A Time for Magic

by Jessa Ford

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2020 by Jessa Ford

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  For my daughter, who is proof magic is real.

  BEFORE

  The street lights dimmed at once, as if commanded by an outside force. Any passersby would assume there had been an outage on this quiet side street near the heart of the busy city. Lights, after all, go out all the time. If one stopped and really allowed themselves to take in the surroundings, however, they may have noticed a slight buzz in the air; almost as if an electric charge hung in place. Magic, very strong magic, was known to have that effect. Though Telgria was a city familiar with magic, it hadn’t felt a surge of strong magic in nearly twenty years. Given what happened last time so much magic flowed without control, even if someone had noticed the change on this particular evening, they wouldn’t have said a word. In places like this, voluntary ignorance triumphed over uncomfortable truths.

  Three figures stood at the end of the dark alley deep in conversation. Two taller figures, both male, faced a slightly shorter, slender, yet assertive female. The three spoke quickly in hushed tones. The woman shook her head, obviously a futile effort. The men stood, arms crossed, and stared her down. The woman’s shoulders then hunched slightly, which indicated her defeat. She nodded her head briskly and turned at once toward the light of the main streets. Before her face could be viewed in the light, she flipped a hood over her head and disappeared into the crowd. The only evidence she had been there was the distinct click of her heels as she sped up to leave the darkness.

  The men stood back in the shadows as the lights slowly returned. One of the men quickly concealed his hands in his coat. The tips of his fingertips shone bright white, but extinguished in the depths of his pockets. A keen observer may deduce that the man returned the light to the street lamps, but it all happened too quickly to be sure. Immediately after, a heavy gust of wind blew a tornado of people’s belongings. Hats, coats, and scarves whipped around the crowd as they passed the quiet alley. When the wind died down and everyone had their respective things in place, the two men who had been lingering in the street were no more. Had anyone witnessed anything in the darkness, they may wonder if what they’d seen was only a figment of their imagination.

  ONE

  In an act of anxious punctuality, Cora Vaunderly woke before her mother knocked on her bedroom door. She pushed her long, unruly auburn hair from her face slowly, allowing her eyes to adjust to the morning light flowing into her small bedroom. The pale-yellow walls appeared golden in the early morning glow. Cora considered returning her head to the familiar lumps of her pillow for a few extra seconds, but the smell of breakfast coming from the kitchen downstairs convinced her otherwise.

  Cora glanced at her old school uniform folded nearly over a chair in the corner, the crisp white shirt standing out amongst the oaky brown of her furniture. Today would be the last time she put on the stiff shirt and ankle-length skirt, and there was something bittersweet about it. Cora peered around her room trying to memorize how everything looked. This was the day her life would change. She had spent the past eighteen years of her life in this room, dreaming of the day that now lay before her. She felt a nervous sense of wonder as she began to get ready.

  “Are you coming down for breakfast or should we send it to your new school?” Her mother’s playful voice interrupted Cora’s thoughts. “On my way!” Cora hurried her pace. She twisted her hair into a bun on the top of her head, securing it with a single pin. Looking in the mirror, she narrowed her large brown eyes and decided to put a small amount of powder on her face. Most of the girls in her class adorned their eyelids with colors and added cherry red to their lips, but Cora never took the time to learn those things. While other girls discovered an interest in fashion and social gatherings over the past years, Cora found she was nearly always drawn to a book. Books, after all, contained far more interesting conversations than parties; they housed new people, new places, and adventure. Most of all, books contained all the information Cora would need to begin her work as a Healer. That is, if today went as she hoped it would. Turning around to peek at her room one last time, she closed the door to her old life and almost skipped down the narrow stairs to the kitchen.

  Wandering rays of morning sun hit the kitchen table every morning in the Vaunderly home. They highlighted the years of use: old rings from coffee cups, various scratches, and a few stains. Genevieve and Vindel Vaunderly looked lovingly upon their daughter as she slid into her chair, blocking part of the sun’s light. An only child, Cora was their pride and joy; their greatest accomplishment. She was a perfect combination of both her parents, with the same auburn hair of her father, and the large, chocolate brown eyes she shared with her mother. Today was a big day for the entire Vaunderly family. Cora was going to learn what her gifts were.

  The Vaunderly family lived in Telgria, a northern city in the empire of Caslya. Every citizen in Telgria had gifts, or areas in which they were likely to excel and contribute to society. Gifts were determined based on how each citizen performed on a test, or Reading. Like all students in their 18th year, Cora would attend her Reading and presumably take her place as a Healer. Her mother’s family were Healers as far back as anyone could remember, and her father was a third-generation Healer. It would be very unlikely, if not impossible, for Cora’s gift to be anything but healing. Gifts, after all, were often passed down through families.

  Cora ate quickly, barely looking up from her fruit bread to speak with her parents. They understood the mix of nerves and excitement Cora was surely feeling. She typically chatted and pushed the food around on her plate during breakfast until her mother chided her to finish. Today the silence felt unnatural in the space. After finishing her breakfast, Cora grabbed her old school bag one last time. “Good luck today,” her father took a brief reprieve from the morning paper and smiled. Cora returned a grin, grabbed a book from the counter and put it in her bag. “We can’t wait for you to tell us all about it,” Cora’s mother gave her a quick hug and leaned against the counter to watch her daughter go. Cora waved at her parents in the doorway as she stepped into the cool air.

