-Chapter Five- Bergmane Family Tree

The start of the next day brought a bitterly cold wind, it reminded Oliver of his early childhood home, and of Hogwarts. The young Manannán grew up not too far from the school of witchcraft and wizardry. That was until his dad passed away and his mum took the drastic step of packing up and selling off the family estate. They then moved to a similar, though slightly newer home in Devon, England - Postbridge Manor.

It wasn't unusual for Oliver to go for a morning run; however, it was strange for him to go for one alone. He was missing the companionship of his three faithful canines. They would have loved these woods, he thought to himself. Running in-between the tall trees, the wizard felt the adrenaline rushing through his veins. The chill in the air was not felt, as sweat poured from his brow. Running for over an hour, he sensed that the rest of the occupants of the castle would now be up. It was time to start his investigation in to the stolen sword of Bergmane.

After taking an extremely tepid shower, changing clothes, Oliver made his way to the castle's library. As he entered the remarkably exquisite library and with what appeared to be an incredibly extensive repertoire, he was slightly surprised to see Jynx sat at a desk, with an unimpressed expression.

'I thought you were an early starter?' She remarked upon seeing him.

'I am, I just went for a run. I thought everyone else was still asleep.' Said Oliver, as he made his way towards the witch.

'I've been here for nearly an hour. I thought I would get started writing down everything I've done and tried so far.'

Looking around and marvelling at the tall shelves of books, the ex-Auror couldn't remember the last time he had access to such a magnificent space.

'This is quite something.' Said Oliver, in awe.

Jynx looked around following Oliver's gaze.

'Yes, it's an impressive collection.'

Oliver then took up a seat at the table, he glanced over at the book that the witch was reading. An old, but immaculate copy of the Potion Opuscule by Arsenius Jigger, lay open. Oliver knew what it was instantly.

'Potion Opuscule! Looking for a specific potion to overcome your location problem?' Asked Oliver.

'I have used every charm and spell I know to locate that sword. And none of them worked. There's clearly some form of protective hex. I thought there might be a potion to help overcome it.' She replied.

'There are a few in there. But not sure we have to go that heavy handed just yet.' The ex-Auror spoke with confidence, he had read that book over twenty times, and he knew it inside and out. Arsenius Jigger was one of his favourite authors. He had original copies of his two published reference books, as well compendiums on essays and contributions for various publications. He even had one of the three journals known to be written by the respected wizard.

'Let's go over what you've done. Maybe fresh eyes will see something overlooked.' Said Oliver, sounding genuine and sincere.

'I have used the Vestigium Revelio charm, but it produced nothing. I attempted the Suscipium Invenire spell but it didn't do anything, I simply apparated on the spot. A used a couple other similar location spells but nothing. The only thing that has produced any kind of result was the Luxeperire charm.'

'Interesting, seems like the standard approach. I doubt any of the other location spell would work if Suscipium Invenire didn't. Curious to see what the Luxeperire produced.' Replied Oliver, as he leaned back and looked blankly upwards.

'I'll show you. It's weird. I've never seen anything like it. I wonder if you have during your Auror days.' Said Jynx, as she stood up.

Reaching over to a large cabinet she pulled out a large rolled up map. She passed it to Oliver.

'Unfold that on the table, I'll just go and grab the shield.'

Jynx passed the map and left the room. Oliver closed the potion book that was on the table and placed it on the floor. He rolled out the map on the table. It was large enough to cover half of the surface, it was a map of the entire globe.

Entering the library a few seconds later, Jynx walked in carrying the cumbersome shield that Finikis had pointed out last night. There was an intricate design of goblin symbols and motifs on the rim of the shield.

'Well, I've done this like four times, and each time the same result.' Jynx placed the shield down onto the table, next to the map.

Taking out her wand, she aimed the tip towards the shields as a bright yellow light glowed. Gently touching it against the shield the light changed to jade. Lifting her wand and moving it over the map, Jynx let out a small flick of her wrist and spoke the incantation.

'Luxeperire.' The jade spell left the wand and divided into two. One burst of light fell onto the map sending out jade colour rippling outwards and covering the entire map in a faint glow. The other element of the spell remained hovering over the map. For a few moments it hovered in the same spot. 'Now as you know, the spell usually kicks in after a few seconds. But wait for it.' Said Jynx, as she looked at Oliver.

