Help! I've Been Summoned By A Witch To Another World! Volume 1: Help! I've Been Summoned By A Witch To Another World!, #1

By Tim Elcombe

Alistair McNash desperately wants to be an author, and has worked tirelessly at this goal while working a dead-end office job. Then one day everything finally turns around - only for him to be summoned to another world by a witch's spell!

Now in the fantastical land of Ostium, Alistair and the witch responsible search for a way to get him back home. But they soon learn that Ostium is facing its own problems...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tim Elcombe
• Release date: Mar 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223988083

Book preview

Chapter 1

Bewildering Change

The alarm sounded. 6 AM. Another day.

Alistair's peach-coloured hand searched the top of the nightstand for a while until he could swipe his phone's touchscreen. When he took it he saw that he had a few texts. Turned out they were from his mother. He decided that he would read them later. It was probably just the normal How are you and Have you met anyone yet anyway. He could give his usual I'm fine but still waiting for the app to match me later.

Reluctantly getting out of bed, Alistair got out of his blue plaid pajamas and into his suit and tie. Using his phone's camera as a mirror he combed his short brown hair. His green eyes were glazed over. He had been used to this sort of routine for the past couple of years now.

Alistair had thought moving out of his parents' house would give him freedom. It was supposed to be great! Once he finished his novel, he could quit the dismal office job, move out of this tiny basement apartment, and finally eat something other than microwave ramen for once. And definitely get a new laptop.

And yet it had been four years since he moved out at eighteen. He had submitted several manuscripts to multiple publishers, and he had received nothing. Not even a polite refusal.

He sighed. Guess this was the real world, where dreams didn't come true.

Going out to the second of three rooms, Alistair microwaved some leftover ramen, ate it with coffee, and took his briefcase out the door to work.

His apartment door went directly out to the street but was under the front steps of the landlord's house. Thanks to automatic payments, he had not seen the landlord since he moved in, and he had never been harassed about missed rent since it was always sent on time. After mounting the side stairs, he began walking to the subway station. Thankfully it was only a block away.

From there, it was the usual drab routine. Take the subway to work. Clock in. Go to the desk and write up reports, emails, summaries, etc. Have a packed lunch and the odd coffee break. Clock out. Take the subway home. Pick up some more ramen and coffee. Arrive home.

Once Alistair got home he had his dinner, which was – surprise – more microwave ramen. He took a shower, got back in his pajamas, and then answered his mother's texts. As he'd predicted, it was the same old questions, to which he gave the same old answers. Sitting at his desk and booting up his laptop, he decided to get to work on his real job: writing.

Alistair had waited months for his last manuscript to be taken up by a publisher to no avail. So this meant that he had to start on an entirely new book. Looking over at his notes, he began evaluating each concept for potential. He found a few that looked promising and finally settled on one.

But Alistair knew this couldn't go on forever. Eventually, something would have to change.

Suddenly, he received a call on his phone. Alistair checked the call display and nearly dropped his device.

It was H&R Publishing House.

He swiped to begin the call, and heard a feminine voice on the other end.

Hello? Is this Alistair McNash?

It took a moment for him to remember to respond, trying not to betray his desperation. Yes, I'm Alistair. Who is this?

"It's Emma from H&R Publishing. It's about your manuscript, A Dark And Stormy Knight. Sorry, it took so long to review it, it got lost in the shuffle."

His eyes widened, unable to resist hoping. No worries. What about my manuscript?

My boss, Jessica Russell, is interested in publishing it and would like to book a consultation. Would next Tuesday at 2 PM be okay?

This was it. The moment. The glorious moment he had waited for all his life. Holding back his ecstasy he tried to reply professionally. Of course, that's perfect.

Excellent. She then gave the address to the office. We hope to see you then.

The call ended.

This was it. A publisher was interested. They wanted to publish his book! He couldn't believe it! He could easily take Tuesday off if he arranged it early enough. He had enough vacation days to do this. He could do this! Dear God, how could this day get any better?

God answered: a notification. It was the dating app.

Alistair opened it. It was a match and a message. A woman in the area, Abigail, was interested. She wanted to meet tomorrow night. Heavens above, she was gorgeous!

Alistair immediately replied, arranging the date. He was free tomorrow. He looked over her profile, amazed that her interests so perfectly overlapped with his. Fantasy literature, anime, and video games. Where had this otaku Galatea been all his life? She was literally a dream come true! This day couldn't get any better, could it?

Then he remembered. The lottery ticket his parents had bought him for his birthday. There was no way he could win that massive jackpot too. Was there?

He ran out to the fridge and ripped the ticket off. Sure enough, they were announcing the number tonight. He went back to his laptop and went to the site on the ticket, joining the live stream of the results, and just in time too. One by one, the numbers appeared.

19

Yes...

96

Yes.

08

Yes!

04

Yes!!!

He couldn't believe it! A callback for his novel, a date with a beautiful woman, and now he was a multi-billionaire! He couldn't wait to tell his family, his friends, and Abigail, that he was a wealthy author!

