Spellcaster series #5: The Sage

Khûl Nir

TRISTAN

Vicky had left for the Worldly realm after staying with us for two days. She and Heidi caught up on a lot while my mother and daughter bonded. Ada had grown comfortable around her grandmother, to my relief.

I picked up my axe and began cutting some wood from the trees for the fire. Heidi, a distance away, picked out edible mushrooms for that recipe she had been meaning to try. Her hair fell to the sides of her faces as she bent over to pluck them from the ground. Her back turned against me as she moved further into the forest.

"Sir Tristan? I'm sorry to barge in like this," a voice spoke from behind, startling me a little.

I turned to see a woman in a uniform with a pair of brown eyes boring on me. One could recognise her anywhere, especially with a face like the person whom I worked with several years back.

"Sergeant Bells?" I felt my stomach twist. How did she find me?

She took a step forward. She tilted her head and her lips broke into a wide smile, her pearly-white teeth in perfect rows. She wore a jacket uniform with many badges on them, and I instantly knew she was not a sergeant anymore.

"It's Captain Bells, now," she corrected with a slight smug. "And I need your help."

I whirled away and continued hacking the young tree. "You've got the wrong person."

"Well, you certainly didn't," I heard her boots trudge in the snow as she neared. "You don't have to worry about anything, sir. I've left Orchidville a long time ago and I've been living in Plainsview ever since. I saw you there last week, leaving the supermarket."

I stabbed the axe onto the bark and turned to meet her eyes. She looked genuine. "The last time we met, you almost got Heidi arrested."

"I was only following orders," she confessed. "But I was young and confused. That was why I left town...I just don't agree with a lot of things."

"Fine. You have thirty seconds." I picked up my axe.

Captain Bells pulled out a photograph from her jacket. "His name is Gerard. He's been missing for six months now and there were witnesses stating that he crossed paths with a djinn called Khûl Nir. Plainsview doesn't have Sages like Orchidville so I wasn't able to get as much information."

"Twenty seconds." I began hacking away at the wood.

"A few days ago, there was a report of a Khûl Nir sighting. A hiker was mauled to death at this very area. I sent two of my best detectives here but they were at a dead-end and mentioned about an 'odd fellow' residing in these parts of the woods. Their description was a 'grim, tall man with green eyes and brown curly hair' who has a magic rune carved into the front of his door. I instantly thought of you."

"Ten seconds."

Captain Bells pocketed the photograph. "The missing person named Gerard is my brother. I am out of leads and I believe you're the only one who can help me."

I turned to her with my axe in hand. "Approach a Spellcaster in Plainsview in regards to learning about the djinn. Secondly, I am no longer participating in anything that might expose me to anyone from Orchidville. It's too risky. Thirdly, please do not ever look for me again. Good day, Captain."

I picked up the chopped pieces of firewood and tossed them into a large pail. I lifted it by its plastic handle and made my way past her. I knew she was unhappy with my response but it's better than risking Heidi's exposure.

"Sir, wait," she strode towards me and shoved a piece of paper into my coat pocket. "Call me if you change your mind."

She then made her way to her car and drove off. I stood in front of my porch until she disappeared from sight. Now it was time to wait for Heidi.