by CSyphrett, Martin Maenza and Doc Quantum
Continued from The Books of Magic: Ride a Black Horse
Grimoire Island, an isle cloaked in mystery and enchantment, was home to the renowned Grimoire Academy of Applied Knowledge. Among its student body, some were born already gifted in magic, while others sought to learn the mystic arts. While many believed the academy was solely centered around magic, its true focus was much broader — to prepare students to thrive in treacherous worlds of power beyond comprehension. Still, the island itself was shrouded with an air of the supernatural, which was unsurprising for anyone versed in its history.
Among the oddities of the school was the Clock Tower, a peculiar structure in the center of a grassy glade. Standing much taller than its mere three stories would suggest, the tower commanded attention across the island, its significance evident to all who laid eyes upon it. Although the clock faces on the tower lacked hands, a mystery that suggested untold secrets, the island’s residents knew the time by counting the number of chimes every hour on the hour.
The hallowed halls of this tower were also restricted. On Orientation Day it had been made abundantly clear that the Clock Tower was off-limits to all without permission or supervision. (*) Simon Belmont, the keeper of the tower who seemed as ancient as time itself, never strayed from his post. His quarters were situated within the tower, setting him apart from the other teachers.
[(*) Editor’s note: See The Books of Magic: Orientation Day.]
Abby Cable, the platinum-blonde botanical studies instructor, faced a quandary as she stood at the glade’s edge, pondering her options as she stared at the tower. Of all the people on the island, only he might be able to help me, she knew. The question is — would he? Belmont isn’t exactly known for his friendly personality.
Resolute in her decision, Abby realized that ruminating over it wouldn’t change the outcome. Gathering her courage, she pushed open the heavy door. Stepping into the dimly lit interior of the Clock Tower, her gaze landed upon a third-year student diligently dusting books on the ground floor. The presence of the student, Joshua Cantrell, surprised her. Although he was in none of her classes, Abby recalled meeting him during her first day on the island, and she had heard of him since through conversations with her fellow teachers. Mrs. Peel, in particular, had recounted a recent incident involving Josh trespassing in the administration building after hours, resulting in a severe punishment. Abby had disagreed with the severity of the disciplinary measures, but kept her thoughts to herself, wanting to avoid any conflict with her colleagues.
“Hello, Josh Cantrell,” Abby greeted. “I didn’t expect to find you here. Do you happen to know where Mr. Belmont is?”
“He’s around,” Josh replied absentmindedly, clearly still serving some form of punishment rather than offering his services willingly.
“What do you want?” a gruff voice called out from the stairs.
Abby turned, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of Mr. Belmont. His aged face wore a perpetual bitter expression, as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders. It seemed as though he believed his job at the Clock Tower was more of a burden than a privilege, and anyone who dared disrupt his solitude was unwelcome.
“I have some questions I would like to ask you,” Abby said, her voice already tinged with unease. She had a sinking feeling that this conversation was about to take a turn for the worse.
“What about?” snapped Belmont, his gaze falling upon Josh. The young boy had taken a break from his chores, his eyes fixed on the interaction between the two staff members. Belmont’s voice held a trace of annoyance as he scolded, “No one said you could stop dusting, boy!”
“Sorry,” the fourteen-year-old mumbled, his hand gripping the duster with newfound determination. Despite his feigned concentration, the boy’s ears were still fully attuned to the conversation unfolding before him.
“Perhaps we can discuss this in private,” Abby suggested tentatively, feeling a pang of awkwardness.
“I am not leaving this boy unsupervised!” Belmont retorted. “He already swiped some blueprints that I had on file here. God knows what mischief he’ll get into if left unattended!”
Abby nodded, understanding Belmont’s apprehension. Josh did seem mischievous at times. “All right, then,” she acquiesced. “My husband has been presumed dead for some time. But recently, Mr. Gallowglass claimed he knew my husband was alive and had known for some time. How is that possible? How could Gallowglass have such information?”
“It was probably uncovered during the background check,” Belmont replied, his voice devoid of any sympathy.
