Читать книгу The Damn Artefacts - Лана Гильман - Страница 4
Chapter 3
ОглавлениеIn the evening Jeff came by to see Ted. The friends hugged each other and Ted showed his possessions to his bosom pal.
«Not bad! Not bad at all! You’re your own boss in here and there’s enough room to bring in a girl».
«Jeff, where are such thoughts from?»
«Why not, dude? We’re eighteen and it’s about time to find girl-friends for ourselves, eh? Well, you’ve found one already».
«Yep, tell me more about the party. What are you going to drink?»
«Is there any beer?»
«I’ve got everything, buddy. I’ve loaded my fridge with food».
Ted took two beer cans and gave one to Jeffrey. The friends sat down on the sofa in the living room and Jeff began to tell Ted his story:
«The party is scheduled for tomorrow at eight o’clock. It will be attended by the classmates, but only by a few of them. Alice scarcely agreed, and only after I had invited her friend Jane».
Ted made a wry face.
«Is Jane also coming? How shall I be able to chat with Alice then? These two girls never part from each other alone!»
«Leave it to me».
«Hopefully, you will cope with it».
Jeffrey smiled.
«How can it be different? Mind, all of this owing to my exclusive personal charm! So, how was your first day in the Museum? What exactly happened there between you and Alice’s dad?»
«Nothing special. When I was in the Magistrate we occasionally ran into one another in the hallway. He recognized me and asked how I was and what I was doing there».
«I hope that you didn’t start telling him everything the Master had shared with you?»
«No, what are you talking about? I just mentioned that I was having the meeting with the Third Master, he gave me directions, where to go, and…»
«And?»
«He pointed out that Alice had told him a lot about me».
«Really? May it so happen that she also doted on you?»
«If that were the truth…» – Ted sighed.
«How was it in the Museum?»
«Nothing outstanding. My boss is an ordinary person, a „white collar“ official. The Department is somewhat boring: various magic artifacts and three rooms, more likely to be hosting Disneyland, than a museum. My additional job responsibility is working with the archives. That’s about all».
«Not a single mysterious thing?»
«Nope by far. That was the first day, after all. Tomorrow I’m going to tackle the search».
«Good luck!»
«What are your plans?»
«No idea, Ted. I must give it a thought. Should I possibly become a famous traveler and monster hunter?»
Ted burst out laughing.
«Why not? The monsters trapped by you will be turned into taxidermies and forwarded to the Museum. I will be proudly telling the visitors how my friend demolished them all!»
«Sounds cool! But don’t you forget that all these monsters are protected by law. I’m going to come up with some fresh ideas».
The friends talked some more and when the clock struck ten p.m. Jeffrey decided to hurry on home.
«It’s late, Ted. You’re a busy man and you are to wake up early tomorrow morning».
«Yes, you’re right. Those times when we spoke until midnight have already passed!»
«See you tomorrow! Put on something posh – she must have never seen you wearing casual clothes, only a school uniform».
«Exactly!»
«Then this is your chance to show yourself!»
«I’ll try my best».
Ted saw his friend off. Jeffrey nodded to him before they parted, pressed his signet-ring and vanished into thin air. Ted came back to his flat and began his preparations to go to sleep. Then he lay down in bed and started pondering the upcoming day. How should he approach Alice, what should he tell her? It would not be enough just to talk to her. He must invite her for a date. But how on earth to do it? Should he just say, «Let’s meet»? On the other hand, why not saying that? I wonder whether or not Jeffrey has ever invited anyone for a date? Most likely that he hasn’t. Otherwise he would have shared his experience with his best friend a long time ago.
The following morning Ted woke up early, washed his face, dressed up, had a cup of coffee and went to work. The Museum was located in the vicinity; therefore he decided not to take advantage of his portal-ring.
Ted entered the Department, changed his clothes and began waiting for the visitors. However, the clock showed only eight in the morning, so the Museum was still empty.
«Let me seek the mystery in the meantime,» – decided Ted and headed for the archives. He left the door open, lest he miss possible visitors.
«What am I to start with? May I put all the stuff in order first? Put books on the appropriate shelves, scrolls and other antique papers into the closet. I will make up a catalog afterwards. That is how I might come across something curious».
First and foremost, Ted decided to look through the books stored on the shelves in the closet and to copy down their titles. He waved his wand and there appeared a thick notebook with a pen on the desk. Then he took the first volume from the upper shelf and sneezed out loud.