This was it! This was the happiest day of his life! Nothing could stop him now!

Evidently, one thing could. In a flash of light, his entire reality faded away.

* * *

He fell on a stone floor. Gasping in pain, he looked at his new surroundings, utterly astonished.

He was sitting in what appeared to be a lecture hall. Several people, most of them around his age, were staring at him. Most of them were human, but a few had pointed ears, others were short and stocky, while still others were tiny, but had the features of adults. A middle-aged woman, who appeared to be the instructor, had dropped her glasses.

He was sprawled out in a chalk circle, with several strange markings on and around it. And standing in front of him, at the edge of the circle, was a young human woman with peach skin.

She had long blonde hair that went the length of her back. She was wearing a purple dress with a knee-length skirt, with ribbons and other accents in pink. She had black flat shoes and white stockings with pink bows at the knees. She wore a pointed hat that matched her dress and was holding a red rod in one hand, the other similarly outstretched before her. Her blue eyes were wide with shock as if she could not believe what she had just done.

The room then erupted in conversation, though it was in a language that Alistair could not understand. When he looked at them, uncomprehending, the instructor pointed at a peach-coloured male student with pointed ears, yelling some order at him. He then came running down the steps, fishing out what looked like a small bottle from his robes.

The young man approached Alistair cautiously, pulling a dropper from the bottle. As Alistair stared at him, he put the dropper in Alistair's right ear. Alistair felt a warm liquid run down the inside of his ear. He shook his head in surprise, but then realized that he could understand what the students were saying from that ear.

Realizing what was happening, Alistair tilted his head in the other direction, allowing the student to drop more liquid in the other ear. Finally, the pointed-eared man opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue. Alistair did similarly, and another drop was put on his tongue.

Everyone else stared at him, awaiting the result. Finally, Alistair simply responded, Hello?

They were shocked, but delighted, fascinated. The young man put the dropper away and cheered joyfully. I can't believe it worked!

Now Alistair was sure about the liquid's purpose. Certain that he could communicate with those around him, he asked the burning question on his mind.

Where am I?

The instructor took this question. You are in Hecate's Academy of Magic on the border of Airlann, Mirelidien, and Thoiwyn, on the continent of Ostium. Do you know where that is? When Alistair shook his head, she turned to the young woman in the purple dress and said Then I believe congratulations are in order Ms. MacEirc. You have indeed summoned a person from another world, as you intended.

Ms. MacEirc looked at Alistair, then began dancing with glee. Then she suddenly remembered herself and said to Alistair. Oh, right! Can you tell us about your world? Uh, please?

Alistair leaped to his feet. Unsure of what else to do, he introduced himself and complied with the request. Assuming this was a typical medieval world one would find in Earth's fantasy fiction, he began describing a world with cities of steel and stone where only humans reside, having to compensate for their lack of magic by inventing a series of mechanical devices and mastering the processes of the natural world. Ms. MacEirc began furiously writing down this information on parchment, splashing ink whenever she dipped the quill in it. The other students were utterly enraptured by his story, amazed at the implications of his words.

Satisfied that he had answered all of Ms. MacEirc's questions, he then asked his second burning question, the answer that he desired most of all.

Can you send me back now please?

Ms. MacEirc stopped short, dropping the parchment and quill.

The instructor spoke up when her student didn't. "Ms. MacEirc, you did determine the means to send him back didn't you?"

The witch's face contorted in embarrassment, cringing at a clear oversight in her plan.

Alistair ran over and grabbed her by the shoulders, shouting in her face. What do you mean you can't send me back? I just got everything I've ever wanted! A publisher for my book, a woman who likes me, and a ton of money! Can't you do anything?!

Release her now, young man.

Alistair turned to see another of the tiny women at the top of the stairs, this one's importance indicated by her fancy robes and the golden wand now pointed at him. Her face was youthful, yet her voice held the confidence and authority of an elder being. Realizing that he was threatened by a power beyond his ken, he did as instructed and stepped back.

Ms. MacEirc bowed deeply. I thank you, Headmaster.

The headmaster stowed her wand. Both of you, with me, now. She then began walking out of the hall, seeming to expect that they would follow, which they did.

They went through the halls of the academy, going up every staircase they came across. Seeing Ms. MacEirc hang her head, he knew they were in some kind of trouble. He became so nervous that he did not dare to ask about the torches with blue flames or who the people in the portraits were.

They eventually reached a golden door with several symbols upon it. The Headmaster merely gave a wave of her wand and it opened, closing behind them once they had entered. Within, surrounded by various shelves filled with scrolls, tomes, and artifacts, was a large desk with a tiny chair. Another wand wave summoned a pair of larger chairs before it. Alistair sat upon one while Ms. MacEirc sat upon the other. The headmaster took her place behind the desk, speaking immediately upon sitting down.

I will be frank, this is an unprecedented event. But we must keep our heads cool if we are to resolve it properly. And by the way Mr. McNash, I am Meg Mullach, the Headmaster of this academy. You may refer to me as Ms. Mullach or Headmaster.

