The Web of Iron

Chapter Eight: The Flower of Torment

Kiyora had only just gotten away from her house before people began to shamble out of every door. They had wide, unnatural smiles on their faces, and they walked after her. Kiyora ran all the faster, her bare feet hurting on the sidewalk as she did so.

"He is laughing," They chanted as they came after her. "He is laughing. He is laughing. He is laughing.

"Shut up!!" roared Kiyora. "Stay away!! This can't be... this can't..." She needed help. Help!

Then there was a flash, and William was there, sword in hand. The light surrounding her sent the possessed people reeling back, crying out.

"Kiyora!" said William.

He was real! Kiyora hugged him before she could stop herself. "William, how did you get here?"

"How in Elranor's name should I know?" asked William. "Who are these people?"

"I uh... okay, Laughing Wraith has possessed many people in this city," said Kiyora. "I need your help to break the spell."

The chant began again. "He is laughing. He is laughing."

William shoved her off him and raised his sword. "One moment."

Wait a minute? Was he going to start killing people?! "William, we can't kill these people, we can't?!"

"Well, then, what do you suggest?" asked William.

"Let's just run until we can figure that out," said Kiyora.

And run they did. Kiyora led them mindlessly through the streets as quickly as she could. She didn't have a destination in mind. Where was she supposed to go? She didn't know where to start.

It was a good thing that no one was pursuing them very quickly. People came out of their houses, but they were slow to respond. Kiyora was relieved at that, but she didn't understand it either.

"I don't get it," she said. "Mom and Dad were completely possessed. Why would Wraith be so slow to move these?"

"The possession is not very strong on them," said William. "I sense a presence here, but... it feels stretched thin. Laughing Wraith may be having trouble controlling his minions. If so, that gives us the advantage." He paused. "These buildings are strange. They look as though they have been formed from living wood. But how is that possible?"

"Actovosh formed them on our behalf," said Kiyora. "You see, he uses his roots to grow the basic shape of our house. We ask Emperor Ictargo for permission to construct a place, and if he grants it, Actovosh does it for us. Then we build around it."

"Surely, there are limitations." mused William.

"Of course, there are," said Kiyora. "But we don't have time for that! Mom and Dad are possessed! We need a plan."

"No, we need a safe house," said William. "Somewhere, there are few people. I doubt Wraith will take long before he learns to use his new puppets more skillfully. We need somewhere people don't usually go."

"Good idea," said Kiyora. "We'll go to the library."

She led him on with a new resolve. However, it wasn't long before the possessed began to gather again. This time they came from both directions in great crowds. They were moving faster, running at them.

"He is laughing; he is laughing, he is laughing!" They chanted.

They were surrounded. William looked around, then threw aside the fold of his cloak and drew out his harp. "Elranor, guide my hands."

"William, I don't think this is the time to play music!" said Kiyora.

"No, it is a perfect time," said William.