Both knew how the spell should work. The light that hovered should connect with what is missing and move to the location on the map and stretch up from the map high, like a large pinpointing needle, hitting the exact position of where the item or person should be. The two stared at the hovering light, waiting for it to do something. It started to move and hover over where Latvia was on the map. Expecting it to stretch like a knitting needle, Oliver was surprised when the ball of light started to flatten out and stretch from the sides. A small saucer started to appear. The disc got bigger and bigger, until, without warning, it ripped apart and turned to smoke. At that moment the whole spell failed and the glow from the map disappeared.

'There. Have you seen anything like that before?' Asked Jynx.

'No. I have performed this spell hundreds of times, and I've never seen it fail like that. That was odd. And you say you have done this four times, with the same result?'

'Yes. Exactly the same.' She replied.

'Interesting.' Said Oliver, as he stroked his chin.

Oliver sauntered around the table, his eyes fixed on the map, his thoughts contemplating the mystery of why none of the standard location spells had the desired effect.

'We're going to have to look at something darker. I can't get my head around what kind of protection spell could be in play, which would have the Luxeperire so confused. It does excite me a little.'

Jynx smirked as she watched Oliver ponder.

'It has me initially stumped. I'm going to have to give it more thought.' Said Oliver, as he stopped pacing and looked around the library. His eyes scanned the many books, the joy that filled him due to the access he now had to such an extensive collection, was almost all consuming. The feeling filtered away as he spotted several portraits on the far end wall. He made his way towards them as Jynx followed his gaze.

'It's the Bergmane family tree.' Said Jynx, as she followed.

Oliver heard her words but remained fixed. His eyes locked on the portraits. He continued to walk towards the wall as the faces came in to view. There were thirteen portraits in total and only three of them contained witches. It was definitely a wizard dominated depiction of Bergmane history. At the top, and clearly the oldest of the drawings, the portrait bore a small plaque pinned on the bottom of the frame.

- First Archduke Bergmane, Son of Domantas.

It was the largest portrait. It was three times the size of any of the other painting. It was imposing and it had been clearly revered by all his successors. None of his descendants had attempted to supplant his legacy, not one decided on having their portrait on at least an equal footing. He was the great Bergmane, the founder of the family, the builder of this great house. Although technically he was the son of Domantas, he too shared his father's name. And the First Archduke was the person who made the name famous.

As Oliver gazed up, he recalled the stories that Finikis had told him about his ancestor, the original Bergmane. The First Archduke was reported to have arrived in the Baltic region in the eighth century, when the lands were plagued by dark creatures of near human intellect. Werewolves and Vampires, were said to have ultimate power over the region, leaving not on the muggle folk in fear, but wizards and witches too. Finikis often described, in fantastical detail, the stories of how his great ancestor had vanquished the dark forces from the lands now known as Latvia and beyond. The story of how the First Archduke saved the Goblin Dolomite refinery on the island of Saaremaa, which resulted in the Great Goblin, Marinark producing the Sword and Shield of Bergmane. Designed and imbued with the power to be indestructible. The Sword itself was said to be able to pierce any armour and the Shield able to propel any spell, including the unforgivable curses. However, that wasn't the most remarkable aspect of the gift. Marinark the Goblin, relinquished all claim to the weapons. He made it clear it was a gift to Bergmane and to all his male heirs after. The stories would then go on to tell how the Archduke Bergmane would use the Sword and Shield in battle and how with them, he liberated most of the Baltic region from the insidious clutches of various dark creatures.

The Portrait that Oliver now starred at, contained a handsome, but aged wizard, who filled most of the frame with an extremely striking pose. He held the Sword and Shield. His wand could be seen slotted into a holster belt. Then Oliver noticed, on the wizards wrist, he wore the infamous and legendary Bracelet of Domantas. Intertwined gold and silver vipers formed most of the loop, with four snake mouths all meeting and holding a bright red jewel. The Tear of Ra was a teardrop shaped ruby red gem, there was something about it that drew Oliver's attention.

'Boo!' A male voice echoed out.

