Walter, whod made it clear that he thought of himself as some kind of switchit expert, began to explain the rules. You use your powers to hide the ball or distort it in some way so that the others dont know whos got it and what hoop youre throwing it into.

Ralph added, Of course, the best players use their powers to multiply the ball and score in several hoops at once.

Olivers eyebrows rose. You mean we dont play in teams? Its pretty much you versus everyone else?

Of course its not in teams, Walter said as though it were obvious. You get one point for blocking someone elses attempt to score a bucket, and three points for scoring your own. The person with the most points after sixty minutes wins. So its a game of power, strength, and endurance.

And aggression, Ralph interrupted. I mean, its not like there are many Seers who make a career out of defending.

Hazel nodded her agreement. Thats true. The winner is usually the person whos confident and aggressive enough to go for the shots.

I told you it was vulgar, Simon added.

Oliver felt apprehensive. The rules of switchit made the sport sound a little ruthless, not to mention tiring.

And this all happens on the back of one of those? he asked, incredulously, pointing to the caged ostreagles. He didnt like the thought of having a dozen of them chasing after him in one go.

Yup, Walter said, grinning. He slapped him on the back. Youll get the hang of it.

Simon added, And if you dont enjoy it, then youll be in good company. I thoroughly dislike this game.

Oliver followed his friends over to where the coach was leading the students, one at a time, into the caged room. Oliver joined the back of the queue, feeling his nerves intensify. From the front, Edmund and Vinnie were whispering and pointing at him. Edmund shook his fist and Oliver gulped.

As each of his friends disappeared into the dark room, his apprehension grew. Then it was his turn.

Coach Finkle was a tall, skinny man with curly ginger hair. He peered down at Oliver curiously as they walked in through the caged gates.

Youre new, he stated.

Oliver nodded. And scared. Ive never ridden an ostreagle.

As he said it, one of the huge creatures loomed into view. He balked at the size of it.

Well, theres only one way to learn, Coach Finkle said. He patted the ostreagles flank and it let out a chirruping kind of noise. And thats to just go for it. Mabel here is very gentle. Shes good with a beginner.

Oliver trembled as he approached the formidable-looking Mabel. Her eyes were yellow and piercing. He touched her feathered side gently. She let out another chirrup.

Coach Finkle spoke again. Youll need this.

He placed a helmet on Olivers head. Right away, Oliver felt a strange pulsing sensation between his ears.