Chandrika

  Magic answered her call, manifesting as a golden wall of fabric wafting eerily in an otherworldly breeze. It surrounded her and her companions on all sides, isolating them.

  She allowed the curtain of radiant spell threads to run along the back of her hand, still marveling at how smoothly it manifested despite her lack of practice. [The Golden Shroud], a spell for talking to the dead.

  Grandmother had insisted she learn this spell.

  “A tool for all occasions… so that you may never be without guidance.” She had claimed.

  Grandmother had also personally woven the spell into fabric to make it usable by a True Mage, or rather, a [True Witch]. Chandrika cherished every bit of her spellbook and the connection to her family that it represented.

  Yet, whenever Chandrika called upon this spell, the first answer she got was always this one. The boogeyman of her childhood. The one weakness she was determined not to let the Headmaster see, lest she be forced to face her fears more directly.

  A masculine form pressed into the shroud, still solid as if flesh and blood that was only just out of reach.

  “Hello, great-granddaughter.” He said.

  She had been expecting this. She thought she was prepared. Her blood ran cold at the sight of the figure of the spirit despite all of her posturing. Her training had taught her to always face straight ahead and resolutely face down the threat, she wanted to- maybe needed to risk a glance behind her to look at her companions.

  Instead of disgust, or maybe horror, she saw four faces of confusion and maybe interest… but certainly not what she was expecting.

  Do they not… know…?

  Buoyed by her companion’s lack of obvious reaction to the specter, Chandrika turned to face the death shroud with determination. She deeply inhaled.

  “Kin-eater. Tyrant. Shame of Ujjbala Sūrya. You who the Grand Weaver of Bangla has slain. I banish you, and refute your claim of familial bond.” Chandrika spoke, as her Mother and siblings had taught her.

  A breeze caressed her face. Silence hung in the air for just a fraction of a second too long.

  His quiet voice echoed across the water. It was strangely usual, altogether too normal and too familiar for what she knew it represented. The mere thought of familiarity pierced Chandrika like a cold needle.

  “I know that you do, dear. If you ever wish to talk… I will be waiting.” the ghost said.

  An ephemeral breeze blustered past, battering at the golden shroud once more. The figure dissipated into nothingness.

  Chandrika let out a breath that she was unaware she had been holding. Another moment of anticipatory silence hung in the air, but she didn’t dare look behind again, scared of what she might see in her companions.

  “...you’re not supposed to be able to talk after I banish you,” Chandrika whispered, mostly to herself.

  Another figure stepped forward, impressing the shape of a smaller woman into the fluttering golden fabric.

  “I greet you, O great sage. Blood of my blood.” whispered a gentle voice. The figure beyond the shroud seemed to bow deeply.

  Chandrika returned her bow, beginning to smile slightly.

  “I greet you, Ancestors. I have summoned you today to inquire about a matter of respect for the dead.” Chandrika explained, still keeping her guard up but having relaxed considerably.

  “We shall answer if we are able. What is your question?” The shade asked.

  “We wish to be respectful to the fallen of this dungeon. Do they have any traditions regarding the disposition of their corpses? Are you able to contact their spirits?” Chandrika asked.

  The shade turned to where Chandrika pointed past the shroud, facing the pile of dead Telchines. After a moment, it spoke.

  “Most of these creatures have been without a soul for a long time. we shall return shortly.” the shade said.

  The form receded into the golden fabric.

  Chandrika nodded, turning around to face her companions. They all faced her, looking somewhat constipated. Sapphire especially looked like she was about to burst.

  “Oh, you can talk now! Sorry…” Chandrika nervously said.

  “What was that?!” Sapphire asked.

  Chandrika blinked.

  “I figured the banishment speech would have given it away…” she said.

  “If I recall correctly, You told Saint Baphelus something about… that guy, right?” Jean noted.

  “I’m completely lost.” Hatra said.

  “My Ujjbala Sūryan history isn’t the best, but I brushed up a little… Was that the Cannibal King?” Gio asked.

  “Cannibal King?” Hatra mouthed.

  Chandrika was stunned momentarily.

  “I am shocked that Gio is the only one that knows of him.” Chandrika balked.

  “I never pay attention to history class…” Hatra admitted.

