When Oliver woke from his fractured dreams, it was nearly an entire minute before he remembered the events of yesterday. For the briefest of moments, he nearly convinced himself it was all a dream, that he hadn't seen Mei Xing at the market. That the pain of the darkest memories he carried, did not resurface so vividly and intently, like the first morning sun of spring. Oliver sprang out of bed, hoping that a fresh awaking would dull his senses. To a degree it worked. The heating at Tree Top Castle, was void of magic, and relied on a coal furnace that the elves kept filled. It pumped tepid warm water through decaying copper pipes. It did little to keep out the freezing winds fresh off the Baltic Sea. The cold air smashed into Oliver's shirtless chest, his toned body's muscles flexed and tensed. He shivered. The chill was cleansing. He scratched the tattoo of the four, winged creatures that covered his left pec. It contained an image of three birds and a dragon. The only creature in the tattoo that wasn't a magical beast, was that of the eagle.
He picked up one of his wands that was resting on the bedside cabinet. It was the dragon-heartstring core. He gave it a flick and a ball of fire roared to life and floated in the middle of the room. The air instantly warmed. Oliver walked to the chest of draws and pulled out a T-shirt that he unpacked in to there on his arrival.
Putting the shirt on, he then pulled out a grey jumper and chucked that on. He vanquished the ball of fire, put his two wands up his sleeves and then ran his hands through his hair to make it presentable. He stared at the enchanted brandy bottle, which he had placed on a table in the corner. It was empty. He hadn't received any messages from Dumbledore since the one about the package from Shacklebolt. Oliver considered writing and sending a message to the headmaster. But he decided not to. There was nothing really to update on. The mission to find the Domantas Bracelet had not even started. Oliver needed to get the sword back first.
After a couple seconds of gazing at the bottle, he left the room and made his way to the dining hall.
As he entered, he was surprised to see Jynx and Finikis stood at the table, overlooking some books and maps. Finikis was eating some sliced artisan bread with sliced meats, as he read.
'You two are up early?' Said Oliver, as he made his way to the table. There was a large pot of tea and a tray of pastries on top. It wasn't made to his specific requirements, but it would do for his first beverage of the day.
'Yeah. Finikis wanted to get planning early.' Replied Jynx.
'I'm not sure what needs planning. We turn up. I handle it.' Said Oliver, as he picked up a pastry and bit into it.
'I vant to be prepared. Armands must pay for vot he done.' Said Finikis.
'I say we eat. Have showers. Then head on over. Stake the place out. Make sure she's in. Then we go in and ask her some questions. Simples.' Said Oliver, confidently.
'What if he is there or shows up. Should we wait for him?' Asked Jynx.
'I say we ask her. We could spend weeks in surveillance and he could be a no show. You'd be surprised how forthcoming people can be, when asked the proper questions. You would also be surprised on how long stakeouts can last and quite often, lead to nothing.'
'Are you certain?' Asked Finikis.
'Trust me.' Replied Oliver, as he swigged back his tea.
Finikis finished what he was eating and then folded up the maps and closed the books on the table.
'If you are certain. Ve go.'
Finikis piled the books together and summoned one of his house-elves to come and collect.
'Okay. Leave in von hour? Port key to split, then ve apparate from there.' Said Finikis. And as he finished speaking, he quickly left the room.
'So, what does a sixteen-year-old boy want in Knockturn Alley?' Asked Jynx, as she picked up a bread roll and tore a bit off before perching on a seat.
'Where did that come from?' Replied Oliver.
'Just curious. Been wondering since you let it slip yesterday.'
'It's not that interesting. It was not for anything nefarious if you're thinking that.'
'Pray tell.' Requested Jynx.
The story of his first visit to Knockturn Alley wasn't that exciting. It wasn't one that he instantly recalled. He couldn't remember ever telling anyone about it, apart from his mum.
'Well. I was just searching for something that belonged to my family for years. Something like the sword that was stolen. I was just being a very young, eager detective.' Said Oliver, trying to play it down.
'Come on. What was it?' pried Jynx.
