Chapter 5 - It Begins
Peggy Durward
rapped harshly on the door then released the numerous locks they used to keep
him from wandering their precious home at night, while demanding, “BOY! Go start
breakfast and hurry. Ralph has to leave at 6:30 he has a very important meeting
today. Do not dare burn ANYTHING or you will not eat!”
Kaspian sat
up slowly at hearing the harsh voice of his aunt. It was only 5:30am and she’s
already being bitchy. The day could only get worse. Then he remembered… today
he was going to Vermögens; things were going to get better if he had to take a
crowbar and force them to. He pulled on the only set of clothes that even
halfway fit him before rushing downstairs to get breakfast on… he didn’t want to
be late for his meeting and he only had so much time to prepare.
Ralph
entered the room straightening the new tie to his expensive new Gucci suit and
addressed Kaspian pompously, “Boy, you will do your chores today and help your
Aunt. You will not complain or lay about and there will be none of your
abnormality. If I have to feed and house you the least you can do is pay for it
in service and proper behavior.”
More than
tired of taking his so called Uncle’s crap Kaspian responds in a derisively
civil tone, “Sorry Uncle Ralph, I won’t be here today to do the maintenance of
your house and grounds as I have to go to Avalon Circle on business. It’s
unfortunate that you are too cheap to actually hire a real gardener or
handyman. As for earning my keep, I understand from my banker that you receive
a stipend for any expenses incurred for taking me in; which includes buying me
new clothing, paying for food and other necessities like shampoo, soap, towels
and bedding, school supplies and uniforms when I was younger: I’ve been paying
for everything at Ars Magika. You’ve never spent a penny of this stipend on me;
you’ve only ever given me Dewey’s old worn out clothing and notebooks that he’d
messed up and had replaced; and that was only grudgingly and if I was lucky I
got one meal a day. You better think long and hard about your treatment of me
from here on out Sir as I’ve appointed a new banker to be in charge of that
fund it would only take one word from me for it to be reduced or stopped
entirely. I know you’ve received 1500 pounds a month for me for 14½ years;
maybe you’ve spent 30 a week on me. I suggest you get an accountant or setup a
budget; that way you can see where the drain on your finances truly is because
you’ve a mountain of money being wasted somewhere.”
Ralph Durward
started turning red, then headed towards purple before he started speaking,
“BOY How DARE YOU!!! This is my house and you only stay here with MY
permission. You will get your unnatural things and get OUT. You will not darken
my doorstep again!
Kaspian being
infinitely polite, “If that is what you want Uncle Ralph, but that means you
won’t get this month’s payment of 1500 pounds and there won’t be any more
forthcoming either as they will stop the very minute that I leave. The Dwarves
use magic you know to keep track of their clients and they’ll know without me
even sending them a note. Did I mention that my Banker is a Dwarf? and no I
don’t mean those poor folks born with
the genetic disorder that your kind of people call Dwarfism but real true
Dwarves.”
Seeing his
Aunt go very pale at the mention of Dwarves he asks, “Did you get to see the Dwarves
at Vermögens Aunt Peggy when my Mom went to get her supplies? They are a bit
scary looking all beard and muscles with those big shiny axes, and they can be
quite violent too. We’ve spent the past 3 years studying the Dwarf Wars alone
in History of Magic. Did you know that I’ve made friends with a couple of them?
Other wizards seem to have a problem with them but I don’t. I think they are a remarkable
race of people; a bit possessive and protective of those they favor. They
really don’t appreciate their clients being mistreated especially ones that
have Dwarven friends.”
Peggy turns
to Ralph and states unequivocally, “He stays Ralph! We need that money and we
don’t want trouble with those… those things. Lily said…” she had to stop and
swallow hard to continue, “Lily said some of them eat their prey. That means
they’d eat us Ralph. They’re not human, they have teeth like daggers and they’d
rip the flesh from our bones with us still alive. The boy stays and you will
leave him alone. He will eat meals when we eat and he will do whatever it is
that his kind do during the day. He knows the rules of his kind and he won’t
risk losing his place in that society. You and Dewey will act as if he doesn’t
exist.”
Ralph
knowing there’s no dealing with her when her mind is made up finally agrees,
“Very well Pet but if he gives you any trouble, he’s out. No more chances. I’m
getting a big promotion today we don’t need his money that bad.”
As soon as Ralph
was gone, Dewey went back up to bed; nothing was different in his little world
so he didn’t care. Kaspian went back up to his room gathered up his things
(robe, hooded cloak, wand, money- pouch and invisibility cloak). Then he closes
and locks his trunk then using wandless magic puts a Mundanei repelling ward on
it to keep his nosey cousin from getting anywhere near it.
