Читать книгу The Damn Artefacts - Лана Гильман - Страница 7
Chapter 6
ОглавлениеA new working week began. During the intervals of time free from visitors Ted continued to explore the books and documents. He compiled a catalogue, arranged all the papers in the closet. What was left was to study everything in a proper way. After all, if Roderick had recorded some mystery somewhere, he must have applied magic. Ted had to pinpoint this record down. Given that such a mystery had ever existed at all, a fact that Ted started to doubt. But Roderick was gone. Where? Providing that he had not fancied his work at the Museum, he could have just quit and that would be that. In the same sequence, the way Ted had been making up his catalogue, he decided to explore the available books to find the secret records and magic. He took «The Magicians’ Code».
«Just fancy! We were forced to learn this book by heart! Terrible!»
Ted opened it up and checked whether there was any magic involved – he pointed his wand at it and pronounced,
«Quesemto».
Had this book been enchanted, it would glitter green. But nothing of the kind happened.
«Hmm… Maybe, Roderick didn’t use any magic. Had he concealed anything from the magicians, he had to know which incantations had been allowed to say, in order to find this thing. As for me, I have no clue what exactly I have been looking for. Hopefully, some records».
Ted started to leaf through the book.
«Laws, laws. I have always laughed at Law Number Fifteen which runs as follows: „In case of implementing a death incantation the Magistrate is eligible to make a magic wand of the one who implemented it null and void“. But what is the sense of doing that, I wonder? The user can purchase a new wand (after having served his prison term, of course), whereas the one who experienced the incantation on his own skin will never ever resurrect». Ted thumbed through the entire «Code» but it yielded zero outcomes. He returned the book on the shelf and grabbed the next one. He pointed his wand at it as well and uttered,
«Quesemto».
There was no radiance. Thus, having looked through the whole volume, Ted found nothing. Then he proceeded to do this with several more books, yet they provided no results, either.
«Ted,» – he heard someone calling his name from the hall.
«I’m coming».
Ted put the next book back on the shelf and went into the hall. There he saw his friend.
«Jeffrey! Did you come to see me? I am so glad to have you here!»
«Hi Ted! How are things with you? So, this is your realm, isn’t it?»
«Yes, would you like me to guide you around?»
«I’d love to!»
«I always begin from this very exhibit. Look, this is a portal signet-ring of Gottfried the Magician, the one who founded our school. With the help of this portal one can circumnavigate and not just travel around Britain, like we do».
«Cool! Is it possible to use it?»
«I reckon it’s in a proper working mode. However, it is strictly forbidden. Each and every exhibit is under surveillance of the Magistrate. The moment you use any of them they will immediately come to know about that up there. I shall hardly be patted on my head for such behavior, you know».
«That’s right. Troubles are the least thing you’re in need for. But if someone enters and tries to apply it when you aren’t around…»
«No one will. They are sealed up with a magic password. Even I am unaware of it».
«Clear».
«Look, this is…»
«Ted,» – Jeffrey suddenly interrupted his vigorous speech.
«Yes?» – Ted stared at his friend. Jeffrey was standing still, gazing somewhere faraway. «Jeffrey, what’s the matter? Is it the reason for your today’s visit? Did you come to talk to me, but didn’t know what to begin with?»
Jeffrey glanced at his friend.
«Right you are. Where can we talk?»
«Let’s go to the archive».
They entered the archive. Jeffrey sat down on a chair, while Ted perched in front of him.
«Shakkat,» – he said. «So, now I may leave the door open and nobody will be capable of eavesdropping us. What happened?»
Jeffrey looked around the room.
«So, have you been looking for the mysteries in here?»
«Yeah, but, to tell you the truth, I doubt that there is any mystery at all».
«Then I’m going to share a mystery with you. You may succeed in decrypting it. Ted, I’ve been persecuted».
Ted looked at his friend with surprise.
«Persecuted? Who? How? Why? Why do you think so?»
«Last Saturday when I arrived home someone was waiting for me outside. He was wearing bizarre clothes: a long gown and his face veiled with a hood. And this is in July. Yet I paid no attention to his presence – there are quite a few freaks hanging out around. The moment I touched the wicket with my hand he pulled out his magic wand and shot some incantation at me. Only due to my parents’ exaggerated effort of firewall incantations and their having enchanted not just the house, but also a sidewalk nearby, I remained safe and sound».
