Taylor & Ryan: 13 Ryan

13. Ryan1

Ryan felt his body heat empowering as everyone’s eyes focused onto his frame. Heads turned and hands shot up to cover whispering mouths as he passed. The quiet murmur of scandalous voices reverberated from the adjacent audience while the pending Elders observed. He gave a quick nod to Will before making his way to the single desk and chair set located between the Elders’ set of bleachers and the audience. His shoes made quiet little echoes with each step. 2

He pulled the chair back from it’s desk before scanning the room for his parents. He spotted them. They were casually mingling with the various members of the Council while sitting on their thrones. Their relaxed expressions did nothing to calm him. 3

They must know the outcome already. He thought miserably while doing a quick calculation of how many bodies were crammed into the normally spacious room.4

It seemed as if the entire kingdom had come out to view the hearing. 5

Well, this is a scandal. Probably the most excitement that these people have witnessed in a decade or so.6

He gave an inward groan before taking his seat. Instantly, the chair began to pull and constrict against him each time he attempted to move his limbs.7

“What type of Containment Spell is this?” he whispered inaudibly. Normally, the Containment Spells only restricted him from raising up from his seat. His limbs were utterly useless.8

“ Wand?” A woman Ryan had remembered to be called Cian asked with her hand outstretched towards him.9

“ The spell... can’t move.” he answered while trying to wriggle his arms away from the desktop with no avail. Cian and Ryan engaged in a type of awkward search party before she finally discovered it in his back pocket. 10

“ Thank you. The trial should begin shortly.” and then in a whisper, “ Good luck. You’re going to need it.” Before he could think to offer her his thanks, Cian had already made her way across the room, his wand in hand. 11

Ryan continued a halfhearted attempt at twiddling his fingers while the Council prepared themselves for the hearing. He went through the rows of obstinate faces in his mind just to distract himself a bit.12

There’s Elpis, Valimir, and Brier...13

“ Now if it pleases the Council of Elders, we shall begin.” A wiry woman with an impenetrable face and haphazard eyes announced. Gradually, the Throne Room became silent. Ryan narrowed his eyes and tried to suppress his obvious discomfort. 14

Vritra?!15

Why is she in charge of the hearing? Last time’s fiasco surely would have made the Council think about their decision as Conductor...16

Vritra was the only member of the Council who wasn’t wooed by his boyish charm during his early magic-user years. Each time that he had gotten himself into a scrape, she singlehandedly attempted to bring down stern discipline—which was nothing short of what he truly did deserve— to the Council’s dismay. Her influence, however, wasn’t significant so Ryan mostly got off unscathed. 17

I’ll bet she will reap her revenge...18

Vritra stared at Ryan with the intensity and hatred of a demon. She gave a nearly invisible smirk before addressing the room. 19

“ This hearing is to either convict or prove innocent the transgressor, Prince Ryan, of the allegations that have been made against said transgressor.” Vritra said his name as if it left a bad taste in her mouth. 20

“ The allegations are as follows: Unauthorized entry into the Mortal World, Unauthorized transportation of a Mortal, Potential Exposure of the Valley, and Attempted use of Magic in the presence of a Mortal. How do you plead?” 21

“ Not Guilty.” A quiet murmur rose but was quickly dissipated by Vritra’s cold stare and a few bangs of her gavel. 22

“ There will be no uproars during this trial. If you are unable to contain yourself, then please exit immediately.” She paused, half expecting someone to leave. When no one made a move, she continued.23

“ Not Guilty? Well by the time we’re finished here, you will be.” 24

She spun around to face the other nine elders behind her. They shared a nod of understanding between them before stepping down from the raised bleachers. Each Elder withdrew their wands from the various contours of their bulky robes and fashioned a small semi circle, their backs turned away from the crowd. 25

An assortment of voices whispering incoherent charms and spells filled the room. Valimir and Brier actually raised their wands toward the ceiling, eyes shut in concentration. The others began to chant in Old Magic.26

“ Pranta. Hin. Pranta. Fora..... Pranta. Hin. Pranta. Fora....” 27