take a look around. Though, I don't plan on stayin' too long." Arthur rolled the map back up and placed it next to him as he looked up at Mary. Mary nodded. The small book she had given Arthur floated back over to the shelf and placed itself back.

"Well, if you do plan to look around, I promise you won't be upset at what you'll find." She smiled lightly. Arthur nodded, standing back up and placing the rolled up map in his pocket.

"Well…" Arthur brushed himself off lightly before looking back at Mary. "It was nice meeting a fellow wizard." Mary smiled with a nod. "But, I must go." Mary stood up and walked over Arthur, shaking hands with him.

"Take a look, I promise." Mary winked.

"If I have free time, I will." Mary nodded and Arthur walked towards the door. Once he opened it, he stopped. "How is it that you just so happen to know about these things, Mary?" Arthur glanced back to see her smiling.

"A family secret." With that, Mary shut the door, removing Arthur from her home. Arthur lightly smiled at that. Of course she was...

Walking back to the house they were given, Arthur thought about what Mary told him. A curse? I've only seen a curse once or twice before… But this. THIS is something I have never even read of… A family turned into creatures? No… It must just be a wild goose chase by and old coon… Arthur sighed and felt the map in his pocket before getting back into the house.

This one ended up turning out really long! Wow. Well, I wanted to get all of this in, but I couldn't really stop myself as I wrote. I like writing, what can I say? Things are coming up next, I promise~
Happy reading~