Black Avatare

14 | RITUAL

A mosquito twanged by her head—a drawn-out whine that burrowed right into her ear. Binara huffed and swatted it away.

"Here, put this on," Piumi said, holding out a vial full of yellow liquid.

It was citronella oil. As Binara slathered it on her arms, a citrusy tang hit her nose.

Her thoughts strayed to King Mayadunne, making her heart rate escalate. She had to interpret what the journey to Mount Meru meant. The Moon Sword and the Drum of the Crab were obviously symbols which would give her a clue on how to defeat the Black Prince. For the second time that day, Garuda floated to mind, disturbingly real when he was supposed to be a myth. What if I imagined that whole thing? What if...She gave her head a quick shake.

The trail they were on wound through the undergrowth, twisting around trees and boulders. The soundscape enveloped them in a muted medley of insects, frogs and birds. Siri walked a few paces ahead, his dogs at his heels.

"Are there more of these trails?" Piumi asked.

"Yes, but this is the one that leads to the clearing where the altar is located." The man pushed back fern fronds as he went on, clearing the way for them. "There are a few rules that we always follow in the forest."

Binara raised her eyebrows. "And what are those?"

"For instance, if you see your companion performing a quiet ritual, don't inquire about it."

"Oh, the kem rituals," Piumi murmured, nodding.

Binara frowned. "What?"

"It's a ritual that has to be done quietly," Piumi whispered. "It's said to lose its potency if we discuss it."

"But the most important rule is," Siri said, gazing into the foggy trees that surrounded them on all sides, "if you feel like someone is behind you, don't look."

On another day, Binara would've rolled her eyes, but events of late made her pause. Now that she thought about it, there were so many occasions where she was out of her element. Her stomach roiled on cue. She glanced at Piumi. Nervousness was stamped on the other girl's face, reinforced by the downward curve of her lips.

"Spirits might or might not appear before you," Siri continued. "It's not common in Mayakele, but we have heard many a tale of them guiding travelers to places unlike anything on this land."

"What sort of places?" Binara asked, trying to dial down the curiosity.

"Sometimes a wondrous orchard full of fruit. Only the spirit can show you these unearthly places. They cannot be found otherwise."

Binara took in the forest around her, heavy with gloom and mist. Various theories popped up. It was possible that something in the air affected the travelers—fungal spores with psychoactive properties that could bring about hallucinations. She shook her head and almost barked out a laugh. It was as if she had turned into her governess. Piumi trudged on next to her, looking like she was reconsidering her choice to enter the forest.

Soon after, they came upon a trail that branched off from the path—followed by yet another. Finally, the foliage receded on one side, giving way to a clearing.

Binara panned her eyes over the circular space, hemmed in with piles of rock, which held the wilderness at bay. Fern allies covered the ground, soft and emerald green. This verdant carpet basked under the shade of a large tree, its crown spreading in all directions while vines hung down like tapestries.

"Come, we must go on," Siri said, motioning for them to follow.

Piumi hurried to comply. "This isn't the place?"