“Where did you find a caladrius? Was it a summon? Or a purchase?” “What purchase?” Dorin asked wide-eyed. “Can I see it? Is it true that their eyes are blind?” Xander continued excitedly. [I plan to take her to the registrar’s later, but wish to inform you first.] Seb continued, ignoring Xander’s questions. “Well,” the dorm head said, “This is all so sudden... we haven’t had a magical beast as a familiar for more than 40 years now...” she paused. “May I ask where you got the caladrius?” [We met in the dark forest] he wrote. [It must have followed me here, she suddenly appeared in our room last night] “How do you know it’s a female?” asked Mordecai who was also back in the room. [I call all animals ‘she’ if I can’t tell their gender] Seb excused. “I would very much like to see her myself.” said Ms. Ermingard, looking excited. [Well, if you insist.] Seb replied. He faced Dorin who looked back

Dorin stood by the doorway with nothing better to do. He looked around and noticed a window at the end of the hall. He walked to the window and stared outside. The leaves in the trees are starting to change color. Back in Monarch forest, the trees start to change color in October. Isn’t it still August? “Well, it will be September next week,” thought Dorin, “but still, there’s a whole month of difference in the two places.” He stretched out his hand to reach a sunbeam. It was starting to get a bit chilly. Or perhaps it never really gets warm here? He was still pondering about the weather when he felt a tap on his shoulder. “There you are,” Said professor Dupont. “I was wondering where you went off to.” Behind the professor stood a blond woman who was staring at Dorin with a frown. “I know you!” She suddenly pointed at Dorin. “You’re that kid who was riding on that branch back in the highway!” Dorin stared back then brightened up. “And you’re t

Sebastian started to laugh. Dorin froze. He looked at Johan as Seb’s laughter got even louder. “I’m 15! Which makes me older than you two idiots!” Seb blabbered, standing up shakily. “15 and a half to be exact! That means you mooorons need to listen to what I sa--- mmph!” Dorin placed a hand over the Seb’s mouth and watched as Johan tried desperately to catch his breath. “You okay?” Dorin asked the fire mage. Johan gasped as Dorin kept his hold on Seb’s mouth.  “What... happened?” asked a bewildered Johan. “I think Seb’s drunk. I’ll take him to his room.” With that, he dragged the protesting friend to the bedroom and locked the door. He did a quick silence spell before taking his hand off his mouth.   “How dare you place your filthy hand on my face!” Sebastian spat out. “Have you any idea who I am?!” “Okay, I guess the beer was a bad idea after all...” Dorin said with a sigh. “Now, settle down...” He tried to

Dorin and Johan were shaking hands with Prince Xander in agreement when a groan came from the sofa. All eyes went to Sebastian. Dorin hurried to his side, touched his mouth and said a fast spell. A small pentagram sank into his lips. Azra flew immediately to her master’s side. “Ah, Sebastian’s awake.” Xander smiled at the other mage. Upon seeing them, Seb tried to stand up, pointed at them and opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He looked puzzled and touched his lips. “You’re drunk, Seb, go back to sleep,” Johan called from behind Dorin. Seb glared at him. “You feeling better?” Dorin asked his friend. Seb nodded. He appeared to be sober. “Do you remember what happened?” Seb looked at him, scrunched his face, and shook his head. “He’s still showing emotions” Dorin thought to himself, “He must still be a bit drunk.” Seb looked back at the 2 visitors and took a notepad from the table. [Why ar

“Why do you side with him?” The intruder asked, pointing with his taloned hand. “You should not trust these... mortals.” Dorin stared at the man. “Who are you?” he asked, a little too late. “Silence, maggot!” the man growled. He looked back at the dragon child. “Come with me, young one, we will go where we belong.” “Dragon belongs right here!” Johan answered back. “Isn’t that right, Dragon?” he asked the child on his shoulder. Dragon nodded vigorously. “You are young and foolish,” the man said again. “You don’t know what these creatures are capable of.” “And you have no right to take a fledgling from its father.” A familiar voice came from above them. The four of them looked up at the broken window. At the opening, riding an enormous white creature, was Damien Wolfsbane. “Damien!” Dorin called. Damien stepped off the creature, slipped through the broken window and landed gently between the intruder and the 2 you