The Professor and the Starlight Phoenix

by Nathan David Ward

  “Then was it you who did the drawings on the floor?” Robin asked, sitting down beside the fireplace, pointing down at the artwork.

  “These are not Arlie’s.”

  He jumped back down and pressed his body against Robins to inspect them.

  “You drew these.”

  Robin frowned, and Arlie dropped the wand and began rummaging beyond the crack between the floorboards.

  “I couldn’t have done, I’m not at all artistic. A stickman is probably the best you’ll ever get from me...”

  “A stick man?” Arlie asked. “Yeah, a picture of a man, made up of lines. These birds were drawn by a professional artist.”

  Arlie drew out a black plastic headband from beneath the floor and placed it on his head. There were two yellow crumpled ping pong balls attached by springs that flopped and bounced as he moved his head. He smiled at Robin, who chose to remain silent, holding back laughter with great difficulty as he was reminded again of his daughter and the funny things she would come out with back home.

  “You know what, I’m not surprised I let you share my room. You remind me of my daughter, Emily. Please don’t take that the wrong way, it’s just you hold similarities that... let’s just say they brighten my day.”

  The springs on the headpiece squeaked and rattled as they rocked from side to side. Arlie’s eyes were wide and fixed on Robin.

  “Robin has child?” he asked, sounding surprised.

  “Robin met a lady?”

  “A beautiful lady, and her amazing daughter. I couldn’t get enough of them. So yes, Robin has a wonderful child, now. Her real father never seemed to want anything to do with her,” he frowned, glancing at the window.

  “Arlie is happy for Robin.”

  “Thank you, Arlie.” Robin looked back down at the drawings. “So, I have lots of questions and such little time. Are you up for the challenge?”

  Arlie grinned, exposing his sharp jagged teeth. “Arlie loves challenge, Arlie will do his best to help.”

  “Perfect. Then let’s start with this...” Robin pressed his finger in to the teal coloured bird.

  “What is its significance? I feel like it means something, like it wasn’t a coincidence that something similar flew right over my shop.”

  Arlie shuffled until he was comfortable, crossing his legs and peering down his long crooked nose at Robin.

  “Long before Robin lived in the Human world, Professor Robin Occamy lived here, inside the Institute for Morient kind. He was both a lecturer and captain of the Morient defences within the grounds. Arlie knows of Leonard, but Arlie much prefers his predecessor.” Arlie smiled. “Professor Occamy always had a fascination with rare mythological creatures and taught the young all there was to know of those that had been sighted throughout history. Arlie thinks it is for the best that you cannot recall these times, especially the day that Robin lost his sister to the dark forces.”

  Robin's Eyes widened as he leaned in towards the Imp.

  “I had a sister?” he asked in surprise.

  “Well, Arlie does not know what happened to her. Robin just told Arlie that she was gone and that he would do everything he could to save her. Robin left that day, it was still term time, the children were left confused and Grimtale hadn’t the slightest clue what was happening; however he knew that his colleague, his friend would never desert him. But he did, and from then on, no one knows what happened, only that Robin found his sister and brought the Count and his evil followers to Vinemoore, to the Institute.”

  Robin could feel his face burning, his cheeks had turned a rosy red. He felt an unforgivable embarrassment for a memory he no longer retained access, along with a creeping sense of dread at the thought of the consequences that may have followed...

  Arlie continued to explain, cautiously.

  “Everyone thought that Robin had betrayed those who had accepted him like family. Nobody knew he had a well kept secret, even Arlie was not told till the day he returned, ordering us to unlock the dungeons. He hadn’t only given a home to a formidable creature, he had bonded with it, under everyone’s noses.”

  History was beginning to slowly fall into place as Robin’s Eyes narrowed and his fist cradled his chin.

  “And this Count, he wanted the Institute or the creature?”

  “The creature, The Starlight Phoenix. For those who bond with the bird will forever retain heightened strengths until it moves on to another host. Arlie believes that the Count had been craving the phoenix’s power for many years, years that took their toll on his appearance. Even today, no one knows what he looks like, only that the last time he was sighted, his face was described as a reflection of something unimaginable.”