  “It’s just… I grew up constantly hearing about him and constantly being taught that people would always view my family’s reputation as stained because of his deeds. You guys… genuinely don’t know?” Chandrika asked.

  “Uhh… no.” Sapphire answered.

  “You’re making it sound like a really big deal. Is it a big deal?” Jean asked, looking at Gio.

  “Is it alright if I tell them?” Gio said.

  It was clear that Gio was trying to give her an out. She appreciated it.

  But they deserve to know what I just exposed them to.

  Chandrika nodded.

  “The book I read described him as a warmongering tyrant who literally turned himself into a monster. Literally. He became a huge monster. He was called the Cannibal King because he had an ability that let him gain power by eating people.” Gio explained.

  “Oh.” Hatra said.

  “That’s the broad strokes… but the reality of his rule was even more gruesome and unsettling than I can properly articulate. There are sections of jungle near Bangla that are forbidden to all because of the danger posed by the lingering ghosts of those he tortured… all these years later, and my people are still recovering from his rule.” Chandrika uttered.

  Nobody spoke for a second.

  “As I said previously, although the spell should pose no harm to us, I apologize if his presence made any of you uneasy.” Chandrika blurted out.

  “It’s a bit spooky,” Sapphire said, fidgeting with her hands.

  “… I myself have a hard time utilizing this side of my magic because of him.” Chandrika added.

  “Okay, so he sounds like a not great guy to be related to… but I feel like I’m missing something. He did some bad stuff… some really bad stuff… but why are you so scared of him?” Sapphire asked.

  “He abducted and killed… and ate… powerful people from all over the world. It sparked a few wars… which he won. When my grandmother killed her father and rose to power, She ceded a lot of territory to make amends for our bloody history, but many still called for revenge. That man is responsible for many, many atrocities… and as much as we distance ourselves from him and his misdeeds, he is unfortunately the biological father of my Grandmother.” Chandrika explained.

  “But… he can’t come back to life or anything, right?” Jean asked.

  Chandrika giggled.

  “He’s been sealed by Grandmother. There’s nothing short of an act of incredible magic that could undo his binds, never mind whatever else would need to happen to give him a corporeal form. The main concern with his specter is that he could corrupt me.” Chandrika answered, shivering slightly.

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  Hatra rested both hands behind her head, leaning over the side of the boat in a relaxed manner.

  “Well, I know we just met and all, but I don’t think that in my limited time spent with you, I caught any notion that you might be a bloodthirsty tyrant in the future,” Hatra said.

  “Well… thank you. But that’s not really the point. He’s still here.” Chandrika said, gesturing vaguely around her.

  “I thought you banished him?” Jean asked.

  “I did… but It doesn’t fully work like that. As sages, a large portion of our foresight abilities spring from the expertise lent to us by our ancestors… meaning that he will always be a part of my magic. Though following his path would likely lead me to a swift death at the hands of my family…” Chandrika pondered.

  “Well, it’s not like you could just start eating people to gain their powers or anything, right?” Gio joked.

  Chandrika didn’t laugh.

  “...right?” Gio asked.

  “In theory, an ability manifested by one sage should be available to other sages. There’s more to the story than that… and at least part of his power came from a holy relic that he permanently tainted… but unfortunately yes. That power might be there, should I ever reach for it.” Chandrika admitted.

  “I could see how that could be seen as… distressing,” Jean said.

  “A holy relic? How do you permanently taint a holy relic?” Gio asked.

  “Of course, that’s what you focus on… It’s a long story.”

  The rustle of wind signaling the shade of her ancestor’s return interrupted their conversation.

  “I should focus. If you’re still curious, I will answer all your questions later. Perhaps I could take you all back to my homeland. My grandmother loves telling the tale.” Chandrika said.

  She turned back to face the gossamer shroud, regarding the form of her ancestor, also noting the arrival of another shape in the fabric. The newcomer was little more than a vague silhouette, and the fabric of her spell constantly fluttered around their presence. It was clear that this spirit was losing grip on their identity, a sign that they had died some time ago.

  “Sage, we have returned with the spirit of one who resided in this place.” the avatar said. She motioned to the Telchine spirit, causing the golden fabric to billow softly.

  “Where have you led me? It’s… so soft. So warm….” The Telchine said. The voice was quiet, barely a whisper over the gentle breeze of Chandrika’s spell.

