Читать книгу The Damn Artefacts - Лана Гильман - Страница 6

Alice took Ted by his hand and he pressed the gem of his portal-ring. They found themselves in front of a bizarre building which looked like a small stadium, yet spectator boxes were arranged one above another. It might seem to the uninitiated viewer that the Coliseum had left Rome for London and taken its form there in the city center.

«Have we reached our destination?»

«Yes, we have. Here the championship will take place».

«But it’s so big! Our school arena was much smaller in size».

«Right you are. Hopefully, I’m going to cope with the challenge. At long last I am not losing anything».

«Aren’t you scared of losing the fight?»

«Sure I am. I’ll make every possible effort to win».

«You will make it, Ted! I trust you».

«Thank you, Alice. I’ll try my best not to disappoint you. Well, let’s go!»

They entered the building and saw Jeffrey.

«Heya!» – he greeted them. – «I’ve been waiting for you here for ten minutes or so».

Ted and Jeffrey hugged each other. Alice stepped a little back, lest Jeff all of a sudden decide to embrace her, too.

«Hello, Jeff! I’m glad that you came!»

«I couldn’t help coming. Hi there, Alice! As far as I see, you aren’t the happiest person due to my presence here».

«C’mon, Jeff, stop it! I’m glad to see you. But its one o’clock already – its high time Ted get to the arena».

«That’s right».

They proceeded further on to get to the secretary.

«Hi, I’m Ted Spencer. My practice has been scheduled today at one p.m.»

«Hello. Hold on please,» – he checked the list. «Yes. Your rival is Jim Reyton. He hasn’t arrived yet. You will get your props. You are to pay fifteen pounds, sir».

Ted paid and took the receipt.

«Thanks».

«Your companions will have an opportunity to watch the joust from one of the boxes, the one which they find as the most convenient one. The elevator is to the right».

«Good luck to you, Ted! We’ll look for a suitable place».

«Break your leg!»

«Thanks.»

Alice and Jeffrey headed for the elevators, while Ted went to the props room. There he received a uniform that suited him well. It resembled a true medieval chivalrous garb. The only difference was that it had been sewn of thin leather and silver satin. A cloak had to be put on above this garment, which was also of silver color. Dressed in all that, the black-haired swarthy youth looked irresistibly handsome! From the props room he continued to the stable where he was granted a beautiful white winged horse whose nickname was Persian.

«Where’s my rival?» – asked Ted.

«He’s just arrived and is currently getting his props. As long as he is getting ready you may try your horse».

«Great! Thank you».

Ted climbed the winged horse and grabbed the bridle. There were neither saddle nor stirrups; otherwise the horse would be unable to fly. With his knees Ted propped against the wing base and easily pulled the bridle. Persian made a few skips around the arena and took off. Ted made several rounds to make sure that it was easy to guide this wise animal. He spotted his friends who got settled in the ninth tier and waved his hand at them. They waved back in response. There appeared his rival down there, riding the same horse, but black. Ted landed in the arena. In compliance with the applicable ritual, both of them rode to the center and greeted one another with their magic wands. Then they turned around and galloped to opposite directions. After three steps both horses took off and, having made a graceful and refined circle, began approaching each other.

The goal of such a fight was to recapture the rival’s spell and with his own incantation to disarm the rider and throw him onto the ground. The more powerful the incantation was, the more prize-winning points were accumulated. One of the key factors to the successful outcome of such battles was a magician’s skill and might. After all, having lost his wand, one magician becomes completely helpless, whereas another one can work magic without its help. But let’s return to the arena.

The rivals were getting closer to each other. Jim was the first to use his incantation against Ted. The latter managed to dodge and immediately lunged with his wand in Jim’s direction.

«Otser!»

«Magana!» – Jim riposted with his protective incantation, thus, evading the cease, used by Ted.

Both of them stayed unharmed and started to perform their U-turn. It was strictly banned to send a spell to the rival’s back. As a rule, such tournaments were presided by five judges, one per each field side, plus the chief judge. In that case there was a regular practice; therefore there was only one officer present at the arena. Victory was not that important – it was much more significant to recollect basic incantations and to brush up flying ability. After all, many participants had not competed in jousts for a long time; and their skills had become rusty.

