The Damn Artefacts. Lana Gilman

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,