«Oh, so much dust everywhere!» – said Ted and sneezed again. – «What? Does no one clean here? Well, no big deal for me to clean the entire Museum».
Ted waved his wand once again.
«Tenaka!» – after a while the study-room was shining cleanliness. – «From now on I can work in a proper manner. So, what is there in here for me?» – Ted looked at the book he was holding in his hand. – «Hmmm, «The Magicians’ Code», the most important book. All right, it must be written: «The upper shelf – «The Magicians’ Code», – he dictated to the pen and it jotted everything down.
Ted returned the book to the shelf and grabbed a new one.
«Write down: «Magic Incantations of the Ancient Times». Oh, this must be quite an engrossing book. What do we have next?» – Ted put the book back and took the next one. – «Go on writing: «Magic Beasts of South America».
«Who are you talking to, Ted?» – he suddenly heard the question and turned around.Mr. Merlegg was standing in the doorway.
«Nobody. I am just going over the books and dictating their titles to my pen». – Ted pointed at the bewitched pen.
«Ah, I see! Well, go for it – I won’t bother you».
«Mr. Merlegg, aren’t there visitors yet?»
«Not yet,» – Mr. Merlegg sighed. – «Few people have visited our Museum of lately. Mainly tourists. Especially after the Magic Department was closed».
«Why don’t you want to advertise that the Department has been reopened?»
«Not a bad idea! But you continue please».
Ted nodded and turned back to the books.Mr. Merlegg was not leaving though.
«He might wish to watch me dictating to the pen,» – thought Ted and pulled the next book.
«Write down: «Magic Poisons and Antidotes».
«How very convenient!» – exclaimed Mr. Merlegg. – «Could I possibly take advantage of such a magic pen?»
«This is a regular pen. I just enchanted it. But if you need I will enchant yours as well, so that you will be able to dictate to it».
«That would be superb! I don’t know why, but your predecessor hardly ever felt like demonstrating magic. Well, he would surprise his colleagues from time to time, but not more than that. As regards granting the non-magicians an opportunity to work magic would definitely be out of the question!»
«Why?» – asked Ted in surprise.
«No idea. I asked him more than once, but I got no answer. Maybe the Magistrate prohibited it?»
«Ever since the secrecy status was considered null and void the magicians have been eager to help the non-magicians. No one told me anything like that in the Magistrate».
«Then it was his personal decision. Nothing doing, he was fully eligible to act so and none of us would ever dare force him to do anything. On the contrary, we treated him in a friendly way. All right, Ted, go on. As far as I see, you even cleaned the room».
«That’s right, but all my efforts equaled one waving of the magic wand. Thus, you may dispose of me any time and I will gladly clean the whole Museum».
«I’d probably abstain from that. Otherwise, our cleaning personnel would become jobless and there would be a meeting organized right in front of the Museum, as a result. That would be the least pleasant thing».
«Exactly!»
Mr. Merlegg left and Ted went on working with the books, casting glances at his wrist-watch from time to time. He was already longing for home, yearning for the party, at which he was going to meet Alice.
Ted heard the voices which sounded from the Department and stepped out. There he saw several adults and children who were exploring the Department exhibits. Ted came up to them.
«Good morning! I am Ted Spencer, the Magic Department curator».
«Are you a magician?» – asked one boy in awe.
«Yes, I am,» – Ted smiled.
«We would like to learn more about these exhibits. Is it possible?» – asked one of the visitors.
«I will tell you about everything with pleasure».
«Will you show us your magic?»
«Sure, I will».
Ted told the visitors about the artifacts and performed a few tricks. Strange, as it might seem, but it did make him happy, as well as the visitors. After the excursion the children were willing to fly on dragons and Ted explained how to use the room.
The working day was over and Ted headed home. He had to get some rest before the party. He needed to try and calm down. The less time that was left before meeting Alice, the more excited he got. Jeffrey claimed he had arranged that party on purpose, for Ted to get closer to Alice. But what did he mean having said that? Which actions were Jeff expecting from Ted? Is Ted supposed to acknowledge that he had been in love with her since a long time ago? A bit scary! Besides, such an acknowledgement might appall the girl. All right, he will deal with it once he was there.
The wall clock chimed seven times and Ted began getting ready for Jeff’s party. He opened his wardrobe, where on the internal side of the door there hung the mirror which considered itself the best expert of what was currently in vogue. It started giving advice in no time.
