History Keepers 1: The Storm Begins by Damian Dibben

Author:Damian Dibben [Dibben, Damian]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical, Adventure, Science Fiction, Mystery, Childrens
ISBN: 9780857530530
Google: Wd_SIIhI2VEC
Goodreads: 10482973
Publisher: RHCB
Published: 2010-12-31T17:00:00+00:00

17 THE DIABOLICAL TRIBE

JAKE RECOUNTED EVERY detail of his adventure – from the guards storming the Campana, to the discovery of the secret door in the confessional in St Mark’s Cathedral, to finding the architects’ drawings and the arrival of Mina Schlitz. He told them about the escape from Venice through the subterranean tunnel, the journey to Bassano, the rendezvous with the unnerving Talisman Kant and the discovery of the glass bottles. Finally he showed them the parchment he had taken from Mina’s desk – the list of names that was headed: Guests at the Superia Conference, Castle Schwarzheim.

After Jake had finished, Charlie and Topaz pondered everything for a while before speaking.

‘So, these building plans in Venice …’ Charlie finally asked. ‘What did they look like?’

‘Scary, like medieval science fiction,’ said Jake.

‘Those poor architects.’ Topaz shook her head. ‘We’ll have to get them out of there.’

‘And each of the drawings had the heading Superia?’ Charlie continued probing.

Jake nodded.

‘And did a mountain feature in any of the drawings? The summit of Superia?’

‘Not that I could see.’

‘And what about Talisman Kant?’ Topaz joined in the cross-examination. ‘You say Mina gave him a whole casket of gold for the contents of two glass bottles.’

‘Some honeycomb and some talcum powder,’ added Charlie dryly.

‘That’s what they looked like,’ Jake insisted.

‘Very expensive honeycomb and talcum powder,’ Charlie sighed.

‘So you know Talisman Kant, do you?’ asked Jake.

‘Never been formally introduced,’ Topaz replied, ‘but his reputation goes before him. Excessively nasty piece of work – not a moral bone in his body. He calls himself a “scientist” and conducts experiments on his own family, which explains that son of his. Still, his wife was even worse off: she ended up having her legs dissolved in acid.’

‘So does he work for Prince Zeldt?’

‘Long ago,’ Charlie said, ‘he was a member of the History Keepers. After it was discovered that he had been corresponding with Ivan the Terrible, suggesting methods of mass torture, it became clear that he didn’t have the interests of the world at heart and he was unceremoniously dismissed. Now he’ll work for anyone, anywhere in history, providing the price is right. Let me see that list of names again.’

Jake passed him the piece of parchment he had stolen from Mina’s tent.

‘Guests at the Superia Conference …’ Charlie mused. ‘This is an impressive line-up.’

‘Who are they?’ asked Jake.

‘I recognize some of them. Sixteenth-century billionaires, merchants, traders, mining tycoons … The notes by their names give us clues as to where they made their money. What on earth is Zeldt up to? The whole business is as clear as mud.’

‘Wait a minute – let me have a look,’ said Topaz, taking the list. A thought had suddenly occurred to her. ‘Mon Dieu! We’ve been so stupid,’ she announced. ‘The answer’s right here. Guests at the Superia Conference … Find the Summit of Superia. The summit is not a mountain, it’s the conference itself!’

Charlie took the list and cast his eyes over it again. ‘Miss St Honoré, you surpass yourself.

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