Tales of magic: grimoire of transmorfigration
Chapter 10
_________________
Opening Arc- "Crow and Quill"
Chapter 10- "Darkness."
__________________
Let's talk about a man.
Within his soul, there were said to be two forces of equal magnitude, vying for supremacy. They were the forces of light and darkness.
Which one wil win? Does it matter?
- An extract from Wisdom of the Insane by The Philosopher.
__________________
Unknown time and date.
Bird,
Spirit world.
_____________________
Lancaster took a deep breath. He wondered why he even tried. His lungs were fake and there really wasn't anything to breathe in.
There was no air. Only something else that Lancaster couldn't understand. There were all sorts of sounds though.
He wondered how that was possible.
'But then it's magic.'
He smiled.
The noises were made by the magnificent but diverse life forms which were shuffling their feet, outright flying, floating, or even teleporting their way across a barren world, with no trees, grass or sort of plant life. There was only a strange glowing white light, emanating from the ground and the skies.
The spirits gathered around the Sanctuary, once they noticed the occupant was outside. They did not move any closer, but decided to chat amongst themselves, using strange languages, Lancaster couldn't understand.
"Why are they just staring?"
'They are wary of us. They know that no Mage would be stupid enough to just walk out of their sanctuary. They fear me, as well.'
"Because of what you are?"
'No, It's because I'm also unfamiliar. Many of the spirits here that are large enough to have a mind of their own have never seen anything like me before. They do not - And cannot- have an accurate read of my strength, or abilities.'
"I want to understand what each an every one of these spirits are, how they came to be and what they can do. Just tell me everything, oh great god of desire."
'That information isn't really useful right now. And frankly, I don't know everything.'
Lancaster was almost irritated. Almost.
After all, who could be irritated, when they have the view of the lifetime.
"So you're telling me that the Knowledge is a lie?"
'No. I mean that there cannot possibly be such a thing as omniscient. That's preposterous. I can make you nearly infinitely powerful, and give you knowledge you would never have been able to learnt in a 1000 lifetimes, but I can't make you know everything about the world of magic.
Sure, If you have somehow won the battle, you could have the Knowledge of every single Magical being in my time - before I was locked up - but not the new ones that have sprouted up afterwards
The universe is endless, only because it continues to grow.'
"We can hear them, so can they hear us?"
'They can hear, but cannot understand. Same reason why you can't understand what they are saying to one another. Words of Magic, however are universal for all who reside or are connected to the spirit world. Simply put, if you use the words of magic, you can communicate with them.'
'Good to know. But that means I'll have to learn a few more words if J want to talk to these guys..'
Lancaster had learnt to modify spells by learning the meaning of some of the Words of Magic and adding, or subtracting from the spell to make it more potent. When he had tried it, a few hours ago, It had worked splendidly.
'So tell me, what's next? I really want to get this thing over with so that I can sit and smell the flowers- if you know what I mean.'
'The next step on your journey, is lifting your Sanctuary- I mean, it is what we had agreed on. All you have to do, is call a few spirits to help you do It. Negotiations would be more direct now that you are fully immersed in the spirit world.'
"Spirits of strength?"
'Well, yes that might work.'
"What's the best option?"
'Kill yourself and put an end to your misery before it begins.'
"F*ck you, demon"
'Such a pity. To think you would really treat me with an iota of respect. After finally calling me a god..'
The Mage scoffed and returned to his Sanctuary. While he was there, he immersed himself within his studies of his Knowledge, learning the Words of Magic in greater detail. He also took some time to explore his Sanctuary. The demon didn't forget to warn him about the Power he was expending every moment he was there.
Coming outside after a shot period of time, confident and prepared was the young Mage.
The surrounding spirits moved even closer, seeing that the Mage didn't attack, and harbouring doubts about his strength. The lesser ones followed mindlessly ofcourse.
Lancaster focused his spirit -this was easy- and then he started to glow.
'No need for runes this time.'
"Spirits of Birds and winds gather around me, and grant me the ability to make myself as well as other things fly, effortlessly. In exchange for a small measure of Power as well as my friendship, please perform this task for me. As long as we are friends, I shall choose to use your Power as frequently as I need to."(Words of Magic).
'Come on, work. This isn't even an established spell, it's just something I made up just now.'
The spirit stood, confused. Many of them hadn't heard of such a spell before.
For better or worse, the spirits he summoned still answered the call.
Mysterious glowing birds and a chilling wind arrived close to Lancaster.
'It worked!'
"It's only you guys huh?"
"Human. We do not understand what you mean by friendship. The only relationship we have ever established with your kind, is that of slavery. If we might answer your request, explain to us what you mean by Friendship."(Words of magic).
Apparently, the spirits could talk back.
It was the Bird spirits, the biggest one was the one who spoke.
It was a raven.