***
Timothy Hunter found himself lost in thought as he meandered along the cobblestone paths of the quad. Events over the past couple of months had left the twelve-year-old student in a state of confusion, unsure of himself.
Ever since Mister E, Zatanna the Magician, and John Constantine had singled him out last year, claiming he possessed dormant magical abilities, Tim had been grappling with this newfound knowledge. (*)
[(*) Editor’s note: See The Night Force: Night Forces.]
Deep in thought, he pondered a few peculiar incidents that had unfolded since his arrival at Grimoire Academy. There had been moments when his instincts had guided him, helping him solve seemingly insurmountable puzzles. One such instance involved a secret chamber that he and Josh Cantrell had stumbled upon. Tim had managed to open its elusive door effortlessly, as though the solution had been whispered to his subconscious mind. (*)
[(*) Editor’s note: See The Books of Magic: Curiosity Kills.]
Tim’s thoughts then drifted more recently to the extraordinary ordeal involving Black, the stallion with an unusual intellect. The majestic creature had mistaken Tim for an apprentice magician capable of freeing its master from a curse that had transformed him into stone. Feeling powerless, Tim had nevertheless managed to summon an unknown force from within him, breaking the spell that had held his friend Dilvish captive. It was a moment that defied all logic, leaving him bewildered and in search of answers.
Since then, Tim had dedicated himself to exploring these supposed magical gifts. Yet, despite his persistence, his attempts to perform feats of magic, from manipulating objects with his mind, transforming his appearance, or delving into the thoughts of his fellow students, had all failed miserably. The gift that had once appeared to be within reach now seemed like an elusive mirage, taunting him with its unattainability.
Was it mere chance that had brought about these magical flukes, or was it perhaps something inherent to Grimoire Island that had caused these extraordinary occurrences? These questions now plagued Tim’s thoughts, even as he continued to absentmindedly twirl his yo-yo, his mind in a maze with no easy exit.
***
“Background check?” Abby Cable’s voice expressed genuine surprise. It hadn’t crossed her mind that such a thorough investigation had been conducted before she accepted the job offer.
“Don’t be oblivious, woman!” Simon Belmont scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Did you truly believe you were asked to teach botany merely for your looks? Everyone undergoes a rigorous screening process by Liberty, the recruiter, before even being considered for a position here.”
“I… I had no idea,” Abby admitted, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Belmont’s patience wore thin. “Anything else before…?” His sentence abruptly trailed off, even as his demeanor changed drastically, a sudden sense of foreboding radiating from him. “Get out of here!” he snapped, his voice filled with urgency.
“What?” Abby was taken aback by the sudden command.
“Both of you, get out of here right now!” shouted Belmont, forcefully grabbing Josh’s shoulder and propelling him toward Abby. “I must go!” With that, Belmont darted up the stairs in a desperate sprint.
“It’s too late for that, old friend!” a smooth voice chimed in unseen from the second-floor landing.
Abby and Josh turned, their hearts pounding in sync as a wave of energy surged toward Belmont, propelling him back down the stairs. He tumbled uncontrollably, his foot catching and banging hard on the floor at the foot of the steps.
“Mr. Belmont!” Josh cried out, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Abby rushed to the fallen man’s side. “He’s hurt! Josh, go and fetch help!” she instructed urgently.
The attacker, already descending the staircase, spoke in a chillingly calm tone. “Allow me to introduce myself,” he said, his voice oozing with sinister intrigue.
An urgency welled up within Josh, fueling his instincts, and he sprinted for the door. This is too weird! his mind screamed, memories of the incident in the basement flooding back, when he and Timothy Hunter had accidentally unleashed a gruesome creature through a mysterious portal. I’m out of here! he resolved, his determination pushing him toward escape.
However, as Josh reached out for the handle, a force pulled him back abruptly. Startled, he cried out, “Whoa!” As he turned his head, he found himself in the clutches of a tall, lizard-like creature. “What are you?” he asked, more curious than terrified.
Hearing Josh’s cry, Abby spun around to assist him. “Josh!”
