The Silver Dwarf (Royal Institute of Magic, Book 4) Read Online Free Page A

themselves. The sole survivor was this dwarf mage, who saved himself by fleeing
into the void.”
    “And the symbol on the wall?” Natalie asked.
    “I’m not totally sure,” Charlie admitted. “Perhaps the dark elves wanted to leave a message to those who came after or perhaps it’s some sort of
signature.”
    “I agree,” Ben said. “There’s not much more we can learn until we research this symbol.”
    “What about the key?” Natalie asked. “Why do you think it led us down here? Do you think it was to speak to one of these dwarves, or could it be something
else?”
    Ben looked around the place again, rubbing his arms. He had been so engrossed in their discoveries that he hadn’t realised how cold and stale the air felt.
    “That’s a good point,” he said. “We should search this place thoroughly to see if there is anything more we can learn.”
    “What, even those dark, unpleasant-looking tunnels over there?” Charlie asked, losing some of his enthusiasm.
    “It won’t take long,” Ben said, “and we’ll do it together.”
    They spent the better part of an hour searching the many tunnels that spiralled off from the main tunnel. Many of them led back to the surface, but they
found nothing but the occasional dead body within them. Even Charlie began to relax when it became obvious that this once thriving underground dwelling was
truly deserted.
    When they finally returned to the main hall, even Ben was eager to get going.
    “So, I guess the symbol is our only real clue, then,” Natalie said, looking slightly downhearted. “I don’t know why, but I can’t imagine the key leading us
here just for that.”
    “I know what you mean,” Ben said, looking wistfully at the dwarf mage. “I get the feeling we were supposed to find something else.”
    “No,” Charlie said firmly.
    “No, what?” Natalie asked, turning to Charlie in surprise.
    He was staring at Ben with a frown. “No, the void,” Charlie said.
    It was Natalie’s turn to frown. “What do you mean? Go into the void? Don’t be ridiculous, Charlie; not even Ben would think of something that mad –
would you, Ben?”
    Ben gave her an offhand smile. “No, of course not. That would be madness. Come on, let’s get out of this place. I need some air.”

— Chapter Three —
Spellstrike Training
    Despite the discovery of the dwarf mage and the strange dark elf symbol, life at the Institute resumed some semblance of normality – or as normal as could
be expected given the growing threat of the dark elves and their recent attacks on English towns.
    To Ben’s relief, Abigail passed the initiation test and had settled in wonderfully. She loved every single department and, to his surprise, excelled in
Diplomacy. She was fascinated by the different Unseens, and her sweet demeanour seemed to help with the diplomatic scenarios. Ben checked in on her daily,
but after a while, it was clear he didn’t have too much to worry about. As a Guardian, she would in time need to learn how to master the helm, but there
was much she needed to experience first.
    However, Abigail wasn’t Ben’s primary concern right now, nor were the dark elves or even Elizabeth’s Armour. There was something far more pressing going
on, and his reputation was riding on it: the spellstrike game against Aaron’s team.
    “You realise we’re going to get hammered, right?” William said.
    “No, but thank you for your words of support. I appreciate the optimism,” Ben said.
    There were eight of them, sitting round a table in a small meeting room. Ben stood at the end, leaning on the table.
    William shrugged, his entire body seeming to ripple with muscle. “Just stating the obvious, Ben. But you’re not dumb – I’m sure you know this already.”
    “On the face of it, yes, we are at a slight disadvantage—”
    A sizeable hand thumped the table. “Slight – ha! There’s more chance of Ross County winning the Scottish Championship.”
    Ben turned to Lydia,