It was the first of June. A glorious Sunday morning greeted Oliver as he woke early and headed out on his morning run. On his return, he quickly showered, sent another message to Dumbledore, using the enchanted bottle and collected his things, ready for the search of the cave on today's list. The cave in question was in a mountain region near the Belarus-Ukrainian border, on the Dnieper River. Oliver had a muggle made map of the area, with some notes on the region. It was clear there were several small caves clustered together, and some appeared to be poorly explored or not investigated at all. Not by the muggles who had created the maps he held, anyway.
Waiting in the library, Oliver had placed all the maps and notes into his rucksack, as well his usual supplies. He pulled out a few items, just to make sure they were there. His small silver box that contained his additional senses, his potion rack, and his glass case with the golden bird claw clasp. He returned the items to his bag and zipped it up. At that moment Jynx entered the room.
'Finikis is coming now. He is just talking to the elves.'
'Okay. Today's location seems a little hazardous. So, I reckon we need to set off soon.' Replied Oliver, as he chucked his rucksack over his shoulders.
'Great. That's not going to do anything for his mood.' Said Jynx. She was still struggling with Finikis inclination of late. He was withdrawn, downbeat and very short and quick to anger. He was tiring of the cave searches and longed for it to be over.
'Well, seventeenth time lucky!' Chortled Oliver.
Finikis joined the pair a couple of minutes later, and the trio were soon using the Floo network to travel to Kiev and from there they used apparation to reach the riverbank in front of a large, wooded area surrounded by four rocky mountains. The three walked through the tall trees, they were mostly Birch, which Oliver noticed and considered it to be a good sign. It took over an hour for them to navigate the terrain and reach the crest of one of the small rock mountains. There was a small hollow into the cave, which after a quick investigation, proved not to be the Draconis cave. A half an hour trek to the next mountain, led them to a slightly smaller one than the first. The three clambered up a steep precarious climb. One which required them to apparate to navigate. It would have been impossible to pass a verge that protruded without climbing equipment or magic. Beyond that verge there was a small enclave were the three appeared. Before them there was an entrance to a cave, from where they stood it appeared to stretch downwards, into the mountain. It seemed to be potentially a very extensive cavern.
Finikis stepped into the opening, turned on the spot and looked out into the distance. It looked similar to the picture that they were working from, but he could not see the river in the distance. The treetop was higher and it concealed most of the view.
'It looks like. No vater though.' Said Finikis.
Jynx walked to the archduke's side and took in the view as well. She agreed with him, it looked similar but different enough to give them doubt.
Oliver walked into the cave, he gave the view a quick glance but continued into the cave and moved close to one of the walls. He outstretched his hand, his tips flexed as he analysed the rock, there was a vibration within them that was familiar.
'Get out your wands.' Said Oliver, as he dropped his wand into his right hand.
'Vat is it?' Asked Finikis.
'There's magic permeating throughout the stone. There's a powerful charm. It penetrates the entire cave, I think.' Replied Oliver, as he used his left hand to continue to examine the walls.
'What kind of spell?' Asked Jynx, as she raised her wand defensively.
'Nothing sinister. It's an anti-apparition spell. It's strong though. It prevents apparation beyond the entrance point. If we want to enter the cave, we have to do so on foot.' Said Oliver, pausing for a moment. 'This could very well be the cave we are looking for.'
Finikis' face lit up on hearing the words, Jynx too was filled with excitement and relief.
'We should go slowly. There might be other defensive spells. Also, we need to be ready for whatever the Dread is. I suggest, without sounding patronising. You keep behind me.' Said Oliver, as the tip of his wand glowed with Lumos light.
The three tentatively made their way further and deeper into the cave. There was an earthy smell that was carried on a subtle breeze that came from deep within. The ground was covered in a yellowy-green moss, which was slimy. It made crossing the rocks difficult, as staying up right was almost impossible at times. Walking for nearly twenty minutes, Oliver was beginning to wonder how far down into the earth they were. On the journey, he would occasionally glide his hand over the walls, to check that the anti-apparition charm was still in place. He found it in every section of the cave he tested.
