Spellcaster series #1: The Neophyte

The Case of Dean Ryans

TRISTAN

When Nurse Hilda was busy attending to other students, I would check on Heidi from time to time.

She would be awake for some hours but the medication would put her to sleep for most of the day. I would come by when she allowed, otherwise I conducted training with the Virtuosos.

During this time, Heidi and I began to bond. Her orphan life humbled me but she would have none of my pity since she did not want it. I learnt, from her stories, that Vicky was her only trusted friend. Our bond began in that week, exchanging stories of our childhood from two ends of the privilege poles. A small part of me, I confessed, grew fond of her.

She remained partially immobile in her right side—her arm and hip, but only for the time being. I assured her that she would regain enough strength once her recovery process was completed. I could tell that she was getting impatient, like she wanted to return to her home in the Worldly Realm.

"You know," she said drowsily after taking her medication, "You're not as intense and annoying as before."

I smiled a little but she fell into a deep slumber right after.

I continued to hold classes although my heart was not at ease. The Ryans had had a hard life and Dean was the missing piece. Trouble settled in my dreams every night and somehow he was in the thick of it all.

One night, I summoned the portal to the Underworld. It had almost been a week since the council. Jesse and Wynona had not returned.

I peeked into the Lair on the other side of the portal. It was mostly darkness but there were candles and a lowly-illuminated chandelier. I stepped into it and the portal behind me closed. Silence enveloped me as soon as I stood in the middle of what was once the grand hall.

The Lair was still windowless and the cracked walls were left alone. Fragments of glass and other rubble crunched beneath my boots. I scanned the deserted Lair and my eyes landed on the spot where I jostled with the djinn while racing my way to Heidi.

A freezing gust of wind blew in and around the Lair like a metaphorical aftermath. I had never seen it so defeated and cold. Vampires who used to swarm the place were no longer in sight. Where was everyone?

"State your business," a voice commanded from behind me.

I turned to see a figure cloaked in a large black hood. The face and identity remained unseen.

"I am Tristan Embers. I am looking for Wynona Wilkins and Jesse White," I replied, one hand gripping my wand inside my coat.

The hooded figure moved slightly and then removed its hood. She was a Vampire with her fangs completely visible. Her defences were up. She was as tall as I was and her facial features were delicate, somewhat vulnerable. I was almost enamoured by her beauty.

"You were the one who brought Heidi to safety," her tone softened immediately, almost a whisper. "Is she okay?"

"You must be her Vampire friend. Heidi is resting." I looked around and lowered my voice, "What happened during the battle?"

Her red eyes darted around before gesturing to me to follow her. She took me to the dining room—where it all began. She extended a muscular arm and pulled a door open. I entered first and she followed after.

"We'll be safe in here," she removed the cloak and took a seat. "Sit with me and I will show you what happened after the battle."

"Show me?"

"My name is Vicky. I am Lord Voltaire's right hand and I have the ability to see and show you visions of what was. You can trust me."

I sat in front of her. I let her take my hands and she held her palms in mine. I closed my eyes and in no time, I was entranced as she entwined her memories into me. She then proceeded to narrate the events through telepathy: