Читать книгу The Damn Artefacts - Лана Гильман - Страница 5
Chapter 4
ОглавлениеSaturday was Ted’s day-off and he could sleep as much as he wanted. After luncheon Ted decided to find out, whether what Steven had told him about the joust was true. He called the jousts association and it appeared to be true. In autumn, the playoffs would commence. Each and every one willing to compete was welcomed to sign up for a joust, as well as for a practice. After a short contemplation Ted decided to register. He would have more than enough time in order to get hold of the necessary ammunition and to find a horse. What a pleasant surprise! Alice had told him that she had always been kept her fingers crossed for him! He had never noticed it though. Might she have intended to pay him a compliment? Well, why would she, he wondered?
«Aren’t you willing to work out a bit, sir? You will keep in proper shape to fight against any volunteering knight then,» – asked a serviceman in charge.
«Thank you, but I have no outfit yet. I learned about the joust only yesterday».
«You may rent it from us for your practice. But you are to sign up first».
«Then with pleasure».
There was a vacancy the following Saturday, exactly on Ted’s day-off, so he signed up for the joust.
He came back home and began his preparations for his coming date with Alice, even though he had plenty of time left. He took a bath, shaved himself, carefully chose his garments – a cream shirt and a dark grey suit. The mirror was sharing helpful tips with him, as usual. At a quarter to eight Ted was already nearby Alice’s place of residence. Here she came – beautiful and elegant, as always.
«Hello, have you been waiting for me long time?»
«Hi! Nope, I’ve just arrived. How’re you? Looking gorgeous!»
Ted cast a glance at her. Her hair was gathered from behind, light makeup on her face: only her eyes were made more distinct with mascara and her lips were touched with a light pink lipstick.
Ted had to make an effort lest he touch her lips with his. She wore a dark red dress and had a pair of the same color sandals on her feet.
«Thank you. Everything is fine with me. What about you?»
«Great! Glad you’ve come! Are you ready?»
Alice smiled.
«Of course, I am».
After the Black Wizard had been withdrawn, the gates to the immortals’ dimension were closed, and ordinary people found out that those who were able to work magic had been living next door. Some magicians were not too enthusiastic about such a revelation. They went on keeping secrets. They could reside wherever they wished, but they founded a special quarter in the outskirts of London, which they used for their commercial purposes. The name of the quarter was Magic-Cross and it exclusively catered to the magicians. Some of the magicians even moved there. Simple people were unable to penetrate the quarter, even escorted by a magician.
A restaurant where Ted had invited Alice was located in this very quarter. Alice took Ted by his hand and he pressed his signet ring gem. After a few seconds they landed in the middle of a narrow street in the very end of East London.
Ted took out his wand, drew a circle in the air and uttered an incantation:
«Shaarahass!»
A gilded ball surrounded with a bright blue radiant halo emerged in front of them in the air. It started to grow until its size became seven feet.
«Let’s go,» – said Ted and took Alice by her hand. They touched the halo with their palms and an entrance to Magic-Cross shaped up in front of them. Thus, holding hands they entered the ball together.
The restaurant was located in a small and cozy Elves Street.
«What a nice place! You know, I have never been here before».
«I have been here only once with my parents. You’re going to like it. The restaurant is over there, in the end of the street».
The street was lit with lanterns hung at the level of the houses. Some stayed in the same place, whereas others were soaring and switching places. There were residential houses and stores located at the sides of the street. All of them differed from one another, each and every one of them bearing and reflecting their landlord’s identity. Some houses had round windows, while others contained the windows shaped as diamonds. Besides, all those buildings were other more motley.
«Here we are,» – said Ted pointing at a completely round-shaped house.
They entered the restaurant. A waiter approached them.
«Welcome!»
He led them to a solitary place and put a menu on their table. Ted and Alice chose their meals for supper and they immediately materialized on the table. Both of them started to eat.
«Thanks for having invited me! It was unexpected. And… pleasant».
«Was it? I… I wasn’t sure you would accept my invitation and agree».
«Why not?»
«I don’t know. Maybe… I was afraid to seem too meddling,» – Ted found it difficult to select the proper adjective.
«What are you talking about?! You would have been considered intrusive and meddling, given that I had declined your proposal, and you had been insisting on the date, chasing me around».
«No way! I am not this kind of man. I would have been upset, but I would have overcome my sorrows».