The long tunnel that they walked down soon led to a large open cavern. It was at least four meters high and twenty meters wide. The entrance into the cavern that they walked in, was narrow, just two meters high and just wide enough to squeeze through single file. As the three entered the first thing they all notice was a strange plinth at the centre of the space, with a large white crystal resting on the top. Oliver threw his Lumos charm towards the ceiling to shine light onto the entire room. There were no other significant or strange constructions apart from the plinth.
Oliver was first to examine the structure with the large crystal. He guided his hand over the gem and detected a charm within. A simple charm designed to produce a single spell. It gave off a unique signature, and he easily interrupted what the spell was. It confirmed his suspicion of what was once, or still is, residing in the cave. Jynx and Finikis were too examining the stone, but their examinations relied on their eyes and touch.
The ex-Auror started to walk further into the cavern. The way before him was extensive and the room did not taper off as sharply as the entrance, they came in gradually. The walls came in slightly which separated the spaces and created what appeared to be an artificial separation. As he came close to the division and before he moved across, he sensed a threshold, there was a tingle in the air. He stopped on the spot.
Finikis made his way towards Oliver. He was moments of stepping past his friend when Oliver placed his hand against the archduke's chest.
'Stop. Do you not feel that?' Asked Oliver.
'Ne. Vhat?'
Oliver raised his left hand high, at head level, and just in front of him, the air distorted. A ripple flowed out from that point stretching to the sides of the cave. The barrier in front of them was like an invisible wall spanning the width of the cave.
'It's a one-way barrier. I get the impression it allows people to pass through but does not let them leave. Not easily.' Said Oliver, as he returned his hand to his side.
'Vhy? Vat vould be the point in that?'
'Well, I imagine it's less about stopping people walking in and more about keeping something inside from getting out.' Replied Oliver, as he strained his eyes to look forward.
The space in front of them was much darker than the rest of the cave. It was like an abyss.
Jynx joined the two wizards. She didn't attempt to pass them, she noticed that they were cautiously inspecting the area ahead. The three of them, all stood looking into the blackness, waiting. Their presence did not go unnoticed.
'Welcome travellers. Welcome to my confinement.' The delicate, scratchy voice, called out from the void.
Three wands instantly went up pointing aimlessly ahead.
'Who are you?' Shouted Jynx.
The pale gaunt, human face, stepped into the light shimmering from Oliver's earlier spell. The male looking figure was incredibly frail, he was stick thin and dishevelled. His clothes were worn through and faded. He was wearing dark trousers and a dark buttoned top.
'I'm Faren. And you?'
'Jynx. This is Finikis and Oliver.' Replied the witch quickly.
'Finikis.' Said Faren, his tone pensive.
'Vat are you? Asked Finikis on hearing him repeat his name.
'A vampire.' Said Oliver, immediately, before Faren could reply.
'I am. How did you know?'
'Intuition.' Replied Oliver, lying. 'You have been here for some time; I take it this field is the confinement you referred to.'
'It is. Are you a wizard?'
'Ve are.' Interjected Finikis.
'How long? How did you become incarcerated?' Asked Oliver, already suspecting he knew the answers.
'That my young wizard is an interesting story. One that I would be willing to share. In exchange for information and potentially, your assistance?'
Oliver looked at his companions. He knew where the conversation was going, but he was unsure how Finikis would take the news.
'We can definitely talk.' Said Oliver, as he took off his rucksack and sat down on a rocky outcrop. Finikis and Jynx glared at their companion. They were confused by his sudden resting. Although they didn't understand, they mirrored and sat down. They were sat closer to the wall on the opposing side from where Oliver had perched. It forced Faren to keep turning his head to view both parties.
'Before we begin. You are the descendant of my jailer, aren't you?' Asked Faren. He glared at Finikis, examining his face carefully.
'Me?' Asked Finikis.
'Yes. You have the face of the wizard who tricked me into this hell.'
'Radoslav.' Offered Oliver.
'Yes. The foolish wizard. Blinded by ambition fooled me once. And that was enough. Enough to seal his fate.' Replied Faren.
