by Victor Kloss
Charlie pulled out an impeccably clean handkerchief, and dabbed his glistening forehead. “Well, you've turned going through the archway from a simple matter into one of life or death. Thanks.”
“Calm down, we've got clearance. We're not a threat,” Ben said.
Ben walked up to the archway. He had intended to walk straight through, but couldn't help hesitating as Krobeg's words reverberated round his head. If it deems you a serious security threat, you will pass through, but you won't come out the other end.
Ben shook himself. He was being ridiculous. Nevertheless, it took some effort to suppress his natural life preservation instincts. He walked quickly through the archway. There was a moment's resistance, stronger than the one he experienced in the Dragonway. His heart threatened to exit his mouth, before the resistance subsided, and Ben was through.
He turned, and gave them a smile, trying to hide his relief. “See? Nothing to it.”
Krobeg gave a shrug and then followed Ben through, looking fairly relaxed about it. Only Charlie cringed when passing under, as if he was hiding some sort of secret the archway might detect.
Another flight of stairs followed, which led to another gallery, and another archway. The only difference was the colour of the eye – this one was blue.
“I bet they have different roles,” Natalie said, as they passed through the next archway.
Ben kept looking for a door, but they didn't find one until they reached the very top floor and had passed through three more archways. It had another lock, and Ben produced his key again. He expected it to lead to a corridor, but it opened up into a single room. Ben frowned. Could there really be only one room in the entire tower?
His frown evaporated the moment he looked around. The walls were painted in a swirling red and seemed to give off a comforting warmth. There were two distinct sections of the room. Nearest to them were a bunch of soft leather couches, each with its own coffee table. At the back was a conference table, lined with formal chairs.
“Oh, look at those,” Natalie said.
She was pointing to the vases, filled with incredible bouquets of fresh flowers. There was a large one on the conference table and another on the largest coffee table. But something even more delightful overpowered the smell of flowers. Small plates of appetisers were placed all over the room – sausages, vegetables, chips, and all kinds of dips.
“I guess someone knew we were coming,” Ben said. “I'm fairly certain Dagmar wouldn't have done all this herself.”
“It's the pixies,” Natalie said with a clap of delight. “There are three that live and serve here. You'll never see them, but they make sure the place always looks perfect when company is expected.”
Charlie and Krobeg were rubbing their hands together.
“Well, I guess we should tuck in. It would be criminal to let good food go to waste,” Krobeg said with Charlie nodding furiously in agreement.
“Shouldn't we prepare ourselves while we wait for Dagmar?” Natalie said. “I don't think it would create a great impression if she comes in and sees us stuffing our faces.”
The door behind them gave a sudden creak just as Ben was about to reply. They turned as the door swung open.
— Chapter Five —
Revelations
Dagmar and Abigail stood in the doorway. Dagmar's stern, rigid expression was a stark contrast to Abigail's soft smile. But Ben did not focus long on expressions – his eyes went straight to the helm tucked under Abigail's arm, and then to Dagmar's feet, where he gave a gasp of surprise, one that was immediately echoed by Charlie and Natalie.
Dagmar was wearing Elizabeth's Boots.
Abigail was holding Elizabeth's Helm.
“Take a seat,” Dagmar said, nodding to the conference table at the back of the room, ignoring their startled expressions.
Ben managed to drag his attention away from Elizabeth's Armour, and they all sat down. The flowers and the food trays were temporarily ignored, bar a subtle lick of the lips from Krobeg.
Ben had forgotten how simple yet beautiful the helm was – a slender, simplistic design that ordinarily wouldn't have looked up to the rigours of battle, if not for the power within.
To Ben's surprise, Dagmar removed her boots, and placed them on the table, next to the helm. Though Ben had never seen them together, it was clear that they belonged to the same suit of armour. A sudden grunting noise made Ben turn, and he saw Krobeg removing his jacket, revealing Elizabeth's Breastplate beneath. It came off smoothly, leaving a remarkably unbashful Krobeg in his undershirt. But with three pieces of Elizabeth's Armour sitting on the table, Krobeg could have stripped naked and nobody would have noticed. The breastplate dwarfed the other two pieces, but its craftsmanship was every bit their equal.
