Read Online Elemental Rush (Elemental 0.5) by Elana Johnson - Free Book Online Page A

way toward the Councilman’s high-rise. Davison seemed to be a good Councilman; his people loved and respected him. He didn’t house himself or his Council in a fortress like most of the other cities. Real estate in Gregorio was at a premium, and the Councilman had opted to put his Council and workers in the tallest building in the city. At night, it shone like a diamond needle piercing the sky, and during the day the sun glinted off the windows in blinding patterns.
    When the current had safely reached the top floor of the Councilman’s building, I focused on my tasks on the ground. Clothing. Food. Boots. Shelter. I ran through the checklist as I walked, being careful to keep my sentry eye out for Felix. I hadn’t been actively acting as a sentry for over a month, but the skills that had been drilled into me didn’t die that easily.
    I stole into the dining hall first, but it was too early for food to be out. As I pushed into the preparation area, I realized I hadn’t told Davison who the message was from. How would he know it was me, in a city of hundreds of thousands? I shook my head as a worker approached me.
    “What do you need?” He looked to be only eleven or twelve years old. I thought I could simply growl and he’d wet himself.
    “Food,” I said. “Enough for a few days. I’ve been asked to travel to…” I stalled, unsure of where I should flee. North, definitely. “Hesterton,” I finally said. It was due west, and several days away. If anyone came asking about a man who needed food, I hoped it would buy me some time to find refuge in a northern city.
    The boy cocked his head, as if sensing my lie. “Food for traveling for a few days. Wait here, please.”
    Every second he was gone felt like a lifetime. The door opening in the dining hall behind me had me scampering into a corner, away from the kitchen entrance so I could see them before they saw me.
    But no one came. Finally, the servant boy returned, lugging a brown paper bag. It contained breads and cheeses, cured ham, and several oranges. I thanked him with as much enthusiasm as one who would be returning to a warm bed, but inside, I hated that I didn’t know where my next resting place would be.
    I left the dining hall and turned toward the laundry when the hairs on my neck stood at attention. I spun, expecting to find Felix with his blade drawn. Or worse, Alex with her false vest and fiery eyes.
    I didn’t see anyone. No, the sensation came from a tune lilting on the air. A soprano voice that struck terror straight inside my heart. Managing the bag of food the best I could, I took off at a dead sprint toward the school. I knew what I’d find there: a Watermaiden singing her Element into destruction.
    I skidded around the corner, and sure enough, found a beautiful girl dressed in the Tarpulin crimson robes, one hand raised in a terrible claw. I recognized her from the field trials in Tarpulin. Her brown hair streamed over her shoulders as rivers fountained from the earth, spewed through windows and doors, drowning the school.
    Felix stood nearby, his arms folded as he watched. I shrank back, wanting to stop her but unwilling to let my brother take me to Tarpulin. I felt certain if I returned, it would be the last thing I ever did.
    Screams and shouts filtered from the school, and within moments, the Elementals began to fight back. Fire softened the tides, and hot air vaporized the water into meaningless steam. Columns of earth blocked the windows and doors, and still the Watermaiden sang on.
    Her voice cut through the earth, outmatched the flames, rose above the air. I felt the sickening truth that she hadn’t even finished warming up yet.
    Then two men arrived on-scene. I recognized Davison as he clung to his Airmaster. The Airmaster lowered them both to the ground, where Davison immediately strode forward. His loud voice boomed above the Elemental chaos around him. “Stop this instantly! What right do you have to destroy my