'Okay. Don't be too disappointed. It really is nothing. My family is pure blood you see. We go back several generations, all the way back to the Ravenclaws. When I was growing up, my mum would always talk about the Phoenix that her farther owned. It was called Icarus. A beloved pet that had been with the family for as long as anyone could remember. Then, when my mum was away at Hogwarts, her family home was robbed and Icarus was stolen. It was clear that this loss had affected my mum deeply and whenever she told me the stories, it would bring her to tears.' Pausing for a moment, Oliver could see the image of his mum in his mind's eye, tearful. 'I made it my mission when I was completing my Mahosodachi. It felt like the right thing to do. If I could. I was always interested in solving mysteries. And I started to look into who had stolen it and where I could find it; for my mum, and possibly for a wand. I wanted my wand to be connected to my family, to my history. Long story short. I'd tracked someone down, who had a Phoenix that matched the description my mum gave. I ended up meeting him in Knockturn Alley and I acquired the bird.'
'Wow, that's impressive.' Said Jynx, truly admiring the young Oliver. 'You were sixteen?'
'Yes. I wouldn't be that impressed. When I took the Phoenix home. My mother was overjoyed. But she confirmed it wasn't Icarus. It was a Phoenix, but it wasn't the families. Nevertheless, she adored it. It was the only time in my life she showed true pride in me. She was devastated when I got kicked out of Hogwarts. I brought shame on the family. And even when I became an Auror, she was disappointed. She believed that was beneath me as a Manannán. But that day, when I came home, with the Phoenix, I had never seen her so happy. So full of respect for me.'
Jynx looked at Oliver, he wasn't looking at her as he recalled his story. He looked blankly into the corner, as though he was visually seeing the memory before him.
'Well, it might not have been the Phoenix of your families. But tracking one down and being brave enough to go and buy it yourself at Knockturn Alley, requires some big nards.' Said Jynx.
Oliver turned his head to look at her, following her kind comments.
'I guess. The intention was there. And it made an old lady happy for a few years.' Said Oliver, smiling.
'It was nice of you to go to that effort for her.'
'Well, it was my first detective mission. I decided not to use it for this wand in the end. I got side-tracked. But that is another story altogether. I think it's time you shared something too. Jynx, is a very unusual name for a witch. Why did your parents call you that?'
'Ha. That's not a long story. My Pop's was crazy about my mom. He would always say that she had bewitched him with a Jinx. It was running joke between them for years. Then when I came along, I was the embodied of that love, that charm. So, they decided to name me so. And that's where Jynx came from.' As she spoke, she too had a look on her face as though she was seeing memories unfold in her mind's eye.
'No that is sweet. It suits you. Right, enough sharing. I should get showered.'
Oliver got up and walked out of the room. Jynx looked longingly after him. He was truly a gifted wizard. Her thoughts dwelled on his story, and she was left with one niggling question; what ever happened to that Phoenix? Is it still in with his family?
*
As the hour passed, Oliver, Jynx and Finikis arrived at the small village in Croatia, the air was warmer down south compared to the frosty north. None of them had considered that fact and were all wearing several layers, jumpers, and jackets. For Finikis and Jynx, it was too much, they were feeling hot. Oliver on the other hand, was content. He wasn't overheating at all; it might have something to do with the fact he pretty much always wore is Barbour jacket and always felt the cold.
'That house there.' Said Jynx, as she took off her jacket and used a spell to shrink it down to a size she could easily place in to her trouser pocket.
Oliver and Finikis looked over at the large house, at the end of the rugged stone and mud road. They peered down the street, from behind an empty barn shed. There were around twenty small holdings, all similar in design. The only difference where the sizes of the buildings and the colours of the roofs. Some had bright red tiles, some blue metal roofs and a couple had wooden slats covered in thatch.
The house Jynx pointed at was one of the largest. Its walls were a kind of stone masonry held together by a mixture of grey and white mortar. The roof red tiled.
'Looks like all the other No-Maj houses doesn't it. But there is a concealment charm on the building. I got a feel of it when I got up close.' Jynx continued.
