Axel Light Trilogy: Wands and Shield

Chapter 25-B

'May I?' asked Linden crisply, holding out his hand to Ringard, who had quickly placed the envelope on Linden's outstretched hand. Linden stared at the seal for quite some time, studying it. He would not have seen the seal. It was just a white sticker when he passed the letter to Axel. It had turned into a seal when Axel tried to open the letter. Axel did not show it to any MaxPol ever since. He had only shown it to Elliot, in fact.

Linden had also turned to the other side of the envelope, studying it hard. He would recognise that it was the same letter alright – he should have studied the envelope many times. He must be wondering where the seal came from. And furious that Axel did not tell him about the important clue. His face was getting red and crumpled, trying hard to hide his disappointment.

'Well, like you said, your father, Edward Light, had never worked here, he had been busy enough making films. But I am quite sure that your mother was not from the Ministry too,' said Ringard, his eyebrows thinking, 'She was a MaxPol, wasn't she, Commissioner Linden?'

Linden gave a curt nod and handed the envelope back to Axel. Axel pocketed it back into his jacket. That did not help at all, and he did not know anything more than before.

'Is there anything else that we can help you with?' asked Ringard warmly.

'No,' answered Axel shortly.

He was disappointed. For a moment, he had his hopes high. He had expected to know something more about his mother or about the seal at the back of the envelope. His heart deflated. And he started to feel tired and lost again.

'Very well. I hope that your case will be solved soon, and then you can be safe,' said Ringard, looking at an elaborate clock on his wall and at his assistant, who gave him a nod, 'I have another appointment coming, but I do hope to host you again soon, my son.'

Ringard gave Axel a firm shake in his hand and a pat at his back. Linden bowed at Ringard. Axel hastily gave a quick bow and followed Linden out of the door, held opened by Ministry guards.

They walked quietly down a long corridor with many paintings on both sides. Axel continued to think about the seal – he could spot it everywhere in the Capitol – on the walls, on the balustrade, on the doors, on the small signs that displayed the names of the paintings.

Linden stopped walking suddenly and turned sharply to look at him.

'When did you notice the seal on your envelope?' asked Linden coldly.

Axel was caught by surprise, 'I... don't need to tell you.'

Linden glared at him, 'You need to tell me everything that could help with the investigation!' he seethed.

'I didn't know that,' snapped Axel agitatedly, his mind churning.

He must think of something to change the subject. Linden looked angry. But his mind would not work. In fact, he felt tired suddenly and restless. He looked around him. There were rows and rows of paintings on both sides of the wall. He did not recall seeing any paintings earlier. The whole place looked foreign to him.

'Where is this place?' asked Axel as he flung his arms at the corridor of paintings.

Linden frowned at him.

'What do you mean?' asked Linden suspiciously.

'This place! Where are you bringing me to?' asked Axel fiercely, as he looked around him.

'Where do you think you are now?' asked Linden coldly.

'I don't know! That's what I am asking you!' cried Axel frustratingly.