Prologue

Long, long ago, in the country of Glampalia, it was not unusual to see dragons with their scorching breath and caves full of valuable jewels; unicorns galloping through meadows, their horns gleaming in the moonlight; or fairies buzzing happily through forests on their tiny wings.  These and other such mythical creatures roamed the lands alongside the other animals that are familiar today.  Although such creatures are now a thing of the past, some magic still thrives in a small fraction of the population.  
At the end of each school year, all Glampalian fifth grade students were required to have their DNA tested for signs of a certain unusual ability.  Those who were found to have this ability were enrolled in schools specifically designed for them.  These unique schools were located around the country, in almost every major city.  One such school was called the Nymahaxen Academy for Laminas.

Chapter 1
The School in the Woods

Nelma Thyria was a seemingly ordinary Glampalian school girl.  When her DNA test results came in the mail during summer vacation, she and her parents were astonished to discover that she had a unique ability, which the letter had mysteriously neglected to explain. The letter also stated that she had been enrolled in Nymahaxen Academy, which was in the city of Nymahaxen, where they lived.
“Well, at least it’s close by,” said her mother, ever the optimist.
“But what if none of my friends are going to go there?” asked Nelma apprehensively. “And what’s this ‘unique ability’ thing?”
Her father laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry; you’ve always been good at making new friends. And I’m sure the principal will explain everything once you get there.”
“I hope so,” Nelma replied.

On the first day of school, Nelma was still nervous. She ran her brush through her long brown hair many times in an attempt to calm herself before putting it into her customary ponytail.
“Are you ready to go?” asked her mother, popping her head into Nelma’s room.
“Just a sec,” said Nelma, grabbing her backpack and slinging it over her shoulder.
The drive took them down a dusty, abandoned-looking road and into a densely wooded forest. Nelma peered doubtfully out the passenger seat window.
“Are you sure this is the right way?” she asked worriedly.
Her mother looked slightly panicked. “That’s what it says on these instructions,” she replied, flustered.
Suddenly, a friendly-looking, red-bearded stranger appeared out of nowhere and flagged them down. Nelma’s mother rolled down her window as he walked towards them.
“Where are you going?” he asked. He seemed genuinely curious in their destination.
“We’re looking for a school called Nymahaxen Academy. This is my daughter’s first day of school. Could you help us find the way?” Mrs. Thyria seemed relieved to find that they were still within reach of civilization.
The stranger smiled through his bushy red beard. “I thought you might be going there. I work there. Just keep going along this road and you should get to the school.”
The man had been right. After a few more minutes down the dusty road, a magnificent, three-story, red brick building came into view.
“This is it,” the red-bearded man suddenly appeared again. “Go in through the front gates there. Walk down the hallway and to the big wooden doors on your left. Other students are already waiting there for the principal’s speech.”
“Thank you so much,” Mrs. Thyria replied.
“No problem,” the bearded man said. “Have a nice day.” He disappeared back into the woods.
Nelma’s mother hugged her daughter tightly. “Bye, Nelma dear. Have a fantastic first day!”
“I will, Mom. Bye!” And with that, Nelma strolled through the tall, bronze gates, her heart pounding nervously.