Oliver jumped to see the portrait closes to him, animated. Finikis father let out a roar of laughter.

'I vouldn't stare all day. That vone not moving.' Said the old wizard in the picture. 'He never moves. I alvays said he's broken. Never talks. Never moves. He's creepy, like muggle painting. I alvays said. He vas probably a muggle.' The portrait of Finikis' dad joked.

'Maybe, the magic doesn't last forever.' Replied Oliver.

'Meh rude. He never vanted to reveal his secrets more like it. My Grandfather said he vould speak to him all day, every day. And not a peep from the picture. I never bothered. If I vas you. I vouldn't bother either.' Continued the portrait.

'That's Finikis' dad.' Said Jynx, as she stood at Oliver's side.

'Yeah, I remember. I had seen him before.' Replied Oliver.

'And that portrait, the empty one. That's Finikis' Great Grandfather, Radoslav. The one believed to have found the Domantas Bracelet; see!' Said Jynx, pointing to the picture two levels up.

The picture was absent of a wizard. He must have be in another portrait of himself, Oliver thought. However, he didn't need to be there to reveal the legend of his discovery. In the picture, there was a table and there, resting on it, was the Bracelet, looking exactly like it did in the First Archduke's portrait.

'Makes more sense to not wear it.' Said Oliver.

'Yeah, I know. Like, it makes no sense why the Son of Domantas wears it in his portrait. I always thought that.' Replied Jynx.

The portrait contained more than just the table and the bracelet. Next to the bracelet was a grim hand holding a large sand turner. Although to Oliver's surprise the sand was traveling upwards. He squinted as he focussed, there was some writing on the turner too, but he could not make it out or read it. He looked around for a stool. There was one a short distance away, he flicked his wand as the stool raced to him. He grabbed it placed it in front of the portraits and stood on top to get a closer look.

- Ajinīl umujīdar ošmut āksirotarepmi

The words were imprinted on the wooden base of the sand timer. Oliver couldn't understand what it was saying. But he made a note to check it out later.

'What are you doing?' Asked Jynx.

'Just seeing what it says on that turner.' Replied Oliver.

'That helps looking for the sword?' Said Jynx, her tone sarcastic.

'Ha. No. just curious.' He replied, looking down.

Oliver stepped down from the stool and glanced back towards the table. He switched his thoughts back on to the location spells. They didn't work, we are going to need to use something more powerful, he thought. Then he contemplated a piece of magic, which was referred by some, to be almost Dark Magic, however he disagreed with anyone who defined the spell in that way.

'We're going to need to use the Marauders Whisper.'

'The what?' Asked Jynx.

'It's a location spell. Incredibly difficult to achieve. Requires incantation and potion creation. I have used it a couple times. It is powerful enough to bypass any protection spell I know of. It can take a while to produce results. But it has never failed me. It is the spell of the burglar. But it can be very useful.'

'Sounds good. Let's get started.' Said Jynx, eagerly.

'I'll need to get my notebook, we will also need to get lots of ingredients, I don't have them all. If I give you a list, can you get them?'

'Yes. You can get anything you need at the Split Market.'

'Good. We should probably let Finikis know we're going to do this. It would be rude not to.' Said Oliver, his eyes fleeting back to the portrait and the sand tuner.

*

The next few days passed without notable success, unless you counted Jynx refining her tea making skills, accommodating Oliver's particular requirements. A personal blend of Assam and Kenyan tea leaves mixed seventy: thirty, placed in an infuser and deposited into a cup, with exactly ninety-nine degrees Celsius water, poured on top. Left for exactly one minute thirty seconds and then removed, and to finish, three teaspoons of milk stirred in, clockwise. Jynx had tested the particular direction of stirring a few times, but somehow, Oliver always knew. He was polite enough and humble enough not to refuse the beverage, but he always commented correctly. Jynx suspected some form of observation spell. Having his tea in a cup and saucer, and prepared so particular, was as English as Oliver got. He often remarked how pretentious this practice made him, but he did love tea; not as much as he loved ale and whiskey. Although he didn't have a specific process for the preparation off those beverages.