Alice burst out laughing.
«How is your preparation for the examinations going on?»
«Too slowly. I am almost short of time – three weeks and that’s it».
«Oh, I am distracting your attention, sorry for that!»
«No, it’s all right. One must sometimes draw a breath – these spells and incantations cause me headaches. So, I am grateful for your invitation. How’s your job?»
«Reasonably fine. I am involved in a lot of paperwork and guiding visitors around the Museum telling them about magic exhibits».
«You have mentioned that your father is a doctor. Is he here in London?»
«No, my parents live in Scotland. In the village of Slitrent. They haven’t yet got used to the open life, even though my Dad also heals non-magicians. I can’t persuade them to move to London. By the way, tomorrow I’m going to visit them».
«I am planning to spend the entire day over the course books tomorrow…»
«I do sympathize with you».
«Have you found out about the joust yet?»
«Yes, I have. The playoffs are to start this coming Autumn. I am allowed to practice so far. They will supply me with all the needed ammunition and equipment. I have already signed up for next Saturday».
«Great! What hour? May I come and see?»
«Definitely! At one p.m. I shall be most delighted to have you as my fan! Nonetheless, I have to care for my own equipment. Hopefully, my parents will back me up in this respect».
«Sure they will! Apart from that, you may apply to the Magistrate for aid. After all, you are one of their staff members».
«That’s right. But I am not going to contact the Magistrate for that. This is everyone’s personal issue».
«Whatsoever. My father applies for loans there and gets them at advantageous conditions. He is highly appreciated and respected by his boss – the Second Master».
Ted smiled, but preferred not to say a word. Rumors are in the air that the Second Master has long been striving to hold the First Master’s office. Furthermore, he was allegedly eager to be the only one, although until presently he had not had much success. Ted wondered if Alice’s father was somehow helping him out in that aspiration. Nothing doing – each and every one makes his ambitious dreams come true to the best of their manners and the way their conscience prompts them.
The supper was over. Ted paid for the bill and they stepped outside.
«Would you like to go for a stroll?» – Ted suggested.
«It would be my pleasure».
Ted felt himself at home next to Alice, yet also a bit awkward by far. He was weighing, whether or not it was about time he embraced her. They walked down the street. There was a cool breeze. Ted took off his jacket and covered Alice’s shoulders with it. She smiled.
«You are so gallant! It’s a pity we communicated so little back at school!»
«I also wish we communicated more. I always thought of coming up to you, but… I never dared,» – Ted got embarrassed.
«Better late than never,» – Alice said meaningfully.
These words of hers made Ted’s heart beat faster. Did she also like him?
They walked for another couple of minutes. The wind got stronger and the first raindrops fell down from the sky.
«Rain,» – Alice pronounced with disappointment. «Ted, you might catch a cold».
«Don’t worry! I am not cold and your dress is made of a very thin fabric. I would never forgive myself if you fall ill!»
«Let’s part then. It’s not that pleasant to walk in the rain».
«You’re absolutely right. When shall I see you again?»
«Are you willing to see me again?» – Alice asked coquettishly.
«Certainly! I feel well when you’re by my side».
«Then we’ll stay in touch. I’ll find spare time. I don’t study twenty-four hours, after all. Don’t forget that on Saturday I shall watch you during your practice!»
«Of course! How could I possibly forget that?»
«Then see you around!»
«Bye, Alice, thanks for this unforgettable evening!»
«Thank you. I may move away from here with the help of the portal-ring, mayn’t I? Or should I call the gate? I haven’t got accustomed yet that I have my own portal».
«In order to move from here you don’t need the gate at all.»
«Thanks, Ted!»
Alice kissed him on the cheek, pressed her ring gem and disappeared. Ted stood for a while; then he also pressed his gem and got back home.
Once he stepped over the threshold there was a phone ring. Ted answered – his friend Jeffrey was calling.
«Hi, Ted! Hopefully, I didn’t wake you up. I kept calling you, but you weren’t available. Then I recollected that you were together with Alice».
«That’s right. I have just come in».
«Are you alone?» – Jeffrey asked meaningfully.
«Sure, I am. What did you think about?»
«Well, I thought you invited her for a cup of coffee».
«C’mon, Jeffrey! What coffee at night? Besides, this was our first date»
«I’m kidding, Ted, just kidding! How was it?»