Kaspian heads
downstairs after putting on his robe and cloak then steps out into the backyard
where he asks softly, “Ready to go Fangs?”
“Yes Kaspian
whenever you are,” Seath said as he slid the cloak open so Kaspian could see
where he was located. When he felt Kaspian grab hold of his arm he adds
quietly, “Hold on tight Kaspian and think only of me you’ll feel the pull, then
it will feel like you are being pulled through the head of a needle; whatever
you do don’t let go of me!”
They
promptly arrived in Avalon Circle within sight of the doors to Vermögens. Kaspian
walked up the stairs and through the doors before taking off his invisibility
cloak, Seath right at his heels. The guards on duty swarmed the doors right
after his entrance flipping signs and lock-warding the doors before taking up
guard positions.
Steelclaw
steps forward, “Greetings Mr. Rutherford if you would come this way?”
Kaspian inquired
energetically, “Hello Steelclaw. I hope I didn’t cause you too much trouble.
How did things go?”
They share
small talk as Steelclaw leads Kaspian through the labyrinth of hallways that
lead to his manager’s office. Kaspian looks away from Steelclaw to see the
names on the door written ornately in gold lettering:
Og’
Talmraz Mythrlclaw The Ancient House of Myrridyn,
The Exalted Ancient House of Windemere
The Noble Ancient House of Kinkaide,
The Righteous Ancient House of Rutherford (with Nar’ sinhg Steelclaw)
“Steelclaw aren’t you my account manager?” Kaspian
asked softly?
“Yes Mr. Rutherford;
but as I’ve never handled an account of this magnitude I enlisted aide to
assure I didn’t make any mistakes. Og’ Talmraz Mythrlclaw only handles the
oldest of accounts. He was impressed when I understood the implications of you
taking on such an inexperienced manager and offered to tutor me in the old
ways. I am very proud to be his apprentice I beat out many applicants acquiring
it as it is a much sought after and honored position. He will oversee my
handling of your account making sure that you in no way pay for my
inexperienced mistakes.”
They step
into the office where Steelclaw encourages them to get comfortable in the
comfortable chairs. Mythrlclaw enters a few moments after them, he walks over
to Kaspian and voices his pleasure, “Mr. Rutherford, I am pleased that you have
agreed to my participation in managing your account. Steelclaw assured me that
you would have no problems, but I wasn’t so sure. Many sorcerers don’t take
well to Dwarven interference in what they consider their business.”
Kaspian assures
the Dwarves, “Mr. Mythrlclaw, I am not like most sorcerers. I choose Steelclaw
because he was the very first magical being besides Ogilvie that treated me
with any respect. If he feels that he needs help on the account and was able to
procure the best; who am I to question his wisdom. He knows his limitations
better than I.”
Kaspian
takes a deep calming breath before continuing, “I can see from the names on the
door that you have experience with old and somewhat prestigious accounts so I
really have no problem with both of you working on mine. I don’t know what all
the Rutherford estate encompasses. I don’t even know the exact amount of money
in my trust vault as I’ve never received even one bank statement or in fact
even a letter from Vermögens. Van Pelt had my key until Ogilvie picked me up at
the start of my first year. Ogilvie handed the key to the Dwarf the first time
and the Dwarf gave me the key after he opened the vault. I found out by
accident a few weeks ago that there was more to my inheritance than just the trust
vault that I’ve been using but couldn’t get any details. Can you please tell me
what I’ve inherited and what my responsibilities are?”
Angry on
behalf of his new client, this strange young sorcerer that treats everyone with
respect, he pulls out a large thick folder and starts, “Mr. Rutherford let’s
start with your parents will:
I, Keldrick Everan Rutherford being of sound mind and body do hereby declare this my last
will and testament on this day October 30, 1981. It is with sadness I note that
my children were not able to stay together but hope that the separation is in
the past and that they can see each other as brother and sister as should have
been done from the beginning. In the event that both Dahlia and I die together Kaspian
should live with his God-father Caleb Kinkaide. If for some unfortunate reason Caleb
is unable to take Kaspian then he should go to Dragorian
Windemere, and if he is also unavailable then Kaspian should go to Aslan Leopaldi then to Devid McCrey. Fangs I would have him go
to you after Caleb but with the unfair and unreasonable werewolf legislation of
the Bureau’s they’d turn you down no matter what I wanted. He is NEVER under
any circumstances to be placed with Dahlia’s sister Peggy and Her Husband they
hate magic to an extreme degree and would no doubt be abusive to my very
magical son.
The gem vault is to be
divided equally between my two children as are the rukab and penit vaults.