  The hairs on both their backs were now standing on end as a supernatural chill filled the confines of the heated room.

  “Do not underestimate his power, Robin. Nothing will stand in his way; those who did, we lost. Arlie is still grieving for the little ones who lost their lives that day. Arlie knew of the Counts murderous ways through stories, but when Robin released the Phoenix, when all hope was thought lost and his power cast away the dark forces, back in to the deep, bottomless holes that they had climbed from, nothing could prepare anyone for the sight that was waiting.”

  Arlie broke eye contact to wipe away the swelling from under his eyes. Robin was silenced, his face turned pale and was suddenly overwhelmed by guilt, embarrassment and anger. A raging ball of emotion curdling within his stomach.

  “No one expected the Institute to reopen for teaching. But we were the last hope for Morient children in Vinemoore. So, the Defence enforcers allowed us to return to duties, on the condition that you were exiled to the human realm with no memory of your past, and that the Phoenix be caged and taken away for experimental purposes. But you’d already been sentenced to a fate that must have felt like death, and with strong disapproval you gave the Phoenix a fighting chance, releasing it into the skies.”

  Robin took a deep breath.

  “I was a monster,” he claimed, failing to meet Arlie’s gaze.

  “Arlie knows that what happened was devastating for all, but no one blames you primarily for what happened. The Count was hurt and he never returned.”

  “Until now?” Robin interrupted.

  “He still hasn’t been sighted - only the Reapers. Which can only be a sign of what’s to come, and we know why they’re here. Arlie has heard of the Phoenix sighting in Shoulders Heath. Its people are panicked, and now the good and the bad are looking to engage, to keep its power out of the opposition's hands.”

  “But why can’t she be free, why has this got to be settled over one man's greed for the unthinkable?” asked Robin, fiercely.

  “Wouldn’t we all love to be free? Only, we know that there are people from both worlds who may choose to harm, or use the Starlight Phoenix. Arlie is certain that Professor Grimtale will explain it better than me, but one thing is for sure, you’ll need these...”

  Arlie rose to his feet and waddled over to the shelf beside the door with Robins wand held between his fingers. He gave it a swish, and two dusty books pushed themselves from the shelf and fell in to Arlie’s hand.

  “One of these is a book of spells that you favoured. The other is a short journal that may help you recollect lost memories. Arlie knows that you won’t remember, but it should help you rebuild the picture. A stepping stone for the new day.”

  Arlie handed the two books to Robin, who was still sat beside the warmth of the fire.

  “Thank you, Arlie. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

  Arlie smirked as he pulled a tatty gown from the crack in the floor and wrapped it around his body.

  “Arlie must return to work now, Arlie has to clean the main foyer and the dining hall.”

  Robin sniggered.

  “You mean all of those golden statues? Do you have a feather duster as well?”

  “Robin would like that, wouldn’t you...”

  He said sarcastically as he mad
e his way outside, dragging a wooden bucket behind him and closing the door quietly, leaving Robin sat in the centre of the room, with only himself for company and the sound of the roaring flames, keeping the chill from his bones as his long lost past caught ahold, tying his gaze to the Phoenix drawing on the floorboard. He could never look at it in the same way again, surely, as the sight of the artwork ignited an overwhelming sadness. There was no escaping the guilt, knowing he was living a life in the shell of nothing less than a murderer. But he had realised with his presence back at the Institute, he had a chance to redeem the title that many looked up to, even if it was considered another life back then, he knew the man he was today was someone that the Morient world deserved - even if he had no intentions of staying.

  Then in that sudden moment, Robin rose from the ground, breaking his mental ties and reaching for his satchel that was laid on the bed.

