The Shadowseeker - Victor Kloss Page 0,85

two huge rocks.

“It looks thicker than the others,” Charlie commented.

Ben threw a stone into the mist. Nothing happened.

“Doesn't seem too bad,” Ben commented.

Natalie, however, was frowning. “If it's not doing anything, it must be a mind spell.”

“What sort of mind spell?” Charlie asked.

“It could be anything that controls your emotions, thoughts or feelings.”

“That doesn't sound pleasant,” Charlie said.

“Makes a nice change to being blasted a thousand different ways, though,” Ben said, throwing another stone into the fog just to make sure. Again, nothing happened. “You guys ready?”

It was hard to determine exactly how long the fog went on for within the passageway, but to Ben it didn't look like more than thirty feet – a quick sprint and they would be through in a matter of seconds. The passageway was too narrow for them to walk abreast, so Ben lined up first, followed by Charlie and then Natalie.

Ben wouldn't admit it to the others, but as he looked into the black fog, he was more concerned by it than any of the previous fogs they had encountered. Ben hated not being in control. The idea that a spell could affect him mentally gave him the shivers.

“Having second thoughts?” Charlie asked hopefully from behind, after Ben hadn't moved.

“No,” Ben said. He took a deep breath, and stepped into the fog. The moment he did so, the fog shifted and swirled. Ben saw a shape form. The figure came forwards, and before Ben could react it collided with him. There was a sudden pressure in his head, and Ben felt a presence enter his mind – at least it tried to. It stopped on the threshold of his consciousness and stayed there, a floating malice, until Ben made it through the fog, whereupon it retreated and disappeared.

“Well, that wasn't too bad, though a little unpleasant,” Ben said. He turned around.

Charlie and Natalie had yet to enter the fog.

“What's the hold up?” Ben asked. They weren't far away and his voice carried easily.

“How did you get through?” Charlie called back.

“What do you mean?” Ben asked, frowning. “Barely anything happened.”

“Clearly not for you,” Natalie said. “But the moment Charlie and I entered the fog, we suddenly had the strongest desire to turn around. Before we knew it, we ended up back here.”

“Why did it not affect me? I'm not mentally stronger than you guys.”

“I bet it's your Guardian status again,” Charlie mused. “All these spells were set up by Charlotte Rowe. I reckon the only people she intended to enter were other Guardians.”

Ben measured the distance. It really wasn't far. “Have you tried running? Maybe you'll get over here before the spell has time to kick in.”

“Worth a go,” Charlie said. He took a step back, and then charged into the mist at full pelt. He had taken no more than three steps into it when he suddenly did an about turn and ran back to Natalie as fast as he had entered.

“Nope,” Charlie said, panting, hands on knees.

“It's really bizarre,” Natalie added. “The moment I enter the fog, I suddenly think how terrible it would be if I made it across, and that it would be far better to stay on this side. I lose control of my mind, and since my mind controls my body, I'm totally helpless.”

Ben ran a hand through his hair with an air of frustration. “There's no way after everything we've gone through that we're going to stop here.”

Ben walked back through the fog, experiencing no more effects than his first time through, until he was with Charlie and Natalie again.

“Right. You might not want to get across, but you won't have much choice if I drag you with me,” Ben said, a devilish smile on his lips.

“That might work,” Natalie said.

“Unless it drives us insane,” Charlie added.

“I think it would take a lot more to break a mind,” Ben said. “As long as I can get you across promptly, you'll be fine.”

“I didn't realise you had a degree in psychology.”

“I think Ben's right,” Natalie said, pursing her lips. “The key will be getting us over there quickly.”

“Don't worry about that,” Ben said, going through the motions of limbering up. “Right, who's first?”

“Me,” Charlie said, somewhat reluctantly.

Ben placed his hands on Charlie's shoulders. “Let's go.”

They managed a couple of steps into the mist before Charlie's eyes suddenly took on a distant, disorientated look. He slowed, and then stopped. Ben urged him forwards, but Charlie resisted. Ben changed his grip into a bear hug, and yanked Charlie forwards. Charlie