The next day Oliver confided in both Finikis and Jynx the progress he had made. Telling them together over breakfast. He was extremely sleepy, after staying up to read all the Domantas letters, but he forced himself up early so he could confess to the others.
Finikis was furious at first. He shouted and protested loudly that Oliver had not told him about his great-grandfather's journal months ago. Oliver gave an explanation that he needed time to review it all, without intrusion, and if it provided anything concreate, he would have come forward. It did little to appease Finikis. He demanded the journal immediately, which Oliver relinquished willingly.
'I'm sorry. I didn't want to deceive. I just needed to focus. And because of that I found these letters written by Domantas himself.' Said Oliver.
'But we have only got your word that you didn't find the bracelet as well.' Said Jynx sharply.
'If I had, and I genuinely intended to keep that from you. Would I still be here?' Reasoned Oliver.
'Maybe. You could be just trying to mislead us again.' Replied Jynx.
'Jynx. Stop. He might deceive us vith the book. But I still trust him. Promise you find the bracelet. Ve do that together.' Said Finikis, looking up from the journal he had just received.
'I give you my word friend. When I know where it is. We will go there together.' Replied Oliver, genuinely.
The two wizards shared a grin that indicated to both, that Finikis had started to forgive. He wasn't there fully. But it was enough for Oliver to know that that journey had begun. Jynx however, was far less forgiving and her face showed it.
The rest of the day and the following week was incredibly uncomfortable for Oliver, as Jynx barely left his side. She watched him closely in almost everything he did. He returned to pretty much living in the library pouring over book after book.
The name Lenark and the Draconis cave was the most important subject for research. Oliver naturally asked Finikis and Jynx about them, following his confession, but neither had heard anything about them before. It was frustrating for him, as he looked over book after book. Oliver fully read the only books in the library that could possibly offer insight. A book on the Noble Houses of Eastern Europe was read entirely, twice by Oliver. And there was no mention of Lenark. There was another book, Magical Locations in the Baltics, which Oliver poured over. There was no mention of the Draconis cave. The research seemed incredibly fruitless in pushing the search for the Bracelet further.
Oliver had returned to having his early morning run, now that the bitter blizzard weather had relented. It was still icy cold in the month of February, but the snow had stopped and for the most part it was dry. The wind brought the cold air to below freezing against him as he raced, but it was refreshing and rejuvenating. It was now the second Monday in the month and Oliver had risen early, to complete his run, and be ready for when Jynx got up. She was taking him to a neighbouring noble magic house. She had secured access to their library. Oliver was excited about the opportunity to review someone else's stocks. This particular library belonged to the magical family known as the Latgales. It was not just the access to this library that got his blood pumping, it was the understanding that the Latgales' passion was for chronicling the region, both the magical families of the states and the geography of the states. He was incredibly hopeful that this day could bear promising fruit.
Returning to Tree Top Castle after completing his run. Oliver showered, ate, and sat in the library waiting for Jynx. He pulled out the Domantas letters that Finikis still let him retain. The Archduke's focus was reading over his great-grandfathers journal. And fortunately for Oliver, Finikis was a slow reader.
Most of the thirteen letters were love letters. Only three had any details on the Tear of Ra. One letter beautifully described the stone and the bracelet itself.
The magical stone is everything I had imagined it would be. The conquest and unification of these lands brought it in to my possession. A beautiful teardrop shaped jewel. It's ruby like consistency could fool anyone to believe that it was simply just that. But it's more. The alchemist tells me, that the dull red colour it has is temporary, he reassures me, that once enchanted it will glow a deeper shimmering red. I look forward to seeing it. The alchemist has set the Tear into a beautiful bracelet on my order. The bracelet is made of both gold and silver bands. Two entwined strands, designed to look like snakes. With four mouths all meeting at one point, where the Tear now rests. It truly is wondrous. A new revered magical artefact. One to rival the greats.
To date, I have used the bracelet three times. Requiring three vessels. The connection between myself and them is true and powerful. And I feel nothing when spells are cast upon me. Refining my duelling skills is something I need to continue with. As twice struck by the killing curse has resulted in the death of each vessel and broken the connection. If it was not for the element of surprise, I would have been defeated. Although the Tear gives me great power, an incredible advantage. However, it is not one without flaws. The connection of the spell can be removed, by the death of the vessel or casting the spell upon the Tear again, supplanting the first casting. I need to find a way to overcome such weaknesses.
