by Victor Kloss
Ben gaped.
His dad pointed it at him and fired.
Blackness.
The world around him faded and there was a flash of white light.
He was back with the Council. Six sets of eyes were staring at him intently.
“Well, that was interesting,” Alex said, a small smile on his lips. The coin was still running through his fingers.
“I don’t see how,” Draven said. “We didn’t learn anything that would help us locate the Greenwoods.”
“No,” Victoria said, staring at Ben thoughtfully. “But we learnt something else: Greg and Jane knew Suktar would come for them again.”
“Again? He’s come for them before?” Ben asked.
Nobody was listening to him. No – that wasn't true. Robert was watching him closely. His expression was impassive, but those dark, gold-flecked eyes were thoughtful.
Robert rose suddenly; the others immediately followed.
“Colin,” he said, turning to the immaculately suited man. “I want a report of this meeting, including results from the Spell Search.”
Colin nodded and Robert turned to the others. “Wren and Draven, I would like to see you in my office.” Finally, Robert turned to the pencil-thin lady.
“Victoria, you and Ben Greenwood are the main reason I returned to the Institute. I am searching for an old colleague of yours and I believe you might know where he is. Please find me once this meeting is over.”
Victoria nodded and gave an awkward curtsey.
They waited a good thirty seconds after Robert left before returning to their seats.
“Well, that Memory Search doesn’t change anything,” Draven said, breaking the momentary silence. “In fact, it only reinforces what I suspected, that Greg and Jane had a long-standing issue with the dark elves.”
There was a noise that sounded like something between a sigh and a snort of laughter. Everyone turned to the hooded man staring at them innocently.
“Sorry, did I say something?” he asked.
“No, Alex, but I fear you would like to,” Victoria said evenly.
“Well, the whole thing’s a load of rubbish really, isn’t it? But I may have expressed my thoughts already.”
“Yes, you have – so shut up unless you have something useful to say,” Draven said.
“I’m far from happy with the logic and there is clearly a lot we don’t know,” Victoria said. “But until Greg and Jane turn up, we cannot prove the dark elves are lying to us.”
Ben snapped. “That’s completely unfair,” he said, with such anger and pent-up emotion the Council finally turned to him.
He had their attention.
“This Suktar – isn’t he the bad guy? Yet you’re taking his side over my parents’?”
Draven leant forward onto the table. “You have no clue what’s going on, so keep your trap shut.”
“Draven is right. There are many different elements and factors that you are unaware of,” Victoria said.
“Personally I’m with Ben,” Alex said, flicking up his gold coin absently.
Ben had had enough. His hand flew into his pocket and he produced the peculiar fabric that matched the dark elf cloak.
“See this?” he said, thrusting the fabric at them. “I found this at our house the day my parents disappeared.”
It didn’t produce the response he had expected. Only Alex showed the slightest bit of surprise at the fabric.
“The dark elves were trying to bring your parents to justice,” Victoria said in a perfectly calm voice.
“You knew that?” Ben asked, taken aback.
Colin nodded. “Of course. There is a lot we know that you don’t, Mr. Greenwood, particularly when it comes to your parents’ past.”
“What about my parents’ past?”
“Such debate serves no purpose right now,” Wren said, her voice cutting through the argument. “I will have a proper conversation with Ben after the meeting. Let’s move on.”
Ben wanted answers now, but he took a deep breath and nodded. They would come later.
Wren stood up. “I am going to cast a Search Spell, Ben. You will feel a light tingling, but it is not unpleasant and won’t last long.”
Despite Wren’s calm reassurances, Ben ran a weary hand through his messy, blond hair. He felt reluctant to be the subject of any more spells after the last one. But his trepidation was offset by curiosity. She had no Spellshooter. How was she going to cast a spell?
Wren raised a hand and extended her forefinger; the tip suddenly turned white. A jet of sparks arced towards Ben and showered him from head to toe. They grew into tiny stars and floated around him. Some made his skin tingle, but they didn’t hurt; quite the opposite, it felt strangely relaxing.