«No, this white shirt is a bad choice, it looks too formal. No, this one isn’t becoming to you, as it is too dark. Yes, the blue one is to the point, just the one you need!»
Ted listened to his adviser. He put on a blue shirt, a pair of black trousers and wrapped himself in his cloak. Cloaks came into sight and became popular among the magicians back in times of the great sorcerer Merlyn. The mirror approved of Ted’s looks. Then Ted used his latest acquisition – a bottle of French perfume for men with not too pungent an odor. He feasted his eyes on his mirror reflection and probed his cheek with his palm: should he shave himself or not? He had shaved himself yesterday in the morning and not much bristle had grown ever since then. That is about all – now he could hit the road and head for the party! Ted got downstairs and a couple of seconds later was approaching Jeff’s house.
Jeff resided in quite a big two-storied mansion. There were well-maintained flower-beds in front of the house, several bushes and trees, while behind the house there was a swimming pool. Ted had no idea what Jeff’s parents did for the living. Not that his friend would keep it secret, not at all. Jeffrey once told Ted that his parents were travelling a lot, but that he would never ever join them in their voyages.
Ted came up to the front door and listened: loud music was heard from the house. «Has Alice arrived yet, I wonder?» – He thought. His heart was pounding and his hand was trembling while he rang the doorbell. The door opened up and Ted walked in. Jeff was already coming his way.
«Ah, here you are! Glad to see you. Come on in».
«So am I, Jeff!»
The friends hugged each other.
«You look dandified, mate! Your perfume is bingo! She is here already».
«That’s nice. Where is she?»
«I don’t know, dude. She is most likely in the big hall. Let’s go!»
Both of them entered the big hall where the table had already been set. Jeff was fond of parties. He would order refreshments in London best restaurants, yet he preferred the French cuisine.
Ted saw his friends and acquaintances from school – Sam, Herbert, Steven, Emma, James, as well as a dozen of other former classmates. Alice was not among them.
Ted heaved a sigh of disappointment and came closer to the company. After all, it would have looked awkward and impolite, had he proceeded to look for Alice without greeting anyone!
«Hi, what’s up?»
«Wonderful,» – replied Sam. «How are things with you?»
«Fine».
Ted was standing in the middle of his ex-classmates’ mob, but he did not try to listen to their chat. He was looking around, as if casually. «Where is Alice? Jeff said she was here already,» – He thought.
Someone touched his shoulder. Ted turned around and saw Jeffrey.
«Excuse me, friends, would you mind if I kidnap Ted?»
«Haven’t you guys talked enough at school» – asked Steven.
«No way, there have been more secrets ever since!»
«Pardon me,» – pronounced Ted and left the room following Jeffrey.
«Alice and Jane are by the pool. I’ll try to lure Jane away. The moment Alice is alone, get to her».
«But what shall I tell her?»
«No idea, Ted. Propose her a date».
«Right away?»
«Well, talk to her first about some trifle things and then everything will depend on the circumstances».
«O.K. I will try».
Jeffrey left. Ted stayed and waited scrutinizing the door that led to the swimming pool. Nonetheless, he saw neither the girls, nor Jeffrey. Over time Ted heard someone’s laughter and saw Jane and Jeff.
«Jeff, you are good at talking people into something! Of course, I will advise you on that,» – Jane was saying.
As soon as they hid away in the room Ted hastily rushed toward the swimming pool. A weak warm breeze was blowing, playing with the water. Ted looked around and spotted Alice. She was sitting on a bench. Ted took a deep breath, plucking up courage, and came up to her.
«Hi there, Alice!»
She looked back.
«Ah, hello, Ted!»
«May I sit next to you?»
«Sure».
Ted sat down near the girl.
«Why are you alone?»
«Oh, no. I am not alone. I was sitting together with Jane, but Jeffrey took her away from here. I don’t really like to hang out. It was Jeff who convinced me to come. Why aren’t you in the hall?»
«For the same reason. But as Jeffrey is my best friend I could not help but agree to come».
«Dad told me that he had seen you in the Magistrate».
«Yeah. I had a meeting with the Third Master there».
«Did you?» – Ted could make out interest in Alice’s voice.
«Yes, in terms of my employment. I began working in the Magic Department of the British Museum».
