by Victor Kloss
“Simple. You show me Elizabeth’s Sword.”
Ben sagged on the couch. “I don’t have it, yet.”
There was genuine disappointment etched in Hunter’s face. “Then I cannot summon the other Protectors. You must understand the danger we are in right now. The dark elf king wants Elizabeth’s Armour for himself, and my contacts say he has learnt about the Protectors and is actively looking for us. To have all of us in one place would be madness.”
Ben felt like biting his fist. They were so close to finding the helm, but for Hunter’s unwillingness to take a leap of faith.
“The Protectors are needed to find the helm, right?” Natalie said, speaking up for the first time. “Are they also needed to locate its Guardian?”
“No. I know where the Guardian of the Helm is.”
Ben almost leapt from his seat. “Could you tell us that, at least?”
“Absolutely not,” Hunter said firmly. “The secret of the Guardian is as important as the helm itself.” Seeing their disappointed expressions, his face softened, just a fraction. “I have been a Protector almost my whole life. I have guarded this secret more zealously than anything else I know. Now more than ever, with the dark elf king coming to strength, that secret must be maintained.”
“Until I find the sword,” Ben finished bitterly.
Hunter nodded, and his black eyes lit up for just a moment. “Yes, until you find the sword. Show me Elizabeth’s Blade, and you will get the helm, and its Guardian, with my blessing.”
— Chapter Fourteen —
Joshua and the Champion
By the time they arrived at the Institute after scouting duty the following morning, word of the countdown until the dark elf attack had spread like wildfire, and there was talk of little else. Ben had seen a large map in one of the executive Warden rooms riddled with little pins, which Ben assumed were guesses where the dark elves might hit.
“They don’t even know if the dark elves are going to attack the Seen or Unseen Kingdoms,” Natalie said, as they headed up the stairs.
“Could be both,” Ben said.
“Apparently Joshua’s dad, Arnold, is in charge of working out where they’re going to attack,” Charlie said.
At that moment, Joshua and a couple of his friends passed them by. Since the incident where they’d been spotted coming out of the Spellsword locker room, Joshua had completely changed. Instead of the bullying and the teasing, he had resorted to ignoring Ben completely. It was baffling.
“Maybe his dad told him to start acting his age,” Charlie said.
“He knows something,” Ben said to himself. “There’s some history between my family and his. I need to have a word with him.”
“Yes, but not now,” Natalie said, guiding Ben away from Joshua. “Charlie, when are you going to explain what happened yesterday? Lockets? Protectors? My head is spinning.”
Charlie had the good grace to blush, but that may have just been because the accusation came from Natalie.
“We need complete privacy, so it will have to be later on, maybe at that tea room where we can get those silencer spells.”
They agreed to meet there straight after they were finished for the day at the Institute. Natalie headed off to the library for a Scholar assignment, whereas Charlie reluctantly admitted he’d been neglecting a Trade practical, where he had to buy a functioning spellshooter for less than fifty pounds at the notorious Taecia antique market.
“I’ve never even seen one for less than a hundred quid,” Charlie muttered. “Are you coming with?”
Ben shook his head. “I completed that task last week.” He grinned. “Managed to pick one up for thirty-five pounds from a bloke who looked like he was about to go out of business.”
“Prey on the weak and desperate. Got it,” Charlie said.
Charlie headed off, leaving Ben by himself.
That suited him perfectly. He looked up just as Joshua was disappearing up the stairs. Taking the steps two at a time, Ben followed.
Ben hadn’t admitted it to Charlie or Natalie, but he still replayed the meeting with Joshua and his father almost every night. He had constantly been on the lookout for Joshua or his father, but the time never seemed right. It was time to find out once and for all what Joshua’s problem was, and the meaning behind his words to his father. When are you going to stop protecting that murderous family? The tricky part was going to be extracting Joshua from his gang. He needed Joshua alone.