  “Hello. I apologize for disturbing your rest. My companions and I wanted to be respectful of your people, so we sought to discern if there were any rituals or practices that you observed when a member of your tribe dies.” Chandrika asked.

  “Hmm? Oh… I’m dead, aren't I? Wait… I remember… watching over my children…” The spirit began.

  Chandrika nearly lost balance as the spell began to slip away from her. Her stomach dropped as if she was falling into an endless hole.

  “They took them. The spirits… They took my children.” The spirit said, her voice becoming clearer.

  The Telchine’s spirit seemed to grow more and more defined in the golden fabric as rage gave her form.

  The spirit screamed.

  “I could only watch as they were TAKEN FROM ME!”

  The avatar of her ancestors moved sedately across the veil, fading into the Telchine with a soft embrace. The rage dulled, allowing Chandrika to assert herself over the spell again.

  “Please… I understand that you have regrets. But I need you to answer my question.” Chandrika said, clutching her stomach but standing tall.

  The spirit’s featureless face, enshrouded in golden fabric coolly regarded Chandrika before turning to the side, presumably looking through the shroud to see the pile of corpses. The thought of what she might see in those obscured eyes chilled Chandrika to her core.

  “Very well… We have no sacred traditions regarding death. It is rare that one of us makes it to an age where we are permitted to die of natural causes. For those who die outside of the gate, their next of kin puncture the lungs and allow the body to sink, so that the fish may feed on what remains. Why do you ask? You owe us nothing. You are challengers, here to defy the will of the spirits.” The shade callously answered.

  “We were curious as to the properties of… your people’s blood,” Chandrika said with a grimace. ”But we don’t want to upset those of your tribe who have shown us hospitality, or in some way bring the wrath of the spirits down upon us.”

  The shade laughed.

  “What bizarre manners you outsiders have. What use do the dead have for blood? If you seek my blessing, then take whatever you want from them. Those who are taken by the spirits are just dead bodies that still walk and work. I shall rest easier knowing that there are challengers here again who will return their corpses to the water.” The spirit snapped.

  “I… see. Thank you for your words.” Chandrika said.

  “What a strange world this is, isn’t it? I had hoped to be reunited with my sons once I died… but it seems that fate isn’t so kind. If you will allow me a last request… please, tell your family that you love them while you can. You may never know when you will see them for the last time.” The shade whispered.

  As the shade’s rage faded, Chandrika felt her slip away. Only the spirits would know if she was still attached to the world of the living in some way, somewhere.

  “Thank you for your help, ancestors. Rest in peace.” Chandrika said, eliciting a bow from the remaining avatar as she let the spell fade.

  The golden shroud unwound, first into thousands of spell-threads, and then into golden sparks of dwindling mana as color returned to the world around her.

  How exhausting. Chandrika thought.

  “I guess if the Telchines don’t have an issue with it…” Jean said, trailing off with uncertainty.

  “Hatra and I will start getting a few assays done with the blood,” Sapphire announced.

  “I’ll go scout ahead.” Jean said.

  “Okay.” Chandrika assented.

  I hope that wasn’t too awkward. Sapphire especially seems a bit thrown. Maybe I should have just suggested that we go back to the village and ask living Telchines.

  She slumped down onto the bench-like seat at the front of the small boat with an exaggerated sigh.

  “... You okay?” Gio asked, sitting down next to her.

  “Yeah… I’ll be fine. I’m just feeling a bit drained is all. The Headmaster had told me that my connection to spirits would be a bit more potent here, and I deeply felt the rage of that poor Telchine.” She answered.

  “I can’t imagine.” Gio said.

  “If at all possible, I’d like to stop what the spirits… or rather, the “devine servitors” are doing here. Whatever is going on in this dungeon seems… off” Chandrika said.

  Gio pondered for a moment.

  He looked at Chandrika. “When you talk about your connection to the spirits… are you talking about the spirits of the dead specifically?” He asked.

  “A [Sage] has many links… My link with my ancestors is supposed to be the most powerful of all, but I can also sometimes reach out to the spirits of deceased souls of other beings that I do not descend from. Some sages can reach out to other more esoteric types of being, but my experience with that is… limited.” Chandrika said.

  Gio’s gaze seemed to sharpen, as his brows raised and his head quirked to the side ever so slightly, the telltale sign of having had his interest piqued.