«Which incantation did he apply?»
«I have no idea. He pronounced it inwardly».
«But what’s the need of chasing and persecuting you, I wonder? You’re a good bloke and haven’t done any harm to anyone. Or, may it so happen that you seduced a girl and quit on her, which caused her relatives’ revenge?»
Jeffrey gave a short laugh, but right afterwards resumed being serious.
«You know, I have always considered myself a brave daredevil, but still, Ted, I am frightened. What did he want from me?»
«I don’t know, Jeff. Have you shared it with anyone? With your parents, for instance?»
«Nope. My parents will come back only in a week. I don’t want to bother them».
«Then report it to the Magistrate».
«Ted, you are my best friend! I have never told you and you have never asked me».
«What are you getting at?»
«My parents’ job. They work for the First Master. As couriers under cover, scouts, spies. You may label it as you wish. I have recently been approached and offered the same kind of job. I haven’t agreed yet though. Everything will be settled as soon as they are back home. But I am pretty sure I’m going to like it».
«Thanks for your trust, Jeffrey! I shall never ever divulge your secrets, nor shall I give away your parents’ ones, even under torture. So, you are positive then that the assault was somehow associated with their clandestine activities? Are many people aware of what they do?»
«I am clueless. I think that few are in the know though».
«You mustn’t leave your house, Jeff! You should have called me and I’d have come in no time».
«Then you would have been attacked».
«What for?»
«Well, I am not sure. In order to blackmail me later on. After all, I could always lend you a helping hand».
«But how are you going to get back home?»
«I’m going to portaland1 right by the wicket. There is this firewall protection over there».
«I’ll see you off».
«No need, Ted. I told you there’s firewall there. I don’t want them to spot you and track you down afterwards».
«Do you believe nobody knows that we’re friends? Don’t worry about me. Everything will be O.K.».
«All right then. Walk me to the Museum exit only. I’m glad that I have spoken with you».
«So am I. you can always rely on me, Jeff».
«Thanks».
They went downstairs and stopped by the Museum gate.
«Be careful, Jeff. Don’t risk anything in vain. They will have to weigh kidnapping you and blackmailing your parents afterwards. Give me a phone call tonight».
«Certainly».
«I must buy a cell phone. Thus, I shall be always available, no matter where I am».
«Yeah, me too. Bye, Ted. Thanks for all!»
«Bye. Take care of yourself!»
Jeffrey pressed his signet-ring and transported himself home. Ted came back to the Museum. He had already forgotten about the Museum mystery and search of Roderick. Jeffrey’s story worried him. His best friend is in danger and it is his sacred duty to help Jeff out. But how?
Ted looked at his watch. Another two hours were left before the end of the working day. He will be languishing for two long hours, completely unconscious of whether or not Jeff got home safe.
1to portaland – to emerge from the portal
On coming home Ted immediately called his friend. He had to wait for a long time until someone picked the receiver. Ted even began worrying. At last he heard the familiar voice at the other end.
«Hello».
«Jeffrey! Why so long? I had already started to worry about you».
«Ted! I wanted to call you, but a bit later. Sorry, but I was in the shower».
«How’re you?»
«Everything is fine. I „portalanded“ exactly at the wicket. There was no one around, but, most likely, „someone“ had decided not to show up and to catch me as soon I lose vigilance».
«Right, everything’s possible. Don’t lose vigilance under any circumstances. Stay in touch. In case you need something don’t think twice and give a phone call».
«Absolutely, Ted! Please don’t tell anyone that I have been persecuted. Neither Alice nor your parents – nobody!»
«Self-explanatory, Jeffrey! Don’t you worry, bud. I didn’t even think about it! I know how to keep secrets».
«I know, Ted. What if love has turned your head?»
Ted laughed.
«Not to such an extent! Yes, I love Alice, love her very much, but I haven’t lost my head yet».
«Thank you! We’ll chat later. I’m going to have supper now».
«Fine. Bye for now, Jeff!»
«Bye-bye».
