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This is an older story from a series I'm currently working on. The next story will be about how the red panda became daemon bound. ", "writing": "The Black Snake Jewel \n\nBy Barry `Shunaka' Needleman\n\nAt the edge of the seaport city of Tulmar stood a small curio shop. Like a forgotten, dusty museum, the cluttered shelves were stocked with odd assortments of antiques and curios. The shop proprietor, Professor Temrin Raccoon, sat at his battered desk in the back, absorbed in a thick book on the archeology of the Yan Leopard clan.\n\nTemrin rubbed his black masked eyes and glanced up as the front door chime rang. A black and red furred panda stepped into his shop and began browsing among his wares. The panda picked up and examined various items, then tossing them casually back on the counter. He hadn't seen this furclan before and even though it disturbed his studies, he hoped he could make a sale. \n\nThe red panda stood about four feet tall, wore a bright blue scarf around his neck and a loose pair of blue pants. A travel battered pack was slung over one shoulder. He had a sharply pointed muzzle with white patches above and below his eyes. His long wide black and red ringed tail was similar to Temrin's own brown and black ringed tail. \n\nThough Temrin didn't feel like leaving his comfortable chair, he was curious what brought such a rare species to the area. Temrin smoothed out his patched tunic, stood and made his way toward the red panda, who was examining a small pottery bowl. \n\n\"That is a genuine Skarra bowl, very old and, as you can see, in excellent condition,\" said Temrin, grinning.\n\nThe panda frowned, turned over the gray pottery bowl, sniffed it and glanced at the price. \"This is overpriced,\" he said softly.\n\n\"But sir, Skarra artifacts are very rare and this one is in prime condition,\" said Temrin. He felt his ear twitch nervously. \n\nThe red panda held the bowl up to Temrin's nose. \"This is a fake.\"\n\nTemrin glanced around and sniffed the air, assuring himself no one else was about. \"Sir, I run an honest establishment here.\"\n\n\"You are Professor Temrin?\"\n\nTemrin blinked. \"Do I know you?\"\n\nThe panda shrugged and casually tossed the bowl back onto the counter. \"Perhaps, I am Gtang Shintah.\"\n\nTemrin's ringed tail twitched, and he rubbed his palms together nervously. \"I can see you are knowledgeable about antiquities, but I assure you...\"\n\nGtang waved off the complaint. \"You needn't worry, I won't report you to the authorities. I have a business proposition concerning a very special antiquity.\"\n\nThe panda's name did sound familiar. Temrin maintained contacts within many areas of his trade, he sometimes explored odd avenues and contacted odd characters to produce interesting finds. Suddenly he remembered; in his explorations, he had come across the name of this red panda. \"Wait! Shintah, Shintah. Yes, I know you! Gtang Shintah Panda, the tomb robber!\"\n\nThe panda's nose wrinkled, as if smelling something offensive. \"Tomb robber? No! I prefer art collector.\"\n\n\"Dealer in illicit drugs!\"\n\n\"Herbalist.\"\n\n\"Daemon master!\"\n\n\"Ahh yes, true enough,\" Gtang said, frowning. \"Daemon bonding was no choice of mine. That's not important now, what I need is knowledge, that's why I've come to you, professor.\"\n\nFor a moment, Temrin thought he saw a translucent white form hovering above Gtang, but it disappeared before he could focus on it. Temrin's ears flattened, and he quickly stepped back. \"I know nothing of such things!\"\n\nGtang reached into his pack, and pulled out a small pencil drawing on battered paper, handing it to Temrin. \"Do you know this?\"\n\nTemrin stared at a drawing of a small round box topped with a clear diamond-like jewel. \"It looks like the Jewel of Midos.\"\n\n\"I know where it is,\" Gtang said. \"Would you like to own it?\"\n\nTemrin's eyes narrowed. \"Impossible! No one could own it now. It was lost when the daemon city of Midos was destroyed over 500 years ago.\" \n\n \"Ahh, you know it's found from time to time only to disappear again, but it's surfaced recently in this town,\" said Gtang softly. \"Are you interested?\"\n\nTemrin stared at the drawing again. The addition of the jewel to his collection would make him the envy of his fellows. The jewel had an unsavory mythology surrounding it full of death and darkness. He could even charge viewing admission to a curious public. For a moment, he wondered if this object was a fake or worse, a murder committed to gain its possession. When he was younger, it wouldn't have mattered, he had traveled far and tried his share of risky ventures. Perhaps now he was overly cautious and soft. He was certainly getting older, but not so old that he couldn't take on one more interesting and possibly profitable risk.\n\n\"What do you want me to do?\" Temrin said.\n\nThe panda smiled slightly. \"Tonight I meet the current owner of the jewel. I need someone along with the expertise to make a positive identification. Then we visit the temple district and see if the jewel is as powerful as the myths say. Also, I will need someone to recite the Seventh Chant of The Black Snake.\" \n\n\"For the resurrection of the dead? Who died?\" Temrin asked.\n\nGtang chuckled, a soft sound almost like a hiss. \"It will be for me.\"\n\nTemrin quickly handed the drawing back to Gtang, \"You've wasted enough of my time sir!\" He said sharply. \"I'll have nothing to do with this!\" As Temrin turned to walk away, Gtang grabbed his black furred hand and placed a heavy pouch in it. \n\n\"Gold. There will be more if you agree to help me,\" Gtang said. \"...and the jewel. It's been some years since your last great discovery, has it not?\" \n\nTemrin weighed the pouch in his hand. Inside, he saw the glint of small gold bars, probably equivalent to a year's salary. Business was bad this year, very bad, and he needed cash desperately. But, the jewel had more than cash value, it could open doors to new finds! Just this one more venture...\n\nTemrin sighed. \"I hope this won't take long.\" \n\n\"With luck this business can be completed tonight,\" Gtang said. \"Meet me at Chaffe's Cafe in town at midnight. Bring a copy of the chant book, I believe you own one?\" \n\nTemrin nodded.\n\n\"Good, we'll go to our meetings from there.\"\n\nTemrin went to hand back the gold, but Gtang waved him off. \"A down payment for your services.\" \n\nGtang turned and walked swiftly out of the shop leaving Temrin with a heavy pouch of gold and many lingering doubts. \n\nThat night found Temrin walking through the quiet, lantern lit streets of Tulmar. Up ahead a pool of light outlined the location of Chaffe?s Tavern. The cafe was pleasant enough; it was one of the few cafes that catered to upscale clientele. Margays dresses in fine silks, foxes in dark leather and other well-dressed patrons sat drinking expensive concoctions while chatting about the day's events. The rich smell of spiced food and wine drifting through the air added to the relaxed atmosphere. From a hidden alcove, a lute player strummed quiet tunes for the patrons.\n\nTemrin doubted the mysterious red panda had told him the full story, and he had fleeting thought of leaving this place and disappearing. A long vacation in the south would be perfect right now. He hesitated, then dismissed the thought. The panda seemed like one who'd not take kindly to someone making off with his gold.\n\nA busy wolf furclan waiter noticed him and nodded to a table in a quiet corner. Temrin walked between the tables, acknowledging greetings from some of the patrons.\n\nTemrin approached the table where Gtang poured over what looked like an old astrological chart. Gtang waved him to a seat without looking up. The waiter took Temrin's order for strong Kemitra wine. He'd need something to help his courage. The drink was delivered in a hurry as the wolf looked at Gtang with a mix of fear and distrust. \n\n\"That chart is of Safariean origin?\" asked Temrin.\n\n\"It is,\" said Gtang. \"I acquired it while rummaging through a private library in the south of Himeris. The owners were reluctant to part with it.\"\n\n\"How did you...\" Temrin started to ask when suddenly a vague pale form in the shape of a smokey white snake appeared above Gtang's head. It?s deep coal black eyes contrasted with its shadowy outline which faded off like tattered smoke at its tail. Its large mouth was full of sharp teeth.