Eldrin took a slow breath, then lowered his head slightly as if organizing his thoughts.
"Tell me, human," he said calmly. "Do you know the true name of this island?"
Arden blinked. "This island is called Demon Gate Island, right?"
He paused, then added, "And I have a name. Call me Arden."
Eldrin nodded. "Very well, Arden."
He looked around the forest, his gaze lingering on the twisted trees and darkened ground.
"What you said is correct. That is what this island is called now."
Then his eyes sharpened. "But long ago, it had a different name."
Arden crossed his arms. "Different how?"
"This land was once called the Four Directions Island," Eldrin said.
Arden frowned slightly. "Four Directions Island?"
Eldrin nodded. "Because four great sects ruled this place."
He raised one claw and spoke slowly, clearly.
"The Azure Dragon Sect."
Arden glanced at the wooden dragon's body and felt a chill.
"The Black Snake Tortoise Sect."
Arden's eyes shifted to Bastor and Varyn.
