Summoner: Origins The Prequel by Taran Matharu Read Free Book Online

to be able to see what they do. Of course you will only be able to see black and white with yours. Canids and their various cousins are all colour blind.’
    Arcturus smiled, glad to confirm his suspicions. Still, it was strange that he had been able to do it, if briefly, without a stone at all. He would have to investigate that later. The fact that Sacharissa could somehow be ‘infused’ into his body filled him with both excitement and apprehension. Could that really be possible?
    â€˜Right, that’s enough for one day. I’m your Provost not your teacher.’ Obadiah said, shaking his head as if surprised he had shared so much.
    â€˜Thank you, Lord Forsyth,’ Arcturus said, holding out his hand. ‘I look forward to learning more. May I ask, would it be possible for you to take me back to Sacharissa and then show me how to find the baths?’
    â€˜I’m not your servant, insolent boy,’ Obadiah snapped, ignoring the hand and stamping out of the room. ‘We can collect your demon because it’s on the way, but there’s no time for a bath now, you’ll have to wait until later. It’s breakfast time. I’m going to announce your arrival to the other students.’

7
    Obadiah led Arcturus to the dining hall, taking him into the Atrium and beneath the carved archway. Sacharissa paced protectively beside them, sniffing with excitement as they passed through the doors and the scent of food pervaded the air.
    The room was filled with low stone tables, surrounded by a dozen servants who scurried around with platters of food. Some of them were dwarves, with thick braided beards and long ponytails. Ulfr was among them, marked out by a purple bruise that must have blossomed on his forehead overnight.
    An enormous statue dominated the centre of the room: an armoured man with a powerful build and short beard. His stony gaze seemed to fix on Arcturus, following him as he walked deeper into the room. The level of detail was extraordinary, as if a giant had been turned to stone.
    Despite the size of the dining hall, only a few tables were occupied, with an assortment of boys and girls who had turned to stare at them. Arcturus could see bacon and eggs piled high, the gamy scent filling his nostrils and flooding his mouth with saliva.
    â€˜Good morning, students,’ Obadiah said, striding ahead of Arcturus to stand beside them. He paused, looking at them expectantly.
    â€˜Good morning, Provost Forsyth, sir,’ the students echoed back dutifully, though the tone was one of exasperation rather than respect.
    â€˜I would like to introduce you to our newest student . . .’ He paused, and Arcturus realised that Charles Faversham was seated with the others, staring at him with hatred in his eyes. ‘Ah, I see that Charles has arrived at last. Has he filled you in?’
    There were several nods from the table and Obadiah smiled.
    â€˜In that case, I shall give you a brief summary of the events that have lead to a commoner joining Vocans. On his way here, Charles mislaid his summoning scroll. It was stolen by young Arcturus here.’
    Charles shifted in his seat uncomfortably, before shooting Arcturus another malice laden look. Arcturus realised that the young noble must have neglected to mention that part in his version of the story. Obadiah didn’t seem to notice Charles’s embarrassment and carried on blithely.
    â€˜By some quirk of nature, he was able to summon the demon Lord Faversham had captured for Charles. After proper interrogation, King Alfric decided that it would be in Hominum’s best interest to train the boy.’
    One of the nobles stood up, a tall, heavyset lad with a square jaw and a cap of blonde curls.
    â€˜Father, how is this possible?’ the boy asked, giving Arcturus a disdainful look. ‘The gift is passed through the blood, it is not some randomly occurring ability.’
    â€˜Do not interrupt,