Oliver had read the letter, it offered insight into the power and ability of the Tear. Most notability that it would protect from the killing curse, but only once. As the spell would be channelled to the vessel, which would kill them and then the connection would be broken. Leaving the wizard who enchanted the gem, again, vulnerable and mortal. They would be susceptible to curses cast upon them again. It was also enlightening to hear that the connection could be overridden by casting the spell again upon the Tear. Creating a new bond. From Oliver's understanding, it meant that the most recent spell upon the Tear was always the one in place.
Although the details of the letter were illuminating, he noticed a tiny scribble upon the letter, one that was clearly written by Radoslav. This did little to inform or educate Oliver, it just added confusion. A single word, a spell was written at the corner of the parchment. It simply read, Ra'oumous.
'Are you ready?' Said Jynx loudly as she entered.
Oliver shook himself alert and placed the letters back into the tin and then the tin into his bag. 'Yes. Just reading over a letter again.'
'Let's head off. We have only got today. And securing this was a mission.' Jynx said, as she turned and left the room.
Oliver zipped up his bag threw it over his shoulder and ran to the door.
Arriving at the front gates of the Latgale residence, Oliver remarked how similar it looked to Tree Top Castle. The main difference being it was not set in amongst a woodland. It had a large open field instead. There was not as much land as Finikis' estate, and the Latgales' land was entirely encompassed by high walls with iron railings on top. The entrance to the estate were a set of large black iron gates. Jynx moved to use the knocker at the centre when the gates came to life and started to swing open. The two stepped back to give the gates clearance.
To Oliver's slight surprise a semi-familiar face appeared.
'Oliver?'
'Marcus.' Replied Oliver, as he eyed Henry Rashmore's current Auror partner.
The Auror was flanked by a tall, black bearded and well-dressed wizard. It was the current owner of the Latgale estate, a Baron Mannerhiem. A well-respected pure blood wizard whose father had acquired the estate with marriage and Galleons.
'What a strange surprise.' Said Marcus, as he stepped forward. He turned to the Baron. 'Thank you for your time. I shall pass on your message to the Ministry right away, and ensure that Minister Scrimgeour receives it.'
'You're Velcome. Please send my old friend my regards.' Replied the Baron. He then looked over and saw his two other guests. 'Jynx. You are early.' He let out a tut and rolled his eyes.
Marcus walked over the threshold and stopped near Oliver.
'Apologies. We thought it would take longer to get here.' Replied Jynx.
'I see. Vell, as you are here. Come.' Said the Baron gesturing them forward.
Marcus grinned at Oliver showing that he was in for a day of directness and occasional rudeness.
'It was nice bumping into you again. I'll let Henry know I did. Enjoy your day, doing whatever it is you're doing.' Said Marcus, fishing for information. Oliver knew it, he had use similar tactics himself.
'Just following up on some leads. Hoping for more information. Nothing exciting. And yes. Say hello to Henry. Perhaps we should go for a drink sometime. If you two are staying around these parts for much longer.' Replied Oliver.
'Sounds good. See you around.' Said Marcus, seconds later he disapparated.
Jynx had already entered the estate and signalled for Oliver to follow quickly.
The two made their way into the large home, the interior again was similar to Finikis', but Oliver had to admit to himself, it was a lot fresher and more refined than the interior of the Bergmane Castle.
The baron kindly showed them to the family library and instructed his house elf to attend to their needs. After answering a few questions on the contents and the lay out of the library, the Baron left them to it.
The library was a little smaller than Finikis', although the stacks were taller. And instead of a large table at the centre, there were three small single tables against the far wall, each in front of a large window. The house elf was extremely helpful, he whizzed around the library getting all kinds of books that Oliver had suggested could help. Both Jynx and Oliver read as quickly as they could. Used various spells to try to find books referencing either Lenark or the Draconis cave. It was becoming extremely laborious for them. Their eyes were stingy and the day raced by. The elf provided a book to Oliver and as he scanned the pages, he turned to a chapter on muggle born wizards of notoriety. His eyes widened as he read a single paragraph entry. It was exactly what he was hunting for. It described a wizard called Lenark, who specialised in dark magical creatures of near human intellect. The time frames of his work, matched roughly with Radoslav's later life. And it made reference to his affinity to remain in his muggle home, in a city called Tartu. It wasn't much, but it was the greatest lead he had since finding the letters. He excitedly showed it to Jynx, who shared his joy. The two hatched a vague plan to review muggle records in the city hall of Tartu. They thanked the elf for his help, who sat close to them throughout the jubilant celebration.