«Not bad! Congrats! I haven’t been there yet».
«Then come by. I’ll be happy to see you».
«O.K. I will drop in some day».
«No, this isn’t what I wanted to hear. „Some day“ might occur in a year. How should I invite her somewhere?» – thought Ted.
«What have you been up too?»
«I’ve been getting ready for my entrance examinations. I want to learn to be a doctor».
«Good for you! Good luck! This is not easy».
«Why do you think so?»
«Because my Dad is a doctor».
«Is he? I didn’t know that».
Alice once again looked at Ted with interest.
«What have you been doing in your spare time?»
«To tell you the truth, I have none. The upcoming exams are going to be rather complex, I will have to recollect a lot and to learn quite a few new things, too».
«But…»
Ted did not finish his statement, because Jane rushed up to them. Jane was a tall red-haired girl.
«Alice, come with me to the hall! Almost everyone is there already». At that moment she noticed Ted, «Hey, Ted, what’s new?»
«Everything’s fine, Jane. What about yourself?»
«Excellent!»
Alice got up.
«Let’s go, Ted».
The girls entered the house. Ted followed them. What nerve! Had he screwed up his courage when Jane showed up!
«Victorious?» – Ted heard Jeffrey’s voice right behind him and turned around.
«Jeff, could you possibly have locked her somewhere?
«Who?»
«Jane, who else? She burst in the moment I started inviting Alice for a date. I didn’t make it though…»
«Don’t get upset! The party is only starting. You’ll have plenty of time».
They heard the doorbell once again.
«Here’s Leo!»
Another of Ted’s and Jeff’s classmates came into the room.
«Hi there! Hope I’m not too late?»
«Come on in, Leo! Glad to see you! Not just me, by the way. Now, guys, let’s get to the table!»
Everybody sat down at the table. It was full of various delicious meals: oysters, fish, lobsters, veal, pork and other exquisite dishes. There were bottles of wine and champagne everywhere. Ted was sitting between Alice and Leo. All the guests began filling their plates with food and eating in complete and utter silence. Once there was a chance Ted would court Alice. He poured wine into her wine-glass, passed meals. She could not help noticing such exaggerated attention toward herself.
«Thank you, Ted! You are so attentive!»
Ted got embarrassed.
«Don’t mention it, Alice! It’s my pleasure taking care of you».
«Thanks».
A little bit later, after their hunger had been sated and the first glasses of wine and champagne had been emptied, the conversations began. Steven was complaining about his new job.
«I was confident that I had found a perfect place. Well, the First Master’s secretary’s personal assistant means something, doesn’t it? In fact, all this is one big load of paperwork. I’m almost not doing any magic any longer! This secretary is a devil of a bore – he pushed all his work on me!»
«Why not cast some spell of obedience upon the secretary?» – Jeff cracked a joke.
Everyone burst out laughing.
«Well, my job is to guide tours,» – Ted put in a word. «Even though I thought it would be much worse and that I’d be forced to learn each and every exhibit description by heart. It so happened that they tell their life stories by themselves».
«Who tells stories?» – Leo did not understand.
«The magicians do. To be more exact, their ghosts rather».
«Hopefully, non-magicians won’t be frightened to death, will they? They must have got used to such tricks, right?» – Emma gave a short laugh.
«No way. They are amazed!»
«I have been employed in my Dad’s shop of magic accessories,» – said Leo.
«Don’t you cheat on your customers!» – Ted made a joke.
«How can I?» – Notes of indignation sounded in Leo’s voice. «They will immediately turn me into a frog! After all, all our clientele are magicians. Besides, the shop is located in Magic-Cross».
The party went on cheerfully. Everyone was laughing and making jokes.
«Ted!» – exclaimed Steven. «I’ve got an interesting piece of news for you. The Magistrate has decided to allow rank-and-file spectators to be present at the Knightly Magicians’ Joust. Have you applied yet? You were our school champion, after all».
«Really?! Great! I will definitely come over there and find out. I would be most pleased to participate».
«Sure, Ted! In case you need my help, I will be always glad to lend you my helping hand!» – offered Jeffrey.
«Thanks! You have always watched me fighting and your advice has been very helpful and to the point».
«I have also been a member of your fan-club, Ted».
«Have you, Alice? I would never guess».
Ted and Jeffrey exchanged glances.
«Of course, I have, Ted!»