There was a brief, almost reverential silence, as they took in the three pieces of the armour, sitting in front of their respective Guardians. Ben had never seen all the pieces in one place, as they were normally hidden by each Guardian, and he felt a flash of unease seeing them all together, even if it was in the safety of the Crimson Tower.
“Now I see why you wanted to hold the meeting here,” Ben said, his throat feeling a little dry.
Dagmar gave a quick nod. “Security is paramount. Not just because of the armour, but the topics we will speak of.”
“Why did you bring them here?” Charlie asked, his eyes locked on the helm.
“I will get to that in due course,” Dagmar said. “First on the agenda, I need to give you a briefing on what is happening with the dark elves.”
“I thought you already briefed during muster?” Charlie asked with a furrowed brow.
“I'm talking about a proper briefing, not the bare minimum waffle I give the apprentices,” Dagmar said with a perfectly straight face.
Dagmar took each of them in, her keen, stolid stare appraising them with a thoroughness only Wren could match.
“The dark elves are coming, and they are coming soon,” she said. “The executive council thinks the attack will occur within three months. I told the apprentices that an attack on the Seen Kingdoms was a possibility, but the fact is it's a certainty. The dark elves are planning to invade the United Kingdom.”
Ben felt his mouth go dry, and his question came out as a croak. “Are we sure about that?”
Dagmar nodded. “We have suspected for a while. Between the Institute's extensive spy network and the strategic Unseen Kingdoms Suktar's taken, it has become fairly obvious.”
Ben struggled to come to terms with Dagmar's declaration, and he wasn't the only one. Charlie was massaging his cheeks, a look of utter disbelief on his face.
“So the dark elves are going to invade us? What, like a full-scale invasion? An army?”
“An army, with the dark elves’ full range of military units behind them. Aerial and combat beasts, mighty spells, war ships, and thousands of skilled warriors.”
“Blimey,” Ben muttered. “Has the Institute told the British government about this?”
“It is a delicate matter,” Dagmar said, forming her fingers into a steeple. “Communicating it in a way that will be believable and asking them to gather their army is not a small thing. We have several prominent people in the government and, more significantly, within the royal family who know about the Institute, and we are working on it.”
Charlie seemed to recover a little, though that didn't stop him pulling out his handkerchief again. “Okay, let's say the dark elves do invade and the United Kingdom is caught unawares, surely our military will wipe the floor with them? We have tanks, planes, guns and bombs.”
“Do not underestimate the dark elves,” Dagmar said, giving Charlie a stern look. “They will be well prepared. Guns will be useless. Stronger fire power may penetrate their magic, but it will bring many casualties, as the dark elves will arrive and launch straight into hand-to-hand combat. Any fire power the British use risks harming their own. It will be carnage unlike anything the British have
seen since World War II.”
Ben felt like all the air had been sucked out of him. He wanted to come up with some sort of reason why this scenario was impossible, but he couldn't get his brain or his vocal cords working. Charlie and Abigail, the only other British residents, looked equally stunned. Natalie's face had turned pale, while Krobeg looked grim.
“They are moving quickly,” Krobeg said, finding his voice first. “Three months for a full-scale invasion. When we found the breastplate, a little over a month ago, I don't recall the situation being so urgent.”
Dagmar nodded. “You are right. The Institute cannot understand the dark elves’ sudden haste, especially as they are normally so methodical and thorough. I have had words with Wren and even the prince, and they are also confused. However, we in this room should know why they are moving with such haste.”
Ben knew the answer even before Dagmar continued.
“We have forced Suktar's hand. We now have three pieces of Elizabeth's Armour and all but one Guardian. I wouldn't say he is scared, because I don't believe Suktar knows of that emotion, but he is deeply concerned, and he wants to move before we get the rest.”