'You know vat happened to my great grandfather?' Demanded Finikis.
'Of course I do. I killed him.' Said Faren, his words cold and emotionless.
The archduke pointed his wand directly at the vampire and his hand shook. The rage filled him. He wanted to hurt Faren badly but was unsure of the spell to use.
As the conversation between Finikis and Faren became heated, no one noticed Oliver reach into his bag and take out the contents of his silver box.
'I should end you now.' Said Finikis, angrily.
'You could. But I imagine you have come here tonight seeking, the same treasure your ancestor came for that fate filled last night of his.' Replied the vampire, again his tone was without emotion.
'You murdered him when he came seeking answers as to why it didn't work, right? Somehow, he convinced you to be the vessel.' Asked Oliver, as he captured Faren's curious gaze. 'You were the secret, the idea that would outdo Domantas. A connection with you would protect him against almost all manner of spells. Ones that anyone would think of casting against a wizard anyhow.'
'He promised me information to a power that would rival this demonic curse. However, he lied. He deceived me. He trapped me in here, imprisoned me. The agreement never mentioned my containment. He said he couldn't afford to let me roam free from this cave. Not with the knowledge on the Tear of Ra.' Replied Faren, showing emotion. Displaying the anger and betrayal he felt.
'Vat are you talking about?' Demanded Finikis.
'He's a vampire. Not a half vampire. A full vampire. One of the original seven I suspect. Your great grandfather was obsessed with surpassing Domantas's legacy. You see, he believed if he formed the connection with a vampire, any spell cast upon him would affect the vampire and not him. And as a true, full vampire, can only die one of three ways. He would be protected against the deadliest of spells. Even against the Killing Curse.' Said Oliver, confirming the things he had suspected for the past two months.
'That is correct. That was his plan.' Verified Faren.
'But it failed, it didn't work.' Said Oliver. He knew Radoslav returned to the cave after the spell had been put in place. And the only reason he would have done that, Oliver reasoned, was that the spell had not worked. Not as he hoped.
'It did not. He overlooked something. And when he came back here, asking why I thought it had failed. He foolishly stepped through. Over the barrier. And I recklessly sought my revenge.'
'Vhy did it not vork?' Asked Finikis.
'He must have messed up the rituals of the spell, somehow. If you free me from this prison. I shall give you the retched bracelet and tell you everything I know about the spell.'
The three shared a look between them. The bracelet's existence had been confirmed and it was somewhere in the cave, beyond that barrier. And it could easily be theirs if they struck a deal with this dark creature, Faren. Finikis and Jynx both shared a willingness and eagerness to agree. Oliver was far more reluctant. His mind wondered on to whether Faren was indeed the creature referred to as the Dread in the picture. Could this vampire be a deadly and horrific monster? And if freed, would they all not be responsible for any suffering or carnage that he would carry out.
'We could look at freeing you. But we would want confirmation that you have the bracelet. And the information we need.' Replied Oliver.
'I will not reveal the bracelet. It is in here. It was worn on this very hand.' Said Faren, as he raised his left hand, to reveal a small, shrivelled hand. Blacked and withered. Like the condition of what Oliver had seen of Dumbledore's hand, however far worse.
Oliver raised his hand to sense the barrier once more as it rippled to his scan. He moved towards the plinth, again to examine what, if any protection it had on it. Jynx started to read her transcribed version of the spell on how to enchant the bracelet. Oliver didn't interrupt. He needed more time, and Jynx's interaction with Faren was giving him just that.
Unbeknownst to everyone else in the cave, Oliver was searching beyond the barrier and as he stood over the plinth looking upon it, in his mind's eye, he could see a cut up mountaineering backpack, hung on a wall, with the Domantas bracelet hanging from it. He has it, it's right there. Oliver told himself.
'Right, and the vessel should then wear the stone. They should willingly put it upon themselves. No bewitching can be in place. The heart of the vessel must be wanting.' Said Jynx, reading from a sheet of parchment she had in her hands.