\n\n\"I help!\" said the daemon in a breathy whisper. \n\n\"Klufung! Don't scare the professor, he's a friend.\" Gtang snapped his finger, and the daemon disappeared as quickly as it appeared. \n\n\"So it is true! You are a daemon master! Is it...dangerous?\" asked Temrin.\n\nTemrin heard of furclan who could control daemons and had them as allies. Usually daemons possessed their victims, but in some cases, both daemon and furclan cooperated. Such pairings were very rare... and rumored to be very dangerous. Temrin wouldn't have guessed the diminutive panda controlled such power.\n\n\"Yes, it's dangerous. But Klufung is more a nuisance, even if a useful one. You needn't worry though, if I say you're a friend, it'll leave you alone,\" said Gtang.\n\nGtang looked up and saw Temrin staring at him wide eyed.\n\n\"Are you nervous?\" Gtang asked.\n\n\"I should say so!\" Temrin said his ears laying back. \n\n\"You needn't be,\" Gtang said. \"There'll be no problems tonight.\"\n\n\"Why do I doubt that.\"\n\n\"Are you backing out?\"\n\nTemrin considered for a second. \"I've been paid for my services...\"\n\n\"Good. Did you bring the book?\" \n\nTemrin nodded and handed the panda a small black leather-covered book. Gtang paged through it for a moment, then handed it back. \"Excellent! Let's hope you don't have to use it.\"\n\n\"But this only contains strange bits of poetry and scribbles, it couldn't possibly raise the dead,\" protested the raccoon.\n\n\"That's because it can only be used in certain circumstances.\" \n\n\"How do you know of such things?\" Temrin asked.\n\n\"That's no concern of yours,\" Gtang said sharply. \"No more talk! The chart is clear; tonight's the only night in the next ten years the ritual will work. We leave now.\" He quickly rolled the parchment, stuffing it into his pack. Dropping a coin on the table, he walked out of the cafe with Temrin following reluctantly. \n\nGtang led the way swiftly through the streets of the city. Apparently, he knew the streets very well. They left the better part of town and entering the narrow port side streets. Here the buildings were old and shabby and the smell of open garbage dumps combined with the thick salt tang from the nearby ocean burned the nose. The pavement had a greasy feel underfoot and there was little traffic at this late hour. The few pedestrians passing by kept to their own business. Temrin eyes darted to every corner and his nose twitched, catching every scent as he worried about the rumors of muggings and robberies in these districts.\n\nHis companion didn't share his concerns and padded confidently down the street. They turned into a narrow alley, here the buildings were two and three stories tall and built of rough gray brick. From behind curtained windows, the sounds of life filtered; the various cries, curses and murmured conversations of the slums. They came to a crossing alley and Gtang motioned Temrin back against the wall. \n\nSuddenly out of the foggy blackness a form appeared. \"There's someone out there,\" Temrin whispered.\n\n\"It's been quiet for the past coupla hours,\" said a deep voice floating out of the darkness. Temrin started and grabbed Gtang's shoulder. \n\n\"A friend,\" Gtang said. A shadow detached itself from the darkness of the alley. In the dim light Temrin could make out a broad doggish muzzle and large mobile ears tattered at their tips. He wore a one-piece tunic of rough wool confined by a broad leather belt into which were tucked two flintlock pistols. The scent was canine and male but he was unsure of the species. \n\n\"This is my partner Kip.\" \n\nKip pulled the smaller of the pistols from his belt and handed it to Temrin. \"You know how to use this?\" he asked.\n\nTemrin gingerly took the pistol as if it might bite. He was not a violent person and had never used the more base ways of adding to his collections. \"I've never fired one before.\" \n\n\"It's simple, you point the barrel at the bad guys, pull the trigger and there's a big boom! Hei!\" laughed Kip.\n\nTemrin was about to protest but Gtang and Kip had already started across the alley. Since Gtang was his only way out of this maze, Temrin pocketed the pistol and followed. \n\nThey halted before a plain wooden door set in the first floor of a blockish warehouse building. Gtang knocked but after waiting a minute there was no answer. He tried the handle and found the door unlocked.\n\nOpening the heavy door, they found themselves in a large poorly lit warehouse. Two oil lamps set in the far wall cast a flickering light that danced with shadows among dusty stacked crates and boxes. Picking their way among the boxes, they walked toward a bright light at the far side. As they approached the other side, they could make out a stairway with a dark form at the bottom. The form turned resolved into a large muscular, leather clad black bear who stood blocking the stairway.\n\nGtang strode up to the bear while Kip scanned the area carefully. Temrin hung back, fingering the pistol in his pocket. \n\n\"Tell your master that Gtang Shintah Panda is here to do business.\" The bear stood silently as if deaf. \n\nReaching into his pack, Gtang pulled out a small coin. He took the bears hand and pressed the coin into it. The bear pocketed the coin. \"Master Kritchen don?t want your business.\"\n\nGtang shrugged and turned away. Kip moved to walk around the bear. The bear reached out and grabbed him by the arm in a viselike grip. \"Where you go?\"\n\n\"Gotta piss bad! This is the way to the head hei?\" Kip said grinning. Temrin watched in horror as the bear growled, grabbed Kip by the scruff of the neck and lifted him off his feet. \n\nKip struck the bear on the nose with his open palm. There was a loud sharp snap like the discharge of static electricity. The bear dropped Kip and flew back violently. With a dull thud, the bears head impacted the wall. He crumpled face first to the ground with a grunt. \n\nKip picked himself off the floor, brushing dirt from his tunic and stepped over the bear.\n\nGtang hopped onto the bears broad back and turned to Temrin who was staring at the bear?s inert form. Gtang chuckled. \"He won't wake till we're well out of here. Let's get on with this.\"\n\nTemrin gingerly stepped around the bear and followed Gtang and Kip to the top of the stairs, were they found a single ornately carved door.\n\nGtang knocked, waited a minute then knocked again. There was no answer. \"It seems Master Badger really doesn't want our business. We don't have time for this.\" Gtang pulled a slip of paper from his pack, wrote on it, and then slipped it under the door.\n\n\"What was that?\" asked Temrin.\n\n\"A special spell known to get quick results\"\n\n\"What spell is that?\"\n\n\"Blackmail. I know a few things about Master Kritchen Badger he'd prefer were kept quiet.\"\n\nA few minutes later, the door opened inward. A large badger wearing a heavy black leather tunic stood in the doorway then stepped back to admit them. Following the badger, they passed down a thickly carpeted hall to a room richly appointed with paintings and rare furniture. \n\nSitting behind a large intricately carved wooden desk was an finely dressed badger. A stripe of white fur ran over the top of his head. He had small bright eyes and a penetrating gaze.\n\nThree sharp nosed badgers dressed in black leather and armed with pistols stood nearby. A tall muscular lion also dressed in black leather stood with arms crossed next to the desk. \n\nTemrin had heard unpleasant stories of Kritchen Badger, stories he hoped were myth. Typically he was known for brutally torturing his victims before relieving them of their gold. Gtang and Kip's easy attitude did nothing to calm Temrin's fears.\n\nKritchen was reading Gtang's note as they entered the room. He looked up sharply studying the three. Crumpling the note, he tossed it to the floor. \"You should be one of us, panda.\"\n\nGtang, Kip and Temrin started walking toward the desk but the lion stepped in front of them blocking the way.\n\n\"And what happened to my guard?\" asked Kritchen.\n\n\"Sleepy, sleepy,\" Kip said.\n\n\"Indeed,\" said Kritchen flatly \n\nGtang glanced around the bulk of the lion?s body. \"May I approach the illustrious Master Kritchen Badger with a business proposal?\" \n\n\"Only you,\" Kritchen said.