Ben put a hand on his forehead, struggling to comprehend the words that were coming out of Dagmar's mouth. “So you're saying we're the reason for the war that's about to happen? We're the reason thousands of dark elves are about to invade the United Kingdom?”
“We're the reason it's happening so quickly,” Dagmar said.
Ben let out a deep breath. “That's mad.”
“And the Institute doesn't know the reason behind the dark elves’ haste,” Natalie said. Her eyes had a distant, haunted look.
“That doesn't matter,” Dagmar said with a rap of her hand on the table. “What matters now is that we find the two remaining pieces of armour, and the single remaining Guardian. That is why I requested the armour be here today, to remind you of its significance in ending Suktar's reign.”
At this, she turned her laser-like stare to Ben, who met it with a feeling of discomfort.
“We're working on it,” Ben said. “The problem is, we don't have any leads.”
“I find that difficult to believe,” Dagmar said. Her voice wasn't accusatory, just matter-of-fact. “Your parents were responsible for the sword. Surely they left a clue or a trail? After all, it is you, not they, who is the Guardian.”
Ben gave a rueful smile. “If they left a clue, then it's a really subtle one. I've been through our old house several times. I've been through all the stuff that got sent to Grandma's, but I haven't found anything. Remember, they kept the whole Royal Institute of Magic thing from me. I think they were planning to tell me, eventually, but they were forced to go on the run.”
Dagmar gave the merest narrowing of her eyes, before nodding. “Very well.”
“But you're right,” Ben said, clenching his fist and pressing on. “I'm certain that if I keep looking, I'll uncover a clue somewhere. I must not be looking in the right place.”
“What about the shield?” Krobeg asked. “Do we really have nothing for that either?”
“Nope,” Charlie said, idly tapping his fingers on the table. “And the shield is worse. At least with the sword, we have the Guardian and so have some idea where the sword might be. With the shield we have nothing.”
“Well, we need to find something, and quick,” Dagmar said. “I will get you access to every nook and cranny within the Institute, so you can expand your research.”
Charlie brightened considerably. “That might help.”
“I hope so, because we are running out of time. Remember, once you have found the sword, Ben, you will need time to harness its power if you are going to use it to confront Suktar. Don't expect to simply pick up the sword and immediately be able to use it.”
“I hadn't thought of that,” Ben admitted.
Dagmar placed her hands on Elizabeth's Boots. “I have spent many hours with the boots, and I'm confident I can utilise their magic. My role will be to navigate us to Suktar, wherever he may be.” She turned to Abigail. “How are you feeling with the helm?”
“I'm doing well, thanks to you,” Abigail said. “It was scary at first, flying without my body and reading dark elf minds, but I'm getting the hang of it.”
“Wow, that's intense,” Ben said, looking impressed. “I can't believe how well you've done. So, what is your role to be?”
“I will need to be able to read thoughts, to determine what the dark elves are going to do and learn their secrets.” She gave a little gulp and continued. “Eventually, I may have to enter Suktar's mind.”
“We don't know that yet,” Dagmar said, coming as close to sympathy as Ben had ever seen. “But you are making rapid progress, and I am happy. And what about you, Krobeg?”
“Nothing so subtle,” Krobeg said, giving a grin and tapping his breastplate with a hairy hand. “I'm a one-man fighting machine. The breastplate gives me strength, increases my reaction time, and provides incredible regeneration. I guess I'm the bodyguard. I have been practising every evening and I'm improving each day.”
“Good,” Dagmar said. “That just leaves the sword and the shield.”
Ben, who was feeling a little useless, leaned forwards and piped up. “Well, we know the sword is supposed to deliver the killer blow, and the shield is responsible for protecting me from Suktar's strikes.”
“Providing we get them in time so you learn how to use it,” Dagmar said with a subtly raised eyebrow.
“We'll find them,” Ben said, grinding his teeth. “I've already got some ideas.”
