The next day the word that there were blessed ones in the city spread like fleas. The ones in charge of the town's security were trying to find the whereabouts of the one who turned the innkeeper's hair color from a beautiful blonde to a hideous love pink. This, obliviously, annoyed Jessalyin to death because it made their leave more difficult than it would have been if Edhas didn't use his magic for such childish things.

Of course, Jessalyin and Rohan could leave the city as they pleased, but Edhas convinced them that it would be better if they remained together. This wasn't really true, but he didn't want to sneak out of town alone. Luckily, Edhas was able to bribe the owner of a cart to take them out of town without being noticed. They were crowded and the pickled cabbage that was transported along with them smelled horrible. Rohan didn't seem to mind the closeness, looking more amused of his sister's miffed face.

"You had to use magic. Don't you have a fancy red smoke spell to get us out of this city? Thought you were an expert at those." Jessalyin finally said after some time of looking daggers at Edhas.

"That's exactly why we are in a stinking cart. Because I have a spell to get us out of here."

"Your sarcasm is not appreciated."

"Neither are your stupid questions. And I'll have you know that for me to use that spell I have to know where I am going. Otherwise, I could find myself in the middle of nowhere."

Edhas and Jessalyin glared at each other. This was Rohan's cue to step in before they were at each other's throats again. He rubbed his temples thinking about the amount of times he had to stop them from fighting only last night. First they fought because Edhas made a remark about Jess' sword, then she almost set Edhas on fire when she found out about his little magic demonstration and then argued about who will sleep on the bed. While they fought like little children, Rohan made himself comfortable on the bed and declared that he will be the one to sleep on it. This didn't stop the duo from pestering him to give them the bed. In the end they gave up, but he heard them bickering all night about the blanket they had to share.

"If you start fighting here, they'll find us. Wait until we're out of town." His words snapped them out of their little staring contest. Rohan breathed a sigh of relief when they decided not to kill each other. He tried to change the subject.

"So, where's our first stop?"

"Who knows?" Edhas shrugged then snapped his fingers, making the map appear in front of them. The map was indeed empty of any marks, the only thing present on it being the five realms and their positions.

"You little shit, this map is useless." Jessalyin accused Edhas. Rohan took the map to look at it. Last night he was sure that this was the real deal. The fact that there were no marks on the map didn't mean that it was useless. There had to be a trick.

"Jess, stop trying to strangle Edhas." Hearing this, Jessalyin stopped shaking Edhas, but didn't let go of him. This meant that he should give her a good explanation as to why she should leave Edhas alone. On the other hand, Edhas didn't seem bothered by her actions. On the contrary, he seemed pretty amused.

"Perhaps there is a trick as to how to see the locations of the Stones. This just means that the one who made the map didn't want just anyone to find the Stones."

"No, this means that the one who gave me the map is an ass and next time I see him I am going to punch him in his phiz. It took me a while to figure it out. I wanted to set it on fire, but then the clues appeared." Edhas said freeing himself from Jessalyin's grip.

"So we have to set it on fire?" Rohan asked unsure.

"I'll do it." Jessalyin said, making a fireball in her hand.

"Burn it and it will be the last thing you do." Edhas declared, his eyes turning into a bright red. This startled his companions. He sighed, closed his eyes and when he opened them again they were their former color. He hated when his emotions got out of hand.

"I was just kidding, sheesh."

"I apologize for my outburst. It's just that this map is very important. To see the clues we just have to transmit some magic into it."

Rohan reluctantly gathered some of his magic in his hands and then transmitted it to the map. As if on cue, the drawings on the map disappeared and instead a riddle written in golden letters appeared in the middle of the page. Rohan read it out loud.

Grey sky, ashed grass, this is the first riddle you shall pass:

In the land of ice, the wrath fells hot

For even the earth bleeds when he is forgot.

"The land of ice. This must be about the Southern Islands. There's always snow there." Jessalyin said, confident that she was right.

"And the Stone we'll find there will be The Wrath Stone. I bet it would be perfect for Jessy." Edhas concluded.

"What did you call me?" Jessalyin asked, annoyed by the nickname he has used.

"See? Perfect."

"The question is: what does it mean that the earth bleeds?"