Oliver knew that her efforts on perfecting his beverage was due to the guilt she felt at her failure of acquiring all the ingredients he needed for the Marauders Whisper spell. She was waiting on the delivery of Dogberry Root. It was a common herbology ingredient, although it was imported from America. Jynx had promised that her contact could get it within a few days, which quelled the impulse of the three of them to travel to Canada and acquire some directly.

An empty cup rested on the saucer on a side table, next to a chair that Oliver rested in. He was reading a book on the Bergmane family tree, alone in the library. Jynx had prepared the cup of tea over an hour ago, not long after, she headed out to see if she could follow up with her contact and acquire that last ingredient.

Oliver had read through most of the books that depicted the Bergmane Shield and Sword. It was clear to him that the items were extremely valuable, a one of a kind. Although nothing he read gave him insight into the thief. Finikis had talked through, how Armands Sashin had worked for him for over ten months. How he was employed to curate the family artefacts and prepare the library. It was Finikis' plan to open the house to paying guests, and Armands was hired to offer tours and talks about the house and family history. However, unbeknownst to Finikis, from the very first day Armands started, he was making plans to acquire the valuable treasure. He had his eyes on the Bergmane Sword and Shield and if it wasn't for Jynx, it was likely he would have made off with both. That, however, was little comfort to the Archduke. He was enraged by the betrayal and that the sword was lost on his stewardship, during his lifetime.

Oliver finished the chapter and then looked around. Realising that he was alone in the library for the first time in days, he placed the book down and took out his note pad and quill from his rucksack, which was resting against the side table. He headed towards the portraits, picking up a chair on his way.

Standing in front of the various pictures of Finikis' ancestors, Oliver placed the chair down and stood upon it, to get a closer look at the portrait of Finikis' Great-Grandfather. He looked deeply at the inscription on the sand tuner and wrote it down, word for word in his note pad.

Ajinīl umujīdar ošmut āksirotarepmi

After he finished writing, he examined the painting further. It was void of the wizard, again. It contained just the table and the things that rested on it. Looking at the sand turner he was curious as to why the sand was moving in the wrong direction. It was defying gravity, going in reverse. After analysing every part of the painting, Oliver stepped down picked up the stool and headed back towards the table.

Returning to his seat, he took out his wand from his right-hand sleeve and glided it above the writing in his notebook. He attempted a simple charm to translate it into English. The spell did nothing. He speculated if the writing was in code, but the letters and writing appeared to be Latvian to him.

'Could it be in reverse?' He asked himself. Like the sand in the turner.

With that, he waved his wand and the words flipped.

Imperatoriskā tumšo radījumu līnija.

Staring at the words they appeared to be more Latvian, more readable. He waved his wand again, with the aim to translate them. The words shuffled around and changed into English; he was right!

The Imperial Line of Dark Creatures.

Reading the words aloud he instantly recognised it. It was a book. One he had read before. There must be a copy in this library, he thought to himself. Feeling the urge to use the Summoning Charm he looked around and aimed his wand. Just before he could implement the incantation Jynx and Finikis burst into the room.

'I have it!' Said Jynx, jubilantly as she raised a bag filled with roots high in the air.

'The Dogberry Root?' Asked Oliver, as he covertly concealed his wand.

'You bet ya!' As she spoke, she threw it at him.

Catching it, Oliver took out a single root and inspected it.

'This will do. Grab the cauldron and we can begin.'

Finikis got his house-elves to bring in the cauldron, which was solid iron and standard in shape and style. The house-elves struggled with the heavy load. They brought it down into the centre of the library.

Oliver lined all the prepared ingredients and solutions in vials along the table in the room. He opened his journal where he had recorded the exact sequence of mixing. He began, placing one thing after the other into the cauldron. First went in a pint of Neem oil, followed by three drops of Essence of comfrey and then a pinch of cat hair. The blend within started to swirl and give a thin white mist. Continuing, Oliver added more. Tubeworm was added, then the almost elusive, Dogberry Root; one thin strip of root went in. Oliver conjured up a large spoon with his wand and gave the ingredients a good stir. More white mist came billowing up.

'Okay, one last ingredient and then the incantation. We going to need the shield. Once active. A voice from beyond, will ask what we seek, no one speak. It is important that I make the request as it's my potion. Any other voice could corrupt the whisper. Understood?' Said Oliver.

