The Nameless Witch by Natalie C. Parker

Author:Natalie C. Parker [Parker, Natalie C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2023-08-08T00:00:00+00:00

16

THE BOOM CALL

The next day after school, all six of the prime packs in Riley’s cohort were in Clawroot, gathered in their usual practice field with Great Callahan.

Riley hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Mama N’s words from the night before. She’d known Ter’s situation was bad, but she hadn’t known how bad. She was even more anxious to get the coin to Ter so that Ter could contact the Free Witches and get the help she needed.

“We’re going to do something a little different today,” Great Callahan began. “Something a little exciting and a little tricky. We’re going to practice the Boom Call.”

There was a murmur of excitement. The Boom Call was big wolf magic, something they weren’t supposed to learn until every member of their prime was twelve years old. For a wolf like Milo, that wasn’t for three more years.

“I know it’s early for many of you, but given our current circumstances, it’s prudent that we move more quickly than usual.” Great Callahan’s breath puffed white as she spoke. “We don’t expect trouble, but it is always best to be prepared. Especially when it comes to witches. Especially when it comes to the Nameless Witch.”

Riley noticed Milo watching her intently. She ignored him.

“So who can tell me what kind of magic we use for the Boom?”

Kenver’s hand shot up so fast Riley was surprised they didn’t come off the ground.

“Yes, Kenver?”

“Acoustics,” Kenver said confidently. “You match your tone to the inherent resonance of another item, then use that resonance to change its state.”

“That’s right.” Great Callahan looked impressed. Riley swelled with a little pride for her packmate.

“I don’t understand,” Teddy said. “Acoustics is sound and force. It’s not alchemy. It doesn’t change things.”

“You’re thinking about it as a single thing. One that comes from you,” Great Callahan explained patiently. “Instead, think about acoustics as something that exists everywhere. The bits that come from you are just one expression of it, but everything—every animal, every stone, every tree or flower or blade of grass—is a part of a choir of sound resonating all around us, even if we can’t always hear the individual notes.”

“If you can’t hear them, then how do you know they’re there?” pressed Teddy, blue eyes narrowing. “Is it magic?”

“Good question. And, no, it’s not magic. It’s science. But science and magic are best friends. They make each other better. And sometimes it takes a little bit of science to unlock what our magic is capable of.”

She scooped up a large sack that had been slouched on the ground behind her and began to empty its contents. It was a collection of random items: a couple of plastic fidget spinners, a few apples, a coffee mug, a stuffed animal, a horseshoe, and chunk of wood carved into the shape of a howling wolf head.

“I want each prime to select one item and then spread out,” she said. “Find a place where you can circle up and work together.”

“Dibs!” Aracely dove forward before anyone could stop her and snatched the stuffed animal from the pile.

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