"I am not quite sure. It must be some kind of metaphor. We'll find out when we arrive there. Anyway, I suggest we talk more about it after we get off of this cart. I sense a fourth party listening to us right now."

"These cursed ones just can't mind their own damn business."
Surprisingly, it was Rohan who made the rude remark. Edhas noticed that there's some tension between Rohan and the cursed ones. This could be problematic, but he decided not to say anything for now.

Just as they said, the trio didn't bring up the journey, remaining in silence until the cart stopped next to a forest. Edhas gave the man the promised money and then parted ways. The man continued his journey on the road and the trio advanced into the forest. By the time they found the perfect place to camp, the night has already fallen and the cold began to bother them. Edhas went in the forest to search for wood to make a fire. Jessalyin insisted that she can make one without them, but he still went to gather some because he thought that real fire was better than magic fire. Seeing that they were alone, Jessalyin took the chance to talk with her brother.

"Don't you think that he's weird?"

"Who, Edhas?"

"Yeah."

"I mean he is a little bit, but who isn't?"

"It's not just a little bit. He didn't know that dragons were extinct, or that he was in a city where magic was forbidden. And he is oddly powerful for someone so young. Somehow he has a map that will take us to the Sinner's Stones and he was ready to kill me when I joked that I'll burn it."

"He didn't want to kill you, Jess."

"I saw his eyes, Rohan, and so did you. Perhaps teaming up was a mistake."

Silence fell over the two of them. Rohan knew that they allied themselves with a dangerous person. He sensed it even before the cart incident, when he fought Jessalyin and didn't even sweat. Edhas had red magic that didn't seem to be related with any element. It made Rohan wonder what his real goal was and if helping him reach it was actually a good thing. Who knows what wish he will make when The Stones are together. Edhas was unpredictable. He always seemed relaxed, like he had no worries. Rohan had to decide if he was ready to work with such a person. He could always say that he won't risk his life for the Stones. Make up something to get out of this. But was he ready to give up such an opportunity? He chuckled. He already knew the answer.
"What's so funny?"

"I just think that The Greed Stone would be a perfect match for me, that's all."

"I agree." Edhas said appearing out of nowhere with the wood for the fire. That startled both Rohan and Jessalyin. You would think that they were already used to his sudden appearances. Rohan reached for his collar, blowing cold air to his chest, instantly calming down. Jessalyin did the same thing when she thought that the two men weren't looking. The trick Edhas taught them seemed to work. After Edhas arranged the logs, he invited Jessalyin to start the fire.

The three companions stayed in silence around the fire, the only things you could hear were he fire and the sound of wild animals walking around in the dark forest. Edhas snapped his fingers and some fried fish and water appeared in front of them. After they finished eating, Rohan decided that it was too boring to just stay in silence. Besides, he could use this as an opportunity to find out more about the Stones.

"So...if I get The Greed and she gets The Wrath, what Stone do you get?"

"We'll live and see."

"I always wondered, how does this work? How do you know who is able to wield a stone?" Jess stepped in the conversation seeing that Edhas wasn't going to give them information about the Stone that he will wield.

"You must have that sin, if you're human. Of course, even if you have more sins you can only wield one. You just have a larger variety to choose from."

"What if I was a fairy? Could I have more? They're not humans."

Edhas opened his mouth to explain then closed it again. This was a very good question. He had to think about how to answer in a way it was easy to understand.

"The only ones who can use multiple or all the Stones as they please are Aahlaad and Matchitehew. After all, Matchitehew created them. Aahlaad gets a free pass because they're like twins or whatever."

"That makes sense." After a short pause "Anyway, how do we get to the Southern Islands?"

"Aren't there any ships that can get us there?" Edhas asked throwing a log into the fire.

"There are, but it's dangerous to cross the sea. That's why it costs a lot of money. I guess you wouldn't want to spend too much." Jessalyin said, trying to sound concerned for him. The truth was that she wished Edhas wouldn't spend all his money so she could steal money from him if the opportunity ever arises. Edhas was well aware of this, but didn't really mind.

"It's ok, it's not my money."