'Good. Right, me and Jynx will go up to the house. You should stay here.' Said Oliver, directing his comments to Finikis.
'Vhat?' Protested the Archduke.
'You should stay here and keep watch. There's a good chance that Armands would've showed an image of you to his mum. Particularly, if she is, as reported, in on it.'
Jynx smiled, showing that she agreed with the judgement. Finikis reflected for a moment, and then lowered his head signalling that he would follow the direction.
'Keep an eye out. If you see sparks, rush in.' Said Oliver, as he signalled to Jynx to make their way.
A minute later the two were at the front door. Oliver's leg had the briefest of twitches, which Oliver ceased with one sharp slap. Using the owl shaped door knocker, the door soon opened. Stood in front of them, a tall slender woman, with pitted skin, curly blonde hair, who clearly took immense pride in her appearance. She wore an elaborate purple dress with silver embroidered emblems on the sleeves. She also wore small, perfectly circular glasses.
'A mund t'ju ndihmoj?' Said the lady.
Oliver heard the voice and quickly dropped his wand into his right hand and gave it a flick. A sharp light flashed momentarily as he implemented an oral translation charm.
'Sorry?' Asked Oliver. He spoke in English but knew that his charm would translate it for the ears of the witch in front of him.'
'Can I help you?' She repeated.
'Forgive us. We are two traders, who specialise in the finest antiquities. And we have searched for the famed Madam Salshin for some time now. We would be honoured if we could have a moment of your time. We have a very lucrative proposition.' Said Oliver, knowing well that the greediest of people often forgo common sense at the prospect of financial gain.
Eyeing up the guests at her front door, the old witch considered for a moment. 'Proposition?' She said gleefully.
'Yes. Have you ever heard of the Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw? Well, it is no longer missing.' Replied Oliver.
The witches face instantly lit up with interest. A smile stretched her face, it was creepy and peculiar, but both her guests held back their aversion.
'Come in. Tell me more.'
The pair walked into the house, the door closed quickly behind them. A spectacle of surreal opulence met their eyes. An ornate grandfather clock stood tall at the end of the hallway. Exquisite rugs of all possible designs rested on the floors before their feet. Every light fitting was intricate, including a marvellous chandelier in the lounge that they gazed upon when led inside. In the lounge, there were several and differing chairs of various styles.
'Please take a seat. Can I get you a drink?' Asked Madam Salshin.
'Tea would be nice.' Replied Oliver, not really caring for a drink, but desired to be alone.
Heading towards the kitchen, the lady of the house left her guests on their own for a moment. Oliver took the opportunity to have a very detailed look around the room. He was impressed with two large cabinets that were filled with all manner of magical trinkets.
'My collections. My prised collection.' Said the witch, as she returned to the lounge with a tray of tea.
'They're beautiful. A lovely display. They must mean a lot to you. Like a sword, passed down through the generations. Taken from its home.' Replied Oliver, boldly as he turned to stare at Madam Salshin.
Her face instantly changed. As she placed the tray of drinks down on a small table, she looked up at the wizard.
'Who are you?' She spat.
'My names Oliver. An Auror by trade. And this is my companion Jynx.'
On hearing his words, Madam Salshin quickly grabbed for her wand. As she pulled it out, it was instantly hit with the disarming charm shot from Oliver's outstretched hand.
'Please. Take a seat. We just want to ask you some questions.' Commanded Oliver.
The old lady, shaking with both fear and rage slowly stumbled to a chair and perched down.
'By you reaching for your wand, it shows me that you know what we here for. So, save us all a lot of time and hassle, and tell us, where's Armands?' Asked Oliver.
Madam Salshin screwed her face. Jynx stood from her chair and took out her wand and pointed it towards her.
'Tell us. And we can be on our way. All we want is the sword. Get it for us and all can be forgiven.' Shouted Jynx.
'I don't know what you're talking about.' Said Madam Salshin, as calmly as she could muster.
'Don't lie. Tell us where he is. We just want the sword.' Barked Jynx, angrily and inpatient.