«Sign up, Ted! All of us will come to cheer you up. Jeffrey, what about the dancing part?» – asked Herbert.
«You want to dance? No questions asked!»
Jeffrey turned up the music and came towards Jane.
«May I invite you for a dance?»
«You definitely may».
Ted took advantage of Alice sitting close to him.
«May I invite you?»
«With pleasure!»
They proceeded to the middle of the hall and Ted embraced the girl by her waist. There was a slow tune on and Ted enjoyed the evening and his touching the girl he had been long in love with. He felt that he was the happiest person in the world.
«Ted, didn’t you want to say something to me while we were near the pool?»
«Yes. We were discussing spare time. After all, despite getting ready for the examinations you must have a rest from time to time, mustn’t you?»
«Certainly».
They were approached by Leo.
«Excuse me, Ted! There are fewer girls at the party tonight. Would you mind if I dance with Alice a little?»
«Feel free».
Ted smiled at Alice and loosened his embrace. Only a minute ago he was happy, but at the moment he felt frustrated. Would he be capable of inviting her for a date? Ted sat down on the sofa and began observing the dancing pairs. Soon afterwards he got sick and tired of watching Alice dancing with each and every classmate of theirs, one after another. He therefore left for the swimming pool. However, the bench there was occupied. A couple was sitting and hugging on it. Ted was quite surprised to recognize Jeffrey and Emma.
«Look at you! You too keep your own secrets which you do not want to share with your best friend!» – he thought.
Ted turned around and stealthily returned to the house, unwilling to be seen by anyone. What a miracle! He suddenly saw Alice who was sitting on the sofa with a magazine in her hands. She might have got bored of too much dancing. He came up to her and landed in an arm-chair right in front of her.
«At last you are alone!»
«Yes, I am. You were always willing to tell me something, but you were interrupted all the time».
«I would like to invite you to dinner».
Eventually he dared pronounce that and now he was excited awaiting her response. Alice looked at him with surprise, paused for a while and then smiled.
«Why not, Ted? It would be my pleasure».
Ted felt as if a heavy load had been taken off his heart.
«You can hardly imagine how glad I am that you agreed!»
«I am most pleased! Where and when?»
«What about the restaurant „At the Three Magicians“? At eight o’clock».
«Tomorrow?»
«Yes».
«All right. But I don’t know where it is located».
«It is in Magic-Cross. You know, the place where just magicians are let in. At around eight I will be waiting for you near your house and we’ll move there together».
«Done».
Jeffrey came back to the room. All by himself. Seeing Ted and Alice he raised his eye-brows, as if asking, «How was it?» Ted smiled and nodded. Then Jeffrey turned to Ted,
«Ted, may I kidnap you for a sec? Or are you busy? It’s not that urgent».
Ted nodded to Alice,
«Excuse me. I’ll be right back».
They stepped outside.
«So, how goes it?»
«Everything’s fine. We are having dinner tomorrow».
«Good job! I was more than sure you would succeed. Beware of the following: once you have trapped a bird, don’t release it!»
«Well, I haven’t really trapped anyone yet! But I saw that you had trapped one already, bud».
«Me? Who?»
«Emma. I am sorry, man, but I occasionally spotted you two».
«Oh, no. that was just for fun. Nothing serious. O.K., get back to Alice, unless she gets bored in oblivion».
They returned home. Ted sat down by Alice, but she rose and looked at her watch.
«It’s so late. I shall go home now».
«So shall I. I am to wake up early tomorrow morning. I’m going to say goodbye to Jeff. May I see you off?»
«Sure! I will also part with everyone first».
Ted came up to Jeffrey.
«Bye, Jeff! I am taking off. Will walk Alice home. Thanks for all you’ve done!»
«Not at all, dude! Be my guest and feel free to contact me any time».
The two friends hugged each other. Ted parted with everybody and waited for Alice. Both of them went out.
«See you tomorrow, Ted!»
«So long!»
Alice pressed her portal-ring gem and disappeared. After a while Ted also pressed his gem and found himself at his place. He went to bed, but he could hardly fall asleep. Ted was happy that he had overcome his fear and invited Alice to dinner. The truth was that he had never before dated girls, nor had he invited them for dinners, staying face to face with them in a restaurant.
«Hopefully, I won’t utter any bullshit. Otherwise I will have to forget about all my secret hopes».
With such thoughts he finally fell asleep.