  “Let’s get this show on the road!” he said with a spark of enthusiasm as he pulled a pair of dark purple trousers from his bag and began changing in to them, replacing the dirt ridden pair that were still damp from the journey - even after being sat beside the heat that was bellowing from the fire, the trouser fabric was thick and would take a while to dry out completely, so Robin carefully laid them over the bed, right beside his coat, leaving just enough room to perch on the end of the bed and begin the insightful journey of witchcraft, alchemy, and this:

  Common spells for beginners, written by Professor Robin Occamy.

  CHAPTER 13

  Lessons Learnt

  An hour had passed since Arlie had left the lodge and the fire was now beginning to die down as Robin turned the final page of his ink blotted journal. It had been written in 1959, so it held a rather interesting and detailed account of the days he spent as professor. In fact they were so precise that he now knew exactly what he loved for breakfast on a gloomy Monday morning within the confines of the Institute, which was somewhat perfect timing as he began to hear the sound of footsteps, patting by his door.

  Robin slapped the leather binding together, threw down the journal and leapt off the bed, reaching for the doorknob and yanking it wide open just in time to catch Grimtale as he slowly wandered by, acknowledging Robin with a delightful smile as he stood under the door frame of his lodge with curious eyes a blaze.

  The curvy corridor was now lit by fiery torchlight that lined the walls illuminating the pathway, down towards the stairwell. Robin could just about make out the pink fluffy collar of Magenta’s coat and Silverstein’s silver shimmer before they disappeared from sight, down in to the stone tower.

  “Professor Grimtale! Hold up!” Robin called as he ran back to the bed and began to scramble his books in to the satchel. He assumed it would be wise to tag along and not get lost trying to retrace his steps.

  “Just one moment!” Robin's voice echoed from within the lodge as he threw his mustard coat about his shoulders and hung his satchel from his arm.

  “I’ve been reading,” he said as he reached the corridor, slightly out of breath.

  “My journals - everything. Only before I didn’t quite understand my importance - but now it’s safe to say, I sure as hell do!”

  He pulled the door to a close, leaving his damp brown trousers behind to dry. Then he turned to Grimtale with a look of relief - he was still standing ever so patiently, watching Robin’s fluster as he made his way over.

  “I’m set,” said Robin, adjusting the strap on his satchel and patting his pockets to make sure they were still full.

  “Then you’d best follow me,” Grimtale replied as he turned and continued along the corridor towards the tower stairwell the other professors had taken.

  “I assume you had the pleasure of meeting Arlie?”

  Robin suddenly picked up his pace.

  “The Imp! Yes, strange little fellow, doesn’t hold anything back - information overload!”

  “Precisely the reason that you were reacquainted, Professor.”

  Robin bit down hard on his tongue.

  “No, no. Don’t call me that, just call me Robin. I’m not ready for anything like that.”

  Grimtale paused for a moment, placing himself in another’s shoes to understand why Robin was reluctant to take up the title that consumed his younger self, as he needed reminding of the reasons - the things believed to be best left behind, he thought, glancing across at Robin. It was then he realised he no longer saw the man he used to know, the man who was caught by temptation. He felt a dangerous overwhelming trust like a time long forgotten had been recalled, only now he knew it would be different, this time Robin belonged elsewhere and Grimtale knew for certain he would stand by his word, if it meant returning to the ones he loved. He wisely made sure that in his silence he understood what Robin had requested, casting him a subtle nod of the head.

  “Come, a spot of breakfast is in order.”

  Robin smiled and gave his headmaster a pat on the back as the enticing smell of hot porridge oats wafted towards their nostrils, luring them down to the warmth of the dining hall, situated at the foot of the tower.

  As Robin neared the bottom of the stairwell, he began to hear the sound of chatter and cutlery clattering from the hall. It was quite busy from what he could gather, which came as a surprise, having only expected half a dozen professors, but as he reached the bottom and turned the corner, his sights fell upon a whole host of characters lining the oval tables.