'Correct. That is to my understanding how you enchant the Tear. I think Radoslav as did I, believe that to be the right ritual, at the time. I believed it might not have worked as intended, because possibly, it was never intended for the vessel to be a dark creature. Perhaps the curse upon my kind, is considered a form of bewitching.' Replied Faren.
Oliver turned on the spot to face the vampire.
'If we are to free you, you need to confirm how this prison works. From what I can make out, that barrier is designed to last for a few hundred years. It's not powerful enough to stop you leaving. It just makes it difficult. Which is why it is so long lasting.' Said Oliver, he started to walk back to his two companions.
'That is correct.' Replied Faren.
'Vhat. If that is true. Vhy don't you just push through the barrier?'
'Because of that.' Said Oliver as he pointed to the gem on top of the plinth. 'It contains the Ra'oumous charm, doesn't it?'
Jynx and Finikis shared a look, which showed they didn't have a clue what the spell Oliver just mentioned was or what it did.
'It does indeed. You are an impressive and unusual wizard.' Said Faren.
'It's a light producing spell. One that produces a light like the sun. It is lethal to vampires.' Said Oliver.
'Exactly. It would take me a few minutes to get through the barrier. But as soon as I touch it, the charm comes to life. Sunlight fills the cave. I can withstand it for seconds only, before it chars my skin. Twenty seconds of it and I would simply be a pile of ash.' Replied Faren.
'As I thought. There are a couple ways, I believe, I could explore to free you. I would need some time to think on it though.' Said Oliver, dishonestly. He did not really have intentions on freeing him. If he wanted to, the ex-Auror was confident he could destroy the gem there and then. He even thought he could dispel the barrier itself. However, he wasn't keen on freeing the vampire, not without more information about him.
'Free me, and I will give you the bracelet. Not before. It is within this cave. Somewhere hidden. You could kill me now if you want. But I assure you, these caves stretch deep into the earth. It would take you month's maybe years to find it. Or you could simply free me and it's yours, now. All I want is my freedom. I have been in here for nearly hundred and fifty years. Alone. With only the occasional muggle climber accidently and wittingly stumbling upon me. It is a simple transaction. Free me, and the bracelet is yours.'
Oliver glanced at Finikis he needed a momentary distraction.
'Well, my friend. The decision is yours. Although, we should go back to the castle, study more into this field and that gemstone.' Said Oliver, as he walked to his bag that he left on the floor.
Faren turned to look at Finikis.
'The Tear of Ra could be yours. It is a small price to pay.' Said Faren, directly at Finikis.
Oliver took his hand out of his rucksack and zipped it up. He placed it back on to his shoulder.
'I have confirmed how to bewitch the Tear. It's yours if you lower this barrier.'
'We should go. And work on it.' Said Oliver.
'Fine. Ve Vill free you. You give us the bracelet. And ve go our separate vays. Vo if ve meet again, I vill kill you.' Said Finikis.
'I understand. I most definitely, agree to your terms.' Replied Faren, a sinister grin crossed his face.
Moments later the three were heading back down the way they had come. Navigating the perilous walk, they managed to keep their footing. As soon as it was possible, Oliver held it out his hand and apparated all of them, all the way back to the entrance of the Tree Top Castle.
*
The three were sat in the library reading over anything they could find on vampires of Eastern Europe. A week had passed since finding the Draconis cave and meeting Faren, and Oliver was still nursing a headache that he suffered from using apparation to travel from the cave to the castle. It hadn't given him a nosebleed, although the headache was hard to get rid of.
'This book on Faren is not good. It definitely implies he was one of the original seven. There is also suspicion that he is the Butcher of Bilota.' Said Jynx as she placed a book, solely on the heritage of vampires, down on to the table, were they all sat.
'Let me read that.' Said Oliver, as he stretched over and picked up the book.
Jynx glared at him, she was curious on how he knew that there was a vampire in the cave.
'How did you know?' Asked Jynx. 'How did you know Faren would be there? I mean, a vampire.'
Oliver opened the book he just picked up and placed it down still wide open.
