Merely a few minutes later, Archibald, out of breath, found himself at the campfire.

Breathing heavily Archibald carefully lowered the ice cooler a few feet away from the campfire. “That was more tiring than I expected. It was supposed to be an easy task, but that fish is heavier than I realized and the sands certainly didn’t help my balance or speed. I nearly dropped the cooler a few times there. Gotta say though, that kinda made it fun. There was some risk for a bit there.” Archibald ranted aloud, a small smile on his face.

Hands on his hips, Archibald soon caught his breath and murmured to himself. “Alright, enough of the meaningless games. Time to prepare the fish and take stock of my surroundings.”

Looking up from the cooler Archibald saw the fire along with the grill in front of him. Shifting his gaze to the right, Archibald saw the endlessly beautiful ocean, clear blue sky, and the sun hanging above it. Bringing his gaze back from the ocean, Archibald then saw the wicker basket along with a power box to the left of the campfire. On top of the basket there lay a slightly brown envelope.

“That should be the recipe and catalog of items I bought. I guess I’ll need electricity for something in this recipe? Bah, who cares about that right now. I’m getting pretty hungry… though I bet my hunger will only make the experience all the more enjoyable.” Archibald rubbed his hands in anticipation at the thought of grilled fish. Impatient and hungry, Archibald callously tore the envelope open and revealed the matte white card with inlaid gold thread borders on it.

“Damn, Ismail really went above and beyond on the paper, it’s just a recipe after all. Can’t say I don’t appreciate it though, little touches of beauty and luxury are always welcomed where I’m concerned.”

Archibald rapidly skimmed through the recipe on the front of the card and was excited at what he saw. The recipe gave concise yet precise details on how to prepare a spicy wet marinade. The size and type of fish were already accounted for as well. On the back of the letter was an informal greeting from the manager and a list of the equipment in the basket. Archibald disregarded the back, the greeting meaningless to him and the equipment not necessary just yet.

Finished skimming the recipe and the back of the card, Archibald's face broke out into a rare full-toothed grin, and even his eyes crinkled in joy. “Truly, it wasn’t a mistake to haul myself all the way out here all alone. I’m going to be grilling fish under the open sky, the waves and the seabirds will be my only companions out here. This is so idyllic it feels like a dream.” Archibald thought in fleeting elation while putting down the letter before promptly rummaging through the basket. Taking out a variety of spices and greens there were Thai bird chilies, cumin, habanero, chili powder, coconut milk and meat, garlic, onion, and more.

“Alright, everything seems to be here and in order. Let's get this show on the road,” making sure everything was there, Archibald quickly reviewed the first part of the recipe and set about making the marinade. “Let’s see then… the first thing to do is take out the blender and measuring tools and put in the appropriate amount of ingredients. Alright then. One Thai bird chili, one habanero, an onion, four cloves of garlic, a can of coconut milk, some…” Archibald's voice trailed off as he fell into focus. He meticulously took the ingredients from the basket and portioned them according to the recipe before dropping them into the blender.

Just a few minutes later, all the ingredients were assembled in the blender. “Alright then, next part of the recipe is,” Archibald's thoughts trailed off as he picked up the recipe and read the second part. “Is to blend the ingredients until it’s basically a puree. After that, I’ll have to cut slits in the outside of the fish and split it into two along the spine. The recipe then says the marinade will be rubbed onto both the outside and inside. Ah shoot, maybe I should have descaled the fish If I want to eat the skin,” Archibald let out a sigh but didn’t let it damper his mood. “Oh well, I’ll remember that for next time.”

Archibald took a cutting board and knife out of the basket and got to work. Meticulously, Archibald followed the instructions and soon the fish was prepared and ready for the fire. “The recipe mentioned around twenty minutes of grilling or until the fish becomes flaky. Speaking of time, the sun’s nearing the horizon…” Archibald paused his thoughts to check his phone. “It’s already 5:36 then huh, I’ve been out for a long time. I’m pretty sure the sun goes down at around six-ish, which means I may well be eating while watching the sunset… Damn, that’s awesome. This day just keeps getting better.” Archibald felt excited at the prospect of a perfect conclusion to the day's fishing adventure.

