SHE turned her gaze to the demon who still laid asleep.
There is much mystery concerning him, for he is no ordinary demon. To have resisted so long the desire to devour men is no easy feat. He indeed has cultivated much in the way of proper practice and it has no doubt helped elevate his powers, but that alone shall not be enough.
“Then what must be done?” asked Aiṛth hurriedly as she clasped the feet of the Spirit. “Tell us O Great Spirit, what is it he needs to be made whole again—to contain the lust that wreaks havoc within him!”
Have I not already given the answer.
Vūragam smiled and brought herself to Tūmbṃār.
You child have seen the Light have you not?
Tūmbṃār slowly nodded.
“Of which light do you speak?” asked Iḷēhaḥ.
The Light of the That One that rests within all the hearts of the Ṃārhaḥn: Lūshhaḥ! Let the demon devote himself to them!
There was a silence, and then suddenly clamor arose all around. Even Vrihkhaḥ, gave shouts, and perked his ears with his eyes having grown wide. They all looked to Tūmbṃār with dumbfounded expressions and could not believe their ears to have heard, now a Celestial, addressing him.
This is strange. Have you not already told them child? The Light has been following you for long has it not? I can see within your eyes that even the demon that rests here has as well seen them.
He slowly nodded once more and all the members of the group held their mouths agape in utter disbelief.
“Tūmbṃār was not lying!” shouted Iḷēhaḥ. “Why has Lūshhaḥ appeared now? Is it not said that he should appear during the period of Annihilation? We have still much time before that and I did not think the world should end so soon. Oh this is grave news, graver than the Demons even wishing to invade Ārhmanhaḥ.”
“Is what you say really true Vūragam?” said Aiṛth kneeling on the ground, with her head hung low and her hands in prayer held high. “Are you indeed suggesting that it is Lūshhaḥ that will heal him? That great being who has not returned for many an age. Is he truly hear now, with the child? Shall the world now end?”
Yea they are! Indeed I tell you they the Light never left, but unfortunate it is, that few remain that can now converse with them. Long has it been since that wretched war that separated the continents, but even long before and still long after shall they always act on behalf of their highest self, guiding all of us for all time.
As for your concern relating of the end of this cycle, there is no need to fear such a thing. The time of their coming has not yet been fulfilled for they have not descended in form. It is said that he shall be born once more in the heart of the Svalfvorah mountains taking again the likeness of the Laukṣhramās of which yourself Iḷēhaḥ hold. If his advent had indeed arrived, the Gods themselves would have heard of it, and there would be great cheer in the Heavens upon his return!
For your friend, Nakthaḥm, I cannot speak as to his temperament; I know not many Demons would supplicate to the Gods for deliverance. I should think that even your friend holds the same grudge that has pervaded his people for eons. But that said, never once have they held the Light in disregard for it was promised to all the Ṃārhaḥn that when the time came for each person it would guide them back to That from where none shall ever return, where rests the highest abode. And should Nakthaḥm receive its grace perhaps he will survive.
A cool breeze blew toward them and ruffled the leaves of the trees. The girl who could not understand much of what they were saying, went toward Nakthaḥm and poked his face. No response. The others now felt hopeless. While Iḷēhaḥ’s doubt had been cleared, with resounding sighs from all the members (except Tūmbṃār and the girl who could care little of it), there did not look to be much chance for Nakthaḥm to survive this ordeal. How is it in his catatonic state that he would be able to contact Lūshhaḥ? One whom even the Gods would be hard pressed to find.
“I’ll see if I can contact Lūshhaḥ!” said Tūmbṃār as he rose on his feet with a newfound determination. “I won’t let him suffer anymore. I’ll see Lūshhaḥ and have him cure Nakthaḥm.”
Iḷēhaḥ was vexed at the way Tūmbṃār nonchalantly addressed the greatest of beings, but given the oath she could do nothing to discipline him, and let her anger subside. Given any other circumstance the others would have laughed, but now their hopes really did rest with the boy. They put their faith in him.
This is good, it would seem you have all resolved to save your friend! You should know however, that when we have exited this forest, it will not be long ere his hunger should return and assail him ceaselessly day and night. And the torment that he shall suffer during that time, will be excruciating enough to make him wail on end until his voice has given out. This I am certain. Fortify your minds, for no pity and sympathy shall help him through this trial.
Roots erupted under the soil and encased Nakthaḥm tightly. A board out of the Earth was formed through which the roots fastened themselves about it and this alarmed the group.
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This is merely a precaution that I am setting for yourselves. His strength will increase considerably under his duress; I am afraid that the chains you have cast about his hands and feet will not do much to help here, Tūmbṃār. Have my blessings, Agents of the Gods! May the Light of That One answer your call. Now children, let us continue on our march through the forest. There is still much to see and far to walk, though this path to the Mrigūhvha should be a little shorter, at least in regards to the time here.
They continued on their way deeper into the forest with the procession of spirits following behind. Tūmbṃār dragged the sleeping demon with two firm cords made of the roots of the banyan. The trees moved back to their original position and things began to feel still. If not for the presence of the Spirit the haunting eeriness of the woods could have very well consumed them. It did not seem they had yet forgiven them for the maiden’s rash behavior.
