The Callers KIAH THOMAS Chronicle Books San Francisco
chapter ONE Quintus Octavius had been staring at the same blank spot on the table for twenty-six minutes Banana he said for the twelfth time He held his breath Nothing happened Again Quin opened his eyes as wide as he could Maybe he wasn’t staring hard enough Drops of liquid gathered at the corners of his eyes His eyebrows ached Banana said Quin a little louder this time His nose twitched He opened his eyes even wider still Something was about to happen he could feel it Someone behind him snorted Quin froze He hadn’t realized there was anyone else in the room
I think you almost had it that time said his sister Davinia Quin could hear the laughter in her voice He sighed What do you want Dav he asked keeping keeping his gaze fixed on the table I just want to help she told him I don’t want your help said Quin Maybe you should try something else said Davinia ignoring him She held out her hand Like an orange Or a melon Quin watched as the air shimmered and the fruit thudded softly on the table Then Davinia held out her hand again Though a banana does sound good to me she said with a sly grin But this time Quin was ready He shot out his hand as the banana shimmered into being and caught it before it hit the table Davinia rolled her eyes as Quin pulled back the skin Nice one Thanks he said with a confidence he didn’t quite feel Quin took a bite and Davinia’s eyes narrowed again You must be nervous about the test next week she said 3 the CALLERS