\n\nGtang walked casually around the lion and approached the desk leaving Kip and Temrin under the lion?s shadow. Gtang only came up chest high to the top of the desk.\n\n\"Now what can I do for you Master?\" Kritchen said with a toothy smile. \n\nBehind Gtang, Kip pointed to the lion?s luxurious mane. \"Nice kitten hair!\"\n\nTemrin wrung his hands nervously while the end of his tail twitched. \"Don't antagonize him!\"\n\n Gtang kept focused on Kritchen. \"You have in your possession the Jewel of Midos. I want to buy it.\"\n\n Kritchen folded his hands on his desk. \"Hmm...never heard of it.\" \n\nGtang reached for his pack and suddenly three pistols were drawn on him. Gtang froze. \"Payment Master Badger, payment.\" \n\nKritchen nodded and the guards reluctantly holstered their pistols. Reaching into his pack, Gtang brought out a bag of gold and dropped it on the desk. \"Perhaps this will jog your memory?\"\n\nKip sniffed loudly at the lion. \"Smells like a cheap whorehouse!\"\n\nKritchen picked up the bag of gold and weighed it in his hand. \"Perhaps...I know of such a thing.\" Gtang pulled out another bag.\n\n\"Ahh yes, now I remember. I believe I do have this thing.\" The badger?s eye narrowed to two shining slits. \"But, I think I'll keep it...and your gold! Another couple of bodies in the canal wouldn't be noticed, hmm?\" \n\nA loud, deep growl interrupted the conversation. The lion lunged at Kip.\n\nTemrin drew his pistol as the lion grabbed at Kip. Kip ducked between the lions legs then stood up sharply slamming him in the crotch. The lion doubled over. Temrin tried to fire the pistol but instead stood paralyzed with fear.\n\nKritchen jumped out of his chair. At the same time, Gtang slapped the desk. \"Klufung!'' The snake daemon suddenly materialized on the desk and reared up, towering over the badger. Kritchen froze, eyes wide.\n\nQuickly, Kip stepped between the guards. Kip slapped an open palm into the chest of one guard. There was a loud snap and the guard flew backward taking out the one behind him.\n\nThe last guard grabbed Kip by the collar. Kip turned, ducking under the badger's arms and elbowed him hard in the belly. The badger doubled over with a grunt. Kip slapped the guard on the back of the head and he dropped hard, hitting the floor with a dull thud.\n\nKritchen continued staring at the snake demon. Gtang glanced at Kip and motioned to Temrin. \"Better take the pistol away from him before someone gets hurt... and watch the big one.\"\n\nBreathing heavily, Kip walked over to Temrin relieved him of the pistol. \"Maybe this is not for you, hei?\"\n\n\"What did you say to that lion that set him off like that?\" asked Temrin. \n\nKip chuckled, \"I said he was born in a whorehouse!\"\n\nGtang hopped up on the desk and the apparition dispersed. He then sat down cross-legged before Kritchen. The badger glared. \n\n\"Now,\" Gtang said. \"Which would you prefer? My gold or should Klufung rip out your stump tail along with your spine?\" \n\nKritchen glanced at his guards who were picking themselves up off the floor and licked his lips. He took a deep breath and smiled. \"That daemon was an illusion and harmless!\"\n\n\"You sure of that?\" Gtang snapped his fingers and the snake daemon appeared again. Klufung drifted closer to the badger who backed away until he touched the wall. Kritchen looked at his guards for help but they stood paralyzed by fear.\n\n\"I will eat your soul!\" whispered Klufung. \n\n\"Daemon master!'' whispered one of the guards. \n\nKritchen licked his lips nervously. \"How could I refuse your generous offer? The jewel is yours.\" He motioned to a guard who limped out of the room. \n\n\"That's enough Klufung,\" said Gtang. Klufung drifted back to Gtang, rolled his shining eyes, grinned, and vanished.\n\nAs they waited for the guard's return, they watched each other silently. The badger became uncomfortable under the panda's gaze and started panting.\n\n\"You were a leader in the Lempall uprising.\" Gtang said finally.\n\nKritchen laughed. \"No no, of course not,\" the badger thumped his chest for emphasis. \"I was a captain in the imperial guard during the rebellion. I helped crush the scum. They tried to remove the emperor and put a new government in his place. That could not be allowed!\" \n\nGtang closed his eyes. \"I know you,\" said Gtang. \"I spent some time in the emperor?s prisons. Not a pleasant place. Did you have a chance to visit them Captain Kritchen Badger?\"\n\n\"That was not my responsibility.\"\n\n\"Of course,\" said Gtang slowly. \"No one is ever responsible.\"\n\nThe guard returned carrying a small unadorned wooden box and set it on the desk. Gtang motioned to Temrin. Carefully Temrin opened the box, revealing a small plain silver box tarnished almost to black, capped with a clear multi-faceted jewel. Temrin wiped it with a corner of his tunic and turned it around examining it closely. Finally, he nodded to Gtang. \"It appears genuine.\" Temrin returned the jewel to its box.\n\nQuickly Gtang stood, picked up the jewel box and jumped off the desk. He motioned Kip and Temrin to follow him. The trio walked toward the door, past the lion who watched them closely and past the cowering guards. Kip covered their exit with his drawn pistols. At the door, Gtang paused. \n\n\"Do you know of the Golden Beasts, Master Badger?\" asked Gtang. Kritchen looked up from where he tended a recovering guard. His eyes went suddenly wide and wild. \"They know where to find you.\" Gtang turned and followed the others out of the warehouse leaving a sudden flurry of frantic activity behind them.\n\n\nThe famous temple district of Tulmar was located on the coastal side of town. The true number of temples was unknown since they came in many sizes from small altars crammed in alleys to luxuriant gods palaces set within high walled grounds. \n\nGtang, Kip and Temrin turned into a nondescript side ally and stopped before a door to a modest temple. The door was unadorned save for knocker shaped like a hooded black snake. Gtang used the knocker to bang on the door three times.\n\nThe door opened and a heavily robed and hooded figure stood in the doorway. The figure bowed to Gtang and motioned them in. Temrin hesitated but Kip pushed him through the door.\n\nTemrin felt uneasy as he glanced around at the dark walls. Black wax candles set in dark brass sconces threw feeble flickering lights. The thick smell of incense filled the air and prevented him from scenting anything. Everything was dark...dark stone walls and dark wood and everywhere were the image of snakes. Temrin suddenly very much wanted to bolt for the safety of his little shop and leave this adventure behind him. \n\nQuietly as if not to disturb sleeping spirits, they walked through many halls and passages to an unadorned door. With an ornate key, the robed figure unlocked the door and passed within. The others followed.\n\nThe room was oval shaped and built of the same dark wood as the hallways. In the center stood a plain circular altar of grey stone. Huge pillars shaped like hooded snakes rose at intervals along the walls.\t\t\t\n\nThe robed figure bowed and left them alone in the room. Gtang turned and nodded to Kip who nodded back and left the room. \"Kip will make sure nobody disturbs us.\"\n\n\"What is this place?\" asked Temrin. \n\n\"This is a temple of the Black Snake cult. I'm not member, but I've done them favors in the past. In return I have access to certain rooms if I need them,\" said Gtang.\n\nTemrin hadn't heard of this temple but that came as no surprise. There were as many ways of worshiping the spirits as there were stars in the night sky. Most were harmless religious fancy but others held black rites like something people whispered of from their darkest dreams. \n\nGtang walked to a low chest set by the wall and rummaged around inside. He pulled out two thin white cushions, a plain white cloth and an incense burner.\n\nGtang handed a cushion to Temrin. \"Sit on this, do not let any part of your body touch the floor. Do not leave the cushion until the right time.\"\n\n\"When might that be?\" Temrin asked.\n\n\"It'll be obvious,\" said Gtang. He walked to the center altar and carefully draped the cloth over it. He pulled the jewel-topped box out of his pack and set it on the altar cloth. Muttering words Temrin could not follow, Gtang waved a hand over jewel until it flared with a white light than went dark again. He then lit the incense and placed the burner on the floor in front of the altar.