Another lizard creature swooped down on Abby, effortlessly lifting her off the ground and causing her to scream in fright. “Put me down!” she demanded. Instead of complying, the creature turned her around to face someone else.
A man with dark, slick hair and a thin mustache appeared before Abby, his gaze filled with hunger. He introduced himself with a formal bow. “I am Vlad Tepes,” he announced, his cape swirling around him. “It seems you have maintained my castle quite well, Belmont.”
Simon Belmont groaned, struggling to rise to his feet despite the pain he felt. Having detected the signs, he had known the arrival of the stranger was imminent even before this moment. Determined, he stood up with urgency. “Vlad, you’re going back in your crypt!” he vowed.
“I think not, Belmont,” sneered Vlad, refusing to back down. With incredible speed, he rushed forward and seized Belmont by his shirt, effortlessly lifting him off the ground. The old man’s feet dangled helplessly in the air. “The day has long passed when you could obstruct my way!” Vlad spat. With a swift motion, he flung the frail-looking man into a bookshelf, causing a cascade of books to rain down upon him.
“Once, I dreamt of ruling one Earth with my darkness,” Vlad proclaimed. “But now, I will have dominion over five! And we have you to thank for it, Belmont!”
Abby’s head spun with disbelief and confusion. It seemed danger lurked around every corner in this place. She thought back to the encounter with the malevolent figure she and Tim Hunter had faced while assisting Black the horse. That encounter had ended in bloodshed, forever staining Abby’s dress. And now, another deranged individual showed up on the school grounds. What kind of institution was this for young students?
“Mr. Gallowglass will stop you!” Abby declared, her voice filled with conviction. She didn’t really know why she said it; perhaps it was because Gareth Gallowglass exuded power and authority, or maybe she hoped that this man would be intimidated by the threat. Whatever the reason, it felt right.
Vlad chuckled, his canines sharp and pointed as he smiled. “The all-powerful Master of the Impossible?” he mocked. “By the time he realizes the truth, it will be too late!”
As Vlad grinned, Abby noticed something familiar about his appearance. The pointed teeth, slick hair, and pale skin all clicked into place. She gasped internally. My God, she thought, he’s some kind of vampire!
Vlad turned his attention upward, addressing a figure on the floor above. “Now, Gossamer,” he said to the unseen individual, “if you would be so kind…”
Something suddenly descended from above, capturing Abby and Josh’s attention. They both glanced up, their eyes widening in astonishment. “What the–?!” Josh exclaimed.
The creature, with the upper half resembling a woman and the bottom half that of a spider, gracefully descended on an unseen thread, landing softly on the ground. Gossamer, as the spider-woman was called, menacingly pressed a spear against Belmont’s throat, piercing his skin.
“Now that the old fool cannot interfere,” Vlad declared, a wicked gleam in his eye, “I must be going. I will alter the worlds the way they were meant to be!” He glanced at Abby and Josh, who were still held captive by his intimidating lizard creatures. “Stay here, out of the way, if you please.” With an eerie laugh, Vlad turned and began to walk away.
“Can he actually do what he claims?” Abby naively inquired, struggling in the clutches of the spider-like creature that held her captive. Though Gossamer didn’t appear to intend physical harm, the spider-woman was certainly keeping her at a safe distance.
“It’s not my fault this time,” grumbled Josh, his wrists throbbing from the tight grip of the taloned lizard. Another impending detention with Mrs. Peel loomed in his thoughts.
Vlad continued to ascend the stairs, and faint strains of music drifted down, filling the air with a light melody.
“Can he really do what he plans?” Abby asked once more, this time directing her query at Simon Belmont.
“Yes — if I don’t stop him,” Belmont groaned.
The trio of monstrous minions snickered, fully aware of the powerless predicament the humans found themselves in. Under their captors’ control, there seemed to be no hope.
Simon Belmont, the infamous master of the Grimoire Academy’s Clock Room and a terror in the eyes of the students, locked gazes with his captor.
The spider-woman offered a cunning smile.
Belmont returned the smile.
Abby found herself taken aback. This was not a typical expression for the stern old man. What is he planning? she wondered. Soon enough, her inquiry would be answered.
