Spellcaster series #1: The Neophyte

Surprises

TRISTAN

Sleep was close to torture as I tossed and turned the whole night. The fatigue from the night before had laden my limbs and torso with lead but my mind was cluttered with unease.

As a Sage, I was trained not to favour any trainee specifically while I was still their active trainer—my grandfather would have frowned upon me if he had known.

But Heidi was different.

I needed to regroup. I must not allow reason to escape me again. She was taken by Synto and we must free her. I must free her. But I could not do so if I was careless like before. I needed a plan.

The map brought me to an old parking lot of a town that was only used once. Here I summoned the portal where the points of the location in the Worldly realm mirrored the exact location in the Underworld. I cleared my mind and stepped through the portal.

The Desolate Lands. Did Jesse think this place was a good idea? The name was as the place would be—an empty desert with endless sand. Could be, although we could die from thirst and heat. I walked back into the portal and closed it behind me.

As soon as I did, I sensed a presence and pulled out my wand. I pointed at him, all six feet tall. Almost as tall as I was.

"I knew I'd find you here," old Grand Master Augustine spoke. His voice was low like he was telling a secret.

"What do you want, traitor?"

The old Vampire lifted the left corner of his lips. The right corner remained thin and downward like a deep crease. His right eye was also grey, like it was blind, and a scar ran along the centre of his forehead down the middle of his right cheek. I knew he was old but he had always looked healthy.

"I am no traitor to my kingdom but Grand Mistress Ingram is. This," he waved his fingers to his scar, "is the product of escaping her."

"You look like hell," I blurted. "That must've been some fight."

"And you look lost," he said, his voice a little louder. It was slightly scratchy too. "I'm certain that you have been contacting Lord Voltaire."

"Who needs to know?" I asked. My guard was always up around that old fool.

Grand Master Augustine laughed through his nose, "I understand that you do not trust me, as you shouldn't. So tell him that I have information about Synto and I must speak to my king."

Then he took a few steps closer, "We may have our differences but I would never betray my kingdom."

"All right," I said, eyeing him warily, "But make no mistake—I will send you into oblivion without hesitation should you try anything funny."

~

We seated ourselves where we last discussed the attack at the old Lucky Orphan orphanage. Lord Voltaire sat in deep thought whereas Jesse and Wynona watched as Grand Master Augustine paced back and forth. I scrutinised him from head to toe—anything out of line would result in his permanent end. I gripped my wand in my coat pocket.

"Speak now," Lord Voltaire uttered. There was slight hostility in his tone. "Spare no details, Grand Master."

Augustine began his recount. "Synto is planning to attack the Worldly Realm tomorrow at sunset. Grand Master Ingram will lead the army on his right, and there's one more thing."

"Out with it, Grand Master," Jesse demanded impatiently. The old Vampire swallowed.

"Synto has a new vessel. And she will lead the army into battle."