«Terrific. We had supper in the restaurant «At the Three Magicians’" and talked much. And… Jeff, she seems to like me, too…»
«Why not, Ted? I can give the names of several girls from school who also like you».
«Can you? Why haven’t you given them before?»
«Well, you wouldn’t like them. Besides, you doted on Alice, bud. Did you agree to meet again?»
«Absolutely. Next Saturday at the practice».
«What kind of practice?»
«Ah, I haven’t updated you yet! This morning I signed up for the playoff match of the magician knights’ joust. There is a chance to practice».
«Oh, sounds great! What you need now is your own equipment. On top of all the other necessary things».
«Yes, I can rent for the practice, but at the playoff I must be totally equipped with my own garb and ammunition. Tomorrow I shall be at my parents’ though. I’m going to apply for their financial aid».
«As for me, I know where you can get hold of everything you’re in need for. Pretty cheap.»
«Really? Excellent! Will you come with me to the practice?»
«Wish I could. But the least I would like to do is to disturb your date with Alice».
«But you won’t disturb!»
«Fine. I shall tactfully get lost after the practice».
«Done».
On Sunday Ted moved to his parents. He had to share with them his impressions from his first day at work, to tell them about his current life, as well as ask for the financial assistance – to sponsor his participation in the joust. In addition, he felt homesick. East or west – home is best! Ted was only beginning to settle in his London flat and render it habitable – the flat he obtained from the Magistrate. But this apartment would never ever become his home. After all, as soon as he quits his employment with the Museum, he will be forced to return the flat. That is why, in the meantime, he was saving money for his own dwelling.
Only his Mom was at home. Ted, as he did every time, hugged her tenderly and gave her a kiss.
«Hello, Mom! How’re you? I’ve made a decision to spend my day-off at home. Sorry to have not warned you of my visit».
«Hi, dearest! Your father and I were talking about you yesterday and hoped you would come to see us».
«Did you?»
«Of course».
«I’d be most willing to visit you two every Sunday».
«Sounds attractive, why not? Have you had breakfast yet?»
«Not yet. Where are Dad and Lily?»
«Your father is at work. Lily is still sleeping. Why did you wake up so early?»
Ted shrugged his shoulders.
«Don’t know. It so happened».
«Sit down at table. I’ll make you a cup of coffee in the meantime».
«Thanks! Your coffee is the tastiest!»
Soon afterwards Mrs. Spencer put two cups of hot and fragrant coffee on the table. She also put some cookies which she had baked by herself. Ted made a sip and closed his eyes, enjoying the taste.
«I haven’t drunk this tasty coffee of yours for such a long time!»
«Would you weigh coming back home? You may transport yourself to work from here as well».
«Yes, I know. But it would be much more convenient for me to stay in the city. Besides, there is one more circumstance. I’ll tell you later once Dad comes home».
«What kind of circumstance?» – Mrs. Spencer got uptight.
«Oh, nothing bad! Don’t you worry, Mom,» – smiled Ted.
They heard stamping of feet on the staircase – it was Lily getting downstairs. Apparently, she had just woken up and neither washed nor combed herself yet. Seeing her brother she immediately rushed into his arms.
«Ted! Hi! I am so happy to see you!»
«So am I. Sleeping in?»
«That’s right. Holidays is the most wonderful time! Isn’t it?»
«Definitely,» – Ted sighed. «But for me this wonderful time has already finished. It has been replaced with the working life».
«You aren’t lucky, bro! But you may look at the bright side of it: you’ve already finished school, lead an independent life… Where’s Dad? Are we having breakfast soon?»
«Dad is at his patient’s. Once he’s back we all shall sit down to breakfast. Have you washed yourself yet?»
«Not yet».
Lily went to her room.Mr. Spencer returned half an hour later. He rejoiced seeing his son.
«Sonny! I’m glad your life in London didn’t infatuate you and that you didn’t forget us!» – Father and son embraced each other.
«What are you talking about, Daddy! Why should I forget you? I’ve told Mom already: I’d be most willing to spend every Sunday with you in here».
Lily got downstairs to the kitchen – already washed, dressed up and coiffed.
«Everyone’s here and I can serve your breakfast!»
While the whole family was relaxing in the living room afterwards Ted told his parents and sister about his new job. He also mentioned the joust playoffs.
