Scones and Sigils

Al MacBharrais, a sigil agent in Glasgow, finds his seventh apprentice, Gordie, dead—choked on a scone. The death is suspicious, not just for its bad luck, but for the pattern: all of Al's apprentices have died in bizarre accidents. Al, past sixty and longing for retirement, is haunted by a curse that makes those he speaks to hate him over time. He's forced to use a text-to-speech app to communicate, isolating him from friends and family. As he investigates Gordie's flat, he discovers not only magical inks and sigils but also a caged hobgoblin, Buck, who claims Gordie was trafficking Fae. The world of sigil agents is one of hidden magic, contracts, and dangerous secrets, and Al is about to be drawn into a conspiracy that threatens both the Fae and his own life.

The Apprentice's Secret Life

Al's investigation uncovers that Gordie was not the innocent apprentice he believed. Instead, Gordie was trafficking Fae creatures, using forbidden sigils and inks Al never taught him. The evidence points to a larger network, with Gordie as a middleman for someone named Bastille. Al's grief is compounded by guilt and suspicion—how could he have missed Gordie's corruption? The discovery of advanced sigils and rare ingredients in Gordie's possession suggests a leak from within the tight-knit community of sigil agents or even the Fae themselves. Al's world, already shaken by loss and isolation, is now threatened by betrayal from within.

Hobgoblin in a Cage

Buck, the hobgoblin, is both a victim and a survivor. Trapped by Gordie for sale to unknown buyers, Buck is wary but clever. Al, needing answers, forms a tentative alliance with him. Buck's irreverent humor and streetwise instincts contrast with Al's weariness, but together they begin to unravel the trafficking plot. Buck's knowledge of Fae contracts and his own near-enslavement reveal the dark underbelly of magical trafficking. Their partnership is uneasy but necessary, as both are now targets—Buck for what he knows, and Al for what he might uncover.

Trafficking in the Fae

The investigation leads Al and Buck to the grim reality of Fae trafficking. Gordie's records, hacked by the eccentric Saxon Codpiece, reveal transactions with Bastille, who claims to use the Fae for "science." The emails and offshore accounts point to a sophisticated operation, exploiting loopholes in magical treaties. The trafficked Fae are not just victims—they are being altered, experimented on, and weaponized. The moral horror of the trade is matched by its complexity, implicating both human and Fae conspirators. Al realizes that the trafficking is not just a crime but a threat to the fragile peace between worlds.

The Curse of Silence

Al's curse is more than a personal tragedy—it's a weapon that isolates him from allies and makes him vulnerable. His inability to speak without driving people away has cost him his family, friends, and apprentices. The curse's origins are mysterious, but its effects are devastating. Al's only confidants are those immune or unaware: Buck, who is new to his world, and Nadia, his fierce and loyal manager. The curse is a metaphor for the loneliness of those who bear secret burdens, and it shapes every decision Al makes as he navigates the dangers ahead.

Inks, Contracts, and Betrayals

The world of sigil agents is built on contracts, magical inks, and strict rules. Al's mastery of sigils gives him authority, but also responsibility. The discovery that Gordie had access to forbidden sigils and ingredients suggests a betrayal from within the ranks of the agents or the Fae. Al's colleagues, scattered across the globe, are called into a tense council. Trust is in short supply, and the possibility of a mole or a Fae collaborator looms. The rules that keep magic in check are fraying, and Al must decide whom to trust as he pursues the truth.

The Hacker's Bargain

Saxon Codpiece, a hacker with a taste for the absurd, becomes Al's unlikely ally. In exchange for magical sigils, Saxon cracks Gordie's digital vault, revealing the extent of the trafficking operation. The emails, bank accounts, and contacts point to Bastille as the buyer, but also raise questions about who is supplying the forbidden knowledge. The intersection of technology and magic is both a tool and a threat—secrets are never safe, and leverage can be bought or stolen. Saxon's irreverence masks a keen mind, and his partnership with Al is both comic and crucial.

