Spellcaster series #3: The Adept

Funeral For A Friend

TRISTAN

Rain poured the town of Orchidville like it was mourning with us. The bell tolled in pace, as I lifted the coffin on my shoulder, just like the other seven of us.

After the ordeal at the old factory, Vicky brought Lord Voltaire's body back to the Underworld while Heidi and I headed to the town hall where Rose had apparently kept the others in. There was a basement underneath that had a passage that led us to a crypt. The Necromancer had lived there for many years, moving back and forth between the Worldly Realm and the Land of Lost Souls.

When the Necromancer died, her spell went with her too. Wynona and Jessie found a way out of the crypt and we helped set them free. Families were reunited and Orchidville was no longer in danger—at the cost of a losing a King and gaining an unwanted energy.

Synto's enemy was defeated and it was now channeling all of its power in Heidi.

My coat grew heavy as it began to soak in the rain. My hair plastered on the side of my face. Many Vampires and Orchidville leaders congregated to the cemetery at the top of a hill to witness the burial of Lord Voltaire. The Vampire King had insisted to be buried in Orchidville, where he first became a Vampire after almost dying from the very first civil war. I was not sure of his history, as Vicky did not mention, only that he already had a plot ready for himself some ten years ago.

Vicky stood on a podium, clad in all black and a veil over her face, exposing her pale lips. A tear dripped down her chin as she prepared to read the eulogy for her King and ardent lover.

We placed the coffin onto the catafalque, sniffles and sobs all around us. Jessie, Dr. Pierce, my father and Brian were among the pall-bearers that I could name. We took our places at the side with the others. Dr. Pierce joined his wife while Jessie, my father, Brian and I stood side by side and watched as Vicky began.

"My King, you lived a thousand years and a full life. You took the duty and responsibilities of a King and took us in—"

Her voice broke mid-sentence. Brian broke away from us and joined at her side for support. She composed herself before continuing. I scanned the attendees—no sign of Heidi. I had not seen her since we freed the captives from the crypt underneath the town hall.

It had been a week.

"...alas your fate has met you, Lord Francis Voltaire son of Theodore Voltaire. May you be at peace, my King."

Brian helped her down the steps of the podium and the coffin was lowered into the ground. Some began tossing flowers and petals as it descended. Vicky stood tall, as she watched some other Vampires weep while their King was buried.

"We will need a debrief in my office," I whispered to Jessie. "The war against Synto has just begun."

Jessie stared at the coffin, "I agree. I need to know all that has happened. Spare no detail."

I nodded and turned to head for the exit. As I did, I saw Heidi standing by an old leafless tree, right underneath a low branch. She watched on, cheeks wet with tears. She had come in her black leather jacket, as she was always seen in, hands clasped together to withhold everything in her. I made my way to approach her and her hazel eyes flickered to me.

She turned on her heels and teleported somewhere.

~

I returned to my office at the Academy straight after the funeral. I had a hunch that Heidi had returned to her dorm room as well. Since the whole of the North wing was torn asunder, many Spellcasters had lost their dorms and belongings during the battle—including Heidi. Wynona and Jessie helped to set up temporary rooms for them to stay in while we rebuild. Wynona gave her room to Heidi while she returned to the Worldly realm to rebuild her home with her husband.