\n\n Gtang turned and sat down cross-legged on his own cushion, curled his tail over his feet. \"We must wait for the moon to rise over the city and shine through the roof. We have a little time yet.\" \n\nLooking up Temrin noticed a huge crystal set in the ceiling above the altar. After a while he asked, \"If I may ask, who are the Golden Beasts?\"\n\n Gtang sighed and closed his eyes. \"The Golden Beasts formed after the collapse of the union against the empire. They take revenge for the martyrs of the revolution.\"\n\n\"Were you one of their leaders?\" Temrin asked.\n\n\"A leader? No. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I have no interest in politics. Bad judgment got me caught by the imperial soldiers. I survived the emperor's death pits... barely. I don't actively support the Beasts but sometimes I help them with information.\"\n\nSuddenly the room filled with white light. The moon had risen and shone down intensely on the altar. The beam broke into multicolored sparks as it struck the crystal top of the jewel.\n\nGtang started chanting softly. Slowly the light diminished as if sucked in to the object, then the room went dark. A slight pulsing glow emanated from the object. A smoky thickness formed above the object and the air swirled in multicolored pools like oil scum on water. The sweet incense turned to the smell of swamps and rotting things. A curtain-like shimmering of heat rose around the altar.\n\nA black nebulous snakelike form took shape above the altar.\n\n\"Who awakens me!\" said the snake spirit, its voice sounding from great depths.\n\n\"I Gtang Shintah Panda summon you O Orld greatest of the dark daemons. I wish information.\"\n\n\"Speak quickly! I will not stay in the presents of mortals.\"\n\n\"Recite the spell of the Fornost gate,\" Gtang said.\n\n\"WORM! A mortal will perish as the price for such a request.\"\n\nThe giant snake reared to strike. Temrin closed his eyes but Gtang calmly watched the snake daemon.\n\n\"You cannot strike,\" Gtang said. \"Not until you recite the spell.\"\n\nThe snake hissed like steam. It struck at Gtang but was held by the spell on the altar cloth. Time and time again it threw itself at the invisible barrier to no avail.\n\n\"The spell, or stay locked there forever.\"\n\nThe daemon settled and stared intently at Gtang. \"Very well, it will do you no good.\" The snake then started chanting in a strange language that Temrin couldn't understand. When finished the snake went silent.\n\nGtang nodded. Raising both hands in the air and closing his eyes, he chanted softly. The daemon started swaying and shrinking back into the black box until there was a small glowing ball barely noticeable above the jewel. \n\nTemrin saw the shimmer of the barrier fading. He noticed the glowing ball growing stronger and shouted a warning. Suddenly, the ball flew down and struck Gtang squarely in the forehead. He gasped once and fell over backward. Temrin thought he heard a voice say, \"Mortal Fool!\"\n\nMoonlight now filled the room again and the sweet smell of the incense quickly drove away the dank swamp odor. Temrin waited several minutes to assure himself the spirit had safely returned to its own world.\n\nHe stood slowly and walked over to Gtang, all the time, watching the altar for signs of the spirit returning to claim another soul. He bent over Gtang and felt for a pulse. Nothing. On the panda's forehead a small spot smoked, filling the area with the stench of burned fur.\n\nQuickly Temrin opened the black book. It had about a hundred pages of dense black writing in a script that was impossible to read. Temrin realized he didn't know what section to read. Frantically he started turning pages to find the right passage, all the writing seemed to blend into black splotches as he scanned from page to page. \n\nSuddenly Klufung materialized above Gtang. Klufung darted over and in a breathy voice said, \"Read! Quickly!\"\n\nTemrin's tail twitched and his ears pinned back. \"I can't!\"\n\nKlufung reared over Temrin then looked down on the book and seemed to breathe on it. \"Read Now!\"\n\nTemrin froze paralyzed with fear. He couldn't read the whole book from cover to cover, that would take too long. He stared at the pages. Slowly the splotches turned to crude images; most of abstract patterns some of pictures that may have been deities or demons. He turned several more pages and saw the pattern of a crude skull. That must be it!\n\nTemrin closed his eyes for a moment to clear the images from his mind then looked at the page again. The writing was of no language he knew but the script was readable. Slowly at first then picking up speed, he started pronouncing the words that had no meaning to his mind. As if his voice were possessed, he read faster and faster, louder and louder until he could hardly breathe. Temrin gasped, pitched forward over Gtang's lifeless body and lost consciousness. \n\nTemrin awoke, raised his head and looked around. It appeared the moon had not moved much, he had not been out for long. There was a cough and he felt the body move underneath him. Scrambling up to his knees, he looked down on Gtang who stared back at him with very much alive eyes. \"It worked!\" Temrin said. Klufung hung over Gtang for a moment then vanished.\n\n\"Doesn't feel that way,\" said Gtang slowly. He groaned, sat up and felt the spot on his forehead. \"I've been to the gates of hell again. One of these days I'll be a permanent resident. Not this time though! I have the spell I need.\"\n\nTemrin frowned. \"You risked our lives for a black spell?\"\n\n\"Ahh, explaining that would take a lifetime.\" Gtang glanced over to the altar and stood up. A glow had reappeared emanating from the jewel. Gtang dashed to the jewel and quickly gathered it up in the altar cloth.\n\n\"Run! RUN! Open the door! Get out of my way!\" Yelled Gtang frantically.\n\nClutching the cloth wrapped box, Gtang ran for the door. Temrin barely had time to swing it open as Gtang flew through. Kip stood aside as the panda ran by.\n\nA robed priest already had the front door open as Gtang dashed out into the night. He made for one of the canals that threaded through the town. The cloth gleamed brightly, casting a demon light on the street.\n\nSkidding to a stop Gtang hurled the cloth and its contents into the water. Temrin and Kip ran up and watched as the underwater glow faded and finally died altogether. \n\n\"It's done,\" Gtang said as he sank to his knees, head bowed. They waited quietly until Gtang started recovering. Kip gently helped him to his feet.\n\nTemrin shook his head and looked at Gtang with disapproval. \"I still don't understand ... all that for a spell?\" \n\n\"You collect objects, I collect spells. I travel the daemon path. Traveling that path requires acquiring deeper and more dangerous spells with each turn,\" explained Gtang. \n\n\"But that path leads to death!\" said Temrin. \n\n\"All paths lead to death. But for me, death is not important,\" said Gtang softly. The strain of the spell casting was taking its toll and he collapsed into Kips arms.\n\n\"No more talk now. I'll take care of him,\" said Kip. He picked up Gtang?s pack pulled out two pouches of gold and placed them at Temrin?s feet.\n\n\"What about that?\" asked Temrin pointing to the canal where the crystal had vanished. \n\n\"That's dead now and can't harm anybody. The salt water fixed it good! Get an otter boy to fetch it for you. Hei!\" said Kip smiling.\n\nKip picked up Gtang, slung him over his shoulder and started walking away.\n\n\"He needs a healer!\" said Temrin and started running after Kip forgetting the bags of gold on the street. \n\nKip stopped and turned to the raccoon. \"I'm a healer, don't worry. You've helped enough. Thank you!\" Kip quickly walked into the night with the red panda Gtang Shintah draped over his shoulder. Temrin walked back, picked up the bags of gold and tucked them into his tunic. As he considered the events of the past few hours, Temrin realized he was not that old after all, at least not yet. At one time he wanted to add the Chalice of Kreytranna to his collection, perhaps one more expedition? \n\nCopyright (c) 2023 Barry `Shunaka' Needleman \n\n \n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "The Black Snake Jewel

