At the Great Gray lodge, home to the Great Wolf Pack, Austin, and the others are gathered in the living room.

“Take Austin back to Santana do Livramento.” Anakin said.

“Yes, Keal heard a rumor that Austin there has trouble using magic. So he insists that you make a wand soon.” Rebekah said.

“A wand?” Austin asked.

“It’s a tool for conveying your intentions to the fae.” Alisa said.

“A wand, huh? Sounds kinda medieval. Is there, like, a magic app or something?” Austin said.

Alisa scoffs. “Magic doesn't work on apps, Austin. A wand focuses your will. It helps you direct the flow of magic.”

“And besides, you don't want to be caught without a wand in the Fae Realm. Trust me.” Anakin added.

“He would like you to come see him,” Rebekah said.

“See? There has to be a better way. Maybe a voice-activated wand? Like Siri for magic?” Austin said.

Alisa rolls her eyes. “Wizards don't exactly rely on sarcasm to cast spells, Austin. A wand is an extension of yourself, it channels your focus.”

“Besides, imagine trying to explain Siri to a grumpy old Fae Lord. Not a recipe for success.” Anakin said.

“Anakin is right, that's why you must go alone.” Rebekah said.

“Austin? By himself?” Jason said.

“Wait, what? Alone? I barely know my way around here, let alone some hidden wolf land! There has to be someone who can come with me. Someone who can, you know, explain things.” Austin said.

Rebekah said. “There won't be time for explanations, Austin. Keal needs you there now. We'll brief you as best we can before you go.”

“Brief me? On what? How to survive on a budget? Look, I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I'm not exactly.” Austin said.

Some days later. As Austin prepares to go on his trip to the capital of werewolves. Alisa prepares some sandwiches for him.

Alisa handed Austin a wrapped package “Here, some sandwiches for the journey. Try not to get lost in the capitol. And if you see any grumpy old werewolves, try to keep the sarcasm to a minimum.

“Thanks Alisa.” Austin said.

He wasn't sure what to expect in Santana do Livramento, but Alisa's advice seemed like a good place to start.

Rebekah, Austin, and Rhett sit on the Bear Grylls’s back, getting ready to leave.

Rebekah said. "Remember, Austin, be respectful to Keal. He may be gruff, but he's powerful."

Austin said. "Right, respect the grumpy old wolfman. Got it."

Jason said. "Try to relax, Austin. It won't be that bad."

Austin said "Easy for you to say, Mr. I'm-Related-to-Werewolves. I'm just a magic-challenged outsider."

"Hold on tight, everyone! We're about to take off!” Bear Grylls said In a gruff voice.

As they approach the city, Austin can see the towering buildings and bustling streets of Santana do Livramento. Bear Grylls lands gracefully in a large square, and Austin slides off his back, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

Rebekah hands him a small pouch containing a map and some silver coins. "This should help you find your way around," she says. "And remember, be careful. The city can be dangerous, especially for a wizard like you."

Austin nods, tucking the pouch into his belt. "Got it. Thanks for the lift, Bear Grylls."

Bear Grylls growls a farewell, and Austin watches as he bounds away, disappearing into the crowd. He takes a deep breath, adjusts his wand, and sets off into the unknown.

As he walks through the city, Austin marvels at the strange shops and market stalls. He sees werewolves of all shapes and sizes, some in human form, others in their lupine state. He notices that many of them wear small talismans or charms around their necks, and he wonders what they signify.

After a few minutes of walking, Austin comes to a large, imposing building with a sign that reads "Keal's Tower". He takes a deep breath, grips his wand tightly, and pushes open the door.

Inside, he finds himself in a grand hallway, lined with tapestries and lit by flickering torches. A figure stands at the far end of the hall, watching him. It's Keal, the werewolf who summoned him.

"Ah, Austin," Keal says in a deep, rumbling voice. "Welcome to my home. I see you're punctual. I appreciate that."

Austin bows slightly, trying to hide his nervousness. "Thanks for having me, Keal. I'm eager to learn more about my...abilities."

Keal nods, his eyes glinting in the torchlight. "I think we can help each other, Austin. Let's get started, shall we?”

At the foot of Nevin’s tree, the dragon that Austin met a little while back.

“Nevin’s tree, you do remember his last request.” Keal said.

“Yes, I remember.” Austin said.

As Keal tosses a handsaw to Austin. “It’s your wand. You’ve gotta cut it yourself.”

