Elemental Hunger

Chapter One

I'd entered as often as possible, and the ceremonies had grown stale over the course of the last two years. Yet every time I'd considered skipping the event I found I couldn't. If I didn't get chosen tonight, I could work in the kitchens of Crylon forever, a task that held little hope and even less glory. I thought of the head cook, how he could take a hot pan right from the fire without protective gloves, how he noticed everything in the kitchen. I didn't want to end up like him. I supposed I could find a baking apprenticeship beyond the school, in the greater common of Crylon, but I just didn't feel right about cooking for my entire life.

Aside from that, I had the option of enrolling in the Educator track. I'd tested onto the track, because I had an excellent memory. Those who weren't as fortunate didn't get to attend classes; instead, they were assigned a vocational track like leatherworking, glass-blowing, cabinetry, or another useful trade.

Those of us who'd tested into the Educator track stayed at school and took classes for half the day. I'd had a few math courses, some basic history, an astronomy class, art, government, and nature studies. I didn't learn much about geography, reading, or writing. Those were coveted courses only those who'd declared their desire to become Educators got to take.

Elementals were instructed in everything, but especially politics and government—and reading and writing.

On the Educator track, I'd learn how to read and write, which appealed to me. But the thought of teaching didn't settle well in my stomach. Some people were made for teaching—but I wasn't one of them. I'd be under constant scrutiny during my training and an even tighter microscope afterward. The Councilman oversaw all education in Crylon, and the last thing I needed was the highest authority in our government breathing down my neck. My secrets would become impossible to keep if he had his attention focused on me for too long.

Becoming part of a Council offered the most promise. Councilmembers held power, and not just their own. A magical bond accompanied a chartering ceremony, one that linked the powers of all four Elementals in a Council. Of course I'd never experienced it, had never even witnessed a Council chartering. But everyone knew of the enhanced abilities of chartered Councilmembers. They enjoyed increased protectionand increased powers. I'd have neither of those without a Council, Educator track or not.

I shivered, though far from cold. I swallowed another wave of disappointment and silenced another string of I should be's.

"Let's go." When I tried to step past Jarvis, he put his hand on my elbow. Not in a grab. Not a clutch.

Just a touch, with a hint of heat even I could feel.

"Gabby, I—"

The darkness prevented me from truly seeing his expression. But it didn't matter. I heard the sorrow between the syllables. So much had already been said. I couldn't rehash it again. He didn't want to hear it anyway.

I clung to the hope that he'd pick me for his Council. The possibility seemed unreachable, yet painfully within my grasp at the same time.

So I reached out and tied his necktie, adjusting it under his collar and fiddling needlessly with the buttons on his shirt. Something strange clogged my throat. I ground it away and said, "It's fine. Let's go."

I entered the chamber first, Jarvis's silence trailing behind me like an unwelcome friend.

#

I sat alone, brooding over the forthcoming loss of my best friend. Jarvis scanned the crowd, unable or unwilling to let his gaze settle on me.

The chamber chattered with voices, bounced with laughter. I smoothed my hair again, very aware that I was the most underdressed for this event.

The Watermaiden row consisted of girls of the drop-dead gorgeous variety with their hair all tea tree'ed up, satin dresses, and minty white teeth. I couldn't compete with them, and I didn't want to.