  Her parents’ home lay on the outskirts of Telgria near the city’s northern gate. The weather was grey, cold, and unforgiving, but one could grow accustomed to it over time. Cora had lived in the same house her entire life. She knew almost all of her neighbors. Most were Healers like her parents, but some were Builders or Knowledge Seekers. She stopped at the light blue house on the corner and waited. All the homes in this part of Telgria were exactly the same, save for their difference in color. She continued to think about all the changes which awaited her as her stomach flipped with nerves once again. She had made this same walk so many times over the last twelve years that she suddenly felt a flash of sadness, considering this was likely the last time.

  While Cora was lost in thought, a tall, slightly disheveled boy bounded down the uneven steps toward her. Laugh lines creased the corners of his almost golden eyes upon seeing Cora. “Running late?” she smiled at him. “Well...always.” Cora’s best friend--and if she was being honest, her only friend--Willem, shrugged his shoulders at her. He brushed his hands through his blond hair and finished tucking in his shirt. “Let’s go,” he nudged Cora forward and they ran to the trolley stop just in time to catch it. “It’s busy today,
” Cora pushed through the crowd and found a seat in the back. It was barely big enough for two, but Willem squeezed next to Cora and beamed, “Can you believe after today we’ll finally know what we’re going to study?” Cora nodded silently. The Reading was one of the most significant days of the year. Cora and her peers had been looking forward to it for ages.

  The Reading had been used in Caslya for centuries, though some cities adopted new traditions in recent years. Telgria remained a pillar of tradition. In Caslya, there existed six possible gifts which determined everyone’s final academic placement. This impacted job opportunities and standing in their community. The Magic Class was most esteemed, as they proved most useful in keeping the Caslyan Empire safe and functioning. The Magic Class in Telgria had been steadily decreasing over the past years, and the focus had shifted to non-magic gifts. For those who did not possess magical blood, there were specific options depending upon someone’s academic and personal strengths.

  First came the Knowledge Class consisting of people who often worked in schools, science, and government. The Knowledge Class also presided over the Readings each year. Those with a gift for knowledge were scholarly and logical. The Healing Class, where Cora’s family fell, consisted of healers for both humans and animals. They were by nature empathetic and patient. The Building Class existed for people who had a talent for creating and planning. Builders were charged with mapping and constructing cities and towns. They fixed structural issues in buildings and infrastructure in and between cities. The Growing Class had a talent for creating. They were charged with cultivating food for each city. Those with magical blood who had control of wind and light often assisted the Growing Class. Finally, the Working Class was made up of anyone who was considered Unreadable.

  Like the Magic Class, Unreadables made up only a small portion of the population. One was considered an Unreadable if their Reading showed no results. It was thought Unreadables were the result of many generations of mixing gifts. Children of parents who shared the same gift or similar talents often had strong gifts of their own. However, over the years as gifts were shared and mixed, some found their traits were simply too weak, or unreadable when they came of age for the Reading.

  At times, a gift would appear later, hopefully before someone completed their 20th year and became eligible for work placements. An unreadable result was something of a black mark on a family and brought with it a stigma that many feared. In the back of her mind, Cora feared what that might mean for her family, should her result be unreadable. Her mother and father were considered top Healers in the city. Luckily, the likelihood that Cora would be unreadable was even smaller than the likelihood she wouldn’t end up a Healer.

  “We already know what your results will be,” Willem drummed his hand on his knee nervously and the cadence pulled Cora from her thoughts. Cora smiled, thinking about all of the books she had read about healing over the years. She already knew most of the terminology, and she’d been using her father’s needles to patch and mend her clothing since she could remember. “You could be a Healer, too,” Cora looked back at Willem. His mother was a Healer, but his father was a Builder. It must be kind of exciting to have options for your future, she thought. The trolley took a sharp turn as they neared a steep incline toward the center of Telgria.

  Every year the Reading was held in the School of Knowledge, which sat atop a hill in the center of the Business District. As the trolley turned, Cora slid into Willem who put a hand around her waist to keep her steady in their seat. Cora flattened out her skirt as her cheeks turned pink. Though they’d never spoke of courting anyone, she always felt as if one day they might. Most people waited until after their Reading, just in the event their careers would make it difficult to be together. Growers, for example, preferred to live on the edge of Telgria near their land. Those with magical gifts studied long hours to learn their magic and almost never had time to socialize or go home during school breaks.

  Over the years, Cora and Willem spent many hours talking about their futures together, and sometimes she allowed herself to think about how their futures might continue to intertwine. Willem teased her, joked with her, and treated her differently than other girls. Cora tried to keep herself from thinking about this as they reached their stop; there were more important things to fill her mind today. Willem waited for Cora to stand, then followed her off the trolley. They were directly in front of the School of Knowledge. Cora looked up at the large, dark brick building that sat atop an impressive amount of white marble steps. She had never been there before, but heard the school was like a giant library. It wouldn't be so bad to be a Knowledge Seeker in a school like this, Cora mused, feeling the book in her bag for comfort, as if it were a touch stone.