Another two days flashed past. Ted was working, calling Alice from time to time, trying not to impede her preparations for the examinations. He was talking with Jeffrey on the phone on a daily basis though. The latter had not seen anyone suspicious ever since then and even started to assume that someone had assaulted him by mistake. Ted wanted to believe that it had been a drawback, yet somewhere deep inside he was confident that there had been no mistake at all, and that those who had attacked Jeffrey, made up their minds to alter their tactics.
About three weeks have passed since Ted began working in the Museum. He got accustomed to the place, made friends with his co-workers and even found it amusing to introduce magic objects to people and to perform his own magic tricks in front of the audience. The search for the mystery among the books had yielded zero outcomes; however, he realized that some of those books were quite informative and bore a lot of useful data.
«I should ask Mr. Merlegg to permit me to take some of them home, in order to read through them and to study. Novel knowledge will never do any harm, especially before the joust. This coming Saturday I am practicing again and, hopefully, I shall be able to be with Alice all day long,» – Ted was dreaming. «How kind of her to find time in her packed schedule and to devote it to meeting with me!»
Thursday morning Ted was walking to work as usual, not even suspecting that this very day would change his life. He kept thinking about Alice on the way. She was having an exam that day; therefore he was worried about her.
Ted entered the Museum and immediately proceeded to his study-room. There he changed his clothes and went to the Department to wait for curious visitors. Some ten minutes later Mr. Merlegg dropped by.
«Good morning, Ted! How are you doing? As far as I see, you are coping with your job responsibilities pretty well. I have already begun receiving positive feedback from our customers».
«Morning, Mr. Merlegg! Thanks a lot!»
«Tell me something: do you know Mr. Iron Starr?»
«I’d rather say that I know of him, sir, since we haven’t met each other in person. The only thing I know about him is that he is a magician and works as a lawyer. A very expensive one, by the way».
«I got a phone call from the Magistrate.Mr. Iron Starr would like to meet me, you and the Master. We are to be there at two o’clock».
«No problem, sir! Which Master exactly?»
«Ah, yes. The Third Master. In his office».
«All right. Then at twenty to two p.m. I shall be in your office».
«Shall we be on time?»
«Certainly. We’ll use my portal».
«Fine».
Exactly at the hour previously agreed upon Ted was coming into Mr. Merlegg’s office.
«Are you ready, sir?»
«Yes, I am. But where is the portal?»
«Here you are, sir. This signet-ring on my finger is the portal, sir,» – Ted showed. «But in order to apply it we must leave the building of the Museum».
«Then let’s go».
They stepped outside.
«Grab me by my hand, Mr. Merlegg,» – said Ted and, seeing his boss’ hesitancy, added, «Don’t you worry, this is completely safe and will take not more than a few seconds».
Mr. Merlegg took Ted by his hand and the young man pressed his signet-ring gem. Several seconds afterwards they «portalanded» nearby the Magistrate.
«Here we are. How are you?»
«Normal. Quite unusual feelings. But very convenient, on the other hand».
«That’s right. Nonetheless, I prefer to walk to work. A morning stroll is useful to one’s health,» – Ted smiled.
«So, is it the Magistrate? I haven’t been here yet,» – Mr. Merlegg looked at the building admiringly.
«Let’s get in».
At the entrance they were met by a security guard.
«Hi, what is the purpose of your visit?»
«Hello,» – answered Ted. «Alan Merlegg and Ted Spencer from the British Museum. We have an appointment with the Third Master».
«Come in. You need to…»
«Yes, thank you. I know where it is».
«Have a good day then!»
At two o’clock Ted and Mr. Merlegg were in the Third Master’s office. Starr, the lawyer was already sitting at table.
«Hello,» – the Master greeted them cordially and hospitably. «Come in, have a seat. Do you know Mr. Starr, the lawyer?»
«We did not have the honor. Pleased to meet you, sir,» – Ted tackled the issue pro-actively. He noticed that Mr. Merlegg had lost his nerve being surrounded by the most powerful representatives of the magic society.
«Our lawyer Mr. Starr, please meet Mr. Alan Merlegg, Deputy-Director of the British Museum and Head of the Magic Department, and Mr. Ted Spencer, a treasurer, curator and tour-guide of the Magic Department,» – the Third Master introduced them.
