The next morning we woke up to alarms blaring.
"What's happening?"
"I don't know. We were supposed to pick our classes today. But for some idiotic reason, the alarms are going wacko."
Headmaster Aldous appeared at our door.
"It's not something idiotic. The school is under attack."
"It's not the English is it?"
"No, it's the Kaiser Clan."
"Who are they?"
"They are the Clan that is native to this land. We have had trouble with them for years. They believe they have origins from the gods that tie them to this land. A few weeks ago I tried to make a treaty with their chief. But he wouldn't even let me into his tent."
"That doesn't sound good. Why would he do that?"
Heidi's eyes lit up.
"I have an idea. Maybe it's the fact that you're a warlock."
"Why would that matter?"
"The Kaiser clan believes that witchcraft and wizardry are a thing of the devil."
"That makes sense on why they wouldn't even try to compromise with you. They think that if they side with you they are siding with the devil since you are doing a work that is devilish."
"Well, that is just absurd. That means because I was born a witch, I'll always side with the devil?"
"Exactly. But I have an idea."
"Shoot Shimon, I believe in you even if your family doesn't."
"We could do an exchange program."
"What's that?"
"It's where we send one of our own into their camp and they do the same."
"That's a good idea. But Shimon, you are the exchange student since you thought of it."
"What? Why can't Heidi do it? I mean she knows more about them than I do."
"Shimon, I'm putting my trust in you. I know you can do this. I saw potential in you, and that is the whole reason you are even in this school. So show me I did the right thing by making our enemies: The Kaiser clan sign the treaty and become our allies."
"True. That is the reason I'm here. So I guess I have something to prove here because I'm not like a lot of other students mostly because I only excel in the potion side of the magical arts."
"You underestimate yourself, Shimon. Even Merlin, who was the original founder of the Grey Diamond Warriors, was a master in potion-making. Plus the grey diamond comes from a potion."
"So wait, a potion made the true source of founders of this school's power?"
"Yes."
"Well then, that means you've got a lot to prove here, Shimon."
"But we're missing one thing who will present the exchange program to them?"
A boy in a red and white shirt with oval glasses stepped forward."
"I will. The Kaisers have had a problem with us for hundreds of years, and I plan to make them our allies, not our enemies."
The ground shook as I felt something hit the ground in front of the castle.
"We better do this quick. It sounds like they mean business." the boy said.
"You're right Shimon, I will go with you. We have no time to waste."
"Sure. But who are you?"
Headmaster Aldous stepped forward.
"He's my son. His name is Cody."
"Dad, you're embarrassing me!"
"Sorry. It's just I'm proud of you for taking the initiative with volunteering. I wish both of you well."
***
Once we walked up to the Kaiser's camp, their guards surrounded us. The head guard stepped forward.
"Who are you and why are you here?'
"Were students from a magic school that was founded by the Grey Diamond Warriors."
"I'm sorry but we want nothing to do with satanic imbeciles!"
"I must apologize but we are not of the devil."
"Merlin was your founder and my people were cast to the side went Arthur became King of England."
"You define us by our past. You need to reexamine us by looking at our present actions and not our past actions. We have changed a lot."
"Your past does define you though."
"True. I'm sorry but we can't change the past and we will do our best to change our reputation."
"Thank you for your words. I will now allow you to enter Chief Blake's tent. But only one of you can enter. The other will be left standing out here until the discussion is done."
Cody reached his hand.
"My name is Cody and I wish to enter the chief's tent."
"Well, then Cody you may enter. Your buddy must stay out here and listen."
"Why can't I go in with him?"
"Don't you trust us?"
"It's not that I don't trust you."
"Then what is it?"
"I don't trust your customs."
"I believe that he should have a witness just to make sure he is treated well."
"Fine do as you wish. But you are not allowed to talk during the whole discussion unless Blake offends him in any way."
When we sat down as the chief looked at us.
"State your names."
"I am Shimon."
"I am Cody."
'Okay. Now, who is the main speaker in this conversation?"
"I am."
"Then Cody you may speak."
"We are to seek a compromise with your Tribes."
"Yes. I know. I heard the entire conversation from inside my tent."
"Oh, sorry we were so loud."
"It's okay. You may now present your case."
Cody's hand fidgeted as he spoke.
"Chief Blake, I'm here to present an agreement to propose an exchange program to you where you will send one of your own to our school and we do the same to show you who we truly are as a people."
"I have nothing against that. Who may I ask is your exchange student though?"
I rose my hand.
"I am."
"Well Shimon, welcome to our humble abode."
"So who are you sending to our school?"
"I'll be sending my daughter Rosalinda. But how will our exchange students stay in contact with us?"
"We will be sending letters from our designated headmasters to review their time spent in our homes."
"Oh, that means I have to review your behavior at the end of each day you will be spending here, Shimon."
"Really? So I guess I better represent our school well then. But how long will I be staying?"
"A measly five days at most."
"Five days? I understand the importance here but why that long?"
"Shimon, you already signed up for this, so you can't back out now."
"Fine. But can we meet Rosalinda though?"