The Elementals: Chapter 40 Trail

“I’m sorry, he has still not regained consciousness and without his consent I can’t give you any update on his condition as you are not listed as next of kin” The doctor says.
“But he is alive?” I ask desperately.
“Yes” The doctor says and I feel my heart start to beat again.
“That is enough” I say letting out a sigh as the doctor leaves.
“Mr Elm is probably listed as next of Kin, I will get him here to get us more information” Rain says finally releasing my hand to make the call.
When Mr Elm finds us, he has already spoken to the doctor.
“He is stable, but unconscious. They had to preform several surgeries to patch up his internal organs, but they seem to have been successful. They are keeping him asleep to heal and rest for at least the rest of the day. He will have to stay here for at least a few days so that they can check he is processing food properly and that they didn’t miss anything.” Mr Elm updates us.
“When can we see him?” I ask.
“When they wake him up they will allow visitors, but like I said, that won’t be until tomorrow at the earliest. I suggest you go home and get some rest and come back tomorrow. I will watch over him until then” Mr Elm offers.
“I won’t be able to sleep until I see him” I say.
“Well don’t sleep then, but at least go to the council meeting and make that monster pay for his crimes.” Mr Elm says.
“Will you come with me?” I ask Rain. Mum will be pissed that we got involved in this and I’m still not ok with Hades putting Sky at risk like that without consulting us, so I don’t think I can do this alone.
“Always.” Rain says and loops her arm through mine to walk out.
I’m so grateful for Rain looking after me like this. She takes me home first to freshen up and tries to hide my red puffy eyes under several layers of make up. Once I look half-way to presentable we travel to the Air kingdom for the trail with our guards in tow.
The air kingdom is amazing. If it was under better circumstances, I would be filled with wonder and excitement at the beauty of it. It looks like what you imagine heaven to be like as a child, white fluffy clouds, floating islands with Disney princess style castles. It is hidden in a protective layer of permanent cloud so that humans never notice it. There area several strange creatures buzzing around the sky, all in different shapes and sizes, but all with fluffy fur that camouflages them against the cloudy sky. Even these adorable creatures do little to lighten my mood.
We enter one of the castles and are lead up a spiral stair case to an open top terrace with a spectacular view over the kingdom. A round table sits in the middle of the terrace with every seat but three filled. Hades sits in place of his mother on the council, looking apologetically at me. My mother blocks me before I can take my seat. I brace myself for the inevitable lecture.
“Oh honey, I’m so sorry about Sky. I know I was never very warm to him, but I know what it’s like to lose a love. I’m here for you if you need me” She says hugging me tightly. The shock at her compassion is all that holds me back from breaking down again.
I go to take my seat in the earth kingdom leaders position, but to my surprise my mother offers me the fire kingdom seat. It may seem like a small gesture, but it means a lot to me. It means that she truly trusts that I can succeed her. I take the seat.
“Welcome everyone. We all know why we are here. Thanks to Lily and to Hades, we all witnessed the murder of a fellow dragon and the confession of former council member Ryder to several historic murder cases. We are here to decide upon his punishment” The leader of the Air kingdom, Aires, begins the meeting.
“Attempted murder” I correct.
“The boy lives?” River asks
“He is alive, but as yet we don’t know when he will recover” I say.
“So there is an heir to take Ryders place?” Ash questions
“Yes” I say.
The council whispers and argues amongst itself, while sides are chosen, but I don’t bother to follow the conversation. I have made my decision.
“Sky almost paid the ultimate price to prove to you all what a villain Ryder was. You all knew how bad he was and did nothing to stop it. What happened was as much to do with your negligence and failure as leaders as it was to do with Ryder. I suggest that Sky be appointed leader of the water kingdom immediately and that he alone should decide what becomes of Ryder.” I say bluntly.
“He would have to be here to do the initiation and he would need to be trained before he could take his position” River objects.
“He has been trained by me” My mother says.
“You knew of his existence and said nothing?” River asks
“I had to protect him. Lily is right, we all knew what Ryder would do if he found out he had a son, but we didn’t lock him up out of fear and lack of proof” My mother says defiantly.
“River is right though, Sky would need to be here to accept his position and be initiated. I vote we wait for the boy to recover, let Ryder rot in a cell until then.” Ash says.
“Shall we vote then, those in favour of offering Sky the position when he recovers raise a hand.” The Aires asks and surprisingly the vote is unanimously in favour of Sky taking over. “It is settled then”
“I do have one condition. I would like to choose Ryders prison cell. The underworld was the inspiration for hell for a reason, I would like to remind Ryder of that reason” I say and no one disagrees.
“Lily, you will be in charge of detaining Ryder and you will call us to reconvene the meeting when Sky is ready to take his position.” Aries says.