The two rivals turned around and flew at each other. Jim happened to be higher, thus, making Ted’s position less favorable. Both of them sent their incantations at each other at the same time. Ted saw that his incantation hit home: Jim grabbed his hand. Jim’s response was successfully fought off with Ted’s protective spell.

The rivals turned around once again, but this time Ted was the first to send his incantation at Jim. However, Jim not just succeeded in fighting off Ted’s incantation, but also in sending his own incantation in his rival’s direction. Ted failed to react in a timely fashion and Jim’s incantation hit his chest. The pain was so strong that Ted near fell down off his horse. Nonetheless, he made an effort and stayed in the saddle, flying a little farther away from his rival, in order to catch his breath. They continued sending one another incantations, until the gong was heard. The time span allocated for the battle was over. Ted and Jim landed, shook hands, returned their horses to the stable and went to the cloakroom.

«Thanks for the duel, it was my pleasure!» – said Ted.

«Thank you, me too! I warmed up in a proper way – haven’t taken part in such fight for a long time. How about you?»

«Two months ago it was my last joust. But I was still a schoolboy then. The arena was much smaller in size and the horses weren’t that frolicsome and obedient».

«Are you participating in this event for the first time? Was it your first practice session?»

«Yes».

«Mine too. This year. Please allow me to advise you».

«Feel free».

«Next time when you sign up for a practice, make sure that you know in advance who your rival will be».

«What for?»

«It’s kind of boring to fight against the same rival. Thus, you will only learn his techniques and you will be feeble and powerless while facing the others».

«Yes, I see. Back at school one of my rivals was fond of throwing incantations into my back, when the judges didn’t see that. But I had long been aware of this method, so I was able to dodge every time».

«You see? That’s how you might be more knowledgeable about your future rivals’ behavior».

«Thank you for your advice!»

«Don’t mention it! I am already thirty-seven years old. When I was as young as you are now, older magicians would always guide me with their helpful tips».

Each one of them proceeded to his cloakroom. Ted changed and came out. Alice and Jeffrey had been already waiting for him outside.

«Ted, you were amazing!» – exclaimed Alice.

«Good job,» – confirmed Jeff. «It was cool!»

«Was it? Thanks! But I had few chances to win, I am afraid. I had a strong and experienced rival».

«I wouldn’t say you were weaker».

«Yes, you never got frightened and gave up! You were fighting on par».

«I was trying hard. But he did hit me in my chest».

«Does it ache?» – asked Alice sympathetically. Jeffrey smiled: women love the wounded heroes.

«It’s gone already. But I thought that I would fall down. I could hardly stay afloat. I must repeat the incantations, as well as learn the new ones. I’m going to look for them in the Museum. There are plenty of books there».

«All right, time to go,» – said Jeff. «I don’t want to bother you, guys».

«What are you talking about? You aren’t bothering us,» – objected Alice.

«Don’t I understand that the third one is redundant here? Bye for now. Ted, it was great!»

«Thanks, Jeff! We’ll keep in touch».

«Self-explanatory».

«Bye, Jeff!»

Jeffrey pressed his portal signet-ring gem and left home. Ted and Alice stayed alone.

«Alice, where are you heading for right now?»

«Home».

«Do you want me to see you off? We may take the Tube».

«What for if there is the portal?»

«Well, that’s how I can stay with you a little bit longer».

«Ted, you are so cute! Good, let’s take the Tube».

The underground train station was ten minutes away from the arena. Ted bought the tickets and they got down to the dungeon of the trains kingdom.

«The Tube has always reminded me of the Iron Magician’s den,» – said Alice.

«Does such a den really exist?»

«No idea. Definite maybe. We aren’t aware of many things, especially of our own world».

«The Black Wizard’s abode was in a cave,» – Ted pronounced thoughtfully, recollecting his adventure.

«Haven’t you ever told anyone about what happened between you and him?»

«No one. I swore».

The train arrived and they got on it.

«There are vacant seats over there. Let’s go and sit,» – said Alice.

«Let’s go. We must get off in five stops».

They sat down and the train started.