“However, sunset means…” Archibald's excitement was doused by the thought of night and the following nightmares. The ominous feeling had grown these last few days, and today wasn’t any different. If anything, the feeling had become an even louder drone always in the back of his mind. Expression morphing into a wry smile Archibald thought to himself, “Maybe…maybe tonight will be different.” Archibald didn’t believe that thought one bit, time had repeatedly proven his hopes to be just that, hope.

Forcefully shifting his expression into calm indifference, Archibald set his mind to the task at hand. “One worry at a time. For now, I need to grill this fish and watch the sunset.” Archibald then carried the cutting board and placed it on the sand beside the campfire. Carefully, Archibald placed both halves of the prepared Red Emperor on the grill. Soon the sound of sizzling and the smell of smoke drifted out from the campfire.

“Now it’s a waiting game.” Archibald pulled his phone out of his pocket and set an alarm for fifteen minutes, “Just to be sure it doesn’t overcook…” Archibald murmured in his heart.

With fifteen minutes to burn, Archibald sat down on the sand a few feet away from the fire and wrapped his arms around his knees. Comfortable, he was satisfied with staring at the now completely calm sea. The low sun combined with the placid sea combined to create a boundless mirror that captured an endless sky.

Like this, minutes passed like a trickle of water. The subtle nagging in the back of his mind quieted into near complete silence. Nearly.

Like a drop of water, disrupting a still lake, however, Archibald's phone alarm rang and broke the silence before he dismissed it. Calmly getting up, Archibald dusted the sand off his shorts and walked over to the wicker basket, and found a spatula and a large rectangular plate before arriving at the grill that stood above the fire.

Archibald poked the fish with the spatula, “The meat seems cooked completely through. It’s white and flaky and the marinade is golden and cooked into the fish like the recipe said. Just to be sure though, I’ll give it another minute on the grill.” Archibald stepped back from the fire and stared into the flames occasionally checking his phone. Even with the illusory slowing of time caused by the constant checking of his phone, a minute passed and the fish was ready.

Hastily, with hunger and anticipation in his movements, Archibald used the spatula to remove the fish from the grill and placed it on the plate. “Luckily I told the length of the fish to Ismail otherwise I doubt a regular plate could fit all this fish.”

Moving back to his spot on the sand Archibald set about devouring the fish. It was exquisite. The spicy marinade in combination with the flaky yet firm flesh of the fish made for a delicious combination. The tanginess and heat of the marinade made for a rich, fiery flavor that perfectly complemented the natural delicateness of the Red Emperor.

Pausing to catch his breath, Archibald looked up at the sun that was now setting. Colors of red, orange, and rich purple combined with the taste of fish. Both senses complimented each other and forced Archibald to bask in their beauty. The peaceful lapping of the ocean and the crackling of embers made for an elegant accompaniment. The smell of smoke and grilled fish combined to create a cozy atmosphere. A sublime unification of taste, sight, smell, and hearing into an unforgettable experience.

Eyes dazed and reflecting the beauty of the setting sun, Archibald slowly murmured in his heart, entranced, “Sometimes I wish that moments like this were infinite…” To Archibald, it was moments like this that made life worth living. When time seemed to stand still, and when a second seemed both infinitely short and long. When everything came together just right to create a scene more beautiful than one's wildest imagination.

Basking in his surroundings, Archibald found his hunger more than satiated and placed the plate with more than half of the fish left on it by his side. For now, he was content soaking up the atmosphere before the sun fully dipped below the horizon.

