Even the wells of this neighbourhood looked like the corridor of a well-maintained household. They were as golden as the well markings, and the decorations of various sea-creatures, with beautiful blue-coloured details, immediately caught my eye. Various torches lit the well, and casted shadows of water on the walls, bringing the decorations to life.

All of this was very interesting, but the matter at hand was that I had been abducted, and trying to break free. I struggled and struggled, screamed and yelled, but to no avail.

“All of this would be more pleasant if you would calmly listen to me,” he said, his grin suggesting he was in fact enjoying my behaviour. This realization made me more willing to cease my attempts to free myself.

“If you would just put me down. I will listen to you, although I cannot guarantee you that this will be done calmly.”

He put me down, smiling arrogantly. For a second I considered to flee, but soon decided against it. I would stand a better chance above ground, if I would ever get out these wells again.

“Not many people know how to reach the end of these tunnels, miss.” My captor said, after he guessed the direction in which my mind was going.

“Why have you brought me here?”

“Believe me miss, I would like to tell you, but I think you will not believe me.”

“Very well then, can you tell me where these tunnels lead to?”

He scratched his beard.

“Luckily they lead straight to the harbour.”

The harbour?

“Luckily?”

He made a wide gesture. His red cloak fell from his arms. 

“Look around you, miss. Have you not seen these designs? I am quite lucky for these tunnels to lead to the harbour, because carrying you around the city would have been a tedious business.”

“Which reminds me of my first question, why do you want to go to the harbour?”

I was surprised at the degree of my annoyance and anger, although it was understandable, considering my situation. Having these emotions made life at home seem so bland. As if I had lived wearing a veil all my life.

“Please remember the necklace and the song inside. Did you not see the design of the necklace?”

He took it from his pocket and took a step towards me, looking at me warily. As if I were foolish enough to run away. I studied the medallion again, noticing the fish on it.

“They’re two golden fish, and it’s from a place very few people have seen. Are we going there?”

I tried to remain calm, but it was harder and harder to do so. Where was this madman taking me?

His eyes twinkled but I could see his right hand reaching for his golden dagger.

“I don’t understand! Why is my being able to listen to the song a reason to take me to the place of its origin?”

The twinkle disappeared for a second, and in his expression I noticed something resembling pain.

“Because that is what happens to those who hear the call of the siren.”

“Siren, is that some sort of metaphor?”

He pulled out his dagger.

“I wish it was, miss. I need to get you to the harbour as soon as possible. You are familiar with the myth of the siren?”

I stared at the golden dagger. It would be ironic for a wealthy woman like myself to die because of it.

“I only know they are sea creatures whose voices lead sailors to their deaths.”

He gestured for me to lead the way. It was rather cold in the tunnels, yet I was sweating.

“Not only sailors, miss. If I do not get you to them soon, you will die.”

I scoffed.

“I will die, indeed. Of that dagger you keep pointing at my back!”

A chuckle echoed through the tunnel.

“That dagger is not your real enemy miss.”

“It is not. You are!”

“That might be true. I was your enemy once, when I let you listen to that song. Now I am your chance to stay alive. Those who hear the siren’s voice die if they don’t get to Bone Island soon.”

“Bone Island! Such a terrible name.”

“A terrible name for a terrible place.”

I halted and turned around. I felt the tip of the dagger on my back.

“Are you trying to frighten me?”

“You must forgive me. There is little other entertainment in these tunnels.”

He tipped his large feathered hat. I narrowed my eyes, taking in the rings on his fingers and his well-tailored clothes.

“For someone who sells fake jewellery and takes innocent people to Bone Island, you seem to be doing quite well.”

“Wealth is not only attained by blood, miss.”

I sighed.

“I do know that.”

He grinned, baring his teeth. I noticed a few of them were golden ones.

“I doubt that you do, not really.”

The remainder of the walk was done in silence. Apart from some protests from myself. After what seemed like hours of walking, we came across a golden ladder.

“After you.” The vendor said.

At this display of courtesy, I remembered something important. At least, I would have considered it important under usual circumstances.

“What is your name?”

He took of his hat and bowed.

“You may call me Verdi, miss.”

He then put on his hat again, his dark curls in disarray. It distracted me so that I wasn’t even vexed at the lack of a surname.

“And what is your name?”

I frowned, not liking the way he had said that.

“My name is Jane Aminta Steffons.”

I sighed, I did not like my first name.

“I would have expected more names, needless to say I am relieved. One more and I wouldn’t have been able to remember it!”

He gestured towards the ladder again.

“Up you go miss Jane, Bone Island awaits you!”