The Marksman [The Talent of Three: Book 1]

1 ••• History of the Talents

The pencil drops off the desk and rolls on the floor, clattering. Her insides go cold as Atheris stoops down to pick up the pencil. Her eyes track Eryx, the trainer and teacher of the group of kids sharing Atheris's prowess.

It has been six years since Atheris was Tested. The slice that opened eight-year-old Atheris's palm has become a thin white scar on the hand of fourteen-year-old Atheris.

Atheris learns with a group of eleven other students. There are six boys and six girls. The group is Atheris's new family.

Their trainer, Eryx, is a stern but amazing teacher. Atheris and her group brag about having her as their trainer.

But now the Choosing and the first Quest is approaching and Eryx is going hard on them.

Atheris picks up the pencil and quietly places it back on the desk and returns to watching Eryx's nest handwriting appear on the chalkboard.

Eryx turns. "So. The History of the Talents. This is where we begin. This is how Talent groups came to be. Does anyone know why Talent groups are necessary?"

Redding, a boy who shared Atheris's birthday, raises his hand. "War."

Eryx nods. "Very good. The differences of each group of people caused warfare across the world. People were beginning to fear saying something to another person and offend him. Only politicians could hold a sparring of words without causing bloodshed.

"So groups were created. Each group was comprised of two hundred people. Their talents were passed to their ancestors. As groups began to intermingle, marrying and having children together, the Selection of the Talent for a child became mystical and misunderstood. Even today, the Selection process is unknown.

"But all of you have a single Talent from one of your ancestors. This you are aware of. But does anyone know why the Choosing and the Quests were established?"

No one, not even Redding, raises their hands.

Eryx nods. "Just as I thought. Does anyone know what history is next?"

This Atheris knew. She raises her hand.

"Atheris?" Eryx asks.

"The History of the Choosing."