Austin catches the handsaw and looks at it uncertainly. "Uh, thanks, Keal. But, um, aren't wands supposed to be, like, magical or something?"

Keal chuckles. "Oh, they are. But the magic comes from within, Austin. The wand is just a tool to focus your energy. And besides, I think you'll find that Nevin's tree has a special property that will make your wand quite...unique."

Austin looks at the tree, then back at Keal. "Okay, I trust you. But, uh, how do I know which branch to cut?"

Keal smiles. "Ah, that's the easy part. Just close your eyes, feel the magic within you, and let your instincts guide you."

Austin gets to gather a branch for his wand.

“Are you okay?” Rhett asked.

“Y-Yeah.” Austin said as he takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and reaches out with his senses. As he crawls forward on a branch, he slips and falls. “Ah!”

“Austin.” Rhett shouted as he caught Austin in his human form. “What is wrong with you?!”

Austin groans, rubbing his head. "I'm fine, Rhett. Just a little clumsy, I guess."

Rhett helps Austin to his feet, looking at him with concern. "You're not exactly the most graceful person, are you?"

Austin chuckles. "I guess not. But hey, at least I'm trying, right?"

Keal approaches them, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Well, it seems like you've found your branch, Austin. Even if you did need a little help getting to it."

Austin grins, feeling a bit embarrassed but also relieved. "Yeah, thanks, Rhett. I owe you one."

Rhett smiles and claps Austin on the back. "No problem, buddy. Now, let's get that wand made, shall we?"

Keal nods, gesturing to the handsaw lying on the ground. "Indeed. Let's get to work, Austin. Your magic is waiting.”

At night, at the Great Gray lodge. Alisa brings cups of tea to Shaina and Rider.

“Oh, thanks, Alisa.” Rider said.

“Boy, it’s quiet.” Alisa said.

“Yes.” Rider said.

“How is Jason?” Shaina said.

"He's doing well," Alisa replied. "Still a bit worried about Austin, but I'm sure he'll be fine. Keal is a good teacher, and Austin has a lot of potential."

Shaina nodded, taking a sip of her tea. "I'm sure he'll be okay. Austin is a quick learner, and he's got a lot of heart."

Rider added, "And Rhett is there to help him out. Those two are like brothers already."

Alisa smiled, sitting down beside them. "I'm glad they're getting along so well. It's always easier when you have someone watching your back."

The three of them sat in silence for a moment, sipping their tea and enjoying the peacefulness of the night.

In his room, Jason was looking at his window, then suddenly, a bird appeared in the window.

“Hello, Mr. Gary. My name is Adolf Stroud. I’m with the College administration.” the bird said.

“College?” Jason asked.

“I’ll get straight to business. I’d like to speak in depth about the future of the human boy.” the bird said.

At night, in Santana do Livramento. Keal and Austin sit down for dinner.

Keal smiled, gesturing to the plate in front of Austin. "Try the steak, it's one of my favorites."

Austin took a bite, savoring the flavor. "Mmm, this is amazing. Thanks, Keal."

Keal nodded, his eyes gleaming with warmth. "I'm glad you like it. So, Austin, tell me more about yourself. What do you hope to achieve with your magic?"

Austin thought for a moment, taking another bite of his steak. "I'm not really sure. I mean, I know I want to help people, but I'm not sure how. I feel like I have a lot to learn."

Keal nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That's a good start. Knowing what you don't know is the first step to learning. And I'm here to help you, Austin. We'll work together to unlock your potential."

As they continued eating and talking, Austin felt a sense of gratitude towards Keal. He was starting to feel more at ease in this new world, and he knew it was all thanks to Keal's guidance.

“Hmm? You’ve got scrapes all over. Let me see.” Keal said as Austin held his hand out to him. He uses a bit of magic and the scratches on Austin’s arm disappear.

“Wow.” Austin said.

“My hands are what’s called healing hands.

As long as you aren’t mortally wounded, I can heal you on the spot. There used to be more of us before. But not many have been born in the past few hundred years.” Keal said.

Austin's eyes widened in amazement. "That's incredible! I've never seen anything like it."

He looked at Keal's hands with newfound respect, grateful for the werewolf's healing abilities. "Thanks for fixing me up, Keal. I owe you one."

Keal chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No need to thank me, Austin. I'm just glad I could help. Now, let's get back to dinner. We've got a lot to discuss."

Austin nodded, taking another bite of his steak. He felt a sense of wonder and excitement at the prospect of learning more about his magic and the world of werewolves.

He knew that he had a lot to learn, but with Keal's guidance, he felt like he could accomplish anything.