Joshua entered the Department of Spellswords and headed through the double doors. As they walked along the corridor, Ben was delighted to see most of Joshua’s friends branch off into different rooms, until there were just two left with him. Joshua finally stopped at the Sword Combat Training room, and he and his friends entered together. Ben paused at the door. The moment he entered, his cover would be blown. How was he supposed to get Joshua alone in there? He had one idea – it was a long shot – but it was worth a go.
As predicted, the moment Ben stepped inside the room, those inside turned and glanced his way, including Joshua, who threw him a disdainful scowl, before proceeding to ignore him again.
There were half a dozen people being instructed in the lecture space, but it was the partitioned glass rooms that interested Ben. Half of them were being used, with apprentices and even a few Institute members battling magical opponents. In the end room was Joshua and one remaining friend, the other having joined the lecture. To Ben’s delight, Zadaya, Ben’s favourite combat training instructor, was also with them.
Ben walked over to the end room, opened the glass door, and joined Zadaya, Joshua, and his friend – Nobby.
“What are you doing here?” Nobby asked with a scornful look. He was a small, skinny boy with watery eyes, and a horrible dress sense – not the sort of person Joshua normally hung out with.
“Mr. Ben!” Zadaya said, extending his arms wide as if greeting a long-lost friend. “I will be with you in one moment, okay, my friend?”
Ben smiled. “That’s fine, thank you.”
Zadaya turned back to Joshua and Nobby. “Remember, Mr. Joshua, if Champion kills your friend, then game over. This about fighting in a team, not by yourself. You can only win if you both land killer blow.”
“Yes, I remember,” Joshua said, with an impatient nod.
Ben couldn’t help noticing that Nobby’s scornful look had been replaced with an anxious frown. His skin had gone white and he kept wiping his brow and gulping.
Zadaya turned cheerfully to Nobby. “Your job is simple, Mr. Nobby. You try to stay alive long enough to land killer blow with Mr. Joshua. Simple, yes?”
Nobby nodded, but didn’t reply.
Ben was surprised that Joshua hadn’t thrown him a scathing remark yet, and became more surprised as he continued to watch. Joshua looked more focused than Ben had seen him before. There was a genuine confidence about him that previously had always seemed superficial.
“To your places,” Zadaya instructed.
Joshua walked forwards to the middle of the glass room; Nobby followed, almost dropping his spellshooter in the process.
“Swords!” Zadaya commanded.
Joshua and Nobby each shot a pellet into their hand, and a pair of shining, almost ethereal swords materialised.
“Ready yourselves. Here he comes!” Zadaya said. He fired a spell to the back of the room. It hit the glass and there was a flash of light, momentarily blinding Ben. When his eyes recovered, he could see a man, decked out in gleaming armour, holding a large sword with both hands. A white feather protruded from his helmet, and the only sign of skin was a narrow slit so he could see.
Ben was still admiring the magical Champion, when it advanced. The full suit of armour did not detract from its smooth movement and perfect balance, or the ease with which it held its broad sword. Ben could tell immediately that it was more skilled than any fighter he had faced in the combat room.
“Spread out!” Zadaya ordered.
Nobody shifted sideways, but Jos
hua advanced and met the Champion head on. There was a clash of swords, and then both Champion and Joshua retreated. Ben’s eyes were glued to the fight. Joshua was good. No, Joshua was really good. They went at each other again and Joshua’s sword moved this way and that, countering the Champion’s quick thrusts and stabs.
“Nobby,” Joshua said, taking a step back. “Where are you? Get round him, for Christ’s sake!”
“If I do that, he’ll attack me,” Nobby said, sounding like a whining child.
“Just do it!” Joshua said, blocking another attack.
Nobby edged forwards, his sword shaking. The Champion spotted its new challenger and stepped to meet him with a couple of quick strikes. By some miracle, Nobby blocked the first one, but the second one went straight under his guard, into his stomach.
Nobby cried out, despite Ben knowing the pain was minimal. The moment he stabbed Nobby, the Champion vanished in a puff of smoke.
“Useless!” Joshua said, as Nobby struggled back to his feet. “You’re even worse than Adam, and he ran around like a headless chicken.”
