The sorting ceremony was proceeding as usual. Once the final new student’s name was called and one of the totems reacted, the ceremony was complete. It was now time for all students to gather in the dining hall for the feast.

But as everyone moved in that direction, the totems reacted simultaneously. The Wampus totem suddenly roared; the Thunderbird flapped its wings; the Horned Serpent’s crystal lit up; and the Pukwudgie pointed its arrow to the sky.

And then gobstones came flying out of the open mouths of the statues. The little round balls spewed out a rancid-smelling liquid on impact.

Watch out!