To my much beloved son Kaspian,
I leave the title and responsibilities of Mage Lord Rutherford as well as
65,000,000 galleons. You also get all the men’s jewelry, clothing, trunks,
weapons, and other accessories not going to your sister. Kaspian please be kind
to your sister and let her have a look at the portraits for any that might
interest her, as well as some of the furniture and knick-knacks… there’s enough
of that stuff in vault storage at Vermögens for 30 houses. I leave you the
house in London, the cottage in Hogsmeade, the Manor in Wales, the cottage in Chimera’s
Cove and Rutherford Castle in Ireland. There is also a vacation home in Greece that is
to be shared between the two of you equally.
Kaspian you receive all the stocks that I have in the following
businesses:
- SWN – 52% ownership (Sorcerer’s Wireless Network for all you music and data needs)
- Avalon Times – 49% ownership
- Glabber’s Rags – 47% ownership
- Madame Gucci’s Clothes for all Occasions – 45% ownership
- Magical Mammal Menagerie – 50% Ownership
- Geri’s Books and More – 92% Ownership
- Gravener’s Trunks and More – 53% Ownership
Please take care of each other and know that I love you both more than
words can possibly say.
Keldrick Everan Rutherford
Earl of Solaris
Witnessed by:
Mage~Lord Caleb Kinkaide – Baron of Blackmore
And
Mage~Lord Garak Hammersley
Received and Witnessed by Fangjaw Head of Wills and Inheritance
“Any
questions so far Mage Lord Rutherford?”
“No Mythrlclaw
please continue.”
Mythrlclaw
picks up the next parchment and starts reading:
I, Dahlia
Amanda Diark Rutherford being of sound mind and body do hereby declare this my
last will and testament on this 1st day of October 1981. Kaspian my
darling son gets everything of mine.
Kaspian what most didn’t
know was that I was adopted by Charles and Rosalee Diark. My birth name was Dhark
though; my parents were Edward Marcus Dhark and Miranthre Dharkstar. He was a sorcerer
and she was an elf; they were both killed when I was a small baby in what later
became known as a The Massacre of Marrisou Bay- all but 4 people of our village
were killed. I was one of those 4 survivors.
I leave to you my son, the Diark/Dhark
vault (which I never touched other than to remove a few personal items) – some
17,000,000 avatiir, 546,000 rukab, and 390,752 penit. Gems valued at 2,000,000 avatiir
and some assorted jewelry, artifacts, family treasures and portraits.
I am sure you’ve learned by
now that you have a sister, and I regret being jealous and horrible as to
prevent you knowing of her as a baby. Love each other now, and don’t let petty
jealousies get in the way of your relationship.
Keldrick is stating our wishes for your guardianship in his will so I
won’t repeat them here. Do me a favor though son and take care of my dear
friend Seath Draugaran. He is very smart and
thoughtful and would be your godfather and guardian if not for his little
monthly problem. WE would have him even with the problem but the stupid bureau
likes to tell people what they can and can’t do with their lives.
I love you always and forever;
Dahlia Diark Rutherford
Witnessed by:
Hera McDonald
And
Caleb Kinkaide – Baron of Blackmore
Received and Witnessed by Fangjaw Head of Wills and Inheritance
Mythrlclaw
gives Kaspian a few moments to absorb the details of the wills then inquires, “Mage
Lord Rutherford, do you have any questions of me?”
Kaspian thinks
a moment then asks, “What do you know about my sister? Is she still alive? Do
you know where she’s located? Can she be brought here?”
Mythrlclaw
replies with a grimace, “We don’t have a lot of details about Lady Damia, but
she is not dead and she has recently returned to Great Britain. Up until 4 days
ago none of our owls could pinpoint her whereabouts but a message was delivered
to her just 8 hours ago. It is our hope to meet with her soon about her own
inheritances that are as yet unclaimed.
Confused Kaspian
asks, “Her inheritances?”
Steelclaw
explains, “Mage Lord Rutherford…”
Kaspian frustrated
at the continuous use of his title demands, “Stop that! Please just call me Kaspian.”
Steelclaw
replies, “Of course Kaspian. Your sister had five fathers of which only one is
still living. We’ve been holding her inheritances in hope that she’d come to
claim them. Van Pelt also tried to set himself up as her ad litum guardian when she disappeared but was unsuccessful. His
attempt was and is totally illegal as her remaining father is fully competent
and not housed in Durban Bastile.”
“Good more
evidence to use against him when we finally take him to trial. Did you have any
problems reclaiming my property?”
“Van Pelt
was in here yesterday to return your keys; he made the mistake of thinking he
could return part of them and keep the rest. Mythrlclaw set him straight and
charged his vault the cost of changing the wards and locks to all your vaults.
