Chapter 26 The Tome and the Chameleon King
The air in the small park held a charge like the moment before a lightning strike. Aarav and Kiyan sat across from each other at the weathered table the only things between them the cursed question and the fading evening light.
Do you know about the Girgit Raj (Chameleon King) Aarav asked again his voice laced with a grave curiosity.
The Girgit Raj Kiyan repeated the name as if it were a venomous fruit on his tongue. His golden eyes widened abruptly pupils contracting to pinpricks. His lips trembled faintly. Yes he whispered the sound like gravel dragged over stone. I have heard the name.
You have heard it before. Or do you know it Aarav pressed leaning forward.
Kiyan nodded slowly his gaze lost in a painful memory. I never met him but once when I was very young my Chhayagrasini (a witch like entity who drains age and life force) mother told me. That among the powers created by the Tamomayi (dark practitioners) there was one called the Girgit Raj. Who could take the form of anyone. And that person's memories too.
Memories too Aarav's voice held the resonance of a terrible understanding. How.
I do not know Kiyan said a shrug that did nothing to hide the fear in his voice. That is all she said. And how do you know about all this. Who told you about the Girgit Raj.
Aarav said From the mysterious tome of Kalprant.
The Tome of Kalprant. Kiyan's voice broke into a higher pitch. He stared at Aarav as if he had uttered something impossible.
Yes. The same tome written by our ancestors Aarav said and walked back to his bike. From under the seat he pulled out the old leather bound book. This is the tome. I brought it with me to show you.
Kiyan hesitated then reached a hand towards the tome. But just as his fingers were about to touch the ancient leather a sharp golden spark jumped between his skin and the book. Zap.
Kiyan gasped in pain and snatched his hand back as if burned. The tome slipped from his grip and thudded onto the table. Aarav was instantly at his side taking Kiyan's hand in his own.
Are you okay Aarav asked his voice tight with concern.
Yes I am fine Kiyan said looking at his golden fingers where a faint wisp of smoke curled. Just a small shock. Perhaps this is your lineage's tome. A Chhayodhbhav (a nightborn entity who drains age) like mine cannot touch it.
Aarav nodded a deep understanding settling on his face. Alright. I will read it to you.
He picked up the tome and sat back on the bench. Kiyan carefully sat beside him this time maintaining a safe distance. Aarav opened the book and found a page that looked more yellowed and worn than the others.
On the page was an illustration. A figure from the head to the waist a normal human man but from the waist down the body of a massive chameleon. Skin patterned in greens and blacks clawed feet and a tail that curled out beyond the edge of the drawing.
Aarav's breath caught. His eyes found the text in the corner and he began to read aloud his voice low and steady
The Girgit Raj another name of dread in the annals of Kalprant's history. The Girgit Raj was a power that could assume the form of any man or beast
Aarav stopped reading. His heart thudded against his ribs. Assume the form of anyone how is that possible.
Kiyan spoke softly his voice trembling like a plucked string Yes it is written true Aarav.
Aarav looked at Kiyan a horrific possibility igniting in his eyes. Then he dove back into the tome reading on
The history of the Girgit Raj predates even the Chhayagrasini. It began when a farmer drowning in debt sought out a Tamomayi. He told his tale I am a poor farmer. My harvest failed and the market gave me no fair price. Because of this I cannot repay the moneylender. Please help me.
The Tamomayi stared at him and said It will be done. But you must sacrifice 21 chameleons.
The farmer was shocked and said Baba what kind of sacrifice is this.
The Tamomayi said You want freedom from debt. Then this you must do. Otherwise you may leave.
The farmer fell at the Tamomayi feet and begged No Baba no. I will do whatever you say. But you must help me Baba.
The Tamomayi began to smile and said Get up and go. Bring me 21 chameleons.
The farmer said As you command Baba and left.
After the farmer left the Tamomayi laughed and said Foolish farmer.
A few days later the farmer returned to the Tamomayi and said Baba here they are 21 chameleons in this basket. I have brought what you asked for Baba. Now help me.
The Baba pleased said Very well. You must do exactly as I say.
The farmer joined his hands and sat. The sacred fire burned in the Agni Kund (sacred fire pit). The farmer's heart pounded. The Tamomayi black hair red eyes necklace of skulls looked even more terrifying in the firelight.
The Tamomayi chanted Naad Sutra (sacred vibrational chant) for a while. Then he said I offer my soul to the Tamomayi.
The farmer startled said Baba what are you asking me to say.
The Tamomayi said angrily Do you want freedom from debt or not. Otherwise leave.
The farmer joined his hands and said No no Baba. I will say it I will do everything you say. And he said I offer my soul to the Baba.
As soon as he said it the flames of the Agni Kund grew fiercer. The farmer began to tremble. The Tamomayi said Now take out those chameleons and throw them into the sacred fire.
Trembling the farmer brought the basket and dumped it into the Agni Kund.
A violent fire erupted from the kund and the chameleons burning began to crawl out. The Tamomayi laughed cut his own hand and let his blood drip into the fire.
All the chameleons emerged and began to cling to the farmer's body. The farmer screamed and the Tamomayi laughed and said Foolish farmer. You will now serve my purpose.
Moments later a ball of fire shot from the Agni Kund entered the farmer's body and exploded. A blinding light filled the space.
When the light faded the Tamomayi looked and laughed with joy I have done it. I have done it.
Before him stood a being. From the head to the waist a human head and torso. From the waist down the form of a chameleon. Its skin was black green. It laughed and said Welcome today your Girgit Raj.
Before it the Tamomayi grew pale and withered
Aarav gently closed the tome. His fingers were white where they gripped the pages. Slowly he raised his head and looked at Kiyan. The dusk's crimson glow cast his face in a terrifying mysterious light.
His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper holding a dreadful impossible question
The Girgit Raj can take the form of anyone. What if he has taken my father's form. What if in the guise of my father sits the Girgit Raj.
The words hung in the air like a poisonous noose. Kiyan's golden eyes flared wide and Aarav's own question plunged him into a terror he had never imagined.
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