They continued to read several books and records for the next two hours. Despite the lead, they wanted to ensure that they utilised every minute of their access to that library. It wasn't viewed as wasted time; however, no other clue or lead was discovered.
*
Two days after the visit to Latgale's library, Oliver and Jynx were returning from a trip to the city hall of Tartu. They had obtained an address for house in the city, were a Lenark once lived. It was a family home, and from all accounts, it was currently occupied by Lenark's grandson.
As it was nearing dinner time, the two agreed to eat a proper meal, it was Finikis' idea. He was wanting an update. He was wanting more involvement. The three sat at the large dining table as the two house-elves put on an exquisite five course meal.
'It sounds like the day Vas successful. Vith the address. Hopefully this grandson vill know the Draconis cave or maybe vat happened to my great-grandfather.' Said Finikis, in between scoops of chicken soup.
'The muggle archives were incredibly detailed. We have an address. I suggest we go there tomorrow or Saturday. It's a family home, past from Lenark to his son, and then on to his son. I'm hoping it will hold something to move us forward.' Replied Oliver.
'It does feel like you've been here for years.' Said Jynx, kindly with a subtext of bitterness. She was starting to get tired of the search and having Oliver there.
'Tell me about it. I thought I would be done before the year was out. But I think we are getting close to the bracelet now. That's what my instincts tell me.'
'Good. Remember, stay long as you need friend. I owe so much.' Said Finikis.
'Let's go with Saturday. I have plans tomorrow.' Said Jynx as she finished her soup.
'Sure. Sounds good to me.' Said Oliver.
'Good. I vould like the letters now. I have finished book. Thank you. I vant to read the letters now.' Said Finikis.
'Of course. I can give them to you after dinner. The letters are fascinating. I'm sure you will enjoy them. There's more than just explanation on the bracelet. There's a connection to the past. They really are insightful in to the formation of your great house.' Said Oliver. He pushed his empty bowl forward as the house-elves appeared and cleared the table. They soon brought out the main course. It was a selection of meat patties, a vegetable and meat potato salad, and potato pancakes. The three delved in and ate the meal quickly. The next courses were equally as delicious and were completely devoured by all of them.
After the meal Oliver handed over the letters to Finikis as they all sat around the table to have after meal drinks. Whiskey, from the highlands was the alcohol of choice. A gift from Finikis to Oliver, another thank you.
'This letter details the bracelet. This one describes what it does exactly. This one here is the last love letter before the marriage. And that one is the one that details the magic ritual to enchant the Tear.' Said Oliver, as he placed the letters out on the table before Finikis, putting them in some kind of order. An order that Finikis would find most enlightening.
'Thank you. This vone is the vone I have vanted to read, ever since I came across the reference in the journal.' Said Finikis as he moved the letter detailing the ritual to the front.
The Tear of Ra forms a magical connection between the enchanter, the person who casts the spell and provides the sacrifice, with the person who wears the Tear, the vessel. The bond is unique, it is not affected by space. Distance between the enchanter and the vessel has no effect on the connection.
The enchanter must sacrifice a drop of their fundamental source. The droplet must be willingly given.
Finikis' eyes widened as he read, he noticed a handwritten note on the page. Much like the ones Oliver had witnessed on the other letters. It was a later addition and most likely added by Radoslav. The note on this page read
– a drop, a drop of blood.
'A drop of blood. Of course. Such a spell requires powerful, deep dark magic. And blood magic is the purest.' Said Finikis.
'One of.' Interjected Oliver.
'Sorry?' Asked Finikis.
'Oh nothing. It doesn't matter.' Replied Oliver.
Finikis didn't care to enquire further, his focus was on the letter and he continued to read.
The droplet should be suspended in the air and then with one's wand, cast the connection spell upon it, using the incantation - Ligatus Aeternum.
When casting you must think of the vessel, and yourself as one. Feel that bond deep within. You will witness a purple light extended from your wand and fill the droplet. That magic will remain inside, glowing purple. Any other colour will indicate that the incantation has not worked. You must then carefully guide the droplet on to the Tear of Ra itself. You will see the light filter into the stone. It will glow purple momentarily and then shine red. A deep blood red. You will then need to place the stone upon the vessel, if the light continues to glow, the connection is formed. The light within the stone will reside there for as long as the spell is in place.
Only the death of the vessel, completing the ritual again with a different vessel or destroying the Tear of Ra, can remove the bond when it has been formed.
