Ars Magika -- Chapter 3

Chapter 3 –Familial Connection Confirmed 

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Kaspian Rutherford had just finished his letter to The Society when a beautiful little glittery black dragon with a message clutched in a claw ( it was only about a foot and a half long with a wing span a little bigger) popped into his room and settled in front of him on the desk. As he watched in astonishment the dragon reached down then held out the message to him in an imperious manner. Kaspian still stunned at the appearance of a dragon in his room didn’t respond until the dragon addressed him in SERPELINGUA, “Are you going to take your message Sir?”

Kaspian responded in astonishment, “You speak? Wow… Yes of course I’ll take the message. Who is it from?”

“Of course I speak Mr. Kaspian. My master wanted an intelligent familiar that he could have conversations with. He assured me that you too would enjoy conversation with me and that I was permitted to speak. His letter explains everything Mr. Kaspian. Read it if you will, then I will answer the questions that I can before I make my return.”

Agreeing Kaspian opens the message…

Dear Mr. Rutherford,

I do hope this message finds you well. It’s come to my attention that many facts about your family have been kept from you, since those that are suppose to inform and advise you have not I have taken as my duty to do so.

Mr. Rutherford you have a half sister; included are three potions and blood from the young woman to help prove this to you. She was born of a soul bond that was formed by your father Keldrick Rutherford, with 4 other men called a Pentiad Bond. Your sister was born of the Pentiad bond. This bond was formed while they were still in school and was disapproved of by the Headmaster. He interfered in their relationship trying to break it up… eventually causing Keldrick Rutherford and one other in the bond to have civil marriages outside their bond so as to not lose their inheritances. You were born of this civil bond. It was legal and binding and from what I saw of it… Your father and mother did have a loving relationship and you were wanted and loved; don’t think otherwise. If you father hadn’t formed the soul bond I do believe he would have bonded with Dahlia anyway, they always had a very close relationship once he stopped being an arrogant prick. Keldrick and Dahlia adored you never feel that you were a burden or unwanted.

Your sister went missing the same night that you were orphaned. She’d been left home with one of her fathers, Dragorian Windemere, because she’d been sick, while her other fathers went to a special Samhain Festival at the Bureau of Magical Affairs. Windemere was found murdered by the soul devouring curse… she was missing. No sign was ever found of her. Caleb Kinkaide was unable to search for her because well… he discovered his murdered mate and missing daughter then went to check on your father; he found Keldrick and Dahlia dead and you injured; I think his shock went very deep.  Van Pelt wouldn’t let him have you, which might have prevented his rampage against Murphy and you know the rest. He was sent to Durband Bastile without a trial for 12 years and broke out to save you from Murphy. To my knowledge he never found his daughter. I know her remaining fathers searched for her extensively and spared no expense for the first year after her disappearance except for McCrey who was spelled to have no memory of her. Then another of her father’s was killed … even her Grandmother Majesta Kinkaide participated in this endeavor since her son was unable to being in prison. It was in fact this Pentiad bond that helped Kinkaide get back in his mother’s good graces. The Kinkaide’s followed the old ways and refused to listen to that interfering white bearded old fool. Unfortunately those that didn’t listen to him suffered for their “impertinence”.  Van Pelt owes both of you much for his petty interference in your lives.

When you’ve performed the tests and wish to discuss the situation you may send your owl to me. Mr. Rutherford I do not hate you and never have. Van Pelt demanded the behavior that I displayed or he’d turn me over to the Bureau as a Katarii. I have no wish to waste my life in Bastile. I would have treated you with the proper respect due to any person if not for him. I am sure by now that you know of my true allegiance, and I’ll even confirm it: I am loyal to Heru~Gurtha who is not the person portrayed to the world by the media and Van Pelt. He did not murder your parents! Yes he was there, but had no intention of killing anyone. Both he and I are willing to discuss this with you in detail when you are willing to listen. We want you to know the truth!

Sincerely

Saxon Stevens

Kaspian sat back and stared a nothing while contemplating the information just given to him by his former Potions Professor. His first impulse to just shred the note and ignore it but he realized that Stevens had never lied to him. No matter how much it hurt Stevens always told him the truth and had saved his life many times even if he got hurt in the process. Heru~Gurtha no matter how much pain it may cause him to admit has also never lied to him: taunted him, teased him, even withheld a few key facts upon occasion but never lied.

He pulled out a piece of parchment and started writing his response out:

Professor Stevens,

I’ve recently discovered the duplicity of old white beard and have taken several steps to let him know that I am not to be played with. I am willing to discuss this and other matters with you and your leader if you both take an oath of secrecy that will prevent you from sharing information that we discuss with anyone else without the permission of all. (The majority will not rule here… it’s all or nothing. We all agree or disagree or the information can’t be shared.) If you and your boss are willing to take this step do so and the rest of the message will appear. If you choose not to then I thank you for the information that you’ve shared with me and be sure that I will act upon it.

In Truth

Kaspian Rutherford

Kaspian hands the message to the little dragon while asking, “Will you take this message back to your master? Tell him that I truly do thank him for the information he’s disclosed and no matter what his decision his honesty no matter how brutal has always been appreciated.”

The little dragon eyes Kaspian thoughtfully tilting his head left and right before deciding; he then replies, “Mr. Kaspian if you need to get a message to my master just call me, I will come and take it for you. That way you don’t need to worry about your owl friend being harmed. Not that my master would ever hurt her… but the other has no such qualms. I’m ‘Sidian and will make all effort to come promptly to get your messages.”

“Thank you ‘Sidian… I will.”

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