Belmont’s left hand moved swiftly, seizing the spear just above the metal point. His right hand balled into a tight fist and shattered the shaft of the weapon with a resounding crash.
Whoa! Josh’s mind exclaimed. Look at those moves!
Surprised by her captive’s unexpected resistance, Gossamer took a step back, then paused to inhale deeply.
With a rapid motion, Belmont reversed the short piece of the broken weapon in his hands. A split second later, he expertly flicked his wrist, causing the shard to impale one of the creature’s eyes.
Gossamer let out a pained squeal as blood trickled down her face. Clasping her injured eye, the spider-woman effectively blocked her remaining vision with her one good eye.
With a swift maneuver, Belmont swiftly rose to his feet.
“Why isn’t he teaching self-defense?” Josh asked incredulously.
“Probably because he would end up killing the students,” Abby declared.
The lizards that held Abby and Josh did not attack Belmont, but instead kept watchful eyes on their own prisoners. Then the lizard restraining Abby exhaled a putrid stench of decay into her ear.
In her mind, Abby wondered if Belmont’s actions had just sealed the fate of all three of them.
For her part, Gossamer exhaled a noxious cloud of fumes, staining the nearby books. Belmont swiftly dodged the attack, gripping the remaining handle of his spear. With a determined stride, he drove the point deeper into the spider-woman’s head as he passed, causing her to emit a final anguished wail before bursting into flames. The fire consumed her entirely, leaving behind only a pile of ashes on the floor.
Belmont paused, facing the two lizards, his eyes darting back and forth between them, as if he was conflicted. Abby found herself surprised by his hesitation, a side of him she hadn’t expected. Despite his obnoxiously confident demeanor, she was grateful for this display of humanity, but she still knew what needed to be done.
“Get Vlad!” Abby cried urgently.
“‘Get Vlad’?!” Josh exclaimed in surprise. This old man had just defeated the spider-woman like a skilled ninja, and now the teacher expected him to go after the vampire? “What about us?”
Without a word, Belmont turned and began ascending the stairs. Josh’s lizard dropped the boy and started to follow the thin man, prompting Josh to scramble to his feet. A realization dawned upon him. Ah, I get it — distraction! Josh thought, realizing that Belmont’s actions were meant to divert the lizard’s attention. But now he pondered his next move. Getting help is probably the smartest thing to do, just like Abby wanted before, Josh decided, and headed toward the door once again.
However, Abby’s lizard moved to block the boy’s path, dragging Abby along with it. Josh hesitated, uncertain of what to do next.
At least he tried! Abby thought, grateful for Josh’s attempt to free them. Now it was up to her. She thrust her head backward, smashing it against the taller lizard’s snout. Her skull throbbed with pain from the effort, but she hoped it would incapacitate the creature.
The lizard staggered, providing Josh with the opportunity to slip past and evade its free hand. He bolted out of the tower as fast as his legs could carry him.
Abby couldn’t help but smile. At least Josh is safe, she thought with relief. But what about the rest of us?
Above, the sound of thunderous crashes and breaking wood echoed through the tower. Then, a distinct thump-thump emanated from the stairs. The lizard that had pursued Belmont tumbled down the stairs lifelessly, its purple hide marred by bloody gashes.
The remaining lizard flung Abby away with a deafening roar, causing her to lose her balance and land on the cold floor. As she scrambled to her feet, she watched as it made its way up the stairs, chasing after Belmont. She briefly contemplated whether she should shout out a warning, but decided against it; doing so might alert Vlad Tepes to their presence, and the ongoing battle was already creating enough commotion.
I have to help him! Abby resolved, determination fueling her actions as she started toward the staircase. Another deafening crack resonated from above. Just as Abby reached the bottom step, the beast was hurled back down, colliding with the broken body of its fallen counterpart. In a blaze of flames, they both disintegrated into a cloud of smoke.
A sickening feeling churned in Abby’s stomach, but she steeled herself and pressed on. The odor reminded her of brimstone. Determined not to let fear consume her, Abby continued her ascent.