The Curse of Thorns

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

"I don't understand why dragons are always painted as evil creatures," Theodore said as they soared through the sky, the cool breeze a welcome relief from the blistering heat of the cave. "This one is quite the gentleman."

"Yes," Bria nodded in agreement.

"Well, we've got the gold," Leon said, a triumphant gleam in his eye. "That's two magical objects for the ritual down."

Briar patted her satchel with a smile. "Yes, we're halfway there." The princess was confident, but she knew better than to underestimate the challenges that lay ahead. Gathering the mermaid flower and the blood of the fairy godmother would be no easy task.

Hours passed as they flew, the harsh landscape of the Midnight Forest gradually giving way to lighter, more inviting surroundings. The mountain grew smaller and smaller in the distance until it was no more than a smudge on the horizon.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have officially left the fearsome forest behind us!" Knight announced. "And I must say, I have no intention of ever flying over it again."

Their journey took them over the sea, a vast expanse of shimmering blue that seemed to stretch on forever. Briar gazed down in wonder, marveling at the waves crashing against the shore, the tiny seashells dotting the sandy beach, and the boats lined up along the coastline. In the distance, a village nestled close to the water's edge came into view.

"It's so beautiful," Briar whispered, inhaling the salty air deeply. "I've never seen a sea before."

"Really?" Theodore asked, turning to look at her.

Briar nodded. "There's no sea in my kingdom. Just rivers."

They flew over a series of islands, each one unique. The first was a barren outcrop, devoid of any vegetation. The second, smaller island was alive with the cacophony of seagulls squawking and diving for fish.

"Seals!" Briar shouted with glee as they glided over another island teeming with the large, lazy creatures, lounging and rolling around on the rocky shore. Briar's face lit up at the sight.

"How lucky they are," Knight mused. "All they do is sleep and eat."

"Most animals do just that," Leon said with a chuckle.

"Not me," Knight huffed. "Now, which island are we aiming for?" he asked, steering them closer to a large island covered in a dense forest of coconut trees. A broken ship lay abandoned on the shore, its tattered sails fluttering in the wind.

"We need to find the Mermaid Island," Briar explained. "The fairies told me there's a magical flower there that we need for the ritual. They mentioned the island is full of cherry blossoms." She squinted at the horizon, searching for any sign of the pink flowers.

"Oh, the True Love Island!" Knight exclaimed. "I love love."

"Is that what it's called?" Briar asked, puzzled. "The fairies called it Mermaid Island."

"Are mermaids dangerous?" Leon asked. "Most stories depict them as friendly, but there are also tales of them being deadly."

"It depends on their mood," Knight replied. "But mermaids don't live on Mermaid Island anymore. Long ago, two lovers named Eira and Elvis lived there, and that's why it's sometimes called True Love Island."

"Who are Eira and Elvis?" Briar asked.

"You don't know?" Knight seemed genuinely surprised. "Or their love story?"

Briar glanced at Leon for help, but the prince merely shrugged. "No," she admitted, feeling a little embarrassed by her ignorance.

Knight let out a dramatic sigh. "Of course, you don't. It's not as famous as a prince and princess love story."