Fae, Friends, and Foes

Al's circle of allies expands to include Nadia, his formidable manager and battle seer, and Harrowbean, a Fae bartender who serves as his link to the Fae Court. Together, they navigate the treacherous politics of both human and Fae worlds. The Fae are divided—some loyal to Brighid, others to Clíodhna, the Queen of the Bean Sídhe, who is implicated in the trafficking. The lines between friend and foe blur, as old alliances are tested and new ones forged. The threat is not just external; betrayal and ambition lurk within every faction.

The Queen's Decree

Clíodhna, the Queen of the Bean Sídhe, emerges as a central figure in the trafficking plot. Her motives are complex—part nostalgia for the old days when Fae were powerful, part ruthless ambition. She seeks to make the Fae immune to iron, the one thing that keeps them in check. Al's confrontation with her is a battle of wits and wills, with the fate of Buck and many others hanging in the balance. The goddess's power is immense, but so is her pride. Al must navigate her threats and bargains, knowing that one misstep could mean death for him and his allies.

Barghests and Betrayals

As Al and Buck dig deeper, they are hunted by barghests—ghostly warhounds sent to fetch or kill. The attacks are relentless, orchestrated by Clíodhna and her agents. The barghests are both a physical threat and a symbol of the relentless pursuit of those who break the rules. Al's wards and sigils are tested to their limits, and Buck's quick thinking and courage are all that stand between them and death. The betrayals multiply, as old friends become suspects and new enemies emerge from the shadows.

The Gathering Storm

The crisis forces a rare council of the world's sigil agents. Mei-ling, Shu-hua, Diego, and Eli join Al in a tense video conference, each wary of the others. The possibility of a traitor among them hangs over the meeting, as does the specter of Clíodhna's ambitions. The agents share intelligence, but also suspicion. The global scale of the trafficking operation becomes clear, and the need for unity is urgent. Yet trust is hard-won, and the agents must balance cooperation with self-preservation as the storm gathers.

The Battle at Renfrew Ferry

Al and Buck, following the trail of the traffickers, arrange a meeting at Renfrew Ferry. Instead of answers, they find an ambush: a clurichaun, a leprechaun, and a troll, all altered and weaponized. The battle is brutal, testing Al's sigils and Buck's cunning to the limit. Injured and outnumbered, they barely escape with their lives, saved only by Buck's last reserves of magic. The encounter reveals the true danger of the corrupted Fae and the lengths to which their enemies will go to protect their secrets.

The Sigil Agents' Council

In the aftermath of the battle, Al convenes the sigil agents for a reckoning. The deaths of his apprentices, the betrayal of Gordie, and the scale of the trafficking operation force a painful self-examination. The agents must confront their own failures and the possibility that their system is broken. Al, burdened by guilt and the curse that isolates him, vows to find the source of the corruption and end the threat. The council is a turning point—unity is fragile, but the stakes are too high for division.

The Goddess's Truth

Al is summoned by Brighid, the First among the Fae, for a reckoning. In a meeting charged with emotion and danger, Brighid reveals that Al is not just cursed with silence—he is also cursed so that any apprentice or servant he takes will die in a tragic accident. The deaths of his apprentices were not random, but the result of a subtle, powerful curse. The revelation is both a relief and a new burden—Al is not to blame, but he is responsible for ending the curse. Brighid's blessing gives him hope, but the path ahead is perilous.

The Labyrinth of Lies

The investigation leads Al, Buck, and Nadia to a secret lab hidden in the Scottish countryside. There, the trafficked Fae are being experimented on, made immune to iron, and turned into weapons. The lab is run by Dr. Larned, a human scientist, and protected by both Fae and human agents. The confrontation is violent and chaotic—Buck's animated miniatures sow havoc, and Nadia's battle prowess is tested. The corrupted Fae are monstrous, their humanity and magic twisted by the experiments. The lab is destroyed, but the cost is high.

The Corrupted Fae

The last stand against the corrupted Fae is brutal. Al, Nadia, and Buck face the leprechaun, clurichaun, fir darrig, and undine, all altered and deadly. The battle is a test of courage, magic, and will. The banshees wail for the dying, and the line between justice and vengeance blurs. In the end, the corrupted Fae are destroyed, the lab is burned, and the human agents are left blinded and broken. The victory is bittersweet—innocents like Cowslip, the pixie, are left traumatized, and the threat of future conspiracies remains.

