The third islands

THE THIRD ISLAND
“Do you think the rumors are true that we heard on the Second Island?” asked Jane.
“They told us the same things we knew before, just a little bit exaggerated, that is all” answered William, as he gazed out to the island.
“Not at all, they told there could be only one citizen on the island”.
“And they also said there could be visitors, they can spend days anywhere on the island If the Host approves and he is very generous to the visitors, grants everything they want.” William took his eyes off the island and came closer to Jane “We will go to the Host’s castle whoever he is and ask what we came for, if he grants our wish it is cool, if not we will go back to our home, we won’t even spend there one day”.
“If everything is so perfect why no one goes there? Folk said no one comes back” asked Jane anxiously.
“People go there and come back but not all of them talk about it. We have talked with one on the First Island haven’t we? I believe more to that old lady than any of these scared folk’s sayings. And people love scaring each other with false rumors. They make their own lives harder. Especially the Second Island’s”.
The first island was the most crowded and developed one among three islands. It was the center of technology and economy. They themselves came from there, William and Jane. The second island’s population was three times less and their wits as well. People mostly busy with farming there.  Everyone knew everything about the first two islands. But the third one was a complete mystery. They were close to the Third island now. Old captain knew what he was doing. Voyage was calm and peaceful. He hugged Jane and looked at the beautiful island in front of them and said: “There is nothing to be afraid. I think the Host is a generous man”

The castle was so beautiful and enormous that you can arrange a wedding with five hundred people inside. The front door of the castle was open. They entered inside. Inside, there was gold everywhere that you can’t even walk without stepping on the gold coins. “Welcome… welcome… to my island my guests” came voice from the other end of the hall. “Come don’t be shy, pretend that this is your own castle, you can do everything as long as you are my guests”. He was very pleasant man of middle age with a familiar look.
  “Sorry to disturb you mister, we are very thankful for your hospitality” said William returning the curtesy.
“Don’t be, as a king of this island it’s my duty here. Give to guests my hospitality and whatever they want. So why did you come here for? Money? Gold? Happiness? Cleverness?”.
Jane slowly walked closer to the Host, as she walked coins flew from the pressure of her feet, and said: “Sorry for our straightforwardness mister, we wish money and love that last till we die”. “Straightforwardness is exactly what I want, everyone comes here for a wish my dear not to know me and as always I grant them. But first I would recommend you to hear my offer, a different offer for each of you”.

The Host clicked his fingers and a table with every sort of meal was ready. “Impressive” said Jane.
“Really? Do you want to see more?”.
“I would love to”
“Do you know what I see when I look in your eyes?”
“What is it?”
“Everything, all your memories, what you like, who you love and loved, your good and bad days and that you were afraid to come here. I am sorry for your parents too”
“Are you a god?”
“Almost. My powers are limited in some ways. Would you like own my powers?”
“I don’t even know”
“It is my offer for you Jane” He thrust his right hand to his chest and took out something shiny, it was as if he took out his soul from inside his body, you could feel heat and energy that comes from it. “You just need to take it Jane”
Jane hesitated: “I can’t, William is all I wish for, I came here for him, I only ask you to give what William asks of you”
“I will, gladly”

Jane was waiting outside the castle. Huge, heavy door opened, but it didn’t make any sound. William came out smiling with a bag full of gold “I told you there is nothing to be afraid, let’s get out of this island before he changes his mind”. On the way back to their home they decided to stop at the second island and travel a little bit, that now they were the richest couple in the world. The harbor of the Island was visible. Here the ships, people and the flow of money was lesser than their home island and the citizens poorer. Jane looked at William. Something was wrong with him, she felt it as soon as he came out from the castle. Jane wandered what happened when she left him alone with the Host.
“What did he offer to you?” asked Jane.
“His powers, but I refused, I only asked for gold and I don’t know why.”
“You did the right choice William, we don’t know what he is and I think there was something wrong, some sort of trick, why would he offer his powers? What will he become after that? What will we become after that?”
“I guess you are right”. He breathed deeply, looked at the Harbor and smiled. You could see that he was the happiest man alive right now. But something was wrong in this, he never liked this island.
“You know how lonely it gets there?” asked William
“Where? On the second island?”
“No on the Third”
“No idea, we have only been there like three hours”
“You Jane, not me, I have been there for five years”
“What are you talking about William?” Jane said thinking that the Host must have done something with William.
“I am not William Jane, I am sorry. You would of have done the same thing. I also went to the Third island seeking for gold, five years ago. I was young then. The place, the castle, it looked like heaven. Then I found the Host. He demonstrated his powers to me, he could do everything, after that he offered it to me. I took it gladly, like William did. But it was a curse, you can’t leave after you take it. I was like a slave for visitors, the power forces you to do whatever they wish. People didn’t know that of course. I couldn’t even spend golds, taste foods that I created myself, because the Hosts body does not age, sleep or get hungry. Worst part is I was alone, all the time. Your William has my powers now, on the Third island. I am getting far away from that island, from loneliness, and I recommend you to do the same”

Jane couldn’t leave William behind. There have to be a way to get both of them out of the island. She opened the castle door, it made sound this time. The Host was sitting in the corner. When the door made sound he raised his head, saw Jane, came closer and hugged her. Jane knew he was William but looked like the Host.
“How did this happen?” asked Jane freeing herself from his hug. She knew he was William but still felt awkward.
“Doesn’t matter now, you should leave”
“No, I won’t leave without you, there have to be a way so we both can get out of here”
“Both of us can’t leave, there always has to be one citizen on this island, remember? The power won’t let us, but there is a way that we can be together. We both can stay here. We will build our kingdom. I will share my power with you, we will be able to live like in a dream”. He thrust his right hand to his chest and took out his power and offered to her. She had been offered this power before, but this time she didn’t refuse it.
Their souls changed places.
“I didn’t expect it would be like this” Jane said with the Hosts voice looking at herself or at William.
William started collecting gold from the floor.
“Do we have to collect gold with hand when we have such powers?”
“You have, Jane, not me. There can be only one citizen on the island. Now it is you. I am sorry” He took all the gold he needed and started walking out of the castle. Jane wanted to hurt him. She had such a power now, but she couldn’t. The Host can’t hurt a visitor. The Power won’t let her.


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