  “I’ve done a bit of studying about the spirits, especially with how they pertain to the system., but I get a little lost once I start diving too deep into the more… philosophical territories. Like I know that there are “water spirits” and “spirits of the dead”... but what does that actually entail?” Gio said, beginning to flick through a hastily prepared notebook.

  He navigated through his notes with urgency, arriving at a page with dense writing and color-coded highlighting.

  “To quote academic literature, “The system is commonly understood to be a manifestation of the collective consciousness of the spirits.” So…can you talk to the spirits that make up the system? Or am I misunderstanding what a “Spirit” is?” Gio asked.

  Chandrika laughed.

  “Although a lot of people -myself included- throw around the word “spirits” as a generic, catch-all term, the truth -or at least as much as any mortal could claim to know of the truth- is that there are many different types of non-physical entities. Some, we classify by the world they inhabit. A spirit from the elemental plane of water would likely be a “water spirit”, likewise, a spirit that spends most of its time in one of the hells might be classified as a “hell spirit.” Chandrika explained.

  “T-There’s spirits in hell?” Gio stammered.

  “There’s spirits everywhere. And there are as many hells throughout the multiverse as there are bad feelings.” Chandrika said.

  “So… Owl the librarian. He’s a [High Knowledge Elemental], which is a type of spirit… right?” Gio asked.

  “Yes. But he’s a manifestation.” Chandrika answered.

  “A manifestation?”

  “Embodiment, personification, incarnation… all terms that have been used to describe beings like the Owl. A manifestation is a spirit, or sometimes a conglomeration of spirits that take up a physical form, or if not a physical form, some sort of representation that can enact it’s will on the world. Non-manifested spirits are usually understood to be incapable of instigating change or action on the world, outside of influencing the system or providing some of their authority to something that can influence the world.” She answered.

  “Okay… so the Owl can’t influence the system because he’s a manifestation?” Gio asked.

  “Sort of. I guess I don’t know what his specific limitations are, but from my experience a lot of manifestations get more powerful in specific domains. Grandmother’s Eidolons have some limited ability to influence skill acquisitions in their immediate vicinity, for example.” She said.

  “Your Grandmother can just give people skills?!” Gio outcried.

  “No. Her Eidolons are able to trigger a skill popup for those who impress them after having spent years in their tutelage. I’ve only seen it happen a few times. It’s not easy to impress a manifestation of handicraft with skills that they taught you, by the way.” Chandrika clarified.

  “Oh, you meant really specific limitations,” Gio said.

  “Yep.”

  Gio tapped his chin.

  “So if an elemental is a manifestation of a specific type of spirit attuned to a concept, what does that make the other spiritual beings?” Gio asked.

  “Well, a [Demon] would probably be a conglomeration of hell spirits, and an [Angel] would be the same for heaven spirits. There’s all sorts of specifics and weird iterations of manifestations, too… you’d have to talk to a [Demonologist] or whatever the equivalent is for other subtypes if you need more information there. Like I said before, I know a bit about spirits because of my sage training, but I don’t claim to be a foremost expert on any of it.” Chandrika answered.

  Gio scribbled in the margins of his notes.

  “I hope that was informative for you… and… I’m sorry if I made things weird with my spell.”

  Gio looked up from his notes, surveying her face.

  “To be frank with you, Rika… You’re over-analyzing it. We had an uncomfortable question to ask, and you answered it immediately and in a way that I vastly prefer over backtracking to the village to ask about their dead relatives. I can’t empathize with your family history, as the only black mark on my family’s record is the reason we’re in this dungeon in the first place. I’ll speak for the group when I say that seeing your Great-Grandfather likely negatively affected you far more than it did any of us. All things considered, If I had a spell that I could use to talk to dead people, I’d probably be obnoxious with it. I’d be calling up my great, great, great, great, great, great grandma to ask about family recipes, or whatever.” Gio said.

  Chandrika recoiled slightly.

  “I… didn’t think of it that way.” She said.

  “No? Maybe you should use it more often, then. Just speed through the grandpa banishment procedure really fast so you don’t have to spend too much time looking at him, or whatever.” Gio stated.

  Chandrika couldn’t suppress a laugh.

  “Thanks, Gio. I needed that.”