  Cora and Willem started toward the steps when a familiar voice floated through the air behind them. “Willem, what a surprise!” A tall girl with icy blonde hair curled around her heart-shaped face walked to stand between them. Tiegly Montmon was no stranger to making an entrance. Her skirt, though black like their school uniform required, stood out with rows of lace adorning the bottom. Her lips were pink and matched large pink stones in her ears. She rested her hand on Willem’s arm and Cora fought the jealousy she felt rising within her.

  “Are you nervous for today, Willem?” Tiegly made no attempt to hide her flirtatious tone. “Not really." Willem didn’t change his demeanor, but looked at Cora and winked. “Oh, I could barely sleep last night. I’m so excited to see where my Reading will place me,” she walked forward, her hand remaining on Willem’s arm as they ascended the steps. Cora rolled her eyes and walked slightly faster so that she was a few steps in front of them, though unfortunately, still able to hear the conversation.

  “Both of your parents are Healers, right?” Willem asked. “That’s right. I’m surprised you remembered. I hope I can make them proud today,” Tiegly looked up again at Willem, irked by his neutral expression. “Cora’s parents are Healers, too,” Willem gestured to Cora who stopped and turned around. Tiegly forced herself to smile at Cora. The gesture looked unnatural on her face. At least the feeling is mutual, Cora thought as she forced a cordial response. “Perhaps we’ll be in school together.” The words felt like vinegar on Cora’s tongue, but she attempted to hide her annoyance.

  Tiegly always tried to actively ignore Cora when Willem was around. When he wasn’t around, she didn’t acknowledge Cora’s presence at all. Most of the girls in school had followed Tiegly’s lead, so Cora surmised it was Tiegly’s influence that kept her from having many close friends. Willem was her saving grace during their previous school years. If she wasn’t going to study something she’d been looking forward to for her entire life, Cora may have been more nervous about the possibility of two more years of school without an ally. “Well, we’d better go check in,” Willem pointed toward the entrance to the large building in front of them. Tiegly smiled at him and turned to leave without so much as glancing in Cora’s direction.

  Cora groaned when Tiegly was out of earshot. “She is always so horrible,” she rolled her eyes dramatically. Willem laughed and poked Cora’s nose. “She’s harmless...I think.” He took a deep breath and turned to face the school. Large white columns adorned each side of the building. Behind the columns, the entrance was lined with desks separated by alphabet. Cora would be at the opposite end as Willem. “Good luck today,” she shot him one last nervous look. “You’ll do great, Cor.” Willem squeezed her hands and leapt up the last few steps to stand in line at his desk.

  Cora shuffled down toward the desk with a sign labeled V. The student in front of her was leaving as Cora approached the desk. “Name?” A small man with thin wire-rim glasses sat upon the end of his nose asked Cora without looking up. “V-Vaunderly, Cora.” She wanted to look confident, but her shaky voice betrayed her. The man rolled through a stack of cards and pulled one out, briefly looking her over. “Please report to the room on the card. Enter the doors in front of you and go up the stairs to the classroom hallways. Even
numbered rooms are on the left, odd numbers on the right.” The man looked back at his stack of cards. “Thank you,” she smiled nervously. The card Cora held read:

  Cora Vaunderly, 18

  Mother: Healer, Father: Healer

  Reading Results: N/A

  Room 208

  Everything anyone would need to know about her life fit into four small lines, which suddenly made Cora feel very insignificant.

  TWO

  Cora opened the heavy doors and walked inside. One by one, students from all of the lower schools were climbing the staircase in front of her as others continued to enter through the doors behind her. The entryway was vast and the wood floors were so bright the lights shone off of them. The building smelled of paper, which made Cora feel slightly calmer, though she was sure her heart started racing the moment the sound of the heavy doors echoed in the large space. Most of the test is reading, she reminded herself, and you can’t fail.

  She slowly stepped toward the stairs, her hands resting nervously upon the iron railing of the staircase. Each spindle turned and twisted, guiding Cora closer to her fate. Upon reaching the second floor, she turned left and looked for room 208. The hallway started with room 200, but each door was closed. A single chair sat to the left of the doors. The hallway was so long she guessed there had to be at least 20 classrooms on one side alone. Cora sat in the chair next to her room and waited until a student left. Moments later the door reopened and Cora was summoned.

  “Name?” The woman in the doorway raised her thin eyebrows toward Cora. “Cora…Vaunderly,” Cora stood next to her chair, flustered. “I’ll take your card. Please enter and close the door behind you. Be seated at the table and we’ll begin.” The woman was tall and thin. She wore long black robes which ended just below her knees, and a hint of a grey skirt stuck out below them. On her legs she wore dark blue tights. Her black heels echoed in the room as she moved around behind the desk. “My name is Juniper Sniels. I will be conducting your Reading today.”