also seen my office. This spell is how I ensure my secret stays safe. Only those I invite may return.”
Athena pointed toward the water. “What’s beyond the ocean?”
Brayson smiled, enjoying her curiosity. “Allow me to tell you more about my world. There are four populated continents on Luvelles, and I’m responsible for counseling each of their leaders. Western Luvelles is divided into two territories. Though these territories exist under one name, the Lands of Kerkinn, they’re divided into two sovereign kingdoms. Eastern Luvelles, which I’m sure you can imagine by the name, lies far to the east, and the territories that make up this continent exist under the name Doridelven. Doridelven is an area known for slavery, and its leaders have been fighting amongst themselves for thousands of seasons. Eastern Luvelles is mostly populated by halflings, but there is another race that lives there, known as wood elves, who have a unique ability.”
Athena was intrigued. “That sounds interesting. What kind of ability, and how does it work?”
Brayson pulled a book from one of the wooden shelves that held a number of ancient tomes. After rifling through the pages, he handed it to Athena. “Wood elves have the ability to take the form of different animals. Usually, their personality determines what kind of animal they shift into ... unless they aspire to master the art further. This would allow them to assume additional forms.”
Brayson enjoyed the look on Athena’s face as he continued. “Wood elves are a special race. They can use the senses of their animal form while walking as men. This is the best way I can describe how their ability works. Wood elves are also known for producing some of the finest students of healing. I’ve sent more than one to Harvestom to train with the High Priestess.”
George looked over Athena’s shoulder as she flipped through the pages of the tome. Eventually, she settled on a page that had a picture of an odd looking elf. From the way the page read, this being had passed many seasons ago, but his life was extremely interesting, and the story beneath his name suggested that he was a tortured soul whose life had ended tragically.
Kepler looked over George and Athena’s shoulders and stared at the picture. “I would swear to Celestria that I’ve met that being before.”
George queried, “Really? How? The dude’s been dead forever.”
The Head Master quickly nodded. Brayson had to think fast to come up with a response. He knew the jaguar was right. Kepler had met the wood elf that was portrayed on the parchment, but it was not in the best interest of magic to remind the cat of a past that was meant to be long forgotten. “That would be impossible, Kepler,” Brayson argued. “That wood elf would have passed not more than four seasons after your litter was born.”
George looked up at Brayson. “Master Id, how in the hell do you know how old Kepler is?”
For a split moment, Brayson was wide eyed, and then he responded, “I have been to Grayham on many occasions. I was a young lad ... perhaps 250 seasons when I went with my father to Southern Grayham. I held Kepler when he was just a cub, but he doesn’t remember it.”
Kepler snarled. “I would not have forgotten that.” The jaguar adjusted his gaze and stared at the name on the page. “Keegle Finkus,” he muttered. “You’re hiding something. This isn’t this being’s real name.”
The Head Master anxiously reached forward and closed the book. “I’m sure it’s just a coincidence, Kepler. If I knew something, I would tell you. Many beings have faces that we believe are recognizable. But we’re not here to speak of the past. We should concentrate on your future. And a glorious future it will be if you and George continue to travel together.”
George smirked. “Whatever, dude. Let’s talk about my future. This ability to shift is intriguing, and something I want to learn more about. Is their ability to change magical or natural?”
Brayson’s brow furrowed. “A curious question for a human. Why do you ask?”
The mage shrugged. “Because I’m here to learn. Should I not ask?” He further thought, You’re not the only one who knows an ancient elf secret or two. Dumbass.
The Head Master studied George’s countenance for a fair series of moments before he decided how to respond. There was no way a human like George could know the secret of the ancients. “The wood elves’ ability to shift is magical. It’s