They instantly realized, as with a flick of his finger, Finikis summoned one of his elves, who apparated right in, holding the shield. On seeing the shield, Oliver took the last ingredient, a vial of honey and threw it into the cauldron. There was a large bang as the contents of the cauldron blended. The mist changed from its white colour to a dazzling gold. Whizzing away his spoon, Oliver aimed his wand at the shield. A stream of light raced from it and grew tentacles. The magical appendages from his wand traced around the shield, like it was examining its composition. After a few moments the tentacles recoiled into the wand and left a ball of light on the tip. Oliver flicked the ball of light at the end of his wand into the cauldron.

'May no wall be impenetrable. May there be no place to hide. Search high and low, leave no stone unturned, no entrance denied.' The magical light mixed with the potions contents and roared. 'Susuri Latro!' He finished.

The light from the cauldron instantly ceased. In fact, all lighting in the room vanished. In the darkness an eerie silence resided. All the three of them could hear, was the heavy breathing of one another. Then, in instant, a small golden light appeared, floating up from the cauldron. It wasn't intense enough to illuminate the room, but it was enough to shine light on to Oliver's face.

'What do you seek?' A deep gravelly voice spoke as though it came from the walls around them.

'The Bergmane Sword. The twin to the shield that is in your core.' Said Oliver, clearly.

'Done.' The raspy voice came again, which coincide with all the lights in the room coming back on.

The ball of gold light that floated in the air, just a mere meter from Oliver started to spin on its own axis, before racing off on its search. Although, oddly and never witnessed by any conjurer before, the gold ball headed towards the west wall, but stopped! It again rotated on its axis for a few seconds and then darted off directly south in direction. Before it reached the wall, it stopped again, swirling on the spot. Oliver, curiously stepped towards it, squinting. The spell was doing something he had never seen before.

'Vhat's it doing?' Asked Finikis.

'I don't know. It, it seems confused.' Replied Oliver.

The golden ball then raced off west again, this time passing through the wall of the library. Leaving the room and heading to the next, the three rushed off to see the golden ball doing the same strange movements there.

The ball of gold light went from west then to south, each movement lasting for exactly five seconds, including the moments where it paused on the spot. Oliver noticed the frequency and counted. It was interesting. It was peculiar and repetitive. There must be a reason for that. He thought to himself.

The trio watched on as the magic globe continued with its strange pattern, until it passed through another wall and exited the house. Outside it continued with the strangeness, as Oliver watched on from a window.

'I'm not confident that it's going to locate the sword.' Said Oliver

'You must have done it vong.' Snapped Finikis.

'I don't think so. I've done it before. The way it's reacting, is interesting. I'm certain it worked as it should. It is just being affected by something. Something that I can't quite put my finger on. It's as though the sword is not fixed and the Whisper is struggling to locate it.' Said Oliver pensively.

'Vell Vhat now?' Demanded Finikis.

'We might have to try some good old fashion face to face detective work.' Replied Oliver as he stared at the Marauders Whisper still make irregular movements outside.

*

'It simply comes down to the fact, if you want to sell a nearly priceless magical artefact in Europe, outside of the UK and France, then you need to come here.' Said Jynx pacing down the street.

Oliver followed closely behind, struggling to keep up with the Americans pace. The two of them had taken a port key from Latvia to Split, and for Oliver it was making him feel queasy. He could handle long distance travelling via apparition, but for some reason port key always made him feel slightly nauseous. It was most likely due to the lack of control. Oliver was never happy if he wasn't in charge. As soon as you touched the port key you whizzed away without a second thought or the option to change your mind or change destination.

The streets of Split were small, confined. Oliver wasn't sure of exactly where they were going. He had heard of the great Split market. It was a magical bazaar that was larger than Diagon Alley and nearly as famous. Jynx knew exactly where she was going, she knew the entrance way to the marketplace.

Turning some tight corners, they soon found themselves in front of a large blue double door. It stood out from the white brick and red tile roofed buildings, although the door looked like a delivery entrance for alcohol for a bar. Jynx stood in front of the door, glanced around to ensure that no No-Maj was watching, then she took out her wand. Tapping it against the wooden panels of the door three times, a smaller door appeared at the centre, it creaked opened. Bending down to step through, Jynx entered. Oliver followed closely behind.

