Jake thought about this for a moment. He could become extremely powerful, but he would have to stay here every weekend. How was
he going to explain this back home? He also wasn't sure he wanted to be in a place like Club Merah any longer than he had to. But
money and power are strong incentives, and Jake decided to take this opportunity.
"Okay, Ozzy, I accept," he told the otter man, "but on one condition: before I go home this week, you have to teach me a way to make
my parents and friends think leaving every weekend is normal."
"Unfortunately, mind altering spells are very complicated, so if you were expecting a magic solution, you'll have to wait. But I think I have
an idea to hold you over until then."
Ozzy reached over to the desk and picked up a typewriter. He set it on the coffee table and, instead of typing, began dictating. The
typewriter began copying his words of it's own accord.
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Turnstill;
Your son, Jacob, has been cordially invited to attend the Oswald Institute for Higher Learning. We understand that your son does not
make remarkable grades—"
"Hey! How do you know that?!" Jake asked, surprised.
Ozzy held up his hand to the typewriter and it stopped typing. "You filled it out on your application, remember?"
"Oh." That was the paper Jake hadn't been paying attention to while he talked with Dean.
"—but we feel that he has potential. With training, your son will be capable of far more than he ever thought possible. Our institute has
crafted many young talents and we believe Jacob could be our next success.
If you choose to accept this offer, Jacob would be required to attend our campus every weekend. Our property is located on a private
island twenty miles away from the Smalton Dock and features state-of-the-art accommodations. His room and board, education, and
traveling expenses will all be paid for. We believe that a good education should be free.
We will also give Jacob the opportunity to put his skills to the test. After class, he will work at one of our many on-island businesses
where he will be able to earn a very handsome paycheck.
We hope you will accept this offer as there is nothing more important than education and experience.
Sincerely,
Oswald Laguna, Headmaster"
He ripped the paper out and handed it to Jake, returning the machine to the desk.
"Alright, Lutro, that should be good enough. By the time you get back home, there will be a website for the Oswald Institute for Higher
Learning and several check sites to validate its authenticity. It will be your job to convince them to let you attend, but nothing speaks to
a parent better than the word 'free'.
"Now, let's go back out to the barroom. We have to tell the others about your position and Brer will teach you your duties."