'Jynx. Step back give her a chance to breath. To think.' Said Oliver, as he stepped in-between the two witches. 'Please. Don't make this more difficult than it needs to be. Help us out. And like Jynx says, all can be forgiven. All we want is to retrieve the sword. We will leave Armands alone.'
'As I said. I don't know what you're talking about. Armands is not involved in anything like this. He wouldn't.'
Oliver turned away, he wanted to hide his frustration from her.
'One last time. Where is Armands?' Asked Oliver.
'I don't know. As I told you. Now please leave.' She replied, sounding as confident as possible.
'Imperio!' Shouted Oliver.
His curse flew from his wand and slammed the sitting witch hard. She rocked in the chair. Her will struggled feebly, it was no match for Oliver's skill and strength. He easily dominated her. The spell was in full force, and he had absolute control.
Jynx flinched at Oliver's incantation. Her attention flipped from the witch to him. She glared at Oliver with shock and slight disgust. She couldn't quite believe that he had just used an unforgivable curse.
'What are you doing?' Asked Jynx.
'What is needed. We can't sit and wait around all day, listening to evasion and lies. We need to get on and get the sword back.' Said Oliver. As he finished, he stepped forward close to enchanted witch.
'Does Armands still have the sword of Bergmane?' Questioned Oliver.
'Yes.' Her reply was given with limited hesitation, though her voice was soft, almost a whisper.
'Do you know where he is?'
'No. I do not.'
'Do you have a means of contacting him?'
'Yes.' Again, her reply was unreservedly given.
'Can you summon him, to come here?'
'I...' there was a slight pause in the reply. '...can.'
'How?'
Madam Salshin didn't reply in words to Oliver's question, she looked over to her mantel piece. There on top, was a golden handled magnifying glass.
'A from of summoning charm?' Asked Oliver.
'Yes.'
'Go and summon him, now.' Ordered Oliver.
Madam Salshin rose from her seat. Walked to the fireplace, grabbed the magnifying glass. She brought it up to her eyes. As she looked through it, it glowed white.
'Armands, come. I need you.' As she finished speaking. She dropped her arm holding the magnifying glass.
'Good. Now take a seat.' He paused and turned to Jynx. 'Right, go get Finikis, we don't have much time. Armands should be on his way from what I have seen in her mind.'
Jynx listened to the ex-Auror, she was still shocked at what she had just witnessed and her expression showed it.
'What have you done? How could you use that curse?' Asked Jynx.
'Like I said. We can't wait around all day. We need results. And hopefully we shall soon see them. You should get Finikis now.' Replied Oliver, sharply.
'I will go now. But I can't believe you just broke the law. You used an unforgeable curse.'
'Jynx. I'm not going to stand here and waste time arguing the finer points of the law with you. Put simply though, directive two-seven-nine of the Department of Law Enforcement's code of conduct, an Auror is permitted, in the face of mortal danger, to use any and all means to protect their life and the life of innocent bystanders. So, the use of such spells can be permitted.'
'That might be true. But you're not an Auror Oliver.' Replied Jynx, savagely. She didn't wait for a response, she simply walked out of the house. Oliver watched after her, she was right, he wasn't an active Auror.
*
It had been twenty minutes since his mother called to him and asked him to come to her. It had taken him a little longer than normal. He was in England at the time of the summoning. He was in Knockturn Alley. It took him, the use of a port key, the floo network and a short apparition to get there. Appearing in a flash Armands arrived on the back alley, which ran behind his mother's house
He wasn't the skinny, short, pitted skin faced son that his mother knew well. His appearance was that of short, rather plump and balding, litigator friend, one who was kind enough to loan his form for a substantial cost. The change in look was powered by Polyjuice potion and was utilised ever since he nearly got caught by Finikis at Svetnica's.
He walked down the path and into the small garden at the front of the house. As he neared the front door, he noticed it was ajar. He tentatively entered.
Passing the threshold there was a strange tingling sensation, almost a feeling of unnerving anxiety. It rushed through him and made him shudder. He would have sworn he heard a voice, but as quickly as that thought entered his mind, it faded, just a lingering sound of a strange word.