Ben couldn't tell by Dagmar's response if she knew he was exaggerating a little, but he didn't care. He was the Head Guardian and he still hadn't found his own piece of armour. That had to change, and it had to change now.
“Good,” Dagmar said. “Remember, if you need anything sensible from me, do not dally. We cannot afford to waste time.”
Dagmar looked as though she was about to rise, signifying the end of the meeting, but, to Ben’s surprise, she turned her attention to Charlie and Natalie.
“There is one more thing I need to mention. When the time comes and the Guardians assemble to find and destroy Suktar, it can only be the Guardians who go.”
It took Charlie and Natalie a second to realise what she was implying. Natalie, who was normally so deferential when addressing senior Institute members, looked at Dagmar with shock. Charlie was only marginally less put out.
“Are you suggesting that Charlie and I shouldn't go?” Natalie asked, the outrage in her expression mirrored by her voice.
“That's exactly what I'm saying,” Dagmar said. “You would jeopardise the mission.”
“No,” Natalie said, shaking her head so vigorously her hair spun around her shoulders. “You can't stop us going. I won't let you. We've been with Ben from the start. He might need us.”
Natalie turned to Charlie for support. He looked troubled, and Ben knew why. Would he side with reason? Or would he let the heart rule for once?
“It wouldn't be right to exclude us at the very end,” Charlie said eventually. “We have got this far together and had success. We should finish the job together.”
“Irrelevant,” Dagmar said with typical lack of emotion. “The final journey will be like nothing you've ever encountered. Your mere presence could hinder us.”
Charlie and Natalie both raised their voices in protest. Dagmar sat there, unflinching, but Ben was sure her tolerance would last only so long. It was time to act.
“Okay, that's enough,” Ben said, slapping his hand on the table. Natalie and Charlie reluctantly quietened down. Ben turned to Dagmar. “As the Head Guardian, whether they come or not is not your decision to make. It's mine.”
Ben spoke firmly, trying to replicate Dagmar's understated authority. She gave him a hard stare, and then, to Ben's surprise, he saw a subtle upturn of her lips – or had he imagined it?
“You are right,” she s
aid, after a moment's tense silence. “That is a decision I will leave to you.”
And with that, she reached out, grabbed a cucumber sandwich, and left.
“Well, that was intense,” Krobeg said. His hands snaked out and within moments he was sampling five different appetisers, smacking his lips and licking his fingers.
Ben expected Charlie to follow suit, but found that he and Natalie were both looking at him, expectantly.
It was then Ben realised just exactly what he'd got himself into. He had to make the call as to whether Charlie and Natalie came on the final journey. Was Dagmar right? Would they jeopardise their chances? They weren't Guardians; they weren't even powerful Institute members. What role or value did they bring, other than support and friendship? Was that enough?
Ben met the gazes of Natalie and Charlie. “I need to think about it.”
“What?” Natalie asked, leaning forwards. “What is there to think about?”
Ben had to think fast. “Let's just focus on finding the last two pieces of armour and the remaining Guardian. Then I'll make the decision.”
Natalie gave him an angry stare, and looked ready to give him another earful.
“That sounds reasonable,” Krobeg said, before Natalie could launch into another tirade. “Ben has enough on his mind already. Let's not give him something else to think about until the time comes.”
To Ben's relief, Natalie sat back, partially mollified, though she didn't look happy. Charlie, Ben noted, was far less put out.
Ben gave Krobeg a grateful smile. “Alright, when everyone's done stuffing their faces, let's get out of here. We've got a lot of work to do.”
— Chapter Six —
A Tenuous Lead
Despite their renewed urgency fuelled by Dagmar's briefing, Ben still found their time to do any research for the last Guardian limited by the Institute's own plans.
Ben was one of a handful of apprentices given extra lessons on spellshooting and swordsmanship by a senior Spellsword, Volvek – an elf who was well known for his talents in those two particular fields. The lessons were exhausting, but Ben made progress in leaps and bounds.