by Victor Kloss
He was so deep in thought he barely noticed when they stepped through the exit gateway. It was only when he heard the roar of dragons that he realised they were back at the Dragonway in Taecia.
“I’ll see you back at the Institute, Wren,” Alex said. He turned to Ben, Natalie and Charlie and gave them a little salute. “Let’s do lunch sometime.”
He hobbled away and with him went Ben’s hope that Alex might offer him an invitation to the Institute.
The remaining Spellswords drifted off to their own trains. With their Spellshooters holstered, they looked more like commuters than warriors.
That left Ben, Natalie and Charlie alone with Wren. At some point on the journey back she had somehow managed to tidy herself up. Her hair was piled on her head in a neat bun and the gash on her head was clean. Was she wearing another dress? It shouldn’t have been possible, but Ben could have sworn it was different to the one she had worn in battle.
Ben was aware he had seconds before Wren said goodbye, possibly forever. If she didn’t ask him now, she never would.
“Would you mind if I had a word with you in private, Ben?” Wren asked.
“Sure,” Ben replied, hoping his surprise masked his relief.
Wren led Ben a little way down the station platform until they were alone.
“Normally the discovery of the Unseen Kingdoms and the Royal Institute is a wondrous and defining moment in a young boy’s life. I am sorry you and Charlie have had such an intense few days.”
Ben couldn’t help smiling. “It’s not been that bad.”
The truth was these last few days had made the rest of his life look mundane.
Wren was looking at him thoughtfully. “Your parents are wonderful Spellswords and two of my closest friends, but I always felt they were hiding something – something important. I have only known you for a few days, but already I sense the same thing. What is it about you Greenwoods?”
Ben looked into Wren’s grey eyes. He trusted her; there was no doubt about that. He wanted to confide in her, but Queen Elizabeth’s orders to Michael Greenwood were clear. The Institute was not to know. His parents had gone to great lengths to ensure just that.
“I think you should trust us,” Ben said. It sounded lame, but he couldn’t think of anything else to say.
Wren nodded in agreement. “I do, Ben. As soon as Alex and I return to the Institute, we will get that ridiculous declaration of treason on your parents removed.”
“Thank you,” said Ben. “What’s going to happen with the dark elves? Is the treaty with them now up in smoke?”
“I fear it might be, but we’ll see. I don’t think they are ready to declare war on us just yet,” Wren said. She glanced down the platform and for a horrible minute Ben thought she was about to leave. Thankfully she turned back to him. “I am sure you must be wondering about your future with the Institute.”
Ben felt his stomach lurch. “I hadn’t really thought about it.”
Wren’s half smile left him in little doubt that she didn't believe him. “Even without the courage and competence you have displayed, your family line entitles you to the apprenticeship, should you wish to enrol. Charlie has also earned the right to apply, as we are always searching for suitable members beyond the existing ancestry.”
Wren motioned towards Charlie and Natalie, and they started a slow walk back down the platform. Ben made a show of thinking about the offer, which lasted all of five seconds. He had a strange urge to start dancing.
“You know, I’d like to give it a go. I’m sure I can bully Charlie into joining with me.”
“I’m glad. You can begin the enrolment process at our Croydon office.”
They re-joined Charlie and Natalie, who were looking curiously at them.
“Natalie, I don’t want to see you in the Institute for at least forty-eight hours. I’m sorry I can’t give you more time to recover, but you are too valuable to me.” Natalie beamed at the compliment and Wren turned to Charlie. “I hope to see you again soon, Charlie. And when Ben relays my offer, don’t for a minute doubt yourself. You will do wonderfully. Now, I must be going. The Executive Council will be waiting for me.”
The three of them watched Wren go. When she had passed out of sight, Charlie and Natalie turned to Ben.
“What was that about?” Charlie asked. “What offer?”
Their dragon pulled into the station, smoke pouring from its nostrils. The carriages opened and a few late-night stragglers emerged.
Ben grinned. “I’ll explain on the way home.”
A Note From the Author
Thank you for reading Royal Institute of Magic - I hope you enjoyed it. As you probably guessed, there is a second book on the way, which I'm working on (as of August 2014). If you would like to stay in touch, please visit my website at www.royalinstituteofmagic.com. You can also sign up to my newsletter there and receive the latest and greatest on everything from backstory extras to details about book two.
If you feel so inclined, I would appreciate it if you could write a little review on Amazon. It only takes a few minutes and gives other potential readers a better idea of what the book is like.
Finally, writing can be a pretty lonely business, so it's always nice to hear from readers. Please feel free to get in touch at [email protected] and I'll reply within 24 hours - promise!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
- Victor