The men shook each other’s hands.
«I am also very pleased to meet you, gentlemen,» – the lawyer replied. «Furthermore, this is quite a novelty in our world, I mean, the Magic Department in the Museum which discloses our mysteries and our life to non-magicians. I am thankful to the Third Master for his valuable time. I am here on business, unfortunately, for a sad cause».
«What happened, counsellor? You haven’t touched upon any sad reason in our telephone conversation,» – asked the Master.
«Five days ago a magician Meryl Greenfield passed away».
«Really!» – exclaimed the Master. «I wasn’t updated on that! What a loss! What an irretrievable loss!»
The Master groaned and shook his head.
«Yes, unfortunately,» – confirmed the lawyer and turned to Ted. «I hope that this name is familiar to you, Mr. Spencer?»
«Oh, certainly! What a pity! She used to be a famous magician. Besides, she was a writer, a traveler and a collector of magic books».
«Right. I am her solicitor and executor. She bequeathed all her books and traveler’s notes to the British Museum».
«Really!» – Mr. Merlegg exclaimed. «Quite unexpectedly and a huge donation to our Museum».
«Yes, but there is a tiny condition. A letter in some ancient and unknown language has been attached to the will. Allow me to read the will to you, rather the part that concerns you».
«Please, begin».
The lawyer started to read.
«Within my life I have been to many a country and gathered a substantial collection of magic books, scrolls and rarities. I would like to bequeath all of them to the British Museum. For my collection to be useful and not to absorb dust in the archives, I hereby attach a letter which comprises my last wishes. In order to make sure that my decision was correct, I compiled this letter in a language, other than English. Given that within a year’s time my letter is not deciphered and my instructions are not put into effect, the collection will be ruined. In a year Mr. Iron Starr shall obtain an English translation of the letter in question and make sure that it is identical with the original version, likewise that the Museum staff have begun fulfilling my instructions. In the event they have decoded the text and started to comply with the aforesaid instructions, Mr. Iron Starr or someone of his subordinates shall verify whether or not my wishes are performed, on an annual basis. Please find attached the list of books and papers». That is about all, gentlemen».
«Weird, as it may seem… Why was it necessary to puzzle it so?»
«The magician was very smart and loved to communicate with the same bright people. She was willing to pass her valuable legacy to worthy people who do deserve it. Here you are, – a copy of the will, a letter, a key and the address».
Mr. Merlegg took the items mentioned above.
«I am happy for the British Museum,» – said the Master.
«So am I,» – uttered the lawyer. «But you must excuse me, since I have another appointment».
«Yes, sure».
Mr. Starr left.
«Well, well, well…» – commented Mr. Merlegg. «You, the magicians, tend to complicate things, unlike rank-and-file people! Why was it that necessary to complicate the whole thing? Others would be flattered if their books were kept in the Museum, and without any riddles! Oh, I am sorry, Master!»
«Everything is fine. You are right. Magicians are inclined to tangle. I have no idea, what is in this letter, but you will definitely have to decrypt it. It will be very distressing if the magician Meryl’s collection is damaged».
«May I take a look at the letter?»
«Absolutely. I am also curious».
Mister Merlegg opened the envelope and extracted the letter. Looking at it, he shook his head and handed it to the Master. The latter glimpsed at the letter and gave it to Ted.
«Such epistolary opuses are unknown to me. Maybe you are more in the know, Mr. Spencer?»
Ted, in his turn, began scrutinizing the letter.
«The letters aren’t familiar to me. But I have spent some time in the library. Apart from that, I may apply for help to a professor from the school of ancient magic linguistics. Back at school we weren’t exposed to such a language, but I cherish the thought that he is knowledgeable of it».
Ted returned the letter to Mr. Merlegg.
«Good luck, Mr. Spencer! As far as I can judge, you have immediately come up with the action plan,» – said the Master. «In case you need my assistance, you may easily rely on me».
«Thank you, Master!»
The meeting came to its end. Ted and Mr. Merlegg left the Magistrate and transported themselves to the premises of the Museum.
«Ted, you may want to make up a new schedule for yourself? After all, from now on you will have to work on decrypting this rebus, in addition to the excursions and your routine work in the archives».