«I am not that enthusiastic about public transportation», – said Alice.

«Why not?»

«It is very time consuming».

«You know what? I’d like to learn how to drive a car. It must be so awesome to run an iron horse!»

Alice burst out laughing.

«I just imagine myself Jeffrey’s eyes when you come to see him by car».

«Why? Do you assume he won’t like it?»

«No idea. But he has this gear of horses».

«Horses, not vehicles! No, he’s going to like it. I will talk him into learning together. You too join in».

«No, thanks».

That is how they passed three train stops. At the next stop five slovenly clad youths entered their train car. They were standing nearby our heroes, discussing something out loud and drinking beer. Suddenly one of them noticed Ted and Alice.

«Hey, look at this couple! You can tell right away – they are from the upper crust!»

«Leave them,» – said another one. «They are from beau monde, driving «Bentley».

«How come that you know?» – asked the first lad. «Do you hobnob with them? You weren’t with us last year when we beat their showcases and set several cars on fire».

«Joe, shut up! You’ve drunk a lot.»

«Hey you, young lady,» – the first one addressed Alice. «Would you come with me and we’ll have fun together? Why do you need this nerd?»

Alice got pale and pressed into the train seat. Ted jumped to his feet.

«Shame on you! Apologize to the girl right away!»

«Ted, leave them alone! We are to get off pretty soon. Or let’s apply our portal».

«No way! Tykes like them are to be taught a lesson!»

«What was it that made you that mad? The girl is dying of boredom with you. I’m an expert in entertaining such beauties. Come by, you won’t regret!» – He pronounced these words with a cheeky smile and pulled Alice by her hand.

She screamed and Ted pushed the intruder. The ruffian grabbed Ted by his shirt collar and tightly pressed him against the window pane. Ted could not get released and punched the guy. He set Ted free and covered his face with his palms, but in his turn outrageously stroke Ted. Ted lost his balance and fell down. His injured lip was bleeding. The mob started to laugh. Ted got up, pulled out his wand and aimed it at his offender.

«Hafcha!»

At the same moment the scoundrel turned into a pig. A few girls who were sitting in the corner during the whole skirmish began to holler.

«Shit! These are magicians! Let’s run away now!» – Voices were heard in the mob.

The train just stopped at the station and all of them headed by the pig rushed away. Ted directed his wand at the pig and the guy’s previous image was retained.

Ted looked at Alice apologetically.

«I’m sorry… I failed to defend you properly».

«But you didn’t! You immediately plunged to help me. Few are those who would be able to confront five bullies at a time!»

«I knew that any time I could implement magic. Which I actually did, to my great shame».

Alice took a handkerchief out of her purse and touched his lip with it.

«Does it ache?» – She asked with sympathy.

«Not really. My father will heal it tomorrow. We’re to get off now».

The train stopped and they got outside without extra adventures. The train station was not far from Alice’s house.

«I’ll see you off».

«O.K. Leave the handkerchief because the wound is still bleeding».

They arrived at her house. She kissed him on the cheek.

«See you! Take care of yourself!»

«Bye, Alice! We had a good time. When shall we meet again? After all, this coming exam of yours…»

«I’ll call you. For sure!»

«I’ll be waiting impatiently».

«Ted…»

«Yes?»

«You became a true man! Thank you,» – said Alice and entered her front porch.

«Hmm, what did she imply by those words?» —Ted murmured, pressed his portal ring gem and found himself next to his house.

Another Sunday came. Ted knew that his parents had prepared for the meeting with their son the day before; therefore he decided not to linger. He only washed and dressed himself. Even though his appearance left much to be desired: his lip had become swollen and ached a bit.

«No problem, Mom will smear some ointment on it and it will heal soon afterwards».

With the help of his portal Ted got to his parents’ mansion. Lily was the first to notice his arrival and rushed into his arms.

«Ted, at last! I’m so glad to see you!»

«Me too! I got so homesick!»

«You were here a week ago, weren’t you?»

«Yeah, I was. But I am always homesick».

«Then come back. You may transport to your Museum from here as well».

«Right. But in London I feel myself independent».

«I see. Have you fought yet? What happened to your lip?»