Before he knew it, the sun had fully dipped below the horizon and Archibald knew that he would have to move fast before the last traces of twilight faded as well. Standing up from the sand, Archibald brushed himself off before calmly yet quickly putting everything back in the wicker basket except for the fish. “I knew from the start that I wouldn’t be able to eat anywhere close to the whole fish.” Archibald picked up the plate with the fish on it and walked towards the ocean, “Waste not want not and all that. The scavengers and fish can finish the rest of this.” He wouldn’t bother saving the fish for later. There were better options in the resort's restaurants or, if he wanted, he could just go fishing again.

Arriving at the boundary of the ocean’s swash, Archibald shook his legs and removed his sandals before walking a few meters further into the waves. Gauging the water to be deep enough at near knee height, Archibald firmly grasped the plate and then using momentum tossed the fish further out into the ocean. With a plop, the fish sank into the inky waters and faded out of sight.

Pulling his gaze away from the ocean, Archibald turned around and made his way back to the swash boundary. Quickly locating his sandals and putting them back on, Archibald walked back to the campfire.

About to walk back to his bungalow, Archibald paused. “Ah, I almost forgot. I have to call Ismail and get him to send someone to pick this stuff up.” Archibald looked up at the rising moon, it was nearly completely dark around him “What time is it anyway?” He checked his phone, “6:31, not too early, not too late. I’ve got nothing to do at the bungalow. I might as well go visit the bar and get myself a drink or two.” Subconsciously he shoved the idea of sleep far out of mind.

Decided, Archibald called Ismail and turned towards the island’s interior. A mere few hundred feet through the brush and he would arrive at the central plaza of the resort where the bar lounge was located. Archibald planned to use the vague lights and the path leading to the plaza to guide himself.

Setting off, Ismail picked up when Archibald just started walking.

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

“Mr. Alden, I hope you had a pleasurable evening. Everything went well?” Ismail’s slightly tired voice rang through the phone.

“I take it you’ve had a busy day?" Without waiting for Ismail's response, Archibald continued. "I was calling to notify you that I’m done with the fire. Send over some people to put out the fire and take the basket away. For your and the attendants' trouble and discretion, take a five-hundred-dollar payment from my tab as a tip per person, you included of course.” Archibald offered an adequate tip, both as insurance and appreciation. With this Archibald incentivized Ismail and the other attendants in keeping this matter discreet.

Briefly shifting his attention from the call to his surroundings Archibald walked past the treeline, onto a few meter wide path that led deeper into the island's interior. Just a few hundred feet and Archibald would find himself in the central plaza of the resort. Besides the central plaza, there were several other satellite plazas and bungalow branches dotted around the island.

The trees and shrubbery bathed in shadow and moonlight combined with the sounds of insects and birds made for a relaxing stroll. Archibald only needed to be wary of insects or snakes in his path.

Voice enlivened, Ismail responded, “No need to worry Mr. Alden. I will choose some trusted attendants that know to keep their thoughts to themselves. Just enjoy the rest of the night, I would have sent for a clean-up regardless.”

“That’s good to hear. Have a good night Ismail.” Archibald ended the call and directed his full attention to enjoying the unique scenery of a night-time jungle stroll. The temperature was mild, neither too cold nor hot. The occasional cool breeze also drifted by to create a comfortable atmosphere.

Quickly covering the few hundred feet, Archibald arrived at the torch-lit plaza. The plaza itself was a circular plane of white sands with wooden, and white cloth draped gazebos interspersed regularly. Here it was lively, people in light vacation clothing either walked around or were seated comfortably at the gazebos. The occasional server flitted between the luxurious gazebos taking orders for food and drink. The sound of low chatter along with the orange fire and lamp light created a cozy and slow atmosphere.

Around the central plaza, directly ahead of Archibald was the main building of the Four Seasons Resort. The main building was three stories tall and stretched hundreds of feet in all directions. The building itself was made of white sandstone that was accentuated by soft white inlaid lights and wood. The design of the building reminded Archibald of the temples in India, with several golden domes on the roof and inlaid ornamental facades throughout the exterior of the building.

Recalling the day that he checked in and explored the area, Archibald knew that there was a small lounge and bar on the second floor in the left wing of the building that he wanted to check out.

