Free The Elementalist : Next of Kin: The Kothian Chronicles by Andrew Wood

job. He had played his part, and although not quite sure how he had managed it, had shown his friends a significant change from the Maxim they had lost. This was something immediately picked up on by Ramon who looked at Maxim in a new light. The young, raw, elementalist that had been kidnapped away from them, was now a magician of even greater power. The other thing Ramon had already noticed was the control his young magician now had. On previous occasions it was common knowledge that Maxim often lost control, letting the magic take over, and it had usually taken Zack to calm him down.
     
    The seer knew he had no time to linger on his victory, and had to prepare as soon as possible to return to Pitford before it was too late. Healers would have to be left at Denley to deal with the multitude of victims suffering burns, and some soldiers would have to stay to ensure the town remained safe from any further attacks.
     
    Ramon turned to what he hoped would be the deciding factor in any battle, the young elementalist. He felt his heart sink as he noticed Maxim wobble just a little, knowing this was a classic sign of a magician being almost exhausted. He looked to the young royal beside him, who mouthed the words, "He needs rest." Ramon nodded, albeit reluctantly, hoping deep down by the time they returned to Pitford, Maxim may yet have recovered some small amount of his energy.

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 8.
     
     
     
    The ship carrying the dark crimson robed figures, continued at speed through the violent waters of the ocean. Each giant wave merely moving aside for the craft to continue onwards, as it moved unnaturally quickly covering distances normal ships would take days to make. The swirling winds that would cause other sailing ships to rock and sway, appeared almost non-existent as it progressed unhindered by the elements.
     
    In Pitford, Kurtis sat wondering why his breakfast had not arrived and had decided to ask the guard outside his room. He tapped on the door, before opening it and poking his head out into the corridor. He pulled a face, a look of puzzlement and confusion, as he noticed there was no one to be seen. The thought of breaking his promise to Ramon crossed his mind, and knowing the trouble he was already in, he was weary of stepping any further. However, something told him that things were not right, not only were there no guards, but he could not see anybody at all. There were always people wandering about the corridors that time of the morning he thought.
     
    He made his mind up just to venture a short way out of his room, "Hello," he shouted, standing still awaiting for a response. As no reply came he decided to go just a few steps further from his room, "Hello," he repeated again. Once more, no reply came; with his trepidation growing that something was not right, the concerns he had, that he was breaking his promise about not leaving his room lessened. He walked the length of the short corridor that gave access to the room that had been his prison, since the incident concerning Maxim.
     
    After making two more turns, he found himself on one of the main corridors, and at last he saw a few others hurrying, all carrying bundles in their arms. "Hey...Where is everyone?" he shouted, picking up his pace just a little to catch them up. A young boy he did not know turned to face him, "Where have you been hiding...Magicians, soldiers and those able to fight are out on the walls...the women and children are gathering in the main hall..." Kurtis did not wait for the boy to finish what he was saying. Instead, he ran hard, almost knocking into a woman and baby as he passed into the main foyer.
     
    After apologising to the woman, he continued onwards at a walking pace, half-expecting to be grabbed at any moment for leaving his confinement. As he stepped out of the main doors, he was greeted by a scene of pandemonium. People were being ushered in to the keep yard from outside the inner wall and being lined up.