«I need your help in purchasing the equipment. To tell you the truth, I haven’t clarified the prices yet,» – Ted summed his story up.
His parents exchanged looks. Mrs. Spencer’s eyes flashed concern.
«Isn’t it dangerous, Ted?»
«Why, Mom? I was the winner back at school».
«There’s a certain difference. At school your rivals were pupils, like yourself. But this coming tournament will be attended by adult and experienced magicians».
«There’s hardly any threat for me anyway. Nothing except defeat and frustration. However, I shall overcome that and try again next year».
Mr. Spencer smiled.
«If you want it so much I guess we’ll help you out».
«Will you?!» – Ted was gleeful. «Thanks a million! I promise that I’ll earn and return every coin».
«Stop it, Ted! After all, this is honor for us that our son is going to take part in such a contest! Who knows – one day you may become the world champion?»
«I am not even dreaming of such a title. The joust simply tickles me. I feel as though I were a medieval knight. I wish I could create a time machine with the help of a magic touch!»
«Who knows? Perhaps, somewhere in secret offices and labs of the Magistrate magic scholars are involved in thinking up such an invention. None of us is aware of what is going on down there».
At work Ted made up his mind to tell Mr. Merlegg about the joust. Probably, he would get interested in it? He knocked on his superior’s door.
«Ah, Ted, come on in! How’s work?»
«Smooth, Mr. Merlegg. I wanted to share with you something. You’re likely to find it interesting».
«Really? Have a seat. I’m listening to you attentively».
Ted sat down and started his narration.
«As far as you know, four years ago the Magistrate disclosed our existence. Now it has been decided to allow ordinary people – non-magicians – to be present at a magician-knights’ joust».
«A magician knights’ joust? What’s that?»
«Oh, it resembles a usual chivalrous joust from the Middle Ages, the only difference is as such: we are entitled to take advantage of any big flying animal and to use magic against one another. I used to be the champion back in my school».
«The champion? So, you also intend to participate».
«Hope so. Yesterday I applied for participation in the joust and the playoff matches are to start in September. I think, I shall have got hold of a winged horse or some other animated vehicle by then».
«A winged horse? The one from myths?»
«Not necessarily from myths. This is quite an existent beast. Hope you will also have a chance to see it. You may use dragons, but only the tamed ones».
Mr. Merlegg was shocked.
«Dragons? Do you imply that dragons also exist? And that it’s not a fable? I was more than confident that such a fictitious tourist attraction had been made especially for the Department».
«But they do exist, really. They aren’t as wicked as they are described in books. They inhabit the places where people almost don’t show up. They are facing hardships, as of now. The Magistrate is willing to set up special nature reserves for them».
«Why aren’t they exhibited in zoos? I happened to see some magic animals in our local zoo in the Department of Magic Creatures».
«Dragons are the entities who value freedom. They cannot be kept under lock and key. It’s strictly forbidden to cut their wings, like birds».
«Then you’d better used horses to fly around.» – smiled Mr. Merlegg.
«I am going to have a practice joust this coming Saturday. Would you like to come and see it?»
«Saturday? It’s a pity I am travelling to Paris with my family this coming weekend. But I’d be most delighted to attend your next practice».
«Definitely come by!»
Ted went returned to the Department.
After a few minutes, a group accompanied with a tour guide came in. The guide was speaking French. Ted was very fluent in this language.
«Mesdames et messieurs, c’est une division de la magie. M. Ted vous dit tout. Hopefully, you have a good command of the French language, sir?» – he turned to Ted in English.
«Yes, sure».
Ted continued with the excursion. He was showing to the guests from France various exhibits and translating the magicians’ stories. The guests were particularly amazed by their ghosts and spooks. They would meet the appearance of each and every new magician with stormy applause. Then they asked Ted to perform his own magic tricks. To their complete and utter joy Ted turned a chair into a bulky vase and vice versa. By the end of their tour the visitors entered the labyrinth. They were absent for a long time, so Ted was concerned. Might they have got lost and forgotten how to open the entrance door? Another five minutes passed, the door opened up and two tourists emerged from the labyrinth. They were radiating fun.
«Are we the first ones?»
«Yes, you are. Are you O.K.?»
«Oh, we’re absolutely fine! We were the first to find the exit. Down there, inside the labyrinth, a giant crab attacked us. But we defeated it».