'...mens.'
Armands took out his wand, feeling that something wasn't right. It was at that moment, he noticed that the grandfather clock that stood at the end of the hallway, was now toppled over, and shattered into large fragments.
'Mother.' He shouted as he raced into the lounge.
He found his mother laying on the floor. There was a scorched mark on her purple dress. A bruise stretched her forehead, as blood trickled down her lips. Her wand was in her hand. She was consciousness, and as Armands walked towards her, she got to her feet.
'Armands. You're here. I've been attacked. Forced to summon you hear.'
'By whom?' Asked Armands. His wand hand trembled.
'Don't worry. I fought them off. A witch and two wizards. They were asking questions about you. About the sword.' Her words sounded out of place to him. But he couldn't decipher why they sounded peculiar.
'Who mother?' Asking as he turned to look around the room, before continuing, talking to himself. 'It must have been Finikis. But how did he find you here. I never spoke of you. In fact, I told him you had died.'
'I think it might have been him. They thought I was just some stupid old woman. When their backs where turned, I managed to get my wand. I stunned one instantly and duelled the other two when they came back in the room. I beat them off, and they fled. Not before...,' said the witch.
'Before what mother?'
'They mentioned that they knew where the sword was, that they were going there now. They made me summon you I think, to draw you away.' She replied, hastily.
'Damn it. How could they know?' Said Armands, angrily and confused. 'They found out about you. If they located you then they could have worked out the places.' He finished talking and moved directly in front of his mum. 'Which location?'
'I can't remember. They said something. But I'm not sure.' She replied, sounding very weary.
'Come on mother, think. Did they say my place in Paris? Or the apartment in Milan. They wouldn't possibly know about New York.'
'I think it might have been Paris. They said a street name, I can't be sure.'
'Rue Desbordes-Valmore?' He asked. Sounding extremely angry.
'Yes, that was it.' She replied.
'Quick mother, your floo powder, we need to cut them off. Stop them before they get the sword. I'll kill him for attacking you.'
Armands raced to the fireplace. He moved several pots that rested on the mantel piece. Opening a large metallic container, he scooped out a handful of floo powder.
As Armands moved to throw the handful into the fire, a cold wind rushed through the room, which made him turn on the spot. The air distorted and a strange veil lifted. Like pulling back a curtain, the room changed before his very eyes. All the damage and scorched marks vanished and the room became tidy. He glared at his mum as she changed from the old familiar witch into the young American witch, Jynx. The shock startled, as the powder dropped from his hand. He raised his wand, but it was instantly knocked out of his hands. He turned to look behind him to see Oliver stood tall, his wand aimed directly at him.
'Incarcerous.' Said Oliver, as rope entangled Armands tightly.
'How?' Said Armands, flabbergasted.
'Legilimency. It can be used to navigate through one's mind. And if the caster is skilled enough, it can be used to project illusion.' Replied Oliver, as he moved over and picked up the disarmed wand from the floor, keeping his own wand fixed on the thief.
'So, are you going to turn me in?' Asked Armands.
'Or something vorse.' Said Finikis, as he entered the room.
Armands' face turned; an expression of horror stretched it.
'Finikis.' Said Armands, his tone sounded vulnerable.
'Thief. I have vaited months for this.' Said Finikis, as he raised his wand.
'Finikis. We should go retrieve the sword.' Said Jynx, worried what Finikis was planning to do, what spell he was about to use.
'You two go get it. I'll keep an eye on this von.' Finikis said. 'Cruc...'
'FINIKIS.' Shouted Oliver, interjecting quickly before the archduke could finish casting the unforgivable curse.
'Don't stop me. He must pay.' Snapped Finikis.
'Not like that friend. That spell is beneath you. You don't want to do that. Turn him in to the Aurors' if you want. But torturing him, is not you.'
Finikis paused. He glared at Oliver, considering his words.