"Friendship in this case would mean a bond of... Friendliness. We behave alright to each other, we agree not to fight, and we might support each other, but only once in a long time. I could use your particular services whenever I need to, and in exchange I will help you with some Power- no questions asked if I want to. Also, I have prepared a chart for how much favours you would have to refuse to end our alliance, as well as how much I would refuse. If you want us to be friends for a long time, don't mess with me."(Words of Magic).
'It took me so long to learn some of those words. I'm not even sure I said them right. It was nice though.'
The raven replied.
"If you have a written contract, let us read through it that we might come to an agreement."(Words of Magic).
'I'm glad. I'm actually negotiating with spirits..'
He gave them a folded piece of paper. When exploring his house earlier, he had found paper and books that were the exact copy of what was in the real world. He tore out a fresh page and made the chart and written contract for the spirits, in case they asked for it.
The raven told the Mage to drop it down, which he did.
The birds took a good look at it, and agreed to his proposal.
Lancaster nodded his head. As it appeared, the wind spirits had also accepted.
Now all that was left, was causing the Sanctuary to take to the skies.
"Now fly, sanctuary of Bird!"(Words of Magic).
Lancaster improvised by commanding the building to fly. His little friends did their part to make it easier. A great wind took hold of the Sanctuary and forced it upwards. The birds did their part by causing some kind of wings to sprout out from the Sanctuary.
"My house has wings! Who on earth could say their house had wings!"
The house went upwards.
"Alright. Could you make it follow me?"(Words of Magic).
"Yes."(Words of magic).
Lancaster was elated. His plans were working out flawlessly.
He too, focusing on his anchor- his Title- flew upwards as well.
He wasn't just floating half an inch above the ground. This was the first time, he had ever flew this high.
Lancaster screamed in joy.
"Yesss!"
'You know it would all come crashing down in the worst possible way, right?'
"Stop it, demon."
'I am just telling you the truth, like I always do. The winds lifting this thing upwards are unstable. Also, now you have established your power, how do you think the other spirits will react?'
"You tell me."
'The weaker ones will usually flow away. The stronget ones will devour you.'
Lancaster, whilst still in flight towards the Crow and with the house/Sanctuary still flying along behind him was preparing a defensive spell.
"Spirits of protection and Aegis. Grant me peace and security from all those who wish to harm me, by preparing a wall of Power around me, that my enemies shall not come near me, unless they can overcome the measure of power I offer up here. Protective shield!" (Words of Magic).
Lancaster's Power dropped by another 1/10th. Now he had only 2/10th of his Power left.
'Is that good enough for you?'
You are not doing it for me. You are doing it for yourself. Ask yourself instead, 'am I really safe'?
Lancaster decided to ignore him,..or it.
The path towards the Crow was charted beforehand, and Lancaster had already memorised the Journey. Although, seeing it for himself in the spirit world, felt a lot more difficult.
'Your defence was quite flimsy, young Mage. What were you trying to accomplish?'(Words of Magic) spoken from the mouth of a being that was invisible and untouchable.
"What are you?"
Lancaster had forgotten to use the words of magic. Realising that he wasn't understood, he repeated his earlier statement.
"What are you?"(Words of magic).
"I do not answer to you, human." ~Words of Magic.
"Come on. I thought negotiation was worth something here. I guess they're fools every where, who think they can brute their way through anything."
"Wind scythe him, my friendly spirits of winds and skies!"
And a sharp gust of wind as sharp as an actual blade pierced through the space where the mysterious being was talking from. Nothing happened.
"Human. Surrender your soul to me!" ~ Words of Magic.
"Not happening."
Lancaster's Power had already reduced below 1/10th from all the flying, spells and from Mr.demon who was tagging along.
It was only a short stretch before he reached the Crow.
He decided, it time to change things up.
Lancaster opened his door, quickly entered inside,and locked it.
"I'm safe in the Sanctuary, right?"
Yes, you are. I thought I didn't need to tell you that.
"I wasted valuable time and Power having fun. But It was alright, because it was fun. Thanks a lot for not giving me such vital information when I needed it the most.'
You're welcome.
The house had stopped in mid air.
"Friends, continue to push the building towards the East."~ Words of Magic.
And that was what they did. In only a few moments, they had arrived above their destination.
"Crow."
Now all that is left to do, is land on top of it and connect your soul to the new Title, while simultaneously, forsaking the old one. Not very difficult, considering what we have faced so far.
Oh. Also, your darkness and pain and all that has effectively taken over the Title of Crow. This is because, in your mind, it reflects what you left behind, the past that you ate trying to escape from. I believe, I have already explained it enough.
"Stop. There is no darkness. I'm just a normal guy."
You have some Power to spare, why don't you go ahead and connect your spirit to it.
"I've already begun. Crow."
Lancaster, felt his very being being dragged Along, downwards into the position of Crow.
He started to see flashes of his past.
His mother's screams as he stabbed her ...
Lancaster opened his eyes hastily, disconnecting himself from the spirit world.
Having trouble?
"Get out of my sight!"
'Suit yourself.'
And then the demon receded back into the Book of Magic.
_______________