Insightful? I don't think so and you're not that predictable. It's probably more likely that I've simply got a large database to work from than most, I've been reading fantasy and science fiction for some 45 or years,
Author's response
Hehe I guess that would play a part in it. Anyway, you are close, so I'll give a hint. I don't like leaving plot devices (such as Marcell's sword) up to inanimate things (like magic). Magic does have a part in it, but not from the angle you are looking at.
Here's the hint.
x,y chromosomes. Its vague and if you don't figure it out, it doesn't matter. But this hint will make a lot of sense when Alaman explains. Hehe I wonder if Dumbledore was like me when he was younger. Considering the vague hints, knowing everything thats going on (as far as this story is concerned), and being jovial about it all.