“Calm yourself, Mr. Joshua,” Zadaya said, somehow still grinning, perhaps finding the shambolic performance amusing. “It is a team game, remember. If one of you die, you both lose. You are both responsible. Now, let us try again!”
In round two, Nobby lasted a full sixty seconds. Again and again they tried, attempting different strategies, but as soon as the Champion engaged Nobby, it was curtains.
“You’re no good,” Joshua said, spreading his hand, making his sword vanish.
“You’re both no good, you mean,” Zadaya said, wagging a finger playfully at Joshua.
“No,” Joshua said, shaking his head. “Nobby is no good. I’m perfectly competent. I will have to come back with someone else who can help me complete this accursed step on the checklist.”
This was the moment Ben had been waiting for. He leapt at the opportunity, raising a hand. “I can do it.”
Nobby sniggered. Joshua stared, disbelief etched all over his tanned face. “You’re not serious, are you?”
Ben shrugged. “Why not? I can’t be any worse than good old Nobby. I’m not a bad swordsman.”
“I don’t care if you’re the greatest swordsman in the world, I’m not fighting with you.”
“Ah, I sense some dislike, no?” Zadaya said. He clapped hands with enthusiasm. “This is perfect! Mr. Ben, please join Mr. Joshua.”
“What?” Joshua said. “No, I—”
“Fighting with friends is easy,” Zadaya said. “Fighting with enemies is a real test. Prepare yourselves!”
Ben stepped forwards immediately. Joshua instinctively recoiled.
“Do you want to pass this, or what?” Ben said. He drew his spellshooter, fired into his hand, and a sword materialised.
“Why are you doing this?” Joshua said, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. “If you think you can sabotage me, then you are wrong; nothing you can do in here will hurt me. So what is your game?”
“You’ll see,” Ben said.
Before Joshua could reply, Zadaya fired the spell, and the Champion reappeared, replete with full body armour and gleaming broad sword.
Ben had been watching the Champion closely during his battles with Joshua and Nobby, and had learnt a thing or two. When Joshua went left, Ben went right at a measured pace, putting the Champion exactly between the two of them.
“Don’t engage,” Joshua ordered, and leapt forwards to strike. Ben felt a double-pronged attack might have done the job, but he had no intention of ending the fight this early.
Joshua clashed and then retreated. Ben stepped in and launched his own attack. He thought he was ready for the Champion’s speed, but he was wrong. The precise technique, the quick strikes and perfect foot position put Ben immediately on the back foot. He blocked, two times, three, but the fourth he knew was going to penetrate his defences.
“Get back!” Joshua shouted, launching another attack, and forcing the Champion to retreat.
“Good!” Zadaya said. “You have made him think. Very good!”
It certainly appeared so. The Champion stayed back for a moment, eyeing them both carefully.
Ben sensed the opportunity. “You want to know why I’m doing this?”
Joshua looked at him with surprise, as if he suddenly realised who he was fighting with. The hostility came flooding back.
“Let’s hear it,” Joshua said.
“Tell me what your problem is with me and my family.”
Ben hadn’t expected an immediate answer and wasn’t surprised when he didn’t get one.
Joshua launched another attack. Ben could tell immediately that his question had thrown Joshua’s composure, because he overextended himself. Ben leapt forwards to the rescue, but the Champion was quicker, and ducked under Joshua’s clumsy thrust, before expertly spearing him in the stomach.
“What was that?” Zadaya said, extending his arms in a plea.
“I don’t want to do this anymore,” Joshua said. “I’ll find someone else tomorrow.”
“Nonsense,” Zadaya said, shaking him vigorously. “You will complete this with Mr. Ben. You don’t like him? I don’t care. You don’t choose your friends in battle. Now, fight again, and this time, don’t be reckless.”
Joshua looked like he’d swallowed a lemon. He glanced at the door, and for a moment Ben thought he was going to do a runner.
“You try to leave, I shoot you,” Zadaya said, raising his spellshooter and grinning.
“You can’t do that,” Joshua said. “That is against Institute regulations.”
