The Lantern of Souls

Episode 3: Meeting Kiran

Opening Scene:

The first frame shows Lina walking barefoot in the jungle that is constantly covered by mist and dense vegetation that inhibits almost all daylight. It is well understood that the voices in the lantern have become more agitated, which are scattered voices of the free souls and the ones still captive.

After some time, Lina takes a break and leans against a moss-covered boulder next to a babbling brook and the lantern seems heavy in her hands, both physically and mentally. She says to herself, "How many more of you are there? How many burdens do I get to carry?” A soft pulse of the lantern could be seen, as if in answer to her question.

The Trap:

When Lina gets ready to move on, the forest is suddenly deathly still. Abruptly from the bushes, a band of soldiers appears and closes in on the woman. She is squared off against the leader, a man with a long thin face and a white scar slashing across his cheek who gestures at the lantern.

"We know what you have in there,” he says in a thick whisper. “Give it to us, and perhaps you will not leave us in pieces."

Lina clutched the lantern even tighter, with her pulse racing. She tries to talk her way out of the situation. “Do you have any idea how dangerous this is? Ignore it, and you’ll live to regret it.”

The leader laughs. “We’ll take our chances."

As they closed the distance, Lina raised the lantern by reflex. The diffuser glows brighter and scary silhouettes start to shape up but before they do, a clear figure cuts through the mercenaries, startling them.

Kiran’s Introduction:

The figure glides smoothly, finishing off her enemies with a series of quick movements. Lina turns to keep an eye on the fleeing enemies when the hooded figure turns and flips the robe off, revealing a gorgeous person with sharp eyes and tranquility.

“Thank you. The sword is returned to her place,” said the person.

There is tension in Lina. She steps back a little. “Who are you? Why were you tailing me?”

The figure introduces herself as Kiran, a nomadic person who is obsessed with the Soul Lantern. “Let’s just put it this way: I have been patient watching you for the right moment. In the past, other women have held such a lantern as yours, but I believe this is the first time a woman does not know what the item is meant for.”

Kiran’s childhood fascination:

Kiran recalls that the lantern is an object from the cultural history of people who paid tribute to the deity of the Eternal Cycle, which is Life, Death and Rebirth. That lantern served as a tool to maintain the equilibrium of the realms - hence it was perverted and redefined into a means of capturing people’s souls instead.

“Every soul you release,” Kiran warns, “is a step closer to the dreaded reality that the lantern seeks to bring upon you. It does not just keep them inside—it consumes them. And it is in the process of consuming you.”

But Lina does not believe and asks defensively. “What makes you think I’ll believe you? You’re like every other person who wants that thing for themselves.”

Kiran pleads with indifference. “You don’t need to trust me. But let me tell you this – if you keep carrying that lantern around, you are going to look for far worse people than the mercenaries after you will.”

A Partnership with Reservations:

Due to her apprehension, Lina was somewhat reluctant to allow Kiran to accompany her but eventually agreed. After all, she still has much too weariness and distrust. However, Kiran is of assistance, helping her navigate the treacherous expanses of the forest and shaking off another pursuer. At some point, Kiran also shares some parts of the story of herself: a curse has been placed on them long ago, a curse that made it impossible for them to leave the world and so to die, or to ‘go’ to any place else, but earth.

“I understand nicely that burden which is not one in reality,” Kiran says bitterly.

Lina sees the small shift and warmth reduction, but does not delve into why.

Tension – The Power of the Lantern:

When it becomes dark, the two pitch their tent at the remnants of a stone bridge. Kiran examines the lantern, while Lina takes her time to rest. They caution Lina about the blue flame as well, urging her that it is causing a more serious problem for her.

“You don’t just release the souls—you take on their weight. Their stories, their pain—it’s all flowing into you.”

“And what do you want me to do?” Lina retorts. “Leave them there? Leave them locked in? Ignore them?”

Kiran’s face reveals nothing but calm acceptance. ”Losing will have to be weighed against how much you value their lives.”

Closing Scene:

Lina falls asleep with a soft glow from the lantern overhead and peaceful images of souls she has rescued, brightening her dreams. In her dream, the freed souls ‘call’ out to her but in broken sentences, as if they are afraid of something involving the lantern. She startles awake to see Kiran is on alert and scanning his surroundings in the darkness of the forests with him.

In the far distance, the Hunter of Souls can be seen moving between the tree lines, swiftly advancing towards them.

To be continued...