Wasting no time, Archibald soon found himself passing through the main entrance of the building where he was greeted with a light brown glossed marble interior. Huge marble pillars gilded with gold formed a circular pattern around the lobby. Hanging from the high ceilings between the pillars were large crystal chandeliers. Beyond the ring of pillars, on both the right and left were intricately designed golden-brown curtains that formed a vague boundary that separated the lounges and staircases from the central lobby.

Walking about the lobby were other wealthy vacationers like Archibald, some were headed downstairs to gamble, some went to some of the indoor restaurants, and some like Archibald made their way to the various bars of the resort.

Walking past the pillars and the reception area, Archibald made his way to the far left corner of the lobby. Arriving at the several-meter-wide white marble staircase that led to the second floor, Archibald calmly made his way to the second floor where he then turned right and walked several dozen meters to the entrance of the Fourth Season Bar and Lounge.

Entering the establishment, Archibald's vision soon adjusted to the dim lights and he was presented with a classy lobby, one of black marble and dim gold lights. Looking around, he saw a short bar. It seemed far too small for the volume of people that would be in one of the only bars at the main building and soon Archibald saw why. To the right of the bar were a few meter-wide black curtains that separated the bar area and the lounge.

Walking through the curtains, Archibald was presented with a far larger room. The lounge itself was much like the bar in style with dim gold lights and black marble. However, at the back of the lounge was an elevated white stage where a woman and a band were entertaining an audience of around fifty people. Facing the stage were luxurious red and black lounge chairs that surrounded tables. The only noise was music and the low chatter of quiet conversation.

Sweeping his gaze around the lounge, Archibald found himself a seat towards the back left of the lounge. Sitting down on the plush chair, Archibald paused to enjoy the music. The band was playing a bossa nova song, one that was soft yet vivacious. Underneath the soft white spotlight, the lead vocalist looked and sounded angelic.

Lips curling up, Archibald's face morphed into a soft smile as he thought to himself. “A great way to end the night. I think that this music will go well with fine wine tonight. Maybe something rich to complement the music.” Archibald tore his gaze away from the stage and looked around for a waiter.

Soon a waiter passed near Archibald, and he flagged them down.

Dressed in a black vest and tie, white undershirt, and black dress pants the waiter walked over to Archibald with a tray in hand. In a courteous and professional tone, the waiter questioned, “How may I help you, sir? Would you like something to drink to start the night?”

Smiling professionally Archibald responded, “I would. Do you have any fine vintages tonight? I prefer something aromatic and complex.”

Without missing a beat, the waiter responded, “Of course. I would recommend a Chateau Beychevelle that’s been aged for twelve years. It has notes of earth, tobacco, and spice that form a fresh, yet complex and rich taste.”

“Sounds great, I’ll have a glass of that. Put it on my hotel tab under Archibald Alden.”

“I’ll be back promptly Mr. Alden.” The waiter replied before walking off towards the back entrance of the bar.

Shifting his gaze back to the stage Archibald indifferently thought to himself, “Hmm, they didn’t ask for my I.D. That’s to be expected though, It’s an unspoken rule in high-end resorts. Everyone’s wealthy and on vacation, no need to get in someone's way for such a small reason.”

The music had stopped briefly before a new song started up. This one was slower but had a rhythm that made Archibald want to sway to the smooth instrumentals and vocals. Humming along to the rhythm, Archibald indulged in the music.

A few minutes later, the waiter arrived back at the table with a bottle of Chateau Beychevelle in hand. Opening the bottle, the waiter poured the wine in front of Archibald and handed the glass to him.

“Mmm, thank you. Leave the bottle please.” Archibald calmly thanked as he swirled his wine. The dim lights of the lounge made the wine look rich, like blood with a golden luster.

The waiter gave an amiable smile, left the bottle, and walked off to attend to other patrons.

