SORCERER (The Elemental Magic Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

to health. Many sent their own prayers of thanks skyward. After the crowd died down James asked Greg and Jason if they refuted the testimony.
    They each gave their own versions of yesterday, stating that Alec had instigated things by throwing the first punch. A couple smacks to the back of the head by their respective fathers when it was obvious they were lying got them to tell most of the story in a reasonable light.
    James turned to the other councilmen and had a brief hushed discussion with them. James then walked over to Alec and knelt down beside him as people in the crowd started talking again.
    "If it had just been a black eye or a split lip we'd just let their fathers handle this since they’re still under their fathers roofs. But according to Father Marcus you could have died last night with the severity of your injuries.”
    James took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "The council has set a punishment of ten lashes each and banishment from the community, unless you object."
    "Do they really have to be banished?" Alec asked him. While on one hand Alec wanted to see them punished the thought of them having to live their lives apart from their families was abhorrent to him.
    "I thought you might ask that, if they're not banished they will be put on a one year probation and given an extra five lashes. We'll not settle for any less." He warned Alec.
    "OK sir, I understand."
    James went to his podium and read the charges and verdict.
    "For assault, you are found guilty. For attempted murder, you are found guilty. Both of you, Greg and Jason, will be given ten lashes. The council wants you banished from our community." James told the two men and their fathers in a flat even voice. At the mention of banishment Greg's mother fainted and those around her began to fan her. "However, on behalf of the injured party, the council has stayed its hand in regards to the banishment in the hope that you can still learn to be respectable members of our community. The sentence will now be fifteen lashes and one year probation. If the council hears of a single incident involving either one of you, you will be banished. Is that understood?"
    "Yes sir." They both said.
    "The lashes will be dispensed at sunrise here in the square. That will be all." Mr. Phillips announced.
    Karen, Jake and Ralph stood around him ready to help him to his room so he could rest. Ralph practically lifted him off his feet. As people started to leave Bob and George, having sent Jason and Greg off somewhere, made their way over to Alec. Before they could get within five feet of him, Ralph slid in front of them with his arms crossed barring their way.
    "You'll not be accosting the lad today gentlemen,” he told them in a voice that said there wouldn't be any argument.
    "We're not planning to have harsh words with him Ralph, you know me better than that," said George Tanner.
    "Aye, I do, just making my position clear, sir," as he stepped to the side.
    "I'd like to apologize for my son. He'll not accost another person if I can ever do anything about it."
    "Same goes for my boy too!" Mr. Carlson chimed in. "And that was very gracious of you not accepting the banishment. Those two will be so busy they'll only have time for eating, sleeping and working. You have my word on that." He said sticking out his hand.
    Alec shook it saying "Thank you, sir."
    Ralph took him back to his room talking about the upcoming festival. Alec begged off any more company and lay in his bed with it being a couple hours yet till supper. Ralph said he'd make sure to wake him when it was time.
    Gods, what a birthday yesterday had been, he thought sarcastically. Great gifts followed by being slapped and beaten half to death. Gee, what I shall do for the rest of the solstice celebration, he said to himself.
    Perhaps I’ll be kicked by a horse. Alec laughed at himself. He was really feeling down and knew it as he looked out his window from his bed. He knew he'd just have to see how the rest