Spellcaster series #1: The Neophyte

History Lesson

HEIDI

I tried to pry the doors open but they would not budge. It had been twenty minutes or so. There was a rune marked on them and I knew it was the symbol of Mischief magic. Wynona had locked me in the dining room with her spell. The djinn's claw marks in my shoulder did not have the time to heal—they ached so much I had to stop. I winced and clutched my right shoulder with my left hand.

I sat in the corner and waited, thinking of ways to escape the magic lock. I could hear the chaos just beyond the doors. I closed my eyes and began to meditate.

Vicky. My eyes opened wide as the memories of my recurring dream returned. Oh no, oh no, oh no—

A loud thud and the walls shook. Somehow the aching in my shoulder got worse. What if Vicky was in trouble and I could not save her? What if my dream was an omen and it was about this?

Just as I was about to go back into meditation, the doors swung open and the spell was broken. I got my stance ready to attack but instead of a djinn, a familiar, desperate voice called my name.

I remembered his ruby eyes, glimmering wildly and brightly, like they were on fire. His dark brown hair was in his eyes and his red coat torn. His knuckles were bruised as he held his hand out to grab my wrist. I did not dare to go against him so I let him take me back to The Academy.

When we arrived, Tristan wasted no time in heading straight to his office. I was not sure if I should follow him but I did. He said nothing so I asked nothing. He opened the gate for both of us and walked ahead, shoulders tense. My shoulder was still aching.

Reaching the HQ, he glanced over his shoulder for a millisecond and instructed, "This way." I nodded like he could see me. That way it was.

He stopped in front of a door with his name plaque on it. His office. We went in and he shut the door behind me. Our footsteps were muffled by the carpet beneath us. Tristan finally levelled his gaze on me, darting his ruby eyes on the scar above my left eyebrow.

"You all right?" He pointed vaguely to my forehead.

"Tango'd with a djinn," I replied. He blinked, a tinge of worry in his eyes. "I mean, it's fine."

"Have you learnt the healing spell?" He took a step closer and held up his palm, "If you don't mind?"

"I do, actually, but thanks," I said, a little guilty. "I'm just not comfortable with physical contact with anyone. Sorry."

Tristan took a step back and put his hand down. His face reddened and then unclenched his jaw. Whatever that was tense in him relaxed. "Don't be sorry, it's your space."

"Cool," I said. And meant it.

"Well," he snapped back to his intense Tristan self. "Jesse had instructed me to bring you here because here you will be safe. And because you were suspended and sent home not two days ago, I have given your room away to another Spellcaster."

He slid behind his desk and took a seat, "In the meantime, you may use Wynona's room. She has permitted me and Jesse to give her room to a female Spellcaster in danger."

"In danger?" I asked, eyes wide. "Am I?"

Tristan held his hand up, "You were. You will stay with us for now, it isn't safe in the Worldly Realm. In the meantime, you may stay here until Nurse Hilda comes to check on you."

I took a seat near the window and looked around the office. It was big and bright with a houseplant in the corner next to an antique globe. I let out a whistle.