The Executive Council were watching him closely. Ben desperately wanted the spell to find something. The thought that his parents had an eye on him was so uplifting it made his heart ache. But when the stars started disappearing, so did the Council’s interest and Ben’s shoulders sunk.
And then it happened. One of the stars hovering above his head exploded and ballooned into a silver ball the size of a pumpkin, pulsing gently.
“What is it?” Draven asked.
Wren was a picture of concentration. She narrowed her luminous eyes, lips parted.
“I cannot tell yet.”
Nobody, not even Draven, interrupted her as she continued to stare at the silver ball.
Suddenly, the silver ball disappeared, making Ben jump. Wren lowered her hand, but continued to stare a few inches above Ben’s head where the ball had been.
“The spell isn’t one of ours,” she said.
There was a collective murmur. Draven cursed and thumped his fist on the table.
“If I ever see those Greenwoods again,” he muttered. “Can you tell us anything about the spell or are you going to be completely useless?”
Wren tapped a finger on her pursed lips. “Its power and complexity are considerable. It may have been cast by the wood elves. We know the Greenwoods are friendly with them.”
“Can you tell us what the spell does?” Colin asked.
Wren shook her head. “I cannot say.”
Ben had been listening intently and yet, to his immense frustration, understood nothing.
Before he could ask a question, Draven stood up.“We’re done here.”
“What about Mr. Greenwood?” Colin asked.
“What about him?”
“It’s not safe for him to be wandering around. I call a vote to keep him in the Institute.”
“Within Taecia,” Wren said. “He’s not a prisoner.”
“Those in favour of keeping Ben in Taecia?” Draven asked. All hands were raised except Alex’s.
Ben watched in astonishment as they voted on his fate as if he weren’t there. He was still trying to work out what had happened when the Council filed out, leaving him alone with Wren.
— Chapter Fourteen —
Commander of the Institute
Ben hoped Wren would explain what had transpired, but she led him out of the meeting room moments after the others.
Questions buzzed round his head, but one demanded an answer above all others.
“What about my parents’ past were they talking about?”
Wren put a finger on her lips. “Not here.”
With some difficulty, Ben saved the questions for later, but that didn't stop him thinking about them. What were his parents searching for? Why were they trying to end the Greenwood relationship with the Institute? It occurred to Ben that Wren might not know the answers to all his questions.
They went back down the stairs to Wren’s office. Ben suddenly became aware of how tired he was. His legs wobbled and he had to grip the banister to prevent a nasty fall.
“The Memory Search spell is a real energy-sapper,” Wren said, slowing her pace. “You’re doing really well. Many have to be carried afterwards.”
Ben found speaking difficult when so much effort went
in to putting one foot in front of the other.
“Why did Draven address Robert as 'Your Highness'?”
“Good question,” Wren said. “Robert is a direct descendent of Queen Elizabeth I. His full title is Prince Robert, Commander of the Institute of Magic.”
Ben rubbed his heavy eyes. “My history isn't great, but didn't Queen Elizabeth die childless?”
“You're right. The classrooms teach you that Queen Elizabeth died without an heir. But that isn't true: she had a son.”
Ben ran a shaky hand through his hair. “Why didn't he become king when Elizabeth died?”
“By that time Elizabeth was more interested in the Unseen Kingdoms than the British Empire. So James VI of Scotland became king of England, and Henry, Elizabeth's son, became the new Commander of the Royal Institute of Magic. Since then her descendants have continued to rule the Institute.”
Ben's weary mind needed a moment to take it all in. “I don't want to sound like Charlie, but how is that possible? Wouldn't somebody notice if she were pregnant?”
“I'll put that question down to your mental and physical fatigue,” Wren said with a smile. “A simple spell could easily disguise her state.”
“Of course,” Ben said. “I forgot about that. So does Robert really rule the Institute? He doesn't look like the sort of person who would sit in meetings all day.” Ben recalled the wet cloak and muddy clothes. “He came in last, left first and didn't take part in any of the Council's decisions.”