A large amphitheatre stood on the other side of the door, completely magically concealed from any outside observation. Hundreds of small white tented market stalls speckled the lower ground with more shops embedded in the stands that encircled the perimeter. Thousands of witches and wizards perused the stalls and were shopping for all manner of magical supplies. The marketplace at Split was the one stop place to obtain anything that one could desire.

There was a no-flying ban for the market, so the only way in or out of the market was via one of the several doors, similar to the one Jynx and Oliver entered; which were scattered around the streets of the city. Over twenty of the doors were known to exist, and all exited from the stands.

'Right, everything on the left are food stalls. The centre is filled with hardware, books, brooms, pretty much anything you need. The ones on the right sell high end antiquities. That's where we need to go.' Said Jynx, marching in the direction of the stalls on the right.

'Wow, this place is incredible. I'm feeling a little disappointed that I never ventured here before.' Replied Oliver, as he now paced at Jynx's side. 'What about the ones up there?' He continued by pointing to the stalls above in the arena.

'Those, well they're a mixture really. Some mild dark arts stuff, and bespoke spells. But they are never worth the money.' She replied, her look fixed on the stalls on the right, it was clear she was looking for one in particular.

'Mild dark arts?' asked Oliver.

'You know, nothing too dangerous. It's not Knockturn Alley.'

'Alright, I see. Knockturn isn't that bad.' Joked Oliver.

'Have you been? I guess you have.' Asked Jynx.

'Of course. As an Auror I frequented it a lot. I first ventured there when I was sixteen.' Replied Oliver, his face revealed his thoughts were now reminiscing on that first visit.

'There! Erag's shop.' Said Jynx, as she pointed to a stall that was slightly larger than the others. It was made of the same white fabric as the other shops but it had beautiful emblems of wind, embossed on the outside. 'This guy is a bit of cheeky dealer. He says he specializes in weapons, but he oddly sells some fragrances. Don't buy them. There are rumors he uses them to enchant the buyers so they come back and part with their own rare weapons, which he then sells on. That's what I've heard anyway. But he is the biggest trader of magical weapons here.'

The pair assertively made their way to the stall. Oliver placed his left hand into his coat pocket to confirm to himself that the contents were still there. Two golden balls that he had taken out of a small silver box, that he kept within his rucksack.

'Erag.' Said Jynx.

'Jynx. Good to see you.' Said Erag. 'What are you looking for today my lovely? Can I interest you in this new jasmine-based perfume?'

Erag was well into his fifties, his brown, greasy, curly hair had several grey strands. His face was dishevelled, extremely tired looking. It was clear he didn't care for his own appearance, in that regard. However, his clothes were not messy, in fact, they were of high quality, and it was apparent it was where he spent his monies. As he spoke, he lifted a jar of the perfume and aimed it towards her, ready to give it a squirt.

'No thank you. Just looking for something special.' Replied Jynx, as she looked at the many swords that were floating at the sides of the tent.

'Good. A sword?' He asked following her gaze.

'Yes. Sort of. None of these.' She replied, turning her gaze back to him.

'Tell me more. If I don't own it. I am confident I could get it.'

'The Sword of Bergmane.' Interjected Oliver. 'Have you seen this man?' As he finished talking, his wand fell into his right hand. He lashed the air as a scroll painting of Armands Salshin appeared, one that Finikis had produced for him earlier that day.

'Armands. I know of him. I saw him a month back. Here. Although I doubt anyone will see him for a while. Rumour has it, since a running a week back with your Finikis, he's been here, buying all the Leeches, Lacewing flies, Knothgrass, Fluxweed, Boomslang skin and Powdered bicorn horn he could get his hands on.' Replied Erag.

'Polyjuice Potion.' Whispered Oliver to Jynx. Her eyes widened with understanding, on hearing Oliver's words.

'Yeah. Exactly. You won't be seeing him for a long time, I think. It is said he's got the jitters now. He'll be lying low.'

