The tension between father and son was so thick, everyone in attendance at the Elven Counsel could feel it. Coltian stared in defiance at his father, who was a member of the counsel. That usual smirk would turn into a frown. It had been two weeks since the incident at the school. The girl that should be here is no where to be seen. All Coltian heard from his father was that the counsel had questions for him about that tragic day.

The head of the counsel spoke first, "Coltian, thank you for coming. We have fully investigated what happened at the school. We even investigated incidents that happened prior to the tragedy. It has come to our attention that quite a few eggs have been stolen from a hatchery located near the school. A witness has come forward stating that you have been seen entering the school with the stolen eggs. Can you please inform us as to why you would go to school with these stolen eggs?"

Coltian kept his eyes locked on his father, "I actually paid for those eggs. I needed them for a class experiment." The smirk returned to his face. It was from remembering that perfect shot. A thought entered his head, "I am curious, what do eggs have to do with the attack? Many of us were hurt. My best friend is still in the hospital. Where is that Death Faery? She is the one responsible."

The Elder spoke, "You will answer the questions we give to you. There will be no speaking out of turn. It is interesting that you would mention paying for the eggs. There is no record of the transaction. The farmers do not agree with your statement. We require the truth, Coltian. Did you steal the eggs from the hatchery?"

Coltian lowered his shoulders, "I made a trade for the eggs. I did purchase them, but not by the farmers, but from my best friend." The look from his father took a form of anger. "It was not to cause any trouble. I really had an experiment, a personal one." Coltian could not believe it, a truth spell!

The Elder nodded, "Thank you for your honesty. Now, I would like you to explain this 'personal' experiment you mentioned. Again, the truth is imperative. I strongly encourage you be straightforward from this moment on. Patience is not going to last long."

That spell just took a stronger hold. Coltian glared at his father who now had a slight smirk. He cast the truth spell. The urge to tell the truth is just getting annoying. He could not hold it in any longer. "I was trying to figure out how to get the Death Faery to use her powers against me." After a moment of silence he began speaking again, unable to stop himself, "She is a plague to our school and our community. I have been attempting to get her expelled for two years now. I am not ashamed of my actions. That disgusting creature has proven what a blight she is capable of being. To even have the family living amongst us is a stain to our kind."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

A gasp rose from the attendees. Murmurs slowly dissipated once the Elder rose his arms for silence. "Coltian, your animosity toward races outside of this community is quite shameful. The measures taken toward a fellow student with such hostility is unforgivable. It is disgraceful to have no remorse for your actions. It is you who are the aggressor in the incident at the school. You hold as much responsibility for those victims, including your best friend.

Rowan created the catastrophe but you engineered the destruction. However, Rowan has remorse. She has placed herself at our mercy. She said that the death penalty would not be enough to undo her actions. Yet, this is the punishment she requested.

Moreover, you have given members of this counsel disrespect from the moment of your arrival. You attempted to lie. You make claims, that you honestly believe, that lives of other races are of no importance. The Universe is filled with living beings. We may not welcome many into our community, but we do not take aggressive measures that may lead to war. We are peaceful, no matter how offensive others may be to us.

As such, you will be removed from this place effective immediately. You will learn how beneficial other races are while you compete the remainder of your education at Grim Grove. I suggest that you gather whatever belongings you will need. No assistance will be sent to you. No friends will visit you. No family will comfort you. From this day hence forth, you are banished. Take him away."

Coltian would stare angry at his father as three officiants bound his wrists, ankles, and placed a black cover over his head. The musty smell of the mask grew stronger with every inhale. After a few steps, he is hoisted into the air, then thrown onto a very hard surface. A door slammed shut. Coltian gave a groan as the realization that his healing spell would not work. A motor starts causing his body to vibrate violently. Movement of the vehicle caused his body to slide across the floor. His head hit against a wall.

Coltian felt his arm being shaken. A moan is all he could muster, but he heard a female voice yelling. "Just because he is banished, doesn't mean that you neglect his safety! He should have been transported with proper restraints. Look at all the bruises. How do you think your Elder will react when I contact him about the condition my student is in? You had better leave before I really become angry." Footsteps march hurriedly away.

Coltian noticed his hands and feet are free. Slowly he opens his eyes. The cover over his head, gone. "Where am I?" Coltian starts to sit up but a gentle pair of hands hold him down. He sees a Faery peering down at him.

"Rest for now. You are safe here. Welcome to Grim Grove."

Coltian lay his head down then fell asleep.