By Barry `Shunaka' Needleman

At the edge of the seaport city of Tulmar stood a small curio shop. Like a forgotten, dusty museum, the cluttered shelves were stocked with odd assortments of antiques and curios. The shop proprietor, Professor Temrin Raccoon, sat at his battered desk in the back, absorbed in a thick book on the archeology of the Yan Leopard clan.

Temrin rubbed his black masked eyes and glanced up as the front door chime rang. A black and red furred panda stepped into his shop and began browsing among his wares. The panda picked up and examined various items, then tossing them casually back on the counter. He hadn't seen this furclan before and even though it disturbed his studies, he hoped he could make a sale.

The red panda stood about four feet tall, wore a bright blue scarf around his neck and a loose pair of blue pants. A travel battered pack was slung over one shoulder. He had a sharply pointed muzzle with white patches above and below his eyes. His long wide black and red ringed tail was similar to Temrin's own brown and black ringed tail.

Though Temrin didn't feel like leaving his comfortable chair, he was curious what brought such a rare species to the area. Temrin smoothed out his patched tunic, stood and made his way toward the red panda, who was examining a small pottery bowl.

"That is a genuine Skarra bowl, very old and, as you can see, in excellent condition," said Temrin, grinning.

The panda frowned, turned over the gray pottery bowl, sniffed it and glanced at the price. "This is overpriced," he said softly.

"But sir, Skarra artifacts are very rare and this one is in prime condition," said Temrin. He felt his ear twitch nervously.

The red panda held the bowl up to Temrin's nose. "This is a fake."

Temrin glanced around and sniffed the air, assuring himself no one else was about. "Sir, I run an honest establishment here."

"You are Professor Temrin?"

Temrin blinked. "Do I know you?"

The panda shrugged and casually tossed the bowl back onto the counter. "Perhaps, I am Gtang Shintah."

Temrin's ringed tail twitched, and he rubbed his palms together nervously. "I can see you are knowledgeable about antiquities, but I assure you..."

Gtang waved off the complaint. "You needn't worry, I won't report you to the authorities. I have a business proposition concerning a very special antiquity."

The panda's name did sound familiar. Temrin maintained contacts within many areas of his trade, he sometimes explored odd avenues and contacted odd characters to produce interesting finds. Suddenly he remembered; in his explorations, he had come across the name of this red panda. "Wait! Shintah, Shintah. Yes, I know you! Gtang Shintah Panda, the tomb robber!"

The panda's nose wrinkled, as if smelling something offensive. "Tomb robber? No! I prefer art collector."

"Dealer in illicit drugs!"

"Herbalist."

"Daemon master!"

"Ahh yes, true enough," Gtang said, frowning. "Daemon bonding was no choice of mine. That's not important now, what I need is knowledge, that's why I've come to you, professor."

For a moment, Temrin thought he saw a translucent white form hovering above Gtang, but it disappeared before he could focus on it. Temrin's ears flattened, and he quickly stepped back. "I know nothing of such things!"

Gtang reached into his pack, and pulled out a small pencil drawing on battered paper, handing it to Temrin. "Do you know this?"

Temrin stared at a drawing of a small round box topped with a clear diamond-like jewel. "It looks like the Jewel of Midos."

"I know where it is," Gtang said. "Would you like to own it?"

Temrin's eyes narrowed. "Impossible! No one could own it now. It was lost when the daemon city of Midos was destroyed over 500 years ago."

 "Ahh, you know it's found from time to time only to disappear again, but it's surfaced recently in this town," said Gtang softly. "Are you interested?"

Temrin stared at the drawing again. The addition of the jewel to his collection would make him the envy of his fellows. The jewel had an unsavory mythology surrounding it full of death and darkness. He could even charge viewing admission to a curious public. For a moment, he wondered if this object was a fake or worse, a murder committed to gain its possession. When he was younger, it wouldn't have mattered, he had traveled far and tried his share of risky ventures. Perhaps now he was overly cautious and soft. He was certainly getting older, but not so old that he couldn't take on one more interesting and possibly profitable risk.

"What do you want me to do?" Temrin said.

The panda smiled slightly. "Tonight I meet the current owner of the jewel. I need someone along with the expertise to make a positive identification. Then we visit the temple district and see if the jewel is as powerful as the myths say. Also, I will need someone to recite the Seventh Chant of The Black Snake."

"For the resurrection of the dead? Who died?" Temrin asked.

Gtang chuckled, a soft sound almost like a hiss. "It will be for me."

Temrin quickly handed the drawing back to Gtang, "You've wasted enough of my time sir!" He said sharply. "I'll have nothing to do with this!" As Temrin turned to walk away, Gtang grabbed his black furred hand and placed a heavy pouch in it.

"Gold. There will be more if you agree to help me," Gtang said. "...and the jewel. It's been some years since your last great discovery, has it not?"

Temrin weighed the pouch in his hand. Inside, he saw the glint of small gold bars, probably equivalent to a year's salary. Business was bad this year, very bad, and he needed cash desperately. But, the jewel had more than cash value, it could open doors to new finds! Just this one more venture...

Temrin sighed. "I hope this won't take long."

"With luck this business can be completed tonight," Gtang said. "Meet me at Chaffe's Cafe in town at midnight. Bring a copy of the chant book, I believe you own one?"

Temrin nodded.

"Good, we'll go to our meetings from there."

Temrin went to hand back the gold, but Gtang waved him off. "A down payment for your services."

Gtang turned and walked swiftly out of the shop leaving Temrin with a heavy pouch of gold and many lingering doubts.

That night found Temrin walking through the quiet, lantern lit streets of Tulmar. Up ahead a pool of light outlined the location of Chaffe?s Tavern. The cafe was pleasant enough; it was one of the few cafes that catered to upscale clientele. Margays dresses in fine silks, foxes in dark leather and other well-dressed patrons sat drinking expensive concoctions while chatting about the day's events. The rich smell of spiced food and wine drifting through the air added to the relaxed atmosphere. From a hidden alcove, a lute player strummed quiet tunes for the patrons.

Temrin doubted the mysterious red panda had told him the full story, and he had fleeting thought of leaving this place and disappearing. A long vacation in the south would be perfect right now. He hesitated, then dismissed the thought. The panda seemed like one who'd not take kindly to someone making off with his gold.