Sticking his nose over the rim of the cup, Archibald swirled the cup and took a deep breath. Satisfied with the aroma, Archibald pulled his head back, let out a deep breath, and heaved a contented sigh. “Ahh, smells great. This paired with the music really is a great way to end the night,” Archibald's expression shifted imperceptibly, his eyebrows bunching together in concentration he mumbled under his breath, “If only those nightmares weren’t so…” Archibald paused at lack of adequate words to express the ominous feeling that he always felt this past week.

It didn't help to calm him down that his heart had started to ache seemingly out of nowhere.

Looking back up at the stage, Archibald mumbled to himself, “What better way to forget my worries than a fine bottle of vintage.” Archibald took a sip of the wine and savored the complex flavor and aroma. Clenching his teeth Archibald tsked in satisfaction, “That hits the spot.” Archibald allowed his body to loosen as he leaned back further into his chair and shoved those ominous thoughts to the back of his mind.

Like this hours passed, and by the end of the night, Archibald had finished the bottle of wine. Feeling tipsy, Archibald took his phone out of his pocket and checked the time. “Huh, it’s already a quarter after ten.” Archibald sucked in a breath and stood up, ”It’s about time I started heading back to my bungalow then. Maybe…” Archibald's expression turned grim and his grip on the chair tightened, “Tonight will be different. Hah, why am I freaking out so much about a nightmare anyway…” Archibald’s thoughts trailed off.

If he was being honest to himself, however, he knew that these were no normal nightmares. He had tried his best to ignore even thinking of the word Vardure, or anything related to the dreams. Yet still, his anxiety and unease only worsened. And deep down, Archibald had this sinking feeling that tonight everything would come to a head. That’s partially the reason why he decided to down a whole bottle of wine in the first place. Alas, he had gotten tipsy, but the ominous feeling had only worsened, almost making him nauseous.

With a pained smile, Archibald shouted out in his heart, “What am I to do? All I can think is to try to weather this out. Either way, tonight's the night. I just…feel it. I don’t know why but I do. What's the worst that could happen?”

Trying to keep himself from stressing out any further, Archibald forced himself to exit the lounge. Soon, Archibald found himself walking rather unsteadily down the stair, past the reception area, and out into the main plaza. From there, he made the ten or so minute walk all the way back to his bungalow.

Deliriously, in a fugue state, Archibald somehow fished out his room key and stumbled past the entrance into the master bedroom.

Stumbling over himself, Archibald barely caught himself from face planting into the ground in front of his bed. “What the…I wasn’t…I didn’t drink enough to... feel this.” Even his thoughts were slurring. By some miracle, Archibald collapsed into his bed, emotions, and anxiety. No, fear, at high levels, causing his chest to ache horribly.

Despite the fear however, as soon as Archibald lay down on the bed he passed out immediately. His face contorted in an expression of pain, with his hands clutched over his chest. Archibald's body spasmed slightly before it relaxed.

…

Morning the next day.

A bungalow had been cordoned off by police tape. Within the master bedroom of the bungalow a crew of police were documenting evidence.

“Any clue to what caused it?” A tall Indian man in a brown uniform with the word investigator on the breast pocket kept his gaze on an unidentifiable body in a black body bag.

To the left of the investigator a shorter man in a plain police uniform retorted, “No clue, won’t know until the body is sent in for autopsy. Though I bet the poor bastard had a heart attack. You saw how he was clutching his chest right?”

Recalling the image of the young dead man on his bed, the investigator tsked, “Yeah I saw, any news on who he was?”

“Yeah, his wallet was found in one of his pockets, plus the resort gave us his info. This poor schmuck is Archibald Alden, age twenty-one. The room keeper found him like this.” The police officer tore his gaze away from the body bag and looked at the investigator, “You think he OD’d on blow or something?”

About to respond, the investigator was cut off by the officer’s chortle, ”Bet it was that, the rich and their drugs, eesh. They’ve got too much time on their hands.”

One eyebrow raised, the investigator kept his thoughts to himself. Zoned out, with a gaze that seemed to burn a hole in the body bag, the investigator absentmindedly responded, “Maybe…”