He looked at me expectantly, like I was supposed to do something with his outstretched hand.

I raised my eyebrows quizzedly.

Derrik’s smile faded a little and his hand fell down his side.

“Who are you?” He asked, “I didn’t see you on our ship.”

I just stared at him.

“Can you understand me? Or do you speak a different language?” He asked.

I nodded. He smiled again, flashing white teeth.

Then he looked at me patiently and expectantly. Waiting for me to speak.

I opened my mouth, but no sound came up. I closed it and cleared my throat.

“I’m Ellya,” I said, forgetting Ellhan’s warnings completely now, “I live here.”

He looked almost surprised.

“You live here? On this deserted island?” He asked, “My parents said it was deserted.”

He looked around him wonderingly. “It sure is beautiful here.”

I just stared at him.

“You’re not like the people in the stories,” I said, suddenly.

Derrik looked at me again, slightly surprised.

“I’m sorry?” He asked politely.