As they continued eating and talking, Austin felt a sense of belonging that he had never felt before. He knew that he had found a true friend and mentor in Keal, and he was grateful for it.

“How long have you been alive, Kael? Are other mages long-lived, too?” Austin asked.

“No, I was born around the same time as Jason's father, 3 years later, also I'm one of the few werewolves that knows Magic.” Kael answered.

Austin's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that's amazing!”

“But I am not immortal, we are much like you humans.” Kael said.

“Oh!” Austin said.

“That’s why you were making such a fuss earlier.” Kael said. “Those idiots! They haven't explained anything! What do they…”

“Err, sorry, I should have asked Jason.” Austin said.

“Hmm…Austin, the reason I brought you here alone is because I’m worried. You seem to want him to tame you, as one would a reindeer, you seem to be content with that.” Kael said.

Austin looks away from Kael and says. “The person who gave birth to me told me that they shouldn’t have. My mother didn’t need me, so she ran away and I never knew my father.”

Keal's expression softened, his eyes filled with compassion. "Austin, I'm so sorry to hear that. It sounds like you've had a difficult past. But I want you to know that you are wanted and needed here. Your magic, your curiosity, and your heart are all valuable assets to our community."

Austin looked up at Keal, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "Thanks, Keal. That means a lot coming from you. But I'm still trying to figure out who I am and where I belong."

Keal nodded, his voice gentle. "I know it's not easy, Austin. But you're not alone. I'm here to help you, and so are the others. We'll support you every step of the way."

Austin smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude and belonging. "Thanks, Keal. That means everything to me."

Keal smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime, Austin. Now, let's get back to dinner. We've got a lot to discuss, and I have a feeling that your future is going to be bright.”

After dinner. Keal and Austin are gathered in a tent.

Keal pulls out a small, leather-bound book and hands it to Austin. "This is a book of spells, Austin. It's been passed down through generations of werewolves and contains some of our most powerful magic."

Austin takes the book, feeling a surge of excitement and gratitude. "Thanks, Keal. This is amazing."

Keal nods, his eyes serious. "I want you to have it, Austin. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use this magic wisely."

Austin nods, feeling a sense of determination and purpose. "I will, Keal. I promise."

Keal smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know you will, Austin. You have a good heart and a strong spirit. I'm proud of you."

Austin feels a sense of pride and belonging, knowing that Keal believes in him. He opens the book, eager to start learning and exploring the magic within.

As they sit in the tent, surrounded by the quiet of the night, Austin feels a sense of peace and contentment wash over him. He knows that he has found a true friend and mentor in Keal, and he is grateful for the journey that has brought him to this moment.

"What's our next step, Keal?" Austin asks, looking up from the book.

Keal smiles, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Our next step, Austin, is to practice your magic. And I have just the thing in mind."

Austin grins, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. He knows that with Keal by his side, he can accomplish anything.

At the Great Gray lodge. Jason continues talking through the bird.

"Adolf Stroud, what do you mean by the future of the human boy? Austin is a friend to us all and has found a new family among our pack," Jason said, his voice firm but curious.

"Ah, yes, well, that's precisely what I'm getting at, Jason. You see, the College has been watching Austin's progress, and we believe he has great potential. We'd like to offer him a place at our institution, to hone his magical abilities and become a true asset to our world," the bird replied.

Jason's eyes narrowed slightly, unsure of what to make of the offer. "I'm not sure, Adolf. Austin has only just begun to learn about his magic. I don't want him to feel overwhelmed or pressured."

"Ah, I understand your concerns, Jason. But I assure you, our intentions are pure. We want to help Austin reach his full potential, and in doing so, help our world become a better place. We'll provide him with the best education and training, and he'll be surrounded by others like him, who understand what it's like to be different," the bird said.

Jason thought for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. He knew that Austin had a lot to learn, but he also knew that the College could provide him with opportunities he wouldn't find elsewhere.

"Alright, Adolf. I'll talk to Austin and see what he thinks. But I warn you, he's not one to be pushed around. He'll make his own decision, and if it's not what you want to hear, you'll have to respect that," Jason said.

The bird nodded, "Of course, Jason. I expected as much. Please let Austin know that we'

re waiting for his response, and we hope he'll consider our offer.”

“Of course.” Jason said.

“And remember this, You’re going to ruin him if you continue to do nothing more than let him live with you.” The bird said.

Jason gasped.

Fifteen: We live and learn

0 Comments