  Sat at the far end of the hall were a bunch of rather peculiar looking folk dressed in dark grey trench coats, huddled together and minding their own business. Most of them were munching down on buttered toast and warm croissants as they nattered across the table to one another. Then closer to Robin were the familiar faces of Professor Yuri, Lint and Vargov, they were also sat tucking in to their breakfast, keeping the conversation strictly within the confines of the table space. Robin had already spotted Magenta and Silverstein across the hall, they weren’t hard to miss as they stood chatting to strangers - or so they seemed to Robin, who was still rather surprised by the turn out as he slowly wandered towards the nearest unoccupied seat.

  “Is this one taken?” he asked politely, looking across at Professor Yuri who was the most familiar of the group. Remembering the great lengths of conversation they’d already had. Yuri looked up and met Robins gaze with a smile and waved his hand towards the seat as he munched down on a mouthful of toast.

  “It’s yours, my friend. You’ve not met properly...” he looked over to the other professors sat across from him, then back to Robin as he began to pull away the wooden stool from under the table.

  “Oh, it was awfully brief. Professor Lint and Professor Vargov, wasn’t it?” he asked as he lumbered down on to the stool and pulled his satchel on to his lap.

  “Yes, and what would you like us to call you?” Said Teppi, who was sat directly beside him.

  “Robin is just fine, however I’m not opposed to Mr Occamy. What I am reluctant to hear is the title Professor,” he explained, keeping a watchful eye over Teppi’s shoulder where at a distance, Silverstein and Magenta looked to be wrapping up their conversation, “- that may have been a thing some time ago, but as of now, I am no longer security and I am most certainly no Professor!” he added, reverting back to the table where an understanding was waiting from all three professors.

  “By the sound of things, you’re well caught up,” said Yuri, sat opposite Robin, with a plate of toast held in his hand.

  “Well, thankfully I found a few diaries and a rather terrifying yet knowledgeable Imp lurking under my floorboards. So I’d say I’m off to a good start, but it’s still a lot to process. In fact, I’ve brought a few books with me that I’d like to get through, is it okay to be a little unsociable?”

  “Knock yourself out, my friend. Fancy any breakfast while you’re at it?” asked Teppi as he scooped up a large spoon of porridge oats.

  “I think I’ll go for pancakes and maple syrup,” he declared as he clicked his fingers.

  To the
tables sudden surprise, there appeared a stack of pancakes sat upon a white china plate, with a side of syrup and a knife and fork to go with.

  “Now that's what I call service!” Robin remarked excitedly, glaring at the hot plate of food steaming under his nose.

  Teppi’s eyes were wide in shock, but a grin stretched along his face wide and tall as he stared back and forth to his fellow professors who were also beaming with delight.

  “That was always your favourite dish,” Lillian said warmly.

  “We’d best keep an eye on this guy, next he’ll be hustling for our jobs,” joked Teppi. There was a roar of laughter around the table, even Robin gave a chuckle as he rolled a slice of pancake around his fork and crammed it in his mouth.

  “We all know that will never happen, I’m not that kinda guy, Teppi.”

  “Funny, that’s what you said before...” Teppi looked away and the table fell to a awkward silence. Robin didn’t seem phased at first, he was too busy enjoying his delicious breakfast to argue.

  “I’m sorry, forget I said anything. This is a time for positive attitudes, the past is no longer relevant…”

  “No, Professor. The past is very relevant. Excuse me...” Robin dropped his fork abruptly against the plate and sprung off his stool, directly into the path of Silverstein and Magenta who were on their way past.

  “Good morning, Leonard - Aline,” said Robin as he leaned in to greet them both, quickly pecking at Magenta’s cheek then reaching towards Silverstein whose hands were already occupied with plates of food.

  “Oh, are you taking those back to your room? It’s just I was going to ask if you fancied joining us?” he added, glancing over to the other professors sat around the table.

  “We have some last minute arrangements to make before the briefing, but thank you, Robin. I’m certain if there was one table to be at, it would be this one.”

  “Is that a compliment?” Robin asked, realising he’d probably never get to know, as he watched Silverstein press his way past with his sights set firmly on the stairwell in the corner of the hall, his shoes clapping like thunder against the stone floor as he disappeared in to the distance.