The Shadowseeker - Victor Kloss Page 0,15

down to his toes.

Ben picked up the book that now had his name on it and tucked it under his arm. He exited the room and saw two very different sets of eyes looking his way. Charlie was inspecting him, clearly looking for signs of injury. Dagmar’s impassive stare went straight to the colourless diamond above Ben's shoulder, and she gave a rare smile, a subtle upturning of the lips.

“Congratulations. Welcome to the Institute,” Dagmar said, extending her hand. Ben took it with a smile, matching her vice-like grip with one of his own.

“So the colourless diamond means you're now an apprentice, right?” Charlie asked.

“That and also the book,” Dagmar said. “You cannot take it unless you have passed.”

Charlie wiped his brow. “It's not protected by a dragon or something, is it? Because if I have to fight my way to anything, I can tell you right now it's not going to happen.”

Dagmar would have been a fantastic poker player, Ben thought – her expression didn't change a jot.

“Your turn, Mr. Hornberger,” she said.

Charlie shuffled reluctantly towards the door, giving Ben an imploring look.

“You'll be fine,” Ben said, with a reassuring smile, which he managed to maintain until Charlie had disappeared through the door.

The wait to see if Charlie passed was almost worse than the test. He had no control over the outcome and felt powerless. For all Charlie's complaining, his integrity and loyalty were unquestionable and, when needed, so was his courage. Would the ghost/spell of Queen Elizabeth see past his dramatics, anxiety and pessimism?

Time ticked by slowly. Dagmar stood, back to the wall, in a manner reminiscent of the guards at Buckingham Palace. Ben knew asking her anything would be pointless.

Five minutes passed. Ten. Ben started tapping his foot anxiously. How long had the test taken him? It hadn't seemed long, but time had lost all meaning once inside. What would he do if Charlie didn't make it? Ben would stay, but it would be a mighty blow not to have his best friend with him.

A creak from the door interrupted his thoughts, and Ben whipped his head round.

Charlie emerged, looking as though he had just fought a dragon. His chequered shirt was damp with sweat, his hair a mess, and there was a cut on his lip. But it was the single colourless diamond above his shoulder and the book under his arm that made Ben grin ear to ear.

“Congratulations, Mr. Hornberger,” Dagmar said. Ben caught a flicker of surprise in her eyes. “I did not expect you to pass.”

Charlie extended his hand and smiled. “Nor did I. Can we go and get a cup of tea? I'm about to collapse.”

— Chapter Seven —

Old Friends and Enemies

Charlie got his wish for once.

“Lunchtime is at 12pm,” Dagmar said, marching in front of them along the hallway. “Muster is at 1pm, after which you will begin your apprenticeships. Do not be late.”

“How can we tell the time?” Charlie asked, his voice slightly timid. It was hard not to be intimidated by the tiny Dagmar.

“You will need to buy watches in town. I would do that today if I were you. My other apprentices will tell you how much I dislike slack punctuality.”

Dagmar's warning did nothing to dampen Ben's feeling of elation. His feet had barely touched the floor since he left the testing room. He kept glancing above his right shoulder at the floating colourless diamond. Charlie looked like a weight had been lifted, and Ben spotted his friend smiling to himself on more than one occasion. Charlie even managed to deal with Ayla, his locker, when they stopped to drop off their books. It was only when they heard voices coming from the lunch room ahead that Charlie's anxiety returned.

“I will leave you here,” Dagmar said, turning to face them. Ben wondered again how someone so small could exude such authority. “I will see you in fifty-eight minutes’ time.”

She marched back down the hallway, her over-sized feet clomping on the wooden floor. She was almost out of sight when her voice floated down the hallway. “Try the veal.”

“Shall do!”

“What a peculiar lady,” Charlie said, when he was sure Dagmar was out of earshot.

“She's interesting, isn't she?” Ben said. He pushed open the double doors and they entered the lunch hall.

Warmth and the pleasant smell of chicken hit their senses. Laughter and chatter filled the air. Two long tables, flanked either side by wooden benches, ran down the centre of the room. Most of the spaces were taken by