«No, I don’t think so, Mr. Merlegg. As soon as I need to be absent, I will sure warn you. I may sit and decode this mystery in my study-room».
«O.K., Ted. Wish you good luck in this undertaking of yours! If you need money, please tell me, and I will send a quote to the cashbox at once».
«Thanks».
It was four o’clock when Ted entered the Department. One more hour was left before he could call it a day and return home.
«Ted,» – somebody called to him. It was Tom, his co-worker in the Department.
«Yes, Tom?»
«Some girl was looking for you here, a pretty one. She was very disappointed, when she found out that you were absent».
«Really? Thanks, Tom!»
Alice! This will made him completely forget about her! She came to see him after the examination! Did she pass it, I wonder? Did she come here to share her joy with him or to complain, crying on his shoulder? I wish I were at home as soon as possible to call her up!
Once Ted stepped over the threshold of his flat, first and foremost, he called Alice. Surprisingly for him, she answered quickly, so Ted had an impression that Alice had been waiting for his phone call.
«Alice, dear, how are you doing? How was your exam?»
«Ted, I am so glad you have called! I dropped in at your Museum, but you were out».
«Yeah, I know. Tom told me. I had a couple of urgent issues to address. So, how’s your exam?»
«No idea. I’ve got the feeling that I failed it».
«Why?»
«Well, it’s not easy to speak about it on the phone».
«Let’s meet then. I’d like to invite you to dinner and then to the cinema. Would you like?»
«With pleasure! I must take a time-out after all this cramming».
«Then at seven o’clock. Where would you like to go?»
«Let’s go to the same „The Three Magicians“ place. Let’s meet there».
«All right. I’ll be waiting for you near the restaurant».
Ted dialed Jeffrey afterwards, but no one answered. It worried him very much: where could that guy be? As soon as Ted hung up he heard a doorbell ring. «Maybe, Jeffrey?» – thought Ted hopefully and was not mistaken.
«Jeffrey, I have just called you!»
«Hi, Ted. Are you alone?»
«Sure. Who else can be here except myself?»
«Well, I thought you were with Alice».
«No, I shall meet her at seven, but if you need me…»
«No, no, everything’s fine. I feel lonely».
«I see, Jeff. Would you like a cup of coffee? I invited Alice to dinner, but I have just come back from work and wouldn’t mind having a bite».
«With pleasure».
Ted made sandwiches, coffee and the friends began to eat.
«I feel guilty, Jeff».
«What are you to blame?»
«I spend less time with you».
«Rubbish! You work and you have a girl-friend. It’s me who idles away his time and doesn’t know what to do. Wish my parents were back! However…»
«What?»
«I may have to leave England».
«But your departure won’t last long, will it? Besides, we’ll keep staying in touch, write to each other and call each other».
«Sure,» – Jeffrey smiled.
The friends were sitting and talking, recalling the olden times, until Jeff suddenly remembered something.
«It’s half past six already. Time flies at a spanking pace, unless you are alone! I shan’t bother you».
«No way! You aren’t bothering me. Hold on: I’m going to change my clothes and we’ll go downstairs together».
Ted went to his bedroom and put on an elegant shirt and a pair of trousers. Once he returned to the living room, Jeffrey nodded approvingly.
«You’re as handsome as always!»
«Are you kidding’?»
«Of course, I’m not! Let’s go downstairs, lest your pretty companion await you».
They went downstairs and parted.
«Go for it, Ted, be the first one to „portaland“!»
«Why me?»
«That’s how I shan’t be able to detain you with my talks, buddie».
«O.K., Jeff. But tomorrow I’m going to come to your place and we’ll chat the entire evening. Shall we?»
«No questions asked, bro,» – Jeffrey smiled. «Gladly. Bye for now, Ted, enjoy yourselves!»
«Thanks. See you!»
The friends hugged one another. Ted transported himself to one of London outskirts, took out his magic wand, opened the dimensions gate and went to the restaurant «At the Three Magicians’». The moment he disappeared, Jeffrey, in his turn, pressed his signet-ring gem, but he miscalculated a little bit and found himself standing on a sidewalk across the street from his house.
