Power Revealed (The Elementers) by Leah Berry Page B

smile was still there, but it seemed to disappear from his eyes.
    To end the uncomfortable silence, Raven said, “Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”
    “Sure. See you,’” Justin said as he stood in the doorway watching Raven leave.
    Raven took a few steps and turned around. “Thanks, Justin.”
    “For what?”
    “Just, thanks. See you tomorrow.” Raven climbed on her bike and waved at Justin as she headed down the road.
     

Chapter 9
     

     
    Mr. Hamilton wiped the sweat off his palms as he walked into the Council Room. The ceilings were almost two stories high and the sound of the secretary’s high heels echoing on the inlaid marble floor made the room feel even more intimidating. Murals covered the four walls representing each of the four elements and converged on the ceiling near the chandelier making it look like the source of energy for all four elements. The scene distracted him, but as soon as he looked down and saw the faces of the Council members, he immediately remembered the daunting task ahead of him.
    The secretary’s loud steps stopped near the far end of the room. She placed her left hand on the back of an ornately carved seat at the end of the Council table. Mr. Hamilton unconsciously took in a deep breath and sat down.
    Twelve Council members flanked the long, rectangular table. Three Water Elementers and two Wind Elementers sat on Mr. Hamilton’s left side. An empty seat reminded him of Henry’s O’Malley’s absence. Three Earth and three Tree Elementers occupied the right side of the table. Facing Mr. Hamilton at the opposite end of the table sat Charles Wittington, the Council Chairperson, with his dignified air.
    Mr. Hamilton only knew five of the Council members personally. They were from around the world, so he hadn’t even met some of them. He was just lucky they were here in New York City this week. Naturally, he knew the three Water Elementers. He also knew the Council Chairperson and Rex Dryden, the Wind Elementer from Texas. The other Elementers represented a diverse group from every continent except Antarctica.
    “David. How can we help you today?” the Chairperson asked with his Oxford educated English accent.
    Mr. Hamilton had memorized his speech, but for a short moment, he thought he had forgotten what to say. He fidgeted with his glasses for the third time in a minute. Taking a deep breath, the words returned to his mind. “Council Members, I’m here today to share some important news. While it is unexpected, if we keep an open mind, I believe we can discover new and interesting possibilities never known in the history of Elementers.” A few of the Council Members turned to him with skeptical looks, but Mr. Hamilton continued, “A few days ago, Raven, my apprentice, discovered a new Earth Elementer.”
    “How would a new Earth Elementer affect the history of Elementers?” Rex Dryden impatiently asked in his heavy Texan accent. He leaned forward placing his muscular forearms on the table. Mr. Hamilton knew Rex’s arms were that size from calf wrestling and serious labor on his ranch. It reminded Mr. Hamilton that he was glad he wasn’t a calf.
    “It’s because we quickly discovered that he is also a Tree Elementer,” Mr. Hamilton explained. The Council Members’ reactions varied from reserved raised eyebrows to concerned looks and mumbles of disbelief.
    Rex Dryden spoke up again. “Even if what you say is true.”
    “It is,” Mr. Hamilton responded in a quiet voice.
    Rex continued as if Mr. Hamilton hadn’t spoken. “A Double Elementer is rare, but definitely not unprecedented. You’re exaggerating things,” the Texan criticized.
    “True, a Double Elementer is not so unusual,” Mr. Hamilton said trying to be agreeable. Taking a final deep breath, he dove into the deep end. “But we discovered he’s also a Water Elementer.”
    “What?! That’s impossible!” Rex exclaimed.
    Mr. Hamilton’s eyes fell to the floor dreading the task of arguing