«Nothing special. I’ll tell you later. Let’s get in».

Ted embraced his sister by her shoulders and they entered the house.

«Where are the parents?»

«Dad was sent for. Mom is hexing in her lab. Shall I call her?»

«No. She doesn’t like to be disturbed. Let’s sit here and wait».

«So, please tell me what’s wrong with your lip! You have never been in a fight before!»

«Well, I hadn’t defended a girl before».

«Oh, you’ve got a girl-friend? Tell me more».

«Later. I’ll check if I could divert Mom».

«Later is the key word,» – growled Lily discontentedly.

Ted stepped outside the mansion and headed for the garden. There was a small hut there – Mrs. Spencer’s kingdom where she would prepare potions and elixirs. Ted knocked on the door. He knew there were moments when it was a taboo to distract his Mom’s attention from potion making.

«Come in. I’m finished already».

Ted stepped in. Mom rushed to him.

«My dear, you came! I am so happy to see you!»

«As you see, I keep my promises. Every Sunday I am here».

«Good for you! What’s wrong with your face?»

«Nothing special. I tripped and fell down».

«Fell down? People of your age no longer fall down. You rather fought. You didn’t even apply medical ointment».

«Well, frankly speaking, I have no ointment at all».

«What?! No ointment! And after that you think you’re a grown-up and that you can live alone, while there’s no ointment!»

«Frankly speaking, I have no medicine at all».

While she was reproaching Ted, Mrs. Spencer took some ointment out of a closet to anoint his lip.

«Lean forward, as you are already one head taller than I am! Here we go – it will be over in a few minutes. I’m going to supply you with drugs for every possible ailment, for you to take them along with you».

«But what for? I don’t need much time to get to you, after all. I’ll come home to get cured».

«Don’t you even dare talk about maladies?»

«Why not? It’s always better to lie in bed and recover at home. Who will care for me in London?»

Thus, hugging one another they entered the mansion.

«Have you had breakfast yet?»

«Not yet».

«Then get down to table. Lily! You too sit down. Dad and I had eaten early today, right before he left».

Mrs. Spencer put fried eggs with bacon and coffee in front of her children. They ate happily.

«Thanks a bunch, Mom! It was very delicious».

«Welcome. I doubt that you have breakfast regularly before work».

«Not always. But I have breaks for lunch».

«That’s good».

«Let’s go for a walk,» – Lily offered Ted.

«Yes, with pleasure. Thank you, Mom».

They went out.

«Where shall we go?»

«To the forest».

There was a big forest spreading in the vicinity of their village. Even its name sounded magical – Calkam.

«Lily, what do you want us to do in the forest?»

«I’ll introduce you to my friends. It’s not far away from here».

«What kind of friends?» – Ted asked with a smile. «Is there any secret admirer of yours?»

«Not yet».

They came to the forest edge.

«This forest is so big that I haven’t explored all its parts yet».

«Never ever come here alone! Haunted forests might conceal unknown threats. We aren’t well aware of all the magic creatures. Where’s your friend then?»

«He always arrives here by twelve».

Suddenly they heard a light crackling sound of branches.

«Lam? Is it you?»

«It’s me, Lily. Hello!»

A dwarf emerged from the thicket. It was a short man – his height would scarcely exceed two feet.

«How do you do,» – He greeted Ted.

«Hello, I am Ted, Lily’s brother».

«Pleased to meet you! Lily told me about you. We met not too long ago and made friends at once. She helped me treat my favorite unicorn Noo».

«She has inherited these healing skills from our parents».

«What do you do for living?» – asked the dwarf.

«I work at the Museum».

«Oh, it must be really interesting. I collect roots and fruit for our community».

«Is there a dwarves’ community here? I didn’t even know».

«Yes, our settlement is located far from here. At the foot of the mountain beside the Sunny meadow. Dwarves are not fond of drawing away from their abodes. Well, I’m an exception. Once upon a time this forest would be much smaller. Then the dwarves used to be more sociable. One day our forest was conquered by the trolls. But it happened a long time ago. Only legends and traditional tales have been preserved ever since then».

«Thank you for your interesting narration! It is my pleasure to have met you, sir!»