The Final Reckoning

With the immediate threat ended, Al and his allies turn to healing and justice. Cowslip is given sanctuary, and the trafficking victims are rescued. The human conspirators are neutralized, and Clíodhna is forced to withdraw—for now. Al's curse remains, but he is determined to find its source and end it. The bonds of friendship and loyalty, tested by betrayal and loss, are stronger than ever. The world is not saved, but it is safer, and Al has hope for the first time in years.

Curses and Blessings

In the aftermath, Al reflects on the cost of victory and the burden of his curses. He finds solace in small joys—tea with Mrs. MacRae, the librarian; a heist with Buck and Nadia; the laughter of friends. The curse that isolates him remains, but he is no longer alone. The fight against trafficking, corruption, and the darkness within himself continues. The story ends with a toast to friendship, courage, and the hope that, someday, the curses will be lifted and the world will be a little brighter.

Characters

Al MacBharrais

Al is a Glaswegian sigil agent, past sixty, burdened by a double curse: his spoken words drive away those he loves, and any apprentice or servant he takes is doomed to die in a tragic accident. Isolated and weary, Al is nonetheless fiercely committed to his duty—enforcing magical contracts, protecting the boundary between the human and Fae worlds, and seeking justice for the vulnerable. His wit is dry, his heart is heavy, and his sense of responsibility is profound. Al's journey is one of self-forgiveness, resilience, and the search for connection in a world that conspires to keep him alone.

Buck Foi

Buck is a pink-skinned, sharp-tongued hobgoblin with a talent for mischief and survival. Initially a victim of trafficking, Buck becomes Al's servant and ally, bringing humor, street smarts, and unexpected courage to the partnership. His irreverence masks a deep vulnerability—he is hunted, traumatized, and desperate for safety. Buck's journey from victim to hero is marked by loyalty, cleverness, and a growing sense of belonging. His pranks and jokes are both a defense mechanism and a bridge to friendship, and his presence challenges Al to open his heart again.

Nadia

Nadia is Al's printshop manager and the backbone of his operations. A battle seer with uncanny combat instincts, she is as formidable with a straight razor as she is with a spreadsheet. Nadia's loyalty is hard-won but unshakeable, and her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude keep Al grounded. She is openly queer, proud of her heritage, and unafraid to challenge authority. Nadia's relationship with Al is one of mutual respect, banter, and deep trust. Her presence is a reminder that strength comes in many forms, and that found family can be as powerful as blood.

Gordie

Gordie is Al's seventh apprentice, whose death by scone sets the story in motion. Outwardly eager and talented, Gordie is revealed to be a trafficker in Fae, using forbidden sigils and betraying Al's trust. His actions are both a personal betrayal and a symptom of a larger corruption. Gordie's secret life forces Al to confront the failures of the sigil agent system and the dangers of unchecked ambition. In death, Gordie becomes both a cautionary tale and a catalyst for Al's quest for justice.

Saxon Codpiece

Saxon is a towering, punk-styled hacker who trades his skills for magical sigils. His irreverence, absurd sense of humor, and penchant for sexual innuendo mask a sharp intellect and a deep loyalty to Al. Saxon's ability to bridge the worlds of technology and magic is crucial to unraveling the trafficking plot. His presence brings levity to dark moments, and his unconventional methods often yield unexpected results. Saxon embodies the idea that allies can be found in the most unlikely places.

Clíodhna

Clíodhna is a powerful Fae goddess, driven by nostalgia for the old days and a ruthless desire to restore Fae supremacy. Her scheme to make the Fae immune to iron threatens the balance between worlds and endangers countless lives. Clíodhna is both charming and terrifying, capable of subtle bargains and deadly threats. Her motives are complex—part longing, part pride, part vengeance. She is both antagonist and mirror to Al, embodying the dangers of unchecked power and the costs of refusing to let go of the past.

Brighid

Brighid is the ultimate authority in the Fae Court, wise and formidable. She values order, contracts, and the delicate balance between worlds. Her relationship with Al is one of mutual respect, tempered by the burdens of leadership. Brighid's revelation of Al's double curse is both a mercy and a challenge, forcing him to confront his own limitations and the need for help. She is a symbol of hope, justice, and the possibility of redemption.

