An old spirit, hearing the two conversing, steps forward to give a hint of the bell. What was the hint? "They who become too tied to their power, become tied by the power. They who learn to work with hands, not magic, soon learn they hear no bells."
@internutter/challenge-03352-i064-just-in-their-nature -- Anon Guest
"Have we met?" said Wraithvine. "Normally the spirits who seem to lend instructions are trying to redeem themselves for something they did. Usually to me. Apologies for not remembering but there's been too many people who've wanted to be famous for killing Wraithvine."
The wandering soul gave the Wizard a withering glare. "'Tis I who made the bell. 'Tis I who charmed it to find... that boy. Long have I waited for the bell to ring. Long have I waited for the heroes to arrive."
This made Wraithvine stop doodling in the dirt. "So you know the rules. You know exactly how it works."
Another hairy eyeball from a spectre who no longer had eyes. "Don't try to rules-lawyer yourself out of this one, Wizard. Use magic only when it's necessary, and you will find that the power of the bell no longer binds you."
"I'm a Wizard. You can't be a Wizard and not," ze flailed for a word, "whiz."
"You can, and you will find a way. Surrender magic for a day, and then call me a liar."
"Not even Prestidigitation?"
"Yes, all of it."
"How will I light my pipe?"
The spectre faded away, but their voice on the wind whispered, "Carry a match[1]..."
Wraithvine pouted at the darkness. "Some people just have to be a smartarse."
The nature of Wraithvine's doodles changed, from working out the arcanum of the bell to figuring out where it might be cool to hang a smouldering match cord.
[1] True Facts from History(tm): Matches used to be a slow-burning cord also known as "slow matches" or "match cord" and not the little chemical sticks we know today. They're also what used to ignite firearms before they invented the flintlock. Look up "matchlock", you're welcome.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / einbog]
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