Le Début |Skulduggery Pleasant

Chapter 9: The Troll Beneath Westminster Bridge

I was standing next to Mr Bliss, an intimidating man who according to legend has the strength of a hundred men. We were watching one Miss Tanith Low fight a troll.
"You have to admit, she's an excellent fighter." I said, smiling.
"Of course she is. When I first me her, she saved my life." Mr Bliss replied to me.
I looked at him, shocked that he of all people would need saving. He kept his eyes on Tanith and I slowly looked away from him and back to her. Her sword glinted in the bridge's lights as it took off the troll's head. The troll's body stumbled back and she jumped off of it. The body hit the barrier and fell backwards into the river.
Tanith stopped to pick up the head and moved to the barrier. I touched Mr Bliss' shoulder and teleported the both of us behind her. She turned around to see us take a couple steps towards her.
Mr Bliss nodded to the head in her hand. "Risky."
"I've fought trolls before," she said respectfully.
"I meant the risk of being seen."
"It had to be done. This troll has killed many innocent people."
I just love her British accent.
"But that's what trolls do, Tanith. You can't blame him for doing what nature intended." I said.
She didn't seem to know how to respond to what I said.
"She's not berating you," Mr Bliss said. "You've done a noble and selfless thing. That is to be admired."
"Thank you." Tanith said.
"You puzzle me, however. I have been keeping an eye on your progress over the last few years. It is unusual to find a Mage, even an Adept like you, focussing heavily on a physical conflict as you have done. Yet you don't seek power."
"I just want to help people."
"And that's what puzzles me."
"My mother told me stories about the war," she said. "I think you may be forgetting some selfless acts of your own."
Mr Bliss smiled softly. "There is no heroism in war -there are simply things that need to be done. The heroes come later. But we are not here to discuss philosophies."
I looked at her. "A storm is brewing, Miss Low. Coming events will threaten to turn the tide of power in this world, and so Mr Bliss here has left his place of solitude and come here, searching for you. We have a need for someone of your ability and your outlook."
"I'm not sure I understand." Tanith said, confused.
"The sorcerer Serpine is about to break the Truce. If I fail in my endeavours, we will once again slip into war. I need you on our side." Mr Bliss said.
"It would be an honour." Tanith said.
"We have much to learn from each other," Mr Bliss responded, bowing. "Make your way to Ireland," he said, "and I will be in touch with you soon."
She nodded and we walked away. There was a splash of water and I put my hand on to his shoulder and teleported the both of us to Ireland.
"I'll see you soon, Mr Bliss." I said.
He nodded. "Yes, you will, Belle Éclipse."