Chapter 65 - Spirits and Sparring

“The lake is the key,” Vivienne said. “I’m convinced of it. We’ve attempted to follow the spirits back to wherever it is they come for, and at the very least it’s deep within the lake. Either underwater or on one of the many islands spotting it.”

“They’re too fast for us to follow by boat,” Dylan said. “During the third wave last month, I was part of a crew stationed out in the lake. Their speed and the darkness made it impossible to follow them all the way, but they were definitely headed inward.”

“So you suspect they are either spawning on one of the islands or from within the lake.”

“Yes,” Dylan said.

“How many islands?” Hump asked.

“There are twenty-three on the map,” Dylan said. “Though we’ve discovered four of those ourselves in the last year.”

“Can’t you just scout out the various islands and narrow it down?” Hump said. “Something able to spawn so many spirits must create quite a disturbance. I’d expect it to be easy to find. Have you tried using an iritheel compass?”

“Of course I’ve tried one,” Vivienne said. “If it was easy to find, I’d have found it already. The lake is too rich in essence for the compass to work properly. It’s unable to focus once out on the water.”

“It all seems to point toward an underwater or island dungeon,” Hump said. “That would explain the essence in the lake, and the essence would also explain how there could be so many spirits. You probably know more about spirits than me, Bud. What do you think? The church must keep records of the different spirit types and how to fight them.”

“A dungeon wouldn’t explain why the spirits only attack during the new moon,” Bud said. “Spirits typically fall into two categories, those formed from the soul of something once living, and those born of extremely concentrated essence. I wouldn’t expect either to behave like this, which leads me to believe that a summoner might be directing them. Have any of the other towns and villages around the lake been attacked?”

“Not yet,” Vivienne said.

Bud shrugged. “A summoner would explain their monthly appearance and why they seem so focus on this town in particular. Perhaps a group of summoners considering the number. It’s dark magic, and highly dangerous. A single mistake and the spirits could end up targeting the summoner instead, or they could accidentally summon something beyond their control.”

“You think we’re dealing with a cult?” Celaine asked.

“It’s possible,” Bud said. “Kelisia’s church teaches of the importance of lunar cycles for summoning from other realms. The new moon is when the veil between worlds is at its weakest, so it would be the optimal timing.”

Vivienne sighed. “Originally, I drew the same conclusion. It seemed obvious that someone was using the density of essence in Fishers Lake to power a summoning ritual.”

“I sense a ‘but’ coming…” Bud said.

Vivienne nodded. “The essence in the lake is becoming more concentrated. For every new wave, it grows denser. I know of no summoning that could produce such an effect.”

“They could be unrelated,” Celaine said. “A cult is taking advantage of the lake’s essence to summon their spirits, and at the same time something else is causing the increase in essence.”

“Why would a cult have any interest in Fishers Lake Town?” Hump said.

“They wouldn’t,” Vivienne said. “Besides, if there was a cult out there capable of such a summoning, they wouldn’t be sending low tier spirits to attack the town. They’d be doing it themselves.”

“Then what else could it be?” Bud asked. “Unless you know of any mass murders in the area in recent years—that would explain the number of spirits but not the monthly pattern of attacks.”

“Indeed it would not,” Vivienne said. “The fact is that the essence density of the lake is increasing at the same time as the wave of spirits strikes each month. In a few years, it could reach levels only seen in the Fallen Lands.”

“Meaning monsters would spawn?” Hump asked.

“Yes,” Vivienne said. “An event we best avoid.”

“Well there’s the obvious solution,” Bud said. “We find the proof that a larger danger is at play and request assistance from Lady Daston. Honestly, I think the fact that the essence density is increasing like you suggest is already enough reason to go to her.”

“If the proof is out there,” Vivienne said. “For now, the density of essence is not a risk. At worst we need to worry about a few mutated fish, though even that seems unlikely. My current plan is to deploy essence beacons on the most central of the lake’s islands and use them to identify locations that see the greatest essence fluctuations. While an iritheel compass is unable to detect it, their appearance must cause some sort of disturbance. We can use that to narrow down the search area.”

“And once we do that?” Hump asked.

“You’re an adventurer now, aren’t you?” Vivienne said. “What do you think?”

“Destroy whatever’s spawning them,” Hump said. “So either it’s a low tier threat that we can handle together, or it’s a danger far beyond our abilities, in which case we need to ask for reinforcements.”

“Correct,” Vivienne said. “I will know more once we track them down. The fact that my formation successfully dealt with this wave means that the town is defended, and we have a place where we can safely launch our own attack.”

“How long do you think it will take to find the location?” Bud asked.

“I suspect the next wave will be the same as this one, in which case, there will be three attacks,” Vivienne said. “With some luck, that time will be enough to find the source of the spirits. If not, we will be prepared come the following wave.”