A long trail through the overgrowth led to a bridge which slowly ascended over the trees snaking in between their trunks. And when they were above the canopy, they could see that the surroundings had changed considerably. The many moons that were there before were now shown to be circling a larger central moon, that shined like the sun.
The trees had thinned considerably in the distance and there many patches in view where they could see many spirits of varying likeness, some like the ones that followed them and others of a strange admixture of different animal parts, yet nonetheless beautiful in appearance.
They could hear the sound of water flowing not far from them and when they came closer they saw seven great streams, blocked off from one another with carefully placed stones of great size. Its appearance reminded them of the seven great rivers that were said to course through the great landmass in the earlier days of Ārhmanhaḥ’s history.
Farther down from there, they could see lights shining amongst the trees. And arriving at that place they saw a field of self-illuminating flowers whose light warmed the surface about them. The bridge touched down into that area, where another trail was set through the field. Vūragam led them through and the others followed after her with the great procession of spirits behind them.
The girl held tight to Aiṛth afraid of the flowers. Feyūnhaḥ plucked one and gave it to her. The girl took it slowly in her fingers and she was dazzled by the light it emitted. Her expression quickly turned from one of worry and fear to that of joy and awe. She nodded to Feyūnhaḥ as if trying to thank her and Feyūnhaḥ patted her head.
When they had passed that field and entered the woods again, the lights behind slowly faded. The path began to descend and the sides slowly lifted above them. A mass of tangled turf and roots and flowers hung on either side and were it not for the light of the spirits they would scarce be able to see anything there. The light above the canopy receded and the sky darkened.
It shall not be long ere we exit this dominion. Keep close to yourselves so that you are not separated.
They did as she said and huddled close to one another. An arch stood before them melded into the overgrowth of the walls. And beyond it was set a tunnel. They entered inside and walked in that darkness that not even Vūragam’s presence could overpower.
Long did it stretch and it felt like they were inside for hours. The smell of the fresh woods slowly left their presence. That floor underneath started to feel more hard and firm. A damp feeling set itself inside, with the roof beginning to drip and every few drops splashing atop their heads. When they had turned to check behind them, they saw that the procession of spirits was slowly fading. Even the effulgence of Vūragam was beginning to fade.
“What is happening?” said Iḷēhaḥ. “Are we not still in your domain? Does it not extend well throughout the entirety of the forest? I find it hard to believe that we have crossed so far.”
Yea, Iḷēhaḥ. My domain does indeed extend throughout the forest, but I cannot allow you to linger within the confines of this realm for long. Much time has already passed as well as a great distance in the Midworld. Now you and your company must make the rest of your journey on your own. I tell you once more: fortify your minds, for when you exit it shall not be long ere his suffering returns. Feyūnhaḥ, you of the Autirsāh, you would do well to control your hearing. His wails will surely cause you to fall ill.
She gulped at those words and closed her eyes, withdrawing as much of her sense of hearing as she could. “Iḷēhaḥ, hold onto me. I’ll have to concentrate on my ears for some time, and won’t be able to see in front of myself for sometime.”
Iḷēhaḥ grabbed onto her shoulder and held her near as they continued walking forward.
“My gratitude,” said Feyūnhaḥ.
Priestess, when we shall exit, the date as is understood by you, shall be the nineteenth day of the month of Shreluyam.
“What! It has been that long,” shouted Aiṛth in surprise. She then pulled out her sun-dial but then realized she could not see. “Ah, I shall have to affix it when we are outside again.”
They could see the exit not far from them and the light that crept through, phased through the hollowing Vūragam. When they were not far from it, Vūragam stopped and stood before them.
You shall have to journey without me from here. Yet I hope your quest proves fruitful. Go forth children! Should fate prove itself to be on your side, you shall find me aiding you in your cause. The Gods shall manifest in you: That One and All shall manifest in you!
And as if pushed from behind they were forced out of the tunnel. A strong breeze blew behind them with whispers and the playing of instruments intermixed inside. When it lifted and they turned behind, the spirits had vanished.
Nakthaḥm began to stir, gripping his teeth, but his eyes did not open. And suddenly there was a great shout and waiting, and he seemed to scream at the top of his lungs. His eyes were forced open, bloodshot with greatly dilated pupils. His teeth had also noticeably sharpened. The wails at their height rang terribly in their ears.
“Someone gag him!” shouted Iḷēhaḥ as she pressed harder against her ears. “This wailing is unbearable!”
Tūmbṃār tried to approach him with a peace of cloth but as he came close, the demon had him within his sights and started to shake uncontrollably within his confines. He could not free himself but the flexing of his head and the shaking of the board was enough to keep Tūmbṃār and the others away.
“Why could that Spirit have not covered his mouth?” cried Iḷēhaḥ.
“I suppose given how sharp his teeth are, he would’ve simply bit through it,” said Sanyhaḥmān, gnashing his teeth. “If only there was something that could be done for him. It really does seem he stands at the gates of hell, though given what he is, it does seem fitting.”
The girl was the only one who did not cover (or attempt to cover) her ears. She simply looked at Nakthaḥm with a sad expression on her face. She could feel what the demon was going through but like all the others would not approach him. Aiṛth went near Nakthaḥm standing just a foot away from his face. She knelt and began to pray as the others looked on with sadness.