“Well observed.” She became momentarily distant and Ben thought he saw concern in her face. “The last few commanders have spent much of their time away from the Institute.”
Now her concern was plain to see.
“Doing what?”
"Travelling. To where and for what purpose, I can't be sure,” Wren said, unconvincingly. “But whatever the reason, the Commander has left governing the Institute almost exclusively to the Executive Council.”
There was definitely a story behind why Robert and his forefathers spent their time travelling rather than ruling, but Ben's sluggish mind was in no shape to work it out; he needed Charlie. So he changed the subject.
“How did you fire a spell without a Spellshooter?”
“I do not need one.”
“Are you an Unseen?”
Wren nodded. With her pointed ears and abundance of grace, Ben was hardly surprised. She was far more elf-like than Natalie. He wondered how many other Unseens worked at the Institute.
“Why did you vote to keep me in Taecia? Alex didn’t.”
“Voting is done on majority,” Wren said. “I knew Colin, Draven and Victoria would vote to keep you here, so there was nothing to be gained by voting against them. By voting with them I keep their trust and confidence.”
“So why did Alex vote against them?”
“Alex speaks and votes his mind because he doesn’t give a hoot what the Executive Council thinks about him. In return, his voice carries little weight outside his department. In truth, he’s probably the least-suited director in history.”
“I quite liked him.”
Wren smiled. “That doesn’t surprise me. He is very close friends with your parents, especially your dad. After they disappeared it took Draven several weeks before he was satisfied that Alex wasn’t secretly in touch with them.”
Ben found his affection for Alex growing. Had he more energy he would have asked Wren where he could see him again, but they were already approaching Wren’s office and the thought of collapsing on her couch was overpowering.
Two contrasting faces greeted them as they entered Wren’s office. Natalie was standing by the door, her green eyes wide with concern, hands playing with her hair. Charlie, by contrast, looked surprisingly calm. Despite Ben’s weariness, he could have sworn he saw a flash of disappointment on Charlie’s face before it yielded to curiosity. Of course, it wasn’t often Charlie got the exclusive attention of a pretty girl. Ben almost felt bad interrupting them.
He made a beeline for the couch and collapsed on it with a groan of bliss. He wanted to shut his eyes, but knew if he did they wouldn’t open again.
“Drink this.”
Natalie was holding out a glass filled with green liquid.
“Is this one of those magic drinks that tastes great and rejuvenates me instantly?” Ben asked, sitting up.
“No, it’s vegetable juice made from spinach and cucumber.”
Ben took the glass reluctantly. “Don’t those magic potions exist then?”
“They do,” Charlie said, “but apparently they aren’t as genuinely healthy as the vegetable option.”
Natalie nodded in confirmation.
Ben took a sip and almost gagged. “Did you tell Natalie that I don’t care which one is genuinely healthier? Especially if one tastes nice and the other tastes like grass.”
“He did actually, but I chose the healthy option anyway, so drink up. The nutrients start to lose their effectiveness after twenty minutes.”
“I’m afraid I have to go,” Wren said. “It’s late and the Commander is expecting me."
Ben looked at her in surprise. “Already? I have questions."
“I know you do, Ben,” Wren said. “And tomorrow I will answer them. You will find my answers far more useful with a clear head and a good night’s rest.”
Her calm reassurance coupled with Ben's exhaustion staved off his protests. She turned her attention to Charlie. “Are you planning on staying the night or returning home?”
“I’m staying,” Charlie said to Ben’s relief.
“Good. Natalie, could you book them a twin bed at the Hotel Jigona please? The Institute will cover the costs.”
Natalie left immediately to make the arrangements, leaving just the three of them alone in the office.
“Natalie will be back shortly,” Wren said. “I will meet you here tomorrow after breakfast.”
Her flowery red dress swirled as she turned and left.