She turned to the young witch. Ms. Tailtiu MacEirc, while you have performed an incredible magical feat, summoning a being from a place beyond our current understanding of the planes, you made a grave and vital error. You allowed your ambition to cloud your judgment and overlooked the fact that such as creature would want to return to their home after you were done with them. Now this young man has no immediate means to return there, he is likely separated from friends, family, and as it sounds a turn of good fortune. His fate is now your responsibility.

Tailtiu hung her head. Yes, Headmaster.

Before Alistair could be smug about that, Ms. Mullach turned to him. And Mr. Alistair McNash, I understand and sympathize with your plight. But turning your frustration upon others, however deserved, will not improve your situation. For the foreseeable future, you must place your trust in us and cooperate with our efforts to get you home. And while you are here you will treat us, all of us, with respect. Do I make myself clear?

Alistair hung his head. Yes, Headmaster.

Good. I am glad that we understand one another. Meg Mullach then addressed them both. As I see it, there is one option that is most likely to resolve this. I have a colleague in Airlann's capital city of Wexmeath, who specializes in magical transportation, and he may have a solution. Ms. MacEirc knows whom I refer to. Tailtiu's face lit up, the guilt washed away by a tide of excitement. The king will likely give you an audience and refer you to him considering your incredible circumstances. I suggest you leave immediately. The supplies will be out by the front entrance.

The headmaster ushered them out of her office, closing the great golden doors behind them. Tailtiu then led Alistair through the hallways and down the stairs. They were silent the whole way, the air thick with tension. Whatever the headmaster had compelled him to say, he still resented Tailtiu for robbing him of the best day of his life.

They eventually did reach the main hallway, and a man waited with a pair of packs. As promised, each was filled with rations and a waterskin, camping supplies, and a decent amount of gold coins. Alistair also received a change of clothes, which he went off and put on. He was now in a green tunic, with brown pants and boots.

Alistair looked at the attendant. So is there a carriage with horses? Or just horses? A flying carpet perhaps?

The man shook his head. I am afraid you will have to walk.

Alistair sighed. Just great. At least back home he could get a taxi or a train or ride the subway.

The pair began walking out the great doors and onto the main road. At the crossroads, Tailtiu turned to the road on the right.

Alistair looked around. The road straight ahead led to a large series of hills, while the road to the left led to a great forest. As he followed Tailtiu along the road to the right, he could see flat plains, with very distant mountains on the horizon behind the academy.

Yeah, this was going to be a long walk.

* * *

It was hours until night fell, and by then Alistair's feet were sore. Finding a place by the side of the road, they set up camp there as well as they could. Alistair had been to a summer camp but had never actually set up camp before. It appears that Tailtiu had not done this either. Remembering what he had heard about camping from family and TV, he began preparing the fire and the tents, with Tailtiu following his lead. Eventually, they had a fire going. They took out their waterskins and rations, mainly bread, nuts, and dried fruit, and ate beside the fire.

Eventually, Tailtiu spoke. For what it's worth, I'm very sorry.

Alistair held back his anger. Thanks. While they were talking again, he decided to ask some questions. So I've told you about my world. Tell me about yours. What am I dealing with here?

Tailtiu tilted her head pensively. You're going to have to be more specific.

Alistair tried not to sigh. For example, who lives here? Your teacher mentioned something about Airlann, Mirelidien, and Thoiwyn. What are these three kingdoms and who lives there?

Tailtiu raised her index finger in correction. There are four kingdoms. Humans live on the plains in Airlann, elves live in Mirelidien in the forest, gnomes live in the hills of Thoiwyn, and dwarves live under the Frostpeak Mountains in the subterranean kingdom of Khedoria. Sometimes merfolk come from the ocean to live here. The whole continent is called Ostium.

Alistair nodded. Sounded like standard fantasy fare. Why do the dwarves live under the mountains and not among them?

Tailtiu shook her head. The fomorians live there. They're these giant pale people with evil red eyes. The dwarves use the tunnels to move around and fight them.

Monsters in the mountains, I got it. And magic? Does it involve those symbols I keep seeing?

Tailtiu nodded excitedly. That's exactly what it involves! They're called runes, and there's one for everything. To cast a spell, you need to draw runes on a surface. The more complex the spell, the more runes you need. And they need to be in the right pattern too.

And who's this Hecate that the magic school is named after?

That would be the First Witch! She was the first one to learn magic, taught by the god of wisdom, Ogma. She then taught it to each of her apprentices, even giving them the Rune of Immortality. Headmaster Meg Mullach is a more recent apprentice and started the school to spread magic to others.

Which explains why she looks young but sounds old. Interesting. So who are we going to see in Wexmeath?

We're going to get an audience with King Donnoghan to see Amergin, another more recent apprentice of Hecate, also known as The Transporter.

Sounds promising.

Tailtiu looked at him. Alright, now I get to ask questions. Tell me about yourself.

Alistair told her about his life—reluctantly—as it reminded him of what he had lost. He was raised by a pair of bankers. He had grown up fascinated by stories of all kinds