'It was an informed hunch really. I knew that Radoslav must have made acquaintance with Lenark for a reason. And as he specialised in dark creatures with human intellect, I knew it would be human looking. Then I saw the reference to the Ra'oumous charm, and then I considered why someone would want to dig out and perform such an old, outdated spell. I knew there must be a reason for it. And to fight a vampire, was where I landed. Then there was the name of the cave itself. Draconis. Naturally we all thought dragons to start with. But when I was considering vampires, it made sense. The word Draconis didn't refer to an actual dragon. I found an old etymological book where it proposed that the word Draconis was the Latin derivation for Dracula or more specifically those suspected to be of Dracularis blood, Vampires. That is where the cave got its name from.'
'And you didn't want to share that with us before we entered the cave?' Asked Jynx.
'I thought about it. But I also had the suspicion that the vampire might be there. And as we discovered that he was responsible for the murder of your great and grandfather. And I wasn't sure how I could broach that, not on speculation anyway.' Oliver paused. 'I'm sorry for not sharing my thoughts. I wanted to be sure first.'
'It's okay. Vhat matters now is getting the bracelet. Ve know Vhere it is, thanks to you. And Ve need you to set him free.' Replied Finikis.
'I'm not sure we can do that. I don't think that is the right plan.' Said Oliver, as he stood up.
'You got another plan?' Asked Jynx.
'I'm working on one.' Replied Oliver.
'Vell ve can't risk killing him. Ve might never find it. If he is to be believed.' Said Finikis.
'He could be lying though. He might not even have it.' Said Jynx.
'He does have it. I can confirm that. I know where it is. However, I am not sure if we should take the violent approach. I have never duelled a full vampire before. There's no guarantee.' Said Oliver.
Finikis and Jynx were surprised by his comments. How could Oliver know that Faren has the bracelet with such absolutely certainty.
'How do you know that?' Asked Jynx.
Oliver standing over a chair where his rucksack was, reached in and took out his silver box. 'With these.' He placed the box on to the table and opened it. Inside where two golden snitches. They both instantly came to life, wings stretched out and lifted into the air. Jynx and Finikis stared curiously upon them.
'These are my additional senses.' Said Oliver. And before anyone could ask what he meant by that, the centre on both snitches coiled back and revealed their contents within. In one snitch there was a magical glass eye. In the other, an enchanted ear.
'I use these snitches to look and to hear in places I can't reach. I got the idea from my old mentor back in the Department for Magical Law Enforcement. When I worked out that I could get the eye into a snitch I knew I had come up with a great idea. The snitches are relatively quiet and easy to enchant. I can control both with my mind and I can see and hear what they do.'
'Amazing.' Let out Jynx.
'They come in handy. I used them in the cave to find the bracelet. It was hard as it was so dark, but the light from the Lumos spell helped. I also used them that day in the Split market to uncover the unicorn blood. As a private investigator, it is handy to have such advantages.' Continued Oliver.
'Oh, that's how you knew he had the jars hidden at the back of the shop. Sneaky. Very sneaky.' Said Jynx.
'And you seen in the cave, the bracelet?' Asked Finikis.
'Yes, I have.' Said Oliver, as he calmed the snitches with his mind and returned them to his silver box. 'It's there. A few hundred meters away from the barrier. Though the terrain behind the barrier is as treacherous, more so than the journey to it.'
'Ve should trick the vampire and vhen he's close to us. Use that Ra'oumous charm.'
'It's risky. If it doesn't work. He wouldn't trust us again.' Replied Oliver.
'Then ve have to let him out.' Said Finikis.
'I don't know about that either. There must be another way.' Said Oliver. As he spoke, he felt an itch on his nose. He instinctively raised his hand as scratched his nose. With that very motion his mind wandered back to the time he apparated from the Lenark house back to the castle, and how that gave him a nosebleed. It wasn't the distance that caused the nosebleed that day, it was pushing through the protective barrier on the house. Then his mind saw part of the memory, which revealed a possible solution to their current predicament. In his mind's eye, he could see Voran, stood behind him, holding a box.
'Of course. What an idiot. I have it!' Exclaimed Oliver.