'So, he has been here a few times of late. Did he ever try and sell you the Bergmane sword?' Asked Oliver.

'No. He hasn't. I didn't see him here, I heard that from other merchants. I haven't seen him for over a month.' Replied the weary tradesman.

'Okay.' Said Oliver, as he turned his attention and walked towards the corner of the tent were some axes floated.

'Who told you he was here, buying those ingredients? Asked Jynx.

Erag looked at Jynx and tried to recall the individual sellers who had been talking about it. He was cautious to offer up information about his colleagues, not for free anyway.

'I have a name or two I could share, for a price.' Replied Erag, not noticing what Oliver was doing, who was just out of his field of vision.

'We can reach an agreement I think.' Said Jynx, she too was unaware of what the ex-Auror was up to.

'Wait one moment. You said he never tried to sell you that sword. Has anyone else been here offering it?' Said Oliver, as he turned to face the two, who both turned their gaze to him.

There was a momentary pause from Erag, a slight twitch with his eye, which was all Oliver needed to know that someone had, and that Erag was about to lie.

'No. I mean, no one has. I didn't even know it was missing.' He spat out his words, trying to convey honesty.

'You didn't know it was missing.' Said Oliver, waiting for the moment he could turn things around on this would be deceiver.

'You must have heard it from the others, I've been here looking for it a few times. I thought I had mentioned it to you?' Said Jynx, sounding confused.

'You must be mistaken. I swear. No one has come here trying to part with it. I don't deal with stolen goods. It's against the code.'

Oliver pondered on Erag's last words. He doubted the sincerity in which they were conveyed. He also had suspicions that the statement was untrue based on what Jynx had said just before they walked in the tent. Then he noticed something in his mind's eye. The very thing he needed to force an unravelling.

'You're lying.' Said Oliver boldly.

'How dare you. I don't need to take this. Get out of my stall.' Shouted Erag angrily.

'You're lying. And we're not going anywhere until we get the information we need. You see. Behind your counter there. Stacked away. You have a single jar of something truly rare. Unicorn blood! Which, if I'm not too mistaken is under an international wizarding decree for restrictions. The decree demands that all wizarding and magical bodies, of independent nations, outlaw, the possession, the trading in and obtaining Unicorn blood. I don't know the specific law around here, but there will be one. And you having that behind there, is a crime. Jynx go for the watchman for the market.' Said Oliver, confidently and directly, not once moving his eyes from the tradesman's.

Erag shuddered with fear and confusion, how did this stranger know that, he thought to himself. Its right at the back of the shop, concealed in a cupboard and under sheets. It's not possible.

Jynx made a start for the exit, but Erag quickly jumped in. 'Wait. Please. Don't!'

Jynx paused at the threshold of the tent.

'We mean serious business here, Mr Erag. But we're also not unreasonable. Provide us with the information, and I'm sure we can overlook the infraction. And Jynx might even compensate you for your troubles.' Said Oliver, with a hint of smugness

'If I tell you, you must not let it be known it came from me. I don't know how. But please, don't reveal it was me who told you. I swore to her I wouldn't tell a soul. She said she would show me the sword and give me a good deal.'

Oliver was surprised at what he was hearing. Even by his standards, this turn of events was fortuitous.

'We will not reveal you as a source. Go on.' Said Oliver.

'She only came to me, she said. So, she will no it's me. I'll get blacklisted for betraying the code.' Muttering to himself, Erag was worried about his reputation. As a tradesman who couldn't keep his word, was no better than a thief, was an old saying amongst the market folk in Split. A saying that was now whizzing round his mind.

'She, who?' Demanded Jynx.

Hesitating for an instance Erag's hand trembled and started for his pocket. Oliver noticed instantly and lifted up his wand and pointed at him.

'I wouldn't if I were you. That would be the second dumbest thing you would've done today. The first being, lying to us.' Erag froze upon seeing the wand and hearing the words. 'Now stop trying my patience. Who came here trying to sell you the sword?'

'Armands' mother.' Blurted Erag. He continued, his speech fast. 'She is a well-known historian and trader. She has been here a couple times trying to part. I didn't want to buy it at first. I swear it. But the last price she gave me, I couldn't turn it down. Please don't tell a soul.'