'Ve have to find this vonder.' Said Finikis, as he placed the letter down.
'I'm working on it.' Joked Oliver.
*
Oliver and Jynx apparated to Tartu, specifically on a small street, south of the river, not too far from its centre. It was close to twilight as they appeared in front of a row of small, terraced houses. Each one was cladded with wooden planks on the outside. The houses were just off a main road, but it was incredibly quiet. There was no one else around. Jynx let go of Oliver's hand as the two started to walk towards the house whose details were scrawled on a plain piece of paper.
'It's that one.' Said Oliver, pointing towards the end house of the terrace.
The two walked to the front door, as Oliver knocked hard with his knuckles. The door was made of brown planks of wood, much like the cladding on the walls of the house. Moments later a middle-aged man opened the door. Oliver quickly flicked his wand from behind his back and cast another translation charm.
'Greeting's sir. We are from the council. We are completing some work in relation to citizen's family history. And we have come across some rather interesting information about your grandfather. We would like to discuss it in more detail and ask you some questions. Can we come in?' Said Oliver. His fleeting thoughts considered whether he should use Legilimency or the Imperius Curse. Before he could give it anymore thought, he was surprised.
'Of course. Come in.' Said the man as he ushered them in.
The willingness of the man to invite them in, set Oliver's nerves on edge. It was too easy. Nevertheless, Oliver and Jynx entered the house.
'It's Koit right?' Asked Oliver.
'Yes. Come in.' Said the man as he led them into his lounge room, which was directly connected to the front door. 'Please, take a seat. How can I help?'
'Very kind. Me and my companion here, Jynx. Are looking into family history and we came across your grandfather. A Lenark?'
'Yes, that is my grandfather. Is this about his strangeness and his collection?' Replied Koit.
'In a way yes. We know that he lived in this house. We were just wanting to see if you could confirm somethings about his life.' Said Oliver, who remained standing.
'I see. Well, if I can help I will. What is it exactly you want to know?' Replied Koit.
'Have you ever heard of the Draconis cave?' Asked Jynx. Oliver felt uneasy at her question. There was something odd about this set up. Something to him didn't feel right.
'I don't think so. What is it?' Came the reply. To Oliver it sounded as though the man was fishing for information himself.
'Ah, it's nothing. Did you ever meet your grandfather or did he pass before you were born?' Replied Oliver, quickly before Jynx could speak.
'He died before.' Said Koit, sharply.
'Do you still have any of his things? Did he keep a diary or anything?' Asked Oliver.
'Not that I can recall. Is there something you're looking for specifically? Other than this, Draconis cave?'
That last statement for Oliver was enough. It was more than just unease he felt now. It was suspicion. There truly was something off with this man. Oliver with his arms behind his back, out of sight, slid out his right-handed wand. Keeping it behind his back, out of Koit's view, he began to reach out. He was searching for any magical residue in the air. All spells leave a mark. It would be difficult to detect the mark from within the air alone. But Oliver was trying to do it with Koit being unaware. As the tip of his wand glowed white, he could feel a magic lingering in the air. It was hard to decipher, confusing. It felt both complex and simplistic. He could not work out what the feeling actually meant. Then the feeling became clearer, he could sense a specific spell. It was a human transfiguration spell. Unlike Polyjuice Potion, transfiguration spells left a distinct residue and Oliver could sense it. He was well practiced in the art of deciphering spells; a part of the Auror training. The impression from the spell informed Oliver that it was not strong enough or intense enough for it to powerfully circumvent the law for the conservation of mass. Therefore, whatever someone had transfigured into, must be nearly the same size and weight as an adult person.
Oliver removed the light from his wand, slid it into his sleeve and peered over his shoulder as he spoke.
'No. Not really looking for anything else.' As Oliver finished, he saw a large cabinet next to the wall and window. It was six feet high and cumbersome. It was striking in the fact it looked out of place. It appeared more like bedroom furniture than something one would have in their living room.
As he stared at the wardrobe, he dropped his wand back into his hand and sent a Revealing Charm at it. As the spell took hold the cabinet began to change into a tall man, dressed in black. Oliver didn't waste a moment. He knew instantly the situation was dangerous. He noticed a wand in their hand. He threw a curse at the wall, next to person who was transfiguring back. As the spell hit the wall, it sent a large chunk of it crashing into the person and throwing them right out of the front door.
A large crack followed by a thud , which came from behind him. As Oliver turned, to his horror, he saw Jynx hit the floor. Her head had a large gash across her forehead as blood poured from it. She had been struck in the face, by a powerful hex. It left her unconscious, barely breathing.
