After being led up several stairways, Teran found himself in the presence of the Director of Arcanum Academy. Teran expected to see a wise old man beyond his years with overwhelming power. Alas, it seemed he was wrong. Before him, stood a fair-skinned young boy of about 12 years. His brown eyes mirrored his hair and circular spectacles rested on the bridges of a slightly pointed nose.

Teran could not help himself.

“I must say, I did not expect that one of the most influential academies in the continent is run by a child.” As the words left his mouth, Teran silently cursed himself.

Think Teran, think before you open your mouth!!!

Fortunately, the child director did not let out a blaze of raging inferno to eviscerate him. Instead, he chuckled mildly.

“I am director Von Jotunheim, a pleasure to meet you Mr. Savorr, and if you’re wondering if your remark just now will get you killed, rest assured you are in safe hands,” Jotunheim assured him.

Teran suddenly felt a chill down his spine. The child in front of him had the air of an old man and it was as if he knew exactly what Teran was thinking. Jotunheim’s assurance had left Teran more guarded than before he entered his office. It seemed he was still in murky waters.

Jotunheim noticed Teran’s unease and continued. “As much as we would love to take in anyone in our academy, it is simply not practical to do so. This is a prestigious institution, and it has a reputation to maintain. As such, I would glean the circumstances of your arrival and see whether you will be a benefit to this school or a dangerous element.”

Teran gulped at the veiled threat behind the words. He would have to personally convince the child in front of him to let him live.

With a gesture from the director, all the guards left the room. Elan was also about to leave when Jotunheim raised his hands.

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“I would like you to stay Mr. Flores.”

“As you wish, director.”, Elan obeyed. The way the older boy stiffened as he spoke to the Director did not go unnoticed by Teran.

“Now that’s settled, explain yourself,” the director said, frankly.

“Well, the gist is that Duke Baldwin stole my mother’s amulet from her grave and I simply stole it back. Now it seems like he has paid half the continent to retrieve it. The amulet would fetch a high price but the Duke’s desperate.”

Jotunheim considered the young man’s words and eyed the crimson amulet around his neck. He probed the object with his arcana, but as it grew nearer, he felt his reishi being sucked in by the jewel’s force. In that instance, the director was able to glean a glimpse of the truth.

“I was right to send the staff out of the office. Mr. Savorr, this amulet is a shard of the Great Spirit Amo – the very source of our warlock abilities. Judging by his actions, Duke Baldwin is at least somewhat aware of its importance. It's plausible that there is a higher influence behind the man. For now, I suggest you keep it out of sight, that jewel is a powerful conduit of reishi and in the wrong hands could spell disaster unto the world.”, Jotunheim exclaimed.

“…that seems like something my mother would have; she always did talk about the Great Spirit like it was some god. Anyways, director, are you gonna let me join or not otherwise I’ll take my leave.”

“You’ll be accepted, but it’s because that amulet is too dangerous to be out of sight. I’m of a mind to kill you, but I sense a great deal of potential in you.” The short boy/man casually waved the threat aside. “Mr. Flores, I entrust this boy in your hands, that means he’ll be in the same cadre as yourself.”

Elan nodded curtly in response. “I guess you live to see another day Teran, come on – I’ll show you around.”