«Me too. I shall be most pleased to meet you again».

The dwarf went on fulfilling his chore, whereas Ted and Lily kept walking.

«Lily, our parents would never let me walk in the forest alone. How come that you walk here all by yourself?»

«No worries! I never walk alone. I happened to be there by chance and met the dwarf. He looked very upset: his pet unicorn was sick and I helped cure him of the illness. Please don’t tell the parents, will you?»

«All right. But promise me that you won’t act recklessly».

«I promise. You are the best brother ever!» – Lily kissed him in the cheek. «Now tell me about your fiancée».

«Well, she isn’t yet my fiancée. However, who knows? We call each other, met a couple of times. It’s Alice, my former classmate. Do you remember her?»

«Alice? Her name sounds quite familiar to me. Her father is currently running some high position in the Magistrate. Despite that, she isn’t arrogant. Given that you have been walking together and staying in touch on the phone, then she is… right, your girl-friend. Have you kissed each other yet?»

Ted got embarrassed.

«Lily? Such questions are not to be asked. But my answer is negative. No, haven’t kissed yet».

«But I am your sister, aren’t I? You may undoubtedly entrust me with every secret of yours».

«Yes, I know, sweetie. But I feel a bit awkward talking about such things. This… this is too personal. Do you see what I mean?»

«Fine. But in case you are willing to talk, I shall always listen to you. Who else, if not me, can prompt you on what exactly we, girls, feel, what is to our liking, how you are supposed to court us, in order to capture our attention…»

Ted gave a laugh.

«Thanks, darling! I shall definitely turn to you for advice in the future».

«Where did you get hurt? Could you not apply magic?»

«Yesterday I was participating in a training session toward the magician knights’ joust. Alice wanted to come and watch».

«The joust? So, you did sign up for it? Terrific! It must be so interesting! Tell me when it’s held – I also want to be present».

«Certainly. I may take you with me to the practice».

«With great pleasure! I haven’t been at your new place of residence yet. Nor have I attended the Museum».

«Done. Either this coming Saturday or the following one. O.K.?»

«Yes, thanks! You’re the best brother in the world! So, you got injured during the practice? What does Alice have to do with your wound?»

«She doesn’t. We were on our way back home by Tube and a mob of hoodlum started bullying her. At first I applied my fists and afterwards my magic wand».

«Ah, I see».

They came back home. Their father, Mr. Spencer, was already awaiting them indoors. He got up towards Ted.

«Hi, sonny!»

«Hi Dad! Glad to see you».

They hugged each other.

«Have a seat. Fire away. What’s new?»

«I have practiced once for the joust. I fought an experienced magician. I am proud to declare that our duel ended in a draw».

«Did it? Not bad. Was it him who decorated your face like that?» – asked Mr. Spencer.

«No, it was…»

«Ted said he had fallen down,» – Mom interrupted him.

Ted got embarrassed.

«No, I didn’t fall. Just got involved in fist-fighting. Defended a girl from some hooligan».

«Well, this is a praiseworthy act!»

«Dad, you misunderstood,» – Lily pronounced insidiously. «Ted was defending his fiancée».

«Lily! You promised not to divulge my secrets!»

«But not this one».

«Lily, you weren’t supposed to act like that! If Ted doesn’t feel like sharing with us, he isn’t obliged».

«C’mon, Mom! I have no secrets from you. She isn’t yet my fiancée though. We only dated a few times and that’s it».

«Where did you get acquainted with her? In the Museum?»

«No. this is my ex classmate Alice».

«Alice? A daughter of the Second Master’s personal assistant?»

«Yes, right».

«Well, I don’t mind – go on dating her. But please be careful».

«Why careful, Daddy? She is a good girl. I have known her since the first form. What’s wrong?»

«Ignore my warning. I am a little biased against the Second Master and his entourage. He is a filthy guy».

«Yes, I know. But it doesn’t apply to Alice».

«Providing that you fancy her, continue dating her. Invite her over. The most important part here is your being happy».

«Thanks, Mom!»

Ted spent the entire Sunday at his ancestral home, as usual, and in the evening he transported himself to his flat.