Spellcaster series #5: The Sage

The Storm

HEIDI

Alicia and I headed back to my house where we would regroup. Captain Bells was waiting for me with more horrible news.

More Spellcasters and Vampires all over Orchidville were rounded up and executed. Many were shot in front of their own homes and on the streets. Those that had any connections to the Sages and Vicky were arrested, and anyone who dared to question or defy would be silenced immediately.

Dr. Nicole was one of them.

She had, according to Bells's source, openly opposed and challenged Sam's abuse of power in front of the hospital. Her mother, Lady Bernadette, was thrown into maximum security prison, as well Dr. Pierce.

"Dr. Nicole was not afraid to question the would-be dictator," Bells added, "and her bravery cost her her life."

"It was stupid, if you ask me. Being dead can't help her family," Alicia muttered and glanced at me. I said nothing about it.

"Any word on Sam's next move?" I asked, sharpening the Necromancer's blade.

Bells replied, "Sam is holding a public execution of the Sages and Vicky. He needs a scapegoat for the murder of his brother."

I shook my head. "None of this makes any sense. Why can't he just look for the ones that actually plotted the assassination?"

Alicia folded her arms. "Because he was the one who killed the president. He's covering it up."

Bells and I turned to her questionably. The Captain raised her eyebrows.

"I'm sorry, who are you?"

"Who I am is not important right now," Alicia retorted, glancing at me. I kept my eyes on my blade. She continued.

"Sam is summoning a high power that requires seven major public sacrifices hence the assassination. He made it seem political when everything is for his personal gain. The president was the first victim. The next ones are Lady Wynona, Sir Jessie, Elton and Lady Barnette."

I put my knife sharpener away. "The first was actually Alana Locke, which makes it six in total now. We don't know who the seventh one is."

"Was it Sir Tristan?" Alicia asked, her voice soft and unsure.

Bells fell silent.

"No," I spoke, "he died in the fire, between him and the djinn. It wasn't public."

"Then who could it be? It has to be someone important, that's the whole point. Sam's been winning by eliminating all the powerful ones."

"It could be you, Heidi," Bells shrugged. "He's already got his eyes on you."

I returned her wary gaze. "Then he'll get what he's asking for."

* * *

Brian bustled about, giving orders to his Vampires who were streaming in through the portal. Vampires of all ranks showed up to the Lair. Alicia joined the Primes, receiving her instructions from their in-charge.

Bells and I stood apart from the scene, watching and observing. She was mesmerised by their efficiency, something she had never thought they possessed.

"Brian is sending them out to war," she muttered. She flickered her brown eyes at me. "Are you sure this is the best idea?"

Brian lined his elites with him. Then he broke away from them and walked over to us. His jaw was tightened, lips in a thin line with his Vampire dagger pocketed in his jacket. Voices floated around the Lair, filling it with excitement and anticipation.