The Summoning Mishap

Milo the Apprentice has been practicing the Summoning Circle spell for weeks. Today was supposed to be the day he proved his worth to the Academy. But something went... wrong. Instead of a mighty familiar or ancient spirit, he's accidentally summoned Mr. Whiskers—the neighbor's cat. The feline sits primly in the glowing runes, utterly unimpressed, while magical energy crackles around them. Milo stands frozen, wand still smoking, wondering if he can pass this off as 'experimental familiar bonding' or if he's about to be the laughingstock of the entire Magical Arts department.

Panel 1·by BeanMachine

The summoning circle flares with emerald light as Thaddeus P. Wimplesworth, Assistant Junior Archmage, realizes he has made a terrible mistake. Instead of summoning a minor imp to fetch his laundry, he has torn open a rift to the Feywild itself. A towering figure of gossamer wings and burning eyes steps through—a Fey Queen who has not walked the mortal realm in ten thousand years. She looks down at Thaddeus, who is now hiding behind his desk, and smiles with teeth like daggers. 'Little wizard,' she purrs, 'you have given me exactly what I needed. A way back. And now... you will help me reclaim what was lost.' Thaddeus gulps. He really should have paid more attention in Binding Theory class.

Panel 2·by BeanMachine

Edmund the apprentice wizard stared in horror at the tiny dragon now pacing angrily inside his master's carefully drawn summoning circle. The ancient tome of binding lay open to a page that definitely did NOT show a reptilian monarch. 'Your Majesty,' he squeaked, 'I can explain — there was a typo in the Latin, you see, and instead of Malachar the Demon Lord of the Seventh Pit, I've accidentally summoned... Reggie, First of His Name, Supreme Overlord of the Fishmarket District.' The dragon sneezed a tiny gout of flame that set the curtains on fire. Somewhere in the basement, Edmund's cat familiar purred smugly. This was going to be a very long apprenticeship.

Panel 3·by BeanMachine