'Oliver's right Fin. We can hand him in when we get home. Remember, it's about bringing the sword home.' Said Jynx, as she stretched out her hand to touch Finikis outstretched wand. Finikis lowered his wand and turned to look at Jynx. Her calming presence, transferred from her touch and brought the wizard to his senses.
'Talking about the sword. I'll go get it. You two take him back and hand him over. I'll meet you back at the castle.' Said Oliver, as he grabbed a handful of floo powder. 'Agreed?'
'Ya. Vill you be okay on your vown?' Asked Finikis.
'Sure. I'll be back before you know it.' Replied Oliver, as he bent down and stepped into the fireplace. He threw the powder to the floor and shouted. 'Rue Desbordes-Valmore.' Green fiery smoke consumed Oliver and whisked him away.
*
Launching out of the fireplace in the small French apartment, Oliver rolled on the floor, covered in soot. He dusted himself off and got to his feet. Instantly a ghost like apparition appeared. It was made of white smoke and resembled a werewolf, it raced towards him. Oliver's wand appeared in his right hand instantly and he lashed in the direction of the scary phantom. The smoke silhouette exploded and filled the air with mist. Streams of mist stretched out and made contact with Oliver's outstretched hand. A soft voice echoed through the room.
'Engorgio.'
Oliver recoiled but it was too late. His hand that had made contact with the remnants of the apparition instantly grew in size. His fingers ballooned into large sausages and his palm became incredibly plump and oedematous looking. The huge hand was awkward and cumbersome so much so, that he could not hold tightly to his wand. Slipping through the fleshy folds, the wand slid down and out of his hand. Oliver tried to keep his grip but his wand fell to the floor.
As soon as the wand hit then floor, three consecutive clicks rang out. Oliver's eyes saw with horror three arrows magically appear and fly towards him from the wall in front. On pure instinct his second wand fell into his left hand and he threw up a shield just in time to deflect the oncoming missiles. They ricocheted off the shield and fell to the ground. Using the wand, he lifted the charm that affected his right hand, returning it to its normal size.
He threw charms from his left wand at the walls in the long lounge before him, and at the ground and ceiling. Bolts of light raced from his wand and pulsated through the brickwork. A few clicks and bangs rang out, as the spells he cast removed and deactivated the protection spells that Armands had placed in his apartment.
Oliver examined the room closely, trying to determine if he had tripped every defensive spell. Tentatively he bent down and picked up his other wand. A slight tremor went through his leg as he came back up. His eyes remained staring ahead in case something or someone came at him. Holding both of his wands, he sent out more spells in all directions. Making sure that there were no more surprises.
Feeling a little more content that the apartment was now safe, he magically switched the lights on, to add some artificial light to the natural light that was coming in from a couple of large, tinted windows. Looking around the lounge, which was oblong shaped, he could not see the thing that he was looking for. He made his way out of the room and there was a small hallway, which had three other doors coming off it. He checked each of them out, one led to a bathroom, the other to a bedroom. The third, as he opened it, was a study, and surprisingly, there was someone inside.
'Please sir. Don't hurt me.' Said the elf as it cowered in the corner.
Oliver entered the room. He had placed his left wand away and had his right pointed at the house elf. The small imp like creature, was far smaller than the ones Finikis owned. The elf before Oliver, appeared much like the ones he had seen throughout his life.
'Who are you? Step forward.' Ordered Oliver.
The house elf fearful stepped forward. As her appearance became clearer, Oliver could make out her face and it was covered in scars and a couple of bruises.
'Me sir. I'm Callie. Sir.' Said the Elf, the gentle female voice was incredibly vulnerable sounding.
'Are you Armands' house elf?' Asked Oliver.
'Yes sir.'
Before Oliver could ask anything else, his attention was diverted. His eyes clocked the very thing he had expected to see. There pushed against the wall, next to the elf, was a meter high cabinet.
'Step to one side.' Said Oliver, he directed the elf using his wand as a pointer.
The elf obliged.
'That is a vanishing cabinet, isn't it?' Said Oliver, as he walked towards it.
'Yes sir. It's Armands' safe. He keeps his most important work in there.' Said Callie. Her voice was still soft and feminine but sounded less vulnerable now.