“It also means that you will have run out of essence stones,” Hump said grimly. “I hate to step on your toes after you’ve spent so much time here already, but this sounds particularly reliant on luck. Without it, there won’t be a formation after two months.”

“Are you doubting my methods, Humphrey?” Vivienne said.

“I’m just concerned about putting all our eggs in one basket,” Hump said carefully.

“Then enlighten me,” Vivienne snapped. “What would you do?”

Hump paused, frowning in thought. He glanced at Bud for help.

“What if some of us waited out on one of the islands. If a beacon activates, we can search the island while the spirits attack.”

“If they attacked us out there, we’d have no chance,” Dylan said. “You saw how strong they were the other night. If not for Master Vivienne, things would have ended much worse.”

“Could we reduce their numbers?” Celaine said. “Group them up with the formation over the lighthouse, then slay the spirits in one go. Once their dead we can search the lake without worrying.”

“They are not so easily slain,” Vivienne said. “I can destroy a few of them—they are weak to sunlight, though even a Tier 4 spell like Daybreak only seems to kill those that it strikes directly. The rest heal the damage quickly.”

“We could capture one,” Hump said. “Hold it back until the rest have retreated for the night, and then let it go.”

“I know of no spell that could capture a spirit,” Vivienne said.

“I do,” Hump said. “At least, I think I do.” All eyes were fixed on him. “When we were in Bledsbury Dungeon, Kassius used a formation to bind the dragon’s body and soul. Reconstructing it is beyond me, but with your help we might be able to figure it out.”

“He bound the dragon’s soul?” Vivienne said quickly. “How do you know?”

“He told us,” Hump said. Another half-truth, but he couldn’t exactly tell her that he’d used it to trap and absorb the dragon’s soul.

“Show me,” Vivienne said.

Hump opened his spellbook, the formation drawn in thick black ink on the first page he turned to. Essence flowed through the runes, just as before when Hump had used it back in the dungeon, pulsing through the formation in both directions before rushing back to the top rune where the caster stood. Its appearance didn’t give him chills this time, though he felt a weariness.

Spellbook
The Binding of Thirteen

Description: Unknown
Classification: Formation
Quality: Unknown
Origin: Unknown

Abilities
Unknown

“I only recognise a few of these runes,” Vivienne said. “Kassius was the one that created this?”

“He was,” Hump said. “He was a dark essence user.”

“That explains why it feels so eerie,” Vivienne said. “Is the essence pattern recorded?”

Hump frowned. “You know about that?”

She glared at him. “Evidently. Now answer the question.”

Hump paused.

“We can discuss it later,” Vivienne said. “For now, I need to know what you know.”

Hump sighed. “I know how to wield them with essence. And the intent behind the formation as a whole. I only know the meaning of a couple of the runes, and don’t know their individual intent.”

Vivienne sat back in her armchair and frowned.

“Is it something you can figure out?” Dylan asked.

“Yes,” Vivienne said. “Though deciphering formations is something people dedicate their lives toward. In this case, Hump knowing how the formation functions makes it much easier but figuring it out in only a couple of months will require a lot of experimenting.”

“But it’s possible?” Hump said excitedly.

“Yes. At least, I think so. We’ll know quickly if there is any progress to be had, and this gives us another option.”

“If it works, we’ll still need to figure out a way to keep up with it,” Dylan said. “The boats weren’t enough last time.”

“There’s also the sunlight to worry about,” Hump said. “We should do it on the last night of the wave when their attack ends soonest. We’ll have time enough to follow it back without worrying about the sunrise.”

“And we can use the essence beacons on the first two nights,” Celaine said. “Narrow it down first, and then we go with Bud’s idea and hide out on an island in the lake. As long as we can hide from the main group of spirits, we can wait for them to leave, and come out when you signal that the spirit has been released. We’ll be in position to trail it back to its source.”

Dylan smiled. “The spirits are drawn to the soul, and with proper aura control, they can be hidden from. We’ll need to get you some practice, but I think this could work. What do you think, Master?”

She paused for a long moment. Finally, she said, “It’s a good plan, though it relies on two variables that we have limited control over. Firstly, we must figure out how to use the formation, and second, you must learn to control your auras. Each will be a challenge in two months, let alone one.”

“Do you think it’s achievable?” Hump asked.

“Yes,” Vivienne said. “With hard work and long hours, it’s possible.”

“I’m ready to start,” Bud said, a fire in his eyes.

“Enthusiasm is good,” Vivienne said. “However, you and Celaine effectively suffered a spiritual attack during our tests today. You need time to recover. She stood. “Drink your tea—it will help—and get some rest. Training will begin in the morning.”

“Vivi,” Hump said. “How much do you know about the spellbook?”

“Enough to know you should be rid of it,” she said, walking to the door. “And enough to know that we need it. There will be plenty of time for this while we’re working on the formation. Training comes first. Don’t be late.”

