The Shadowseeker - Victor Kloss Page 0,54
One of them aimed a clumsy punch at Ben's jaw, which he sidestepped, but he could do nothing about the other boy, who was now looming over him. He wasn't much bigger than Ben, but he was well built, with fists like bricks and an eager smile that came from confidence in brawls. Before the boy could land a blow, a scream came from behind. Charlie launched himself onto the boy's back and clung on to his neck like some mad piggy-back ride. The boy let out a low growl, melding in with Charlie's high-pitched cursing, and for a moment it was bedlam.
“I'm going to enjoy this.”
Joshua had gotten to his feet and pulled out his spellshooter, which was now pointing at Ben's head.
Ben stepped back instinctively, but there was nowhere to go. From the twisted grin on Joshua's face, Ben could tell whatever spell he was about to cast wasn't going to be pleasant. He placed a hand in his pocket and felt his dad's pouch, full of spells. He never went anywhere without it, and was now grateful.
“What's your problem?” Ben asked, biding for time. How could he get the pouch out and cast the spell before Joshua pulled the trigger? “My parents were proven innocent. They never killed the elf prince. That was all a sham.”
“This isn't about that,” Joshua said. His finger started to depress the trigger. Ben grabbed the pouch.
“Joshua Wistletop!”
For once, the familiar voice came as a relief.
Joshua had such a crazed look in his eye that for a moment Ben thought he was going to pull the trigger anyway. But after a moment, he lowered his spellshooter.
“What on earth are you playing at?” Dagmar said, as she marched over, putting herself between Ben and Joshua. The signs of exhaustion on her face were momentarily replaced by a subtle anger, which on Dagmar spoke volumes.
“He punched me in the face,” Joshua said, fingering his jaw. “I was giving him some advice on the upcoming exam and he lashed out.”
“I don't care if he tried to wipe out the entire elven species,” Dagmar said, her voice calm and controlled. “You do not pull a spellshooter on another apprentice. Do I make myself clear?”
Joshua looked as though he had just swallowed a lemon. “Yes, Ms. Borovich.”
“Good. Now march yourself into my office.”
Joshua gave one last look at Ben, before reluctantly turning and heading out of the common room.
“The rest of you, disperse,” Dagmar said. “And you” – she pointed a stubby finger at Ben – “I will be speaking to you later.”
The common room emptied in double quick time. Ben and Charlie headed down the stairs, and promptly ran into Natalie on her way up.
“I've been looking for you guys. I've got good news,” she said brightly. Then, seeing Ben’s and Charlie's looks, she frowned. “What's the matter?”
“Not here,” Ben said. “Let's go to the café.”
One short trip, three hot chocolates and a spell bubble later, and they were all sitting comfortably by their favourite spot in the café, next to the window. Ben quickly recapped what had happened in the common room. Only then did he notice that Charlie had a little bruise under his eye.
“It's nothing,” Charlie said, waving away Natalie's hands with some embarrassment. “That scary guy I jumped on caught me with a flailing arm while I was hanging on to him.”
“You saved me with that crazy move,” Ben said.
Charlie seemed uncomfortable with the praise. “Did you recall what Joshua said about your parents?”
“Yes,” Ben replied, stirring his hot chocolate. “He's clearly not happy with them, though I have no idea why.”
“Well, it must be serious, as he really doesn't like you,” Charlie said.
“I'll ask him one day,” Ben said, with a shrug. Then, eager to change subjects, he turned to Natalie. “So, what's this good news?”
“I've got us a way in to SpellWorks,” Natalie said, brightening. “The only catch is that it has to be done on Sunday. My inside contact insisted on that.”
“Sunday?” Charlie said, sitting up and almost dropping his hot chocolate. “That's the day before our exam. That's our last chance to revise.”
“The timing isn't great,” Ben admitted. “How long do you think the SpellWorks trip will take?”
“Probably most of the day. It's a bit of a journey. I can re-arrange the date, but my contact said it was Sunday or next month.”
“No, I don't want to wait that long,” Ben said. “Sunday it is.”
— Chapter Twenty —
SpellWorks Inc.
Ben and Charlie spent Saturday, from morning till night, revising