Thomas and the Headmaster walked down the overgrown path toward the long unused Shaman dorm. The Green Key dorms were divided by class. The largest dorm was the Warrior dorm, and he smallest belonged to the Paladins. The Druid's dorm was several connected houses built in the branches of the trees. And the Mages had a tower, but smaller than the classroom tower.
The Shaman dorm was closed off from the others by long untended hedgerows. The main entrance to the dorm grounds was barely visible along the path.
"Maybe I should go get an ax to get through this hedge," said Thomas, looking at the wall of wild greenery before him.
"No need," a reply came from behind them. Ms. Nightfrost walked up behind them. "I thought this might be a problem, so I followed you." Putting her hand on Thomas shoulder, she turned him to look at her. "This is one of the first elemental spells you'll be learning with us. It is called Flame Shock. Shock spells are quick casting and use little mana. In elemental magic, fire is the most destructive type. So, this spell is often used to cause a little damage quickly, to disrupt or distract your opponent. Now I want you to try to force the branches in the path to burn. It should feel like the lightning bolt did; only you need to use fire. Not Air. Ready?" she asked, turning Thomas toward the hedge.
"OK," said Thomas, raising his hand. He again relaxed his mind and pictured the fire he wanted to make. He felt the fire build in his arm as his eyes flashed red, then released it. Instead of a ball of fire traveling to his target, the Hedge before them burst into flames.
"Well done, Thomas. I didn't expect you to be able to succeed that quickly. And your fire is still burning. An arcane Fire Shock spell is little more than a flash of flame." Ms. Nightfrost nodded with approval. "It will be a challenge to be prepared for the differences between mage's spells and shamans." As she spoke, the last of the fire died away, leaving a low tunnel burned through the outer wall of the hedge. Three more spells finally pierced the unrelenting wall of greenery.
Emerging from the burnt path, the trio entered a clearing with a large two-story building sitting in the middle of it. The building was made of stone, and had many windows along the sides. Currently the shutters were closed over the widows.
"I expected it to be in worse condition," remarked Ms. Nightfrost. "I know that several of the older students make use of this isolated spot for romantic liaisons. Although, it looks like no one has managed to enter the building."
"Let's hope we are able to succeed where they failed," remarked the Headmaster.
As they approached the main door, they saw that the dorm had not suffered from two centuries of neglect. The slats on the shutters were all there, and the stonework appeared in good repair. No vines climbed the walls, and the vegetation had stayed back. Even the paint seemed fresh, un-faded by two hundred years of sun. In front of the door, there was a sign placed to be seen from the front step.
23 Color, Year AM 1311:
After the collation attack on the Shaman clan of Brightmoon, it has become apparent that the Guild Collation has decided that no Shamans will be spared from their purge. In order to safeguard the students under my care, I have removed them from the Green Key School. I have sealed the dorm, until it is safe for Shamans to return to the school. The door remains open to shamans. May we return soon.
Richard Grant - Head Shaman instructor
"Try the door, Thomas," instructed the Headmaster. As Thomas stepped onto the porch, he felt like he was passing through a field of static electricity. Ms. Nightfrost attempted to follow him, but was stopped cold by an invisible barrier.
The Headmaster chuckled. "It seems the dorm has accepted Mr. Walker as a Shaman. Go on and try the door. We'll wait here."
Thomas reached for the door handle. It turned freely and he opened the door. Inside he found another note left by Mr. Grant, detailing how to remove the barrier that had been set around the dorm. Also in the room were neat stacks of books and other materials. In the center of the room was a small statue. As he approached, a ghostly image of a man, dressed in leather armor, and carrying a staff rose from the statue.
"I am Richard Grant, the last Shaman to teach at the Green Key School. When it became apparent that the guilds were going to purge all the shamans, I gathered all the school's texts and teaching aids for shamans here to preserve them. My hope is to be able to return to teaching here at the school, but I am afraid the hatred of the collation will not die that easily. I have left detailed lesson plans for you to train yourself in the more unique aspects of being a shaman. I would suggest you practice weapons with the warriors, and magic with the mages.
Do not be discouraged when your classmates pass you in these areas. Their classes are not planned for Shamans, but they will be able to help you learn the basics. You will need to learn about totems and some of our other skills on your own. The books gathered here will provide a guide for you.
It will be up to you to rebuild the Shaman class and our reputation. Do not attempt to seek revenge for the Shamans fall. Remember the renegade Shamans and the Shaman clans started this terrible war.
My final piece of advice is this: Shamans are jacks of all trades, but masters of none. A shaman can fill almost any role he wishes, but will never be indispensable in it. A Shaman's strength is in diversity. Remember that and you will do well.
Goodbye, Shaman. My hopes ride with you."
With that, the ghostly image faded back into the statue.
Thomas followed the instructions to release the barrier around the building. The Headmaster and Ms. Nightfrost entered shortly after.
"Well, this is a welcome surprise" stated the headmaster as he examined the texts left by the Shamans. "This will surely help you to gain the skills the shamans once possessed. I'm going to search through them. In the meantime, Mr. Walker, you should be moving your possessions to your new dorm. In fact, we need to have you register as the dorm head for this dorm."
"Yes headmaster," replied Thomas.
At the Warriors' dorm, Thomas encountered Lenard, who had just been released from the Healers' ward. Lenard was shirtless, except for a white bandage covering the right side of his chest.
"Lenard? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…" began Thomas, eyeing the bandage.
"Save it. I don't want any apologies from cheating little magic users like you. Why are you here? Packing to leave now that you've been expelled? Good. Now maybe the rest of us can advance, without having to wait for you." Pushing past Thomas, Lenard went to his room, and shut his door with a bang.
Thomas gathered his belongings and returned to the Shaman dorm, wondering what his new life as a shaman would bring.