The Shadowseeker - Victor Kloss Page 0,89

on his exam. Ben could feel the perfectly balanced weight in his hands, and the edges gleamed with a sharpness that could probably cut the air. The moment his hand squeezed the hilt, Ben felt a powerful, almost pleasurable jolt in his mind and then throughout his body. Memories from his dad suddenly became accessible – memories about swordsmanship – tactics; technique; knowledge; experience. The sword, a foreigner just a moment ago, suddenly felt like an extension of his arm.

“Run, fool boy.”

Ben glanced back. Dagmar had managed to sit up, her back to the wall, but she was in no state to do anything. Her spellshooter hung down in her limp hand, and her shirt was torn at the shoulder, revealing a strange birthmark that looked remarkably like a bird.

Ben frowned. That was significant, but he couldn't remember why. Natalie's voice came to him, almost unbidden.

“The only thing of interest I found was that Charlotte had a peculiar birthmark on her right shoulder shaped like a bird that seems to have passed down the generations. It could provide evidence of their heritage, if we ever found someone.”

The shock of the revelation nearly cost Ben his life. Elessar came forwards and attacked. Ben brought his sword up just in time to deflect the strike. Elessar appeared in no hurry to end the fight; he was content to prod and probe, which was just as well, because Ben was having trouble focusing on the fight.

Dagmar was Charlotte Rowe's descendant.

Dagmar was a Guardian.

Suddenly, Dagmar's behaviour in the last couple of weeks started to make sense.

“I have been looking forward to this moment,” Elessar said. “Ever since you embarrassed me at the Floating Prison, I have been thinking about how best I could gain retribution. Then I remembered how much you cared for your parents, and how hard you tried to find them.”

Ben didn't reply, but his body stiffened. Elessar seemed more intent on talking than fighting, which suited Ben perfectly, as he was more intent on listening than blocking.

“As you know, we put considerable time and effort into capturing your parents,” Elessar said. “Well, I am happy to report that two weeks ago, we finally caught up with your dear mother.”

“No.” Ben's voice was a choked whisper.

“Needless to say, there was much we wanted to know about Elizabeth's Armour,” Elessar said, continuing in a conversational, almost jovial manner. “We have some of the finest torturers in the Unseen Kingdoms, and it wasn't long before your mother was singing to our tune.”

Ben felt sick. His world spun and it took great effort to keep his sword aloft.

“She told us about Elizabeth's Boots, how they are protected by a forreck, and how they tried seeking help from Lornor Taren. As it turns out, we are a big client of his, and he was most obliging. He told us of the solar eclipse and that the last remaining forreck was likely beneath your Institute. It was just a matter of working out how to get down here, which, I admit, took a bit of work, as most passages were meant only for Guardians. Dagmar made things difficult. I think she knew what I was up to. I guessed she was a Guardian, and I knew all about you, of course, from your parents.”

Ben was having difficulty taking everything in. Pictures of his mum being tortured kept floating before him.

“You didn't mention my dad,” Ben said.

“Ah, yes. Your dad. His attempt at rescuing your mother was doomed from the start.” Elessar's expression became slightly irritated. “Through some extreme good fortune, your father managed to penetrate King Suktar's palace and reach your mother. Of course, it was a suicidal mission. Once you are inside, there is no escaping. Your father decided to delay the inevitable by casting himself and your mother into the void. We wait for their return so we can finish the interrogation. It won't be long.”

“The void?”

Elessar shook his head. “My apologies. With all this talking, I've lost track of time. I must be off.”

And with that, Elessar attacked in earnest.

— Chapter Thirty —

Elizabeth's Boots

If Ben hadn't gained his dad's knowledge through the spell, he would have been dead within seconds. Elessar's sword was a blur, but Ben blocked, parried and read Elessar's feints. The two of them danced all over the cavern floor. Occasionally Dagmar came into view, and Ben saw her watching in astonishment.

Elessar was no longer smiling; there was even a look of anger in those purple eyes. But Ben's sword arm