Spellcaster series #2: The Acolyte

Missing

HEIDI

"For this session, we will be learning how to teleport," Jessie said as he raised his wand. "You will be channelling a little more energy than usual."

"About time," I joked. Jessie smiled.

"I know, but there's a reason for it. As a Neophyte, you're still learning how to tap into your energy and channelling it correctly. Teleportation requires a firm grasp of your environment and bringing your entire physical self through space and time and locate your destination within the same realm. Basically, you can only teleport to places you know how to get to."

"I'll just carry a map with me," I shrugged.

"It's not as easy as it looks."

The middle-aged Sage pointed his wand skywards and, in a split second, dematerialised from his spot. In a distance, within the same second, he reappeared.

"This is a useful skill to learn, especially in combat," he said as he walked back to me.

I grinned. "You teach Spellcasters how to fight now?"

Jessie lowered his voice, "Only to special trainees such as yourself. You are a Voltaire recommendation for a reason, not just because you are Vicky's best friend."

I stared blankly.

"You can fight, Heidi. Lord Voltaire believed you can contribute well as a combat-fighting Spellcaster."

I blinked. "Like a soldier?"

"Somewhat. A selected few of the Virtuosos and Adepts are specially trained in magic combat. They are usually stationed in the Worldly realm to resist any djinn attacks. They are our Scouts and you might just be one some day. But for now, ready your stance."

I planted my feet apart and grounded myself. I closed my eyes and garnered all my energy inside me.

"Good, now channel it all around and inside you, let it flow without stopping."

I did as instructed. The energy began to flow faster around me, like an electrical charge. I felt some kind of sensation at my fingertips.

"Raise your wand upwards and think of a location and its environment. Teleport behind me."

I did. When I opened my eyes, I was breathing down Jessie neck. Too close.

I jumped backwards, startled by the closeness. "Sorry!"

"Maybe keep a distance," Jessie chuckled. "Keep practising and you'll get it in no time."

I was beginning to get the hang of it towards the end of the session. Then I asked him, "What about summoning a portal? When will I learn that?"

Jessie pocketed his wand in his coat. "When you are a Virtuoso, the highest rank a Spellcaster such as yourself can achieve. That will be after being an Adept, of course."

I nodded. "All right. I'll see you tomorrow, Jessie."

"Aren't you heading back to your dorm?"

"I have my training with Tristan in five minutes," I replied, glancing at the illuminated clock on the lamp post. "I'll wait for him here."

Jessie nodded and left the training grounds all to myself. I continued with my practice, teleporting from one spot to another.

Five minutes.

I sat on a bench and took a sip of water from my bottle. Lit the wand with the Lunar and put it out. And then lit again.

Ten minutes.