The Callers

The Callers — page 1 — 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

The Callers — page 2 — 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

The Callers — page 3 — Quin took another bite of the banana so he wouldn’t have to answer and traced the leaf shaped birthmark at the base of his palm You know I don’t think there's ever been an Octa vius who wasn’t a Caller Davinia grinned Just think you could make history little brother The first Octavius not to Call In any other family Quin’s lack of ability would be normal Callers were rare the ability to Call to conjure things was a gift that appeared only once every few generations But in the Octavius family the ability was not exceptional exceptional It was expected And anything less than a strong Calling ability was not enough Quin felt a familiar twist in his stomach the one that always appeared when he thought about the Octavius legacy and his failed Calling attempts And the test was next week He rubbed his palm again then stopped when Davinia smirked at him Shouldn’t you be at Chambers said Quin trying to shift her attention to something else Davinia’s grin widened and Quin knew that she knew she’d gotten to him Not today She shrugged Council doesn’t officially admit new members until after the tests 4 KIAH THOMAS

The Callers — page 4 — Council the ruling body of Elipsom was based in their city Orbis It was made up of only the strongest Callers New members were elected by current Council members Unofficially there was no way Davinia wouldn’t be admitted She was one of the strongest Callers to pass the test in the last five years And she was an Octavius Besides what’s more important than helping my little brother Chair Quin almost jumped as wood hit the ground next to him Davinia rested her hand along the carved back of the chair she had Called You’re not meant to Call constructed materials he reminded his sister even as he admired her skill There was little point in reprimanding her there wasn’t much that Davinia took seriously Quin marveled marveled at the chair’s smooth design and solid legs It always amazed him how each Called thing seemed so unique Davinia raised her eyebrows And you’re the expert she asked him She watched him as he studied the chair What are you looking at she asked And because she did it without a bite in her voice Quin took a chance 5 the CALLERS

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