Ben lay back down, resting his hands behind his head. He allowed himself the luxury of closing his eyes.
“Aren’t you going to tell me what happened?” Charlie asked.
“We should wait for Natalie. There are a few questions I need to ask her to try to understand everything myself.” Ben opened one eye and focused it on Charlie. “How about yourself? You looked like you were enjoying yourself with Natalie.”
Charlie’s face suddenly resembled a tomato and Ben knew he had hit the mark.
“We were having some interesting discussions about the history of the Unseen Kingdoms. She is really quite smart, you know, unlike some of the pretty girls you hang out with at school.”
"That's not fair. What about Amy?"
"Are you serious? Have you heard some of the answers she gives Mr. Barlow in maths? It makes me cringe and I don't even like her."
"Fine, Amy wasn't the greatest example. What about Hannah?"
“You're missing the point. I was able to talk to Natalie like I talk to you." Charlie waved a hand and puffed his cheeks in frustration. "Oh, forget it. I can't explain it."
Ben gave him an even look, cutting through Charlie's embarrassment. "You feel comfortable around her."
"Is that strange?" Charlie asked.
"Not at all," Ben assured him. "She is very easy to talk to."
Though Ben didn't show it, he was concerned. They had only met Natalie hours ago and she had already penetrated Charlie's considerable female shield. Was that the Institute's plan – to get someone close to them? Was that Wren's plan? Or was he just being cynical?
Before Ben could debate the matter further, Natalie re-entered the room with a cheerful smile.
“Everything’s arranged. You’re lucky, you normally have to book well in advance to get into the Jigona – why are you both looking at me like that?”
Ben smiled casually at Natalie, his mind working quickly. “It’s a bit embarrassing, but since you asked – we were wondering what we were going to do about spare clothes. I could real
ly use some different underwear for tomorrow.”
It was Natalie’s turn to blush, while Charlie suddenly felt compelled to examine the desk at the back of the room. But Ben’s lie seemed to do the job, deflecting Natalie from their private conversation.
“We can go shopping tomorrow,” Natalie said, recovering far quicker than Charlie. “Wren has instructed me to watch over you and be your guide, so I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with me for a while longer. I am also staying at the hotel. You’ll like it there, it’s really unique.”
Charlie's pleasure was obvious, but Ben’s smile masked his misgivings. Did the Institute really need to watch over him so closely to warrant Natalie staying with them at the hotel? But as much as he hated to admit it, he liked her company and he needed her knowledge.
Ben struggled to his feet. The vegetable juice had helped to wake him up, but his legs still felt like they had weights attached. He was eager to get to the hotel while he was awake enough to question Natalie.
Natalie disappeared into the little side room and came back with a small suitcase.
Noting the slight grimace Natalie made as she carried the suitcase down the stairs, Ben motioned to Charlie, who looked back at him with blank confusion. With a sigh, Ben took the suitcase off a surprised Natalie and, despite his weakness, carried it down the staircase.
“The place looks empty now,” Ben said.
“It’s past 7pm now, remember?" Natalie said. She tapped her wrist and Ben saw a sparkly watch masquerading as a bracelet. "The Institute is only open from 8am to 6pm so most have gone home.”
“Do people commute here every day on that dragon train thing?”
“The Dragonway, yes, unless you are wealthy or important enough to warrant an animal you can fly home.”
Ben was dreaming about how he could get his hands on such an animal when they reached the lobby. There were a couple of boys sweeping the wooden floors and chatting happily amongst themselves.
“Queen Elizabeth,” Natalie said, pointing at the statue standing in the centre of the room that was surrounded by the great galleries above. Ben had never given the statue a proper look before, but he did so now. A lady in armour held a sword and shield, surrounded in a protective circle by four men and a woman. Everyone was white marble except the lady in the centre; she was made of a silver that shone so brightly Ben suspected magic at work. On her breastplate was the familiar coat of arms. The armoured lady’s regal expression and posture left Ben in no doubt to her sovereignty.