There was also some difficulty with getting some of the money taken back till
the Dwarven Head counsel decided that since he was your guardian Tynan Van Pelt
was ultimately responsible for all withdrawals not done by you. We’ve since
reclaimed all the funds totaling 220,800 avatiir; which is the primary 192,000 avatiir
plus the 15% (percent) interest of 28,800 from his personal vault. Many of
those who made the withdrawals like the Witherspoon matriarch, the youngest Witherspoon
children, Havana Jonas, and Alistair McDougal to name just a few didn’t have
near enough funds to cover what was taken or even in many instances the
interest fees. All the items and books were recovered without incident.”
Kaspian so
angry his eyes were mere slits but glowing so brightly they were almost
blinding states clearly, “Make sure that NO one can get into my vaults but me
from this point on. I will not support his little faction of soldiers. If he
wants a private army he’ll have to pay for it out of his own pockets. Since my
sister isn’t here to say it I will, remove him from her accounts. He is no way
her guardian; send a letter to her father explaining what’s happened and what
is likely to occur since we’ve removed his access to my funds. Find out if he’s
doing this to any other orphans and let the proper authorities know.”
With a very
scary grin both Steelclaw and Mythrlclaw enthusiastically agree. When that
paperwork was finally out of the way Mythrlclaw holds out a pillow on which
sits a signet ring. It’s black and gold, very old the design on it depicting a
Griffin supporting a Dragon wearing a crown and holding a unique scepter. Steelclaw
states quietly, “The Rutherford family has almost always supported the Royal
family and the Crown, Kaspian. It happened so often that the King…”
Mythrlclaw
interrupts, “I believe it was King Drakko Aeselon Astarii.”
“Yes Sir,
It was King Aeselon as he liked to be called that crafted this ring for his
most loyal and supportive follower in the year 253. He wanted it to depict your
ancestor’s station. Your ancestor Roberto Rutherford became his grand vizier
and was for many years the courts high mage. He was very important to magic
society and magical beings. Take your ring Mage Lord Rutherford.”
Kaspian reaches
out hesitantly takes the ring in hand; the moment he touches it he feels a
tingling rush through his body. When he slides it onto his finger (being
unmarried and not seriously involved he chose his left hand ring finger) he is
thrown back against the chair so hard by the influx of magic that the chair
nearly topples over. His limbs quiver and jerk almost as if he’s under the
influence of the Cruciatus curse it stops after a couple minutes. Seath was
frantically trying to see what was wrong even almost attempting to pull the
ring back off. Kaspian opens his eyes which were a deeper green than before but
seemed to glow almost with an inner fire.
Seath
demands frantically, “Kaspian… Kaspian are you alright? Speak to me, Please.”
Kaspian tentatively
replies as he looks up at his friend eyes shining brightly, “I’m ok Fangs. The
ring, it released a lot of magic blocks someone had put on me. The rush of
magic flowing without blocks was somewhat unsettling at first. I can feel it
getting stronger as we speak. It’s amazing!!”
Mythrlclaw
states uncertainly, “You had blocks on your magic?”
Kaspian nods
while saying, “Apparently. I didn’t know about them but the ring took offense
and blasted through them all.” Scrunching up his face for a minute he adds,
“There were 5 of them, one even semi-blocking my core. One was blocking special
abilities like animorphing and meta-shapeshifting abilities. Another was
blocking memory and comprehension. It’s actually amazing that I’ve gotten as
far as I have in my studies with that one on me.”
“Mr., ah Kaspian,
we’d planned for you to do the Heir’s Blood Ritual next but with newly broken
blocks you need time to acclimate the newly flowing magic into your system
before doing it. Let us reschedule it for Monday at 8am. Will that work for
you?”
“That will
be fine Mythrlclaw. I appreciate your concern. Were you able to ready a house
for me?”
Steelclaw
answers in disgust, “Unfortunately Kaspian all your homes were left in
disrepair. Mr. Van Pelt closed them all and has had no upkeep performed on them
for the last 14.5 years. We’ve rounded up your house elves; there were some
abandoned at each home, as well as the ones he took to Ars Magika and put them
to cleaning up the London House and the one house in Neuhaven for you they will
be ready on Monday. They both are already heavily warded and with the added
wards we are providing no one can get in unless they are accompanied by you or
your head domovoy whose name is Barak. You may take anyone in with you that you
like and if you choose key them into the wards but it is advisable to choose
very carefully who you give these rights to. The houses are also under velieris
specialis.
Currently I am your secret keeper but we can change that when you choose to
move in OR if you wish it can remain unchanged. As your account manager I am
unable to tell your secrets to anyone not with you or authorized by you in
person; it is ancient Dwarven magic, one of our strongest spells. Mythrlclaw
and I both chose to use this ancient magic to protect you as you’ve already
been hurt, even if unknowingly by us Dwarves. This way it will not as it cannot
happen again.”
