The Damn Artefacts

«What are you planning to do, if you don’t pass the exam?»

«No idea by far. Dad will talk to the Master and he may help me out getting some job, but not in the Magistrate – it’s too boring there. The Master is a very kind-hearted man».

Ted was sipping his juice while Alice was speaking and, on hearing such compliments paid to the Master, he choked a little and started to cough.

«Are you all right?»

«Yes, I am. Who were you talking about a while ago?»

«The Second Master, of course».

«Ah, right».

It had long been rumored in the magicians’ society that the Second Master is up to solely running the Magistrate. His subordinates were all haughty and power-thirsty magicians. Unfortunately for Ted, Alice’s father was also part of this bum lot. He felt the need to prevent Alice from becoming part of their wicked circle!

«In other words, you won’t regret a lot, in case you fail your entrance examinations?»

«I don’t know. But I shall definitely try again next year. How are things with you? How’s work?»

«Okay. Today I was in the Magistrate, therefore we missed each other at the Museum. Meryl the Magician died and left an inheritance to the Museum».

«Really? Anything curious?»

«Books, papers. Tomorrow I’m heading for her apartment».

The dinner was over.

«Shall we go to the movie theater?»

«Maybe, next time? I feel a miserable wreck».

«I understand. You had a very tiresome day».

«Yes indeed. Maybe, tomorrow?»

«Tomorrow I can’t. I promised to spend the evening at Jeffrey’s place with him. To talk to him. He feels quite lonely».

«Is it because of me?»

«No way, Alice! What do you have to do with it?»

«Well, you spend much time in my company, not with him. By the way, I told my parents that we are dating. They approve of it».

Ted was bewildered.

«Did you? How nice of you!»

«Did you inform your parents about me?

«Yes, I did. Remember, I visited them with a broken lip the other day? They don’t mind our relationship, either. This coming Saturday I am having another practice. Would you like to join me? We may then go to the movie theater afterwards».

«Yes. Cool! What are your plans for Sunday?»

«Nothing special. But I usually visit my parents on Sundays. Will you come with me?»

«I’m going to give it a thought. I’ll tell you on Saturday».

«Then see you on Saturday!»

They left the restaurant. It was time to part.

«Bye, Ted!»

«Bye, Alice!» – said Ted. He took her by her hand and brought her closer. «I don’t want to let you go».

Ted leaned forward and touched her lips with his. Alice felt as if a butterfly touched her with its wings – so fleeting was the kiss. Her heart beat faster – she expected that from Ted by no means, because Ted had always been a modest and timid youngster. Still it pleased her and she even felt like letting him kiss her in a true and adult manner.

«Bye, Ted!» – Alice smiled at him after that nimble kiss and pressed her ring gem.

The following morning Ted portalanded onto the porch of the late magician Meryl Greenfield’s house. Having opened the door he walked in. The house looked rather gloomy, but just at the first sight – all the windows were closed with shutters. Ted waved his wand and switched on the lights. He was standing in the middle of a spacious hall. The walls were covered with large canvases painted by warlocks and thaumaturgies, most of which were quite ancient. Due to the dim light there was an impression as though hostile eyes had been spying upon him. Henceforth, the first thing Ted did – he lifted the blinders and removed the shutters and a bright sunbeam penetrated this bleak and dismal dwelling turning it into an affable and more appealing home. Now it was high time to return to work. In the beginning Ted decided to make a short sightseeing tour around the house. After all, he had no idea where the collection might be. But he brought a list of items along.