(Continued from Ch 47, Jooldig)

The Chronicles of Rapina
Chapter 48, Evil Spirits 


Smoke and sulfurous steam choked the cavern chambers from their uneven floors to their low, convoluted ceilings. Steam billowed from several diminutive geysers and hot springs. Torrid waters flowed down channels from the bases of the geysers and into pools scattered throughout the area. The sculls and bones of wise friends, cunning enemies and fierce monsters hung from the walls and ceilings of the chambers strung together in strange constellations with beads and gut string. Some resembled macabre mobiles while others served as doors, tapestries, and partitions. Sculls with open jaws and hands and paws with fingers and claws seemed the most well represented parts. 

High shaman T'zar labored over several bubbling kettles. He checked the oven and removed a metal sheet. He donned a cloth mask soaked with water and began carefully scraping the ruddy powder that had congealed on the sheet into a vial. 

When he was finished, the high shaman approached a small steaming pool, sat on a pillow at its edge and tossed a bluish pebble into the waters at the center. The ripples parted the steam like a curtain, and an image formed in the waters. It was the translucent image of a woman, yet not quite a woman since her eyes and hair were flame red, her features were somewhat alien to the human race, and her fingers were clawed. A voice whispered from the pool. I am restless, and I fear he may notice that I have strayed far to the edge of the realm of the dead. Have you compounded the necessary ingredients, High Shaman T'zar? 

"I have been working, but the formula cannot be rushed, Vulvilea," T'zar said. 

"But what if she leaves?" Vulvilea's image in the pool asked. "Such an opportunity must not be wasted! A less compatible host will not hold for long if at all." 

"And this, this is exactly why the formula must not be rushed. There is only one chance, only one. If the formula is too potent, she will die, or if it is not potent enough her resistance will be too strong and you will fail to take her. Your chance will be lost, utterly lost," T'zar said.

Vulvilea growled, "I fear the lord of this land, but you are right, a mistake there would be as catastrophic as discovery here. I will keep moving, further into the edge zone, out of sight and out of mind. How soon can you be ready?" 

"Four days, maybe five," T'zar answered.

"Hurry without error and I will amply reward you," Vulvilea said.

"I will apply extra effort, extra time, on your behalf, Vulvilea, but I must see her face the moment you arrive," Tzar said.

"Get me out of here quickly and you shall have your wish and more," Vulvilea said.

"Three days, maybe four then. I will be diligent, so diligent," T'zar said.

"I am grateful, T'zar," Vulvilea said.

"Good, now I must go, too long delving into his realm could draw his attention," T'zar said.

"Yes, that wouldn't do. There is no need to contact me again unless there is a change of plans." 

The High Shaman nodded and waved his hand. The image faded. 
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This ends, Evil Spirits, chapter 48 of The Chronicles of Rapina.
The story continues in chapter 49, Land Of Desolation.

Copyright 2001 by Rapina