Only a quarter of an hour later the whole group was outside. Some of its members were lucky to find the exit, whereas the others used the alarm button. Nevertheless, all of them were satisfied and thanked Ted for a long time afterwards. Their guide needed much time to withdraw the Frenchmen from the hall.
One more working week flew past. Ted rarely talked to Alice (the girl was getting ready for her exams) and frequently communicated with Jeffrey. The latter found it difficult to decide what he is going to do for living. His long-awaited Saturday set in. Alice gave Ted a phone call in the morning.
«Hi! Are you awake yet?»
«Hi there! Almost. I usually wake up late on the weekends».
«That’s the reason I decided to wake you up. You, men, are fond of lying in bed!»
«Exactly».
«I’d love to invite you for breakfast and then we’ll go to the arena».
«With pleasure! Where shall we have breakfast?»
«I know one lovely café. Come on, transport yourself to me and I’ll show you».
«I agree. Give me another twenty minutes».
Ted got ready quickly and moved to Alice’s house. She was already waiting for him.
«Where are we heading for?»
«Pretty close. An admirable place. You must be strong today!»
«This is just a practice. Its purpose is to recollect the skills, to warm up a bit…»
«Did I tell you that I had always been your fan?»
«Yes, you did. When we were at Jeffrey’s place».
«Ah, right. Once I almost fought with Mary. She was a Thompson’s fan. Here we are».
They came into a tiny and cozy cafeteria. There were few visitors. The friends chose a place by the window. A waiter immediately came up to them and put a menu on their table.
«Here is the menu. Please choose».
Ted chose fried eggs with bacon and coffee, having pronounced his order out loud. However, nothing happened. Alice laughed.
«This isn’t a magic café! Waiter!»
The waiter came up to their table holding a notepad and a pen.
«What would you like to eat?»
«Fetch us please two dishes with fried eggs and two cups of coffee».
The waiter jotted their order and left.
«You haven’t called me a lot these days».
«I am sorry. I was afraid I might bother you while you were getting ready for your examinations. But I thought about you. Today I am available for you for the entire day. Do you want me to spend it with you?»
«Sure, but nothing will come out of it. After the joust I am to accompany my parents to their acquaintances’ tea-party. Dad said it was crucial».
«What a pity. I am going to visit my parents tomorrow. I spend every Sunday at their place. Mom minded my moving to London and living here all by myself. After all, I am capable of transporting myself to work from any place in Great Britain. Yet I felt like being self-sustained».
«And?»
«So far it has been pretty successful».
Their breakfast was served and they started to eat.
«You have seldom spoken about your parents. You’ve only mentioned that your father is a doctor and that you were born and bred in Scotland. Are you Scottish?»
«No, I am an Englishman, but I was born in Scotland and I even know the language a little».
«How interesting! Is it very different from English?»
«A little. As I’ve already mentioned, my Dad is a general practitioner, while my Mom is a chemist. She grows magic medical herbs by herself. In childhood I would help her, but it never attracted me to such an extent. I spent much time reading various books. I’m fond of deciphering and unraveling mysteries».
«Yeah, back at school you excelled! When everybody else was already desperate to find out what, in fact occurred and was at their wits’ end. Wow! As soon as I recall it, my memories send thrills down my spine!»
«What about your parents? What do they do for living?»
«Mom is jobless. She stays at home and her hobby is conducting experiments with all types of curses and incantations. Dad is the Second Master’s personal assistant. You met him».
«Yes, I did. When is your exam?»
«Pretty soon. By the end of July. The results will arrive at the beginning of August».
«Good luck to you!»
«Thanks. But we’ll see each other before. Or we’ll continue staying in touch by phone.»
«Sure!»
Their breakfast was over. Ted asked for the bill and paid.
«You weren’t supposed to pay for me. Above all, it was me who invited you».
«C’mon! How could I possibly let a girl pay for me?»
«All right. Please don’t exaggerate. Otherwise you will remain without a coin!»
They left the café.
«Where is the joust going to be held?»
«At the arena – outside the city. Do you know where it is?»
«No clue».
«Then hold me by my hand and you will be transported there together with me. One more thing I haven’t mentioned: Jeffrey will also be at the arena».
«But he is your friend! No wonder».
«Thank you! I was afraid you would mind his presence there».
«No way! It is a quarter to one p.m. It’s about time!»
