The Lantern of Souls

Episode 4: The Hunter’s First Move

Opening Scene:

The episode opens with Lina and Kiran entering one of the many trade cities located at the river bank. The city itself is a cacophony of sound: vendors, children and blacksmiths all making their own distinct sounds. For Lina this came as a delightful surprise, the lantern concealed in her cloak.

“Looks like we will have to do a lot of adjusting,” Kiran commented, scanning the busy streets. “People gossip and people will recognize that lantern. I swear you will not like the company we will have.”

Lina however, pushes back the fear as she is determined to replenish their supplies and, most importantly, to get more information. As always, Kiran keeps a careful eye on this restless woman and does not allow her to be out of his reach.

Rumors of the Lantern:

While the market is busy, Lina picks up some bits of gossip from people regarding a bright object that is believed to capture and release souls. A trader tells how mercenaries went insane because of a phantom and another one talks about a man in the dark searching for something.

Lina becomes restless and takes Kiran away. “They are discussing us! How could they have gossiped that fast?”

“Everyone has something in the akin of intimidation for things they do not understand,” Kiran responded. “Yet such does not take long to fear.”

The Hunter's Spies:

Lina and Kiran remain unaware that the agents of the Hunter of Souls are already in town. A little street rat sees the glow of the lantern hidden under Lina’s cloak and turns to report a figure draped in the shadows of an alley.

The cloaked man is one of the Hunters’ subordinates who rounds up a few ruffians and instructs them to get the lantern by all means.

Conflict – The Chase Begins:

Kiran’s alertness pays off as Lina stops to bargain with a male vendor for some items. The ruffians are closing in, and they get Lina to duck into a narrow passageway.

“What’s wrong with you?” complains Lina.

“I’m not letting you get killed,” Kiran replies harshly.

And so begins the chase scene, where both Lina and Kiran run through the city streets crowded with people and carts while ducking and dodging every passerby. The glow of the lantern grew stronger and stronger even as its dangerous whispers to Lina alerted her of impending danger.

The thugs manage to trap them in a dead-end alley. “Give it to us,” the boss of the group says and pulls out a knife.

The Energy of the Lantern:

In a state of despair, Lina holds onto the lantern tightly. It emits an eerie glow, and there are wailing figures charging at the thugs. The men scream and run away, but it takes a toll on Lina. She falls on her knees, the lantern losing its brightness as the apparitions retreat.

Kiran assists her to her feet and looks at her sternly. “You can’t keep using it like that. It’s taking a toll on you.”

Lina glared at them. “What do you think I was going to do, just stand there and let them take it?!”

Before Kiran can retort, they hear loud claps.

Hunter Exposed:

A figure resembling the Hunter of Souls steps in, sending an icily cool tingle up everyone’s spine. The figure wears a hood, and half of the face is veiled in a mask, yet the tone of voice is collected and clear.

“Ah, so this is the notorious Lantern of the Souls,” the Hunter spoke, her eyes on Lina, “And they have sent this dame to carry it. What a pity!”

Lina reacts by holding the lantern even more firmly, and Kiran moves in front of her and throws her form.

“You want the lantern?” Lina asked. “Come and take me.”

The Hunter laughed. “Oh, I will. But not just yet. It is much more fun to watch you fight with its curse. Luckily, the lantern has its own plans; it’s just a matter of time before it finishes you for good.”

A Close Call:

The Hunter lifts his hand, and a wall of darkness rushes towards Lina and Kiran. Kiran barely manages to move Lina out of the way as the wall of energy crashed into and destroyed a section of the wall behind them. Taking advantage of that separation, they run through the twisting branch-like passages, functioning to escape the Hunter, the disorder helping them.

Lina is very rattled but holds her strengths. “Who is that?”

“Your worst nightmare,” Kiran says with a dour expression. “And if they are here, you have less time left.”

Closing Scene:

The time speedily comes as darkness descends. Lina and Kiran exit the city and its inhabitants. There is a weight attached to the lantern which has increased, and its chatter seems to rise along with the threat.

A great distance away from the hunted, the Hunter is perched on a building, gazing at the two flitting shadows with satisfaction.

“There is no way they’ll be able to escape,” the Hunter whispered to himself. “The lantern will draw them back to me.”

To be continued...