Harrowbean (Heather MacEwan)

Harrowbean serves as Al's link to the Fae Court, blending into human society as a bartender while carrying out Brighid's will. She is graceful, discreet, and fiercely loyal. Her role is to facilitate communication, deliver warnings, and provide sanctuary when needed. Harrowbean's presence is a reminder that the boundaries between worlds are porous, and that trust must be earned and protected.

Coriander

Coriander is Brighid's herald, a beautiful and androgynous Fae who navigates the politics of the Court with grace and intelligence. He is both messenger and mediator, guiding Al through the complexities of Fae law and custom. Coriander's calm demeanor and sharp insight are invaluable in moments of crisis. He represents the possibility of understanding and cooperation, even in the midst of conflict.

Cowslip

Cowslip is a victim of trafficking and experimentation, altered and addicted by her captors. Her innocence and suffering highlight the human cost of the conspiracy. Cowslip's journey from victim to survivor is marked by courage, resilience, and the hope of healing. Her fate is a reminder that justice is not just about punishment, but about restoration and compassion.

Plot Devices

The Double Curse

The central plot device is the double curse laid on Al: one that drives away those he loves, and another that dooms any apprentice or servant he takes. This curse shapes the narrative structure, driving Al's isolation, guilt, and determination. It is both a mystery to be solved and a metaphor for the burdens we carry. The curse is foreshadowed by the deaths of the apprentices and revealed in full by Brighid, providing both the emotional core and the ticking clock of the story.

Magical Contracts and Sigils

The world of Ink & Sigil is governed by magical contracts, enforced by sigils drawn with rare inks. These contracts are both a source of power and a means of control, binding gods, Fae, and humans alike. The rules are strict, but loopholes and betrayals abound. The sigils themselves are plot devices—tools for persuasion, defense, and destruction. The breaking of these rules drives the conflict, as forbidden sigils and contracts are used to traffic and alter the Fae.

Trafficking and Corruption

The trafficking of Fae is both a plot device and a thematic engine. It exposes the dark underbelly of both human and Fae societies, implicating gods, agents, and mortals. The corruption spreads through forbidden knowledge, greed, and ambition. The trafficking plot is revealed through digital evidence, magical investigation, and personal testimony, driving the narrative toward confrontation and reckoning.

The Council of Sigil Agents

The rare gathering of the world's sigil agents serves as a narrative fulcrum. It is a device for exposition, conflict, and the testing of alliances. The council structure allows for multiple perspectives, the airing of grievances, and the forging of a fragile unity. It also provides a stage for foreshadowing future threats and the possibility of betrayal from within.

The Battle and the Lab

The climactic battle at the secret lab is both a set piece and a crucible. It brings together all the threads—trafficking, corruption, betrayal, and the power of sigils. The lab is a symbol of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the perversion of magic. The battle tests every character, reveals the true nature of the corrupted Fae, and forces Al and his allies to confront the limits of their power and the price of justice.

Humor and Humanity

Throughout the narrative, humor—especially from Buck and Saxon—serves as a counterpoint to the darkness. It is a device for resilience, connection, and healing. The banter, pranks, and irreverence are not just comic relief, but a means of survival and a reminder of what is at stake: the possibility of joy, friendship, and a life worth living.

Analysis

Ink & Sigil is a modern urban fantasy that weaves together humor, heartbreak, and high-stakes adventure to explore themes of isolation, justice, and the cost of power. At its core, the novel is about the burdens we carry—curses, secrets, and responsibilities—and the ways we seek connection and redemption in a world that conspires to keep us apart. The trafficking of the Fae is both a literal and metaphorical crime, exposing the dangers of exploitation, the fragility of trust, and the moral complexity of justice. Al's journey is one of self-forgiveness and resilience, as he confronts not only external threats but the internal wounds of guilt and loss. The novel's use of humor, found family, and the blending of magic and technology offers a fresh take on the genre, while its exploration of trauma, addiction, and the hope of healing grounds the fantasy in real human experience. Ultimately, Ink & Sigil is a story about the power of friendship, the necessity of standing up to injustice, and the enduring hope that, even in a world of curses, blessings can be found.

Last updated: November 17, 2025