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wrapped itself up and around the faded gray

stones.

He was led to a small, dark room. It was

lit only by candles. There was a large wooden

podium. On it sat a huge hardcover volume.

This was Grayling’s Book of Common Spells.

“You have exactly five minutes,” the wiz-

ard said. “When you’ve picked your spell, read

it out loud. Once you’ve made your choice, it’s

final. So choose wisely.”

It was easy for the wizard to say. He

probably knew hundreds of spells—some of

which were too powerful even to be put into

Grayling’s book. He never had to pick “just

one.” He could learn as many as he wanted.

It didn’t seem fair.

Knowing he did not have much time,

Liam quickly flipped through the pages. The

book smelled like pine needles and vanilla.

The paper was heavy and yellow with age.

Quickly, Liam’s eyes skimmed through

line after line. There was a spell, Grow, which

would allow him to grow half an inch each

time he cast it. Birdcall was a spell to attract

birds. They would even land on his head

and shoulders for a short time. Liam was

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