The Shadowseeker - Victor Kloss Page 0,28

to nine,” Charlie said, as they entered the courtyard. “We should buy watches today, as I really don't want to be late for one of Ms. Borovich's musters.”

Charlie's time estimation proved spot on. They entered the Institute, stopping for a second to admire the magnificent entrance, then headed up one flight of stairs to the Department of Apprentices, where they joined a group of boys and girls filing into the muster room. Ben was glad to see many other apprentices dressed in rough clothes, and they all had fewer than four diamonds above their shoulders.

They spotted Natalie near the centre of the room, talking to a couple of older boys. She waved at them, but there was no time to talk, as Dagmar came striding in. The room quietened down and everyone found their square in double-quick time.

“Good morning,” Dagmar said, with a face that clearly didn't care if the morning was good or not. Muster was rattled off quickly with military precision.

“Announcements,” Dagmar said, putting her hands behind her back. “For this morning's chores, you will be working up top. For those of you not informed, everyone except the senior apprentices helps keep the Institute clean. Each day you are assigned a different task. Tuesday is animal care. Mr. Greenwood and Mr. Hornberger, if you stick with your fellow one star apprentices, or Ones, as you will now be called, you will be told what to do. Dismissed.”

Everyone except the Fours and Fives made their way along the hallway and up the stairs. Ben counted about a dozen apprentices with only one diamond, them included. Natalie was a little way ahead, with her group of Twos, and the staircase was too busy to barge their way past.

Charlie was fidgeting nervously as they climbed. “Did you notice the subtle groans the other Ones made when Dagmar made the announcement?” He was staring at the other apprentices, oblivious to the looks he was getting. Charlie did have a point. Many of the Ones wore resigned expressions.

“This can't be good,” Charlie said.

“We'll soon find out.”

Ben's curiosity increased with every flight of stairs they climbed, until they reached the top gallery. Looking over the railing, Ben could just make out the Queen Elizabeth statue far below. Ben and Charlie followed the crowd through the door that led out to the roof.

“Oh man, I forgot about the smell.”

Charlie had one hand squeezing his nose and the other making a futile attempt at wafting away the smell of manure. But Ben barely noticed the smell. Surrounding the glass gable that towered over them was a series of paddocks, filled with animals that made Ben's body tingle. There were huge eagles, pegasus, griffins, wyverns and even small dragons. Between them they created a cacophony of roars, squawks and growls. Ben spotted apprentices already hard at work. Some were cleaning the beasts; others were attempting to feed them with varying degrees of success. The lucky ones got to relax while the animals they were charged with dozed in the morning sun.

“This way, gang.”

The voice came from an older boy near the front of the group. He led them round the corner and into a small paddock that was empty except for a large, shallow storage tank. From it came a smell that almost made Ben gag. The tank was filled with pooh.

“Alright, people, it's time for everyone's favourite chore. Let's grab a shovel and get started. Remember, those who slack off make it harder for the rest of us. Yes, I'm talking to you, Billy and Hans. If I catch you sword fighting with your shovels again, I'm going to report your arses.”

There was some laughter, mainly aimed at two small, skinny boys who looked ready to sulk. They, along with the rest, picked shovels resting next to the storage tank, and headed off in different directions. Ben and Charlie watched, uncertain what they were supposed to be doing.

“Guys, over here.”

It was the boy who had given the orders. He looked considerably older than them; Ben guessed around eighteen. He was well built, with biceps indicating regular gym work. His head was shaved and he had small studs in each ear.

“My name is William – or Will,” he said, offering his hand. Will gave them a friendly smile and Ben found himself warming to the boy. “I am the Chief One; the title is less impressive than it sounds. I get lumped with things like getting people to work, making sure nobody bunks off, and occasionally helping