A busy wolf furclan waiter noticed him and nodded to a table in a quiet corner. Temrin walked between the tables, acknowledging greetings from some of the patrons.

Temrin approached the table where Gtang poured over what looked like an old astrological chart. Gtang waved him to a seat without looking up. The waiter took Temrin's order for strong Kemitra wine. He'd need something to help his courage. The drink was delivered in a hurry as the wolf looked at Gtang with a mix of fear and distrust.

"That chart is of Safariean origin?" asked Temrin.

"It is," said Gtang. "I acquired it while rummaging through a private library in the south of Himeris. The owners were reluctant to part with it."

"How did you..." Temrin started to ask when suddenly a vague pale form in the shape of a smokey white snake appeared above Gtang's head. It?s deep coal black eyes contrasted with its shadowy outline which faded off like tattered smoke at its tail. Its large mouth was full of sharp teeth.

"I help!" said the daemon in a breathy whisper.

"Klufung! Don't scare the professor, he's a friend." Gtang snapped his finger, and the daemon disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

"So it is true! You are a daemon master! Is it...dangerous?" asked Temrin.

Temrin heard of furclan who could control daemons and had them as allies. Usually daemons possessed their victims, but in some cases, both daemon and furclan cooperated. Such pairings were very rare... and rumored to be very dangerous. Temrin wouldn't have guessed the diminutive panda controlled such power.

"Yes, it's dangerous. But Klufung is more a nuisance, even if a useful one. You needn't worry though, if I say you're a friend, it'll leave you alone," said Gtang.

Gtang looked up and saw Temrin staring at him wide eyed.

"Are you nervous?" Gtang asked.

"I should say so!" Temrin said his ears laying back.

"You needn't be," Gtang said. "There'll be no problems tonight."

"Why do I doubt that."

"Are you backing out?"

Temrin considered for a second. "I've been paid for my services..."

"Good. Did you bring the book?"

Temrin nodded and handed the panda a small black leather-covered book. Gtang paged through it for a moment, then handed it back. "Excellent! Let's hope you don't have to use it."

"But this only contains strange bits of poetry and scribbles, it couldn't possibly raise the dead," protested the raccoon.

"That's because it can only be used in certain circumstances."

"How do you know of such things?" Temrin asked.

"That's no concern of yours," Gtang said sharply. "No more talk! The chart is clear; tonight's the only night in the next ten years the ritual will work. We leave now." He quickly rolled the parchment, stuffing it into his pack. Dropping a coin on the table, he walked out of the cafe with Temrin following reluctantly.

Gtang led the way swiftly through the streets of the city. Apparently, he knew the streets very well. They left the better part of town and entering the narrow port side streets. Here the buildings were old and shabby and the smell of open garbage dumps combined with the thick salt tang from the nearby ocean burned the nose. The pavement had a greasy feel underfoot and there was little traffic at this late hour. The few pedestrians passing by kept to their own business. Temrin eyes darted to every corner and his nose twitched, catching every scent as he worried about the rumors of muggings and robberies in these districts.

His companion didn't share his concerns and padded confidently down the street. They turned into a narrow alley, here the buildings were two and three stories tall and built of rough gray brick. From behind curtained windows, the sounds of life filtered; the various cries, curses and murmured conversations of the slums. They came to a crossing alley and Gtang motioned Temrin back against the wall.

Suddenly out of the foggy blackness a form appeared. "There's someone out there," Temrin whispered.

"It's been quiet for the past coupla hours," said a deep voice floating out of the darkness. Temrin started and grabbed Gtang's shoulder.

"A friend," Gtang said. A shadow detached itself from the darkness of the alley. In the dim light Temrin could make out a broad doggish muzzle and large mobile ears tattered at their tips. He wore a one-piece tunic of rough wool confined by a broad leather belt into which were tucked two flintlock pistols. The scent was canine and male but he was unsure of the species.

"This is my partner Kip."

Kip pulled the smaller of the pistols from his belt and handed it to Temrin. "You know how to use this?" he asked.

Temrin gingerly took the pistol as if it might bite. He was not a violent person and had never used the more base ways of adding to his collections. "I've never fired one before."

"It's simple, you point the barrel at the bad guys, pull the trigger and there's a big boom! Hei!" laughed Kip.

Temrin was about to protest but Gtang and Kip had already started across the alley. Since Gtang was his only way out of this maze, Temrin pocketed the pistol and followed.

They halted before a plain wooden door set in the first floor of a blockish warehouse building. Gtang knocked but after waiting a minute there was no answer. He tried the handle and found the door unlocked.

Opening the heavy door, they found themselves in a large poorly lit warehouse. Two oil lamps set in the far wall cast a flickering light that danced with shadows among dusty stacked crates and boxes. Picking their way among the boxes, they walked toward a bright light at the far side. As they approached the other side, they could make out a stairway with a dark form at the bottom. The form turned resolved into a large muscular, leather clad black bear who stood blocking the stairway.

Gtang strode up to the bear while Kip scanned the area carefully. Temrin hung back, fingering the pistol in his pocket.

"Tell your master that Gtang Shintah Panda is here to do business." The bear stood silently as if deaf.

Reaching into his pack, Gtang pulled out a small coin. He took the bears hand and pressed the coin into it. The bear pocketed the coin. "Master Kritchen don?t want your business."

Gtang shrugged and turned away. Kip moved to walk around the bear. The bear reached out and grabbed him by the arm in a viselike grip. "Where you go?"

"Gotta piss bad! This is the way to the head hei?" Kip said grinning. Temrin watched in horror as the bear growled, grabbed Kip by the scruff of the neck and lifted him off his feet.

Kip struck the bear on the nose with his open palm. There was a loud sharp snap like the discharge of static electricity. The bear dropped Kip and flew back violently. With a dull thud, the bears head impacted the wall. He crumpled face first to the ground with a grunt.

Kip picked himself off the floor, brushing dirt from his tunic and stepped over the bear.

Gtang hopped onto the bears broad back and turned to Temrin who was staring at the bear?s inert form. Gtang chuckled. "He won't wake till we're well out of here. Let's get on with this."

Temrin gingerly stepped around the bear and followed Gtang and Kip to the top of the stairs, were they found a single ornately carved door.

Gtang knocked, waited a minute then knocked again. There was no answer. "It seems Master Badger really doesn't want our business. We don't have time for this." Gtang pulled a slip of paper from his pack, wrote on it, and then slipped it under the door.

"What was that?" asked Temrin.

"A special spell known to get quick results"

"What spell is that?"

"Blackmail. I know a few things about Master Kritchen Badger he'd prefer were kept quiet."

A few minutes later, the door opened inward. A large badger wearing a heavy black leather tunic stood in the doorway then stepped back to admit them. Following the badger, they passed down a thickly carpeted hall to a room richly appointed with paintings and rare furniture.

Sitting behind a large intricately carved wooden desk was an finely dressed badger. A stripe of white fur ran over the top of his head. He had small bright eyes and a penetrating gaze.

Three sharp nosed badgers dressed in black leather and armed with pistols stood nearby. A tall muscular lion also dressed in black leather stood with arms crossed next to the desk.

Temrin had heard unpleasant stories of Kritchen Badger, stories he hoped were myth. Typically he was known for brutally torturing his victims before relieving them of their gold. Gtang and Kip's easy attitude did nothing to calm Temrin's fears.