'His mother. He never mentioned her. Didn't know he still had one.' Said Jynx sounding shocked.

'Yes, Madam Salshin. She is well respected around here. She doesn't have the sword I don't think. She was just trying to arrange a meeting between me and her son.'

'I take it you have her address?' Asked Oliver.

'I do. Please don't make me give it to you.' Pleaded Erag.

'Fetch the watchman.' Shouted Oliver to Jynx.

'Okay. Okay. Here.' Said Erag as he reached for some parchment and scribbled it down. He passed it to Oliver who read it.

'Have a quick look at this address Jynx. See if this information is accurate. I'll wait here with my new friend.' Said Oliver, as he moved and passed the parchment to Jynx.

Leaving the tent and then the market, Jynx apparated the few miles away to a small village near Dinaric Alps. She scouted the house and was convinced it was accurate. She got a glimpse of an elegant lady through a window. She was attending to her many ornate furnishings. It was clear she was a lady of wealth and one who had an interest in magical artefacts.

Nearly twenty minutes had passed as Oliver waited in Erag's stall. A few witches had pooped in and purchased a few items whilst he waited. His eyes never left Erag as he feared he would flee.

'It's accurate.' Proclaimed Jynx on her return.

'Of course it is. Now please leave.' Demanded Erag, sheepishly.

'Thanks for your help today. Give a couple Knuts for his time.' Said Oliver, as he exited the tent.

Jynx paid the man and quickly left herself. She joined Oliver's side.

'We should go now. She is there at the moment.' Said Jynx, eager for revenge.

'Did she spot you?' Oliver asked.

'No. she couldn't have.' Jynx replied.

'Then it can wait a moment.' Said Oliver, as he looked down the avenue of shops. 'Is there a stall here that sells or specialises more to the point, in vanishing cabinets?'

'Yeah, there's one at the end.' She replied pointing. 'Why?'

'Just a thought really. I want to explore something.' As he spoke, his eyes followed the direction of Jynx's point. At that moment his vision clocked a cloaked figure, a woman he believed from the outline, putting up a poster on the outside of a store a few tents away. Curiously he made his way to it and pulled it off.

Britain is in turmoil. The dark fascists are taking over.

Join the fight today! Resist the pure blood agenda.

Defend the non-magic.

The muggle princess.

没有魔法公主

Oliver instantly recognised the name, the symbols. It was what Mei Xing called herself back when they were at school. His eyes frantically searched for the hooded figure who had placed the poster up. He spotted them and quickly gave chase.

Hearing the quick footsteps behind them, the hooded figure sensed they were being chased and quickly started to run.

Completely shocked by Oliver's dart, as he did not utter a single word, Jynx watched on as he ran in to the crowds. His pace was quick and he did not lose eyesight of the hooded figure at all. Whoever it was, was only ever a few meters ahead of him. Twisting in and out of shops and people, the chase stretched the entire length of the market until the hidden figure reached one of the blue entrance doors.

'Mei Xing!' Shouted Oliver.

The hooded figure froze. Turning her head to one side, Oliver could make out her side profile. Her dark eyes and her flawless skin were exactly as he had remembered.

'That's not my name anymore.' The female voice was that of Mei Xing, Oliver thought.

'Please stop running. Your farther misses you. He wants you to come home.'

'No. My farther dead. You lie.' She shouted.

'Mei. Please. Come home.' Begged Oliver.

'I have no home.' She replied. And within a split second, she stepped through the doors.

Oliver quickly ran through them and found himself in a back alley on the streets of Split, with no one else there at all. It was clear she had apparated as soon as she passed through and was able to.

Moments later Jynx burst through the doors and nearly crashed into the frozen Oliver.

'Who was that? What was that about?' Asked Jynx.

'That's a long story. For another day.' Said Oliver, his voice slightly broken.

'We should head back to the manner update Finikis and come up with a plan.' Said Jynx, staring at Oliver's frozen expression. It was clear he had been unsettled by the encounter to say the least.

'Oliver.' Shouted Jynx. 'We should go.'

As the ex-Auror regained his awareness, he turned to Jynx and nodded. It was the closest he had been to Mei Xing in nearly ten years.