“Don’t care,” Zadaya said. “Now, get ready.”
Joshua turned reluctantly back to the centre of the glass room and gave Ben a baleful stare. “I’m not telling you anything.”
Zadaya fired; the Champion re-appeared.
“Why not?” Ben said, sliding to his right.
The Champion attacked. Joshua repelled him with a deft feint.
“Because you of all people won’t believe me,” Joshua said. “You’re just like everyone else, thinking your family is perfect.”
“What are you talking about?” Ben said, dodging a quick attack from the Champion. “They were accused of treason, remember?”
“Ah yes, a brief window of justice,” Joshua said. “Of course, even that didn’t last long.”
“That’s because they didn’t do anything!” Ben said angrily. He felt the blade of the Champion almost take his head off and stumbled backwards. Joshua leapt in and forced the Champion back.
“Concentrate!” the familiar voice of Zadaya hollered.
“Maybe, maybe not,” Joshua said. “But I don’t care about that.”
Both Joshua and Ben were now breathing heavily, as was the Champion. Ben couldn’t be sure how long they had been fighting, but his arms were hurting and his lungs were aching.
The brief respite allowed Ben to talk without shouting. “What is it about my family that you hate so much? Because if you don’t tell me now, I’m going to beat it out of you.”
Joshua’s tanned face paled, and he lowered his sword for a moment, his eyes becoming distant. The Champion sensed an opening and attacked. Ben cut him off, cutting and thrusting like a mad man to keep the Champion at bay.
“Joshua!” Ben said.
Joshua never came, but, by some miracle, Ben managed to nick the Champion’s shoulder, causing him to retreat. When Ben turned back to Joshua, he was still staring into space. Ben was tempted to slap him in the face, but after a moment he spoke, his voice very soft, as if replaying some nightmare.
“Your dad killed my uncle.”
“What?” Ben shook his head, his stomach lurching. “No, you’re mistaken.”
Joshua shook his head faintly, his eyes becoming distant and hollow. “No, I’m not. I was there. I saw it happen.”
The words paralysed Ben, but with some effort he continued his interrogation.
“Why?”
Joshua’s words
were now but a whisper. “Jealousy. Your mum liked my uncle.”
Ben suddenly felt dizzy. He looked at the sword in his hand as if it were suddenly an alien thing. He barely even saw the Champion launch forwards and with a blur of movement cut both him and Joshua down in a heartbeat.
— Chapter Fifteen —
A Meeting with Wren
Ben took the stairs two at a time, barely noticing the Institute members he bumped into on the way down. His mind was a whirl and his head was spinning. He needed to get outside.
He started towards the Dragonway, with the intention of getting as much distance from the Institute as possible. But reason flared, buried beneath his torrent of emotions, and instead he wandered the Institute grounds.
The scene with Joshua kept replaying in his mind. He couldn’t turn it off, yet he couldn’t rationalise it either. Of one thing he was certain – Joshua was telling the truth, or a version of events he believed to be true. But what did that mean? Ben kicked a stone on the pebble path in frustration.
“Ben! What are you doing here?”
Natalie and Charlie were ambling along the grounds. Natalie appeared surprised, and Charlie’s face went slightly red.
“We didn’t know where you were, otherwise we would have asked you to join us,” Charlie said, his voice sounding strained.
If Natalie noticed anything odd in Charlie’s behaviour, she didn’t show it; instead she smiled. “Look what Charlie got.”
Charlie produced a battered spellshooter and smiled, his embarrassment fading. “Got it for forty quid. Talked the guy down from sixty. Your strategy worked a charm – find the most desperate trader and be ruthless.”
Ben tried to smile, but couldn’t summon the energy.
Natalie was the first to notice something wasn’t right. She stepped forwards, her eyes suddenly full of concern. “Are you okay, Ben?”
Ben wasn’t sure he could vocalise everything that had occurred. He slumped down on a nearby bench, with Charlie and Natalie sitting either side of him. With some difficulty, he retold exactly what had happened. He managed to keep his voice calm up until the very end, when he could feel himself choke a little.