The vanishing cabinet that lay before him, was a solid oak cupboard, with a single door. It had an intricate designed trim and an extremely odd handle, one that Oliver had never seen on a vanishing cabinet before. The handle, looked more like a small carriage clock. A single hand moved clockwise where a golden grip protruded at the centre. The hand raced around. Oliver had not noticed, but it took ten seconds exactly to complete a rotation.
'What's that?' Said Oliver, as he pointed at the strange handle.
'My own invention sir. Armands made me do it.'
'What does it do?'
'It synchs with the others master. Times them.' Replied Callie.
Oliver had deduced on his own that a vanishing cabinet could have been used by Armands. That it could have been used to conceal the Sword of Bergmane somehow. He had the seed of an idea around a vanishing cabinet, but he knew it had to be more than just that. To him, a simple vanishing cabinet would not have been able to conceal the sword from some of the spells Jynx had used. And a standard vanishing cabinet, certainly wouldn't have confused the Marauders Whisper spell. There was something more to it. And glaring at the strange fitting for a handle, he knew the secrets lie there.
Moving his wand, he hovered it over the handle and attempted to feel the magic that was in place.
'Careful you should be sir. Don't trip it whilst it's not clicked in place.' Said Callie.
Oliver pulled his wand back and looked at Callie. He had picked up a little from the cabinet. He knew the cabinet wasn't solely connected to one other. It was in fact part of a circuit of three others. As the hand completed a circulation, the cabinet let out a large thud, and a hum resonated.
'How does this work? What does that timer do?' Asked Oliver.
'Armands wanted a way to keep the most prized possessions on the move sir. At all times. He said it would stop them being located. I came up with this cabinet network.' Replied Callie.
Instantly, Oliver knew exactly what the cabinet did and the purpose of the intricate handle. The cabinet was linked to three others. He suspected wisely that one was in Milan and another in New York. He realised that the timer device on the handle was an automatic charm that allowed the contents from one cabinet to instantly and independently be sent to another one. He suspected that each cabinet had a similar timer, so the contents moved from one vanishing cabinet to the next. In a sequence, from one location to another. Always keeping the contents, now the sword, on the move. That's how Armands beat the location charms. That's how he kept one step ahead of them. Ingenious, Oliver thought to himself. It wasn't something that he had worked out, and he was genuinely impressed with the ingenuity of such an endeavour. He turned his attention back to the cabinet as it clicked once again, and with it the humming stopped.
'When it hums, does that indicate that the contents have returned to that cabinet? Asked Oliver.
'It does sir.' Replied Callie. 'But please don't tell master Armands. He will punish me for helping you.'
'Your Master will most likely be imprisoned soon. Therefore, your ownership will be transferred to the state. You should head to the local ministry.'
Oliver watched the cabinet timer, hoping it would speed up before his eyes.
'Sir. Should I leave for them now?' Asked Callie.
'Yes go.' Replied Oliver. 'Wait. Is there any defences or protections on it?'
'No Sir. Though break one timer, you stop the circuit sir.'
'Thank you, Callie. You're a good elf. I hope our paths cross in the future. Now go, before a relative enacts the right of possession.'
'Goodbye sir.' And with that the elf clicked her fingers and vanished.
The cabinet had already clicked twice and the hand raced towards completing another rotation. Seconds later it clicked and the humming returned. Oliver instantly and without a second thought, sent a charm flying from his wand towards the handle. An explosion roared out as the handle blew into pieces. Small shards of wood flew out, as the door swung open. Inside, the shimmering, pristine, heavy looking sword of Bergmane, rested against the side of the interior of the cardboard.
Reaching in, Oliver grabbed the hilt of the sword and pulled it out. He held it high in the air. It was as heavy as he thought it would be. The blade itself, was straight and reflected the light beautifully. It had goblin inscriptions edged into the blade and bigger symbols on the handle. It was an impressive sword, and even without the heritage, he could see how it could enthral Finikis and leave him with intense rage at its theft.