***

“I will be creating individual training regiments for each of you,” Vivienne said. “As my understanding of your abilities grows, I’ll be able to better help you find your direction, but at the end of the day you are both Chosen. That means there are three core things you must focus on: your souls, blessings, and skills. I doubt there is anything I can teach you regarding your skills with a weapon or stealth, but I can help you master your blessings and souls.”

“How can you help us?” Celaine said. “I can see how direction might be helpful. I don’t see how you could know more about our blessings than we do.”

“Blessings are much like spells,” Vivienne began. “They require a combination of essence and intent to function. Where they most often differ is their complexity. When a wizard casts Spark, they create a flame. At best, they can infuse more essence into it to make the flame larger or hotter, but the purpose of the spell does not change. Blessings on the other hand are more versatile. What I’ll do is help you to find the potential of your blessings and how to wield them efficiently. As for your souls, they best way to develop one’s aura is through force.”

“You intend to suppress us again,” Bud said.

“That’s part of it,” she said. “You will also practice with each other and Dylan.”

“What about me?” Hump asked.

“Your control and arsenal of spells will be a good place to start,” Vivienne said. “With the trials in mind, I believe duelling will be an effective method of practice too. Your individual strength must take some priority. There will also be monster hunting.”

“Sounds good.”

“As for your issues with your bond to the egg, I’ll need to see how you train later,” Vivienne said. “Celaine, I hope you don’t mind me looking in on the process. It would also be helpful if you could tell me anything you know about the trials.”

“I don’t see much choice,” Celaine said. “It’s fine.”

“Thank you,” Vivienne said. “Are there any other questions?” When nobody answered, she nodded. “Good. We’ll start the day with a run,” Vivienne said. “Dylan, lead them along your usual route if you don’t mind.”

Hump laughed. “Enjoy yourselves,” he said to his teammates.

“She didn’t exclude you,” Celaine said, smirking with amusement.

“Heh.” Hump turned slowly to Vivienne to find her arms folded and staring at him. “I’m a wizard, Vivi, I can’t run.”

“It’s because you’re a wizard that it’s even more important for you to work on your stamina,” Vivienne said. “You’re neither as durable as Robert, nor as agile as Celaine. Wizards do not have essence to draw their stamina from, and most don’t have the spells to make up for it. You need to have the physical ability to keep up if you ever need to run.”

“Master Sethril never—”

“Seth isn’t here, Hump,” Vivienne snapped. “Dylan, make sure you don’t take it easy on him.”

Dylan grimaced. “I’ll do my best.”

“I’ll know if you’ve gone soft,” she chided.

“Don’t worry,” Celaine said, a malicious grin on her face. “We’ll all make sure he doesn’t stop.”

Hump stared at his teammates with wide, hopeless eyes. “I’ll remember this,” Hump said. “The day I was betrayed!”

“Oh stop being dramatic,” Celaine said.

“You’ll enjoy it once you get into it,” Bud said. “There’s nothing like a morning run to start the day.”

“To all the gods above,” Hump whispered. “If anyone is listening, I’m sorry for all the wrongs I ever said. Please, show mercy and help me now!”

After a few seconds, Bud let out a satisfied sigh. “Fresh air, exercise, and a little bit of blasphemy to get the heart racing. Wonderful.”

Hump glared at his friend. “I’ll remember this.”

***

Vivienne was waiting for them when they arrived back at the lighthouse. While the others stood and listened to her instructions for the rest of the day, Hump lay on the ground and waited for death.

“Drink this,” Vivienne said, handing him a glass of cool, green liquid.

Hump sat up and took the glass suspiciously. “What is it?”

“A stamina drink,” Vivienne said.

Hump sipped it and scrunched his nose. “Why does it taste like grass?”

“Just drink it,” Vivienne said. “I want to conclude the sparring by lunch, which will leave us time to begin working on your soul training and to start going over that formation.”

“That’s a lot to cram into one day,” Hump said. “I’m already exhausted.”

“Remember why you are here,” Vivienne said. “Will you face these trials alone or with a party? You must be able to fight for yourself. If you want to pass these trials, you need all the help you can get.”

Hump met her eyes and reluctantly nodded. He gulped down the drink in one go and gasped. “You’re right,” he said, standing. “I’m ready when you are. How do you want to do this? My master and I used to spar using only shields and rockshot.”

Vivienne smiled softly. “You’re mistaken, Hump. You won’t be duelling me. You’ll be duelling Dylan.”

Hump glanced up at the druid, only now noticing him behind Vivienne. The man gave him an apologetic smile, but Hump’s eyes slid to the side, taking in the heavy quarterstaff in his right hand. He gulped.

“You want me to duel a third circle Chosen?” Hump said. “I’m not sure this is a good matchup.”

“Exactly,” Vivienne said. “Plenty to learn.”