As Oliver looked up, he saw Koit transfigure before his very eyes. His clothes and face changed. The only thing that remained unchanged was the wand in the person's hand. As his appearance changed, Oliver was surprised to see the face of a Death Eater, a well renowned Death Eater.
'Antonin Dolohov.' Said Oliver.
'You must be that famed Auror, everyone is talking about.' Said Dolohov, coldly.
'Ex.'
'What?'
'Ex-Auror.' Replied Oliver, confidently.
'Doesn't matter. You're just another one of Moody's protégés.'
'I've been called worse. And I thought you were in Azkaban?' Asked Oliver, as he side-stepped to the left.
Dolohov mirrored the step and took one to the right. Both held their wands high, each ready to strike.
'No. the Dark Lord rewarded his faithful and freed us.'
'I meant following last summer's failure at the Ministry. I heard you got incarcerated by a school kid.' Said Oliver, as he sniggered.
'You really think some child's spell could keep me contained. You're like all of Moody's fools. So confident and stupid. I bested him that night. Blew his dumb fake eye, right out of his head. Ha. To pick me up sometimes, I often think of that fat oaf lying lifeless on the floor. I really was surprised that he survived.' Said Dolohov, his tone was particularly menacing.
'You really are a shit.' Said Oliver. His tone was blunt, he was ready to duel.
Dolohov looked around the room, he took another step to his right, and this time Oliver mirrored and stepped to his left. Dolohov was stood over Jynx, he glanced down briefly.
'You know when you're dead. I think I'm going to have some fun around here.'
'If you're trying to put me off my game; you're going to need to do much better than that.' Replied Oliver.
'Are you ready to die?' Said Dolohov. He attempted one last time to get under Oliver's skin.
'Not today, and not by you.' Replied Oliver. And then, it began.
'Avada Kedvra.' Shouted Dolohov, as he threw the bright green curse at Oliver.
The ex-Auror quickly swiped his wand as a coffee table flipped in the air and took the brunt of green blast. It exploded into a thousand wooden shards. Oliver swiped the air quickly as the shards remained floating. With another flick he shot the shards like rapid fire from a gun at the Death Eater. Dolohov was surprised by the defence and attack. He quickly threw a shield up to deflect the wooden shards, as they bounced and fell to the floor. Before he could react, Oliver sent a hex squarely at him. Dolohov blocked it easily and returned the favour by sending a hex of his own. The two then launched into a rapid onslaught of curses and blocks.
The room lit up like a fireworks display. Bright flashes of red, blue and the occasional green lit up the room. Spells where being cast so quickly and violently that from the outside, to any would be spectator, it would look like there was a strobe light going off inside the house.
Within the house the battle continued. Curses and hexes were deflected in all directions. Furniture was smashed into pieces. Scorch marks and small fires littered the floor and walls. Oliver was not only protecting himself, but Jynx as well, who remained unconscious on the floor.
As the duel continued, it was one of the most fiercest that Oliver had fought. Dolohov was using some dark and powerful spells. That being said, it was clear that Oliver was not afraid, that he was still measured and confident. This was demonstrated by the fact that he was still duelling, with just one of his wands.
Feeling the moment change as the two wizards circled one another. Oliver seized the opportunity and cast a spell that he knew would take Dolohov by surprise. A stream of Fiendfyre shot from Oliver's wand. It swirled in the air fast, like a speeding snake on the ground. As it weaved towards Dolohov, he panicked, unsure of its direction. Surprised that Oliver could cast such a spell. The Death Eater guessed high to his left and cast a powerful shield. The Fiendfyre slammed hard into it, sending a shockwave that pushed Dolohov back. Losing his footing and posture for an instant, he quickly attempted to readjust his position. Before he could regain his balance, a glowing red bolt shot through the air from Oliver's wand, which smacked Dolohov right in the chest. It lifted him clean in to the air and crashing through the window behind him. The Death Eater was thrown clear from the house.
'Jynx. Are you okay?' Said Oliver, as he bent down to her side.
She was just regaining some level of consciousness and mumbled that she was alright. Oliver was happy with that for the moment. He rushed for the front door and cautiously stepped out into the street. He looked to the ground, to where he would have thought Dolohov would have landed. He was not there. Oliver checked up and down the street. But there was no sign of either of the Death Eaters. They had fled. He quickly returned to inside the house and to Jynx.