Guardians of Porthaven by Shane Arbuthnott
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your newest Guardian, Malcolm Gravenhurst!” Malcolm tugged at the knot of his tie and blew out sharply. A few feet in front of him his uncle Felix stood at the balcony railing, announcing him to the world. Felix turned, smiling at Malcolm and motioning for him to come forward. Malcolm forced himself to step up beside his uncle. He looked down at the ballroom full of people below them. Most were in finely tailored suits and gowns. Above their heads a flock of camera drones hovered, lights flashing in staccato bursts as they took pictures of him. He could identify the reporters in the crowd because they were the only ones not applauding. Instead they were fiddling with their bulky control bracelets, trying to maneuver their drones for the best angle.