The siblings started to laugh thinking that it was a joke but seeing that Edhas was serious, they stopped. An awkward silence fell over them. Jessalyin seemed troubled about the fact that Edhas wasn't the actual owner of the money. Rohan couldn't help but feel a little bit proud of the little thief in front of him. Birds of a feather really flock together after all. Edhas began to feel uncomfortable with the awkward atmosphere he has created. He decided that it was a good time to get to know each other and build some trust. They will have to travel around the globe together. Knowing each other will come in handy.

"You know what? I think proper introductions were delayed. Everything has been so hectic until now. Anyone wanna go first?"

The two in front of him not seeming too eager to start. His last remark about money must have given them yet another reason to find him suspicious. Looks like it will be hard to make them trust him. But they had no choice because they were going to be together for a long time. He was sure they'll come along eventually.

"Then I'll go first. My name is Edhas, I'm 17, and my weapon is this spear which can change colors. I like sweets and if a bee gets close to me I'll have a heart attack."

His last comment about bees made his companions chuckle. That was a start. He was aware of the fact that he just gave them one of his weaknesses, but maybe this way they could warm up to him a little. Besides, it's not like they'll conjure a hive while he was sleeping, they were not his enemies. It was better to let them believe that they had an advantage. His introduction helped break the ice, Jessalyin crossing her legs and declaring that it was her turn.

"Alright, beeboy. I'll go next."

"Oh, c'mon! You know my name."

"Yes, yes, beeboy. Now it's my turn so shut up and listen. The name's Jessalyin, I'm 19, my weapon is this sword that I forged myself. I like to annoy my little brother and I fear nothing."

"You were born 20 minutes before me. You barely count as older." Rohan pointed out, then continued "I'm Rohan, you know my age, and I have a sword that I stole from a powerful blessed one. I like treasures and I fear Jess' food."

"My food isn't that bad! I am an excellent cook." Jessalyin defended her cooking skills. Next to her Rohan was signaling not to trust her. Edhas made a note to never let her cook and then changed the subject to calm Jess down.

"I didn't realize you were twins. I always thought that Jessy was much older."

"How old did you think that I was?"

"Forty?"

"You little prick! Respect your elders!"

"Aha! So you admit that you're old!"

Rohan started to laugh when he heard the age Edhas spurted out. Jessalyin started chasing him around the fire. Rohan knew that Edhas was well aware of Jess' young age but wanted to annoy her. Perhaps fighting was their way of bonding. Watching the two of them running around the fire Rohan thought that maybe this partnership wasn't such a bad idea. Things have been boring for the twins in the last time. Stealing from defenseless people, playing safe. Rohan missed the thrill of a real adventure and Edhas came and just gave him what he needed. Even if the blonde was powerful, he wasn't a danger for them at the moment. Edhas has apologized for the cart incident and Rohan was ready to believe that it was just a slip of the tongue. The red eyes were the ones that worried him.

He let them run a little bit longer before stepping in. After all, they had a long day and some sleep was required. Of course, the two couldn't go to sleep without arguing about who gets the best place to sleep. A spot close to the fire where the moss was soft and welcoming. Again, Rohan was the one to claim the spot for himself. His sister and his new teammate tried to negotiate with him for the spot, but he knew that if he moved the duo will fight until the sun rises.

"That's not fair, you slept on the bed last night. Why do you get the good spot again?"

"It hurts me to say this, but Jessy here is right."

"When two fight, the third one wins."

The two groaned and pestered him a little bit more but he ignored them. Seeing that they got no response from the black haired man, they gave up.
"Well then. If the moss is not disponible then plan b."

"What's plan b?"

"For me it means that I'll sleep on a soft mattress, I don't know about you. Find a rock or something."

Edhas said and snapped his fingers. In a second a small mattress appeared in front of them surrounded by a red smoke. Jessalyin was shocked.

"If you could do this why did you fight me over the moss? It's not fair! Conjure me a mattress too!"

"Don't want to. See you at sunrise."

Jessalyin made an exasperated sound and sat down on the cold ground. She couldn't believe how much of a jerk Edhas was. She raised her right hand, ready to throw a little curse at Edhas. Before she could decide what spell to use, a blanket and a pillow appeared next to her. Maybe Edhas wasn't such a bad guy.

Author here. Next chapter will be shorter because I had to cut this one in a way that would not look werid. Thank you for your support. <3