Kritchen was reading Gtang's note as they entered the room. He looked up sharply studying the three. Crumpling the note, he tossed it to the floor. "You should be one of us, panda."

Gtang, Kip and Temrin started walking toward the desk but the lion stepped in front of them blocking the way.

"And what happened to my guard?" asked Kritchen.

"Sleepy, sleepy," Kip said.

"Indeed," said Kritchen flatly

Gtang glanced around the bulk of the lion?s body. "May I approach the illustrious Master Kritchen Badger with a business proposal?"

"Only you," Kritchen said.

Gtang walked casually around the lion and approached the desk leaving Kip and Temrin under the lion?s shadow. Gtang only came up chest high to the top of the desk.

"Now what can I do for you Master?" Kritchen said with a toothy smile.

Behind Gtang, Kip pointed to the lion?s luxurious mane. "Nice kitten hair!"

Temrin wrung his hands nervously while the end of his tail twitched. "Don't antagonize him!"

 Gtang kept focused on Kritchen. "You have in your possession the Jewel of Midos. I want to buy it."

 Kritchen folded his hands on his desk. "Hmm...never heard of it."

Gtang reached for his pack and suddenly three pistols were drawn on him. Gtang froze. "Payment Master Badger, payment."

Kritchen nodded and the guards reluctantly holstered their pistols. Reaching into his pack, Gtang brought out a bag of gold and dropped it on the desk. "Perhaps this will jog your memory?"

Kip sniffed loudly at the lion. "Smells like a cheap whorehouse!"

Kritchen picked up the bag of gold and weighed it in his hand. "Perhaps...I know of such a thing." Gtang pulled out another bag.

"Ahh yes, now I remember. I believe I do have this thing." The badger?s eye narrowed to two shining slits. "But, I think I'll keep it...and your gold! Another couple of bodies in the canal wouldn't be noticed, hmm?"

A loud, deep growl interrupted the conversation. The lion lunged at Kip.

Temrin drew his pistol as the lion grabbed at Kip. Kip ducked between the lions legs then stood up sharply slamming him in the crotch. The lion doubled over. Temrin tried to fire the pistol but instead stood paralyzed with fear.

Kritchen jumped out of his chair. At the same time, Gtang slapped the desk. "Klufung!'' The snake daemon suddenly materialized on the desk and reared up, towering over the badger. Kritchen froze, eyes wide.

Quickly, Kip stepped between the guards. Kip slapped an open palm into the chest of one guard. There was a loud snap and the guard flew backward taking out the one behind him.

The last guard grabbed Kip by the collar. Kip turned, ducking under the badger's arms and elbowed him hard in the belly. The badger doubled over with a grunt. Kip slapped the guard on the back of the head and he dropped hard, hitting the floor with a dull thud.

Kritchen continued staring at the snake demon. Gtang glanced at Kip and motioned to Temrin. "Better take the pistol away from him before someone gets hurt... and watch the big one."

Breathing heavily, Kip walked over to Temrin relieved him of the pistol. "Maybe this is not for you, hei?"

"What did you say to that lion that set him off like that?" asked Temrin.

Kip chuckled, "I said he was born in a whorehouse!"

Gtang hopped up on the desk and the apparition dispersed. He then sat down cross-legged before Kritchen. The badger glared.

"Now," Gtang said. "Which would you prefer? My gold or should  Klufung rip out your stump tail along with your spine?"

Kritchen glanced at his guards who were picking themselves up off the floor and licked his lips. He took a deep breath and smiled. "That daemon was an illusion and harmless!"

"You sure of that?" Gtang snapped his fingers and the snake daemon appeared again. Klufung drifted closer to the badger who backed away until he touched the wall. Kritchen looked at his guards for help but they stood paralyzed by fear.

"I will eat your soul!" whispered Klufung.

"Daemon master!'' whispered one of the guards.

Kritchen licked his lips nervously. "How could I refuse your generous offer? The jewel is yours." He motioned to a guard who limped out of the room.

"That's enough Klufung," said Gtang. Klufung drifted back to Gtang, rolled his shining eyes, grinned, and vanished.

As they waited for the guard's return, they watched each other silently. The badger became uncomfortable under the panda's gaze and started panting.

"You were a leader in the Lempall uprising." Gtang said finally.

Kritchen laughed. "No no, of course not," the badger thumped his chest for emphasis. "I was a captain in the imperial guard during the rebellion. I helped crush the scum. They tried to remove the emperor and put a new government in his place. That could not be allowed!"

Gtang closed his eyes. "I know you," said Gtang. "I spent some time in the emperor?s prisons. Not a pleasant place. Did you have a chance to visit them Captain Kritchen Badger?"

"That was not my responsibility."

"Of course," said Gtang slowly. "No one is ever responsible."

The guard returned carrying a small unadorned wooden box and set it on the desk. Gtang motioned to Temrin. Carefully Temrin opened the box, revealing a small plain silver box tarnished almost to black, capped with a clear multi-faceted jewel. Temrin wiped it with a corner of his tunic and turned it around examining it closely. Finally, he nodded to Gtang. "It appears genuine." Temrin returned the jewel to its box.

Quickly Gtang stood, picked up the jewel box and jumped off the desk. He motioned Kip and Temrin to follow him. The trio walked toward the door, past the lion who watched them closely and past the cowering guards. Kip covered their exit with his drawn pistols. At the door, Gtang paused.

"Do you know of the Golden Beasts, Master Badger?" asked Gtang. Kritchen looked up from where he tended a recovering guard. His eyes went suddenly wide and wild. "They know where to find you." Gtang turned and followed the others out of the warehouse leaving a sudden flurry of frantic activity behind them.


The famous temple district of Tulmar was located on the coastal side of town. The true number of temples was unknown since they came in many sizes from small altars crammed in alleys to luxuriant gods palaces set within high walled grounds.

Gtang, Kip and Temrin turned into a nondescript side ally and stopped before a door to a modest temple. The door was unadorned save for knocker shaped like a hooded black snake. Gtang used the knocker to bang on the door three times.

The door opened and a heavily robed and hooded figure stood in the doorway. The figure bowed to Gtang and motioned them in. Temrin hesitated but Kip pushed him through the door.

Temrin felt uneasy as he glanced around at the dark walls. Black wax candles set in dark brass sconces threw feeble flickering lights. The thick smell of incense filled the air and prevented him from scenting anything. Everything was dark...dark stone walls and dark wood and everywhere were the image of snakes. Temrin suddenly very much wanted to bolt for the safety of his little shop and leave this adventure behind him.

Quietly as if not to disturb sleeping spirits, they walked through many halls and passages to an unadorned door. With an ornate key, the robed figure unlocked the door and passed within. The others followed.

The room was oval shaped and built of the same dark wood as the hallways. In the center stood a plain circular altar of grey stone. Huge pillars shaped like hooded snakes rose at intervals along the walls.\t\t\t

The robed figure bowed and left them alone in the room. Gtang turned and nodded to Kip who nodded back and left the room. "Kip will make sure nobody disturbs us."

"What is this place?" asked Temrin.

"This is a temple of the Black Snake cult. I'm not member, but I've done them favors in the past. In return I have access to certain rooms if I need them," said Gtang.

Temrin hadn't heard of this temple but that came as no surprise. There were as many ways of worshiping the spirits as there were stars in the night sky. Most were harmless religious fancy but others held black rites like something people whispered of from their darkest dreams.

Gtang walked to a low chest set by the wall and rummaged around inside. He pulled out two thin white cushions, a plain white cloth and an incense burner.

