So I'm following this pink wave of energy towards the eastern hill.

  The fronds and foliage part when I walk through. This is very suspicious. I didn't realize I had this power.

  As I venture deeper into this forest, I hear a twig snap. I turn, but there's no one around.

  Then before I know it, I'm hanging upside down. Oh Tides! I just stepped on a trap. I'm always prepared for the ones inside ancient ruins, just never thought about the ones outside. Maybe I should take note of this.

  I should be able to get out of this easily. I fling myself upward and see I'm not tied by a normal rope. It's an enchanted copper chain, so I can't break it.

  Then I hear snickers as little creatures with frond-like hair — looking like turnips with hands, feet, round eyes, and oversized hairdos — move towards me, laughing and holding their tiny spears. Did I just get outsmarted by a bunch of puny forest trolls?

  I rest my finger on my chin, still hanging upside down. I may as well see what they want.

  To my surprise, one of them wears a blood-swirl mask. It makes its way to the front, and the others part to let it through. It must be the chieftain of the tribe.

  The chieftain starts screaming gibberish and banging its spear on the ground. Then it raises its spear. The others nod, then scurry up nearby trees, tightening copious amounts of vines around my body. Now I'm stuck with my finger on my chin. I really should've picked a more comfortable pose.

  One of them releases the enchanted copper chain from my feet, dropping me to the floor.

  Several of them catch me and merrily carry me toward their village, singing a high-pitched song. The village is made up of leaf-thatched huts. One of them lights a large fire in the middle of the village. A few tie a pole to my back. Then they put me on a spit, spinning me over the fire. I'm getting cooked, sweating profusely. This is so undignified for a whale. If only I could free my arms and wipe the sweat off my face.

  This is not how I expected the day to go.

  I’d better do something before I become roasted sashimi.

  "I really don't want to hurt you, but if you release me and show me where the treasure is, I'll let this slide."

  Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

  The chieftain nods, jumps up, and shoves an apple into my mouth.

  Well, they had their chance.

  I spit the apple out.

  I do not appreciate being force-fed fruit.

  They all point their spears at me, ready to fight.

  I let out a mighty roar, releasing an air blast, and sending them flying.

  The trees rustle as they bend. And the fire beneath me flares. Hot, hot, hot!

  I summon water tendrils to put it out. I should have done this first.

  I glance at the way I'm tied to a pole, summoning and sharpening air tendrils to cut the vines.

  I drop to the ground and brush the dirt off myself and my hands.

  I tried diplomacy first, but since they weren't cooperating, they couldn't blame me.

  The tiny trolls, with their spears pointing, slowly edge towards me.

  I stare them down, the same look my master usually gives me.

  They tremble and back away. Seriously, this stare is very effective!

  The chieftain approaches me again, screaming gibberish.

  I growl, baring my teeth and flexing my fingers, showing my claws.

  Then he stiffens and bows. His entire tribe bows to me.

  He gestures for me to follow him and quickly runs to a cliff veiled in vines.

  He parts the vines. The others follow.

  As the veil of vines opens, it reveals a statue of me with claws and bared teeth.

  Is that seriously what I look like?

  Does that mean that my ancestor, or whoever this person is, has given me the authority to own this island?

  A devilish grin spreads on my face.

  They all bow promptly.

  "Okay, my minions, now can you show me where I hid my treasure?"

  They all perk up and dash through the forest.

  I strut after them.

  We reach the end of the forest and find another cave veiled in vines.

  A breeze blows my hair and Long Fei descends like a falling leaf, his silk robes and hair billowing before settling as his feet lightly touch the ground.

  "Ling Yue, this cave is out of bounds."

  "What are you doing here, Master? I'm on the brink of a discovery. You can't ruin this for me."

  He rubs his brow, then sighs. He glances at the tiny trolls, and they all bow down to him.

  One sneaks behind him, parts the vines, and reveals a statue of him wearing his usual stern gaze.

  The others rush to help, pulling back the vines on the other side, revealing a smaller version of me, standing beside my master.

  I bury my face in my hand and groan.

  He crouches, careful not to squash any, and holds out a finger, beckoning them gently.

  The chieftain approaches reverently and clasps his finger with both hands.

  All the other tiny trolls approach him in awe.

  He taps them on their heads, and some even swoon and faint on the spot.

  "Ling Yue, you're not to touch them. They are under my protection."

  No... this is where he hides his treasure. It doesn’t belong to me. I don’t want to face his maelstrom.

  He stands, and with a flick of his finger, my mystical satchel opens. The island map slips free, drifting toward him on its own. He catches it and slides it into his sleeve.

  "Follow me. His Highness has a task for you."

  I obligingly follow, my shoulders slumping in defeat.

  The tiny forest trolls hoot and cheer as we leave.

  My short-lived fame is overshadowed by my master.

  I want to bury myself in the sand.