Gtang handed a cushion to Temrin. "Sit on this, do not let any part of your body touch the floor. Do not leave the cushion until the right time."

"When might that be?" Temrin asked.

"It'll be obvious," said Gtang. He walked to the center altar and carefully draped the cloth over it. He pulled the jewel-topped box out of his pack and set it on the altar cloth. Muttering words Temrin could not follow, Gtang waved a hand over jewel until it flared with a white light than went dark again. He then lit the incense and placed the burner on the floor in front of the altar.

 Gtang turned and sat down cross-legged on his own cushion, curled his tail over his feet. "We must wait for the moon to rise over the city and shine through the roof. We have a little time yet."

Looking up Temrin noticed a huge crystal set in the ceiling above the altar. After a while he asked, "If I may ask, who are the Golden Beasts?"

 Gtang sighed and closed his eyes. "The Golden Beasts formed after the collapse of the union against the empire. They take revenge for the martyrs of the revolution."

"Were you one of their leaders?" Temrin asked.

"A leader? No. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I have no interest in politics. Bad judgment got me caught by the imperial soldiers. I survived the emperor's death pits... barely. I don't actively support the Beasts but sometimes I help them with information."

Suddenly the room filled with white light. The moon had risen and shone down intensely on the altar. The beam broke into multicolored sparks as it struck the crystal top of the jewel.

Gtang started chanting softly. Slowly the light diminished as if sucked in to the object, then the room went dark. A slight pulsing glow emanated from the object. A smoky thickness formed above the object and the air swirled in multicolored pools like oil scum on water. The sweet incense turned to the smell of swamps and rotting things. A curtain-like shimmering of heat rose around the altar.

A black nebulous snakelike form took shape above the altar.

"Who awakens me!" said the snake spirit, its voice sounding from great depths.

"I Gtang Shintah Panda summon you O Orld greatest of the dark daemons. I wish information."

"Speak quickly! I will not stay in the presents of mortals."

"Recite the spell of the Fornost gate," Gtang said.

"WORM! A mortal will perish as the price for such a request."

The giant snake reared to strike. Temrin closed his eyes but Gtang calmly watched the snake daemon.

"You cannot strike," Gtang said. "Not until you recite the spell."

The snake hissed like steam. It struck at Gtang but was held by the spell on the altar cloth. Time and time again it threw itself at the invisible barrier to no avail.

"The spell, or stay locked there forever."

The daemon settled and stared intently at Gtang. "Very well, it will do you no good."  The snake then started chanting in a strange language that Temrin couldn't understand. When finished the snake went silent.

Gtang nodded. Raising both hands in the air and closing his eyes, he chanted softly. The daemon started swaying and shrinking back into the black box until there was a small glowing ball barely noticeable above the jewel.

Temrin saw the shimmer of the barrier fading. He noticed the glowing ball growing stronger and shouted a warning. Suddenly, the ball flew down and struck Gtang squarely in the forehead. He gasped once and fell over backward. Temrin thought he heard a voice say, "Mortal Fool!"

Moonlight now filled the room again and the sweet smell of the incense quickly drove away the dank swamp odor. Temrin waited several minutes to assure himself the spirit had safely returned to its own world.

He stood slowly and walked over to Gtang, all the time, watching the altar for signs of the spirit returning to claim another soul. He bent over Gtang and felt for a pulse. Nothing. On the panda's forehead a small spot smoked, filling the area with the stench of burned fur.

Quickly Temrin opened the black book. It had about a hundred pages of dense black writing in a script that was impossible to read. Temrin realized he didn't know what section to read. Frantically he started turning pages to find the right passage, all the writing seemed to blend into black splotches as he scanned from page to page.

Suddenly Klufung materialized above Gtang. Klufung darted over and in a breathy voice said, "Read! Quickly!"

Temrin's tail twitched and his ears pinned back. "I can't!"

Klufung reared over Temrin then looked down on the book and seemed to breathe on it. "Read Now!"

Temrin froze paralyzed with fear. He couldn't read the whole book from cover to cover, that would take too long. He stared at the pages. Slowly the splotches turned to crude images; most of abstract patterns some of pictures that may have been deities or demons. He turned several more pages and saw the pattern of a crude skull. That must be it!

Temrin closed his eyes for a moment to clear the images from his mind then looked at the page again. The writing was of no language he knew but the script was readable. Slowly at first then picking up speed, he started pronouncing the words that had no meaning to his mind. As if his voice were possessed, he read faster and faster, louder and louder until he could hardly breathe. Temrin gasped, pitched forward over Gtang's lifeless body and lost consciousness.

Temrin awoke, raised his head and looked around. It appeared the moon had not moved much, he had not been out for long. There was a cough and he felt the body move underneath him. Scrambling up to his knees, he looked down on Gtang who stared back at him with very much alive eyes. "It worked!" Temrin said. Klufung hung over Gtang for a moment then vanished.

"Doesn't feel that way," said Gtang slowly. He groaned, sat up and felt the spot on his forehead. "I've been to the gates of hell again. One of these days I'll be a permanent resident. Not this time though! I have the spell I need."

Temrin frowned. "You risked our lives for a black spell?"

"Ahh, explaining that would take a lifetime." Gtang glanced over to the altar and stood up. A glow had reappeared emanating from the jewel. Gtang dashed to the jewel and quickly gathered it up in the altar cloth.

"Run! RUN! Open the door! Get out of my way!" Yelled Gtang frantically.

Clutching the cloth wrapped box, Gtang ran for the door. Temrin barely had time to swing it open as Gtang flew through. Kip stood aside as the panda ran by.

A robed priest already had the front door open as Gtang dashed out into the night. He made for one of the canals that threaded through the town. The cloth gleamed brightly, casting a demon light on the street.

Skidding to a stop Gtang hurled the cloth and its contents into the water. Temrin and Kip ran up and watched as the underwater glow faded and finally died altogether.

"It's done," Gtang said as he sank to his knees, head bowed. They waited quietly until Gtang started recovering. Kip gently helped him to his feet.

Temrin shook his head and looked at Gtang with disapproval. "I still don't understand ... all that for a spell?"

"You collect objects, I collect spells. I travel the daemon path. Traveling that path requires acquiring deeper and more dangerous spells with each turn," explained Gtang.

"But that path leads to death!" said Temrin.

"All paths lead to death. But for me, death is not important," said Gtang softly. The strain of the spell casting was taking its toll and he collapsed into Kips arms.

"No more talk now. I'll take care of him," said Kip. He picked up Gtang?s pack pulled out two pouches of gold and placed them at Temrin?s feet.

"What about that?" asked Temrin pointing to the canal where the crystal had vanished.

"That's dead now and can't harm anybody. The salt water fixed it good! Get an otter boy to fetch it for you. Hei!" said Kip smiling.

Kip picked up Gtang, slung him over his shoulder and started walking away.

"He needs a healer!" said Temrin and started running after Kip forgetting the bags of gold on the street.

Kip stopped and turned to the raccoon. "I'm a healer, don't worry. You've helped enough. Thank you!" Kip quickly walked into the night with the red panda Gtang Shintah draped over his shoulder. Temrin walked back, picked up the bags of gold and tucked them into his tunic.  As he considered the events of the past few hours, Temrin realized he was not that old after all, at least not yet.  At one time he wanted to add the Chalice of Kreytranna to his collection, perhaps one more expedition?

Copyright (c) 2023 Barry `Shunaka' Needleman

  

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